12 Of The Very Best Places To Visit In Peru (Your Ultimate Trip Planning Guide)

With dozens of incredible places to visit in Peru, this mesmerizing country promises both adventure and unforgettable experiences.

High up in the majestic Andes, we can explore ancient Inca temples in Cusco, as well as spot soaring condors over the Colca Canyon in Arequipa. Extravagant dining and charming fishing villages await along the Pacific Coast, with Lima and Trujillo the main hotspots for a vacation. Then we have the diverse Amazon Jungle, where gateway cities like Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado allow us to spot exotic animals such as Pink River Dolphins, swinging monkeys and even the elusive jaguar.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the very best places to visit in Peru, and why each deserves a place on your itinerary. As well as showing you how to create your perfect trip, we’ll also answer your most frequently asked questions later in this article.

12 Of The Very Best Places To Visit In Peru

Cusco 

The former beating heart of the mysterious Inca empire, Cusco is steeped in both ancient history and beautiful mountain vistas. Within this popular Andean city, we can explore the colonial Qorikancha Temple and nearby Saqsayhuamán Ruins, before wandering the charming streets of the San Blas district. Cusco is also the gateway into the beautiful Sacred Valley region, and between days of city exploring and relaxing we can visit the ice-blue Humantay Lake, the unique circular ruins of Moray as well as the ancient Inca towns of Ollantaytambo and Pisac, which have their own sites that are worth visiting.

Lima

Peru’s sprawling capital, Lima is where the country’s deep and colorful past meets modern sophistication and world-class cuisine. Miraflores is the perfect place to base yourself within Lima, which sits right on the Costa Verde overlooking the Pacific. Here we can visit the famous Huaca Pucllana pyramid, stroll along the malecón as well as dine in world-acclaimed restaurants like those of Central and Maido. The nearby Historic Center is where we can find some of the very best things to do in Lima, such as visiting the San Francisco Catacombs, exploring the Larco Museum as well as going for a stroll in the Plaza de Armas.

Iquitos

The main gateway into the Peruvian Amazon, Iquitos is the perfect place for those who want to head deep into the rainforest and see all kinds of exotic wildlife. It’s here where we can board a luxury Amazon River cruise through the region, watching pink river dolphins playing around the boat as well as groups of capuchin and squirrel monkeys swinging from the treetops. Iquitos is also known for its cultural significance, where indigenous tribes such as the Bora still remain in the area, and here we can visit their villages and learn how they keep ancestral traditions alive in today’s modern world.

Machu Picchu

One of the world’s New Seven Wonders Of The World, Machu Picchu is the stellar highlight of any trip to Peru. This ancient citadel is perched right above a jungle-covered mountain, once serving as both a royal estate and ceremonial center for the ancient Inca civilization. Despite its popularity, Machu Picchu is located in an isolated part of the lower Andes - which is why the Spanish Empire never discovered it. Thankfully getting here today is very simple, where we can either board one of the luxury trains from Cusco, or hike the formidable Inca Trail which was once the only way into Machu Picchu.

Arequipa 

Known as one of Peru’s most beautiful cities, Arequipa is a must-visit destination along any itinerary through this iconic South American country. An architect’s dream, Arequipa’s historic center is painted a sleek white that blankets colonial buildings and cathedrals, all of which are made out of volcanic sillar rock from the surrounding region. Between visiting the charming Yanahuara Mirador, dark red Santa Catalina Monastery and nearby Colca Canyon, you can enjoy typical Arequipeñan cuisine such as Lomo Saltado and a refreshing Queso Helado in top restaurants such as Chicha by Gastón Acurio.

Huacachina 

Did you know that between Peru’s Pacific Coast and towering Andes, we can find a scorching desert oasis town? Surrounded by towering orange dunes that measure as high as 500m, Huacachina is easily one of the most unique destinations that you can visit in Peru. The hot daytime temperatures are perfect for swimming in an outdoor pool in your luxury hotel, while we can also enjoy an evening tour of the Ica Desert for memorable sunset views over the giant dunes. Huacachina is only a few hours away from Lima - making it a perfect addition to your private luxury tour around Peru.

Punta Sal

Between hiking through the Amazon Rainforest and exploring the hidden Inca wonders of Peru’s Andes, a relaxing beach escape is the perfect way to relax and contemplate all the wonders you have seen so far on your vacation. The luxury resort town of Punta Sal in Peru’s far north is one of the very best places to hit the beach, where a tropical climate, classy atmosphere and comfortable sea temperatures are all waiting to welcome you. From choosing to stay in a 5-star all-inclusive resort to hiring your very own private beach bungalow, Punta Sal is guaranteed to provide the luxurious experience that you are looking for.

Huaraz

While most tourists only visit Cusco and Lake Titicaca, Peru’s Andes are home to many other wonderful destinations which aren’t as well-known. Huaraz is one of these, which sits at a high elevation of 3052m - and is a true winter wonderland paradise. Snowy peaks such as Nevado Mateo can be found throughout the Cordillera Blanca, as well as hikes to icy blue lagoons like those of Lake Parón and Lake 69 deep within the Huascarán National Park. While here, don’t forget to visit the Chavín de Huántar Temple - one of Peru’s most underrated pre-Inca ruins that dates back to 1200 BC.

