8 Best Places to Visit in Peru

Perched high on a ridge above the Urubamba River looms the captivating and forgotten Incan city of Machu Picchu. As one of the most remarkable places to visit in Peru, Machu Picchu’s dramatic location in the Andes creates a majestic ambiance in a remote setting, reached only by a long trail or steep incline.

Whether traversing the jungle-covered mountains or looking down from the neighboring peak of Huayna Picchu, witnessing the unique setting and preserved ruins is unforgettable during a Machu Picchu tour.

Highlights: Huayna Picchu • Temple of the Sun • Intihuatana • Sun Gate • Principal Temple

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

Cusco is one of the most unforgettable Peru destinations as the undisputed archeological center of the Americas, with a combination of colonial beauty and Incan masterpieces, artifacts, and legends that reflect the belief that the city once acted as the navel of the world.

With ornate cathedrals set over grand Inca temples, dramatic fortresses looming on the hillside, traditional Andean clothing brightening the cobbled lanes, and a welcoming ambiance across the varied neighborhoods, Cusco feels ancient and modern, quaint and chic.

Highlights: Plaza de Armas • Cathedral • Sacsayhuaman • Coricancha • Pre-Columbian Art Museum

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

Lima is a charming attraction in Peru. The city is one of complete juxtaposition, where the dry desert air meets the crashing waves of the Pacific, and modern high-rise buildings overlook pre-Columbian temples.

With layers of ancient civilization and contemporary sophistication, Spanish colonial architecture from the 18th century and modern culinary creations along the chic streets of the Miraflores district, Lima can unveil distinctive history and endless aesthetic delights that accentuate local flavors during a culinary vacation.

Highlights: Plaza de Armas • Convento de San Francisco • Cathedral • Miraflores • Santo Domingo

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

The Sacred Valley hides in the shadows of the formidable Andean peaks and, when discovered, quickly answers the question, “What to see in Peru?”. Carved by the winding banks of the Urubamba River, the valley can lead you to panoramic views of gliding condors, cobbled lanes of preserved colonial towns, or former Incan citadels nestled into the steep cliffs.

The Andean market in Pisac shines a bright light on traditional culture, as the terraces in Moray reveal historic agricultural advancements. Villages, ruins, traditions, handcrafts, and views make the Sacred Valley a destination unto itself when visiting Peru.

Highlights: Moray • Pumahuanca • Ollantaytambo ruins • Pisac Terraces • Maras

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

The famous and infamous reputation of the Amazon often precedes your arrival, but the rainforest canopy will leave you in awe as you immerse yourself in the jungle.

As one of the best-protected areas of the biodiverse forest, you can glide down the river in search of piranha or wind beneath the trees to find parrots and monkeys as you uncover a dense wonderland of wildlife and ecology.

Highlights: Kuelap ruins • Tarapoto waterfall • Oxapampa • Parque Nacional Manu • Puerto Maldonado

Recommended length of stay: 3-4 nights

Puno has a charm of its own as it climbs into the hills and watches over the largest high-altitude lake in the world, with surprising features found during a luxury Peru tour.

Floating islands drift along the waters of Lake Titicaca and traditional Andean towns hide along the distant islands bordering the Peruvian-Bolivian border.

You can visit impressive funerary towers soaring above the Andean steppe or meet welcoming locals along the shores or in the island villages, where they practice traditional handcrafts.

Highlights: Uros Islands • Amantani Island • Taquile Island • Sillustani • Catedral de Puno

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 nights

The desert town of Nazca rises out of the arid landscape and features the mysterious Nazca Lines, drawings etched into the landscape. With the different art pieces reflecting various animals and dating back to 600CE, the destination can feel mysterious and majestic.

From the air, you may be able to see upwards of 70 different shapes, including a condor with a wingspan stretching over 426 feet wide. You can also find pyramids, mummies, and the ancient canals of the Cantalloc Aqueducts.

Highlights: Nazca Lines • Cantalloc Aqueduct • Cahuachi Pyramid • Museo Antonini

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 nights

An escape from Lima, a view over the wild Pacific, and access to the wonders of the Ballestas Islands, Paracas is a captivating and overlooked destination in Peru. Exotic beaches with quiet waves create a relaxing ambiance.

Culture and history take center stage in historic haciendas. The national reserve features the beauty of Humboldt penguins and Andean condors. From the desert sun to the cycling excursions, you can find adventure and relaxation, wildlife and charm around Paracas.

Highlights: Ballestas Islands • Paracas National Reserve • Paracas Town • Sand Dunes • Tambo Colorado

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

Ten to 14 days is the perfect amount of time to experience the highlights of Peru on your personalized tour. A 2-week Peru tour can immerse you in a trip designed to meet your preferences and needs.

With natural splendor and diverse cultures found across the country, you can explore the highlights, such as Machu Picchu and Cusco, while also having time to discover lesser-visited areas, such as Puno, to see Lake Titicaca, or Nazca, to view the Nazca Lines. Two weeks will also offer you plenty of time to have an authentic and luxurious experience in the Amazon Rainforest.

Peru is a wonder of the ancient world, a marvel of contemporary culture, and an enchanting glimpse into the diversity of nature, with a lifetime of experiences in the must-see destinations you can enjoy during your trip.

You can become immersed in Andean culture, Pacific beauty, and Amazon wilderness. Find more inspiration for your trip with our Peru vacations and tours or by visiting our Peru travel guide.