From the breathtaking peaks of the Andes to the dense jungle of the Amazon, Peru is a top destination for any traveller looking for adventure. Every year millions of tourists flock to explore the incredible tourist attractions of Peru and to discover the county’s ancient heritage.
But with so many places to choose from, selecting a definitive list of the top ten tourist attractions in Peru is no simple task. So we’ve deliberated, ruminated and cogitated to pick out ten of the best sights in Peru for visitors and, though we’ve often gone for the more obvious attractions, we’ve snuck in a couple of less recognisable places too…
Machu Picchu
Probably the most famous tourist attraction in Peru, Machu Picchu is one of the most extraordinary and breathtaking places to visit in the world. The lost city of the Incas is built on a ridge between two giant peaks, with near-vertical slopes dropping away on either side. Consisting of around 200 buildings, which include dwellings and temples, Machu Picchu was built 700 years ago and hidden by jungle since the 16th century, to be rediscovered by astounded explorers in 1911.
The Machupicchu archaeological complex is located in the department of Cusco, in the Urubamba province and district of Machupicchu. It is perched on the eastern slopes of the Vilcanota mountain range, a chain of mountains curtailed by the Apurimac and Urubamba Rivers. At latitude 13º7′ South and longitude 72035′ West of the Greenwich Meridian, Machupicchu is located at a height of 2,350 meters above sea level (main square).
Colca Canyon (Cañon del Colca)
Although it was once thought to be the deepest Canyon in the world, Colca Canyon (Cañon del Colca), twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, is the second deepest after nearby Cotahuasi Canyon. The canyon reaches a depth of 3,400 meters and is the result of a seismic fault between two volcanoes. At the base far below is a winding river.
The Colca Canyon area has been inhabited for thousands of years and was home to the Collagua, Cabana, and eventually the Inca peoples. Stone terracing along the canyon walls dates to AD 800 and is still in use today.
The Sacred Valley
Peru’s Sacred Valley of the Incas stretches between Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, and the legendary 15th-century city of Machu Picchu. Encompassing what was the fertile homeland of the Inca Empire (1438 to 1533), today the transcendent region – also known as the Urubamba Valley – is a quiet expanse of country that is steeped in Andean history and culture.
Less than an hour’s drive north of Cusco is the beautiful Sacred Valley and the towns of Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo. This fertile valley has many Inca ruins worth exploring but is also a peaceful area to spend some time wandering through markets or soaking up local culture. Some of the main highlights in the valley are the Pisac Ruins, the Sunday Market in Pisac (smaller market days are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays), and the ruins and fortress at the beautiful little town of Ollantaytambo.
Many visitors to Peru pass through the region quickly, jumping between Cusco and Aguas Calientes, the base town where many bookend a visit to Machu Picchu. But spending time in the Sacred Valley’s collection of small towns and archaeological sites offers both a glimpse into daily Peruvian life as well as a full picture of the accomplishments and operation of the once-glorious Inca Empire. Here, modernity and tradition are in equilibrium, with locals respectfully preserving their past, following many indigenous practices and observing centuries-old festivals and celebrations.
Arequipa’s Historical City Center
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
Arequipa, the second largest city in Peru, is situated in the south of the Peruvian Andes. It is also known as the “White City”, due to the volcanic rock (sillar) used to build the city’s houses and public buildings. The area around Arequipa holds innumerable tourism attractions, including the Colca Canyon and also the Cotahuasi Canyon, which is the deepest in the world. Colca Valley is an impressive natural setting due to the combination of agricultural terraces from Inca times and over a dozen towns founded in the 16th century.
Lima’s Plaza de Armas
Also called Plaza Mayor, this broad square is the historical center of Lima and the most logical starting point for sightseeing. Most of the buildings from the original city were lost in the earthquake of 1746 – the only original structure standing in Lima’s Plaza de Armas is the bronze fountain in the center, built in 1651.
Its buildings reconstructed following the quake, Plaza de Armas is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along with the cathedral, the square is surrounded by the Archbishop’s Palace; the Casa del Oidor; and the Palacio del Gobierno, official residence of the president that was built on the spot where Jose San Martín declared the Independence of Peru on July 28, 1821.
Ica and the Sand Dunes at Huacachina
For the sporting type looking to try something a little different, the oasis resort of Huacachina on the outskirts of Ica has just the answer. This picture-perfect, palm-fringed resort town just west of Ica, and technically still part of the municipality of Ica, is situated around a lagoon surrounded by huge sand dunes, some of which reach 1,000 meters in height. While they are beautiful to see, people come here to try out the sport of sandboarding.
Similar to snowboarding, sandboarding is surfing down the sand dunes on specially made sand-boards, which can be rented in the area. For the less coordinated, renting dune buggies is another great way to get out and enjoy the landscape.
Barranco
The quaint hillside district of Barranco, just south of Central Lima and Miraflores, is a charming area within easy commuting distance of downtown Lima. With unassuming colonial architecture lining the narrow streets and hillside ocean views, the area offers a much more relaxed pace than the city. The area has long been popular with artists and poets, giving it a Bohemian feel.
Cusco’s Architectural Treasures
Cusco was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and currently ranks among Peru’s most popular destinations. As a requisite stop before Machu Picchu, the city draws its fair share of visitors. But take the time to find your own pace amid the bustle and Cusco may prove to be the unexpected highlight of your trip to Peru.
Cusco city is located in the Huatanay valley in southeastern Peru. Alluvial soils deposited by highland rivers have made the site conducive to settlement by agricultural societies dating back 3,000 years.For good weather and fewer crowds, visit Cusco in the shoulder months of April, May, September or October.
To experience the vibrancy of Cusco’s cultural traditions, plan your trip to coincide with these festival dates:
- March/April (moveable date) – Semana Santa, Señor de los Temblores
- June – Corpus Christi and Inti Raymi
- July – anniversary of Machu Picchu, Peruvian independence
- December 24 – Santurantikuy (Christmas Eve handicrafts fair)
- December 31 – New Year’s Eve party on Plaza de Armas (popular destination for Peruvian tourists)
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