Peru Best Places to Visit

Peru

If you're going to go to Peru , there are some destinations you simply cannot miss, including charming towns and Peru's cultural meccas . The town of Puno will get you as close as possible to Lake Titicaca and Aguas Calientes is your closest home base to Machu Picchu. If you're concerned about missing out on a meaningful experience, be aware that there's a difference between a 'must-see' tourist destination and a 'tourist trap.' There's only one place you can see the Uros Floating Islands, and if you don't go there, you'll miss out on them entirely.

Peru's best destinations ensure that you don't miss one beautiful thing the country has to offer. Be in awe when you see the Sacred Valley for the first time, just like the ancients were. Appreciate the stark contrast between red sand and blue sea at Paracas National Park. Marvel at the Nazca Lines, and develop your own theory about how these geoglyphs were created long before the age of technology. Discover fun, eco-friendly hotels in Peru , and enjoy unexpected activities such as surfing in Peru .

Don't miss out on any of Peru's top things to do, because Peru's top destinations aren't just great cities — they're gateways to great adventures.

Peru Best Places to Visit
Destinations

Peru Highlights

A curated look at the best Peru has to offer. These are the destinations that consistently stand out — places with real character, great experiences, and something worth going out of your way for.

Cusco

Cusco

Nestling in the dip of the Watanay River Valley, from above the city of Cusco takes the shape of a puma, which some historians theorize was a purposeful design. As the city expands, its borders creep up the sides of the surrounding mountains, but puma statues, fountains, and signs keep the big cat’s status of unofficial city mascot.

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Lima

Lima

The coastal city of Lima is diverse, with colorful parks, friendly locals, tasty cuisine, vibrant markets, and ancient historical attractions. Travelers can tour world-class museums, wander through the colonial architecture of Miraflores, and eat seafood along the Pacific coast.

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Puno

Puno

Puno is Lake Titicaca’s only major city, and most travelers will pass through here while heading towards other destinations around the lake. The city is only mildly attractive, but is surrounded by seriously spectacular scenery.

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Aguas Calientes

Aguas Calientes

Aguas Calientes is the closest town to Machu Picchu. Staying here for a night or two will give you intimate access to this incredible Inca site.

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Iquitos

Iquitos

Iquitos is a city in Peru’s northeastern Amazon. It’s been on the tourism scene since the 1960s and has well-established services for travelers. You can also visit Iquitos year-round, which isn’t always possible in other parts of the Amazon.

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Arequipa

Arequipa

The name Arequipa comes from "Ari, Quepay," which means "Yes, you may stay" in the local Quechua language. Not surprisingly, Arequipa is very welcoming and well worth the visit with its amazing architecture, bustling city center, and friendly atmosphere.

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The Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley

The first inhabitants of the Sacred Valley treasured this land not only for its dramatic landscapes and sweeping vistas—the Sacred Valley also offered ample opportunities for agriculture, and had plentiful water just beyond the reaches of the parched desert. Its fertility was the result of a sunny climate and the Río Urubamba coursing through the valley.

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Nazca

Nazca

The south coast of Peru was home to extraordinary pre-Columbian civilizations, including the Nazca, who are best remembered for their cryptic geoglyphs: huge line pictures of animals, etched across 190 square miles (500 sq km) of desolate desert land. The Nazca lines can be seen via a plane tour, or in part from nearby hills.

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Trips to inspire

Featured Peru Trips

Browse our handpicked selection of Peru itineraries, each crafted by local experts who know the country inside out. Whether you're after adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, we have a trip tailored for you.

10 days | $$$

A Family Wild at Heart

Explore some of Peru’s most exciting destinations when you and your family enjoy delicious cuisine, stunning scenery, and bucket list-worthy sites.

A Family Wild at Heart
14 days | $$$

A Family Journey of a Lifetime

Anywhere made this so easy! No glitches in our travels at all. From the hike to Machu Picchu to speeding through sand dunes in a buggy, the entire experience was out of this world.

A Family Journey of a Lifetime
15 days | $$$

The Heart of The Incas

Trips like this don't cross your path every day. To get to the heart of Incan culture, you should taste their food, walk in their footsteps, and touch the sky.

The Heart of The Incas
14 days | $$$

Culinary Curiosity in Peru

Savor the Peru in all its glory with a combination of culinary and outdoor adventures. This tasty trip for two is just the vacation you need.

Culinary Curiosity in Peru
9 days | $$$

Wow, We Did it!

Excellent coordination and very helpful staff throughout the trip. Sara is the boss...she has good command of all aspects of our trip and provided the necessary help & support ...right from planning stage to boarding our flight back to US.

Wow, We Did it!
15 days | $$$

Peruvian Highlights for One

Take yourself to a whirlwind adventure through one of South America’s most vibrant countries with this ‘best of’ expedition through Peru.

Peruvian Highlights for One
12 days | $$$

Our Quest for Peruvian Adventures

The three of us have been dreaming about this trip for a long time. Everything was well arranged. We just had to be dressed, wait for our ride, and enjoy.

Our Quest for Peruvian Adventures
8 days | $$$

Romantic Journey to Machu Picchu

Peru is a beautiful country and we’re blown away by all the things we’ve seen. We were caught completely by surprise by the breathtaking coastline views.

Romantic Journey to Machu Picchu
14 days | $$$

The VIP Experience in Peru

I really could not be happier. The Anywhere Team made me feel like a VIP my entire time in Peru. The hotels were very nice & safe. The food was fantastic. Transportation was smooth, nice trains, safe airlines. I recommend Peru to all travelers!

The VIP Experience in Peru
8 days | $$$

We Conquered Huayna Picchu

This was a very personal experience and Anywhere.com does an amazing job of having agents who are cultured and/or very familiar with the country to which you wish to visit. This allows the agent to listen to what you want to experience and then match you up with the right outfitter, vendor, excursion group, etc...I felt like Sara Nizama truly listened to my wants/needs and made them a reality. I am so happy with my Peru experience, thanks to Sara and her team. I want to go back soon and explore more of Peru with the help of Sara and her team. Thank you!

We Conquered Huayna Picchu
Anywhere mission
Anywhere Peru

Insider-led Peru Design & Concierge

Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.

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Private drivers; English-speaking available.

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Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.

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We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list – it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.

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