From Inca citadels in the clouds to rainbow-striped mountains, desert oases and the Amazon rainforest, Peru fits an unusual amount of variety into one country. Here are the 12 best places in Peru worth building a trip around.
Ask ten travelers what the best places in Peru are and most will start with the same answer: Machu Picchu. They’re not wrong but Peru is a genuinely large, varied country, and building a trip around a single postcard image means missing most of what makes it worth visiting.
In one itinerary you can walk through a 15th-century Inca city, hike past a mountain striped like a rainbow, eat in one of the world’s most celebrated food capitals, and fall asleep in an Amazon lodge listening to macaws.
This guide focuses on the destinations most first-time visitors actually build a Peru itinerary around: Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu at the center, Lima and the desert coast on one side, and the Andes and Amazon of southern Peru on the other.
If you’re after a broader survey of Peru’s archaeological and natural landmarks across the whole country including sites further north and on the coast, like Nazca, Lake Titicaca or Chan Chan our Peru landmarks guide and our 12 best tourist sites in Peru article cover that ground in more depth. This one is built around the route most travelers who come to Cusco actually take.
Quick answer: the best places to visit in Peru for a first trip are Machu Picchu, Cusco and the Sacred Valley, Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain), Lima, Arequipa and the Colca Canyon, and if you have extra time the Amazon rainforest at Tambopata or Manu. Most travelers need at least 8-10 days to see this route properly without rushing; see our Peru tour packages for ready-made itineraries of different lengths.
Jump to a Destination
- 1. Machu Picchu
- 2. Cusco & the Sacred Valley
- 3. Maras & Moray
- 4. Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain)
- 5. Ausangate
- 6. Inca Trail & Salkantay Trek
- 7. Lima
- 8. Paracas
- 9. Huacachina
- 10. Arequipa & Colca Canyon
- 11. Manu National Park
- 12. Tambopata
1. Machu Picchu: Peru’s Unmissable Inca Citadel
Machu Picchu is, without question, the single most famous place to visit in Peru a 15th-century Inca citadel set on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River, and both a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1983) and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Walking through it means crossing agricultural terraces, temples and stone plazas that reveal just how precisely the Incas built into an almost vertical landscape. Highlights include the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Intihuatana stone and the Three Windows Temple.
Most travelers reach the site by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and then by bus up to the entrance, though hikers can also arrive on foot via the Inca Trail or the Salkantay trek (more on both below). See our full Machu Picchu visitor guide or browse a Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour to see how it fits into a wider itinerary.
Local tip: book your entrance ticket well ahead of time, especially between June and August. Bring your passport (the original, not a photo), a reusable water bottle, sunscreen and a layer for sudden weather changes cloud cover can turn to full sun within minutes.
2. Cusco and the Sacred Valley: Living Inca History
Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, is one of the best places in Peru to simply walk around cobblestone streets, colonial churches built over Inca foundations, and plazas that have been in continuous use for over 500 years.
From the city, the Sacred Valley opens up into a wider region of mountains, rivers and traditional villages that remained central to Inca agriculture and religion. Pisac and its hilltop ruins and artisan market, and Ollantaytambo with its imposing fortress and original Inca-era street grid still in use are the two towns most worth building time around; many travelers also use Ollantaytambo as the departure point for the train to Machu Picchu.
A Cusco city tour is a good way to see the capital before heading into the valley; our complete guide to what to do in Cusco covers both in more detail.
Plan at least a full day for the Sacred Valley, and ideally an overnight in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo it also doubles as useful acclimatization time before higher-altitude days.
3. Maras and Moray: Andean Engineering You Have to See to Believe
Just outside Cusco, Maras and Moray pair two very different examples of the same thing: Inca ingenuity applied to the land. Maras is famous for its salt pans thousands of small pools carved into a hillside and fed by a natural saline spring, still worked by hand today.
Moray, a short drive away, is a series of concentric circular terraces that function almost like a natural amphitheater; researchers believe the Incas used the different microclimates created by its depth to experiment with crops at different simulated altitudes. Both sites are usually visited together, on foot, by ATV or as part of a wider Sacred Valley, Maras and Moray tour. Read more in our Maras and Moray guide.
4. Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain): Peru’s Most Photographed Hike
Vinicunca, commonly called Rainbow Mountain has become one of the most searched places to visit in Peru over the past decade, thanks to the naturally striped red, gold and green bands of mineral sediment running across its slopes.
Reaching the main viewpoint means hiking at altitude the trail tops out around 5,200 meters (17,000 feet) above sea level so this is a destination for travelers who have already spent at least a couple of days acclimatizing in Cusco. It’s a demanding half-day hike, but for many visitors the payoff (and the photos) make it one of Peru’s most beautiful places. See our full Rainbow Mountain hiker’s guide or book the Rainbow Mountain day tour directly.
Before you go: altitude sickness is a real risk at this elevation even for fit travelers. Acclimatize in Cusco (3,400 m) for at least 1-2 days first, stay hydrated, and go slowly. This is general travel information, not medical advice talk to a doctor if you have a heart or lung condition.
5. Ausangate: Peru’s Wild, Uncrowded Andes
If Rainbow Mountain feels crowded, Ausangate is its quieter, wilder alternative. It is a sacred snow-capped peak, one of the highest in the Cusco region, surrounded by turquoise glacial lakes, herds of alpacas and llamas, and small high-Andean communities that still live much as their ancestors did.
Unlike Vinicunca, which is usually a single full-day trip, Ausangate is best explored over several days of trekking around its base. It is a genuinely off-the-beaten-path option for travelers who want authentic Andean scenery without the crowds. For many Quechua communities, Ausangate is considered an Apu, a protective mountain spirit, and that reverence still shapes how the area is visited today. Read more in our Ausangate trek guide or check the 3-day, 2-night Ausangate trek.
