Peru: Top 20 best tourist places

In Peru, creating a “top” 20 list of its tourist attractions is not an easy task. With so much to see and experience in a country rich in diversity and thousands of years of history, where geographical, historical, and cultural elements come together to form exceptional destinations, it’s quite a challenge.

With this in mind, we present a list that highlights pre-Columbian archaeological sites, protected natural areas, UNESCO World Heritage sites, mountain ranges with sacred peaks, and other extraordinary locations that demonstrate that “Peru has it all,” as the saying goes.

We invite you to discover — through our words and images — the “top” 20 that await you in the ever-changing, magical, and biodiverse land of Peru. We look forward to welcoming you!

1. Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu 

It is Peru’s top tourist attraction and the pinnacle of pre-Hispanic architecture in South America. Built in the late 15th century under the orders of the Inca Pachacutec, Machu Picchu is a majestic citadel nestled in the high jungle mountains.

Regarded as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the “Old Peak” (as its name translates in Spanish) is more than just an archaeological site. The surrounding nature is breathtaking, home to a fascinating variety of flora and fauna that bring life to and enhance this forested sanctuary at 2,430 m a.s.l.

Visited annually by millions of tourists, this world-renowned destination is located in the province of Urubamba, a four-hour journey from Cusco by land and rail. It is also accessible via a section of the Inca Trail (4 days / 3 nights).

2. Chan Chan Archaeological Complex

A city of mud with 9 walled temples featuring zoomorphic representations. A coastal urban area spanning 20 km² that, at its peak, housed up to 100,000 people. This architectural marvel was the centre of power for the Chimú (700 to 1400 A.D.), a pre-Hispanic civilisation in northern Peru.

Chan Chan (meaning “Sun Sun” in Spanish) is archaeological proof that development in ancient Peru extended beyond the Andean region and the advanced social, military, and agricultural organisation of the Inca Empire.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, Chan Chan — located 5 kilometres from Trujillo (the capital of the La Libertad region) — is part of the Northern Circuit, a tourism proposal that links several archaeological sites, including the Huacas del Sol y la Luna.

3. Ballestas Islands

Peru is not just about plains and mountain ranges. Its desert coast is home to a diverse array of marine species. That’s what you’ll discover in the Ballestas Islands, a group of small islands off the coast of the Paracas Peninsula (Pisco Province, Ica Region).

Your adventure in the Peruvian Pacific will begin at the El Chaco fishing pier, where boats set sail for the Ballestas Islands. From the sea, you’ll have the chance to spot colonies of sea lions and otters, as well as Humboldt penguins, pelicans, red-legged cormorants, herons, and boobies, among other birds.

After your boat trip, explore the Paracas National Reserve. On your land excursion, you can visit the Julio C. Tello Site Museum, photograph flamingos in their natural habitat, relax on secluded beaches, and admire the striking geography of Peru’s coast, where desert meets sea.

4. Titicaca National Reserve

A legendary place with islands woven with totora reeds, with beaches that seem to be taken from the Caribbean and communities organized to welcome tourists. All this and much more in Lake Titicaca, which in its 8,300 km² of extension shared by Peru and Bolivia, houses 530 aquatic species of flora and fauna.

In Peru, Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world (3,812 m a.s.l.), is located in the Puno region. In the city of the same name you will begin your journeys towards the islands of Uros, Taquile and Amantaní, the main sites of interest – but not the only ones – in this giant lake.

5. Nazca Lines and Geoglyphs

One of the greatest archaeological mysteries on the planet is located in Peru. Various theories — from earthly to cosmic and even interplanetary — attempt to explain the origin of the Nazca Lines, whose geoglyphs depict anthropomorphic, zoomorphic, and phytomorphic figures, as well as geometric shapes drawn in the 5th century B.C. across a 500 km² plateau.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, the enigmatic lines created by the Nazca people can only be fully appreciated from the air. This unique feature has led to various scientific and mystical interpretations, adding to their mysterious aura.

