There is a mysterious country in South America. It is special in that it preserves the mysteries of ancient civilizations, and on its territory there are many monuments belonging to the era of the great Inca Empire. Now the main question is: what to see in Peru? That’s what we’re going to figure out. Below you will find the most important sights of Peru.
What is the first thing to see in Peru?
As in any country, the republic described has the best sights and those that can be left for later. For those who have such information, a great time is provided.
1. Machu Picchu
View of Huayna Picchu Mountain and the ruins of Machu Picchu
It is imperative for any tourist who arrives in Peru to get acquainted with one of the specimens representing the most amazing buildings of America in ancient times. The unique place is permeated with historical splendor and originality – the lost city is covered with many secrets and legends. This site was once included in the UNESCO list, after which it was named a New Wonder of the World and is included in the list of the most beautiful places in the world. The city was discovered in 1911 by a professor from Yale University. It is interesting to know that Machu Picchu is not the name of the city itself, it is only a mountain peak that is located nearby. The settlement itself is divided into sectors, each was assigned its own role, namely cemeteries, dungeons, temples and a residential area.
Official website: https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe
Peru | Hotels at competitive prices
Booking.com
2. Kolka Canyon
Panorama of the canyon of the Kolka River
This landmark of Peru is a valley of a river flowing in the south of the republic, namely 160 km southwest of the village of Arequipa. The name comes from the language of the Quechua Indians, literally translated it means “grain barn”. In the valley, you can see many stepped terraces – andenes, they indicate that the ancient peoples of Peru actively developed agriculture. The trip to the canyon is sure to be memorable, if only because it is located in a ring of high volcanoes, the height of some even exceeds 6 thousand m. Also, attention is attracted by the Condor cross, birds from the family of American vultures flying over the canyon.
3. The Nazca Desert
Mysterious lines in the Peruvian Nazca Desert
What to see in Peru in 1 day? An excellent option is one of the most amazing places with a touch of mysticism on the whole planet Earth. The desert gained worldwide fame due to the presence of giant mysterious lines. If you look at them from a bird’s-eye view, it seems that quite realistic images were created by the efforts of a master of gigantic dimensions. The number of these drawings is even more amazing, there are more than 30 identifiable drawings on the territory, about 700 pieces of geometric shapes, and there are countless lines and stripes in general. This landmark of Peru is one of the most visited, people from all over the world come to see it.
4. Lake Titicaca
The landscape of the high-altitude Lake Titicaca
It is located in the highlands, namely on the border between Bolivia and the described republic. Not only does the lake have an unusual name, but by and large it represents a piece of the ancient ocean, raised to a dizzying height. This explains the oceanic fauna, the lake is home to a large variety of marine invertebrate fish, even sharks are no exception. The area is one of the best attractions, because in the vicinity of the lake, as well as on its islands, there are many ruins of ancient settlements. The main city of the described region is Puno.
5. Floating islands of Uros
One of the floating reed islands of the Uros tribe
We continue to describe the interesting places of the Republic of Peru. As mentioned above, there are many islands on the territory of the alpine lake. So, the Uros tribes live on them, they moved there from the shores of Titicaca in order to protect themselves from the oppression of the new rulers. For this purpose, large rafts were built using reeds. To this day, the tribes live on floating islands, they are engaged in fishing, duck hunting, and egg collection there. Even cane is used for food, namely its core. Guides in Peru tell the guests of the country about the way of life of the local people, some islanders even show their houses, reveal the secrets of farming.
See the beautiful places of Peru in this wonderful video!
6. The ancient city of Pisak
Ancient Inca terraces near the town of Pisak
It is located 33 km from Cusco, namely in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, near the Urubamba River. The settlement once served as an Inca fortress. In terms of historical significance, the described landmark of Peru occupies the second place, it represents the legendary Inca citadel between the mountains. Looking at the remains of strong fortifications built by the Incas at one time, one can conclude about the high level of virtuosity of the ancient builders. There is a fortress of the same name on the territory of the city of Pisak, it is built entirely of stones, and the path to it is an endless ribbon of steps.
