7 Most Romantic Places in Peru for Couples
Machu Picchu, Peru
Culture, adventure, and romance collide in the most romantic places for couples in Peru honeymoon destinations, including Paracas, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and more.
The opportunities to relax are endless in the gorgeous coastal town of Paracas, there is colonial culture to discover in the charming city of Cusco, and views of the Sacred Valley are spectacular.
Peru’s best places to visit for couples and honeymooners raise the romantic bar for your next vacation. You can explore golden sands, flourishing rainforests, and historic cities as you embrace the pleasures of an intimate Peruvian escape.
1. Paracas
Paracas, Peru
This postcard-perfect resort town on Peru’s west coast lies south of Lima. Couples flock to the white sands and rugged coastline for romantic retreats in exquisite seaside bungalows.
The glamorous hotels and famous restaurants share endless views of the South Pacific Ocean, inviting you to relax and unwind in one of the most inspiring coastal regions in the country. You can experience Paracas on foot and by boat, capturing the unrivaled natural beauty that hugs the sun-washed seaboard.
Cruises to the Islas Ballestas reveal penguins, sea lions, and dolphins that swim in the cobalt-blue waters. Wellness spas open their doors for revitalizing therapies, high-end restaurants serve sensational seafood dishes, and the sunsets are enthralling.
Romantic Highlights: Explore Paracas town • Day trip to Islas Ballestas • Spa massages and therapies • Fine dine at seafood restaurants • Paracas Natural Reserve • Huacachina
Recommended Length of Stay: 3-4 days
2. Cusco
Cusco, Peru
Cusco overflows with Peruvian culture and history. Set beneath the peaks of the Andes Mountains, it is also a gateway to Peru’s breathtaking natural landscapes and one of the best places for seniors on a romantic trip.
The main town square is vibrant and laden with colonial arcades in which pre-Columbian and Spanish-era charms entrance those who walk the lanes. Magnificent churches dominate the city, showcasing the connection between Cusco and spirituality. There are textile markets that are alive with colorful patterns and award-winning restaurants serving delectable Peruvian cuisine.
As you explore Cusco you will delve into rich Peruvian heritage, while enjoying the romantic qualities that make this a must-see place.
Romantic Highlights: Explore the San Blas district • Day trip to the Rainbow Mountain • Qorikancha temple • Local craft shopping • Discover the Plaza de Armas
Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 days
3. Sacred Valley
Ollantaytambo village, Peru
Stretching between Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley of the Incas is a vast natural wonderland.
Ruins that once served as the heart of the Incan Empire riddle the massive valley and surround traditional hilltop villages. Farmlands cascade the slopes, their terraces descending the green hills as farmers follow ancient agricultural practices. There is an aura of tranquility that veils the valley and calm will overcome you as you explore the treasures of the Incan Empire.
You can see the Sacred Valley on foot as you walk across the remarkable landscape or hop onto a horse to trot from one village to another, immersing yourself in the heritage and culture.
Romantic Highlights: Day trip to Machu Picchu • Visit the Pisac ruins • Explore the Ollantaytambo ruins and village • Discover the Maras salt mines • Witness the Moray crop circles
Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 days
4. Puerto Maldonado
Puerto Maldonado, Peru
As the gateway to the world’s largest tropical rainforest, the Amazon, Puerto Maldonado is a must-visit place for couples on honeymoon in Peru wishing to see its majestic wilderness.
The city is full of history and culture to discover before you venture into the dewy rainforest. The laidback atmosphere that envelops Puerto Maldonado encourages couples to linger in the city and explore landmarks that unveil Peruvian history in the Amazon. You can visit lush gardens and bustling markets, tuck into local cuisine, and embrace the thumping nightlife.
The highlights are, however, the rainforest and wildlife-viewing opportunities that abound beyond Puerto Maldonado. See macaws at the clay lick, spot exotic creatures at Lake Sandoval, and travel deep into the Amazon hand in hand.
Romantic Highlights: Day trip in the Amazon Rainforest • Visit the macaw clay lick • Travel to Lake Sandoval • City walks and tours of museums
Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 days
5. Arequipa
Arequipa, Peru
The colonial-era city of Arequipa is as historic as it is beautiful, staking its claim as one of the most marvelous places for a honeymoon or couple’s trip in Peru.
Much of the white-washed cityscape was built from sillar, a white volcanic stone retrieved from the three volcanoes that frame the Arequipa region. Baroque buildings circle the Plaza de Armas, Neoclassical churches hang over the busy roads, and museums along narrow lanes share the secrets of Arequipa.
The city is a gateway to the remarkable Colca Canyon and couples can choose to embrace the charms of Arequipa or venture beyond the borders to the canyon's massive mountains. The choice is yours, as you spend your time absorbing the pleasures of Arequipa and the surrounding region.
Romantic Highlights: Discover the Plaza de Armas and historical center • Visit the San Camilo market • Enjoy views at the Yanahuara Scenic Overlook • Explore the Recoleta Convent • Day trip to Colca Canyon
Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 days
6. Ica
Ica, Peru
Ica is a city in the desert far off the beaten path, where couples can find repose on their romantic Peruvian adventures. It is a historic place with a thriving agricultural industry that is surprisingly busy in the harsh desert region. Museums and the main town square invite travelers to experience the wonderful atmosphere enveloping Ica. And just beyond the city lies the unbelievable desert town of Huacachina.
Huacachina is an oasis in the desert, unlike any other destination. The small town between the shifting sands offers plenty to brag about on a romantic trip. You can explore the green lagoon flanked by palm trees, sandboard across the sand seas circling the oasis, and cross the desert to experience Peru’s best wines in the phenomenal wine-making region surrounding Ica, a few of the top things to do in Peru.
Romantic Highlights: Tour the oasis of Huacachina • Sandboarding in the Ica desert • Wine-tasting in Peru’s best wine region • Stargazing • Dune buggy across the desert
Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 days
7. Las Pocitas
Las Pocitas, Peru
Peru’s picturesque resort town in the Piura Region, Máncora, is home to one of the country’s most spectacular beachfronts, Las Pocitas. The fine white sands of the shoreline and deep-blue waters invite couples to embrace tranquility, while enjoying classy amenities at lavish accommodations by the sea.
The beach is the crown jewel on this stretch of Peruvian coastline and couples can experience the seaside splendors during their stay. You could partake in thrilling water sports or gentle snorkeling, spot whales leaping from the ocean during the right time of the year, tuck into ceviche at gorgeous seaside restaurants, and unwind with relaxing spa therapies.
Romantic Highlights: Kite surfing • Tubing • Fine dining • Whale watching • Spa therapies • Snorkeling
Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 days
Explore the Most Romantic Places in Peru for Couples
Photo courtesy: Rio Sagrado A Belmond Hotel
Couples on a romantic retreat or their honeymoon can get lost in the beauty of Peru on vacations that include stays at these most romantic places. Each offers something unique to capture your attention and Peru vacations to any of these places will be charming, intimate, and inspiring.
Bring your significant other on a trip to the historic city of Cusco, the breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley, or the glamorous beaches of Paracas. You can also browse our Peru travel guide for more ideas with which to curate your custom trip.
