In this 2025 Peru travel guide, we will definitely cover the places that you should not afford to miss while on your vacation. Peru is one of the countries that accommodates adventure travelers, cultural people, and those interested in nature and history. Whether you are hiking at the archaeological site, sailing over lakes, or shopping at a market, this guide will contribute to making you most beneficial during the entire trip. Every tourist should visit numerous beautiful places in Peru, ranging from Machu Picchu to the Amazon Basin. Now, without further ado, let’s explore the most beautiful and must-visit sites in Peru!
List of The Top Places to Visit in Peru
1. Machu Picchu – The Jewel of the Inca Empire
Of course, Machu Picchu, without a doubt, is one of the best attractions that one would like to visit in Peru. It is an ancient Incan fortress located at the top of the Andes Stone Mountain and one of the World’s New Seven Wonders.
This site receives tourists from all parts of the world every year because of the great view and the history behind this place.
Location:
Located in the Andes, near Aguas Calientes.
Key Attractions:
- The Temple of the Sun
- Intihuatana Stone
- The Inca Bridge
- The Sacred Plaza
The only way to get there is by walking through the Inca Trail. Tourists can get to Aguas Calientes by road, and then they have to take a bus to the site. Visiting the ruins is quite a treat as it gives an idea of the achievement of the Inca people. This is a popular tourist attraction site in Peru and is characterized by the wonderful rocky backgrounds of the hills and valleys.
2. Sacred Valley – A Cultural Paradise
There is also the Sacred Valley, which is among the most attractive tourist destinations in Peru. The valley between Cusco and Machu Picchu has various Inca archaeological monuments, Andean communities, and stunning views. It is a historical and cultural region as well as a nature reserve.
Location:
Located between Cusco and Ollantaytambo.
Key Attractions:
- Ollantaytambo Ruins
- Moray Ruins
- The Salt Mines of Maras
- Pisac Market
One of the attractions that can be done in the Sacred Valley is the hikes and horse rides that provide an opportunity to visit several archaeological centers, such as the Ollantaytambo ruins, which displayed the great artistry of the Incas. Traditional markets are also available where tourists can purchase traditional accessories and other locally produced crops.
The Sacred Valley is an ideal place to explore the authentic life of the Andes people and is among the best places to visit in Peru.
3. Cusco – The Historic Capital
Cusco is an outstanding destination in Peru for anyone who wants to get acquainted with the history and culture and observe the architectural marvels of the Incas. The city is divided between Spanish and Inca cultures; there are cobblestone roads, Spanish colonial architecture, and different churches.
Location:
Located in the southeastern part of Peru.
Key Attractions:
- Plaza de Armas
- Sacsayhuamán Ruins
- The Cathedral of Cusco
- Qorikancha Temple (Temple of the Sun)
Cusco is not only the starting point for exploring the Sacred Valley and the Inca’s Golden City but also a city with a lot to offer. Tourists can learn about the World Heritage Site of Sacsayhuamán, whose stones are perfectly interlocked, or shop in the many markets for more Peruvian goods and fabrics.
Due to its historical and cultural significance, Cusco has always been an important landmark that needs to be addressed in any Peru Travel Guide.
4. Lake Titicaca – A Serene Experience
Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, hovering over 3882 meters in altitude. This is so because this lake is renowned for its beautiful environment, tranquility, and historical connection to man. It is a place that serves as a great opportunity to discover the initial indigenous cultures of the world.
Location:
Located on the border between Peru and Bolivia.
Key Attractions:
- Uros Floating Islands
- Taquile Island
- Amantani Island
- Copacabana Town
The Lake Titicaca tour also involves a cruise to Uros, where people live on artificial islands of reed plants. Tourists can also visit Taquile Island for its famous textiles or see Peruvian life as it is on Amantani Island.
Titiqaqa, which is also known as Lake Titicaca, is one of the best tourist attractions to visit in Peru, with tourists able to experience the cultural part and the wildlife.
5. Arequipa – The White City
Arequipa, also known as the “White City, ” is one of the most beautiful South American colonial cities of white volcanic ash. Like most cities in the Andes, the city overlooks three active volcanoes and boasts Spanish-styled buildings with modern carvings.
Location:
Located in the southern part of Peru.
Key Attractions:
- Santa Catalina Monastery
- Arequipa Cathedral
- Yanahuara Viewpoint
- Colca Canyon
Arequipa city’s old town is a famous UNESCO site with many beautiful architectural structures built from sillar – white volcanic stone. The city’s attractions can be Santa Catalina Monastery – a unique religious complex where you have the feeling of being in a city in a city; and Colca Canyon, where the Andean condors live.
For anyone appreciating architecture and nature, Arequipa is amongst the top destinations to visit in Peru.
6. Nazca Lines – Mysterious Geoglyphs
The Nazca Lines are one of the most popular and, at the same time, enigmatic attractions of Peru. These giant drawings, whose function is unclear, are visible from the air and represent various fauna and flowers in addition to geometrical shapes.
