Explore Peru: What To See and Do Across This Stunning Country

Diverse and exciting, Lima is a large, crowded, and hectic city, which can present challenges for travelers. It is well worth the effort: the Centro Histórico packs the Government Palace, cathedral, and layers of colonial history, while districts like Miraflores and Barranco deliver contemporary food, nightlife, street art, and Pacific views.

Lima is one of the world's great food cities—ceviche, pisco sours, markets, and high-end dining all belong on the same itinerary. Allow time for pre-Inca sites at Huaca Pucllana, coastal walks, and day trips toward Pachacamac or the beaches south along the Panamerican Highway.

Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco blends stone Inca walls with Spanish churches and a lively dining scene. The Plaza de Armas, San Pedro Market, and neighborhoods like San Blas reward several days—not just a single night before Machu Picchu.

Sacsayhuamán overlooks the city; Rainbow Mountain and the Sacred Valley towns of Pisac and Ollantaytambo are classic side trips. Plan for altitude: acclimatize in Cusco before strenuous hikes.

Machu Picchu is Peru's most famous icon: a stone citadel straddling a ridge high above the Urubamba River. Many visitors arrive after hiking the Inca Trail; others take the train from the Sacred Valley. Permits, seasonality, and crowding all matter—book early and use reputable operators.

Beyond the main ruins, viewpoints like the Sun Gate and optional hikes (when open) add perspective. Pair the visit with time in Aguas Calientes or Ollantaytambo to avoid a single rushed day from Cusco.

The Panamerican Highway runs south from Lima through desert between the Pacific and the Andes. The Nazca Lines—vast geoglyphs best seen from scenic flights—are the headline act, but the region also offers wildlife (including the Ballestas Islands), dunes, beaches, wine country around Ica, and haunting sites like the Chauchilla Cemetery.

Rainforest covers much of eastern Peru. Gateway hubs include Iquitos in the north (river and air access) and lodges near Manu or Tambopata farther south. Expect humid forests, river transport, and guided wildlife outings—choose operators with strong safety and conservation practices.

North of Lima, Huaraz anchors access to the Cordillera Blanca and Huayhuash—legendary trekking and climbing terrain. Day hikes and multi-day circuits reach turquoise lakes and high passes. The region also holds deep history, from the carved walls of Cerro Sechín to busy highland markets.