I had dreamed of visiting Peru ever since I first saw photos of Machu Picchu years ago. The Inca civilization captivated me, and I wanted to so badly visit the mysterious archeological site that the Inca abandoned. I finally fulfilled that dream when I traveled through Peru for three incredible weeks. Machu Picchu inspired me to visit Peru, but Peru is so much more than Machu Picchu. You would be doing yourself a huge disservice if you traveled to Peru and only saw Machu Picchu. Here are the places you have to visit in Peru!

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Places You Have to Visit in Peru

1. Lima, Peru

If you’re flying into Peru, chances are that you’re flying into the Lima airport! Although Lima is an entry point to Peru, you’d be amiss if you didn’t spend time in this vibrant city. Lima is full of delicious cuisine in all corners, stunning cliff views in Miraflores, history in Central Lima, and colorful street art in Barranco.

Here are places in Lima that you cannot miss out on:

• Historic Center of Lima (Centro Histórico):
  • Plaza de Armas: The main square surrounded by important buildings such as the Government Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, and the Archbishop’s Palace.
  • San Francisco Monastery: Known for its catacombs and beautiful colonial architecture.
• Barranco District: You’ll find murals all over the Barranco district as well as colorful buildings and unique architecture. If you simply wander around the Barranco district, you might find some surprises and hidden gems.
  • Bridge of Sighs (Puente de los Suspiros): A romantic spot with a charming bridge.
  • Bajada de los Baños: A bohemian district with art galleries, cafes, and bars.
• Miraflores District: This is a very popular tourist area in Lima and a central spot for shopping and dining.
  • Larcomar: A shopping center built into the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
  • Grau Miraflores Park: Clifftop park with scenic ocean views and palms
  • Parque del Amor: Landscaped park overlooking the ocean with a huge kissing sculpture, mosaic walls, and food vendors.
  • Parque Kennedy: A popular park with markets, street performers, and many friendly cats.
• Larco Museum (Museo Larco): Houses an impressive collection of pre-Columbian art, including pottery, textiles, and gold.
• National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History of Peru: Located in Pueblo Libre, it offers a comprehensive overview of Peru’s history.
• Magic Water Circuit (Circuito Mágico del Agua): Parque de la Reserva is a large park with uniquely shaped hedges and water fountains that come to life at night through a light and water show. It is a can-not-miss experience. Get your tickets here!

Check out these fun tours in Lima, Peru!

2. Huacachina (Ica, Peru)

Huacachina is a desert oasis with a lagoon in the center surrounded by restaurants, bars, and lodging.

You can also easily do a day trip from Lima to Huacachina – check out a tour from Lima here.

It is well worth a visit to spend some time in the sun and enjoy some fun activities such as sand-boarding and dune buggying.

My favorite part was climbing the sand dunes and watching the sunset over the small town. I recommend spending at least a day here!

3. Laguna 69 (Huaraz, Peru)

Laguna 69 is the most beautiful lake I’ve seen so far in all my travels, but it was also the most difficult hike I’ve ever done. The hike takes over 5 hours roundtrip, covers 7.5 miles, and reaches an altitude of over 15,000 feet, but the view was completely worth it. It is one of the many lakes in the Cordillera Blanca region of Peru. Click here for my guide on hiking Laguna 69

4. Paracas National Reserve & Ballestas Island (Paracas, Peru)

Paracas National Reserve is where the desert meets the sea. The views are incredible! There are unique rock formations as well as sweeping views of the ocean. Additionally, I spent a night in Paracas and did a tour of the Ballestas Islands off the coast of Peru. Ballestas Island is known as the “Poor Man’s Galapagos” and for good reason! I saw so many birds, sea lions, and penguins, and the boat tour was very cheap. The tours typically last 2 hours and depart from San Martin Port in Paracas in the mornings.

5. Arequipa, Peru

Peru’s second most populous city, Arequipa, is known as the “White City” because its buildings are made from white stone. The city is surrounded by three volcanoes and it boasts a rich cultural heritage, historic architecture, and stunning natural landscapes. It is also well-known for its established culinary scene. You have to indulge in the local cuisine, including dishes like rocoto relleno, adobo, and the famous dish called “chupe de camarones” (shrimp chowder).

Here are some places you cannot miss in Arequipa:

• Santa Catalina Monastery (Monasterio de Santa Catalina): Exploring this well-preserved monastery, a city within a city, with colorful streets, plazas, and historic buildings was a highlight of my time in Arequipa
• Arequipa Cathedral: You have to visit the main cathedral located on the Plaza de Armas, featuring a mix of architectural styles and stunning arches.
• Plaza de Armas: Enjoy the main square, surrounded by colonial buildings and featuring a beautiful fountain, where you can people-watch, shop, and dine.
• Museum of Andean Sanctuaries (Museo Santuarios Andinos): Discover the fascinating exhibits, including the mummy of “Juanita,” a young Inca girl sacrificed on a nearby volcano.
• Yanahuara District: Walk through the charming streets of Yanahuara and enjoy the scenic viewpoint with views of Misti Volcano.
• Volcano Misti: Consider hiking or taking a tour to the Misti Volcano for spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes.
• La Compañía Church (Iglesia de la Compañía): Admire the Baroque-style architecture and beautiful frescoes in this Jesuit church.
• Claustros de La Compañía: Next to La Compañía Church is an exquisitely preserved 18th-century cloister converted to a complex of shops and cafes.