7. The city of Cusco
The former capital of the Inca Empire is the city of Cuzco
Once it was the capital of the ancient Inca Empire, so it was decided to add this entire settlement to the UNESCO Heritage list. All over the world, it is considered one of the oldest, as well as the strangest. From the reviews about the city of Cuzco, you can find out that the spirit of American and European civilization is felt in it. It feels like you’re walking through both the Inca settlement and the capital of the Spanish colony. As for the main attractions on the territory of Cusco, they include several museums, almost all of them are devoted to the history of the civilization of the ancient people. It is worth paying attention to the local colorful market, local clothes.
8. Valley of the Pyramids of Tucume
The valley of the Pyramids of Tucume is an ancient religious center of Indian tribes
This landmark of Peru is a unique archaeological complex, which includes 26 pyramids, the height of which reaches 40 m. To get there, it is better to use air transport, the duration of the flight depends on the place of departure, it can be Lima or Trujillo. You can also give preference to land transport, but then you will have to spend about 3 or 10 hours, again it all depends on the point of departure. The rating of this place among tourists is quite high, because many people want to see with their own eyes the structures built by the Lambayeke Indians back in 700 BC. The most striking pyramid in the valley is Huaca Larga, attracting attention with its length reaching 700 m. There is also a museum on site, built in the style of the surrounding ancient structures.
9. Andean Candelabra
Mysterious prehistoric geoglyph found on the Paracas Peninsula
Excursions to Peru are often organized towards the Paracas National Reserve. It is believed that this place was one of the first inhabited by an intelligent civilization. And there are also many amazing, to some extent even incomprehensible objects here. One of these is the Andean Candelabra. It is a giant geoglyph on the slope of a huge sandy mountain. Looking at the photo on the Internet, it seems that it was just drawn by some giant and if the wind blows, the drawing will disappear. The geoglyph occupies an area 128 m long and 100 m wide. The thickness of the lines is in the range of 0.5-4 m, and the depth is about 2 m. Agree, it is hard to believe that such a landmark of Peru is a reality, but it really exists.
10. The Inca Trail
Tourists on the ancient Inca Trail
We are talking about an amazing walking route, which, as the name implies, was laid by the Incas. It leads to Machu Picchu, which is a real rocky path with its characteristic difficulties. At one time, this path was used exclusively for religious purposes. Don’t know where to go in Peru? Try to climb the Inca trail, but only use the services of a professional guide, and also hire a porter, you will appreciate his usefulness at the end of a difficult climb.
11. Gokta Waterfall
The double cascade of the Gokta Elemaki Waterfall
On the territory of the Republic of Peru there is a province called Chachapoyas, which means “people of the clouds”. Not so long ago, a German researcher discovered a two-stage waterfall Gokta with a height of 771 m. The name comes from a neighboring settlement located in the eastern part of the country. What to see in Peru? The described rapidly falling stream of water from a height deserves attention, because the surrounding nature is untouched by civilization, and the local flora and fauna are pleasing with their diversity.
12. Manu National Park
A corner of the Manu National Park
The place of its formation is the confluence of two rivers, it is considered the world capital of flora and fauna. Manu National Park is a kind of gateway to the Tambopata Nature Reserve. It is no exaggeration to say that this is a real ecological paradise. The described attraction of Peru attracts with an incredible variety of flora and wild fauna of the jungle. You can get there by plane, for example, from Lima, Cusco.
13. The ancient city of Chan-Chan
Holes on the clay roofs of the ancient city of Chan-Chan
It was founded in the pre-Columbian era, and is located on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. At the time of 1300 AD, this settlement was one of the largest on the entire continent. The official description says that 28 km2 was inhabited by about 100 thousand people. It is clear that the Chimu Indians built the city for centuries, because its remains have survived to our times. When reviewing the attraction, please note that the buildings were made of stones and clay, and the plan is represented by a clear geometric scheme.
