If you’re looking for tourist attractions in Peru, get ready to explore one of South America’s most enchanting countries! A destination rich in natural and cultural treasures, reflected in its stunning Andean landscapes, vast archaeological sites, and beautiful lakes, lagoons, and deserts.
In this guide to the top 10 places to visit in Peru, based on our own experience, we’ll share all the details about each destination: how to get there, what to do, where to stay, and must-try tours. This way, you can plan your itinerary according to your preferences, time, and budget.
Let’s get started!
The Best Tourist Destinations in Peru:
1. Cusco and the Sacred Valley
Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire and one of the most important power centers in the Americas. It served as the starting point for the Qhapaq Ñan, an extensive road network that connected the provinces of the Tahuantinsuyo Empire, spanning from southern Colombia to central Chile and crossing through Ecuador, Bolivia, Brazil, and Argentina.
This is another must-visit destination in Peru, especially if you want to learn more about the Inca civilization and Peruvian culture. We recommend this Sacred Valley tour, which allows you to explore the historical and natural richness of archaeological sites like Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Moray, and the stunning Maras Salt Mines in just one day.
Another unmissable activity is the tour of four archaeological sites located just outside Cusco’s historic center: Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Tambomachay, and Puca Pucara. These landmarks highlight the Incas’ incredible architectural skills and their deep connection to nature.
If you’re traveling to Machu Picchu, you’ll likely pass through Cusco and will need to spend at least one night here. We recommend staying at: Hotel Hacienda Cusco, Pariwana Hostel, Hostal Qorichaska, Killaqente, Tucan Hostel, Hotel Casa Campesina, or Casa Saphi.
Tip: If you want to explore the must-see places in Cusco’s historic center, we recommend joining this tip-based free tour. The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, during which, accompanied by a local guide, you’ll discover the secrets of the Plaza de Armas, the San Blas neighborhood, the Palace of Inca Pachacútec, and much more.
To book the free tour in Cusco, simply click here, choose your preferred date and time, and indicate the number of participants. Remember, although the tour has no fixed cost, it is expected that you support the guide’s work with a tip according to the service received at the end of the tour.
Book your free tour of Cusco’s historic center now!
2. Humantay Lake: A Top Tourist Spot in Peru for Adventurers
Humantay Lake is one of the must-visit tourist destinations in Peru that deserves a spot on your travel itinerary. Nestled in the Peruvian Andes at 13,780 feet above sea level, it is located in the Cusco region and is a dream destination for nature lovers.
The hike to Humantay Lake is a thrilling and unforgettable experience. From the trailhead, you’ll walk about 7 kilometers, reaching the base of the lake in roughly two hours. Although the hike is challenging due to the altitude, the stunning panoramic views make it well worth the effort.
How to get to Humantay Lake: First, you’ll need to reach Cusco, which is accessible by flight from Lima, Bogotá, and Santiago. Once in Cusco, we highly recommend joining this group tour that includes round-trip transportation. You’ll need to travel about two hours to Soraypampa, and public transport options are limited.
Tour: Humantay Lake Hike. This tour starts early at 5 a.m. It includes round-trip transportation from Cusco, breakfast, a buffet lunch, an English-speaking guide, hiking equipment, emergency oxygen, and a first aid kit.
Explore all available tours in Cusco
Tips for booking good, affordable accommodation: The first recommendation is to book your accommodation in advance. If you wait until the last minute, it’s very likely that the best or most affordable places will be fully booked, and you’ll have to settle for the remaining options.
Our favorite website for finding accommodation is Booking.com. If you click here, you can save up to 15% on your stay. By entering your destination and travel dates, you can filter by price and location, and read reviews from other travelers. In many cases, you can also book without a credit card and enjoy free cancellation.
If you frequently book on Booking.com, you can access exclusive discounts, enjoy free breakfasts, and receive better rooms at no extra cost. This will allow you to get more affordable rates and enjoy additional benefits to save on your trip.
Click here to get up to 15% off your accommodation with Late Escape Deals! This promotion is valid until December 4th for travel until the end of 2025.
3. Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is one of the best tourist attractions in Peru. This ancient Inca city, located in the Andes Mountains at an altitude of 7,970 feet, offers a chance to explore incredible ruins and immerse yourself in the legacy of one of the most influential pre-Columbian empires.
