Our Top 5 Places to Visit in Peru covers the headline stops: Machu Picchu, Cusco and the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, Lake Titicaca and the Amazon. Peru is large and varied, and many travelers want a second layer once the basics are planned. These are the destinations we most often hear about.
Southern Peru
1. Arequipa
Known as the White City for its volcanic sillar stone buildings, Arequipa has a strong food scene, the Santa Catalina Monastery and views of the Misti volcano. It sits around 2,300m, lower than Cusco, and is a natural stop on a route toward Colca Canyon or Lake Titicaca.
2. Colca Canyon
One of the deepest canyons in the world, reached from Arequipa in roughly one long day or an overnight. Visitors come for the scenery, village life and the chance to see Andean condors rising on morning thermals.
Lima & the Coast
3. Lima
Most international flights arrive here, and the city is worth a night or two for its food, the historic center and the Miraflores clifftop. It is at sea level, which makes it an easy first stop before heading up to altitude.
4. Paracas & Ballestas Islands
A relaxed coastal stop a few hours south of Lima, with boat trips to the Ballestas Islands for sea lions and seabirds, and desert coastline in the Paracas reserve.
5. Huacachina & Nazca
Huacachina is a desert oasis known for dune buggies and sandboarding. Nazca is famous for the ancient geoglyphs, usually seen from a small plane. Both are often combined with Paracas on a coastal route.
The Andes & North
6. Huaraz & the Cordillera Blanca
Peru's main mountaineering and trekking region, with glacier-capped peaks and turquoise lakes such as Laguna 69. It is a long journey from Lima and suits travelers who want more high-altitude hiking.
7. Chachapoyas & Kuelap
A quieter northern region with the cloud-forest fortress of Kuelap and Gocta waterfall. It is remote and rewarding for travelers with extra time.
Around Cusco
8. Choquequirao
Often called the sister of Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is a large archaeological site reached only on foot, and far fewer people visit it. We run a 4 days / 3 nights Choquequirao trek from $700 per person; read the full Choquequirao guide.
Other Cusco-region additions worth a day each include Humantay Lake, Maras and Moray, Pisac and Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley, and the Socma waterfall. You can combine many of these in our private packages.
Combining Destinations
| Trip Length | Suggested Route |
|---|---|
| 5 to 7 days | Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu; add one day trip |
| 8 to 10 days | Above, plus Arequipa and Colca, or Lake Titicaca |
| 10 to 14 days | Lima and Paracas, then Cusco and Machu Picchu, plus one more region |
| 2 weeks or more | Add Huaraz or the northern Andes, or the Amazon |
Check seasons before you commit; some regions are wetter or colder at different times. See our best time to visit Peru guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top destinations in Peru?
Most first trips cover Machu Picchu, Cusco and the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, Lake Titicaca and the Amazon. This guide covers eight more worth considering, including Arequipa, Lima, Paracas, Huaraz and Choquequirao.
How many days do I need for Peru?
Ten to fourteen days lets you combine Cusco and Machu Picchu with one or two other regions. With a week or less, stay in the south and avoid long transfers.
Which Peru destinations are good at lower altitude?
Lima, Paracas, the Ica desert and the Amazon sit near sea level or low. Arequipa is around 2,300m, lower than Cusco, so it can help with acclimatization.
Do you arrange trips outside Cusco?
We specialize in Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu treks and tours. For other regions, contact us and we will advise on how to fit them around your Cusco days.