15 Best Tourist Places To Visit In Peru - Best Attractions & Things To Do

Peru is one of the most exciting travel destinations in South America, known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. From the world-famous ruins of Machu Picchu to the colorful streets of Cusco, Peru offers a perfect mix of adventure, nature, and heritage. Whether you're a history lover, a nature enthusiast, or just someone looking for a unique holiday experience, Peru has something for everyone.

Home to the ancient Inca civilization, Peru is full of must-visit tourist places that attract millions of travelers every year. The Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon, and the mysterious Nazca Lines are just a few of the iconic attractions you shouldn’t miss. The country also boasts lush Amazon rainforests, beautiful beaches, and delicious local cuisine that adds to the overall experience.

This blog will guide you through the best tourist places to visit in Peru, highlighting top famous attractions and destinations that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Whether you're planning a solo trip, a family vacation, or a romantic getaway, Peru promises unforgettable memories. Let’s explore the magic of Peru and discover why it is one of the most loved travel destinations in the world.

List Of 15 Best Places To Visit In Peru - Experiencing Peru's Desert Oasis Retreat

Beyond its renowned attractions, Peru captivates travellers with its warm hospitality, vibrant festivals, and diverse ecosystems. As you traverse the country's diverse landscapes, from Altiplano's high-altitude plains to Arequipa's bustling streets, you'll encounter a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, creating a captivating tapestry that defines Peru's identity and allure.

• Machu Picchu | Exploring Peru's Ancient Incan Citadel
• Lima's Historic Centre | Delving into Peru's Colonial Legacy
• Sacred Valley | Discovering Peru's Ancient Heartland
• Lake Titicaca | Navigating South America's Highest Navigable Lake
• Nazca Lines | Unravelling Peru's Mysterious Geoglyphs
• Arequipa and the Colca Canyon | Journeying through Peru's Canyon Country
• Cusco and the Inca Trail | Trekking to Peru's Historical Capital
• Amazon Rainforest | Immersing in Peru's Biodiverse Jungle
• Huacachina Oasis | Experiencing Peru's Desert Oasis Retreat
• Sacsayhuamán | Admiring Peru's Impressive Inca Ruins
• Ollantaytambo | Exploring Peru's Living Inca Town
• Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) | Trekking to Peru's Colourful Peak
• Chan Chan Archaeological Zone | Discovering Peru's Ancient Mud City
• Manu National Park | Experiencing Peru's Wildlife Haven
• Paracas National Reserve | Exploring Peru's Coastal Biodiversity

1. Machu Picchu - Exploring Peru's Ancient Incan Citadel

Machu Picchu is an iconic archaeological site perched high in the Andes Mountains. This ancient Incan citadel offers breathtaking panoramic views and remarkable stone structures that puzzle historians and archaeologists alike.

• Nearby tourist attractions: Inca Trail and Huayna Picchu.
• Things to Do: Trekking, photography, exploring ruins, learning about Incan history.

2. Lima's Historic Centre - Delving into Peru's Colonial Legacy

Lima's Historic Centre showcases splendid colonial architecture, grand plazas, and historic buildings. Visitors can explore cathedrals, museums, and vibrant markets that reflect Peru's rich cultural heritage.

• Nearby Tourist Attractions: Plaza Mayor, San Francisco Church.
• Things to Do: Sightseeing, cultural exploration, dining, shopping.

3. Sacred Valley - Discovering Peru's Ancient Heartland

The Sacred Valley, nestled in the Andes, is dotted with ancient Incan ruins, agricultural terraces, and traditional villages. Visitors can explore archaeological sites, vibrant markets, and picturesque landscapes.

• Nearby Tourist Attractions: Pisac Market, Ollantaytambo Ruins.
• Things to Do: Exploring ruins, shopping, hiking, and cultural experiences.

4. Lake Titicaca - Navigating South America's Highest Navigable Lake

Lake Titicaca, straddling Peru and Bolivia, is renowned for its deep blue waters, floating islands, and indigenous cultures. Visitors can explore traditional villages and ancient ruins and experience the unique lifestyle of the Uros people.

• Nearby Tourist Attractions: Uros Islands, Taquile Island.
• Things to Do: Boat tours, cultural experiences, island exploration, photography.

5. Nazca Lines - Unravelling Peru's Mysterious Geoglyphs

The Nazca Lines are a series of ancient geoglyphs etched into the Nazca Desert. These mysterious figures, including animals and geometric shapes, have puzzled researchers and intrigued visitors for centuries.

• Nearby tourist attractions: Nazca Desert and Chauchilla Cemetery.
• Things to Do: Overflight tours, desert exploration, learning about ancient cultures.

6. Arequipa and the Colca Canyon - Journeying through Peru's Canyon Country

Arequipa is a charming colonial city surrounded by volcanoes, including the iconic Misti. Nearby, the Colca Canyon offers breathtaking landscapes, traditional villages, and opportunities to spot Andean condors soaring overhead.