How to get to Machu Picchu from Lima: First, take a flight to Cusco. From there, you have several options to reach this iconic Peruvian attraction, varying in time and budget. Below, we outline these options, starting with the most comprehensive and working down to the most budget-friendly.
The most comprehensive option to visit Machu Picchu is the 4-day hike along the Inca Trail. This approximately 25-mile (40 km) route takes you through mountains, jungles, and archaeological sites. Reserve your spot on the Inca Trail here.
The Salkantay Trek is another wonderful alternative, perfect for trekking enthusiasts. This 5-day hike is famous for its stunning landscapes, including the Humantay Lagoon, the Salkantay Pass at 15,091 feet (4,600 meters), and a short stretch of the Inca Trail.
Explore the Inca Trail – Check Prices and Book Now
Discover the Salkantay Trek – View Tour Details
The fastest way to reach Machu Picchu from Cusco is by taking a train to the Aguas Calientes station and then a bus to the archaeological site. While it’s possible to visit in a single day, note that it will be a long journey, mostly spent sitting on the train. Check the tour price here.
The most economical option to reach Machu Picchu requires 2 days. On the first day, you’ll travel by car along a winding road to the Hidroeléctrica train station. From there, walk 6 miles to Aguas Calientes, where you can spend the night. The next day, you can hike up to the archaeological site. Book the tour by car here.
If you prefer to visit Machu Picchu on your own, remember that the closest town to the site is Aguas Calientes. You can stay at: Machu Picchu Land, Rupa Rupa High Jungle Eco B&B, Hotel Inkas Land, Samananchis, Místico Machupicchu Eco B&B, and Nativus Hostel.
Book Machu Picchu Day Trip with Tickets Included from Cusco
How to Book a Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco? Just click on this link to see the trip details, what’s included, and the price (you can change the currency at the top). Then, choose the date you prefer and the number of people attending.
The Machu Picchu excursion includes entrance tickets, pickup from your hotel in Cusco, round-trip train transportation (tourist or first class), a Spanish-speaking guide, and a bus ride to and from the archaeological site. The tour starts at 4:00 a.m. and ends around 10:00 p.m.
Here you can find all the available tours in Cusco. After booking your preferred tour, you’ll receive immediate confirmation. Also, if anything unexpected happens with your trip, you’ll have flexibility to reschedule the activities or request a refund.
Book the Machu Picchu tour from Cusco now!
4. Lake Titicaca: Top Tourist Attractions in Peru
Continuing this guide to Peru’s top tourist destinations, we arrive at Lake Titicaca, a legendary and powerful body of water over 3 million years old. It is considered the birthplace of the Inca Empire and is located more than 12,500 feet above sea level on the border with Bolivia.
Lake Titicaca is one of the best places to visit in Peru. Here, you’ll discover the legends that gave rise to the Inca world. The first tells how Viracocha emerged from its waters to create the world, while the second recounts how Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo departed from here to establish the empire.
In addition to being one of tourist attractions in Peru, Titicaca is the largest lake in South America and the highest navigable lake in the world. It is home to several islands and communities of Quechua and Aymara origin. On the Peruvian side, the most famous islands are the Uros Islands and Amantaní.
To visit the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca, you must travel to the city of Puno. You can get there by bus from Lima, Arequipa, and Cusco. Purchase your transfers here. Alternatively, you can fly to Juliaca and continue by land for 1 hour. In Puno, you can stay at the Hotel Hacienda Puno or on Lake Titicaca at Uros Quechua’s Lodge.
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You might be interested in: Trip to the Uros Islands & Taquile
Buy your ticket from Cusco to Puno
How to Find Last-Minute Cheap Flights? While it is important to plan your trip in advance, we understand that it’s not always possible. So, if you are looking for affordable tickets to travel soon and save some money, we recommend using Skyscanner.
Skyscanner.com is a tool that allows you to compare flights from different airlines to find the best rates. To use it, click here, enter the departure and destination cities, and the travel date. With this information, it will search for the most affordable options, and you can choose based on price or layovers.
Is it safe to buy flights on Skyscanner? It depends. After selecting a flight, you’ll see a list of links from various airlines and agencies. The safest way is to purchase your tickets through the airline´s link. If you decide to buy from an agency, you should be a bit more cautious.
