Peru is a South American state bordered by the Pacific Ocean which borders Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil to the east, Bolivia to the south-east and Chile to the south . history, ancient, colonial and modern traditions come together in one unforgettable cultural experience. Regardless of the type of traveler to which it belongs, whether you are passionate about history, adventurous or looking for pure fun, Peru offers a myriad of activities capable of satisfying any need. It goes without saying that thanks to its spectacular archaeological sites , to the beautiful landscapes welcomed in different ecosystems, this sunny state of Latin America attracts visitors from all over the world, making itone of the most popular destinations in this region . Let ‘s find out what to see in Peru .
What to see in Peru
1 – Lima
Known as the City of Kings, Lima is the capital of Peru and represents the symbol of its colonial, industrial history and its long-awaited independence.
For those visiting the city for the first time, Lima offers a large number of museums capable of immersing you in the history of the city, one of the many absolutely worth visiting and for example the Larco Museum with its exhibitions dedicated to pre-Columbian art and artifacts attributable to the first indigenous tribes of Peru.
The city also offers a wonderful view of the Pacific Ocean coast, which you can best enjoy from the luxurious district of Miraflores, or from its characteristic Parco del Amor; if you want to breathe a little more Peruvian history, then you can visit the ancient pyramid of Huaca Pucllana in one of the most beautiful archaeological sites in the city .
SEE ALSO : 10 Must-See Attractions in Lima Peru
2 – Cusco
Although Lima is the official capital of Peru, the city of Cusco represents the original seat of power of the Inca Empire . It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983, and given its immense wealth it seems that it fully deserves this important title.
Within this cityyou can find yourself strolling among buildings of Inca architecture but also dating back to the colonial period of the sixteenth century, as well as admiring its modern streets with a romantic atmosphere that will almost make you feel like you are in a European city. One of the symbols of the city is its main square, Plaza de Armas, besieged by tourists as it is one of the best places for a relaxing walk and to take some of the most evocative photos of the trip to Peru.
Just outside the square we find another important site of artistic and cultural interest, the Cathedral of Cusco, breathtaking for its exteriors with refined architecture and rich in archaeological relics, artifacts and works of art from the colonial period displayed inside.
SEE ALSO : 10 Must See Things in Cusco Peru
3 – The Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley, also known as Urubamba Valley, is one of the top destinations for exploring Inca ruins and enjoying some outdoor activities. It is possible to organize day trips departing from Cusco or Machu Picchu.
Within the Sacred Valley there are numerous locations to take your breath awayand which must be absolutely visited before moving to other regions: one of many is the Salinas de Maras, a site of about 3,000 salt pans that create a wonderful glance especially with the lights of the sunset. A little further away we find the ancient archaeological site of Moray with its deep spherical pits in the ground that are thought to have been used by the Inca population as agricultural laboratories. The last point of interest to take a break in the Sacred Valley is the city of Ollantaytambo, home to an Inca fortress topped by rocky terraces carved into the hillside.
4 – Machu Picchu
This absolutely unique destination is probably the main factor that drives so many people from all over the world to visit Peru. Listed as one of the new 7 Wonders of the World , Machu Picchu shows itself absolutely deserving of this illustrious title from the first glance.
One of the most famous routes to reach Machu Picchu is the Inca Rail, departing from Cusco or Ollantaytambo: this tourist train transports passengers within spectacular views passing through the countryside of the Vall Sacra. To visit Machu Picchu , given the large influx of tourists all year round, it is necessary to book tickets well in advanceas they are sold in limited quantities: for foreign visitors the ticket costs 70 USD (about € 62.00) while the reduced student ticket costs 31 USD (€ 27.85) – Buy the full day private tour
Once you reach the famous Peruvian mountain, during your visit you will be able to observe an uncontaminated and wonderful nature in every point, with dense vegetation and many animal species that make these areas their home, such as the very famous and very nice alpacas.
SEE ALSO : Machu Picchu: what to see, when to go and how to visit it
5 – Peruvian
Amazon rainforest The Peruvian Amazon rainforest covers about 60% of the countryand it is one of the greatest treasures of biodiversity in the world and contains hundreds of thousands of plant and animal species that thrive only in this ecosystem. One of the fastest ways to reach it is the plane that leaves from Custo and arrives in Puerto Maldonato with a quick trip of about 50 minutes.
