15 Peru Destinations To Add To Your Bucket List
Peru is the kind of country that ruins you for regular travel.
One minute you’re wandering a 500-year-old citadel in the clouds, the next you’re sipping pisco by the Pacific, spotting monkeys on an Amazon riverbank, or watching condors glide over a canyon twice as deep as the Grand Canyon.
Here’s your lineup of must-hit spots—with timing tips and insider insights so you actually enjoy them.
1. Machu Picchu
Seeing Machu Picchu emerge from the morning mist is pure magic.
This 15th-century Inca citadel at 2,430 m is made of exquisitely crafted dry-stone walls and iconic structures like the Temple of the Sun and Intihuatana stone.
Spend a day or two in Cusco first to acclimate—altitude sickness can hit hard regardless of fitness.
And if dealing with tickets, trains, and permits isn’t your jam, check out thoughtful Machu Picchu travel packages that take care of the logistics so you can just show up.
2. Cusco
Cusco’s streets are Inca stones draped in colonial charm.
Wander San Blas, check out Qorikancha, and grab wool blankets at San Pedro Market.
Just make sure to hydrate, take it easy, and embrace local coca teas—they actually help with altitude fatigue.
Many Peru Luxury tours start here, pairing the city’s rich history with boutique hotels and expert local guides.
3. Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley runs along the Urubamba River from Pisac (3,000 m) down toward Machu Picchu (2,050 m).
Its lower elevation helped the Incas grow maize and build ceremonial spaces—think terraces, markets, and relaxed vibes.
Great for acclimating and exploring without the altitude shock.
4. Huaraz & Cordillera Blanca
Huaraz sits at 3,050 m and serves as the launchpad for Peru’s most spectacular mountain scenery—snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and world-class treks like Laguna 69 and the Santa Cruz route.
Take your time here, the walking pace and hydration beat altitude pressure.
5. Lake Titicaca
At nearly 3,800 m, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world—so surreal with its floating reed islands, traditional homestays on Taquile, and ghostly Sillustani tombs.
But layer up—nights dip below freezing, especially in dry season.
6. Colca Canyon
Colca Canyon, drawing its deep beauty from local pre-Inca and Inca terraces and the flight of Andean condors at Cruz del Cóndor, is one of Peru’s most dramatic natural wonders.
Arrive early for the best condor views, and stay in Arequipa first—it’s lower altitude and full of sun (plus picanterías).
7. Lima
Lima is a foodie’s playground—ceviche, pisco sours, and world-class dining.
Walk the Miraflores clifftops, check out street art in Barranco, and don’t skip the Larco Museum.
It’s a stylish wake-up call before the altitude kicks in.
8. Arequipa
Under volcano watch (Misti, Chachani), Arequipa glows with its white volcanic stone buildings.
The Santa Catalina Monastery is a labyrinth of time, and Juanita the Ice Maiden is waiting at the local museum if you’re into chilly mysteries.
Many travelers use Arequipa as the base before Colca Canyon, often through Peru vacation packages that connect the two.
9. Paracas & Ballestas Islands
Where desert meets ocean, Paracas serves up dramatic red sands, sea lion colonies, penguins, and the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph.
It’s accessible and add-on-friendly—great for retreating before heading deep into the Highlands.
10. Máncora
Sun, surf, and sandals define Máncora. Green turtles, warm waves, and beach vibes.
It’s a different side of Peru—tropical, relaxed, and a perfect post-adventure wind-down.
11. Amazon Rainforest
Whether through Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado, Peru’s Amazon offers canopy walks, night safaris, and wildlife-rich river cruises. It’s a sensory overload—for the better.
12. Kuélap
Kuélap, the Amazon-side fortress built before the Incas, sits in a cloud forest with massive limestone walls.
It’s untouched and atmospheric, with mist, llamas… and nearly no tourists. Epic if you can swing the remote logistics.
13. Choquequirao
Choquequirao is Machu Picchu’s wild cousin—only 30–40% excavated, spread across rugged ridges overlooking the Apurímac River.
It’s massive (over 1,800 ha) and ancient (built around 1536), accessed only by a tough multi-day hike. Adventure junkie bliss.
14. Rainbow Mountain
Stripes of mineral colors on the ridges—it looks straight out of Photoshop.
Go early, acclimate first, or swing by the easier and quieter Palcoyo instead.
15. Maras & Moray
A half-day from your base in the Valley: concentric Inca agricultural circles at Moray, and gleaming salt terraces at Maras framed by snow-capped peaks.
Perfect for your artsy-photo quota.
Peru isn’t just Machu Picchu—it’s mountains, deserts, jungles, and waves. Every layer of breathtaking!