Trujillo

Measuring just over 3000km in length, Peru’s Pacific Coast is bursting with culture, great beaches and fascinating history. Trujillo is one of Peru’s very best coastal cities, which is located roughly halfway between Lima and Punta Sal. Arguably Peru’s best seafood hails from here, and trying a local Ceviche in Trujillo is truly unmatched - while we can also find many delicious Peruvian desserts here. Staying in the beachside town of Huanchaco is best for tourists looking for a relaxing experience, where you can spend your days strolling the beautiful malecón, learning about the ancient Totora-Reed fishing boats still used today as well as visiting the epic Moche ruins of Chan Chan.

Puerto Maldonado

Located within the remote Madre de Dios region which borders Brazil, Puerto Maldonado offers a different kind of Amazon experience to Iquitos - and is one of the most biodiverse areas of the entire jungle in South America. Beautiful Oxbow Lakes are perfect for watching giant river otters dive above and below the surface, while black caiman are a regular sighting along the river banks. Deep within the Tambopata Rainforest we can visit clay licks to see exotic macaw parrots and parakeets, while a stay at the luxury Inkaterra Amazon Reserve promises high chances of spotting a jaguar.

Chachapoyas 

One of the lesser-visited destinations on our list, Chachapoyas is the perfect stop for seeing giant waterfalls, towering jungle mountains and exploring its unique ancient past. Gocta Waterfalls is a must to see giant crashing cascades, while the more remote Yumbilla Falls - whose falls measure a total height of 812m - is the overall fifth tallest on our planet. Between enjoying the charming culture and pretty streets of Chachapoyas town itself, you’ll also want to visit Kuelap Ruins and the Karají Sarcophagi - which paint a vivid picture of the immense Chachapoyas culture who once thrived in these wild mountains.

Lake Titicaca

The highest navigable lake on planet Earth, Lake Titicaca sits at an altitude of 3810m - and is simply a stunning place to visit in Peru. Located in the south on the border with Bolivia, it’s here where we can visit the tiny floating Uros Islands which are made entirely from totora reed, and are home to several different indigenous groups such as the Uru-Iruito. From the port-side city of Puno we can also take boats out to the picturesque Taquile Island, while the Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna are home to many interesting ancient shrines and temples.

How To Tailor Your Trip Properly And Visit The Best Places In Peru

As we have seen above, Peru is full of all kinds of exciting, unique and culturally-rich destinations. Your biggest challenge from here will be fitting your top choices into your Peru vacation - and also in a way that’s comfortable and seamless as you explore this incredible South American nation.

We highly recommend spending at least 3-5 days in each major destination, such as those of Lima, Arequipa, Cusco and the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest. Not only does this allow plenty of time to visit all of the very best highlights without rushing, it will also give you time to really connect with each destination - whether that’s boarding the luxury Hiram Bingham Train to Machu Picchu from Cusco or relaxing on an unforgettable Amazon river cruise.

Here at the Luxury Peru Travel Company we specialize in crafting 100% tailored Peru vacations, where we knit adventure and memorable experiences along with luxury and seamless comfort. Get in touch with our expert team today, where we can create your dream Peru vacation exactly how you want it to be.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Places To Visit In Peru

Below we’ll now answer some of the frequent questions we get about the best places to visit in Peru, as well as anything else important that you need to know.

What Is The Prettiest Place In Peru?

While there are many beautiful places throughout Peru’s coastal, Andes and Amazon regions - Arequipa ranks as one of the overall prettiest. Volcanic white Sillar rocks are found all over the historic center’s buildings and main cathedral, while three towering volcanoes surround Arequipa and loom in the background. It’s also here where we can visit the beautiful red Santa Catalina Monastery, and explore its typical Andean, narrow, colonial cobblestone streets.

What Are The Top Three Places To Visit In Peru?

Cusco, Lima and the Amazon Jungle are often touted as the three very best places to visit in Peru. Cusco is the symbolic Andean heart of the country, full of ancient Inca creations like Machu Picchu and the spiraling Moray Ruins, while Peru’s capital of Lima fuses modern cosmopolitan vibes with Pacific heritage and incredible award-winning cuisine. The Amazon Jungle is like no other, where we can head on a luxury river cruise, unveil mysterious cultures and practices, and see exotic animals like pink river dolphins, monkeys and jaguars.

What Is The Most Visited Place In Peru?

Cusco remains the most visited place in all of Peru, with an estimated 1+ million tourists arriving annually. A staple along any luxury Peru vacation, Cusco serves as the main gateway to Machu Picchu - however this is not the only highlight of the region. Within the Sacred Valley region we can explore the incredible Inca Trail, glacial lagoons like Humantay, the multi-colored Rainbow Mountain - while back in Cusco we can visit colonial temples and cultural markets.

Overview Of The Best Places To Visit In Peru

And that’s all for this guide on the very best places to visit in Peru.

Full of all kinds of exciting and unique destinations, planning your trip around Peru is often one of the most fun parts before you head to this iconic South American country. And from visiting ancient ruins in Cusco and Lima, to exploring natural wonders like Lake Titicaca and the Huascarán National Park - Peru promises both cultural excellence and luxury-level comforts and experiences.

Are you ready to start planning your dream Peru vacation? Here at the Luxury Peru Travel Company we have decades of experience creating the most iconic Peru itineraries. Get in touch with us now - where our expert team will create the most seamless and unforgettable trip for you.