Peru is a destination that begs to be really explored. In this vast and storied land, ancient, colonial, and modern traditions meld together for an unforgettable cultural experience. Here we have the list of the best places to visit in Peru.
No matter the type of traveler; history buff, adventurer, or foodie. Peru offers a myriad of activities to satisfy every appetite. It’s no surprise that its ancient sites, beautiful topography, and diverse ecosystem attract visitors from all over the world, making it one of the most popular destinations in South America.
List of the best places to visit in Peru.
Arequipa and the Colca Canyon
A short 1-hour flight from Lima brings you to the white city of Arequipa.
This is a great place to start to acclimatize to the high altitude – at 2,350/7,709ft it’s high enough to feel the thinner air, but usually not too lofty to cause serious breathing problems.
Arequipa has some wonderful restaurants, lovely old colonial streets, hotels and churches and a pleasant climate. At night there are cool bars to hang out in, with some good microbreweries, too.
A 4-5 hour bus ride away lies the enormous Colca Canyon, THE place to watch Andean Condors close up, gliding on thermals.
See the itinerary for the Colca Canyon tour here!
Lake Titicaca
Lively Puno is the gateway town to the famous lake Titicaca, much higher than Arequipa at 3,827m/12,555ft.
You’ll find distinct cultures and the incredible Uros floating islands, made of reeds. You can overnight with a host family on these marvels, or for those wanting surer ground, sleep on Amantani or Taquile islands.
Each community has its own distinct culture and they all feel different to anything else you will encounter in Peru.
Conditions can be basic but as long as you are prepared for some small discomfort (shared rooms/bathrooms, no showers), this can be one of the more adventurous and rewarding parts of your Peru holiday.
Cusco and Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
No visit to Peru is complete without a few days in world famous Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Rainbow Mountain Trek.
Beautiful colonial buildings, lovely restaurants and some of the best hotels in Peru add to the delightful travel experiences nearby including Machu Picchu Inca City.
Markets, churches, rafting, trekking, chocolate making and much more Cusco has something for everyone.
For a more relaxed stay, the Sacred Valley is a 1-2 hour drive from Cusco. Resorts and hotels have made the most of the wide open spaces and offer spas, gardens and tranquillity.
See the best trek to Machu Picchu, here are a few:
- Inca Trail
- Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
- Salkantay Trekking to Machu Picchu
- Ausangate Hike
- Choquequirao Trail
Amazon rainforest
Peru is an enormous country and more than half of it is covered by Amazon rainforest.
There are a multitude of comfortable eco lodges easily accessed by a 30-minute flight from Cusco or by traveling overland.
Native guides get you close to wildlife – monkeys, macaws and for the lucky, jaguars – as well as explain the local tribe’s cultures and harmonious life with the forest.
The Amazon is for everyone, you can go deep into the canopy at Tambopata Research Centre,
family friendly trips or camping in Manu.
Huaraz La Cordillera Blanca
Peru has some of the best trekking in South America, indeed the world, and Huaraz is at the heart of all things hiking.
From Huaraz you can see the Cordillera Blanca and Negra range spreading out before you. Choose to hike from 4 to 14 days among the valleys and passes of the ice-clad giants.
The famous Huayhuash circuit is close by, too, possibly the best trail in all of Peru.
See all the tours and treks in Huaras here!
