Peru is a country of remarkable geographical diversity, defined by three regions: the desert coast, the Andean highlands and the Amazon jungle. This variety of ecosystems has led to a territory with deep cultural, historical, and natural richness, making it one of the most complete and visited destinations in South America.
The country's tourist offer is equally varied. While it is world-famous for its archaeological legacy, especially the Inca sites, Peruvian highlights also includes its famous Peruvian gastronomy considered one of the most important globally, its colonial cities, and its vast natural reserves. Each region offers different experiences, from high-mountain hiking to exploring Amazonian biodiversity.
For the traveler planning a first itinerary, the large number of options can be overwhelming. This guide aims to filter that diversity and focus on the 7 tourist places you must visit in Peru.
Below, the most essential destinations of this vast territory will be detailed:
Peruvian Amazon on your trip to Peru you are looking to explore the Amazon River basin, Iquitos is the main destination. This city, capital of the Loreto department, is the largest metropolis in the world that is not accessible by road. Its only connection with the rest of the country is by air (mainly from Lima) or by river, which makes it an "island" in the middle of the jungle. Iquitos has the most important river port in Peru, connecting with other Amazonian cities like Leticia (Colombia) and Manaus (Brazil).
A stay of 3 to 5 days is recommended for a complete experience. The main attraction of Iquitos is not the city itself, but its function as a gateway to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, one of the largest and most biodiverse protected areas in the country. The tours generally involve staying in ecolodges located on the banks of the river or its tributaries. From there, boat excursions are organized for wildlife observation, such as pink dolphins, manatees, monkeys, and an immense variety of birds, as well as night walks. Within the city, a visit to the floating neighborhood of Belén and its market offers a cultural perspective on Amazonian life.
Machu Picchu is the most visited archaeological site in Peru, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. This Inca citadel, built in the 15th century, is located at 2,430 meters above sea level, in a mountainous location in the province of Urubamba, above the Vilcanota River canyon. Its architecture and engineering, perfectly integrated with the landscape, are divided into an agricultural zone (terraces) and an urban zone (temples, plazas, and residences).
Access to the citadel is from the town of Aguas Calientes, which is commonly reached by train. The visit to Machu Picchu is strictly regulated for its conservation. Entry is managed through tickets that must be bought months in advance, which specify a specific entry time and a pre-established one-way circuit. It is no longer possible to tour the site freely. Inside the citadel, it is common to see llamas; these domestic animals were reintroduced to help control the vegetation on the terraces and have become a characteristic element of the place.
Lake Titicaca, located in the Puno region, is the highest navigable lake in the world (approximately 3,812 masl) and a key cultural destination. The lake excursions leave from the port of Puno and focus on visiting its islands. The standard tourist route includes visit the islands of Uros and Taquile. The Uros islands are a group of artificial floating islands, built with totora (reed) by the Uru community. Taquile Island, on the other hand, is a natural island known for its textile art, recognized by UNESCO.
Besides these islands, the Titicaca experience can be expanded with a visit to Amantaní Island, where it is possible to do homestay tourism, staying overnight with local families. In the surroundings of Puno, you can also find important archaeological sites, like Sillustani, a complex of funeral towers (chullpas) from the Kolla and Inca cultures. Given its border location, Puno is also the main land crossing point to Copacabana and La Paz, in Bolivia.
Known as the "White City" because its historic center is built with sillar (a white volcanic stone), Arequipa is one of the most beautiful places in Peru. Its historic center was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Among its main attractions are the Plaza de Armas and its impressive Basilica Cathedral. A visit to the Santa Catalina Monastery is also essential, a religious citadel of more than 20,000 square meters that functioned as a cloistered convent for centuries.
Besides its architectural value, Arequipa has a strategic location. It is the starting point for excursions to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world and a key place for sighting the Andean condor. Also, its altitude (2,335 masl) makes it an ideal stop for gradual acclimatization before going up to higher altitude destinations like Cusco (3,400 m) or Puno (3,800 m).
