The Best Places To Visit In Peru

Tourists stroll through beautiful landscapes while enjoying the very best places to visit in Peru.

Explore places to visit in Peru and learn why so many people across the world choose this destination for incredible vacations and adventures. Peru remains a stunning travel destination that is rich in history, visually beautiful, and offers a blend of culture and adventure that makes the trip worth every penny.

Let’s explore some of the very best destinations to visit in Peru and learn why so many people choose to visit this country that has long grown a reputation as one of the top destinations to visit in all of South America. Use this guide to help you book the perfect trip, or take on a group travel experience alongside Caravan.

For Historical Landmarks and Indigenous Culture

Peru maintains tens of thousands of ancient sites and is the original home of the Incan Empire. These ancient civilizations have left their mark on the many cities and outdoor landmarks, telling stories of advanced civilizations of another time. Further, Spanish colonial influence remains on display, leaving behind ancient artifacts found in places like Cusco and Machu Picchu. The ancient history of Peru is so significant in that many historians refer to this part of the world as one of the oldest records of human civilization.

Today, the many ancient landmarks and ruins are carefully preserved, ready to be respectfully explored by travelers from around the world. Visitors often make a point of visiting these destinations directly in Peru, including:

  • The Machu Picchu Citadel: This more than half-century-old citadel was once the centerpiece of Inca Culture, located throughout the incredibly beautiful Andean mountain range. While these ancient ruins are visually stunning, they also tell incredible stories of ancient history from a time before modern influence. This destination showcases impressive ancient engineering techniques, remarkable architecture, and landmarks that hold deep religious and spiritual significance. This destination remains one of the most important parts of Peru, offering a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience that is both one of the major wonders of the world and ​a protected ​UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • The Sacred Valley: Located between Cusco and Machu Picchu is the world-famous Sacred Valley. Here stand ancient remains of Incan culture, including the ancient ruins of Ollantaytambo, while also exploring marketplaces that showcase indigenous goods and textiles. It is here that you can experience intentionally preserved Incan culture, taking part in workshops with locals who still use the ancient techniques for their wares, including clothing, pottery, and much more. Further, the valley remains home to incredible hiking opportunities, mountain biking, and rafting. The valleys here remain beautiful reminders of an ancient culture, allowing guests to explore small towns and take in a cultural experience that is found nowhere else in the world.
  • The Larco Museum: For those who love learning about the rich history of Peru, you should look no further than the Larco Museum located in the heart of Lima. The incredible collection of art and artifacts found here spans thousands of years, and includes ancient textiles, stories of sexuality, and a pottery collection that tells stories of ancient culture. Many guests report the unique travel experience that has guests up close and personal with ancient artifacts that reveal the true beauty and storytelling found within Peruvian history. Make a point of strolling through the museum’s gardens, or take in food and drink at the cafe found directly on site.
  • Cusco: Experience indigenous cultures of the Andes people by visiting the beautiful city of Cusco, Peru. Known as the gateway to Machu Picchu, it is this city where the country’s Incan and Spanish influence is on full display. Many tourists make note of the incredibly charming stone architecture found throughout the city, including cobblestone streets and unique streets that are a joy to wander through. Plaza de Armas is a bustling city center, loaded with food, dining, and shopping, along with historical landmarks including the Cusco Cathedral. Take part in art workshops, browse through local galleries, and purchase traditional crafts directly from locals. Explore the intersections of ancient and modern civilization through food, fun, and stone streets that celebrate the great history of Peru.
  • The Nazca Lines: The geoglyphs of the Nazca Lines remain a special travel experience that remains unsolved to this day. Once carved out by the Nazca people thousands of years ago, it remains a mystery how an ancient culture was able to craft these amazing shapes without any modern technology. Take part in a tour or flight to learn more about these shapes and the mystery that continues to captivate historians.
  • Ollantaytambo: Found within the Sacred Valley is one of the most remarkable archaeological small towns known as Ollantaytambo. What was once the home of Incan royalty, this destination has taken extended efforts to preserve its indigenous ways, including the town’s infrastructure. Here guests can take in stories of the Incans ‘ resistance against Spanish colonialism, while also exploring ancient ruins including the central Fortress and Temple Hill. Take in important history lessons but also experience a town that feels as though it is like heading back into a time machine where anyone can experience a different, more ancient way of life.

Outdoor Adventure In Peru

While the country of Peru remains incredibly rich in history, it also remains a hub of outdoor adventure. Those who love the outdoors can find many ways to enjoy the scenic landscapes and mountain ranges found here, offering a little something different for everyone.

