Peru: top attractions

Native Peruvians with their Llama in Sacred Valley, Cusco, Peru. Photo: Shutterstock
Native Peruvians with their Llama in Sacred Valley, Cusco, Peru. Photo: Shutterstock
Native Peruvians with their Llama in Sacred Valley, Cusco, Peru. Photo: Shutterstock

From ancient ruins to colonial gems, and sandy beaches to majestic mountains... here are our top recommendations of things to see in Peru.

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Here is our selection of hand-picked top attractions and things to do in Peru.

1. Machu Picchu

This ancient city lay hidden under jungle for centuries. Perched on a hilltop high in the Andes, it is an architectural marvel. Read more about Machu Picchu...

2. Cusco

Known to the Incas as “the navel of the earth,” the high-altitude city of Cusco is home to some of colonial Peru’s most impressive buildings, built directly on top of stones laid by the Incas. Read more about Cusco...

General view of the city of Cuzco, Peru. Photo: Shutterstock

3. Colca Canyon

Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, this is one of the world’s great natural wonders. From the Mirador del Condor, Andean condors can be seen gliding on the air currents high above the valley floor. Read more about the Colca Canyon...

4. Nazca Lines

Giant etchings of animals and geometric figures created many thousands of years ago, the lines are one of the world’s greatest archeological mysteries. Read more about the Nazca Lines...

Aerial view of geoglyphs near Nazca. Photo: Shutterstock

5. Monasterio de Santa Catalina

Cut off from the outside world until 1970, this is an oasis of calm amidst the hustle and bustle of Arequipa’s busy streets. Read more about the Monasterio de Santa Catalina...

Explore the greatest mountain city on Earth. Book a Peru Express private trip.

6. Uros Islands

The incredible floating islandsof Uros on Lake Titicaca date back to pre-Inca times and are made of totora reeds which must be continually replaced as they rot away. Read more about the Uros Islands...

Titicaca lake, Uros islands in Peru. Photo: Shutterstock

7. Cordillera Blanca

The Cordillera Blanca mountain range offers some of the best trekking in South America. Read more about the Cordillera Blanca...

8. The North Coast

Home to Peru’s best beaches, including Máncora, Punta Sal, Playa La Pena, and Huanchaco, famous for its totora reed boats. Read more about the North Coast...

The Basilica Cathedral of Lima at Plaza Mayor - Lima. Photo: Shutterstock

9. Plaza Mayor, Lima

Lima’s main square lies at the heart of the “City of Kings” founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535. It is overlooked by the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Government Palace.

10. Cameloids

Peru is home to four types of cameloid: llamas, alpacas, guanacos, and vicuñas. Read more about Peru's cameloids...