Peru captivates travelers with its ancient Incan heritage, including the iconic Machu Picchu, diverse landscapes from Amazon rainforest to Andean peaks, and vibrant culinary scene. This South American gem offers world-class hiking, rich indigenous cultures, and colonial architecture in cities like Cusco and Lima.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Peru.
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1
Machu Picchu
The iconic 15th-century Incan citadel set high in the Andes Mountains is Peru's most famous attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient 'Lost City of the Incas' features remarkable stone architecture, agricultural terraces, and breathtaking mountain vistas. Advanced booking is essential as daily visitor numbers are strictly limited.
Tip: Book tickets 2-3 months in advance · Arrive early for fewer crowds · Hire a guide for historical context · Bring passport for entry stamp
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2
Sacred Valley
This stunning valley along the Urubamba River served as the heartland of the Incan Empire and features impressive archaeological sites including Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Moray. The valley offers traditional markets, Andean villages, and agricultural terraces still in use today. It's an essential stop for acclimatizing before visiting Machu Picchu.
Tip: Visit Sunday market in Pisac · Stay overnight for better acclimatization · Combine multiple sites with tourist ticket · Try local chicha corn beer
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3
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
This stunning natural geological formation features vibrant stripes of red, yellow, turquoise, and lavender created by mineral deposits over millions of years. Located at 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) altitude, the challenging hike rewards visitors with otherworldly landscapes and panoramic Andean views. The site has become one of Peru's most photographed destinations.
Tip: Start very early (3-4 AM departure) · Take altitude sickness medication · Hire a horse if struggling with altitude · Bring warm layers and rain gear
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4
Lake Titicaca
The world's highest navigable lake at 3,812 meters straddling the Peru-Bolivia border is home to indigenous communities including the famous floating Uros islands made entirely of reeds. Visitors can experience homestays on Taquile and Amantani islands, learning traditional textile weaving and local customs. The deep blue waters and mountain backdrop create unforgettable scenery.
Tip: Book homestay for authentic experience · Bring coca leaves for altitude · Visit both Peruvian and Bolivian sides · Dress warmly for cold nights
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5
Colca Canyon
One of the world's deepest canyons at twice the depth of the Grand Canyon offers spectacular trekking, traditional Andean villages, and prime condor viewing at Cruz del Condor viewpoint. The canyon features agricultural terraces dating back 2,000 years and natural hot springs. Morning visits provide the best chances to see Andean condors soaring on thermal currents.
Tip: Arrive at Cruz del Condor by 8 AM · Acclimatize in Arequipa first · Soak in La Calera hot springs · Multi-day treks require good fitness
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6
Nazca Lines
These ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert floor between 500 BCE and 500 CE depict animals, plants, and geometric shapes visible only from the air. The mysterious lines cover nearly 450 square kilometers and their purpose remains debated by archaeologists. Scenic flights offer the best viewing experience of these UNESCO World Heritage wonders.
Tip: Take motion sickness medication · Book morning flights for clearer skies · Visit observation tower for free ground view · Don't eat heavy meal before flight
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7
Historic Center of Lima
Lima's colonial heart features stunning Spanish architecture including the Plaza Mayor, Government Palace, and baroque Cathedral of Lima. This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases ornate balconies, grand churches, and the fascinating San Francisco Monastery with its catacombs holding 70,000 remains. The area blends colonial heritage with modern Peruvian culture.
Tip: Join free walking tour · Visit San Francisco catacombs · Watch changing of guard at 12 PM · Evening offers beautiful illumination
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8
Amazon Rainforest (Iquitos/Puerto Maldonado)
The Peruvian Amazon offers incredible biodiversity with opportunities to spot pink river dolphins, macaws, monkeys, caimans, and hundreds of bird species. Multi-day jungle lodge stays include guided wildlife walks, canopy tours, piranha fishing, and visits to indigenous communities. Choose Iquitos for deeper Amazon access or Puerto Maldonado for easier logistics from Cusco.
Tip: Book 3+ days for wildlife chances · Bring insect repellent and rain gear · Yellow fever vaccination required · Dry season (May-Oct) better for wildlife
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9
Huacachina Oasis
This tiny desert oasis village built around a natural lake surrounded by towering sand dunes is South America's only natural desert oasis. Popular for sandboarding and dune buggy rides, the palm-fringed lagoon offers a surreal contrast to the Atacama-like desert. Sunset over the dunes provides magical photo opportunities.
Tip: Book sunset tour for best experience · Wear goggles for sand protection · Stay overnight for sunrise views · Combine with Paracas/Nazca trip
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10
Cusco Historic Center
The ancient Incan capital blends Incan foundations with Spanish colonial architecture, creating a unique cultural layering. Highlights include the Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha sun temple, San Blas artisan quarter, and Sacsayhuamán fortress overlooking the city. At 3,400 meters altitude, the city serves as the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Tip: Buy Boleto Turístico for multiple sites · Spend 2 days acclimatizing before Machu Picchu · Visit markets for alpaca textiles · Try coca tea for altitude
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
Machu Picchu
15th-century Inca citadel UNESCO World Heritage Site above the Sacred Valley
Sacsayhuamán
Massive Inca ceremonial fortress with enormous limestone walls above Cusco
Nazca Lines
Mysterious pre-Columbian geoglyphs in the southern desert best seen from the air
Chan Chan
World's largest adobe city, capital of the Chimú Empire near Trujillo
Koricancha
Most important temple of the Inca Empire with Inca walls beneath Santo Domingo church
Museums
Larco Museum
World-class pre-Columbian art collection in Lima's Pueblo Libre neighborhood
Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum
Spectacular Moche Lord of Sipán gold and silver treasures in Chiclayo
Cusco Museum of Archaeology
Inca artifacts including quipus, ceramics, and mummies in colonial Admiral's Palace
National Museum of Archaeology Lima
Peru's oldest museum covering 5,000 years of civilizations
Nature
Amazon Rainforest (Tambopata/Manu)
World-class biodiversity in pristine jungle accessible from Puerto Maldonado or Cusco
Lake Titicaca
World's highest navigable lake with floating reed Uros islands and Taquile Island
Colca Canyon
One of the world's deepest canyons near Arequipa with Andean condor viewing
Huacachina Oasis
Emerald lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes near Ica
Cultural
Sacred Valley Markets (Pisac, Chinchero)
Indigenous Sunday markets where Quechua vendors sell textiles and crafts
Cusco Historic Center
UNESCO-listed colonial city built over Inca foundations with plaza and churches
Arequipa Santa Catalina Monastery
Vast 16th-century convent with colorful streets, a city within a city
Lima Barranco District
Bohemian artistic neighborhood with street art, galleries, and colonial architecture
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- Most archaeological sites open 7AM-5:30PM; museums typically 9AM-5PM Tuesday to Sunday; Machu Picchu 6AM-5:30PM
- Fees
- Machu Picchu S/152-200 ($41-54); Cusco Boleto Turistico S/130-180 ($35-49) covers 16 sites; Lima museums S/15-55 ($4-15); most churches free entry
- Best Times
- Arrive at sites early morning for fewer crowds and better light; Machu Picchu most crowded 10AM-2PM; Rainbow Mountain best before 9AM
- Booking
- Machu Picchu tickets must be booked online in advance at machupicchu.gob.pe; Inca Trail permits require licensed operator booking 3-6 months ahead
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday light.
Book tickets online in advance for major attractions to skip long queues and sometimes save money.
Many cities offer multi-attraction passes that include public transport. Calculate whether they save you money based on your itinerary.