As you fly over the Nazca Plains (in the province of the same name, Ica Region), you’ll see with “drone’s eyes” the geoglyphs of the astronaut, the spider, the monkey, the hummingbird, the whale, the condor, and other images that may have served as an agricultural calendar or messages to pre-Columbian deities.

6. Historic Centre of Lima

It’s a tourist mistake to think of Lima as just a stopover. Founded on January 18, 1535, by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, Peru’s capital boasts a Historic Centre filled with churches, grand mansions, and convents that are true marvels of colonial architecture.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, the streets of old Lima lead you to monumental urban spaces such as the Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral, the Convent of San Francisco, the Government Palace, and the Jirón de la Unión, among other sites that transport you back in time.

Take advantage of your visit to explore Peruvian cuisine. The menu features delights like ceviche, lomo saltado, papa a la huancaína, and ají de gallina. For something sweet, try suspiro a la limeña, turrón de doña Peña, or the classic combination of arroz con leche and mazamorra morada.

7. Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park

Due to its proximity to the Historic Centre of Cusco (just 4 km away) and its massive limestone blocks weighing up to 200 tonnes each (equivalent to the weight of 30 elephants), the Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the ancient Inca capital.

Historian Humberto Vidal Unda suggests that Sacsayhuamán (3,399 m a.s.l.) served both religious and military purposes. It hosted rituals during solstices and equinoxes and featured a 30-metre high watchtower on its summit, according to the account of Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.

Covering 3,093 hectares, the archaeological park also includes other Inca sites such as Q’enqo, Tambomachay, and Puca Pucara, which will enrich your experience and offer deeper insights into the Andean world.

8. Sacred City of Caral

The mother culture and the cradle of Andean civilisation—that’s the historical significance attributed to Caral, a settlement that flourished between 3000 and 1800 B.C. in the Supe Valley, in the province of Barranca (Lima Region).

Studied by Peruvian archaeologist Ruth Shady, this ancient city will impress you with its circular plazas, pyramid-like structures, and irrigation system designed for agricultural development.

Visiting Caral, just 200 kilometres north of Lima (a 4-hour drive), is essential for understanding the origins of ancient Peruvian civilisations. Take the opportunity during your stay in the Peruvian capital to explore this archaeological site, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009.

9. Manu National Park

Rivers, forests, trails, starry skies. The Amazon, with its adventures and sightings: a caiman sunbathing, monkeys leaping between trees, otters fishing in a lagoon, macaws pecking salt at a salt lick, and the elusive footprints of a jaguar hidden in the undergrowth.

Manu, the national park and biosphere reserve, is a destination where you must navigate, walk, and explore beneath towering trees to witness some of the 5,000 species of flora and fauna — many of which are vulnerable or endangered — that thrive in this vibrant jungle.

Covering over 17,000 km² across the Madre de Dios and Cusco regions, Manu is the ancestral land of the Yora, Harakmbut, Mashko-Piro, Matsiguenka, and Wachipaeri, among other Amazonian communities. For this reason and more, it is essential to enter the park with an authorised operator.

10. Huaca Pucllana

Amidst the modern and sophisticated buildings of the tourist district of Miraflores in Lima, lies a pre-Inca archaeological site that has withstood urban development. This historic space serves as a reminder of the Peruvian capital’s heritage, inhabited long before the arrival of the Spanish.

Built with unfired clay bricks, Pucllana is the archaeological legacy of the Lima culture, which thrived between 100 and 700 A.D. After its decline, the Wari occupied this huaca. A visit will reveal its plazas, passageways, ramps, and even a 25-metre-high pyramid.

So, when you’re in Lima, make sure to visit Huaca Pucllana, located at General Borgoño Street S/N. After your tour, treat yourself to a gastronomic delight at the site’s restaurant, where you can enjoy sophisticated versions of classic Peruvian dishes.

