10 Amazing Places to Visit in Peru for a Memorable Journey

Being such a vast and diverse country, finding the best places to visit in Peru might seem like a challenge. There are so many options and time is always limited. The Andes, the Amazon or the Pacific coast, all have something unique to offer and you shouldn’t miss out on any region, no matter the type of traveller you are!

So, in this guide, we will present to you our top 10 best places to visit in Peru, what to do, when to go and most of all, why you should go. We will also offer some tips on the best time to visit Peru overall, how to prepare for such a trip and how to choose the destination that fits you best.

Let’s get into it!

Peru is a country that presents a remarkable combination of famous world landmarks as well as hidden treasures, really giving you so much more than just one highlight. It is possible to travel from the Andes Mountains to the Amazon Rainforest or the peaceful Pacific coast all in one trip. The best tours or routes are the ones that mix up these geographical areas, which in turn lead to more fulfilling experiences. Therefore, even March is a green and colorful time for the countryside, especially for the mountainous areas, although occasionally it might rain.

From vibrant colonial cities to remarkable festivals and from rustic mountain communities to the natural wonders of the Amazon rainforest, Peru is one of South America's greatest travel destinations. This guide to Peru combines the well-known tourist attractions of the country, together with some less popular locations, to give you a richer understanding of this beautiful country.

The dry season, May to October, offers the clearest and warmest weather (50 - 75°F / 10 - 24°C). March until May, has fewer visitors, pleasant green landscapes and occasional precipitation.

Probably one of the most famous places to visit in Peru. Machu Picchu has captivated visitors with its intriguing mix of history, mythology and stunning natural backdrop of the Andes mountains, making it one of the top things to do in Peru. Whatever your reasons for coming here, it is quite a privilege to see it, and it will undoubtedly evoke strong emotions, especially if you have a guide.

Guided tour of the citadel, Hike to Huayna Picchu: incredible views of the citadel at sunrise or at any time of day. Board the luxurious Hiram Bingham train, one of the top luxury travel experiences in Peru. Early morning tours allow you to avoid large crowds and take advantage of the unique natural lighting and ambience of the site at sunrise.

The best time is during the dry season from May to October (45 - 70°F / 7 - 21°C). March is low season and also a bit greener with the odd shower.

Cusco mixes the legacy of the Incas and the Spanish, making it one of the most important cultural & historical destinations in Peru. Conveniently located, it is an ideal hub for visiting ruins throughout the surrounding area, as well as exploring the Sacred Valley. This is why Cusco is one of the most popular places to visit in Peru.

Walk through the historic center, visit Sacsayhuamán and one of the local markets as there are plenty of things to do in Cusco that blend history, culture and local life.

Daytime temperatures in April through October typically range from the mid - 60s to the mid - 70s Fahrenheit (15 - 24°C). However, we find March to be the most beautiful and least crowded.

While Cusco can be overwhelming to visit due to the altitude and crowds, the Sacred Valley  that stretches towards the Andean highlands offers a more laid - back opportunity to unwind and explore some extraordinary scenery and culture. It is highly recommended for visitors seeking a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere, making it ideal for romantic honeymoons in Peru.

Visit the majestic ruins of Ollantaytambo and Pisac, trek the remarkable agricultural terraces of Moray, and experience the luxury of boutique hotels surrounded by stunning landscapes. Enhance your knowledge of indigenous traditions with private visits to local farms to observe traditional weaving practices firsthand.

December to April is the best time for the highest number of sunny days and best views from the coast. March in particular is a good time to visit with the highest temperatures and the clearest skies.

Lima is acclaimed for its cuisine, making it one of the top destinations for food & wine experiences in Peru. It offers a fascinating blend of contemporary lifestyles, gastronomic experiences, architectural designs and vibrant cultural expressions, exemplified by Miraflores with its luxurious seafront and Barranco with its bohemian spirit.

Dine in award - winning restaurants and explore everything you can do in Lima. Combine this experience with strolling along the Miraflores cliffs, as well as discovering the bars and galleries of Barranco, and browsing through its colonial streets. A special gastronomic private tour or an unforgettable sunset by the Pacific are part of this experience.

May to October is the best time (75 - 90°F / 24 - 32°C). The green season is in March, which is also good for on board river cruises as the water levels are higher.

The Amazon rainforest offers incredible nature & wildlife experiences in Peru and it’s one of the most unique places to visit in Peru. It offers an unforgettable encounter with nature, home to countless plants and animal species that coexist in complete harmony, creating an environment full of extraordinary beauty. Staying in an Amazon Luxury Eco - lodge will provide an unparalleled opportunity to truly encounter nature in its purest form.