The Huacachina Oasis is a lagoon surrounded by palm trees in the middle of high sand dunes, located just 5 kilometers from the city of Ica, in the coastal desert of southern Peru. This destination has established itself as the main center for adventure tourism in the desert. The main activities are focused on high-speed tours in sand buggies (buggies) and the practice of sandboarding (riding down on a board) on the dunes.
Given its closeness to the city of Ica, the visit to Huacachina is complemented by a tour of the region's wineries and vineyards, which is the center of Pisco (the national spirit) and wine production in Peru. The climate in this area is warm and dry all year round, which allows visiting it in any season.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a large river valley formed by the Urubamba River, located northeast of the city of Cusco. Its main feature, besides its historical importance as an agricultural and strategic center of the Tahuantinsuyo, is its lower altitude compared to Cusco (averaging between 2,700 and 2,900 meters above sea level). This milder climate condition makes it an ideal place for travelers to acclimatize before going up to higher altitude destinations.
Although the valley is made up of many towns and archaeological sites, tours and visits usually focus on three main points. Pisac is known for its large archaeological complex, which overlooks the valley with an impressive system of andenes (terraces), and for its craft market. Ollantaytambo is famous for its imposing fortress-temple, which shows some of the finest examples of Inca stonework, and for being the only town that keeps its original Inca urban layout; also, it is the main train station to leave for Machu Picchu. Finally, Chinchero offers views of the Andean plain, a colonial church built on an Inca palace, and is a well-known textile center where local communities show their traditional weaving techniques.
Lima, the country's capital, closes this list of tourist places that you must visit in Peru. It is the main international entry point for most travelers and has established itself as one of the most important gastronomic capitals in the world. Visitors can taste iconic dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado, or causa limeña in a wide range of restaurants, from local markets to establishments of world-renowned chefs. The modern districts of Miraflores (known for the Love Park and its views of the Pacific Ocean) and Barranco (the bohemian neighborhood, with its art galleries and the Bridge of Sighs) are the main centers of tourist and hotel activity.
Beyond its modernity and its culinary offer, Lima has a deep historical legacy that covers from pre-Inca times to the colonial period. Its Historic Center, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, preserves impressive architecture around its Plaza Mayor, including the Cathedral and the Convent of San Francisco. In addition, the city is home to very important pre-Inca archaeological sites, such as the Huaca Pucllana in Miraflores. For a complete understanding of the country's history, visiting its museums is essential, highlighting the Larco Museum, famous for its collection of pre-Columbian art.
Now that the 7 essential destinations have been presented, the next step is to connect them in a logical itinerary. Organizing the route is, in fact, the most important challenge when planning a trip to Peru. The country's vast geography and the long distances between the regions (Coast, Highlands, and Amazon) make transportation a key factor. However, the most critical factor that must define your itinerary is altitude acclimatization. A poorly planned itinerary that does not respect a gradual ascent can lead to serious problems with altitude sickness (soroche).
The most popular and logistically most efficient route for a first trip is the "Classic Southern Circuit". This itinerary is designed to follow a stepped ascent in altitude, which makes it the safest and most recommended option.
It is essential to note that Iquitos (104 masl), one of the 7 destinations mentioned, is not part of the southern circuit. Iquitos is located in the northern Amazon and has no land connection with Lima or Cusco. It is a "geographical island" that can only be accessed by air or river. Therefore, a trip to Iquitos must be planned as a separate segment, usually flying round trip from Lima at the beginning or at the end of the main itinerary.
If you only have 7 to 10 days, trying the complete southern circuit is not realistic. In this case, the itinerary must focus exclusively on the Cusco region. The logical route is:
Peru offers fascinating experiences that reveal natural landscapes, historical monuments, and living cultures, captivating those who seek adventure and discovery in every corner of its territory. Get to know the most outstanding tours:
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If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
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