Claire Dean
Claire Dean

Claire Dean

Travel in South America is a joy to behold. The rich variety of destinations, experiences, landscapes and geography fascinated me so much, that I chose to relocate here, over 20 years ago! The best thing I ever did! Allow me to share my knowledge and passion for Central and South America with you and help you plan your holiday of a lifetime!

The Best Peru "Go-To" Places for your vacation in South America

The Best Peru "Go-To" Places for your vacation in South America

4MINREAD

Written by:Claire Dean

Published: 2023-05-23

One of the most coveted destinations in all of South America comes complete with breathtaking Inca fortresses, soaring cloud forests, the snow-topped peaks of The Andes, the dusty coastal desert, and the misty Amazon rainforest alike. No wonder there’s a veritable wealth of go-to spots within its borders. Let’s explore the best Peru go-to places on your Peru trip!

 

 A Peru Machu Picchu trip is more than just a journey to South America. It is an adventure through the captivating landscapes, ancient mysteries, and unique culture of Peru. Buckle up, as we explore this South American gem—one that whispers secrets from the past while inviting us to savor its present-day wonders.

Local Women and Alpacas 

Cusco

Archeological ruins take center stage in this magnificent Incan empire. There are many places to visit in Cusco, Peru such as the Inca complex, Sacsayhuaman and Coricancha. You can also explore sites like the 17th century Cusco Cathedral and the vibrant Plaza de Armas that plays host to events and festivals. Cusco lies amidst the Andean mountain range and was once considered to be Inca Empire’s capital and therefore is home to various archaeological remains. The architecture here features Spanish colonial influence.

 

Machu Picchu

Probably the most famous touristic sight in Peru is Machu Picchu. It’s home to the iconic ruins of an Inca citadel. The best thing to do here is to hike and explore the stunning remains, which are world-famous for their spectacular beauty. This Inca citadel has been perfectly placed atop the Andes Mountains of Peru and overlooks the valley of the Vilcanota River. Machu Picchu was established in the 15th century and was abandoned after some time. The drystone, perfectly constructed walls attract the most tourists and demonstrate the legacy of The Inca construction techniques.

 

When we visit Peru, our trip begins atop mist-shrouded peaks, where the Incas once danced with the clouds. Behold Machu Picchu, the mystical city hidden among the Andean peaks. Was it a royal retreat, an astronomical observatory, or the world’s most epic game of hide-and-seek? We may never know, but one thing’s certain: those llamas have secrets.

Machu Picchu

Lake Titicaca

Nestled between Peru and Bolivia is Lake Titicaca, a gorgeous stretch of water that’s incidentally also the highest navigable water body in the world. It’s also home to the floating Uros Islands, which are one of the most remarkable places to visit in Peru. Titicaca is one of the largest lakes of South America. Like other places in Peru, this place too has historical significance, as it is believed to be the birthplace of the Incas. This is probably why, you can witness a number of archaeological sites here.

 

The Nazca Lines

The Nazca lines continue to mystify and enthrall. If you love history, Nazca should be your next stop on your trip to Peru. It’s one of the famous places in Peru and is packed with sights to see for a mesmerizing experience. Located on the southern coast, Nazca is also the largest town in Nazca Province. The name ‘Nazca’ has been originated from the culture of Nazca that used to flourish during the time span of 100 BC and 800 AD.

 

Visit the Nazca desert on our Peru tour packages to witness mysterious geoglyphs sprawled like doodles from a cosmic Etch A Sketch. Were they landing strips for extraterrestrials? Or did ancient Peruvians just have a penchant for oversized drawings? Either way, it’s a reminder that sometimes art transcends logic.

The Nazca Lines

Huaraz

Winter sports and outdoor adventures make Huaraz a popular place to visit in Peru for adventure enthusiasts. There are jaw-dropping spots to explore inside the city as well such as Jiron Jose Olaya which holds weekly markets selling regional foods which are some of the unique things to see in Peru. The city is located north of Callejon de Huaylas Valley. Huaraz is the capital of the Ancash Region and lies 3,000 meters above sea level. This place is also famous for Huascaran National Park where you can see many animals, from jaguars to Andean condors, as well as awe-inspiring mountain terrain that is perfect for hiking and climbing.