11. Baños del Inca

Pachacútec, Tupac Yupanqui, Huáscar, and Atahualpa would set aside their concerns as rulers of the Tawantinsuyo in the waters of Pultumarca (“Hot Place” in Spanish). This was the original name of the Baños del Inca, the main tourist attraction in the city of Cajamarca, in northern Peru.

The Inca dignitaries would visit the baths to benefit from their healing properties and to undergo spiritual purification. History tells us that the first contact between Atahualpa and the Spanish conquistadors took place in these volcanic waters, with temperatures ranging between 70 and 75°C.

Nearby and easily accessible — just 6 kilometres from the centre of Cajamarca — the Baños del Inca is now a modern complex offering various services.

Make the most of your visit by exploring the Callqpuma rock paintings, located 2 kilometres from the thermal waters that once relaxed the children of the sun.

12. Santa Catalina Monastery

Founded in 1579 by Doña María de Guzmán, the first prioress and inhabitant of the monastery, this religious complex in Baroque and Renaissance style is a splendid example of colonial religious architecture in Arequipa, known as the “White City.“

The monastery, constructed with sillar blocks over an area of 20,000 m², features four cloisters, each with streets, plazas, and gardens. Due to its historical and architectural value, Santa Catalina was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

The cloisters of this city of faith are a living testament to the process of evangelisation of the Andean people and a symbol of the religious fervour of colonial Arequipa. Visit it at Santa Catalina Street #301.

13. Tambopata National Reserve

Due to its proximity to Puerto Maldonado, the capital of the Madre de Dios region, Tambopata is one of the most accessible and well-equipped destinations for exploring the biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest.

Covering an area of 274,690 hectares, Tambopata is home to 632 bird species, 169 mammals, 180 fish, 1,200 butterflies, and 103 reptiles. This vast biodiversity includes several species that are vulnerable or endangered, finding their last refuge in this forest.

One of the reserve’s star attractions is Sandoval Lake, a water mirror where you can observe various species of flora (such as Brazil nuts, bamboo, and aguaje) and fauna (including macaws, river otters, and monkeys). The experience is enhanced by a pleasant and serene boat ride that connects you with nature.

14. Vinincunca Mountain

It is one of the most popular spots in Cusco. Its recent fame can be attributed to its seven distinct colours, which stand out on the slopes and extend to the summit of this majestic mountain within the realm of the Apu Ausangate.

The “rainbow” of Vinicunca is due to the presence of various minerals, such as iron oxide (which creates red and orange hues), copper (which gives green tones), and other compounds that produce the yellow, blue, and violet shades, enhancing the mountain’s vibrant appearance in the Pitumarca district, Canchis Province.

Accessing Vinicunca is not easy. You’ll need to trek up to 5,200 m a.s.l. so acclimatisation to the altitude is essential. We recommend hiring the services of a local operator to ensure a more pleasant and safe experience.

15. Choquequirao Archaeological Park

An experience reserved for those who love hiking and exploring, the trek to Choquequirao involves 60 kilometres and four days of walking (round trip) along a winding trail that varies in incline and descent, altitude and depth, lush greenery and snow-capped peaks on the horizon.

This is the route to Choquequirao, the “Cradle of Gold” (its meaning in Spanish) and the last stronghold of Inca resistance. Built during the reign of Tupac Yupanqui, it bears striking similarities to Machu Picchu. During the Tawantinsuyu era, it was a strategic connection point between the Andes and the Amazon.

Located in the district of Santa Teresa (La Convención Province, Cusco), Choquequirao combines archaeology and nature. Its plazas, residential areas, and terraces (highlighted by the “llamas of the sun” carved in limestone) stand in a geographic area inhabited by the Andean fox, the condor, and the spectacled bear.

If you enjoy adventure, the “Cradle of Gold” is waiting for you. While you can undertake the trek independently, we recommend hiring the services of a local operator or guide for a more enjoyable and safe experience.