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5. Ica and the Huacachina Desert
Ica is a city offering a unique combination of adventure and natural beauty, making it one of the best tourist destinations in Peru. Located just 4 hours from Lima, Ica is famous for its wine and pisco vineyards and its proximity to one of the most fascinating places in the country: the Huacachina Desert.
Just a few kilometers from Ica lies the Huacachina oasis, surrounded by massive sand dunes and featuring a lagoon at its center. This tourist hotspot is perfect for buggy rides, sandboarding, and watching the sunset. Near the desert, you can stay at: Desert Nights, Bananas Adventure, and Ecocamp Huacachina.
To reach Ica and the Huacachina oasis from Lima, you can take this bus. The journey takes about 4 hours. From Ica, you can take a taxi or a tuk-tuk to the desert, which is just 10 minutes away from the city. Another option is to book this tour, which includes a visit to the Ballestas Islands, or rent a car here.
Huacachina Dune Buggy & Sandboarding Tour: This activity, lasting up to 2 hours, is available every day of the year at 4 p.m. To secure your spot, simply choose the date, the number of participants, and confirm your booking.
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Day Trip to Ica, Huacachina Oasis, and Ballestas Islands from Lima: This full-day tour includes round-trip transportation with pickup from hotels in Miraflores and Barranco, a boat ride to the Ballestas Islands, a wine and pisco tasting, a visit to the Huacachina Oasis, and return around 10:30 p.m.
Click here to see the details of the trip from Lima. After reviewing the itinerary and inclusions, select your preferred date, indicate the number of participants, and click "Book" to complete your details and proceed with payment.
Here you can find more tour options in Lima and its surroundings, with competitive prices and excellent value for money. We recommend booking your activities through Civitatis, as you will receive immediate confirmation and flexible cancellation options in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Check price and tour details for Ica from Lima!
6. Paracas and Ballestas Islands: Best Places to Visit in Peru
If you’re still wondering what to see in Peru, don’t worry! This country has so much more to offer. Just 4 hours from Lima is the town of Paracas, home to the Paracas National Reserve and the Ballestas Islands—two must-visit destinations with incredible natural heritage.
The Paracas National Reserve stands out for its beaches, cliffs, and dunes. You can explore its main attractions in just one day. Be sure to visit the viewpoints of La Catedral, Red Beach, and Yumaque. At the Ballestas Islands, you’ll see sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and the famous Candelabra geoglyph. We recommend this tour starting from Paracas.
To get to Paracas from Lima, you can buy bus tickets here, or if you’re traveling in a group, rent a car here and drive yourself. In Paracas, we stayed at Atenas Backpacker, but we also recommend Buganvilia, Viajero Kokopelli Hostel, and Betania.
Check out this tour to the Ballestas Islands from Lima
Are you planning a trip abroad? When organizing an international trip, we often focus on choosing destinations, accommodations, and tours, but we tend to forget about the possibility of falling ill, having an accident, being robbed, or needing to return home earlier than planned due to a family member’s hospitalization.
If you want to travel with peace of mind and avoid worrying about unexpected medical expenses or logistical problems, it is essential to purchase international travel insurance. Additionally, in many countries, presenting travel insurance is a mandatory requirement when going through immigration.
This international insuranceoffers you comprehensive coverage and 24/7 assistance via phone, email, or WhatsApp. To purchase it, click here, select your trip’s start date and duration. It is valid for any destination, and you can buy it even if you are already traveling.
You can buy the insurance here and receive a 5% discount as a Travelgrafía reader!
7. Rainbow Mountain
Rainbow Mountain, originally known as Vinicunca, is one of the most sought-after places to visit in Peru. This ancient geological formation, located at 5,200 meters above sea level, is famous for its vibrant colors, resulting from the various minerals that coat it. It’s also an ideal spot to see the Ausangate Glacier, one of Cusco’s sacred apus (protective mountains).
One of the best activities in Peru is hiking to Rainbow Mountain. However, keep in mind that during the ascent, you should take it slow and ensure proper acclimatization beforehand. The altitude is high, so you’ll need to walk slowly, control your breathing, and rest or descend if you feel dizzy or have a headache.
To reach Rainbow Mountain, you’ll travel by road from Cusco for about 4 hours to a place known as Pampachiri. From there, you’ll start the 7-kilometer hike to the mountain. Since there are no public transport routes directly to the site, you can book this tour with hotel pickup from Cusco.
