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9 Highlights of Peru

From trekking along the remote Inca Trail and staying with locals on the floating islands of Lake Titicaca to immersing yourself in the lush Amazon Rainforest, here are just some of the many highlights of Peru.
 
Author: Helen Pettitt - Digital Content Manager at Explore Worldwide
Date Updated: 9 September 2024
 
Peru abounds with fascinating history - and fun facts. Did you know that Peru is home to over 70% of the world's alpaca population, has two of the world's deepest canyons, and that over 40 languages are spoken throughout the country?

This South American destination shares land borders with Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile, with its west coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Peru is famous for its rich tapestry of history, culture and natural beauty, which any great journey will neatly sew up into a trip to remember.

Read on to discover the highlights of Peru, from journeying through the Inca Heartland to setting sail on the legendary Lake Titicaca:
  1. Machu Picchu
  2. Inca Trail
  3. Colca Canyon
  4. Lake Titicaca
  5. Amazon Rainforest
  6. Rainbow Mountain
  7. Cusco
  8. Arequipa
  9. Lima

Before you go

Read: Lost City of the Incas. Hiram Bingam's romantic travel odyssey is a natural introduction to your Peruvian journey.

Watch: Touching the Void. One of the most thrilling mountaineering stories ever told, whisking viewers to the Peurvian Andes (and to the edge of their seats!).

Listen: Ditch the panpipes and get into the Latino vibe with Grupo 5, one of Peru's most famous cumbia groups. You can't help but dance to this distinctive sound!

Podcast: Dan Snow's History Hit brings the Incas back to life with a special four-part series that reveals the mysteries of Machu Picchu.

Colorful buildings stand amidst lush trees, framing a wooden bridge. The scene captures a vibrant neighborhood, offering a mix of nature and architecture under a bright, blue sky.

Machu Picchu

A highlight not to be missed on Peru tour is a visit to the archaeological wonder of Machu Picchu. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, a labyrinth of dry-stone walls sprawls across the grassy plateau high up in the Andes Mountains. 

The purpose of this incredible 15th-century marvel is still a mystery, but the remoteness of these carefully constructed terraces continue to astonish visitors from far and wide. When travelling to Peru, know that the country is home to some of the best hikes in the world - and Machu Picchu is a must-see on any Peru travel itinerary.
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Ancient stone ruins rest amid green terraces, set against steep mountain peaks under a partly cloudy sky, suggesting a historical site nestled in a lush, mountainous area.

Inca Trail

Goosebumps spread over your skin as you get your first peek of the ancient temples of Machu Picchu. The three-day Inca Trail hike along fast-flowing rivers, through the misty cloud forest and over towering mountain valleys is worth it to finally see the magnificent emerald-green terraces of this sacred Lost City. 

Trekking the Inca Trail is a must-do experience for Peru travellers and is one of the best ways to fully immerse yourself in the magical Andes Mountains. For more Peru travel advice, consider the best times of year to hike and what to pack.
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A lone hiker walks along a stone path, surrounded by lush greenery and mountainous terrain, with clouds swirling around the peaks in the background.

Colca Canyon

The voluminous silhouettes of Andean Condor glide across the bright, early morning skies above the vast river gorge of the Colca Canyon in Peru. Scavenging for the carcasses of large animals, this colossal vulture has an average wingspan of over two metres, making it the largest flying bird in the world! 

Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the USA, the Colca Canyon boasts sweeping views of towering snow-dusted mountains, as well as neat rows of Inca terraces cut into the verdant hillsides. The trails that run through the immense Colca Canyon take you into one of the most outstanding natural settings in the Americas - it's undeniably one of the top travel destinations in Peru.
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A deep canyon with terraced fields descends towards a flowing river, surrounded by rugged, snow-capped mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

Lake Titicaca

The world's highest navigable stretch of water, Lake Titicaca is a must-see highlight of any Peru tour package. The calm azure blue waters of this vast lagoon are home to indigenous people who cultivate and live on the floating Uros Islands. Take a boat trip to explore these drifting villages set upon a reed-like papyrus that grows in the shallows and spend the night with the locals on Taquile Island. Learn about their unusual life marooned in the middle of this remote body of water and watch the crimson-red sun melt into the horizon. 

Plus, according to Inca mythology, Lake Titicaca holds the key to the origins of the Andean world - legend has it that the god Viracocha rose up from the lake and created the sun, moon, the stars and the first civilisation, a deep-rooted myth that still resonates with Peru's indigenous peoples.
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A reed boat floats on a lake near a village made of reed structures. In the background, people in colorful clothing and mountainous terrain enhance the scene's cultural and natural setting.

Amazon Rainforest

Extend your Peru tour with a wildlife-rich adventure along the Amazon River. Immerse yourself in the lush rainforest, and keep your eyes peeled for colourful displays of butterfly. Amazon Peru tours offer unique experiences for nature enthusiasts - did you know that 20% of the world's known bird species live in the Amazon Rainforest?

