Best Places to Visit in Peru, Top Attractions

Peru is a country of history, culture, beauty, and adventure, with a full spectrum of possibilities for travelers. The ancient Inca City of Machu Picchu is one of the highlights of any trip to South America, but there is much more to discover throughout Peru. You can take a boat trip on the highest navigable lake in the world, look out over one of the deepest canyons in the world, try your luck sandboarding in the dunes, hike in the Andes, or fish for piranha in the Amazon. Other attractions and things to do in Peru include exploring the mysteries of the Nazca lines, walking through ancient ruins in the Sacred Valley, or experiencing modern Peru while wandering the streets of Lima. The diversity of the landscape, the people, and the experiences here make Peru one of the most unique destinations on the continent. Find the best places to visit with our list of the top tourist attractions in Peru. Peru, the most famous attraction for tourist in South America, is a land of intricate weavings. Home to the Peruvian highlights and the ancient settlements of Pre-Colombian culture, Peru has been glorified as a destination for its mystical diversity. With no doubt, Peru is the bliss of nature that draws tourists to explore its myriad of attractions. There are adventures lined up to challenge your courage and food that could savour your appetite. Those ruins in the archaeological sites are a significant point of interest that lures the vacationers to dig dipper in its past. There are places to visit in Peru like museums, the dunes and peaks, the islands and the green rolling hills, adding on diversity that makes it one destination where there is a plethora of natural delight. With landscapes ranging from mountains and jungle to sea, Peru has activities and experiences that are as varied as its terrain. From sky-high Inca ruins to remnants of pre-Hispanic civilizations once buried beneath desert sands, these are the best places to visit in Peru. 

#1- Colca Canyon
Colca Canyon, one of the top attractions in Peru, is a destination where there is extreme beauty of nature. The canyon of the Colca river is one of the deepest canyons in the world that is measured to a depth of 3270 meters. This natural wonder is home to such diversity that you won't find elsewhere in the world. With the vegetation of Andean, Colca Canyon is blessed with charismatic beauty. Not limiting the features to panorama and landscape, the canyon hosts multiple adventure and thrilling activities. So can either choose to admire the serenity with clear sky. Colorful valleys and Andean condor, of the Canyon offers an adrenaline experience if you are planning to visit the place in June. Enjoy the thriller river rafting or biking in the mountains, hiking the terrains, or horseback riding. The Colca Canyon has natural thermal pools where you can bathe and relax after your long hiking day. Don't miss out on cultural Experience at the Canyon. The local people dressed in Andean attire are too welcoming and friendly. The hospitality and warmth of their culture have made Colca Canyon one of the major attractions in Peru.

#2- Huaraz
One of the best cities to visit in Peru is definitely Huaraz especially for people who love outdoor activities and adventures. Huarascán National Park is one of the major attractions here which is well-known for Huarascán mountain, the highest peak in the tropics, standing at a height of around 6768 meters above sea level. Trekking to the national park is probably the best adventure to try out here. The high mountain ranges and the picturesque landscape of Huaraz makes it an enthralling city to click ample of photographs and also to indulge in myriad of adventures like mountain biking, trekking, hiking, climbing and a lot more. One can go for a four days trek to the famous Llanganuco Lakes or take up Santa Cruz trek. The list of Peru attractions is definitely incomplete without the mention of Huaraz, a famous hiking spot in the country.

#3- Lake Titicaca
The list of Peru tourist attractions will always be incomplete without the mention of Lake Titicaca which is one of the best places to visit in Peru. Offering a scenic backdrop, the lake also houses a man-made island called Uros Islands which is gorgeous piece of landscape. A variety of ruins can be found near Lake Titica as it is said to be the birthplace of Incas and is also considered one of the largest lakes in South America. Lake Titica is surrounded by mighty hills and rural villages and is also famed for being the highest navigable lake in the world set at a height of 3820 meters above sea level. 

#4- Mancora
One of the top places to visit in Peru for some real fun amidst nature, then head to Mancora where you will have a gala time enjoy the beach vibes and partying at the best cafes, pubs and restaurants in Peru. Once a small fishing village, Mancora is now a party and surfing town in Peru and has been gaining a lot of popularity recently. The weather here is pleasant most of time and perfect to enjoy sun on the beaches. Surf, sand and sun all can be enjoyed at one place in Mancora. Partying on the sandy beaches all night is the part and parcel of the local people of Mancora.

#5- Machu Picchu
One of the most unique places to visit in Peru is Machu Picchu from where spectacular views of the landscape can be enjoyed. The city of Machu Picchu stands at a height of 300 meters above the famous Urubamba River offering enchanting views of the jungle covered peaks and lush green valleys. Taking Inca Rail is one of the best ways to get to Machu Picchu as you will get enthralling views of the landscape through this rail journey. The weather in Machu Picchu is very temperamental, it can be bright and sunny at one moment and cloudy at the other, so make sure you dress accordingly when traveling to the site. 

#6- Huancayo
Another popular city in Peru that is located at an altitude of just under 11,000 Huancayo is an agricultural region widely popular for its pre-Inca ruins from the Wanka civilization. One can find more than 3000 houses in the city as part of the ruins here. With hiking, boat rides, and restaurants being one of the major attractions here, the place is worth a visit. Visitors can go hiking to the Huaytapallana glacier and do so around the Laguna de Paca lake. Interestingly, this is a city that rivals Lima directly for being the highest city in the country. In fact, the Ferrocarril Central Andino train that connects Lima with Huancayo is the second highest railway network in the world and the highest in South America.

#7- Piura
Considered to be one of the most popular places to visit in Peru, Piura has a number of serene beaches to its north that are highly popular amongst travelers. One can visit beaches like Mancora, Vichayito, and Punta Sal to witness the beauty and relax in the white sand here. Although not known amongst the best honeymoon places in the world, the city does have a vibe about it that compels you to visit here with your better half. One can only taste the regional cuisines here but can also experience the best of craftsmanship.

#8- Chiclayo
Nestled on the north side of the country and one of the best places to visit in Peru, Chiclayo is no short of a paradise for multiple reasons. Home to some of the most eye-catching places, the city features top of the line regional cuisines, amazing climatic conditions, and some top hotels in Peru. One can explore the marvelous archeological site and museums that are located in this part of Peru. Most notably, visitors can consider visiting the famous Royal Tomb of Sipan Museum or find the ancient artworks of Moche.

#9- Iquitos
Want to explore the Peruvian Amazon? Iquitos is the place for you. One of the finest destinations to visit on a holiday, Iquitos cannot be accessed by road. Nestled amidst the jungle, the city lies on the Amazon river. One can take a boat ride along the river or venture off into the jungle to discover the hidden wonders. Interestingly, this is a city where the old and new charm mix together. With cruise ships and canoes, modern bars alongside mansions, and old huts, there's a lot that the city of the Iquitos offers. Interestingly, as far as the food is concerned, Iquitos has the potential to be one of the best food destinations in the world with a mix of old and new cuisines in the region.

#10- Ayacucho
Ayacucho has a number of top tourist attractions in Peru. This is a city that has seen over 20,000 years of inhibition in its surrounding areas. With many popular archeological sites and mountains surrounding the city, Ayacucho has it all when it comes to spending a vacation in Peru. One can find gorgeous churches, colonial facades, buzzing streets and so much more. Interestingly, the streets in Ayacucho hold an amazing history behind them. This is, in fact, where a revolutionary movement started in the 80s and the 90s that attempted to overthrow the government at the time.