Tip: If you’re planning to travel to Peru from abroad, consider using this Holafly eSIM. It offers unlimited data and allows you to keep your number for calls and WhatsApp, avoiding expensive roaming fees. Also, don’t forget to purchase a travel insurance policy to stay protected in case of emergencies.
Get your eSIM with a 5% discount here
Get your travel insurance here with a 5% discount!
Tour: Rainbow Mountain Hike. This tour is available every day, starts at 5:00 a.m., and ends around 8:00 p.m. It includes round-trip transportation from Cusco, a guide, breakfast, lunch, and hiking poles to make the hike easier.
It is important to note that the hike to Rainbow Mountain, while following a mostly flat trail with some slopes, is a high-difficulty route. Therefore, it is only recommended for active people with no heart or respiratory problems, as the altitude exceeds 5,000 meters.
Click here to book the tour. Select your preferred start date, specify the number of participants, and click on the "Reserve" to proceed with payment. If you need to reschedule or cancel the tour, you can do so for free up to 24 hours before the activity.
Book now for the Rainbow Mountain tour
See all activities available in Cusco
8. Nazca Lines: Tourist Attractions in Peru
If you’re a traveler passionate about history and pre-Columbian cultures, and after visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu you’re still wondering what to do in Peru, you should know that about 150 kilometers from Ica lies one of the world’s most intriguing archaeological sites: the Nazca Lines.
The Nazca Lines are among Peru’s most fascinating tourist attractions. This set of ancient geoglyphs, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inspires a wide range of theories. Nearly 800 figures have been discovered so far, some over 300 meters long and drawn with a single continuous line.
While you can view the Nazca Lines from platforms along the road, the best way to see them is from the air. We booked this scenic flight, which lasted about 35 minutes and covered 13 of the most important figures, including the monkey, the hummingbird, and the astronaut.
To get to the Nazca Lines, you can take a bus from Lima, Ica, Paracas, or Cusco to the city of Nazca. However, we believe the best option for cost and convenience is to rent a car in Lima for a few days and follow the route through Paracas and Ica. In Nazca, you can stay at: Nasca Travel One Hostel.
Check prices and details for the Nazca Lines flight
Find great deals on rental cars!
Tip: Save time and money by booking on platforms like GuruWalk, Civitatis, or Denomades. We recommend these sites because, in addition to being secure, they allow you to compare prices, read reviews from other travelers, learn about the itineraries in detail, and know exactly what each tour includes.
GuruWalk: Exclusively for free walking tours worldwide. Civitatis: Offers a wide variety of tours, guided visits, and excursions in hundreds of destinations. Denomades: Specializes in nature and adventure activities in Latin America.
On these platforms, you can book at very competitive prices, sometimes even better than at the destination! Plus, they offer a great variety of payment methods and, in many cases, have flexible cancellation policies that allow you to get a refund up to 24 hours before the activity starts.
Discover your next free tour on GuruWalk
Check out available activities on Civitatis
Book the best tours in Latin America on Denomades
9. Arequipa, Colca Canyon, and Salinas Lagoon
Another destination in Peru that you should consider for your next vacation is Arequipa. In this destination, you can stroll through its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, explore colonial houses, monasteries, and volcanoes, and visit stunning places such as the Colca Canyon and the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve.
Colca Canyon is one of Peru’s most famous tourist attractions, renowned for its breathtaking scenery. Here, you can spot llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and the majestic Andean condor flying over one of the deepest canyons in the world. Book this tour with transportation from Arequipa here.
The Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve is located 2.5 hours from Arequipa. This is one of the best destinations in Peru, as you can explore the highlands and visit Salinas Lagoon, a salt flat where you can see pink flamingos and water mirrors reminiscent of the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia.
To get to Arequipa, you have several options. You can travel by plane from Lima, by bus from most cities, or even by train from Cusco. One of the most common ways to visit is while exploring other famous places in Peru, as Arequipa connects easily with Ica, Lake Titicaca, and, of course, Machu Picchu.
Recommended accommodations: Los Andes Bed & Breakfast, Le Foyer Arequipa, La Hostería Boutique Hotel, Plaza Central, Hotel Los Tambos Boutique, Holidays Hostel, and Casona Plaza Hotel Colonial.
