Best Places To Visit In Peru For Every Kind of Traveler

No matter who you are, there’s a Peruvian adventure that’s right for you. So what places should your group add to the itinerary?

1. Best Family-Friendly Places To Visit In Peru

Families traveling with kids are wise to choose destinations with their children’s stamina, interests and attention spans in mind.

Kids can be more sensitive than adults to altitude changes. So, visiting families might want to experience the beauty of Machu Picchu without taking on the increased risk of altitude sickness seen over 8,000 ft.

To do so, families can journey to Machu Picchu via bus, taking a route from Aguas Calientes. The route’s elevation ranges from 2,040 m (6,692 ft) to 2,430 m (7,972 ft).

Families also enjoy attractions in near-sea-level cities. Lima has Punta Hermosa Beach and Friendship Park, while Guadalupe has Dromedarius Ica, a theme park with camel rides and waterslides.

If altitude isn’t an issue, Cusco is an excellent destination for families with limited stamina who nevertheless want to see ancient Inca sites.

Qorikancha can be experienced from within Cusco’s walls, while Q’enqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay are less than 5 miles away.

2. Best Peru Attractions For Nature-Lovers To Visit

Conservationists, eco-tourists, and nature fans find a lot to love in Peru.

The best nature-centric destinations are the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary near Sacsayhuamán, the Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge (a rope offering a stunning, bird’s-eye view of the Apurímac River on the Inca Trail), and Vinicunca, the striped, vibrant-hued “Rainbow Mountain.”

3. Best Places In Peru To Relax & Rejuvenate

There are several excellent places to visit in Peru for a relaxing, refreshing trip. Travelers seeking rejuvenation might seek out some of the hot springs or natural thermal baths of the Andes.

There are two best places among them. Beach Machu Picchu is Banos Termales de Cocalmayo, a set of well-regarded, medicinal thermal pools in Santa Teresa. The best in the Lima Region is Complejo Mamahuarmi, a complex of natural thermal springs and waterfalls in Churín.

Overnight stays are key to relaxation. After thermal baths, spend the night at The JW Marriott El Convento in Cusco. It offers luxurious accommodations, a full-service spa, and a sauna within a revitalized, 16th-century convent.

4. Best Places For Spiritual Seekers To Visit In Peru

For many, Peru is a place rich with spiritual energy and holy sites. Travelers drawn to Catholic spaces often find that one underrated church is the best in Peru: Templo de San Pedro Apóstol in Urubamba.

Sometimes called “the Sistine Chapel of Peru” by historians, it’s known for its extraordinary collection of murals, some of which draw symbols and imagery from the Bible and Incan myth.

For those drawn to faiths outside of Catholicism, one of the spiritual centers is Sacsayhuamán, an ancient Inca citadel. Built in the shape of Kay Pacha, the sacred puma, it’s now where people gather to celebrate Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun.

5. Most Romantic Places To Visit In Peru

Peru is a beautiful place for love. If you’re planning a romantic honeymoon or couple’s retreat, these are some of the best Peruvian places to add to your itinerary.

  • The Magic Water Circuit (Circuito Mágico del Agua), is a beautiful public plaza filled with decorative fountains.
    • After dark, the fountains come to life in an artful dance of water, light, and magical melodies.
  • Love Park (El Parque del Amor) in Miraflores is a perfect spot for couples.
    • Enjoy the artful sculptures, scenic gardens, and vendors selling watercolors, bouquets, and sweets for your date.
  • The Luxury Train on Peru Rail, an elegant, scenic way to traverse the Andes, sets the scene for romance with mood lighting and gourmet meals.

6. Best Famous Places In Peru—And Underrated Sites—To Explore Ancient Wonders

Far and away the most famous place in Peru is Machu Picchu. The ancient site is the terminus of the Inca trail, and its iconic structures—the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, and the Sacred Plaza—are recognizable the world over.

