Peru is a country that has many tourist gems. In addition to history, Peru is also known for being the home of Machu Picchu, one of the 7 New Wonders of the World, as well as for its natural wonders since this country comprises beaches, deserts, jungle, a significant part of the Andes mountain range, and more. This makes it one of the countries with the greatest biological diversity and mineral resources in the world. In this blog, we have gathered 9 of the most interesting tourist cities in Peru that you simply cannot miss.
Also known as the Imperial City of Cusco, this magnificent city is located in the southwest of Peru at 3,399 meters above sea level, and is considered one of the most important cities in the country for its cultural expression, and above all, its history.
Without a doubt, the Cusco region is one of the tourist cities in Peru that brings together the most important attractions in the country. Not only is it home to Machu Picchu but it also brings together archaeological sites and natural wonders, such as the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Rainbow Mountain. In addition to the surroundings of Cusco, the Historic Center of Cusco brings together the most significant attractions within the city, such as:
Also known as the Temple of the Sun, it was a sacred place for the Incas adorned with details made entirely of gold. It is located a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas and was built during the 13th century. Unfortunately, all these decorations were stolen during colonization. This place is a paid tourist attraction that can be visited on a guided tour of the city or on your own.
It is an Inca Ceremonial Fortress built between the 15th and 16th centuries. It is one of the largest and heaviest structures found within the Cusco region. These ruins blend harmoniously with the landscapes, obtaining a sacred altar to nature. It is one of the main tourist attractions in Cusco, worth visiting for the history and the role it played during colonization. To visit this attraction you must obtain the tourist ticket that includes many other places within the Cusco region.
It was built in 1539 and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983. The complex expands over 3,900 square meters. This is one of the main tourist attractions within the Historic Center of Cusco. To visit this and other attractions within the historic center, we highly recommend taking a tour so as not to miss any detail and to see even more places in the historic center of the city.
Pisac is located a few hours from the city of Cusco, and is one of the main towns in the Sacred Valley, making it a must-see on any traveler's itinerary. In Pisac, you can find artisan markets, incredible ruins, festivities, and more.
This is one of the most visited places in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, which encompasses a lot of history and magical landscapes. Located 33 kilometers from the Imperial City, this archaeological site is located on top of a hill on the other side of the valley. The purpose of this construction was military, religious and agricultural.
An exceptional market of handmade artisan products takes place in the main square of Pisac, there are stalls every day except Tuesdays. Thursdays and Sundays are the days of the big market. The color and variety of souvenirs they offer is incomparable to any other city in Peru.
Every year in July, the town of Pisac has a big party to celebrate and honor the Virgin of Carmen. Where they carry out many activities, such as horse races, dance groups and an abundance of costumes. It is a spectacular colorful display that lasts for days.
San Pedro is a cactus that grows in the Andes. It has been used as medicine for thousands of years. Ayahuasca is another medicine from the jungle that is known as “The Purge.” Both medicines are known for their purifying properties and can also be strong hallucinogenic agents. There are a large number of retreats and local healers “shamans” residing in the Sacred Valley that provide ceremonies and encounters with San Pedro or Ayahuasca.
Arequipa is one of the most important cities in Peru. The so-called White City brings together the most exciting activities to do in the South American jewel. In addition to housing the second deepest canyon in the world, this region comprises volcanoes, sanctuaries, museums, history and traditions.
Without a doubt, the Colca Canyon is one of the main tourist attractions of the city of Arequipa, but there is more to see in this authentic and historic region of the Andes. Among all the things to do in Arequipa the most important are:
The Historic Center of Arequipa is known for its colonial architecture, characterized mainly by the use of white and pink ashlar from the Chachani and Misti volcanoes in the structures. The Santa Catalina Monastery is a well-preserved colonial jewel, dating back to the late 16th century, this enormous structure covers 20,000 km2, located a few blocks from the main Cathedral of Arequipa. Today, this masterpiece remains a paid tourist attraction and is open to the public from Monday to Sunday.
Located at over 2,300 meters above sea level and 2 kilometers from the main square of Arequipa, this is the perfect place to have a view of the entire city and its surroundings. From the Yanahuara viewpoint, you will be able to appreciate the entire white city and, thanks to its high-altitude location, you will be able to observe the imposing Chachani, Pichu Pichu and Misti volcanoes.
This is the main attraction of Arequipa, famous for being the second deepest canyon in the world. The Colca Canyon has an altitude of 3,500 meters above sea level, is home to the Andean Condor and has one of the best landscapes you can find in South America. To visit the Colca Canyon, we highly recommend taking a guided tour, as getting there could be a hassle and you might get to know even more places instead of going alone.
This is the only Oasis in South America, a lagoon that is located 15 minutes from the small town of Ica. Huacachina is known for being the perfect destination for those who want to escape from Lima as it brings together adventure sports such as Dune Buggy and Sandboarding activity.
Drive through the dunes in a buggy as if you were on a roller coaster! Without a doubt, one of the most exciting things to do in Huacachina, where you will be able to appreciate the beautiful landscape that the Peruvian desert offers.
