Peru Top 10 Attractions
Out of Peru's countless attractions, we have selected 10, which are also our personal favorites. Each place is unique and special in its own way, but one thing is common to them all: each offers breathtaking views.
1. Machu Picchu – Inca Trail
Machu Picchu is one of the most famous and spectacular architectural monuments of the Inca civilization, located in the Andes Mountains at an altitude of 2430 meters. The "lost city of the Incas" is invisible from below, from the Urubamba Valley, and is completely enclosed. It was built in the 15th century, probably during the reign of Inca Emperor Pachacuti, and remained hidden among the mountain peaks until 1911, when American explorer Hiram Bingham discovered it. The site's uniqueness lies in the precise craftsmanship of the stone structures and the terraced mountain slopes, considered examples of the engineering genius of the Incas. Visitors today can walk on one of the world's most beautiful archaeological sites, exploring temples, shrines and the famous Sun Gate.
2. Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines are located on Peru's southern coast, in the Nazca Desert, and were created by the ancient Nazca culture between 500 BC and 500 AD. These huge geoglyphs depict various shapes, including animals such as the monkey, hummingbird and spider, as well as geometric forms. The uniqueness of the lines is that they can only be seen in their entirety from the air, which remained a mystery to researchers for a long time. Although many theories have been proposed about their purpose, most believe they had religious or astronomical significance. The Nazca Lines are now part of the UNESCO World Heritage and are one of the most spectacular attractions for visitors to Peru.
3. Lima – City of Kings
Lima, Peru's capital and largest city, is a unique blend of historical heritage and modern development. Located at the foot of the Andes Mountains on the Pacific coast, the city attracts visitors with its rich historical past, cultural diversity and vibrant urban life. Lima's historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features beautiful colonial buildings such as Lima Cathedral and the San Francisco Monastery, as well as vibrant markets and museums. The city is also famous for its gastronomy, which is internationally recognized, and offers famous restaurants such as Central and Maido. Lima is the country's political, economic and cultural center, and an ideal starting point for Peruvian adventures.
4. Huacachina
Huacachina is a picturesque oasis in the Ica region of Peru, located about 5 kilometers inland from the Pacific coast, surrounded by huge sand dunes. The small town around the lake, known as a green oasis hidden among the sand dunes, became a popular resort in the early 20th century. Legend has it that the lake originated from the story of a beautiful girl who turned into a lake while fleeing from young hunters. Huacachina is particularly popular with adventure tourists, who can enjoy sandboarding among the dunes, buggy tours and beautiful sunsets. The vast expanse of surrounding sand dunes and the magical atmosphere of the place provide a special experience for visitors. In addition, the area provides stunning views of the beauty of the Peruvian desert and is a perfect place for nature and adrenaline lovers.
5. Cusco
Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, is one of Peru's most important and popular tourist destinations. Located in the Andes Mountains at an altitude of 3400 meters, the city is a fascinating blend of history, culture and architecture. Cusco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the remains of Inca architecture and Spanish colonial buildings blend harmoniously. In the center of the city is the famous Plaza de Armas, surrounded by imposing cathedrals and historic buildings. Cusco is known not only for its proximity to Machu Picchu, but also attracts visitors with the Sacred Valley, Inca temples and archaeological sites such as Sacsayhuamán. The city's vibrant culture, with its artisan markets, colorful festivals and rich gastronomy, provides deep insight into Peru's past and present.
6. Rainbow Mountain
Rainbow Mountain, locally known as Vinicunca, is one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the Andes, located near Cusco. The mountain's uniqueness lies in its colorful stratification, caused by the natural presence of various minerals. The red, yellow, green and blue shades provide a unique sight, as if the side of the mountain had been painted by a giant brush. Rainbow Mountain sits at 5200 meters above sea level and provides stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys for hikers. The area was long hidden by snow, but after melting, it became truly popular as a tourist destination a few years ago. The hike is tiring due to the altitude, but the colorful landscape and proximity to nature provide an unforgettable experience for those who love challenges and scenic beauty.
8. Humantay Lake
Lake Humantay is a fascinating tourist destination in the southern part of Peru, in the Cusco region, at the foot of the Andes Mountains. The lake is located near Mount Humantay, which is part of the world-famous Salkantay mountain range. The sparkling turquoise lake, fed by ancient glaciers, represents the unique beauty of nature and provides a magical sight for visitors. The trek to Lake Humantay usually requires several hours of walking, during which hikers can discover breathtaking landscapes, peaks and wild animals. At the beginning of the trek, starting from the city, for example from Mollepata, you can often reach the starting point of the trek by horse or off-road vehicles, then walk to reach the lake. Hiking can be challenging due to the high-altitude air, but the view and proximity to nature provide an unforgettable experience. The lake and surrounding mountains provide an ideal location for both photographers and nature lovers.
9. Arequipa
Arequipa, Peru's second largest city, is located in the southwestern Andes and is one of the country's most important cultural and economic centers. The city is often called the "White City" because many of its buildings are built of white volcanic stone, sillar, which gives it a unique appearance. Arequipa's historic center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts rich colonial architecture, including the imposing Arequipa Cathedral, the Santa Catalina Monastery, which is a huge, colorful monastic complex, and numerous baroque churches. The beautiful El Misti volcano, located near the city, is an integral part of the city's panorama and is a popular hiking destination.
10. Iquitos
Iquitos, Peru's largest city in the Amazon rainforest, is unique in that it can only be reached by boat or plane, as there are no land roads connecting it to the rest of the country. This special situation makes Iquitos one of the most exciting and isolated cities in the Amazon region. The Amazon region around Iquitos is one of the prime locations for ecotourism. From here, numerous rainforest lodges are easily accessible, where visitors can explore the Amazonian flora and fauna, including pink dolphins, monkeys, birds and exotic plants. The nearby Belen market also offers a special experience, where visitors can find local products, medicinal plants and handicrafts. Iquitos is a paradise for nature lovers seeking adventure, where they can discover Amazonian culture and natural wonders in the heart of the world's largest rainforest.
7. Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley (Valle Sagrado) is located in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, near Cusco, and was one of the most important agricultural, religious and cultural centers of the Inca Empire. The settlements in the valley – Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Maras, Moray – offer fascinating historical and natural attractions for visitors.
Pisac
Pisac is famous for its high-altitude Inca fortress and terraced farming systems. The city also attracts visitors with its colorful market, where local handicrafts and food can be purchased.
Urubamba
Urubamba is the central settlement of the valley, located among beautiful mountains. The city is a peaceful place for rest and an ideal starting point for exploring the rest of the valley. There are also some luxury resorts and wellness centers here.
Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is one of the best-preserved Inca cities, where the huge stone fortress and original Inca streets transport visitors back in time. The fortress was an important site of Inca resistance against the Spanish, and today offers stunning views of the surrounding valley. Ollantaytambo is also one of the starting points for the train route to Machu Picchu.
Maras
Maras salt pans are among the most unique attractions of the Peruvian Sacred Valley. These ancient salt pools extend on the mountainside and have been operating since Inca times. The uniqueness of the area is that water from an underground salt spring flows into the pools, which evaporates under the influence of the hot sun, leaving behind salt that local communities collect and process.
Moray
Moray is a fascinating archaeological site in the Peruvian Sacred Valley, which with its unique circular terraces was one of the most interesting agricultural experimental centers of the Inca civilization. The terraces sink deep into the ground, resulting in significant microclimatic differences at different levels. This allowed the Incas to test the cultivation of different plants under different conditions and develop new varieties.