Guided jungle walks, wildlife spotting for monkeys and macaws and river cruises. Canopy towers, night safaris and excursions to waterfalls, caves and local communities provide an even richer experience.

April to November (13 - 24°C / 55 - 75°F) for clear skies. March is greener but more rainy too.

Located in southern Peru, Arequipa is the country’s second largest city and one of the top places to visit in peru. Famous for its beautiful and unique white stone colonial architecture, as well as being close to Colca Canyon, Arequipa offers an abundance of cultural and natural experiences.

Visit the imposing Santa Catalina Monastery and enjoy dinner at an exquisite restaurant with a stunning view of the active and inactive volcanoes that form the Andes mountain range. Then go to the amazing Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, to see the flight of the majestic Andean condor on a private excursion with a scenic drive.

Clear skies and refreshing weather (45 - 65°F / 7 - 18°C) prevail from May to October. March brings lush greenery and less crowd however there can be sporadic rains.

Lake Titicaca offers a tranquil, lofty experience laden with deep cultural essence. This serene place is a nice change from Peru's more crowded spots plus there are plenty of chances to interact with local people and their culture.

Check out the floating Uros Islands, go around Taquile Island, get on a private boat trip on the lake. Lakeside cultural visits and boutique stays also bring a more immersive and comfortable aspect to the experience.

Year - round warm weather destination with average high temperatures (70 - 90°F / 21 - 32°C). Although March’s weather is a bit warmer than average, it still offers ideal outdoor conditions. Huacchina is among the best places to visit in Peru in March.

Huacachina is one of the most cool places to visit in Peru. While you’re used to seeing lush Amazonian jungles, Andean mountains and coastlines, Huacachina is a desert oasis surrounded by mountains of sand dunes and is a great change of scenery to add to your Peru itinerary.

Sandboard down dunes or ride dune buggies, making Huacachina a highlight for adventure travel in Peru. Private tours can enhance the fun and quirky aspect of this incredible destination.

May through September generally provide the clearest views with temperatures in the 30 - 60°F ( - 1 - 16°C) range. March is generally the quietest and greenest period, but colors may be occasionally blocked out by cloud cover.

Rainbow Mountain is one of the most spectacular sights in Peru, due to its extraordinary mineral colouration, striped like a rainbow on the side of a mountain. Easy to incorporate into your Cusco trip.

Follow the ridge path by foot or by horse and take in the breathtaking views of the Andes. Continue to the Red Valley for less crowded viewpoints. Private guided tours assist in managing altitude and timing to guarantee the best views.

Coastal Carolina has a milder climate for these months with temperatures ranging from 68 - 82°F / 20 - 28°C. March is a great month as the weather is calm and more mild.

Paracas is one of the lesser - visited spots along the coast and is home to fantastic views of the coastline as well as an impressive array of marine life. A far more refined option to other destinations, Paracas is easy to incorporate into any coastal trip.

Take a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands to see sea lions and penguins, a fantastic experience for family travel in Peru, and one of the best options when planning Peru with kids.

One of the key challenges of planning a trip to Peru is deciding which places to visit. And this largely comes down to your own personal preferences and the type of experience you’re looking for.

If you are into culture and history, then the most interesting destinations in Peru will undoubtedly be the ancient Inca capital of Cusco, and the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Both of these provide an extensive exploration into the country’s mixed Inca and colonial cultures.

For nature lovers, the Amazon Rainforest in eastern Peru offers an amazing wealth of flora and fauna, as does the Colca Canyon in the Andes, with its striking landscapes and excellent wildlife sightings. Those with more time on their hands, should consider visiting Lima and Paracas on Peru’s Pacific coast, where they can enjoy ocean views, gastronomy, and contemporary art.

We would suggest that for any traveler, especially those interested in senior travel in Peru, trying to cram in too much can be counter-productive, and focusing on two or three regions creates a more enjoyable pace.

Below you will find some tips that will help you prepare better and enjoy your trip to Peru!

These weren’t the only worthwhile places to visit in Peru. There are so many more, but presenting them all here would turn this guide into an encyclopedia! But, those 10 are a balanced mix of popular and well - known locations that fit all types of travellers. Whether you want adventure, nature, relaxation, history and culture or an amazing food scene, Peru has something for everything.If you are convinced that Peru should be your next destination but don’t know how to begin planning such a trip, then talk to Tailored by Locals. Share your thoughts and expectations and a local expert will design an itinerary based on your very own vision of a dream vacation to Peru!