What to see in Peru

Whether you are traveling to Peru for a week or several months, the country offers countless unforgettable experiences. From its legendary Pacific Coast to the snow-capped Andes and the lush Amazon Jungle, Peru is a dream destination for nature lovers. On top of that, you’ll get to indulge in world-renowned Peruvian cuisine that blends Spanish, African, and Asian influences.

Before setting off, remember that new environments can bring unexpected challenges, from altitude sickness in the Andes to jungle humidity in the Amazon. To enjoy your trip worry-free, consider getting a comprehensive travel insurance plan with Heymondo. With 24/7 assistance, medical coverage, and baggage protection, Heymondo ensures you can explore Peru with peace of mind.

Keep reading to discover the best things to see and do in Peru.

Index

What to see in Peru

Peru is a country of contrasts, ancient civilizations, natural wonders, colorful cities, and culinary highlights. What you see will depend on your time, budget, and interests, but here are some of the top attractions to add to your itinerary.

Nazca Lines

The Nazca Lines (or Nasca Lines) are some of the most mysterious sights in South America. From the ground, the desert looks barren. But from above, you’ll see enormous geoglyphs shaped like animals, plants, and even an astronaut figure.

Most flights last about 30 minutes and cover the main figures such as the hummingbird, spider, and monkey. Be prepared, the planes are small and can shake, so eat lightly beforehand.

Inca trail to Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail is often called the trek of a lifetime. Over four days, you’ll hike through mountain passes, cloud forests, and ancient ruins, before arriving at the Sun Gate at sunrise with your first view of Machu Picchu.

Permits sell out months in advance, so book early. If trekking isn’t for you, the train from Cusco offers a more comfortable way to reach Machu Picchu while still enjoying breathtaking views.

Taste Peruvian cuisine

Missing out on Peruvian food would be a huge mistake. Start with ceviche in Lima’s Miraflores district, fresh fish marinated in lime juice with onions and chili. Don’t miss other classics like lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), anticuchos (grilled beef heart skewers), and ají de gallina (creamy chicken stew).

Pair your meals with a Pisco Sour, Peru’s national cocktail, for the full experience. Each region has its specialties, so make it a goal to try at least five traditional dishes during your trip.

Colca Canyon

Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colca Canyon is one of Peru’s hidden gems. Trekking here takes you past traditional villages, terraced fields, and dramatic cliffs. On a two-day trek, you’ll reach an oasis at the bottom of the canyon before climbing back up.

Early mornings are the best time to see the Andean condor, one of the world’s largest flying birds, soaring above the canyon. If trekking isn’t for you, there are scenic lookout points accessible by road.

Plaza de Armas

Nearly every Peruvian city has a Plaza de Armas, or main square. Lima’s Plaza Mayor is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the historic heart of the city, dating back to 1535. Around the square, you’ll find the Government Palace, the Lima Cathedral, and the Aliaga House.

Cusco’s Plaza de Armas is equally vibrant, filled with cafes, churches, and street performers. It’s a great place to relax, people-watch, and soak up the city’s colonial atmosphere.

To travel between cities, long-distance buses such as Cruz del Sur are a safe and convenient option.

The Peruvian Amazon

Peru is home to the second-largest portion of the Amazon Rainforest after Brazil. From Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos, you can stay in jungle lodges and explore by boat or guided hikes. Expect to see incredible wildlife including sloths, pink river dolphins, caimans, and hundreds of bird species.

Highlights include Manu National Park and Tambopata National Reserve. The rainy season (November–June) makes the forest greener and rivers easier to navigate, though wildlife spotting can be good year-round. Always explore with a licensed guide.

What is Peru best known for?

Peru is most famous for:

Machu Picchu, the Inca citadel and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
The Amazon Rainforest, rich in biodiversity
Peruvian cuisine, celebrated globally
Its Inca heritage and archaeological treasures such as Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Chan Chan

Top 3 attractions in Peru

Nazca Lines – Ancient geoglyphs best seen from the air.

