Tourist Attractions of Peru

14 Top Tourist Attractions of Peru

14 Top Tourist Attractions of Peru

Peru is among the most visited tourist attractions in South America with different attractions. The people, the diverse landscape, and the experiences in Peru designate it a unique identity. So, the tourist attractions of Peru are loaded with beauty, adventure, culture, history, and a complete spectrum of opportunities.

Therefore, the beauty of Peru is magnificent, having Lake Titicaca, glaciers, a natural oasis, and a mountain with rainbow colors dancing over it. You need not be a history lover to visit Peru. Peru is pinpointed on the west shore of the continent, thanks to all of the activities that make you intact your relaxation.

Moreover, Peru is rewarded with Andean highlands, coastal beaches, and Amazon rainforests. So, its diversity is astonishing. Popular and not-so-popular archeological locations are stretched in the country like the spectacular Machu Picchu offers unique possibilities to get out of your comfort zone.

Here, we have assembled a list of the top tourist attractions in Peru.

Table of Content
1. Inca Trail
2. The Scared Valley
3. Manu National Park
4. Iquitos

5. Nazca Lines
6. Machu Picchu
7. Cusco
8. Lake Titicaca

9. Cola Canyon
10. Pisac
11. Cordillera Blanca
12. Manu Rain Forest
13. Huacachina

14. Ollantaytambo

1. Inca trail

The Sightseer Inca Trail covers a four-day hike, which ends at Machu Picchu and is deemed to be making a great trip to Peru. The second-day hiking trail is the most difficult one, having two passes and a climb of 1200 meters in height.

So, the trail is among the most popular hikes around the world and runs 42 km via the Andes Mountains. Arrange your hike with an agency and when the season is high from June to August, reserve your bookings in advance.

Moreover, the trail also passes through Inca ruins, jungles, and forests. It is possible that hikers may experience altitude sickness on this high-altitude trek. To enjoy hiking for more days, May to September is the best time. Also, you can enjoy the sunset along the boulevard that traverses this way.

Inca trail

2. The Scared Valley

The Scared Valley is situated in the Inca capital of Cusco. It was regarded as the ‘Valley of Yucay’ in colonial documents. Spend some time in this quaint region that encompasses various Inca ruins that are absolutely worth visiting.

The Sunday Market in Pisac, the fortresses and ruins at the graceful town of Ollantaytambo, and the Pisac Ruins are the main highlights of the valley. Moreover, guests are influenced while strolling through the markets and absorbing the local culture in this tourist attraction of Peru.

The Scared Valley

3. Manu National Park

If you want to see a fantastic variety of tropical wildlife, visit the breathtaking Manu National Park. This massive national park is among the best places to look into South America. Guests can reasonably see different kinds of monkeys, several bird species, and a few mammals as well in one week.

From June to November, there is the dry season in this area, so this is the best time to visit this tourist attraction. Guests also visit the spectacular Amazon Rainforest, Manu Rainforest, river otters, and tapir. Moreover, the park enfolds the Andes highlands. For nature buffs, it is truly a paradise. So, you should not miss out on the Manu National Park in Peru.

Manu National Park

4. Iquitos

Iquitos is the capital of the Mayan state of Peru and the Loreto area. This enchanting port city also attracts a colossal number of nature admirers. Indeed, it is a gateway to the tribes and jungles of the north Amazon. Belen, Quistococha, and Casa de Fierro are the key tourist spots here. Also, you will see plenty of wildlife on this unspoiled land.

While visiting Iquitos, do not miss out on Belen’s open-air street market. This city is only reached by air and river, therefore, you can not access it by road. Moreover, Iquitos is situated in the huge plains of the Amazon Basin, so, the Itaya, Nanay, and Amazon rivers feed it. Also, you will see plenty of wildlife on this unspoiled land.

