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.

Experience The Peruvian Adventure of a Lifetime With Caravan

Caravan’s 8-Day Tour of Peru With Machu Picchu offers a journey through some of the most extraordinary sites in the nation.

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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