16. Huascarán National Park

Named after the highest mountain in Peru and the iconic peak of the Cordillera Blanca, this geographic region is home to 712 glaciers, 300 lakes, and 41 rivers that feed into the Pacific Basin. This natural space is inhabited by Andean wildlife such as condors, vicuñas, pumas, spectacled bears, and vizcachas.

Established in 1975 and covering an area of 340,000 hectares, the park is a destination for nature and adventure. Hiking and climbing are tempting activities here. The challenge is set, but don’t worry about the difficulty—there are trails suitable for both beginners and experts.

Huaraz, the capital of the Áncash Region, is the main starting point for exploring Huascarán (6,768 m). In the city, you will find specialized operators for trekking and mountaineering. You can also visit the main attractions independently, but always do so with care and caution.

17. Sacred Valley of the Incas

History, mysticism, archaeology, and scenic beauty near the imperial city of Cusco. These are some of the reasons that make this fertile valley and its array of pre-Hispanic towns, such as Pisac, Calca, Yucay, Ollantaytambo, among others, an exceptional tourist destination.

Due to its agricultural productivity and strategic location between Cusco and the jungle, the Sacred Valley was a significant administrative and religious centre for the Inca. The standing archaeological sites and terraced fields still in use are testaments to its remarkable past.

Located in the Urubamba Province, the valley will not only captivate you with its archaeological sites like Moray, Huchuy Qosqo, Pisaq, and Ollantaytambo, but your travel experience will also be enriched by other offerings, such as immersive tourism and a variety of adventure activities (hiking, cycling, rafting).

18. Gocta Waterfall

With its two powerful cascades reaching a total height of 771 metres, Gocta Waterfall is the third highest in the world. In 2002, German explorer Stefan Ziemendorff amazed the world by announcing his measurement of Gocta, locally known as La Chorrera.

Gocta is accessible from the villages of San Pablo de Valera, Cocachimba, and La Coca (in the Bongará Province, Amazonas Region), which can be reached by road from Chachapoyas, the regional capital (a 45-minute drive). From there, you will need to walk or ride a horse, with the distance varying depending on your starting point.

The trails are well-marked, and you’ll find various services in the villages, so your only concern will be to absorb the energy of nature and experience the power of Gocta’s waters.

19. Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum

In 1987, Peruvian archaeologist Walter Alva discovered the tomb of a Moche ruler from the 7th century A.D. at Huaca Rajada in Lambayeque. This find made global headlines as it was the first intact burial of such magnitude ever uncovered on Peru’s northern coast.

The Lord of Sipán was not alone in his tomb. His burial included the bodies of his concubines, a military leader, a soldier with amputated feet, a watchman, a child, a dog, and two llamas. Additionally, around 600 gold and silver objects and jewels accompanied him as part of his funerary goods.

Since 2002, the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum (Avenida Juan Pardo Vizcardo y Guzmán 895, Lambayeque) has housed the remains of the Moche dignitary and the valuable artefacts found at Huaca Rajada. Visiting its exhibits will provide insight into the significance and power of the pre-Hispanic civilizations of northern Peru.

20. Salkantay Mountain

In Andean cosmology, this apu of the Vilcabamba mountain range was believed to control the climate and agricultural fertility. Salkantay (6,271 m) was the most ancient and significant deity for the Incas, according to the chronicler Polo de Ondegardo. In its honour, the Sun worshippers performed rituals and made various offerings.

Centuries have passed, and although the conquerors imposed a new religion in the Andes, the reverence and affection for the mountains persist. Today, the Salkantay, in the province of La Convención, draws and attracts climbers who wish to conquer its summit via the standard route on its northeast face.

This is a challenge reserved for mountaineers. If you are not one of them, consider exploring the Salkantay trekking routes. These offer an alternative to the famous Inca Trail, winding its way towards the magnificent Machu Picchu.

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