More than 60% of Peru's territory lies within the Amazon basin, yet this vast region receives a fraction of the country's international visitors. The main gateways are Iquitos in the north and Puerto Maldonado in the south. The latter provides access to the Tambopata National Reserve and Manu National Park. Both areas offer access to primary and secondary rainforest with extraordinary biodiversity, but they differ in character and accessibility.
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Peru things to see and do
Amazon Basin
Arequipa
Arequipa sits beneath a ring of snow-capped volcanoes in the country's southern highlands. Known as the "White City" for its buildings made of pale volcanic stone, it combines grand colonial architecture with a relaxed atmosphere and one of Peru's most attractive historic centres. The Santa Catalina Monastery, a vast walled religious complex in the heart of the city, is among its most remarkable sights. Arequipa also serves as the main gateway to the dramatic Colca Canyon region.
Chan Chan and Trujillo
Trujillo is Peru's third-largest city and the gateway to a concentration of pre-Inca archaeological sites on the northern coast that rivals anything in the south for historical significance. The most important of these is Chan Chan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest pre-Columbian city in the Americas built from adobe.
Colca Canyon
Colca Canyon, in southern Peru near Arequipa, is one of the deepest canyons in the world, with dramatic landscapes shaped by volcanic peaks, terraced hillsides and remote Andean villages. The region is best known for sightings of the Andean condor, often seen soaring above the canyon on rising morning thermals. Hiking, hot springs and traditional highland culture all form part of the experience.
Cusco
Cusco was the former capital of the Inca Empire. Set high in the Andes at 3,400 metres (11,155 ft), it combines Inca stonework with Spanish colonial churches, plazas and narrow cobbled streets. The city serves as the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, but its historic centre is a major attraction in its own right. Markets, museums, cafés and nearby archaeological sites ensure there is far more to Cusco than simply passing through.
Huaraz and the Cordillera Blanca
Huaraz is a highland city in the Callejón de Huaylas valley of the Ancash region, surrounded by the Cordillera Blanca to the east, the highest tropical mountain range in the world, and the Cordillera Negra to the west. It is an established destination for serious trekkers and mountaineers, with a concentration of guides, equipment rental shops and agencies catering to the full range of Andean walking and climbing ambitions.
Kuelap
Kuelap is a vast stone fortress built by the Chachapoyas civilisation centuries before the rise of the Inca. Set high in the cloud forests and surrounded by steep mountains and mist-covered valleys, the site is often compared to Machu Picchu, though it receives fewer visitors. Massive defensive walls encircle clusters of circular stone buildings perched along the ridge. Kuelap is accessible by cable car or via a 90-minute hike.
Lake Titicaca and Puno
Lake Titicaca, on the border between Peru and Bolivia at 3,812 metres (12,507 ft), is the world's highest navigable lake. Its deep blue waters are dotted with islands and traditional communities, including the Uros floating islands made from layers of totora reeds. The Peruvian city of Puno serves as the main gateway to the lake and a base for boat excursions. Despite its altitude and stark scenery, the region has a calm atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on many travellers.
Lima
Lima, Peru's capital, stretches along the Pacific coast in one of the driest regions on earth. Its historic centre contains grand colonial architecture and churches dating back to the Spanish Empire, while districts such as Miraflores and Barranco are known for their cafés, galleries and Pacific views. Lima is also regarded as one of Latin America's premier food destinations. Travellers who take the time to explore it are richly rewarded.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, the fifteenth-century Inca citadel high in the Andes above the Urubamba River, is one of the world's most remarkable archaeological sites. Surrounded by mist-covered peaks and cloud forest, its terraces, temples and stonework create an unforgettable setting. The site is reached by train through the Sacred Valley or via the famous Inca Trail. For many visitors, it is the defining experience of travelling in Peru.
Máncora and the North Coast
Máncora is a small coastal resort town in the far northwest of Peru, close to the Ecuadorian border. Long-running waves produced by Pacific swells have made it one of the best surfing destinations in South America since the 1980s. The town itself remains relatively modest in infrastructure but has a lively mix of beach bars, restaurants and nightlife that draws both domestic and international visitors.
Maras Salt Mines and Moray
The Maras salt mines, near Cusco in the Sacred Valley, are a series of terraced salt pools fed by a natural saline spring. Salt has been harvested here since pre-Inca times using traditional methods still practised today. The white geometric pools set against the Andean mountains create one of the region's most distinctive landscapes. The site is often visited together with nearby Moray.
Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines are among Peru's most mysterious archaeological sites, etched into the desert plains of southern Peru between 500 BC and AD 500. These enormous geoglyphs, depicting animals, plants and geometric shapes, are best appreciated from the air due to their scale. Their exact purpose remains uncertain, though many theories link them to astronomy, rituals or water.
Paracas and the Ballestas Islands
Paracas is both a desert nature reserve of striking scenery and the gateway to the Ballestas Islands, a cluster of rocky islets rich in wildlife. Boat excursions to the islands offer sightings of sea lions, penguins, cormorants and other seabirds in large numbers. The contrast between the barren coastal desert and the wildlife-filled waters is one of the region’s defining features.
Sacred Valley of the Incas
Stretching between Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley of the Incas is a fertile Andean valley scattered with important archaeological sites. The Urubamba River winds through the valley floor beneath steep mountains, creating landscapes that were central to Inca agriculture and settlement. Highlights include the fortress ruins of Ollantaytambo, the circular terraces of Moray, and the colourful market town of Pisac. The valley is also a base for hiking, cultural tourism and slower-paced travel through the Andes.
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