14. The Oasis of Huacachina
Huacachina Oasis among the dunes of the Peruvian Sechura Desert
Looking at his photo, it’s hard not to agree that this is one of the most picturesque oases. You will definitely spend an unforgettable vacation there. A special feature of the oasis is its surroundings with sand dunes, it gives the impression that you are in the heart of Africa. About 100 people live in the settlement, built around a lake of natural origin. What to visit in Peru, namely on the territory of the Huacachina oasis? The main entertainment there is snowboarding, designed for sand.
15. Lima Cathedral
Armory Square in front of Lima Cathedral
The location of this landmark in Peru is the historical center of Lima, namely Plaza Mayor Square. The construction of the temple lasted for three years from 1535. Its importance in colonial times was reflected in its enormous size. Unfortunately, earthquakes were not uncommon in the area described, and the building was periodically repaired. The changes reflected different eras of art. The recommendations of the Cathedral are very positive, it is worth seeing with your own eyes.
Peru Attractions: what else to visit in Peru?
A trip to a country in South America is sure to be interesting and unforgettable, the main thing is to organize everything correctly. Knowing where to go to Peru, what to see, you will definitely spend your vacation with maximum benefit, and most importantly, you will take with you a baggage of vivid impressions.
16. The fortress of Saxahuaman
Ruins of the fortress of Saxahuaman on the outskirts of Cusco
It is another mystical building from the time of the Incas, it is located on the very outskirts of Cusco. The fortress is surrounded by three protective walls, and in the central part there is a solar calendar. Among the ruins, a swimming pool, underground chambers, citadels, and special barrels for supplies are distinguished and attract the interest of tourists. Nowadays, a festival dedicated to the heavenly sun is celebrated annually on the territory of the fortress.
17. Plaza de Armas (Cusco)
The central square of the city of Cuzco is the Plaza de Armas
What else is there to visit in Peru? There are also interesting places, including the central square. She plays a very important role in the life of Cusco. Once there were swamps in its place, they were drained and the vacated territory began to be built up. Nowadays, all the main attractions are concentrated around the square, as well as places of entertainment, such as cafes, shops, restaurants. Attention should be paid to colonial buildings, as well as elements of Inca buildings. Important holidays for the republic are celebrated on the square, concerts and rallies are held. In short, there really is something to see in Peru.
18. The historical center of Arequipa
Buildings made of white volcanic stone in the center of Arequipa karlnorling
This city is deservedly considered one of the most beautiful in the republic. It was built up at the end of the 18th century, and a large number of colorful colonial-style buildings can be observed on the territory, they are built mainly of white volcanic stone. The old part of the city is represented by a large number of historical and architectural attractions, the main ones include ancient churches and monasteries. And you also ask what to visit in Peru?
19. Maras Salt Mines
Maras Salt terraces – a complex of fields created for salt extraction
As a continuation of the topic of what to see in Peru, I would like to recommend to travelers a small town located on the territory of the once powerful Inca civilization. Its main highlight is the salt mines, which offer incredible views from above. You will definitely have the most vivid impressions of them. At one time, the Incas designed entire systems of canals and wells. To this day, they feed on water from a hot spring saturated with minerals. As a result, salt is formed.
20. The Ballestas Islands
Inhabitants of the rocky islands of Ballestas
The archipelago is also known as the lesser Galapagos, and they have very few similarities. The rocks on the described island have a different color, it is reddish at the bottom and white at the top. There is a huge variety of feathered inhabitants on the islands, whether you are lucky or not depends on the time of year. What to see in Peru on the island of Ballestas? Keep in mind, we are talking about the world’s largest colony of sea lions that live on protected local beaches.
In conclusion, I would like to say that we must not forget about the need to book a room in advance. There are plenty of hotels in Peru, you can get acquainted with their characteristics on special information sites.
Read also about the best sights of Chile and be inspired for your further journey through the countries of America!
English 
Russian 
German 
Polish