Top 9 Places To Visit in Peru: Ultimate Travel Guide to Peru’s Best Destinations

Peru is one of those rare destinations that makes your heart skip a beat the moment you arrive. From ancient archaeological marvels to breathtaking natural landscapes, there are places to visit in Peru that cater to every type of traveler. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or someone yearning to connect with nature, Peru delivers experiences that linger long after you've returned home. Let's explore the best places to visit in Peru that should be on your travel radar.

Best 9 Places To Visit in Peru For Your Next Trip

1. Machu Picchu

No list of places to visit in Peru would be complete without mentioning Machu Picchu. This iconic 15th-century Incan citadel, perched dramatically at 2,430 meters (7,972 feet) above sea level, is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The experience of visiting Machu Picchu varies based on how you get there. The most thrilling option is the famous Inca Trail. It is a 4-day, 26-mile (42 km) trek that takes you through stunning cloud forests and past fascinating archaeological sites like Runkurakay and Sayacmarca. 

This moderately challenging trek culminates at Wiñay Wayna before reaching the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at sunrise. Permits are strictly limited to 500 people per day, including staff, so book 6-8 months in advance for peak season.​ Alternatively, you can take the scenic train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town, and then enjoy the journey up to the ruins.​

2. The Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley of the Incas, located near Cusco, represents one of the top 10 places to visit in Peru. This stunning region, also called the Urubamba Valley, is home to multiple archaeological sites and charming Andean villages nestled among terraced agricultural fields.​

Pisac features impressive Incan agricultural terraces and ruins perched dramatically above a charming town, complete with the Temple of the Sun and excellent handicraft markets. Ollantaytambo is arguably one of the most beautifully preserved Incan towns in Peru, with massive stone terraces and a fortress-like structure that transports you back centuries. The Sacred Valley also offers adventure activities, including rafting on the Urubamba River, paragliding in Chinchero, rappelling in Pachar, and biking through the Maras and Moray sites. 

3. Lima

When exploring the places in Peru to visit, don't overlook the vibrant capital. Lima is a sophisticated city that beautifully blends Spanish colonial heritage, Peruvian culture, pre-Columbian archaeological sites, and one of the best cuisines in the world.​​ Places to visit in Lima, Peru, include the historic Plaza Mayor (Plaza de Armas), the heart of the city, where you'll find the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and beautiful colonial buildings—all free to explore. The Historic Center of Lima is itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with stunning architecture and cultural landmarks.​​

For a peek into Peru's pre-Hispanic past, visit Huaca Pucllana, an ancient adobe pyramid built by the Lima civilization approximately 1,500 years ago. The Magic Water Circuit in Parque de la Reserva is a must-see, featuring interactive fountains that perform a spectacular light show nightly and holds the Guinness World Record for the largest fountain complex in a public park. 

4. Arequipa

Arequipa, known as the "White City" for its stunning colonial architecture built from white volcanic sillar stone, ranks among the top 10 places to visit in Peru. Located at nearly 2,300 meters in the Andes, this charming southern Peruvian city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the gateway to some of Peru's most spectacular natural attractions.​

The Arequipa Cathedral, stretching the entire length of Plaza de Armas, is the largest and most important church in the city, showcasing remarkable colonial architecture. Just beyond Arequipa lies the magnificent Colca Canyon, one of Peru's must-visit natural wonders and the second-deepest canyon in the world—twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. The Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint is the best spot to witness the majestic Andean condor, one of the world's largest flying birds, soaring majestically above the canyon walls. 

5. Lake Titicaca

At 3,812 meters above sea level, Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake and one of the top 10 places to visit in Peru. Located on the border of Peru and Bolivia, this massive lake holds profound significance in Andean tradition, believed to be the birthplace of the sun.​

Taquile Island is famous for its weaving traditions and handicrafts, offering cultural immersion opportunities. Puno, the main city on the Peruvian side of the lake, serves as the hub for boat tours and accommodations. The deep blue waters surrounded by gently undulating mountains and small hamlets create a picturesque setting that feels worlds away from modern life.​

6. The Amazon Rainforest

For nature lovers and adventure seekers, the Amazon Rainforest in Peru offers an extraordinary experience of the world's most biodiverse tropical rainforest. Peru contains 13% of the entire Amazon, providing access to incredible wildlife and indigenous cultures.​

Puerto Maldonado, gateway to Tambopata National Reserve, offers convenient Amazon access for those visiting Cusco with limited time. Manu National Park, located at the meeting point of the Tropical Andes and Amazon Basin, is considered a terrestrial biodiversity heaven, featuring high Andean grasslands, mountain cloud forests, and lowland rainforests. Iquitos, in northern Peru, is considered the best place to experience the Amazon, offering nature, wildlife, and culture combined, though it's only accessible by boat or air.​

For inspiration on beach and island travel beyond the Andes, check out our Phuket Island Paradise post.

7. Nazca Lines

The Nazca Lines represent one of Peru's most enigmatic attractions—massive geoglyphs etched into the desert floor thousands of years ago. These mysterious designs, depicting animals and shapes like the monkey, hummingbird, and spider, are best viewed from the air via scenic flights.​ Located just 1.5 hours from Ica (itself a destination known for year-round sunshine and the famous pisco spirit), Nazca offers an intriguing blend of mystery and adventure. 

8. Huascarán National Park

Located in the Cordillera Blanca, Huascarán National Park is a paradise for trekkers and mountaineers. Home to Peru's highest peak, Huascarán, at 6,768 meters (22,205 feet), the park features dramatic Andean scenery with many turquoise glacial lakes. Popular hikes include Laguna 69, known for its stunning blue waters and accessible day-trip opportunities. The park is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and hosts diverse wildlife including condors, vicuñas, and spectacled bears, making it an ideal destination for adventure travelers seeking pristine mountain landscapes.​

Once you’ve explored Peru’s landscapes, consider relaxing at a luxury destination—read our Maldives Honeymoon guide for contrasting beach serenity.

9. Cusco

As the former capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco stands at 3,400 meters (11,150 feet) above sea level and serves as the main gateway to Peru's most iconic archaeological sites. This UNESCO World Heritage Site beautifully blends ancient Inca structures with colonial architecture, creating a unique atmosphere that transports visitors through centuries of history.​

Key attractions in Cusco include the Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), the most important temple in the Inca Empire, featuring impressive stone masonry and sacred symbolism. The Sacsayhuamán fortress, perched above the city, showcases massive stone terraces and panoramic views of Cusco's red-tiled roofs below.​

Conclusion

From the best places to visit in Peru to hidden gems off the beaten path, this remarkable country deserves a spot on every traveler's bucket list. We recommend you to book accommodations and Inca Trail permits well in advance, especially for peak season (May to October). So, start planning your trip to Peru now by calling ExperianAirfare to book cheap flights to Peru.