One of the many wonderful experiences that you can try in this wonderful place is a guided excursion to Lake Sandoval, an oasis for many very special species such as river otters, caimans and alouatte. Other activities especially loved by the more adventurous tourists are the excursions at sunset or in the evening where it is possible to meet some species that are normally hidden during the day., or the very exciting canopic walks, walks on suspension bridges in the midst of absolutely breathtaking landscapes. Not for the faint of heart, but definitely one of a kind experiences in life.
The excursions offered vary from the most previous of 2 days to those of a week, the average prices for a 3-day and 2-night guided adventure are around 415 USD per person (approximately € 370.00).
6 – Nazca Desert
The Nazca Desert occupies a strip along the north Pacific coast in an elevated dry valley and is famous for its “Nazca Lines”, particular drawings in the ground that, seen from above, suggest something similar to the famous ones crop circles.
According to scholars, they date back to very ancient periods dating back to between 200 BC and 700 AD and these figures range from simple lines to images of spiders, monkeys, lizards and humanoid figures. These representations have remained intact to this day thanks to the dry, stable and windless climate.
One of the most popular activities just to observe the unique wonder of these drawings from above are the tours offered by various private tour operators who will offer you helicopter flights flying over the area, or if you don’t feel like taking flight, you can still admire the Nazca Lines from a special observation tower located along the Pan American highway.
7 – Arequipa
One of the most visited cities in all of Peru, Arequipa, is surrounded by three picturesque volcanoes and is located in the coastal region in the south of the country.
Arequipa embodies a rich mix of indigenous and colonial Spanish cultures , in fact along the entire center of the city it is possible to admire examples of Spanish colonial architecture together with finds that refer to the origins of the indigenous tradition of these places. Among the most significant buildings to visit we find the Santa Catalina Convent , described by most as a real city within the city thanks to its charming streets, buildings full of colors and flowers.
Another attraction for which the city of Arequipa is considered as one of the cities absolutely to visit in Peru is its role as gateway to the wonderful Colca Canyon, a site of natural interest among the most appreciated in this region. .
SEE ALSO : 10 Things to see absolutely in Arequipa in Peru
8 – Huacachina
Located a short distance from the city of Ica crossing (preferably with one of the very local 4x4s) there is a small tropical gem , the small city of Huacachina, surrounded by enchanting desert dunes of White sand.
Huacachina looks like an oasis par excellence, established around a small lake and shaded by tall palm trees that move slightly in time with the rare breezes that pass through this heavenly location. Given its fantastic location, the city has become an obligatory stop on Peruvian travel itineraries, and today it also boasts the presence of charming boutique hotels and apartments dedicated to the highest quality hospitality of all tourists who choose it as a destination.
9 – Iquitos
Iquitos is a unique city in all respects as it represents the largest city in the world inaccessible by land, but which features helicopters and boats as the main entry route into the city. This however does not preclude it from being one of the most popular destinations to visit in Peru; thanks to its location along the banks of the Amazon River in the north-east region of the country, Iquitos represents the gateway for anyone who wants to explore the wonderful Amazon Rainforest .
Here in Iquitos you will find several tour operator companies that will offer you different options to explore the riches of this Peruvian gem. Some of the attractions most loved by tourists along the banks of the Amazon River are the butterfly farms and some “animal orphanages” run by associations that take care of some endangered species within protected nature reserves.
10 – Trujillo and Chan Chan
Trujillo is located on the north coast of the country and on the right bank of the Moche River.
In the city you can visit the plaza de Armas and the cathedral of Santa Maria, but its most important wonders are the archaeological sites in the surroundings ., such as the Huaca del Sol and the Huaca de la Luna, both characterized by ancient temples and buildings dating back to the Moche civilization. The most important site however is Chan Chan , considered the largest adobe city in the world.
The city of Chan Chan was the epicenter of the mighty Chimorian Empire until the conquistadors, the famous Spanish colonialists, settled with their main buildings in nearby Trujillo in 1500. Currently you can admire the remains of the city defense walls in moliti giants, numerous temples and court rooms, as well as a very particular and elaborate irrigation system.
