Like all countries in
South America
, Peru is a mesmerizing destination, providing travelers with an exceptionally diverse mix of historical sites and colonial-era attractions.
cities
and breathtaking natural wonders, from the captivating beauty of
Machu Picchu
into the vibrant scenery of the Amazon.
Cities like Arequipa and the expansive capital, Lima, serve as hubs for artistic, cultural, and gastronomic activities that contribute
Peru
more than match its
larger neighbours
on the continent.
Much like
Brazil
or
Colombia
Additionally, Peru enjoys a wealth of stunning natural scenery surrounding towns such as Puerto Maldonado and Chachapoyas. Beyond its remarkable cuisine and historical sites, there’s plenty more to explore: adventures in the Amazon rainforest, treks through the Andes mountains, or perhaps some thrilling sandboarding sessions in the desert.
Due to Peru’s vast size and the distribution of its inhabitants, thorough preparation is essential for making the most out of your journey. Below are some top cities and towns worth visiting during your vacation to enhance your experience.
1. Lima
We recommend:
Stroll alongside the malecón, a flat six-mile seaside promenade.
Peru’s capital encapsulates many aspects that render the nation an excellent travel destination. Adjacent to the Miraflores district along the Pacific coast, the metropolis expands inward toward the historic center known as Lima Centro. Here, numerous colonial structures converge at the Plaza de Armas—centers which were pivotal in New World urban planning, radiating grid-like patterns outward from these points.
Numerous tourists opt to reside in the coastal area of Miraflores, where the
malecon
Lima’s six-mile promenade steals the spotlight (in addition to beaches like Costa Verde, which offer activities such as swimming, paddleboarding, surfing, and even paragliding). For those interested in nightlife, the vibrant district of Barranco takes center stage as the artistic hub for entertainment. Meanwhile, San Isidro has transformed into a somewhat flashier locale and remains one of the safer neighborhoods within the city.
Tourists can wander through the Art Gallery of Lima and visit museums like the Larco (featuring artifacts from ancient Peru). However, this city immerses you in its culture and history not just within these walls but also out on the streets, squares, and parks. The culinary landscape epitomizes this blend; here, global leaders like Maido—the fifth-ranked establishment on the 2023 World’s 50 Best Restaurants list—stand beside vibrant street food vendors. Both offer Peruvian and Criollo specialties such as ceviche, spicy chicken stews, and grilled beef-heart dishes.
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2. Cusco
We recommend:
Trek along the Inca Trail to witness Machu Picchu
Cusco serves as the starting point for journeys to Machu Picchu and stands at the heart of a region brimming with historical sites, architectural wonders, and breathtaking landscapes. Nestled in the lofty Andes, this city features an Old Town adorned with charming red-tiled rooftops that conceal numerous museums—ranging from the Museo Inka, focused on Inca heritage, to the Museo Machu Picchu, exhibiting 360 artifacts recovered during early explorations of the site.
The heart of the city lies at Plaza de Armas, but its standout attraction is undoubtedly the Qorikancha—an ancient Inca temple that has been repurposed into a church showcasing a fascinating mix of Incan and Christian architecture. However, many visitors come here primarily as a starting point to explore the renowned Sacred Valley of the Incas along with various archaeological landmarks such as Pisac (often described as a smaller version of Machu Picchu) and Chinchero.
You can reach Machu Picchu by traveling to either Aguas Calientes or Ollantaytambo; both options include a 90-minute walk from the first location and a two-hour train ride from the second. For an unforgettable adventure, consider hiking the four-day Inca Trail, which offers one of South America’s most sought-after travel experiences. The historic path winds through rivers, valleys, and mountainous regions over a distance of approximately 24 miles.
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3. Arequipa
We recommend:
Reserve a trip to explore the Colca Canyon, which has a depth that surpasses the Grand Canyon by two times.
Overlooking snowy volcanic peaks, Peru’s second-largest city boasts some of the nation’s most impressive colonial architecture. At its heart lies an area encircled by numerous religious sites, including the majestic Santa Catalina monastery and the grand cathedral, all set against a backdrop of pristine whitewashed lanes.
If you’re looking for quintessentially Peruvian experiences, begin your journey at the Museo Santuario Indios, which houses the preserved body of an Inca sacrificial victim. For a different vibe, explore either the cathedral’s museum or head over to the Museum of Contemporary Art instead. Stop off later at the bustling San Camilo Market for some delicious local dishes like stuffed spicy peppers and sautéed salty beef, along with fresh fruits and handmade crafts.
Afterward, venture into neighborhoods such as bohemian San Lazaro — one of Arequipa’s oldest districts characterized by structures built using white ashlar stone — offering historical charm amidst modern influences. Alternatively, wander through serene Yanahuara, famous for its pristine colonial-era religious sites.
For those seeking thrills, aside from hiking up the formidable Misti Volcano, visitors can also explore trekking and climbing opportunities in the nearby Colca Canyon, which boasts the title of the second deepest canyon globally.
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4. Puerto Maldonado
We recommend:
Observe macaws, parrots, and parakeets at the Tambopata-Candamo National Reserve.
Puerto Maldonado serves as the entry point to the Peruvian Amazon. Nestled deep within the rainforest, this location remains close enough to nature yet can be reached via a one-hour flight from Cusco. Over time, improved infrastructure has connected the city more effectively with the remainder of Peru. Today, Puerto Maldonado stands as an authentic jungle town encircled by lush Amazonian hills and dotted with modest structures amidst thick vegetation.
