Major Tourist Attractions In Peru – When it comes to experiencing the history, culture and natural features of South America, one country in particular offers all three and more. Located on the west coast of the African continent, Peru offers a variety of landscapes to explore, cultural influences and activities to keep you occupied or relaxed.
Peru’s biodiversity is stunning, with the Amazon rainforest, the Andean highlands and the coastal plain. Famous and lesser-known ancient sites dot the country, including the incredible Machu Picchu, and offer unique opportunities to get out of your comfort zone and explore some of South America’s top tourist attractions.
Major Tourist Attractions In Peru
Take time to explore the historic districts of the Peruvian city of Lima. The historic center, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a beautiful and interesting place to wander while learning about its many secrets. Embrace architectural marvels, cool squares and stunning interiors. Founded in the 1500’s, the city has experienced natural disasters that have affected buildings, but luckily many of them have been restored or rebuilt. See the cathedral’s interior, with its vaulted ceilings, baroque furniture and checkerboard floors. Other places not to be missed include the Casa del Oidor, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Government Palace.
Peru Travel Guide
Perhaps the most popular attraction in Peru is Machu Picchu. Listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is known as the ancient ritual center of the Incas. The complex sits high above the Urubamba River, offering stunning views of the rugged mountains. Getting here takes time and planning, starting with taking the train from Cusco, Urubamba or Ollantaytambo to the village of Aguas Calientes. From there, you will take a bus to the ruins. You might also want to consider a four-day trek on the Inca Trail, which leads to Machu Picchu, for a unique experience.
Enjoy another UNESCO World Heritage Site in the historic city of Cusco. A typical city center with a rural feel, the Plaza de Armas is the main square, where restaurants, shops and tours gather. Admire the colonial buildings whose foundations were built on ancient Inca ruins. Walk the narrow streets and discover impressive buildings, including the Cathedral, La Compania, and the Church of Santo Domingo.
Explore the Inca ruins found in this lush valley, and spend time in colorful towns and markets along the way. The Incas respected the unique climate and geography of this valley region, including fertile land to grow what they needed. Located in the high Andean highlands of Peru, the Sacred Valley includes the ruins of Pisac and its Sunday market, the fortress of Ollantaytambo and the Maras salt mines, among other Peruvian must-see attractions.
Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, is one of the most fascinating places in Peru that you will definitely want to visit. If you go there on a clear day, you will see clear blue waters surrounded by green rolling hills. Small traditional villages dot the coastline, so you can experience the true culture of Peru. Take a boat tour to various islands in the lake, including the Uros Floating Islands, a collection of man-made islands built from totola reeds. Other islands worth visiting include Amantani and Taquile.
Top Rated Peru Tourist Attractions Worthy Of Exploring
Visit what is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in all of South America. Nestled among the snow-capped mountains, Arequipa is a cool place to spend a day or two. Its historic center has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason. Throughout, you’ll discover buildings made of a volcanic stone called silica. The Sillar Stone radiates its color in direct sunlight, earning the city the nickname of Peru’s “White City.”
Get ready for spectacular views as you approach the Cañon del Colca or the Colca Canyon. Twice the total depth of the Grand Canyon, the canyon descends 3,400 meters to a meandering river at the bottom. Admire the stone steps between the canyon walls, dating back to 800 AD. You can explore the surrounding area, including hot springs, villages and Inca ruins. Bring your binoculars and camera, as this is one of the best places to catch a glimpse of Andean condors and giant hummingbirds.
South of the capital, Lima, you’ll find the Nazca Desert. It is known here for the mysterious Nazca Lines. Throughout the desert, these lines and patterns are only visible in the air, including monkeys, spiders, vultures, dogs, hummingbirds, small lizards and astronauts. There are a total of 70 drawings of desert flora and fauna, as well as various geometric shapes and lines. It is thought to have been created somewhere between 900 BC and 600 AD, but debate continues about their origin and why they were created. Book your tourist flights before you arrive, or try your luck with the first-come, first-served offer.
Experience the gateway to the Amazon rainforest at the Reserva Nacional Tambopata near Puerto Maldonado, a short flight from Cusco. Located in one of the most biodiverse regions of Peru, the reserve covers more than 740,000 hectares and is home to endangered species and habitats. Here you can catch a glimpse of monkeys, caimans, capybaras, turtles, parrots and other wildlife. Another way to experience the reserve is to spend a few days or more in a cabin in the forest to immerse yourself in your surroundings.
The Best Things To Do In Cusco, Peru
Enter the cloud forest region of Peru through the city of Chachapoyas. Long before the Incas, different cultures thrived here and left a unique place in Kuélap. This beautiful stone fortress with 20 meter high walls is a great place to admire and explore. With fewer tourists than many of Peru’s top destinations, this castle offers a place to explore without the haste.
If you want to take a break from exploring ancient ruins, rainforests and various natural attractions, enjoy a few days in Lima’s Miraflores district. With high-end accommodations, shopping, and world-class restaurants, you’ll see the modern Peruvian way of life here. Stroll through the Amano Pre-Columbian Textile Museum or the Ricardo Palma Museum in the writer’s former home. For an extra touch, catch a show at Centro Cultural PUCP, an arthouse cinema and theater in the San Isidro neighborhood.
Well, here are 11 places to visit in Peru on your next trip to South America. Whether you want to enjoy stunning natural attractions, immerse yourself in Peruvian culture, or explore ancient and mysterious archaeological sites, a trip to this South American country and its must-see attractions will always be one of your favorite vacations.
While Rainforest Cruises aims to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations about the accuracy or completeness of any information contained herein or obtained through any link on this site. Rainforest Cruises cannot and will not be liable for any omissions or inaccuracies or for any consequences arising therefrom, including any loss, injury or damage arising from the display or use of this information.
The 59 Most Beautiful Places In The World 2023
Join over 20,000 savvy travelers and be the first to receive our exclusive monthly discounts, inspiring travel content and expert advice, delivered straight to your inbox. It’s easy to see why Peru is fast becoming one of the most visited countries in South America. Home to ancient ruins, impressive architecture and an abundance of natural wonders, this small country is one of the best places in the world to discover amazing things.
From Inca castles and colonial buildings to the Amazon rainforest and turquoise lagoons, there are many different places to add to your list. Whether you want to spend the day surfing the sands of the Huacachina oasis or marvel at the colonial façade of Lima Cathedral, plan a memorable vacation with our Peru attractions guide.
Machu Picchu receives as many as 5,000 visitors a day, and it’s easy to see why. High in the Peruvian Andes, this 15th-century site features intricate Inca architecture and stunning panoramic views.
The easiest way to get to Machu Picchu is to take the train to Aguas Caliente, just a few miles away. If you’re confident in your stamina level, you can climb the citadel on this 4-day Inca Trail tour. Either way, give yourself plenty of time in Cusco to acclimate to the altitude.
Machu Picchu Is Struggling Under The Weight Of Legend
Lake Titicaca is located on the border of Peru and Bolivia – this deep blue lake is believed to be the birthplace of the Inca tribe. With an altitude of 3812 meters, the lake is the highest navigable lake in the world.
You can enjoy your stay on one of the 3 main islands in the lake: Taquile Island, Amantani
Top tourist attractions in peru, major tourist attractions in italy, tourist attractions in cusco peru, tourist attractions in peru, peru major tourist attractions, tourist attractions in lima peru, peru tourist attractions, peru main tourist attractions, major tourist attractions in florida, major tourist attractions in egypt, peru top tourist attractions, peru lima tourist attractions