Southern Highlands
With Cusco, the “archaeological capital of the Americas,” along with the world-famous Machu Picchu and the colorful Chinchero artisan market, what is not to love about the Peruvian Southern Highlands? It is Peru's most-visited region for a reason, and an absolute essential on a first trip to Peru.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is the bucket-list tourist attraction and the highlight of many peoples’ trip to Peru; the vastness, location and detail of the ruins make it unmissable. Without a doubt this is the crown jewel of Peruvian ruins.
Explore PlaceInca Trail
Trek the Inca Trail and arrive at Machu Picchu at the end of a memorable journey. The Inca Trail covers 24 miles (39 km) through the mountains above the Sacred Valley. Much of the Inca Trail is paved with stones put in place by the Inca. This trail will take you through cloud forests – rare environments dense with jungle growth and mist. You’ll see many different types of delicate orchids, and experience the biodiversity that only a humid jungle can produce.
Explore PlaceOllantaytambo Fortress
The staggeringly steep Inca ruins at the Ollantaytambo Fortress loom over the north side of the town of Ollantaytambo. They are famous for being one of the few places where the Incas defeated Spanish conquerors in a major battle.
Explore PlaceCusco
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.
Explore PlaceAguas 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.
Explore PlaceUrubamba
The town of Urubamba is located in the middle of the Sacred Valley. Despite its central location, the town is mellow and relaxed. It makes for a good home base while exploring Peru’s most beautiful valley.
Explore PlaceThe 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.
Explore PlaceOllantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is a busy little Andean village situated at the northeastern end of the Sacred Valley. It’s famous for its Perurail train station (delivering visitors to Machu Picchu), traditional market and impressive Incan ruins.
Explore PlaceChinchero
Chinchero is a peaceful little Andean village situated 18 miles (30 km) from Cusco. It enjoys views of the Sacred Valley and the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba. The village itself consists of a cluster of adobe house-lined streets where locals maintain their traditional weaving and dress.
Explore PlacePisac
Pisac is a charming mountain town set near the top of the Sacred Valley. The town is well known for its daily artisan market and Inca ruins.
Explore PlaceCalca
Located on the northern tip of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Calca offers pristine hikes and opportunities for mountain biking through an ancient valley. Calca is a great place to get an idea of what indigenous Andean cities would have looked like before the Spanish arrived. There are two main plazas in the center of town, a traditional feature of Inca city planning – cities planned by the Spanish typically have only one plaza.
Explore PlaceMore about Southern Highlands
The Southern Highlands’ climate varies, from the dry canyon area known for hot days and cold nights to the lower eastern slopes of the Andes where temperatures are mild. The landscape is made up of green fertile valleys, high plateaus, cloud forests, and jungle, making the ruins of Machu Picchu and the already beautiful city of Cusco even more visually striking.
The region contains many Incan and pre-Incan ruins, some easily accessible, others requiring a dedicated mission to get to. The famous Machu Picchu is the biggest and most beautiful of all: at 8,000 feet (2.440 m), this magical site transports travelers to the old Inca Empire.
The Incas are one of the most studied ancient civilizations, thanks to the vastness of their empire, which was gained through conquering cities and regions to expand at an amazing rate. The Incas managed to become the largest empire in pre-Columbian America, with the Cusco region as their military and spiritual heart. The word inka means ruler, or “lord” in the local Quechua language, and though the area has been dominated by some 120 other ancient cultures, the Incas are by far the most impressive.
The city of Cusco has been called the “highland hub” or “archaeological capital of the Americas.” The city is nestled in the gorgeous Andes Mountains, 11,000 feet (3,353 m) above sea level. For this uncommon setting, the artisans selling traditional goods and crafts (ceramics, furniture, metalwork, art) at markets throughout the city, and the authentic local festivals full of color and life, Cusco is a main attraction of Peru.
To understand the area’s rich tradition of weaving, make the 18 mile (30 km) trek from Cusco to the village of Chinchero: here, wool is processed the way it has always been, with natural dyes made from wild plants, and transformed into beautiful textiles in the traditional designs of the Southern Highland region.
For more archeological wonder, journey 100 miles (160 km) west of Cusco to a ruin called Choquequirao, known as Machu Picchu's sister site. It was built after Machu Picchu and remains undiscovered by mainstream tourism.
Browse some of our favorite itineraries
Get excited and browse our selection of our favorite hand made tours including Southern Highlands. From romantic honeymoons to family-fun; these are completely flexible and arranged to your needs.
Culinary Delight and Family Adventure
I learned so much of it's history and have such respect for it's culture.
Amazing Peaks and Majestic Ruins
PERU! is getting there. There are several areas where, for instance plastic bottles can be reused, by hotels providing large dispensers to refill existing bottles.
We Experienced Peru's Diversity
This trip was very well planned with professional and kind representatives helping us throughout. I would highly recommend Anywhere.com's Peru Team. Thank you for a wonderful trip!
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.
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!
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 behind you every step of the way.