Location:
Located in the Nazca Desert, southern Peru.
Key Attractions:
- Geoglyphs (animals, plants, and geometric shapes)
- Nazca Lines viewing tower
- Chauchilla Cemetery
The mystery of the shape and purpose of the Nazca Lines is still unknown today, but many archeologists think that they were constructed for religious or astronomical purposes by the Nazca people. The ideal way to view these lines is by aerial view, which is done by taking a small airplane.
Undoubtedly, the Nazca Lines are one of the most famous tourist attractions in Peru, and each traveler should visit.
7. Colca Canyon – One of the Deepest Canyons
Colca Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world by depth, even though it is located in Peru and is bigger than the Grand Canyon. The canyon is exceptionally beautiful, and observing the Andean condor, one of the world’s largest flying birds, is possible.
Location:
Located in southern Peru, near Arequipa.
Key Attractions:
- Cruz del Condor’s viewpoint
- Andean condor sightings
- Colca Valley villages
- Thermal springs in Chivay
Tourists can go here for hiking, making trips to some of the small villages and going for the thermal baths in the Chivay town. It is also famous for to be one of the best destinations for watching the Andean condor flying in the Colca canyon cliffs.
Of all the places tourists should visit in Peru, Colca Canyon is a must, particularly for those who love nature.
8. Paracas and the Ballestas Islands – A Coastal Paradise
Paracas is a coastal town famous for its attractive coast and the Ballestas Islands as a Peruvian Galapagos. The Ballestas Islands house sea lions, penguins, and many birds, and they are located around the mainland coast.
Location:
Located on the southern coast of Peru.
Key Attractions:
- Ballestas Islands
- Paracas National Reserve
- El Candelabro Geoglyph
Nothing is more recommended than taking a boat ride to the Ballestas Islands, where one can view the animals, including the sea lions and the coastal scenery. Paracas National Reserve is another place of interest, combining the sea coast, sand dunes, and desert areas.
For those who enjoy the wildlife and sceneries, Paracas and the Ballestas Islands in Peru are among the must-visit places.
9. The Amazon Rainforest – A Rich Biodiversity Hub
The Amazon rainforest in Peru presents a friendly environment for tourist enthusiasts with natural areas and sports activities. The rainforest has numerous species of animals, among them monkeys, jaguars, and many more, as well as many different species of birds and other animals.
Location:
Located in the northeastern part of Peru.
Key Attractions:
- Iquitos (gateway city)
- Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
- River cruises
- Jungle tours
The Amazon Rainforest is home to several activities you can compost, including boat tours, river cruises, hikes, and other guided tours. People can use local accommodations, such as eco-lodges, where they can also have an opportunity to enjoy the natural feeling of the place.
For those interested in ecology and wildlife, the Amazon Rainforest is one of the must-visit places in Peru.
10. Huaraz and the Cordillera Blanca – Adventure and Trekking Hub
Huaraz is rich in tourism, especially trekking and mountaineering, due to the attractive views of the Cordillera Blanca and snow-capped mountains.
Location:
Located in the central Andes, northern Peru.
Key Attractions:
- Huascarán National Park
- Laguna 69 Trek
- Pastoruri Glacier
- Ancient Incan ruins
Huaraz is a paradise for trekking and mountain climbing because the place offers many routes for treks. The Laguna 69 trek is a favorite pilgrimage trail many tourists prefer to undertake yearly.
Final Words
All in all, this Peru Travel Guide has unveiled some of the extraordinary and culturally rich sites to visit in 2025. Peru is a country that will appeal to every adventurer, from the old ruins of one of the world’s seven wonders – Machu Picchu – to the harsh beauty of the Amazon rainforest. Peru will not disappoint if you prefer to hike, renaissance history, wildlife, or even the cultural background.
This list of the best tourist destinations in Peru will ensure that your trip is filled with fun and amazing things to do. Be sure to add these destinations to your list of must-see attractions in Peru before the year 2025 and discover the treasures of the culture and nature of a wonderful country.
The best period to visit Peru is in the dry season, starting from May to September. This is also the period considered to be most suitable for trekking and any other outdoor activities.
Yes, Peru is a safe country, especially for tourists, but one should be careful, as is the case with any other country. Avoid straying into unfamiliar areas and always follow safety precautions.
Visitors can reach Machu Picchu by trail, by rail transport from Cusco- Aguas Calientes, or by combined means.
Cusco is located at an altitude of 3,400 meters (11,150 ft) above sea level, so preparation is necessary to help adjust, which will prevent altitude sickness.
Yes, the Amazon Rainforest can be visited all year round, but some parts may be restricted during the rainy period, which is from December to March.
It is recommended that tourists should spend 10 to 14 days in Peru that includes the most iconic tourist attractions like Macchu Picchu, Cusco and Amazon forests.