Iquitos

5. Nazca Lines

The surreal Nazca lines offer you a sense of awe-inspiring views. However, it is not in the knowledge of the masses, who created these lines, but theories ascend that they were produced as a result of Nazca and Paracas cultures. You need to book the flights in advance to get there on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Nazca Lines is located on the southern shore of Peru. Guests can see the 70 various animal and plant drawings and other geometrical shapes and hundreds of lines too. If you are a history lover, then Nazca Lines must be your spot on your way to Peru. This spot in Peru is among the most popular attractions.

Moreover, Cantalloc Aqueducts are located almost four km outside of Nazca. They regulate water from mountain springs via underground canals down to Nazca. Also, farmers in the area still use the Cantalloc Aqueducts.

Nazca Lines

6. Machu Picchu

The charming Inca city of Machu Picchu is among the most dramatic backdrops of a ruined city anywhere around the world. The stunning backdrop of cloud-shrouded, steep, and lush mountains is as impressive as the ruins themselves. Machu Picchu is also among the most popular tourist attractions in Peru.

Putucusi, Huayna Picchu, and the Temple of the Moon are the key attractions here. Hiking is the best thing to do here along with exploring the best Inca remains. Moreover, Machu Picchu is lounged upon a rim, above the Urubamba River, at 300 meters.

Also, Guests must visit the area with a guide, following a set boulevard, and enter the park at a prescribed time. The agricultural terraces watered by natural springs surround this ‘Lost City of the Incas’, and it is invisible from the Urubamba Valley.

Machu Picchu

7. Cusco

Cusco is located in southeastern Peru. Coricancha, Plaza de Armas, Tambomachay, Sacred Valley, Cusco Cathedral, and Sacsayhuaman are the key tourist attractions here. Once Cusco was deemed to be the capital of the Inca Empire and home to different archeological leftovers.

This Peruvian city is situated in the middle of the Andes. Spanish colonial influence is featured in its architecture. Moreover, Inca ruins have been used as the base of different beautiful old colonial buildings that boast the long history of the city. Therefore, Cusco has become a major tourist spot in Peru.

The Plaza de Armas is lined up with lots of shops, beaches and restaurants, and two churches namely, the Church of La Compania and the Cathedral. So, you should stroll around this magnificent landscape.

Cusco

8. Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is located in the Andes region, which is bordered by Peru and Bolivia. The lake region is a blend of culture and beautiful scenery that separates it from other areas of the country. Traditional small villages and rotating hills surround the glittering blue waters of the lake.

Moreover, the city of Puno is the main gateway to Lake Titicaca, where you will see different travel agencies, hotels, and restaurants. Occupying 3820 meters above sea level, Lake Titicaca is considered the highest navigable lake around the globe. Uros Floating Islands are among the main tourist attractions in Peru.

These are man-made islands made of reeds, and since the time of the Incas, they have maintained a traditional way of living. Plus, Isla Amantani and Isla Taquile are the other islands to explore here.

Lake Titicaca

9. Cola Canyon

Cola Canyon is two times deeper than the Grand Canyon, and after nearby Cotahuasi Canyon, it is the second deepest. So, guests need to change their minds that the Grand Canyon is deep after they visit Cola Canyon in southern Peru. Cola Canyon is located approximately four hours distance from Arequipa.

Stone terracing beside the canyon walls dates back to 800 AD, and now they are still used. Andean Condors are the big tourist attraction over here because they can reasonably be seen over rotating thermals. So be prepared for the awe-inspiring views in the area.

The canyon is located in Chivay, Peru. Moreover, there are Inca ruins, villages, churches, and hot springs to discover here. Therefore, pick up your camera and capture the amazing views as well as the giant hummingbird.

Cola Canyon

10. Pisac

Pisac lies in the Calca province of Peru. Ccochahuasi Animal Sanctuary, lord of Huanca, Pisac Market, and Awana Kancha are the key attractions here. Pisac is popular for its large market, which captivates a huge amount of tourists from nearby Cusco, and Inca ruins.