Yet, for those who love these ancient structures, there are underrated sites that should be missed. The best among them are the Moray Ruins, Ollantaytambo Archeological Park, and the Inca Complex at Písac National Park (Q’alla Q’asa Ruins).

7. Best Culturally Rich Places To Go In Peru

For travelers drawn to rich cultural experiences, it’s hard to narrow down the numerous, excellent destinations in Peru. Among the best are:

  • Cusco, a vibrant city with extraordinary art spaces—including Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo, one of the best venues to watch Indigenous Andean Wallatas dance performances
  • Chinchero, an art-filled district where textile collectives offer authentic Inca weaving demonstrations, and workshops and galleries work to preserve traditional Indigenous, Andean arts.
  • Maras, an indigenous Quechua village managing the salt mines near the Moray ruins.
    • The Maras community offers intimate cultural homestays, witnessing ceremonies, and up-close demonstrations of traditional agriculture.

8. Best Places For Retirees To Visit In Peru

Peru is an excellent choice for a trip for those traveling during their retirement. As a retiree, the best places to visit are The Sacred Valley and Lima.

The Sacred Valley is the place to explore wildlife, geology, and ancient structures throughout. Experience the basin on foot, horseback, or from a hot air balloon!

Lima, Peru is a city whose historic center is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Miraflores district is filled with museums, parks, and fine dining—including the internationally renowned Maido, a restaurant ranked among the 50 best on Earth.

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The Smart Traveler’s Guide To Altitude In Peru

In this guide, discover the elevations of different places in Peru, how altitude changes can affect one’s body, and strategies to navigate elevated places safely.

Understanding Altitude: Overview

Altitude is the height of a geographic point, typically measured in meters or feet above sea level.

A place’s altitude, or elevation, affects its climate, weather, and oxygen level. The higher a place is, the lower its barometric pressure. Lower atmospheric pressure lets the molecules in gases (air) expand, reducing the density of oxygen molecules in each breath.

Low oxygen density cools temperatures and can also cause altitude sickness.

What Are The Altitudes of Popular Destinations In Peru? Elevations At A Glance

Peruvian places at higher elevations require certain precautions from travelers. Consider the altitude of Peru and its most popular locales.

  • Peru Elevation Range: Sea-level – 6,768 m (22,205 ft.)
    • Avg. altitude: 1,555 m (5,102 ft.)
    • Peak altitude: summit of Huascarán
  • Arequipa Elevation Range (Region): 2041 m (6696 ft.) – 6,305 m (20,686 ft)
    • The altitude of the city of Arequipa, the region’s capital, is 2,335 m (7,661 ft).
    • The Arequipa region’s highest point is the peak of the dormant volcano Coropuna.
  • Machu Picchu Elevation Range: 2430 m (7972 ft.) – 3,082 m (10,111)
  • The Sacred Valley Elevation Range:  2,050 m (6,730 ft.) – 3,400 m (9,800 ft.)
    • The average altitude of The Sacred Valley is 2,800 m (9186 ft) above sea level.
  • Urubamba Elevation Range (Region): 2,792 m (9,160 ft) – 5,530 m (18,143 ft.)
    • The altitude of the city of Urubamba is 2,870 m (9,420 ft.) above sea level.
    • The lowest altitude place in Urubamba province is the city of Ollantaytambo.
  • La Rinconada Elevation: 5,100 m (16,700 ft; 3.2 mi)
    • The town of La Rinconada, Peru, is the highest permanent human settlement on Earth.
  • Lima Elevation Range: 154 m – 161 m (500 ft.- 528 ft.) above sea level.
    • Lima, Peru’s elevation does not induce altitude sickness.
    • It’s typically imperceptible.
  • Cusco Elevation Range (Region): 532 m (1745 ft) – 4,801 m (15,751 ft)
    • The altitude of Cusco, the capital city of the Cusco region, is 3,399 m (11,152 ft)

The altitude difference between Cusco and Lima is 3238 m (10,624 ft).

