In beautiful Peru, most of us fell in love with the fascinating natural landscapes, delicious food, and extensive culture. Peru is a destination that begs to be explored. No matter what type of traveler you are, the Andean country offers a wide variety of activities to satisfy all appetites. Its natural landscapes added to its beautiful surrounding cities are a great reason to know what Peru has to offer. It’s no wonder that its beautiful topography, ancient sites, and diverse ecosystem attract visitors from around the world. For this reason, together with the experts of Machu Travel Peru, we have prepared a small article where we list some vacation spots in Peru. Get to know some of the best places in the Andean country!
Some of the most popular vacation spots in Peru
- Lima
- Cusco
- Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Machu Picchu
- The Peruvian Amazon
- Ballestas Islands
- Lake Titicaca
- Colca Canyon
- Nazca Lines
- Arequipa
LIMA
Lima is known as the City of the Kings and is the capital of Peru. Acknowledged as a symbol of the history, industry, and Spanish colonial independence of Peru. First-time visitors must visit the local museum and learn about the historical origins of Peru. The Larco Museum is another great museum that collects ancient pre-Columbian exhibits from the indigenous peoples of Peru. Guests can also enjoy the beautiful gardens and restaurants within the venue.
Make sure to visit the enthusiastic Miraflores, it is one of the best ways to appreciate the coastal landscape of Lima. A good idea is to stroll through the Parque del Amor, where you can admire the magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean. Or you can also choose to explore Peruvian history at the ancient clay pyramids of Huaca Pucllana. Larcomar is the ideal place to enjoy a day of shopping, although there are also a few local markets that are worth your time. It is also a great idea to opt for a gastronomic tour of the city and thus enjoy the unique flavor of Peru. Lima is best appreciated during the summer in Peru. One of the best vacation spots to get to know Peru.
CUSCO
Lima may be the official capital of Peru, but Cusco was the ancient capital of the extensive Inca Empire. It is not surprising that Cusco was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983. Cusco is, without a doubt, a beautiful city. From its different colonial and Inca constructions to its narrow and winding streets. There is no denying that the city has a romantic atmosphere and a unique European flair. You will find many luxurious and exclusive places to stay and enjoy your stay.
One of the vacation spots that you cannot miss is the main square of Cusco. Also known as the Plaza de Armas, it is perhaps the most symbolic place in the city, and it is a privileged place to walk quietly and watch people go by. Surrounded by many eclectic shops and restaurants. Around the square, you will find a great variety of historic buildings. Among them, the impressive Cathedral of Cusco that was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The interior exhibits archaeological relics, cultural relics, and colonial art. There is no best time to visit Peru. But as far as Cusco is concerned, it is best to do it during the dry season.
SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS
The Sacred Valley of the Incas, also known as the Urubamba Valley, is a great destination for exploring Inca ruins and enjoying outdoor activities. You can easily take a day trip to the area from Cusco or Machu Picchu. However, consider staying at the different exclusive hotels for a night or two to fully explore Peru. You can also book adventure trips with different travel agencies in the area. You can do mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, and rafting among other things.
Before looking to visit Machu Picchu, you can explore some impressive places in the Sacred Valley. The Salinas de Maras and the site of Moray is quite a popular tour. In Maras, you will be able to appreciate a network of almost 3,000 salt flats filled with underground spring water. Just a few miles away is the Moray site. It’s believed that the artificial deep, bowl-shaped depressions in the land were used as an Inca agricultural laboratory. Don’t forget to also pass through Ollantaytambo, home to an amazing Inca fortress. In itself, you will find endless activities for all audiences. One of the most popular vacation spots in Peru.
MACHU PICCHU
If you are planning a trip to Peru, it is most likely that you plan to enjoy Machu Picchu. This is one of the most iconic vacation spots and the reason why most people visit Peru. The citadel is recognized as one of the seven new wonders of the modern world. One of the most memorable ways to get to Machu Picchu is through a luxurious train. These usually depart from Cusco or Ollantaytambo depending on the service.
The train carries passengers through the magnificent landscape of the Sacred Valley countryside. Therefore, before visiting Machu Picchu, you must buy a ticket in advance. The weather there can be temperate: sunny and warm one moment and rainy the next. It is highly advisable to dress in layers, pack lightly, and wear waterproof jackets among other things.