Penetrated above the busy village of Pisac are numerous Inca ruins, also known as Inca Pisac. The Inca ruins incorporate religious temples, individual dwellings, and a military citadel. It is also a big archeological site. The views in Pisac are pretty beautiful, and the environment is tranquil.

Moreover, you can purchase home souvenirs from markets selling plenty of handicraft items. So, save this tourist attraction of Peru on your list on your next trip to South America. And make a memory with your loved ones.

Pisac

11. The Cordillera Blanca

The Cordillera Blanca captivates hikers, mountain climbers, and outdoor adventurers from around the globe. So, this spectacular region of valleys and mountains is appreciated. Llanganuco Lakes and Huandoy are the key attractions here. The Cordillera Blanca runs parallel to the Santa River Valley and is located in the Ancash area.

This mountain radius is deemed to be part of the Andes radius, stretching for approximately 200 km. Therefore, on your trip to the Cordillera Blanca, thanks to a large number of hiking opportunities over here. Definitely the best tourist attraction in Peru to explore the ruins of pre-Inca cultures. Moreover, the highest peak of Peru, Huascaran, also lies here.

The Cordillera Blanca

12. Huacachina

Huacacina is a village constructed across a small oasis, and in southwestern Peru, dunes surround it. Guests visiting Huacachina, try out the sandboarding sport here. This small oasis is a natural desert lake, commonly referred to as the Oasis of America. Nowadays this tourist attraction of Peru attracts international tourists.

This is a picturesque, palm-fringed tourist resort that lies just west of Ica. Therefore, the outskirts of Ica have the answer to your question about trying sporting here. Both guests and indigenous people bathe in the waters and use mud to cover themselves to save them from ailments like asthma, bronchitis, rheumatism, and arthritis.

So, enjoy the landscape of the area. Moreover, you can visit this place throughout the year on account of the dry and sunny climate all through the year.

 Huacachina

13. Paracas National Park

Paracas National Park lies in Ica, Peru. Beaches and Paracas Candelabra geoglyph are significant attractions in the area. It is a desert reserve that occupies most of the Peninsula de Paracas. Archeological ruins of the Paracas culture are also found inside the reserve.

You will experience natural beauty in a park that offers wild animals and migratory birds a safe shelter. Moreover, you will unwind and chill for a time with your loved ones on stunning beaches with reddish coastlines.

So, save this spot on your list. Paracas National Reserve also protects marine ecosystems and deserts and ensures a more sustainable use.

Paracas National Park

14. Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo is an Inca archeological site in southern Peru. It is an old Inca fortress and temple, and a village as well, that lies at the northwestern end of the Sacred Valley. History of Incan battles and ruins are the key attractions here. During the 15th century, this site was used as a royal estate.

At present, Ollantaytambo is a famous tourist attraction in Peru and a starting block for the Inca Trail. Moreover, the town of Ollantaytambo is located beside the Patakancha River, near the point where it meets the Willkanuta River. The rocky and craggy structure of this site has rewarded this place to be a good one to explore.

Ollantaytambo

Where to stay: Best Hotels In Peru

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9 Comments

  1. There is truly so much to do in Peru. I traveled there for one week a couple of years ago and only scratched the surface of its beauty and attractions.

  2. Peru is on my list! Thanks for the helpful post, this will make planning easier. Or harder, because now I know about a lot more awesome must-see places.

  3. I would love to see Peru! I’ve never heard of Manu National Park, but it sounds amazing. I love nature especially tropical landscape. This is great list of top attractions. Thanks for sharing.

  4. This post is giving me so much FOMO! The Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Nazca Lines are on my bucket list. And I would love to visit Manu and Paracas National Parks. I need to figure out a way to spend several months in Peru! Thank you for the inspiration!

  5. Peru has been on the top of my list for the longest time – thank you for such a detailed guide, definitely coming back to it when the time is right! Hoping to do the Inca trail as well 🙂

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