Understanding Altitude Sickness: Definition, Risks & Symptoms

Altitude sickness happens when a person’s body struggles to adapt to the decreased oxygen density and lower air pressure at higher altitudes. The most common type is acute mountain sickness (AMS).

AMS can occur at elevations as low as 5,000 ft., though it’s more common at 8,000 ft. or higher.

Almost everyone experiences AMS at heights of 11,000 ft. or greater.

Signs & Symptoms of Altitude Sickness

AMS typically onsets during the first day of increased elevation. Common symptoms include:

  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Vertigo
  • Nausea
  • Low appetite
  • Insomnia or disrupted sleep

Note: neurological symptoms (confusion,  seizures, etc.) are NOT signs of AMS. Learn more in the section, “In Case Of Altitude Sickness Emergency (Peru)”

How To Reduce The Risk Of Altitude Sickness In Peru

Preparation

Take the following steps to prepare for the altitude increase before ascent:

  • Stay well-hydrated
  • Practice deep, calm breathing
  • Start taking acetazolamide 24 hours prior

Do not smoke, drink, or eat heavy meals for 3 days prior.

Acclimation

Acclimation is key to preventing AMS or limiting its severity.

Human bodies acclimate to higher altitudes by producing more red blood cells.

This makes it easier to distribute oxygen throughout the body, even though each inhaled breath is less oxygen-rich. It also prevents cell waste (bicarbonate)  from building up in the blood or lungs.

Once you reach 8,000 ft., limit daily ascent to 1,000 ft or fewer. Sleep 8+ hours nightly. Plan full rest days.

How To Treat Altitude Sickness In The Andes Mountains

Mild Altitude Sickness (AMS) Treatment

Acute mountain sickness symptoms are typically treated with steroids like dexamethasone or NSAIDs to reduce inflammation or swelling.

However, only two treatments work for AMS itself:

  • Descending to a lower altitude
  • Resting, to allow your body time to adjust to the new atmosphere

Mild AMS lasts 1-3 days.

Treating Moderate, Serious Altitude Sickness (AMS)

When AMS symptoms are moderate or serious, but not as severe as an emergency, treatment with supplemental oxygen is key.

Moderate, serious AMS symptoms include:

  • Mild shortness of breath
  • Blood oxygen saturation between 89%-94%
  • Disruptive or debilitating AMS symptoms, previously listed

Many hotels at high altitudes in Peru, like the JW Marriott in Cusco, offer oxygen-enriched rooms to help guests adjust more comfortably. Rooms are also equipped with personal supplemental oxygen tanks.

Supplemental oxygen and rest are recommended when blood oxygen saturation is 89%-94%.

Blood O₂ saturation below 89%, particularly with other HAPE symptoms, is an emergency.

In Case Of Altitude Sickness Emergency (Peru)

Two altitude sickness conditions are severe enough to be fatal: High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and HACE (High-Altitude Cerebral Edema).

These edema conditions mean the lungs or the brain have become too oxygen-deprived, and they’ve started swelling dangerously. Signs of HACE include:

  • Confusion
  • Disorientation
  • Drowsiness
  • Seizures
  • Impaired coordination
  • Vision loss
  • Odd flashes of light (photopsias)
  • Lingering “floaters” in vision

Biometric indicators of HAPE include:

  • Resting heart rate ≥ 95 beats pm
  • Respiratory rate ≥ 21 breaths pm
  • Initial ventilation increase of ≤ 10% in response to altitude
    • Blunted hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR)

Seek immediate medical treatment. Connect the sick person to supplemental oxygen. They may need immersion in a portable, pressurized hyperbaric chamber (a Gamow bag).

Be sure to secure access to emergency medical services before traveling to Peru.

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Call our team toll-free at 1-800-227-2826 to book your spot, or +1-312-321-9800 to learn more.

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