6. Ruta del Sillar

Another site you cannot miss in Arequipa is Ruta del Sillar! It is only about 30 minutes outside of the historical center of Arequipa and worth venturing out of the city center. Arequipa is known as the “White City” due to the white volcanic rock or “sillar” used in the buildings around the city. You can visit Ruta del Sillar to see the quarries and witness the extraction of sillar.

The best way to see Ruta del Sillar is by booking a guided tour from Arequipa!

7. Colca Canyon

Hours away from Arequipa, lays one of the deepest canyons in the world! If you’re visiting Peru, you have to visit Colca Canyon. It is a stunning natural attraction that can’t be missed! You can choose to do a day trip from Arequipa or go on am overnight tour.

Hiking and trekking is also very popular in this area. Colca Canyon offers various trekking routes, ranging from short hikes to more extended multi-day treks. The Colca Canyon trek is a challenging but rewarding experience, allowing you to explore the canyon’s diverse landscapes.

Here are highlights of Colca Canyon:

• Condor Cross (Cruz del Condor): This is a popular viewpoint along the canyon where you can witness the majestic Andean condors soaring on the thermal currents. It’s best to arrive early in the morning for the best chance to see these impressive birds.
• Chivay: The main town near Colca Canyon, Chivay serves as a gateway to the canyon. It has hot springs, a market, and is a good base for exploring the area.
• Cabanaconde: This is a small village at the edge of the canyon and serves as a starting point for some of the trekking routes. The town itself has a charming atmosphere and offers beautiful views of the canyon.
• Hot Springs (La Calera): Relax in the natural hot springs near Chivay, known as La Calera. It’s a perfect way to unwind after a day of trekking and enjoy the surrounding landscapes.

Regardless of whether you want to do a day trip, an overnight trip, or a trek, the best way to see Colca Canyon is by booking a guided tour!

8. Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is a large, deep lake located in the Andes on the border of Peru and Bolivia. It is considered one of the highest navigable lakes in the world, sitting at an elevation of about 12,507 feet above sea level.

It is known for its stunning scenery and cultural significance and is surrounded by picturesque landscapes and is dotted with several islands, some of which are inhabited. The lake has been a vital part of the Andean cultures for centuries, and it is associated with various myths and legends.

The Uros people, who live on floating islands made of totora reeds, are one of the indigenous groups that inhabit Lake Titicaca. Additionally, Taquile Island and Amantani Island are known for their indigenous communities that have preserved their traditional ways of life.

Check out these guided tours around Lake Titicaca!

9. Cusco, Peru

Filled with delicious cuisine, Incan sites, grand churches, and panoramic views, Cusco was one of my favorite places in Peru. I recommend spending at least 3 days here to take it all in. Some of my favorite spots include Qorikancha, Cathedral of Santo Domingo, Plaza de Armas, Sacsayhuaman, Museo Inka, San Blas district, and the San Pedro market. I also went chocolate tasting, window-shopped, and wandered aimlessly around the historic center. I loved the laid back atmosphere of Cusco. This is one of those places I’d visit over and over again!

A great way to learn about the history of the city is by taking a half-day guided tour of Cusco!

Cusco is also the starting point for the iconic Inca Trail, leading to the ancient city of Machu Picchu. The city itself offers a blend of Inca and Spanish colonial architecture, making it a fascinating destination for history and culture enthusiasts.

10. Rainbow Mountain

Only a short day trip from Cusco, Rainbow Mountain is a fitting name for this colorful part of the Willkanuta Mountain Range. Recently, Rainbow Mountain has become one of the most popular places to visit in Peru.

I found this hike much easier than Laguna 69 (though that may be because I was much more acclimatized to the altitude at this point). The hike isn’t very long (2 hours) and is mostly flat the entire way. However, the altitude does reach over 17,000 feet so I would not suggest doing this hike before you’ve spent a few days in Cusco and become acclimatized to a higher altitude. You can book a guided tour from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain! Read more on how to visit Rainbow Mountain here.

11. Sacred Valley

Sacred Valley is a lush, green region of Peru with Incan ruins scattered throughout the area. This area was prized by the Inca for its fertile lands, and today, it is a great place to learn about how the Inca used to live. It is a place filled with a lot of culture and history.

There are many Inca sites in this area, and you can buy a Sacred Valley tourist pass for admission to the sites you want to visit. If you want to visit these sites yourself, there are three circuits that cover different sites (or you could purchase the pass that covers all three circuits). I chose to purchase Circuit #3 which covered Ollantaytambo, Pisaq, Chinchero, and Moray. These Inca sites are some of the most historically significant places in Peru.

Another option is to do a Sacred Valley Guided Tour!

12. Salineras de Maras (Maras, Peru)

Salineras de Maras is located in the Sacred Valley region near Cusco and is made up of salt pools carved into the mountain. It is quite a sight to see as there are over 3,000 salt pools, but don’t go into a non-permitted area as locals still harvest salt from these pools. The entrance fee is 10 soles, and you can only pay using cash (no foreign currency or card) if you’re going by yourself.

A great way to see Salineras de Maras is actually doing a day tour and seeing other Sacred Valley sights!

13. Machu Picchu

Last but not least…Machu Picchu. I don’t think much needs to be said about visiting this Wonder of the World. This site gets more visitors than any of the other places in Peru, so you need to be prepared for your visit whether it is through a group tour, a guided trek, or self visit in order to get the most out of your visit. Click here for my guide on visiting Machu Picchu and what it was like visiting Machu Picchu!

Make sure to get your Machu Picchu ticket here in advance!

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