Peru is a fascinating country with so many incredible places to see. From unforgettable historical monuments to truly off the beaten track diamonds, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best spots you should add to your itinerary when visiting Peru!
The ancient Kuelap citadel, perched on a lofty plateau high above the Uctubamba Valley is one of northern Peru’s most spectacular archaeological sites. It’s also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Peru thanks to the breathtaking views it offers from its summit.
Machu Picchu
Located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is one of Peru’s most famous landmarks. Known for its spectacular architecture, it’s also an important historical and cultural treasure that’s been attracting visitors from all over the world since 1911, when American explorer Hiram Bingham rediscovered it.
Considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it’s a must-see when visiting Peru. You’ll be amazed at the stunning beauty of the ruins, which are surrounded by mountain peaks and the Urubamba River below.
The ruins are made up of more than 150 buildings ranging from baths and houses to temples and sanctuaries. Some of the most popular attractions include the Inca Bridge, which is considered to be one of the best-preserved ancient bridges in the world.
The ruins are open year-round, but it’s best to visit in the off-season. October through February is often less crowded and can be a great time to take pictures.
Lake Titicaca
A colossal freshwater lake, Lake Titicaca sits on the border of Peru and Bolivia. It is recognized as one of the largest and highest navigable lakes in the world, and it is also known for its islands, ancient cultures and azure skies.
As you sail through its various natural and artificial islands, you’ll see how different cultures co-exist in harmony on this mystical Andean body of water. You can find luxury hotels, homestays and lodges in this stunning natural environment.
The best way to explore this incredible place is through a guided tour, but you can also book a self-guided tour. To experience the cultural diversity of Lake Titicaca, choose an island homestay where you’ll have the opportunity to participate in community activities and get to know locals’ unique culture.
On the Peruvian side, you’ll also find the famous floating islands of Uros, built by the Uru people from layers of cut totora reeds that grow abundantly in the lake’s shallow waters. But these are not the only islands to visit on Lake Titicaca – you can also visit Amantani, Taquile (both in Peru) and Sun and Moon Island in Bolivia.
The Nazca Lines
If you want to see a group of geoglyphs etched into the desert, look no further than the Nazca Lines. These etchings are located in an arid coastal area of Peru and include animal, plant, geometric and humanoid designs.
- These glyphs are about 2,000 years old and can be seen from the air. These flights take about 30 minutes and are usually accompanied by a bilingual guide to help you appreciate the beauty of these carvings.
- The lines were first discovered on foot in 1927 but it was only with the increased use of airplanes in the 1930s that they started to be more well-known and attract multiple tourists each year.
- The lines have been attributed to different purposes, with the most common being that they were used as a celestial marking system for the solstices and other celestial events. But recently, new research suggests that these lines may have been used as a sort of map to find and reach ritual sites. Some scholars have suggested that they were also used to ask the gods for water, a valuable commodity in this arid region.
Lima
Lima is Peru's capital city and a great place to visit. Its historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's the perfect spot to wander around, exploring its old buildings.
The historic district of Lima is also home to many of the city's most important landmarks, including the Plaza de Armas. This beautiful public space was picked by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro as his city's center in 1535, and it's surrounded by palaces that date back to the 16th century.
If ancient monuments are more your thing, head to Huaca Pucllana, an adobe pyramid built around 500 that's thought to have served as the ceremonial and administrative center of early Lima culture. The complex also has a small museum filled with artifacts.