Other tours available in Arequipa:: Salinas Lagoon Salt Flat, Full Day Colca Canyon, and The Ashlar Route.
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Travel tip: If you want to explore the historic center of Arequipa but don’t know where to start, we recommend joining this tip-based free walking tour. It’s a guided walk lasting approximately 2.5 hours, taking you through the most fascinating streets, temples, and corners of the White City.
To secure your spot on the free walking tour, click here, select your preferred date and time, indicate the number of participants, and you’re all set! Remember, free tours are a great way to learn about the history of a destination, but you should also support the guides with a tip that reflects the quality of their service.
Book your free tour now and discover the secrets of Arequipa!
10. Huaraz: Tourist Attractions in Peru
Huaraz is one of the best places to visit in Peru, especially for lovers of high-altitude hiking. This city is the gateway to Huascarán National Park, home to many trekking routes and stunning Andean landscapes, including Lagoon 69 and the Santa Cruz Trek.
Lagoon 69 is an absolute beauty nestled at the base of a snow-capped peak in the Cordillera Blanca, over 4,500 meters above sea level. To visit and return, you will need to take this guided tour, which will transport you from Huaraz into the park, where you’ll hike 14 kilometers.
The Santa Cruz Trek, along with the Huayhuash Cordillera hike, are some of the most famous routes in Peru. The Santa Cruz Trek is a 4-day journey through valleys and high mountain passes, camping in nature and admiring lagoons and snow-capped peaks such as Huascarán, Alpamayo, and Artesonraju.
To get to Huaraz, you can take a bus from the Lima Transport Terminal. The journey takes 8 hours. We recommend traveling at night and using the first day to acclimatize to the altitude. In Huaraz, you can stay at: Krusty Hostel B&B, Sunrise Guest House, and Huaraz Colonial.
View prices and details of the Lagoon 69 tour
View prices and details of the Santa Cruz Trek
How to book the tour to Laguna 69? Simply click here to access the detailed description of the plan, check the price, what’s included, and read reviews from other travelers. Then, choose the desired date, the number of people attending, and select "Add to cart" to enter your details and complete the payment.
It’s important to note that the Laguna 69 tour lasts approximately 14 hours, making it a full-day plan. It includes round-trip transportation, pickup from your accommodation, a Spanish-speaking guide, and a first aid kit. While the plan is available every day, it’s recommended to book in advance.
The advantage of booking any tour on denomades.com is that, after making the payment, you’ll receive an email confirmation. Also, if your plans change, you can cancel or reschedule the tour and request a refund in some cases up to 24 hours before the activity.
To see the price and more details of the tour, click here!
Bonus: Lima, Larco Museum and Historic Center
We couldn’t leave Lima out of the list of tourist attractions in Peru. The capital, in addition to being the gateway for most international travelers, is a gastronomic hub brimming with history and culture. If you decide to dedicate at least two or three days to it, you won’t regret it.
Among the main activities to do in Lima, we recommend discovering the architectural gems of the historic center, exploring the cultural richness of the indigenous peoples at the Larco Museum and Huaca Pucllana Site Museum, and enjoying the nighttime show at the Magic Water Circuit.
Additionally, keep in mind that in Lima, most hotels and tourist attractions are concentrated in the districts of Miraflores and Barranco. In Miraflores, we recommend: Hotel Boulevard, Arawi Miraflores, Casa Porta, and Dragonfly Hostel. In Barranco: Viajero Kokopelli, Wari Hotel Boutique, and Casa Nuestra Perú.
By the way, the airport serving Lima is the Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), located in the province of Callao. Here are some links to help you estimate the cost of traveling to Peru from your desired location and the transfers to the city:
✈️ Cheap flights from Bogotá to Lima
✈️ From Santiago de Chile to Lima
✈️ Flights from Buenos Aires to Lima
If you want to learn more about the history and architecture of Lima, join this free tour of the historic center. This activity is based on tips and consists of a guided walk of about 2 hours through the most important places in the Peruvian capital, concluding with a Pisco Sour tasting while you meet travelers from all over the world.
Booking the free tour of Lima’s historic center is very easy. Just click here, select the date and time you prefer, and indicate the number of participants. Please note that at the end of the free walking tour, it is expected that you give a tip to the guide accompanying you.
Book your free tour of Lima’s historic center now!
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