Peru stands proudly with its enigmatic Inca civilization’s ruin in the backdrop of haunting Amazon rain-forest and echoes the catchphrase of the naturalists, ‘we should return to nature’ to the so-called modern world. Peru even now one of the most backward countries in Latin America, but if we consider its immense biodiversity with its almost untouched natural resources, then it wouldn’t be a tough mathematics to predict that it will be one of most tourist attracted country in near future.
If you are a true adventurer, then you must keep an eye in the list of ‘ best places to visit in Peru‘ and keep it on your bucket list. But it would be a tour nothing luxury like Europe or some other fancy countries. So brace yourself and be ready for a wild adventure and don’t forget to check our list.
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Best Places to Visit in Peru:
10. Puno
For the aficionado of music and dance, Puno is one of the best places to visit in Peru. Situated on the shore of Lake Titicaca, Puno is going to win your heart with its unique rackety charm. Puno might be a little harsh in its weather condition not anticipated for its tropical latitude but it’s the people that will make your trip worthy. You will not find a lot of people like Puno who are upbeat, cheeky and ready to drop everything just to have a good time. In a word, they are the people who live in every moment.
The streets of Puno are alive with traditional music and dancing and if you are in a time of the beginning of November, then you may see how vibrant people can be. Seeing floating island is certainly one of the best things to do in Peru. The city may be a ruinous collection of unfinished modern buildings but its picturesque hillside setting makes it one of the best tourist attractions in Peru.
9. Mancora
The beach resort of Mancora is known for its greenish-blue beaches and good waves. Its outstanding reputation for sunbathing makes it one of the best places to visit in Peru. In the summer, Mancora fills with foreigners who come here to rub sunburned shoulders with the frothy cream. It is Peru’s best sandy and sunniest region of the country. You will feel like bathing in a natural pool with a complete serenity.
It is not a wonder to see how once just a roadside fishing port tuned into one of the tourist attractions in Peru. It is also a great place for diving and kitesurfing. A guided adventure tour in nearby waterfalls and mud baths is not a bad idea at all. This is not all. An exotic nightlife will wait for you in the town. To spend some relax time in this adventurous country, it is one of the best places to visit in Peru.
8. Trujillo
Trujillo, known as “Capital of the everlasting spring” is one of the best places to visit in Peru. Located near the Pacific Coast, it is the third most populous city Peru. The city is known for its vast cultural patronage. Numerous national and international cultural events like “National Marinera Festival“, the Trujillo Spring Festival and the International Book Festival take place here.
These are the most important cultural events in the country. It is a very tourist welcoming city. The city is full of exquisite colonial and religious architecture. Two major archaeological sites of pre-Columbian monuments: Chan Chan and the temples of the Sun and Moon are in this city. This should be on your list of best things to do in Peru.
7. Nazca Desert
Nazca Desert is the mystery child of the country and one of the best places to visit in Peru. It is famous for a series of ancient geoglyphs known as the Nazca Lines. Scholars believe the Nazca Lines were created between 500 BCE and 500 CE by the Nazca culture.
The lines symbolize hundreds of figure like hummingbirds, spiders, monkeys, fish, sharks, orcas, and lizards and leave us in wonder about the capability of a human being regardless of the time line. Scholars differ in opinion about the purpose of this line but mostly believe it had religious significance. Visiting Nazca Desert is one of the best things to do in Peru.
6. Iquitos
Iquitos is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Peru. Known as the “capital of the Peruvian Amazon“, it is the largest metropolis in Peru. For travelers, it is one of the best places to go in Peru for thrilling Amazon boat rides and great wildlife viewing. It is the only large city that is not accessible by road but this never could break the tourist’s heart. It is another gateway to exploring the Amazon. There are numerous tour guide and boat operations to help you in exploring the Peruvian Amazon. It is obviously one of the best places to see in Peru.
5. Lima
As the capital and largest city of Peru, Lima is gifted with an architectural blend of pre-Hispanic, colonial and modern infrastructure. It is one of the best places to visit in Peru. Founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, the city has a rich cultural background. Its vibrant culture and lively nightlife make it one of the best places to see in Peru.
It offers not only a rich history but also some exceptional restaurants that you may not find anywhere in the world. The most popular attractions are Spanish palaces, old churches, monasteries and one of the oldest universities in the Americas.
4. Sacred Valley
Once the heartland of the Inca Empire, the Sacred Valley is one of the best places to visit in Peru. It is referred to as the “Valley of Yucay”. It is in the vicinity of the ancient city of Machu Picchu and the Inca capital of Cusco. It is unique for its special geographical and climatic qualities. The place is a wonder to the archaeologists. The important archaeological remains are the Inca cities of Písac and Ollantaytambo. Except for the ruins, there are several restaurants that you may pay a visit. It is one of the best places to go in Peru.
3. Arequipa
The historic center of Arequipa is a splendid blend of the Spanish and mestizo culture. This architectural blend is very unique and known as “Escuela Arequipeña“. It is surrounded by three stunning volcanoes in the Southern Coastal region of the country. The overwhelming combined work of Criollo, Indian masons, colonial masters in its resilient wall, archways and vaults and complex Baroque decoration of its facades make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places to visit in Peru.
The interesting fact is that it is warmer in the winter than in the summer. It is often called the ‘white city’ because most of the buildings in this area are built of sillar (a type of white stone). The Plaza de Armas, Convento de Santa Catalina, San Camilo Marke are some of the most exquisite places to visit in Arequipa. Visiting Arequipa is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Peru.
2. Cusco
Near the Urubamba Valley of the Andes mountain range, Cusco was the historic capital of the Inca Empire from the 13th into the 16th century. It is a World Heritage Site and one of the best places to visit in Peru. Around 2 million people visit Cusco every year. Fused with the Spanish culture, this ancient Andean culture gives a unique vibe to the tourists and it is not a wonder if you start to believe in reincarnation as you feel like this place has something that must be attached to your soul. But Cuzco is only the beginning.
What beyond it is just a speechless beauty?
The Sacred Valley, ruins linked by trail, solitary railway tracks and Andean countryside filled with picturesque villages make it one of the best places to visit in Peru. Traditional colorful textiles which have a long past and pagan tradition fused with Catholic rituals also hold a great wonder. The flamboyant landscape from Andean peaks to orchid-rich cloud forests and Amazon lowlands are also as lovely as a dream. Visiting Cusco is one of the things to do in Peru.
1. Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is one of the most fascinating urban creations of the Inca Empire and one of the best places to visit in Peru. Lying in the backdrop of tropical mountain forest, it has an unparalleled beautiful setting. Its colossal walls, terraces, and ramps are so smooth that it is hard to believe that it had been done without mortar. The stone is so tightly fit together that it is impenetrable by the knife. It was used as a military stronghold or a retreat for ruling elites for its dramatic location.
Machu Picchu is a mystery to modern scholars as a lot of things to unveil covered with tropical forests of the upper Amazon Basin. The Inca had no written language so it is quite a challenge to comprehend their actual motivation. Although it is one of the best tourist attractions in Peru, visiting Machu Picchu is, however, not a fancy job. It is at list six days walking and you are not going to get any help except trusting your foot. But when you make it, you discover something outstanding in your life. In spite of the obstacle, it is one of the best places to visit in Peru.