Must-sees in Peru - The best places for this vacation

Peru, a country located in South America , is a tourist destination filled with natural wonders, rich history, and a vibrant culture. From the towering Andes mountains to the Amazon jungle, and from ancient Inca ruins to beautiful beaches, Peru offers a variety of experiences for everyone.

1. Cusco and Machu Picchu

Cusco, the former capital of the Inca empire, is a fascinating place that combines Spanish colonial history with Inca ruins. The city has impressive architectures, such as the Cathedral of Cusco and the Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha), which show the fusion of architectural styles. Also, you can explore the traditional neighborhoods of San Blas and San Cristóbal, where you will find cobbled streets, art galleries and craft workshops.
From Cusco, you can embark on the unforgettable experience of visiting Machu Picchu. This Inca citadel is an impressive testimony to the architecture and engineering of the ancient Inca civilization. The panoramic view from the top of the mountain is simply breathtaking. In addition, you can choose to do the Inca Trail, a multi-day hike through incredible landscapes that takes you to Machu Picchu.

2. Lima, the vibrant capital

Lima , the capital of Peru, is a city full of energy and contrasts. Lima's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to beautiful plazas, colonial churches, and historic mansions. The Plaza de Armas is the heart of the city and is surrounded by the Cathedral of Lima, the Government Palace and the Archbishop's Palace. The San Francisco Monastery , with its catacombs and historic library , is another notable place to visit.

Lima is also known for its amazing food scene. The city boasts world-renowned restaurants, from fine dining establishments to street food stalls. Do not miss the opportunity to try emblematic dishes such as ceviche, lomo saltado and anticucho . In addition, the coastal districts of Miraflores and Barranco offer beautiful parks, cliffs overlooking the ocean, and lively nightlife.

3. The Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is located in the Cusco region and is a place of great historical and cultural importance. This region was highly valued by the Incas due to its fertile land and its strategic location. Here you will find a series of impressive archaeological sites, such as Pisac , Ollantaytambo and Moray .
Pisac is known for its indigenous market, where local farmers sell fresh produce, fabrics, and handicrafts. The ruins of Pisac, located on top of a mountain, offer impressive views of the valley and show Inca architecture and urban planning.

Ollantaytambo is another important archaeological site in the Sacred Valley. This Inca complex preserves impressive stone structures, agricultural terraces and a system of water channels. In addition, it is a popular starting point for those who want to do the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Moray is a unique archaeological site that features stepped circular terraces that are believed to have been used as agricultural laboratories by the Incas. The design allows for different microclimates on each terrace, which would have been used to experiment with different crops.

4. Arequipa and the Colca Canyon

Arequipa, known as the " White City " due to the use of white volcanic stone in its architecture, is one of the most beautiful cities in Peru. The historic center of Arequipa has impressive colonial buildings, such as the Cathedral of Arequipa and the Church of the Company of Jesus. However, one of Arequipa's main attractions is the Santa Catalina Monastery, a convent that resembles a small town with its cobbled streets and colorful walls.
From Arequipa, you can explore the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. This impressive natural wonder offers spectacular landscapes, snow-capped peaks, agricultural terraces and traditional villages. In addition, it is the home of the majestic Andean condor. You can enjoy incredible views of condors as you fly over the canyon at the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint.

5. The Peruvian Amazon

The Peruvian Amazon is a vast region of tropical rainforest that is home to incredible biodiversity. Two of the main access points are Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado.
Iquitos, located in the north of Peru, is the largest city in the world that cannot be accessed by road. From here, you can embark on an Amazon adventure that includes exploring the Amazon rivers, hiking jungle trails, visiting indigenous communities, and spotting wildlife such as pink dolphins, monkeys, and exotic birds. On the other hand, Puerto Maldonado , located in the southeast of Peru , is another gateway to the Amazon jungle. Here, you can explore the Tambopata National Reserve and the Manu National Park , which are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna species. You will be able to take walks in the jungle, boat rides on the rivers, bird watching and, possibly, encounters with indigenous communities.

6. Paracas and the Ballestas Islands

Paracas, located on the southern coast of Peru, is a national reserve that offers stunning desert landscapes and a wide variety of marine life. The Paracas National Reserve is known for its rock formations, such as the Cathedral and the Amphitheater, which rise from the ocean. A must in Paracas is a tour to the Ballestas Islands, which is accessed by boat from the port of Paracas. These islands are known as the " Galapagos of Peru " due to their abundant marine life. During the tour, you will be able to see sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, cormorants and a variety of migratory birds.

7. The northern beaches

The north coast of Peru has beautiful beaches bathed by the warm Pacific Ocean. Máncora, located in the Piura region, is one of the most popular beaches in the country. It is known for its long white sand beaches, perfect waves for surfing and a lively nightlife. Punta Sal, also in the Piura region, is famous for its luxurious resorts and relaxed atmosphere. Here you will find beaches with crystalline waters ideal for swimming and enjoying water activities such as snorkeling and kayaking .

Zorritos , located in the Tumbes region, is another prominent beach destination. Its beautiful beaches, surrounded by palm trees and exuberant vegetation, are perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sun. In addition, you can take excursions to observe humpback whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.

These are just a few highlights of each location. Peru has much more to offer in terms of history, culture, nature, and adventure. Hopefully this information helps you plan your vacation in Peru!