The Tambopata-Candamo National Reserve hosts numerous bird and insect species; within the boundaries of the Manu Biosphere Reserve, one can discover approximately 20,000 types of plants. In contrast, the Pampas de Heath National Sanctuary offers an entirely distinct ecosystem characterized by expansive plains and tropical wet grasslands reminiscent of Africa’s Serengeti. This sanctuary serves as a habitat for elusive creatures such as jaguars, tapirs, and maned wolves.
For those eager to delve deeper into nature, numerous eco-lodges like
Inkaterra Reserva
or
Posada Amazonas
– provides lodging along with various activities such as guided walks, boating excursions, and wildlife observation.
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5. Ica
We recommend:
Explore the Tacama winery and sample some Pisco.
Surrounded by imposing sand dunes (with some reaching up to 400 meters tall), the city of Ica sits in southern Peru within the Atacama Desert, approximately 30 miles away from the Pacific coastline. While it doesn’t boast many prominent sites, this region is famous for its wineries and production of pisco, which is Peru’s national liquor made through the distillation of fermented grape juice. Consequently, there are numerous well-respected vineyards here, including those like Tacama and Caravedo.
The region directly around Ica is a haven for thrill-seekers. Here, the landscape features nothing but sandy hills, making off-road adventures such as riding dune buggies and sliding down dunes highly sought after. Additionally, venturing deeper into this arid expanse involves hiking through places like the Lost Canyon, a narrow two-kilometer-long gorge uncovered just back in 2011.
Nestled in the desert, only a short distance away from Ica, is Huacachina, a picturesque oasis village that seems almost too perfect to be real, as though it might vanish like a mirage at any moment. This serene spot offers relaxation amid its palm tree-lined avenues which also house numerous bars, eateries, and swimming spots. Consequently, it attracts many visitors seeking both tranquil desert landscapes and thrilling adventures.
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6. Chachapoyas
We recommend:
Observe the numerous round stone constructions within the remains of Kuelap.
A territory inhabited long before the arrival of the Incan civilization, Chachapoyas served as the heartland for the culture bearing the same name. The term “Chachapoyas,” derived from Quechua—one of Peru’s native tongues—and translating to “cloud forest,” supposedly stems from the area’s natural scenery. Here, a veil of mist and clouds often shrouds the Andean hillsides.
You can get to the town via a 90-minute flight from Lima, making it an ideal starting point for discovering the nearby regions. Lodging and dining options here cost less compared to popular tourist hubs. Naturally, the central part of the town revolves around the Plaza de Armas; however, venture to the Virgen de la Natividad lookout for breathtaking vistas spanning across the valley and down into the town itself.
Chachapoyas is most famous for being the location of
Kuelap,
The remnants of a fortified Chachapoyan fortress stand here. Details about this civilization remain scarce, yet the location boasts numerous round stone buildings scattered across the area. However, what truly captivates visitors is the breathtaking view from an elevation of 3,000 meters. Nearby, two majestic waterfalls—the Gocta and Yumbilla—alongside the impressive Sonche Canyon, draw many nature enthusiasts.
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7. Oxapampa
We recommend:
Go for a walk to the El Tigre waterfall
Oxapampa, a town located in the Peruvian Amazon established by Austrian and German immigrants as late as 1891, is indeed an intriguing destination. It represents true ‘off-the-beaten-path’ Peru. Accessing this location requires effort; one can get there through a combination of a brief 30-minute flight followed by a lengthy three-hour bus journey—it’s not someplace you stumble upon accidentally.
The architecture inspired by the Tyrolean Alps can be found nestled amidst the mountainous terrain of the Andes and within the lush expanse of the Amazon rainforest. Here, you’ll discover guesthouses styled after alpine lodges, offering numerous possibilities for eco-tourism activities such as venturing into the adjacent Tsho’let forest or relaxing beside a cascading waterfall while savoring the flavor of Villa Rica’s coffee.
Highlights include visiting the El Tigre waterfall, where guests have the option to swim in the pool beneath it, and exploring the Yanachaga-Chemillén National Park with its all-day hikes through the foggy cloud forests teeming with rare fauna like the spectacled bear. Each year, one standout event in Oxapampa is Selvamonos, an array of cultural events and musical performances held over several days in June. About fifty miles from here lies Pozuzo, which hosts Pozuzofest each September—a regional version of Oktoberfest complete with traditional German beers and attire including lederhosen.
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8. Puno
We recommend:
Participate in the yearly Fiesta de la Candelaria, a UNESCO-recognized event that ranks among Peru’s most impressive celebrations.
Situated along the banks of Lake Titicaca, Puno serves as a gateway to explore the distinctive islands that make up South America’s biggest freshwater lake. Known as the folklore center of Peru, Puno hosts vibrant celebrations every February when numerous performers dressed in ornate attire come together to showcase a captivating fusion of Christian and native traditions.
Indulge in tamales and sample chicha—a fermented beverage made from maize—while taking in parades featuring dancers, marching bands, and dazzling firework displays. The festivities continue deep into the evening, turning this UNESCO-endorsed cultural extravaganza into a memorable encounter not soon forgotten. Keep in mind that lodging gets fully reserved far ahead of time; thus, securing your accommodations early should be top priority.
Away from the festive period, explore the craft of textile weaving on Taquile Island or opt for a personalized visit to the extraordinary floating Uros Islands made completely out of totora reeds. Journey for about 40 minutes to reach the enigmatic Sillustani archaeological site, an old pre-Inca necropolis offering sweeping vistas across Lake Umayo. Finally, remember to carry some soles to purchase handmade items like textiles, pottery, and woven goods directly from local craftsmen at nearby marketplaces.
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