From the lush Amazon rain forest to the high-altitude Andes Mountains, Peru packs a topography as diverse as its offerings, weaving colonial architecture, Inca ruins, multi-day hikes, Amazonian wildlife, and culinary diversity into a South American adventure. The iconic Machu Picchu, which must be booked via tour, tops most Peru travel itineraries, as do the surrounding archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the colonial town of Cusco. A tour guide can unlock the mysteries of the Inca Empire as you trek the trail to the lost city of Choquequirao, summit the Andes on the Inca Trail, bike from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, and take in the views of Lake Titicaca in Puno. To make sense of the enigmatic Nazca Lines, take to the skies via helicopter or scenic flight. Meanwhile, in the south of Peru, don't miss the view from a volcano in Arequipa. A sightseeing tour of the Peruvian capital of Lima will take you to its colonial center for catacombs, pre-Colombian artwork, lively nightlife, and relics of Inca history, while nearby Miraflores is a popular novice surf spot. In Cusco, opt for a food tour to sample lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), Peruvian corn on the cob, and even cuy (guinea pig); or delve into traditional drinks such as pisco sour cocktails and coca tea. Explorer-types should head to the rainforest—near Iquitos there's a vast mass of wetlands full of wildlife and plant diversity, while the Tarpaca River Walk is ideal if you're after a stroll.
Peru is most famous for the 15th-century archeological site of Machu Picchu, which is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. The country also is renowned for gastronomy, characterized by seafood ceviche and ancient grains, and biodiversity spanning the Amazon rainforest, Sacred Valley, and snow-capped mountains of Huaraz.
...MorePeru’s number one tourist attraction is Machu Picchu—an Incan archaeological site that sits 7,972 feet (2,430 meters) above sea level. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is also one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, comprises 15th-century temples, mist-shrouded mountains, and ceremonial sites, plus plenty of free-roaming llamas.
...MorePeru’s most popular activity is hiking. The best places in Peru to explore on foot include Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail, Lake Titicaca, and the mountain range and jade-green lakes of Huaraz. Peru is also a great place to go surfing and wildlife-watching in the Amazon rainforest.
...MorePeru’s diverse landscapes comprise sea, jungle, and mountains, so the prettiest parts depend on where you’re most in your element. Top contenders include Machu Picchu, the green oasis of Huacachina in the Ica desert, the red rock of Colca Canyon, the high-altitude Lake Titicaca, and the rainbow-colored mountains of Vinicunca.
...MoreNo trip to Peru would be complete without visiting Machu Picchu. You also shouldn’t miss the cuisine in Lima, the white-stone buildings of Arequipa, the desert oasis in Huacachina, hiking in the Huaraz mountains, the mysterious Nazca Lines, and the biodiversity of the Amazon jungle.
...MoreYes, most people in larger cities, such as Lima, Cuszo, and Arequipa, speak English; but in more rural places, local dialects such as Quechua are more prevalent. It’s easy to get by in Peru by speaking English, but locals always are appreciative when you speak in Spanish, the national language.
...MoreNumber of Attractions | 148 |
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Number of Tours | 5,098 |
Number of Reviews | 54,898 |
Currency | PEN |
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