11 – Chimbote
Chimbote is a city on the coast of Peru north of Lima and has about 350,000 inhabitants, overlooking the bay of the same name, in front of the Isla Blanca. The main activity of the city is certainly that of the port and fishing: in the past it was the most productive city in the world for the fish market . Another industry that drives the city is that of steel. The area on which the city stands has been populated by numerous ancient civilizations, so that today it is teeming with archaeological sites like the whole country, here we can find: Huaca San Pedro, Pukuri, Panamarca and many others.
12 – Huancayo
Photo of edhucesar. Huancayo is located on the Andes mountain range, 3260 meters above sea level. The city has about 430,000 inhabitants and is located in the green Mantaro valley.It is famous in particular for the production of handicrafts for which a characteristic market is held in the city center every Sunday. To visit the Cerrito de la Libertad zoological garden , Constitution square and the park of the Identitad Huanca , an ancient population that resided here and that was subdued by the Incas. For an excursion a little outside the city, the Torre Torre geological formation is a very impressive attraction.
13 – Ayacucho
Photo by AgainErick. Ayacucho is located in central Peru, northwest of Cuzco, at 2700 meters above sea level. It has a population of 93,000 inhabitants which, however, become almost 150,000 with the surrounding urban agglomeration. As in any Peruvian city, Christian worship is very much alive: the Basilica of Santa Maria is worth a visit . From the vantage point called Mirador de Acuchimay , in a central position, you can enjoy a superb view over the whole city. To visit the museum dedicated to the politician Andres Avelino Caceres and the house museum Joaquin Lopez Antay, an artist from Ayachuco who painted beautiful and very colorful plaster figurines. Speaking of colors, don’t miss the flamboyant Arc de Triomphe in the city.
14 – Piura
Piura is a northwestern city of Peru, not far from the border with Ecuador and close to the Sechura desert, with about 420,000 inhabitants. Like every city in Peru, Piura also has no shortage of archaeological sites , first of all Narihuala and its museum. Also in the city there are many museums to visit and interesting places , such as the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel, the Vicus Municipal Museum and the Gran Almirante Grau House Museum, which traces the deeds of the Peruvian hero of the seas in the war against Chile. take a walk in the green there is also the Kurt Beer ecological park .
15 – Puno and Lake Titicaca
Puno is located on the west bank of Lake Titicaca, which Peru shares with Bolivia. It is a city of about 120,000 inhabitants and is considered the capital of Peruvian folklore. Very important for the economy of Puno and the commercial port on the lake, from where the main productions start: tobacco, gold, copper, cereals, coal and livestock. In 1994, therefore very recently, a pre- Columbian archaeological site was discovered 50 km from Puno: Jisk’a Iru Muqu. Plaza de Armas, as in almost every Peruvian city, is the beating heart. In Puno it is very interesting to visit the Titicaca lake reserve , the Uros islands , the Cathedral, the Yavari museum ship on the lake waters.
Recommended itineraries
12-day itinerary: travel to Peru between history and culture
- First day : departure from Italy; arrival in Lima and accommodation in hotel, dinner and overnight stay
- Second day : visit of Lima, its historical center and its surroundings, such as Miraflores, with an incredible view of the Pacific Ocean, and the ceremonial center of Huaca Pucllana; dinner and overnight stay
- Third day : departure from Lima by bus and transfer to Paracas, along the whole “Pan-American South”, along the Pacific coast; arrival in Paraca, accommodation in hotel, visit of the city; dinner and overnight stay
- Fourth day : morning excursion by boat to the Ballestas Islands with guide; after lunch return to Lima always with the shuttle bus; hotel accommodation, dinner and overnight stay
- Fifth day : departure to Lima by plane and transfer to Cuzco; hotel accommodation and visit of the city and its main attractions; dinner and overnight stay
- Sixth day : half day excursion to the archaeological sites of Qenqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay and Sacsayhuaman located around Cuzco; return to Cuzco and free afternoon; dinner and overnight stay
- Seventh day : after breakfast departure from Cusco and transfer to the Sacred Valley; day dedicated to the discovery of the Sacred Valley and its villages; hotel accommodation, dinner and overnight stay
- Eighth day : day trip to Machu Picchu; return directly to Cuzco, hotel accommodation, dinner and overnight stay
