Peru is nicknamed as the “Land of Incas” because it was once home to the large Inca Empire. In the 16th century, Peru was conquered and colonized by Spain. Rest the history has to say it all and today Peru is full of archaeological remains and colonial architecture. It is a beautiful travel destination, which adds to the country’s magnificent natural beauty.
This section gives you an overview of the best places to visit in Peru.
1. Puno – One of the top tourist attractions in Peru
On the banks of Lake Titicaca on the Altiplano of Peru, there is a port city called, Puno. In spite of the establishment of its picturesque hill, the city itself is a form of fallen apart collection of mostly incomplete modern buildings. The biggest attraction of this place is the departure point of the famous floating islands on the Peruvian side of Titicaca Lake.
Major Attractions: The Uros Islands, Amantaní Island, Taquile Island, Museo Municipal Carlos Dryer.
2. Mancora – Known for most modern beach
Mancora is now the most modern beach in Peru and one of the most beautiful beaches in the world which attracts the crowd from around the world. In earlier times it was the only catchy roadside fishing port. This is a very desirable and very pleasant stopover while traveling along the North Coast.
Major Attractions: La Poza de Barro, Las Pocitas Beach, Chelonia Dive Center, and some more beautiful beaches.
3. Machu Picchu – One of the must-visit places in Peru
There is a phrase which might be repeated too often but there is a solid reason why it is so. And Peru goes matching with Machu Picchu as it is just incredible. It is everything starting from the train in Cusco or the Inca track, the view is just spectacular. You can see the sunrise from sun gate early in the morning, and also can have the opportunity to climb Huayna Picchu.
Major Attractions: Huayna Picchu, Intihuatana Stone, Inca Bridge, Temple Of Condor, Paucarcancha Ruins, Winay Wayna, Moon Temple, Temple Of The Sun, The Sacred Rock, Roca Sagrada.
4. Cusco and the Sacred Valley – One of the best travel destinations to be a part of!
Peru is mainly used as the gateway to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, but there is much more to it. Cusco, in reality, is at a higher elevation than Machu Picchu. The synthesized roads tell you about the rich history, the city has.
There is an all-day journey from Cusco to the famous Rainbow Mountain (also known as Vinicunca). The elevation here is high enough. So be careful!
You can travel or can board bus up to Cristo Blanco for having a stunning view of the city. You can go shopping in the beautiful Plaza de Armas. The city is full of awesome Inca buildings that are falling apart like Sacsayhuaman, Choquequirao, and Pisac. This place is one of the best destinations to visit in Peru.
Major Attractions: Ollantaytambo, Pisac Ruins, Huchuy Cusco, Moray, Salinas, Pisac Market, Sacsayhuaman, Coricancha, Cusco Cathedral, Plaza de Armas, Sacred Valley, Tambomachay.
5. Lake Titicaca – View the astonishing lake through the world’s best train journey
Have the pleasure of the journey by train from Cusco to Puno which is a 10-hour trip through rural Peru to Lake Titicaca and it is considered as one of the world’s great train trips. Titicaca Lake is the largest in South America.
Major attractions: Isla de la Luna, Suasi Island, Puerto de Puno,
6. Piura – In the middle of serene beauty, one of the best places to visit in Peru
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On the way of the Northern shoreline, you will find beautiful beaches for enjoyment and relaxation. Peru will make you hit the beautiful beaches of Mancora, Punta Sal or Tumbes as they are truly worth to visit.
Major Attractions: Bottega Capuccino, Snack Bar Romano, Narihualá, Chulucanas, Carburmer, Don Parce, D’Pauli.
7. Arequipa
Arequipa is called the White City because of its extraordinary architecture. It is the biggest city which is in Peru. The city is distinguished by a skyline which is influenced by massive volcanoes. Spring month is the best time to visit the city.
The buildings here are mainly made from volcanic rock and there is a Historic Center which is a World Heritage Site for more than a decade. Before going to Colca Canyon, Arequipa’s Basilica Cathedral is an iconic sight you must not miss to visit.
Major Attractions:
8. Colca Canyon – One of the most popular tourist attractions
Colca Canyon is a witness to enjoyment just like Cusco and Arequipa; people love to go for the surrounding area. Colca Canyon is one of Peru’s most popular tourist attractions; it is 4,160 meters deep which is much deeper than the Grand Canyon and one of the deepest in the world. The Cruz Del Condor viewpoint is the peak beauty where you can get a great chance to witness the majestic Andean Condors.
Major Attractions: La Calera Thermal Waters, Planetarium & Observatory Colca, Mirador Cruz del Condor, Mirador Achachiua, Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, Tapay Viewpoint, San Miguel Viewpoint.
9. Huacachina – Acknowledged as one of the most beautiful places in Peru
Probably Huacachina is best described as uniqueness or originality where the blue-green Laguna and a backdrop of huge sand dunes is a beautiful site and it is a treat to watch for your eyes. It is a simple trip from Lima to the closest big city of Ica and from here you can go to Nazca and Paracas which are other popular destinations in the town.
Major Attractions: Tacama, Regional Museum of Ica, Javier Cabrera Scientific Museum, Parque De Las Brujas De Cachiche, Bodega Ocucaje.
Adventurous Things To Do: Dune buggy ride, Sandboarding.
10. The Amazon
The Amazon of Peru, Peruvian Amazon, covers about 60% of the country and is one of the most biologically diversified areas in the world. The fact is that it is home to the popular anaconda. One of Peru’s largest protected areas is Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
The easiest way to get to the Amazon is by plane from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado which takes 50-minute. Puerto Maldonado is extensively believed to be more beauty pleasing from a city perspective.
Major Attractions: Tambopata National Reserve, Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Manu National Park, Cloud forest.
11. Chachapoyas
Chachapoyas is located in dense selva Alta of Peru, the high forest. Chachapoyas is a combination of uneven edges of the mountains with the lust, flourishing jungle with greenery.
There are some world-class sites like the Pre-Incan ruins of Kuelap, situated on the top of a mountain wrapped in the arms of the forest. You can also make a trip to Gocta Cataracts, which is one of the tallest free-standing waterfalls in the world. It’s one of the best places to visit in Peru.
Major attractions: Gocta Waterfall and Kuélap