12 Best Tourist Attractions In Peru
Peru is a country in South America known for its ancient Incan ruins, archaeological sites, and stunning natural beauty. From the mystical Machu Picchu to the majestic Amazon rainforest, Peru offers travelers a plethora of exciting destinations to explore. Here are 12 of the best tourist attractions in Peru that you should not miss out on.
1. Machu Picchu: Located high up in the Andes Mountains, the mysterious ancient citadel of Machu Picchu is one of Peru’s most famous and beloved attractions. Built by the Incas in the 15th century, this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site is a feat of engineering with its intricate stonework and terraces still intact today. You can explore this remarkable site via train or hike along one of three classic trekking routes – Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, or Inca Trail – to reach this iconic destination.
2. Colca Canyon: The second deepest canyon in the world, Colca Canyon offers some amazing landscapes. This massive canyon has two distinct levels that stretch for over 10 miles and offer stunning views from its highest point at 4200 meters above sea level. Make sure to visit during breeding season (May-October) when you’ll be able to witness thousands of Andean Condors flying overhead!
3. Cusco & Sacred Valley: A must-visit for anyone traveling to Peru is Cusco and the Sacred Valley situated just outside it. Known as “the heartland of the Inca Empire”, this stunning region was once home to some of South America’s most powerful civilizations and boasts captivating historical sites such as Sacsayhuamán Fortress, Qorikancha Temple and Pisac archaeological complex among others. The area also offers spectacular mountain scenery with plenty of trekking opportunities available.
4. Lake Titicaca: Nestled between Peru’s southern border and Bolivia is Lake Titicaca – one of South America’s largest lakes and home to several fascinating islands including Isla Amantaní where visitors can observe traditional pre-Incan cultures still alive today! Explore these beautiful islands while cruising around on a traditional wooden boat or simply take a moment to admire its gorgeous landscapes from atop one of its many hillsides offering sweeping views over Lake Titicaca’s deep blue waters below.
5. Nazca Lines: Located in the middle of an arid desert plateau stretching more than 50km along Peru’s south coast are the enigmatic Nazca Lines – vast geoglyphs believed by some experts to have been created by an ancient civilization over 2,000 years ago! From their viewpoint at Mirador Natural de los Cantos de Nazca, visitors can look down onto these mysterious designs that depict animals such as spiders, monkeys and hummingbirds among other things carved into the terrain below them– an experience unlike any other!
6. Amazon Rainforest: Covering 60% of Peru’s landmass is Amazon Rainforest – lush tropical jungles home to breathtaking biodiversity often referred to as “the lungs of our planet”! Take a journey deep into Amazonia’s untouched wilderness either via four-wheel drive vehicle or boats down one of its winding rivers – you never know what you might come across! Scenic walks through sand dunes blanketed in bright green vegetation will leave you mesmerized by its natural splendor waiting for you around every corner!
7 Lima City: The capital city Lima is often overlooked but there are many great attractions here worth visiting such as Plaza Mayor where colonial architecture lines up like soldiers against a backdrop brightly colored Spanish colonial buildings; Museo Larco – an impressive museum filled with artifacts dating back several centuries; Huaca Pucllana – an archeological site located right amidst modern city life that showcases impressive adobe pyramids; Parque del Amor – romantic spot overlooking Lima Bay with breathtaking views; among others!
8 Chan Chan: In northern Peru lies Trujillo City home to one major attraction – Chan Chan Archaeological Site – once center stage for Chimú culture and largest pre-Colombian city built from sun-dried mud bricks in all Latin America! Marvel at its impressive designs depicting everything from agricultural scenes featuring llamas being herded by farmers amongst geometric shapes carved deep into walls reaching up 8 feet tall and 30 feet wide! A truly unique sight not easily forgotten by those who visit it!
9 Kuélap Ruins & Gocta Falls: For those looking for adventure off-the-beaten path then head eastwards towards Chachapoyas region where you’ll find two incredible attractions – Kuélap Ruins perched atop mountaintop fortress surrounded high stone walls enclosing numerous houses within it plus Gocta Falls – tallest waterfall wholly contained within Peruvian territory located 3 hours away boasting 771 meters height (2 531 feet)!
10 Colca Canyon: Perched high up in Peru’s Puno region lies the famous Colca Canyon – one of deepest canyons in world measuring over 3,270 meters (10 723 feet) deep! Hike through its fertile valleys and admire picturesque views offering an insight into traditional way life as locals continue to use age-old techniques for agriculture! Hot springs are scattered throughout valley plus if you’re lucky enough you may get chance to spot endangered Andean Condor soaring overhead while trekking through canyon.
11 Machu Picchu: Last but not least is undoubtedly most iconic symbol of Peru – the legendary “Lost City” Machu Picchu located atop a mountain ridge located 2,430 meters (7 972 feet) above sea level. Despite its popularity, this UNESCO World Heritage Site remains an incredibly popular tourist destination thanks to the incredible views it provides over Sacred Valley plus its impressive Inca architecture still intact centuries after it was built!
12 Lake Titicaca: Lastly, for those hoping to get off-the-beaten path then venture up towards Peru’s highest navigable lake Lake Titicaca – a vast body of water perched 3,810 meters (12 500 feet) above sea level stretching across borders between Peru and Bolivia situated within Andes Mountain Range! Spend day out exploring islands like Amantaní Isla del Sol or Copacabana while admiring its crystal clear deep blue waters. You can even stay overnight in traditional hotel made entirely out of reeds! Truly an unforgettable experience for any traveler looking to explore Peru’s great outdoors!
These are just some of the amazing attractions that you can visit while traveling through Peru. There is something for everyone, from ancient ruins and spectacular waterfalls to modern cities with vibrant culture and stunning views – whatever it is you’re seeking on your journey make sure to check out a few of these destinations so that you don’t miss out on all the wonders this magical country has to offer!