Touted for its gastronomy, revered for its cultural legacies and marveled for its diversity, Peru is a land worthy of multiple visits.
There are activities and experiences that are as diverse as the terrain of the country. There are some of the best places to visit in Peru.
Get trusted guidance to the world's most breathtaking experiences delivered to your inbox weekly with our email newsletter.
For trekking, it's the best.
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World and Peru's greatest claim to tourism fame is the mystical and awe-inspiring 15th-century archaeological site of Machu Picchu. There are temples, private quarters, and ceremonial platforms at the great height of 7972ft above sea level and built with incredible precision. A two-hour train ride from the Sacred Valley town of Ollantaytambo is all it takes to reach the ancient city of Machu Picchu.
Heavy rain or bright sunlight seem to be the only two settings for the weather at the site. Don't forget raincoats and sunscreen.
Get to know the icon of the Inka civilization.
It's the best for explorers.
The ancient city of Caral was built around 5000 years ago and is impressively preserved. The UNESCO World Heritage site is located in the high desert of the Supe Valley and takes 3.5 hours to get to. The shift from separate tribes to a shared urban community is the key to the beginning of the culture of the region. The remains of six pyramids, as well as mud-bricks, ceremonial rooms, and circular plazas, are remnants of urban planning and agricultural practices that would greatly influence subsequent cultures in the region.
It's the best time to visitPeru.
It's best for archeologists.
Kuelap is a walled settlement located in the Amazonas region of northern Peru. The fortress was built by the Chachapoyas culture and has a higher elevation than the Inca citadel. One of the largest stone ruins in the Americas has hundreds of circular structures.
It's now easy to get to Kuelap from Chachapoyas.
For handicrafts, it's the best.
Travelers often overlook the lesser-known archaeological sites, first-rate artisan workshops and living cultures that are found in the villages cradled within the valley that are the gateway to the ancient city of Machu Picchu. The village of Ollantaytambo is located to the northwest of Urubamba.
There has been an influx of expats and New Agers to Pisac in the last few years. Guided hallucinogenic trips and yoga retreats are some of the things the local tourism industry has responded to.
It's the best for mountaineers.
One of the most impressive mountain ranges in the world is defined by the city of Huaraz. The low-key adventure town itself is nothing to write home about, but it is home base for many outdoor excursions, which makes it a must-visit destination. The verdant valleys give way to the snow covered summits of the Cordillera. The summit of Huascaran is a three week journey for experienced trekkers.
National parks and reserves are some of the best in the world.
It's the best for colonial architecture.
Arequipa is one of the most visually stunning cities in the country due to its unique colonial-era architecture. The Monastery of Santa Clara, built in 1589, is one of the deep-colored treasures of the city. The lives of the workers can be seen at the Ruta del Sillar, which is located on the outskirts of the city. One of the world's deepest canyons, Colca Canyon, is home to the giant Andean condor.
If you want to get out on the water, it's best.
Lake Titicaca was sacred to the Incans. The origin of the first Inka, Manco Capac, and his wife, Mama Ocllo, are said to be located at the high-altitude lake. Lake Titicaca is the highest body of water in the world at 3810 feet above sea level. The Uros people live a fascinating life on the floating reed islands that dot the lake. Homestays are an important part of tourism in this community.
If you want to stay out on deck, bring warm layers. There are three types of boats in the water. The boats take twice as long as the speedboats.
It's best for hikers.
Is it possible that you could have Machu Picchu to yourself. Choquequirao is not a big place, but it is full of history, challenging hikes and privileged views. Choquequirao can only be considered small in terms of visitor numbers because it's twice as large as the famed Inca citadel. A minimum four-day round-trip of steep climbs makes it hard for many people to visit. Much of Choquequirao is buried by jungle foliage at an elevation of 10,010 feet. It's like stumbling upon a hidden treasure, or as it's called in the Quechua language, a "cradle of gold", if you're lucky.
The water found along the way is not safe to drink. When you can, fill up.
The walk to Choquequirao is a long one.
It's best for the unforeseen.
Oxapampa is a quaint jungle town that was settled by Austrian and Germans in the 19th century. You can explore the mountains by foot or bike. The national park is a bit farther away. A new wave of residents arrived in the past decade, resulting in new sustainable tourism ventures and greater impulse to continue Selvmonos.
A 50-mile bus ride away lies Pozuzo, Oxapampa's smaller yet older neighboring town, which hosts its own version of the famous festival.
You'll fall in love with Oxapampa.
It's best for animals.
Puerto Maldonado is the capital of the south Amazon rainforest. The Tambopata National Reserve is one of the last unspoiled areas in the rainforest. The protected area is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, boasting thousands of butterfly species as well as hundreds of different types of birds, mammals and plants. The Madre de Dios region is home to Puerto Maldonado. The city is more laid back than Iquitos, making it more attractive for families and longer stays.
It's the best for sandboarding.
There is a desert Oasis in the Ica desert. After resting your eyes on the sparkling body of water, you can plunge down the dunes on a sandboard or in a dune buggy for an exhilarating ride. The Regional Museum of Ica is a great place to escape from the harsh desert sun at midday. Ica has year-round sunshine and can provide entertainment for days. The so-called "poor man's Galapagos" can be reached by 1.5 hours.
It's best for cheese lovers.
The capture site of the last Inka, Atahualpa, was located in the north of the country. The Cuarto del Rescate was once filled with treasures to plead for his liberation as well as his favored thermal baths. You can visit the dairy farm of Granja Porcn or the archaeological complex of Cumbemayo if you are willing to slow down.
There are many shops in and around the Plaza de Armas that sell cheese.
It's best for bohemian vibes.
The cool district of Barranco is located in the capital city of Lima. There are many boutique shops, bars and cafes in the neighborhood. Central, Kjolle, Isolina and Merito are some of the world's renowned restaurants. A gallery or exhibit is always close to local artists in Barranco. You can find street-art-inspired pieces at Jade Rivera World and the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo.
You can join the locals at vintage bars, refurbished mansions and chic lounges around Parque Municipal on Friday and Saturdays.
The article was published in August 2021.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