- Ninth day : departure from Cuzco and transfer to Puno; stops along the way at Andahuaylillas, Raqchi or the Temple of Viracocha and Pucara; arrival in Puno, hotel accommodation, dinner and overnight stay
- Tenth day : daily excursion with local guide to the Uros Islands and Lake Titicaca; return to Puno, dinner and overnight
- Eleventh day : departure from Pumo and transfer by plane to Lima; hotel accommodation and last free hours for the capital; dinner and overnight stay
- Twelfth day : departure from Lima and return to Italy
How much does it cost
Price details
- Price per person starting from : starting from € 2,300.00 per person
- The fee includes : flights from / to Italy, overnight stays, lunches and dinners, internal transport, guide
- The fee does not include : insurance, tips, extra excursions
11 days itinerary: sports tour of Peru
- First day : departure from Italy; arrival in Lima and accommodation in hotel, dinner and overnight stay
- Second day : visit of Lima, its historical center and its surroundings, such as Miraflores, with an incredible view of the Pacific Ocean, and the ceremonial center of Huaca Pucllana; dinner and overnight stay
- Third day : departure to Lima by plane and transfer to Cuzco, where we will base for the next few days; hotel accommodation and visit of the city and its main attractions; dinner and overnight stay
- Fourth day : daily excursion to the Sacred Valley, including a journey lasting about 3 hours through the landscapes of the area; return to Cuzco, dinner overnight
- Fifth day : daily excursion by bicycle to Morray and Maras, one of the most beautiful areas of the Andes of Cuzco; return to Cuzco, dinner and overnight
- Sixth day : day of trekking to discover Machu Picchu, with various stops on the way up and in the rainforest; transfer to one of the hotels, dinner and overnight
- Seventh day : morning dedicated to the discovery of the ruins of Machu Picchu; in the afternoon return to Cuzco, hotel accommodation, dinner and overnight stay
- Eighth day : bike excursion to the archaeological sites of Qenqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay and Sacsayhuaman located around Cuzco; return to Cuzco, dinner and overnight
- Ninth day : departure from Cuzco and transfer by plane to Lima; hotel accommodation and last free hours for the capital; dinner and overnight stay
- Tenth day : departure from Lima and return to Italy
- Eleventh day : arrival in Italy
How much does it cost
Price details
- Price per person starting from : starting from € 2,100.00 per person
- The fee includes : flights from / to Italy, overnight stays, lunches and dinners, internal transport, guide
- The fee does not include : insurance, tips, extra excursions
Peru do it yourself: flights, costs, best time and advice
Organizing a DIY trip to Peru is fortunately not difficult. The means of transport are very efficient so you will be able to organize your travels well. Furthermore, the cost of living is low. The perfect time to visit the country corresponds to our summer, from June to September approximately, months that in Peru correspond to the dry season.
- Best time : in general our summer (from May to mid-September), but in truth it varies according to the type of trip and the area you intend to visit. – Find out more
- Minimum duration for a tour in Peru : 15 days
- Recommended cities for base : Lima, Cuzco
- Getting around : the best way to get around Peruvian territory is by bus. The company that connects the larger cities is Cruz del Sur (in high season it is recommended to book tickets in advance via the website). Furthermore, in the larger cities, in addition to taxis and classic vehicles, you will also find Uber.
- Flights : for return flights, prices start at € 1,200.00. Generally the airline offering the best prices is Iberia. Flights from € 600.00 – see the offers
- Accommodation and accommodation : Hotels and b & b from € 20.00 per room – see the offers
Travel informed: useful information and necessary documents
- Inhabitants : 32.16 million
- Capital : Lima
- Languages : Spanish, Quechua, Aymara
- Local currency : Sol (€ 1.00 = Sol 3.76)
- Climate : tropical / sub-tropical arid along the coasts above 2,000 meters, more temperate below 1,000 meters
- Time Zone : UTC -5 (six hours behind Italy)
- Vaccinations : no vaccinations required
- Entry requirements : passport, return ticket. Visa not required for Italian citizens for stays of less than 90 days.
- Distance from Italy : 10,490 km (13-14 hours flight) from Rome to the capital
- Travel / health insurance : recommended. With us you get a 10% discount and you have full coverage, 24h medical insurance and unlimited telephone advice. Get
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