  • Máncora or Chicama for Surfing: These two towns remain world-renowned for their vast surfing options. Máncora remains well-known for its gentle waves, but also doubles as a fun and exciting tourist town that allows guests to either kick back and enjoy the sun, or head out for a night on the town. For more advanced surfers, Chicama is a unique travel destination that is both remote and quiet. Here, visitors can take on massive waves with these incredibly deep and cold waters.
  • Colca Canyon For Incredible Adventure: Just outside Arequipa, Peru, is the incredible Colca Canyon. Many outdoor adventure enthusiasts head off to this destination for its challenging hiking trails, incredible bird-watching opportunities, and the La Calera Hot Springs. Further, it maintains some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in all of South America, well worth the visit. For those looking for something especially thrilling, the area is known for its intense white water rafting, often facilitated alongside a travel company. Some guests plan for multi-day excursions throughout the canyon, including a mix of hiking, horseback riding, and stays at small towns and villages along the way.
  • Sandboarding and Dune Buggying in Huacachina: Experience an outdoor experience like no other by visiting Huacachina. Here, you can take on the sand dunes of Peru by partaking in a dune buggy trip across the deep and endless dunes that are well known in the area. You can also surf the dunes as well, which is known to be especially beautiful at sundown. Just outside this destination are endless hikes, but also paragliding tours that offer a unique perspective of this destination.
  • Exploring The Amazon in Peru: What just might be the ultimate outdoor adventure, the Amazon awaits guests from around the world. Take in the vast biodiversity of these lands, where thousands of living species call this place home. Between extensive wildlife and birding experiences, guests from around the world look to Peru to head into the Amazon from its very origins. Rub shoulders with indigenous cultures along your journey and explore endless tour options that include guided and luxury options for any kind of travel preference. The two main gateways to the Amazon in Peru are considered to be Puerto Maldonado and Iquitos. Here, you can explore your options and find tour groups with different offerings, including river cruises and charming lodges.

Seaside Towns & Coastal Paradises Worth Visiting In Peru

The coastlines of Peru are simply magical, and some guests head right off to a seaside town for a vacation at a different pace. Between quiet retreats and lively coastal experiences, Peru offers sand and sun as you would never believe. Learn about the very best coastal towns available and what makes them so incredibly special.

  • Máncora: Known as one of Peru’s top beach destinations, Máncora is a truly beautiful tropical destination that offers incredibly warm waters, endless sun, and a vibrant coastal town experience. Perfect for those who love seafood, the culinary scene here remains highly impressive, offering world-class dining set alongside one of the most beautiful beaches. Known for its incredible surfing, it is also a great town worth visiting for anyone who wants to rest and relax, take in the ocean vibes, or swim alongside sea turtles. Don’t forget to indulge in the healing mud baths that are offered throughout town.
  • Punta Sal: Embrace beach life with this destination that offers gentle and comfortable beach experiences all year long. Consider scuba diving, surfing, windsurfing, or partake in a guided boat tour that offers glimpses of sharks, dolphins, and whales. Known to be less touristy than other options, this remains a hidden gem suitable for anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of the more popular beach destinations in Peru.
  • Playa Roja: This red sandy beach is a unique destination in Peru, where volcanic rock meets the crystal clear waters of the Pacific Ocean. While not a traditional beach town, this is a special beach that offers intense color palettes and breathtaking views that are suitable for dipping your toes in, but not swimming in. A scenic photo opportunity that is well worth the visit.

Travel Peru Alongside The Experts at Caravan

With so much to experience in Peru, it can be a challenge to experience all that this stunning country has to offer. South America is an incredible continent, and Peru offers the chance to take in important history lessons while also connecting with indigenous cultures that simply don’t exist in North America. Further, visiting unfamiliar destinations across South America comes with challenges, leaving guests to navigate travel hurdles without any assistance.

Caravan remains your partner in offering full-service group tour offerings that allow anyone to explore Peru without the worry of ever getting lost. Look to highly qualified travel guides to take you on a full Caravan tour of Peru that includes stops at some of the most famous attractions mentioned earlier. Never worry about the details, and instead, leave the planning and driving to those who are highly familiar with this great country. Further, Caravan guides offer deep context on the destination, helping you make the most of the experience, while taking home important history lessons.

Discover More Tours From Caravan

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Book today and explore the world with confidence.

Book The Trip of a Lifetime With Caravan

Caravan’s fully-booked tour of Peru is entirely fully booked, meaning that guests don’t have to worry about anything, including ground transportation and activities. Our tours remain highly accessible to guests of all kinds, allowing anyone to explore exotic travel destinations without fussing about the details. These tours are incredibly safe, fun, and offer a blend of history, travel experiences, and relaxation. Our accommodations are fully booked, as well, ensuring you never miss out on an important booking.

Ready to book the vacation of a lifetime?

Book now! Learn more about this tour and so many more by calling us directly at 1-800-CARAVAN and speaking directly with a Caravan representative. Spaces remain limited, and we encourage our guests to book these tours as far in advance as possible. Reach out today to learn more and find answers to your questions about this destination and many more.

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