• Nearby Tourist Attractions: Santa Catalina Monastery, Cruz del Condor viewpoint.
• Things to Do: Trekking, birdwatching, exploring colonial architecture, cultural experiences.

7. Cusco and the Inca Trail - Trekking to Peru's Historical Capital

Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, is a vibrant city surrounded by archaeological sites, including the famous Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu. Visitors can explore ancient ruins and colonial architecture and immerse themselves in Andean culture.

• Nearby Tourist Attractions: Sacsayhuamán, Qorikancha.
• Things to Do: Trekking, exploring ruins, cultural experiences, shopping.

8. Amazon Rainforest - Immersing in Peru's Biodiverse Jungle

The Amazon Rainforest in Peru is a biodiversity hotspot, home to diverse flora and fauna, indigenous communities, and pristine ecosystems. Visitors can embark on jungle expeditions, wildlife spotting tours, and cultural experiences.

• Nearby tourist attractions: Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve and Manu National Park.
• Things to Do: Jungle treks, wildlife spotting, birdwatching, cultural experiences.

9. Huacachina Oasis - Experiencing Peru's Desert Oasis Retreat

Huacachina is a picturesque desert oasis surrounded by towering dunes. Visitors can enjoy dune-bashing adventures, sandboarding, and relaxing in the tranquil oasis.

• Nearby tourist attractions: Ica and Nazca Lines.
• Things to Do: Dune bashing, sandboarding, relaxing by the oasis, exploring desert landscapes.

10. Sacsayhuamán - Admiring Peru's Impressive Inca Ruins

Sacsayhuamán is an impressive Inca archaeological site overlooking Cusco. The site features massive stone walls, ceremonial platforms, and panoramic views of the city below.

• Nearby Tourist Attractions: Cusco Historic Centre, Qorikancha.
• Things to Do: Exploring ruins, photography, and learning about Incan history.

11. Ollantaytambo - Exploring Peru's Living Inca Town

Ollantaytambo is a well-preserved Inca town nestled in the Sacred Valley. Visitors can explore ancient ruins and terraced landscapes and experience traditional Andean culture.

• Nearby tourist attractions: Pisac and Maras Salt Mines.
• Things to Do: Exploring ruins, cultural experiences, hiking, shopping.

12. Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) - Trekking to Peru's Colourful Peak

Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca, is a colourful mountain range featuring vibrant red, yellow, and turquoise hues. Visitors can embark on challenging treks to witness this natural wonder and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views.

• Nearby Tourist Attractions: Red Valley, Ausangate Trek.
• Things to Do: Trekking, photography, exploring natural landscapes.

13. Chan Chan Archaeological Zone - Discovering Peru's Ancient Mud City

Chan Chan is an ancient archaeological site featuring the ruins of an expansive pre-Columbian city made of adobe mud bricks. Visitors can explore intricate carvings and plazas and learn about the Chimu culture.

• Nearby tourist attractions: Huanchaco Beach and El Brujo Archaeological Complex.
• Things to Do: Exploring ruins, learning about ancient cultures, photography.

14. Manu National Park - Experiencing Peru's Wildlife Haven

Manu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its incredible biodiversity. Visitors can explore pristine rainforests, spot diverse wildlife, and learn about conservation efforts in this remote wilderness.

• Nearby tourist attractions: Amazon rainforest and Tambopata National Reserve.
• Things to Do: Wildlife-spotting, jungle treks, birdwatching, cultural experiences.

15. Paracas National Reserve - Exploring Peru's Coastal Biodiversity

Paracas National Reserve is a coastal sanctuary renowned for its diverse marine ecosystems, including vibrant coral reefs, sea lions, and seabirds. Visitors can explore desert landscapes and pristine beaches and enjoy water-based activities.

• Nearby Tourist Attractions: Ballestas Islands, Nazca Lines.
• Things to Do: Boat tours, wildlife spotting, exploring beaches, photography.

Read More : Beaches In Peru

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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Peru

Q1: What is the most beautiful part of Peru?
A1: The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu are considered the most beautiful parts of Peru, known for stunning mountain views, ancient ruins, and scenic landscapes.

Q2: What is the most visited destination in Peru?
A2: Machu Picchu is the most visited destination in Peru, attracting over a million tourists each year.

Q3: Which part of Peru is the best?
A3: The Cusco region is often rated the best part of Peru due to its cultural heritage, Inca history, and access to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.

Q4: Is Peru expensive or cheap?
A4: Peru is generally affordable for travelers, though some tourist areas like Machu Picchu can be a bit costly.

Q5: How far is Machu Picchu from Lima?
A5: Machu Picchu is about 1,200 km (750 miles) from Lima. It takes around 1.5 hours by flight to Cusco, then a train and bus journey to reach Machu Picchu.