The Nazca Lines are one of Peru’s greatest mysteries. Spanning over 1,000 square kilometers of desert, these enormous geoglyphs were created between 500 BC and 500 AD and depict animals, plants, and geometric shapes. The best way to see them is by taking a small-plane flight from Nazca or Pisco. Flights last around 30 minutes and cost between $70–$100 per person.

💡 Traveler tip: The planes can be bumpy, so eat lightly before flying and bring motion sickness tablets if needed. For a budget-friendly option, you can view some figures from the observation towers along the Pan-American Highway, though the aerial view is far more impressive.

Machu Picchu – The iconic Inca city in the Andes.

No trip to Peru is complete without visiting Machu Picchu, the 15th-century Inca citadel perched high in the Andes. Discovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

You can reach Machu Picchu by:

Hiking the Inca Trail (4 days, permits required months in advance)
Alternative treks such as the Salkantay or Lares routes
Taking the train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, followed by a short bus ride

💡 Traveler tip: Tickets to Machu Picchu are limited and sell out quickly. Book at least 2–3 months in advance. To avoid the midday crowds, visit early morning or late afternoon.

Arequipa – The “White City” surrounded by volcanoes.

Arequipa, Peru’s second-largest city, is nicknamed “The White City” because of its colonial buildings made from sillar, a white volcanic stone. Surrounded by three volcanoes; Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu. Arequipa combines history, culture, and stunning scenery.

Key highlights include:

Santa Catalina Monastery – a sprawling 16th-century convent filled with colorful courtyards and narrow streets
Plaza de Armas – one of Peru’s most beautiful squares, with views of the surrounding volcanoes
Colca Canyon – just a few hours away, perfect for trekking and spotting condors

💡 Traveler tip: Arequipa sits at 2,335 meters (7,660 feet), making it a great place to acclimatize before heading to higher altitudes like Cusco or Lake Titicaca.

Most beautiful parts of Peru

Beauty in Peru depends on what you value most:

Rainforests: Puerto Maldonado & Iquitos. Both are gateways to the Amazon. Puerto Maldonado offers easy access to Tambopata National Reserve, while Iquitos (reachable only by plane or boat) is perfect for more remote jungle adventures.
Mountains: Cusco & Huaraz. Cusco combines Inca history with stunning Andean scenery, while Huaraz is a base for trekking in the Cordillera Blanca, home to snow-capped peaks and turquoise lakes.
Unique landscapes: Ica Desert & Arequipa’s Volcanic Valleys. The Ica desert is famous for sand dunes and the Huacachina oasis, while Arequipa is surrounded by dramatic volcanic landscapes and is close to Colca Canyon.

Things to do in Peru besides Machu Picchu

Peru has plenty to offer beyond Machu Picchu. Don’t miss:

Lake Titicaca: Sitting at 3,812 m (12,507 ft), this is the highest navigable lake in the world. Take a boat trip to the floating Uros Islands, built entirely of reeds, or spend a night on Taquile or Amantani to experience authentic highland culture. The lake also offers stunning views of the Cordillera Real mountains.
Colca Canyon: Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colca Canyon is known for its terraced valleys, traditional villages, and condors soaring overhead. Treks range from short hikes to multi-day routes, and the canyon is easily reached from Arequipa (about 4–5 hours by bus).
Sacred Valley: Just outside Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas is dotted with ruins, salt mines, and traditional markets. Highlights include the Pisac ruins, Ollantaytambo fortress, and the Maras salt terraces. Many traveler spend a few days here to acclimatize before hiking to Machu Picchu.
Chan Chan: Located near Trujillo on the northern coast, Chan Chan is the largest mud-brick city in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by the Chimu civilization around 900 AD, its vast walls, ceremonial plazas, and intricate carvings give a fascinating glimpse into pre-Inca culture.

Is Peru worth visiting without Machu Picchu?

Absolutely. While Machu Picchu is iconic, Peru has endless attractions. Foodies should head to Lima, nature lovers to the Amazon, and history buffs to Arequipa or Trujillo. Your experience depends on your interests, but Peru is always worth it.