 

Maras

See more of Peru’s history at Maras where the Maras Salt Mines date back to Incan times. It’s located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, which is itself a major Peru tourist attraction that you can’t afford to miss. Maras is one of the most fascinating sites to visit in Peru and is essentially famous for Maras Salt Mines that is gaining significance since ancient times. The trails around this part of The Sacred Valley offer picturesque landscapes from all four directions.

 

Picture a patchwork of terraced pools cascading down the mountainside. These are the Salt Pans of Maras. This remarkable feature found on a Sacred Valley tour from Cusco, has graced the landscape for centuries. Pre-Inca civilizations channeled the mineral-rich waters of an underground spring, extracting mineral salt in the process.

Maras Salt Pans

Paracas

Experience the natural beauty of Peru at Paracas National Reserve which provides migratory birds and wild animals a safe shelter. The reserve also has gorgeous beaches with reddish shores where you can chill and unwind for hours. This is one of the best-kept secrets to travel in Peru and showcases animals in their natural habitat, both on land and in the ocean. Found in the Ica region of Peru, you can find 65 archaeological sites in this impressive reserve. 

 

The Cordillera Blanca

Close to Huaraz, complete your list of Peru's "go-to" places with a trip to the Cordillera Blanca, a mountain range that offers stunning opportunities for hiking. Climbers can also put their skills to the test by summiting one of the many impressive peaks. The Cordillera Blanca mountain range is considered to be part of the larger range of the Andes, expanding for over 200 kilometers. This range comprises various peaks that are more than 6,000 meters high. The range even includes about 722 glaciers.

 

Imagine a mountain range so high it pierces the heavens. That’s the Cordillera Blanca, Peru’s crown jewel! These serrated peaks, known as nevados, stand permanently cloaked in snow and ice. They beckon trekkers, climbers, and dreamers alike on Peru adventure tours.

Campsite inThe Cordillera Blanca

Chachapoyas

In a valley in northern Peru, is this town called the Chachapoyas surrounded by the cloud forest. The town often attracts history buffs due to its rich heritage and is no doubt one of the best places to visit in Peru, South America. The town is a way to archaeological sites and attracts a lot of tourists each year. If you are an adventurous soul, then you can find hiking opportunities in this quaint town of Chachapoyas, with stunning sites such as the Gocta waterfall and the magnificent archaeological site of Kuelap.


Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

One of the largest reserves in Peru, the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve exhibits surreal views of the forest reflecting on the water’s surface. Home to an extensive number of various species of flora and fauna, this national reserve is one of the popular places to visit in Peru. Spot brightly colored birds, different species of monkeys, beautiful orchids, luxuriant vegetation, and much more. The best way to take a look around this national reserve is via a tour on the cruise. Don't forget the meeting of the rivers for the ultimate experience in this natural reserve.

 

Iquitos is a vibrant city in northern Peru. It stands as the gateway to the Amazon rainforest. Nestled along the banks of the mighty Amazon River, it’s a place where modernity meets the wild. On Iquitos tours, head deep into The Amazon Rainforest to the Pacaya Samiria reserve, Peru’s largest protected area.

Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

Manu National Park

Allowing visitors to witness the magnificent Amazon Rainforest, Manu Rainforest National Park houses plenty of endemic wildlife. The rainforest attracts hundreds of colorful macaws by virtue of salt-rich clay licks. Manu Rainforest is one of the amazingly untouched places to visit in Peru that enables travelers to witness river otters, tapir, and other beautiful creatures of the forest. This reserve is nothing less than a paradise on earth for nature lovers.

 

The Colca Canyon

One of the locals’ favorites, Colca Canyon is the second deepest canyon in the world. The canyon exhibits picturesque sceneries and mesmerizing features along with intriguing remnants of Inca architecture. Colca Canyon has plenty to offer including great lodges, amazing walks, cultural experiences, and a chance to spot the largest flying bird on the planet, the giant Andean Condor.

 

On Colca Canyon Tours from Arequipa, imagine gazing into one of the deepest canyons in the world!  Whether you’re gazing into the abyss, marveling at the surrounding terraced fields, or spotting condors soaring above, the Colca Canyon invites you to explore its unique rugged beauty.

Colca Canyon

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to awe-inspiring sights in Peru. Ask us here about which are the best Peru "go-to" places for your next incredible Peru vacation!

 

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