Peru

Tourist Guide
Cusco which includes mountains, building ruins and landscape views
Experience fascinating ruins, bustlingcities, magnificent landscapes, wild rivers and the Amazon jungle in thebirthplace of the Inca Empire.

Fromancient civilizations and colonial heritage to striking natural scenery, wildlifeand high-adrenalin sports, Peru has an astounding variety of attractions. Youcan retrace the footsteps of the Incas, cruise the world’s highest navigablelake, hike across the Andes and surf at glorious beaches. Peru sits on the west coast of South America, nestled between Amazonianrainforests and the Pacific Ocean.

See astoundingremnants of Peru’s millennia-old civilizations. The most famous is the mysticalMachu Picchu, a mountain-top citadelthat was once the center of Incan culture. Arrive here by hiking along thesacred Inca Trail. Visit the archaeological ruins of Chan Chan, the former home of the Chimú Kingdom, or the pre-Incanadobe pyramids in the Lambayaque Valley,better known as Valley of the Pyramids. Gaze in wonder at the mysterious Nazca Lines geoglyphs in the southernPeruvian desert.

Peru’stowns and cities showcase a fusion of colonial history, Peruvian heritage andmodernity. Peru’s capital, Lima, hasremarkable architecture, a dynamic nightlife and an excellent culinary scene.Wander the narrow streets of Cuzcoto find hidden Inca ruins and indigenous markets. Admire the legacy of Spanish-eramonuments in Arequipa. Don’t miss PuertoBelen, a floating village on the Amazon River.

Visitsmall island communities while you cruise LakeTiticaca, the highest sailable lake on earth. Watch condors glide high upin the mountains that surround ColcaCanyon. See colorful butterflies, monkeys and jaguars in Manu National Park. Spot sea lions andflamingos at Paracas NationalReservation and the stunning Ballestas Islands.

For adventurousvisitors, there’s excellent hiking in the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Huayhuash. Join kayaking and white-water raftingexcursions on the Apurimac and Urubamba rivers. Try sand-boarding or ride in adune buggy over the huge dunes at HuacachinaOasis. Surf at palm-fringed beaches such as Puerto Chicama and Máncora Beach.

Explorethis large country easily with Peru’s extensive network of cheap and reliable busesand affordable domestic flights. Peru’s fascinating culture, mesmerizingancient ruins, breathtaking landscapes and wildlife make it an excitingvacation destination.

Popular cities in Peru

Exposition Park showing a fountain and a park as well as a large group of people
Lima
Known for Dining, Shopping and Museums
Spanish colonial houses, exquisite food, musicians in traditional dress, oceanfront entertainment and fine museums make the Peruvian capital a feast for the senses.

Reasons to visit

  • Plaza de Armas de Lima
  • Plaza San Martin
  • Jiron de La Union
Cusco featuring a ruin, heritage architecture and a house
Cusco
Known for Shopping, Tours and Historical
Once the capital of the Inca Empire, this historic city is the gateway to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and one of the most important sites in indigenous Peruvian culture.

Reasons to visit

  • Plaza de Armas
  • Plaza San Blas
  • San Pedro Market
Arequipa
Arequipa
Known for Temples, Volcano and Cathedrals
Love temples, volcanoes and museums? Get away to Arequipa!

Reasons to visit

  • Arequipa Plaza de Armas
  • Santa Catalina Monastery
  • Arequipa Cathedral
Machu Picchu showing building ruins and mist or fog
Machu Picchu
Known for Mountains, Hiking and Historical
The sacred Inca city, built high in the Andes and hidden for centuries, is now one of Peru’s most spectacular and popular tourist destinations.

Reasons to visit

  • Aguas Calientes Hot Springs
  • Huayna Picchu
  • Inca Trail
Trujillo featuring a beach and tranquil scenes
Trujillo
Known for Historical, Surfing and Ruins
Perched on Peru’s northwestern coast, this city is famed for its colonial architecture, ancient archaeological sites, beautiful beaches and colorful festivals.

Reasons to visit

  • Trujillo Plaza de Armas
  • Trujillo Cathedral
Ica
Ica
Known for Deserts, Relaxing and Tours
Come to relaxing Ica and enjoy its desert views, wineries and entertainment.

Reasons to visit

  • Huacachina Oasis

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