The bright rainbow feathers of macaw sweep between openings in the dense canopy and river otters relax in the sun on semi-submerged driftwood. View the rainforest canopy from above via suspended rope bridges and explore the flourishing waterways by canoe before staying in a river-side lodge surrounded by exotic foliage.
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Tall trees stretch upwards, with sunlight filtering through dense green foliage in a tropical rainforest, creating a vibrant canopy and lush undergrowth. Moss and vines cover the tree trunks.

Rainbow Mountain

A visit to see Peru's Rainbow Mountain is on the must-do lists of many travellers. If you want to live life at its most vibrant, a trek through the Andean highlands to Rainbow Mountain introduces a dopamine hit of vivid reds, oranges, yellows and greens. However, you can avoid the crowds of this popular highlight with a trip to Vinicunca's lesser-known sister range in Palccoyo. 

With vivid stripes of pistachio green, soft gold and crimson red earth layered over the undulating sierra, the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountains are just as impressive, but you'll have more space to explore the colourful hillsides and enjoy magnificent views both on the way up and on the way down. Whichever Rainbow mountain you choose to visit, they're among the top travel destinations in Peru.
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Mountain with colorful striations stands prominently; people hike along the ridge. The landscape extends under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds, creating a vibrant, natural setting.

Cusco

From striking colonial architecture and imperious mountain scenery to extensive trekking and hair-raising white water rafting, Cusco has something for everyone. Located at the head of the Sacred Valley the city overlooks the Andes Mountains and is the gateway to Machu Picchu. 

Once the capital of the mighty Inca Empire, Cusco is a natural place to start an Incan pilgrimage. Get to know Quechua-speaking Inca descendants as you wander through cobblestone plazas adorned with colourful Peruvian textiles and sample some of the local delicacies. Alternatively, head into the mountains and dare to ride the rapids of the Urubamba River. For those travelling to Peru, Cusco is a city not to be missed.
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A historic cathedral stands prominently amidst a bustling, sunlit city square surrounded by red-roofed buildings, with green hills in the backdrop. Text "EL PERU" is visible on the hillside.

Arequipa

Surrounded by three volcanoes, Arequipa is a lively Peruvian town adorned with beautifully ornate baroque architecture and famous for having the perfect sunset, best enjoyed with a drink in one of the several rooftop bars. A trip to the Museo Santuarios de Altura reveals one of the world's best-preserved mummies, and the striking 17th-century churches of La Compania and San Agustin offer an impressive display of expressive mestizo architecture. 

Arequipa traditional picanterias showcase real, home-cooked farmers food, with hearty rocoto relleno (stuffed peppers) and chicha morada (a purple corn drink) as the region's stand-out dishes. Needless to say, Arequipa is a highlight in any Peru travel itinerary.
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A cathedral with two prominent towers stands majestically at sunset, casting long shadows over a busy plaza in an urban landscape framed by distant mountains.

Lima

Many travellers eschew Peru's coastal capital for a quick exit to the mountains, but it's well worth tagging some time on to explore. For an introduction to the country's rich history, Lima's superb Museo Larco is an endless treasure trove, showcasing astounding finds from pre-Columbian cultures that date back to 3,500 BC. Getting out of the historic centre, a trip to bohemian Barranco opens up a world of gothic-style architecture and mural-clad side streets. 

Modern Miraflores is the perfect place to take in the sea air, with a two-mile 'Malecon' - a seafront walkway of parks, gardens and green spaces along the Pacific Coast to enjoy. Nor is there any missing some of Peru's best food and drink in Lima - make sure you try zesty ceviche. For those wondering whether it's safe to travel to Peru, Lima offers a relatively safe and enriching experience.
A large mural of a cat wearing glasses covers a building wall, flanked by a rhinoceros painting. Palm trees and stairs are in the background. Text reads "DEL FIN AMERICA" and "LOS ANGELES".

The Explore Foundation

Did you know that many Aymara communities (high in the Peruvian Andes, on the shores of Lake Titicaca) struggle to access to safe, reliable drinking water? The Explore Foundation is supporting Energía, Ambiente y Sostenibilidad (EAS) to improve community access to clean, safe water. The project is training technicians (at least half will be women) to learn how to operate and maintain rural water systems and solar pumps; promote hygiene and efficient water use; and manage community water systems, plus much more. 

 

Together, we can empower Aymara communities to manage their own water systems and build healthier, more resilient futures – one drop at a time.

Donate here

Don't just travel, Explore!

Have we got you excited for a trip to Peru? No matter which of these highlights of Peru you want to see, use us as your Peru travel guide - we've got a tour for you. 
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Two vibrant red and blue parrots fly side by side, wings outstretched, through a dense, green leafy forest background.

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