THE PERUVIAN AMAZON
The Peruvian Amazon covers approximately 60% of the national territory. The Amazon is recognized for being one of the areas with the greatest biological diversity in the world. But the Peruvian Amazon itself includes several vacation spots to visit. From the beautiful city of Iquitos to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the different routes in the jungle. If you are traveling alone, with your partner, or as a family in Peru, be sure to consult with your doctor about the necessary precautions.
One of the easiest ways to get to the Amazon is by plane from Cusco. You can choose to fly to Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado. Besides, the Amazon has a wide selection of exclusive and luxurious hotels to enjoy your stay. You can enjoy night walks, luxurious cruises on the Amazon River, canopy hikes, and excursions to pristine areas of the jungle.
BALLESTAS ISLANDS
One of the reasons to visit the Paracas National Reserve is the nearby Ballestas Islands. These beautiful rock formations are located in Paracas, about 200 kilometers from Lima. The Ballestas Islands are known as the “Poor Man’s Galapagos” and have a large amount of wildlife. These include colonies of sea lions, penguins, dolphins, and pelicans among other specimens.
The different tours that are offered allow you to appreciate a large part of the fauna. The entire tour will take you past “Candelabro” which is a hillside geoglyph seen from the shore, and then you will spend a lot of time cruising the islands and observing wildlife. This trip is usually a half-day itinerary and returns around noon. Additionally, there are many high-end hotels and resorts worth visiting. Considered one of the best vacation spots in Peru.
LAKE TITICACA
Another of the Peru vacation spots not to miss is Lake Titicaca. The brilliant blue water of Lake Titicaca is surrounded by hills and small traditional villages. The lake area is a mix of beautiful landscapes and culture that distinguishes it from other regions of the country. Lake Titicaca is celebrated for being the highest navigable lake in the world. It is located at 3,820 meters above sea level.
A boat trip to the surrounding islands and towns is the best way to appreciate the lake. One of the main tourist attractions is the Uros Floating Islands, which support small communities of Uros Indians. The Uros Islands are artificial islands built with reeds. They have sustained a traditional way of life since the time of the Incas. The different tours in Peru offer a glimpse into a traditional way of life. Also, you can tour the islands of Amantani and Taquile. The main gateway to Lake Titicaca is the city of Puno, where you will find hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies.
COLCA CANYON
The Colca Canyon is the second deepest after the nearby Cotahuasi Canyon. It is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and is a landscape to behold. The canyon reaches a depth of 3,400 meters and is the result of a seismic fault between two volcanoes. The canyon is about a four-hour drive from Arequipa. Day trips to the canyon are available from Arequipa. Respecting the driving time needed to access the canyon it is recommended a tour of two or more days. Besides gazing at the canyon, there are also hot springs, churches, towns, and Inca ruins to explore. Condors are also a great attraction in the Colca Canyon as they soar beyond the cliff walls. If you are looking to explore Peru, you have to know this beautiful canyon.
NAZCA LINES
The starting point to see the famous Nazca Lines is the small city of Nazca. The lines are a series of geoglyphs and markings carved into the rolling desert pampas hundreds of years ago. It is one of the most mysterious and charming vacation spots in Peru. Different tour operators offer flights over the mysterious UNESCO site in the desert. Also, not far from these you can enjoy museums and other archaeological sites of interest.
AREQUIPA
Arequipa was once the capital of Peru and the second-most populous metropolis in the Andean country. Renowned for being the bustling metropolitan center of the extreme south of the country. Considered by many to be the most beautiful city in Peru and is located about 2300 meters above sea level. Its ancient architecture built with a volcanic rock called “sillar” is its most attractive feature. Buildings constructed with this stone are the historical buildings that stand out. Hence, it is acknowledged as the “White City”. One of the most romantic cities to enjoy a honeymoon in Peru.
“HAPPINESS CONSISTS OF LIVING EACH DAY AS IF IT WERE THE FIRST DAT OF YOUR HONEYMOON AND THE LAST DAY OF YOUR VACATION.”
We hope together with the experts from Machu Travel Peru that this site has been helpful to you. Now that you know these Peru vacation spots and some tips for your next trip, you have no excuses to take an adventure vacation in Peru. Finally, we invite you to request our Tourist Packages for this spectacular land called Peru. If you want to know more about our travel programs, you can consult with our qualified team of advisers. They will be happy to help you fulfill the trip of your dreams!