Allow yourself to experience the best activity in Huacachina. After driving through the desert, you will be able to surf the dunes during the sunset, an activity that you should not miss while visiting this magical place.
Ica is known for hosting the best and oldest pisco distilleries in South America. Ica is located just 15 minutes from Huacachina, learn all about how they make pisco, try some of the drinks and more!
Last but not least, make sure to spend some time in Lima, the capital of Peru. Lima is the largest city in the country, has over 10 million inhabitants and comprises many tourist attractions within the city. Lima is considered the Culinary Capital of the World so make sure to try its gastronomy and the best Pisco Sour you could find! Without a doubt one of the tourist cities in Peru that you cannot miss on your visit to the country.
Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Historic Center of Lima, this place brings together the most significant structures from the colonial era. We highly recommend visiting the historic center on a guided tour as there are many details that you should not miss.
Considered the bohemian and artistic district of Lima, Barranco is a picturesque neighborhood full of cultural expression, street art, artisan markets, restaurants and more. It is located just a few minutes from Miraflores.
It is one of the most beautiful places in Lima, it is considered the tourist district since most of the hotels and hostels are located in this neighborhood, in addition to being the safest district in the culinary capital of the world. In Miraflores, you will find craft markets, easy access to the beach, shopping centers, galleries, restaurants and more.
It is a port city and is one of the most attractive coastal areas in the country. This makes it have a good warm climate without rain but with strong winds. When visiting Paracas it is recommended to try dishes that include seafood and fish as the main ingredient, since they are fresh and have an unmatched flavor.
The Paracas National Reserve is a very peculiar natural landscape that every tourist should know. It has an area of 335,000 hectares in which more than half (65%) is inhabited by its marine fauna. Within its landscape it has virgin beaches, viewpoints and a great variety of marine fauna that make it an unmatched place.
It is one of the main tourist places in Paracas due to its rocky peculiarity that makes it very attractive. The way to get to it is with a boat tour since it is in the middle of the sea, but the view of the journey makes up for it.
The Ballestas Islands are known as the Peruvian Galapagos due to the diversity of marine fauna they have. Among the animals that use them as a refuge are mainly sea lions, penguins, guano birds, etc.
The candelabra located on the Paracas peninsula is a geoglyph approximately 180 meters long. It is located on a hill and can be seen from the sea or from the air. Its formation is the result of strong winds and sea water that formed a thick layer that keeps it in good condition.
The city of Nazca located in the Andean part of Peru is known for having one of the largest tourist attractions in the country. It has a dry climate perfect for visiting at any time of the year.
The Nazca Lines are giant geoglyphs on the ground. The fascinating thing about these lines is the theories that are generated around them and the figures they represent. You can see some lines from its viewpoint, however, the best way is by plane to have a unique view of other lines. It is a magical experience in the city of Nazca.
Maria Reiche was a German archaeologist who dedicated a large part of her life to caring for and studying the Nazca lines. In homage to her, her house was converted into a small museum where you can see a little of what she did in life. A special place for those who love history.
The Cantalloc Aqueducts were built in pre-Incan times and are still in optimal working order today. They are a work of hydraulic engineering by the Nazca culture. There are around 46 underground aqueducts found that run for several kilometers and are located 12 meters deep.
Located in the Cordillera Blanca, Huaraz is the destination for lovers of trekking and nature. It is one of the few tourist cities in Peru that has snow-capped mountains and beautiful lagoons.
The climate in Huaraz is dry and sunny during the morning, which makes it perfect for doing various activities. However, at night the temperatures drop to 11° Celsius.
It is a protected natural space, famous for having 20 snow-capped peaks of more than 6000 m.a.s.l. and one of the highest mountains in Peru, Huascarán. Here you can practice various outdoor activities such as trekking, mountain biking, climbing, tourism, etc.
It is a lagoon decorated by waterfalls, rivers and vegetation that has gained a lot of fame in recent years. Its bright turquoise color makes it the perfect place for those who want a unique photographic memory.
The road to get there is complicated if you want to go on your own. The best way to get there is with a tour to Laguna 69, it is safer to have a tour surrounded by experienced people.
The city of Puno is one of the few destinations that mixes history and tradition. Famous for being the entrance to the highest navigable lake in the world. It is recommended for its visitors to first acclimatize since it is one of the highest tourist cities in Peru with 4050 m.a.s.l.
The climate in Puno can have temperatures of up to 18° degrees, while in the afternoon/night it drops to -6° degrees.
Lake Titicaca is known for the Andean notion as the birthplace of the Sun. It was also very important for the Inca culture who inhabited it and considered it sacred.
It is known as the highest navigable lake in the world and houses a great vegetation as well as different communities. Among the communities we can mention, the Uros, Amantani, Suasi and the Island of the Sun.
The floating island of Uros is the main tourist attraction on Lake Titicaca. It attracts many visitors thanks to its interesting island made from totora, an aquatic plant that grows in the lake.
Visiting Uros Island is a recommended experience for every tourist. On the island you can share their experiences and the different tasks they carry out to preserve their home.
