Peru is a country that offers an incredible variety of landscapes, cultures, history, and biodiversity. From the ancient ruins of the Inca Empire to the natural wonders of the Amazon, the country stands out as a fascinating and diverse tourist destination. Every year, millions of tourists from around the world visit Peru, drawn by its historical monuments, astonishing natural wonders, and vibrant culture. In this article, we'll explore some of the best places to visit in Peru, from its archaeological sites to its stunning ecosystems.
Machu Picchu.
The icon of tourism in Peru.
Machu Picchu is undoubtedly Peru's most famous destination and one of the most important in the world. This ancient Inca citadel, located high in the Andes, was rediscovered in 1911 by explorer Hiram Bingham and has since been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
What makes Machu Picchu a special destination is not only its historical value, but also its incredible location on a mountain surrounded by a spectacular landscape of peaks and valleys. Visitors can access Machu Picchu via the famous Inca Trail, a multi-day hike that traverses ancient trails and passes other Inca ruins, or by train from the city of Cusco.
In addition to exploring the ruins, visitors can climb Huayna Picchu Mountain, which offers a panoramic view of the citadel and the surrounding valley. The magic of Machu Picchu lies in both its mystery and its natural beauty, making it a must-see for any traveler.
Cusco.
The historic capital of the Inca Empire.
Cusco is a vibrant city that combines the splendor of the Spanish colonial era with traces of its Incan past. It was the capital of the Incan Empire and is known for its cobblestone streets, baroque churches and fascinating pre-Columbian ruins. Cusco is the starting point for many heading to Machu Picchu, but it is a destination in itself full of history and culture.
Among the places not to be missed in Cusco is the Temple of the Sun or Coricancha, a sacred Inca site that was converted into a convent by the Spanish. Also famous is the Plaza de Armas, where the Cusco Cathedral and other colonial buildings surrounding the square are located.
Local markets, such as the Mercado de San Pedro, offer an authentic cultural experience where you can sample local cuisine and purchase Peruvian handicrafts. Additionally, from Cusco it is possible to visit nearby archaeological sites such as Sacsayhuamán, an Incan fortress with a stunning view of the city.
The Sacred Valley.
A journey through history and nature.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is another gem in the heart of the Peruvian Andes. This fertile valley, fed by the Urubamba River, was an important agricultural centre for the Incas and is dotted with traditional villages and impressive archaeological sites.
Some of the top places to visit in the Sacred Valley include:
- Pisac, known for its extensive agricultural terraces and colorful craft market.
- Ollantaytambo, an Inca town that still preserves its original design and houses an impressive fortress.
- Moray, an archaeological site known for its circular terraces, believed to have been used for agricultural experiments.
- The Sacred Valley also offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and visiting rural communities where visitors can learn about ancient agricultural and textile techniques.
Lake Titicaca.
The highest navigable lake in the world.
Lake Titicaca, located at more than 3,800 meters above sea level, is the highest navigable lake in the world and a sacred place for the Andean people. Shared by Peru and Bolivia, this lake is known for its blue waters, floating islands and ancient legends.
The lakeside city of Puno is the starting point for exploring the Uros Islands, floating islands built from totora reeds by local inhabitants. Tourists can also visit Taquile Island and Amantaní Island, where indigenous communities preserve their ancestral customs and offer visitors the opportunity to stay in their homes.
Lake Titicaca is not only a place of great natural beauty, but also offers a fascinating insight into the traditional cultures that still survive in this region.
Arequipa and the Colca Canyon.
The White City and the geological wonder.
Arequipa, known as the “White City” because of the white volcanic stone used in many of its buildings, is one of the most beautiful cities in Peru. Its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is filled with colonial architecture, impressive churches, and monasteries, such as the Monastery of Santa Catalina, which is almost a city within a city.
From Arequipa, many travelers head to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. Here, visitors can enjoy spectacular scenery, see condors flying in their natural habitat, and visit traditional Andean villages. The Colca Canyon is also an ideal place for outdoor activities, such as hiking and bird watching.
The Amazon Rainforest.
A paradise of biodiversity.
The Peruvian Amazon covers more than 60% of the country's territory and is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. There are several access points to the jungle, with Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado being the most popular.
In Iquitos, tourists can explore the Amazon rainforest by boat on the Amazon River, visit indigenous communities, and experience the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon ecosystem. In Puerto Maldonado, visitors can stay in ecolodges and take jungle hikes to observe local wildlife, which includes everything from monkeys and exotic birds to jaguars and anacondas.
Nazca and the Nazca Lines.
A mystery in the desert.
The Nazca Lines, located in the desert of southern Peru, are one of the most fascinating enigmas of archaeology. These enormous geometric and animal figures, which can only be seen from the air, were created by the Nazca civilization between 500 BC and 500 AD. Their purpose remains a mystery, but many believe they had religious or astronomical significance.
Tourists can fly over the lines in small planes to observe figures such as the hummingbird, the spider and the monkey. In addition, near Nazca there are other interesting archaeological sites, such as the Cantalloc aqueducts, built by the ancient Nazcas to cope with the drought.
Trujillo and Chan Chan.
The capital of the Moche culture.
Trujillo, on the northern coast of Peru, is a city with a rich colonial and pre-Columbian heritage. Just outside the city are the ruins of Chan Chan, the capital of the Chimú Empire and the largest adobe city in the Americas. This archaeological site is a testament to the impressive architectural development of the Chimú civilization.
Trujillo is also known for its marinera festivals, a traditional Peruvian dance, and for its gastronomy, which highlights dishes such as northern ceviche and shambar.
Peru is a land of contrasts and wonders, from the heights of the Andes to the depths of the Amazon rainforest. Each region offers a unique experience, whether exploring the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, sailing on Lake Titicaca or venturing into the Amazon rainforest. These are just some of the best places to visit in Peru, a country where history, culture and nature intertwine to create unforgettable experiences.