6. The Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek: Reaching Machu Picchu on Foot
For travelers who don’t want to reach Machu Picchu only by train, Peru’s two best-known multi-day treks turn the journey itself into one of the country’s top destinations.
The classic Inca Trail follows original Inca stone paths past archaeological sites and cloud forest before arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Intipunku) , a genuinely different first view of the citadel than arriving by bus.
The Salkantay trek is the higher-altitude, more physically demanding alternative. It crosses a mountain pass near 4,600 meters beneath the snow-capped Salkantay peak before descending toward Aguas Calientes. Because Inca Trail permits are limited and sell out months in advance, most travelers should decide between the two well before booking flights our Inca Trail vs. Salkantay comparison guide breaks down the difference, and you can view the 5-day, 4-night Inca Trail or read the full Salkantay trek guide before deciding.
7. Lima: Peru’s Capital and Culinary Powerhouse
Lima is often treated as a layover before Cusco, but it deserves at least two days on its own the Peruvian capital is one of Latin America’s most compelling cities, and consistently ranks among the world’s best food destinations.
The historic center holds colonial-era churches, mansions and the Plaza Mayor. Miraflores and Barranco offer a completely different, modern side of the city, with oceanfront boardwalks, art galleries, and some of the best restaurants in the country. Ceviche, lomo saltado, causa limeña and anticuchos are all essential trying-it-once dishes. Start with our guides to things to do in Lima, the best restaurants in Miraflores and the best bars in Barranco, or book a Lima city tour to cover the essentials in a day.
8. Paracas: Peru’s Desert Coast and Marine Wildlife
South of Lima, Paracas swaps Andean mountains for desert cliffs, red-sand beaches and a marine reserve dense with wildlife a completely different side of Peru, and an easy add-on for travelers heading south from the capital.
The main draw is a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, where sea lions, Humboldt penguins and thousands of seabirds share the rocks, passing the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph carved into the coastal dunes along the way. Paracas pairs naturally with Huacachina (see below) on a short trip from Lima see the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina day tour for the most common way to see both in a single day.
9. Huacachina: The Desert Oasis
Huacachina looks almost unreal in photos a small lagoon ringed by palm trees, surrounded on every side by towering sand dunes, just outside the city of Ica. It’s one of the more surprising places to visit in Peru precisely because it doesn’t look like the rest of the country at all.
The main activities are dune-buggy rides and sandboarding down the surrounding dunes, best finished by climbing up for sunset over the oasis. Most visitors combine Huacachina with Paracas on a two-day trip from Lima. See our guide to things to do at Huacachina for the full rundown.
10. Arequipa and the Colca Canyon: The White City and Condor Country
Arequipa, built largely from pale white volcanic stone (sillar), is one of Peru’s most architecturally distinct cities its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ringed by three volcanoes: Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu.
From Arequipa, most travelers continue to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world at roughly 3,270 meters (10,730 feet) more than twice the depth of the Grand Canyon at its deepest point. Its main draw is the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, where Andean condors are frequently seen riding the morning thermals. Give Arequipa at least two days and Colca two more; the altitude in Colca runs higher than Arequipa itself, so plan accordingly. See our Arequipa travel guide and our dedicated Colca Canyon guide for planning details.
11. Manu National Park: Peru’s Wildest Amazon
Manu National Park, spanning cloud forest and lowland rainforest between the Cusco and Madre de Dios regions, is one of the most biodiverse protected areas on the planet and one of the least visited entries on this list, simply because it takes more time and planning to reach than Peru’s more accessible Amazon destinations.
Trips typically combine river travel, jungle walks and lodge stays, with genuine chances to see monkeys, macaws, caimans and hundreds of bird species in the wild rather than at a managed sanctuary. It’s best suited to travelers with a few extra days who want a deeper, more remote Amazon experience than a quick add-on trip allows.
12. Tambopata: The Accessible Peruvian Amazon
Tambopata, reached by flight to Puerto Maldonado, is the most practical way to add the Amazon rainforest to a Cusco and Machu Picchu itinerary without adding a week to your trip.
From riverside lodges, most itineraries include night walks, boat trips on oxbow lakes, and visits to canopy towers. They may also include visits to macaw clay licks, where dozens of parrots and macaws gather at once. It combines naturally with a longer Peru trip that already includes Cusco and Machu Picchu see our 10-day or 11-day Peru tour packages, both built around a Tambopata Amazon extension, or our guide to the best hotels and lodges in Tambopata.
Local tip: pack light, breathable long sleeves, insect repellent and a rain layer for the jungle, and check with a doctor about yellow fever vaccination before traveling to Madre de Dios, the region covering both Tambopata and Manu.
How Many Days Do You Need to See the Best of Peru?
Most first-time visitors need at least 8-10 days to comfortably cover Machu Picchu, Cusco and the Sacred Valley, plus one Andean adventure day (Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake or Ausangate) and a couple of days in Lima. Add 2-3 more days for Arequipa and the Colca Canyon, or for an Amazon extension in Tambopata.
| If you have… | Focus on |
| 4-5 days | Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu only |
| 6-7 days | The above, plus Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake or a Cusco city tour |
| 8-9 days | Lima plus the full Cusco/Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu route |
| 10-11 days | Lima, the desert coast (Paracas/Huacachina), Cusco and Machu Picchu, plus the Amazon in Tambopata |
Browse our full range of travel packages to Cusco, Peru for ready-made itineraries at each of these lengths, from a compact 4-day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu trip up to an 11-day tour combining the Amazon, the coast and the Andes.
Best Time to Visit Peru
The dry season, from May to October, is the best time to visit the Andean highlights on this list. Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Ausangate, the Inca Trail, and the Salkantay Trek all benefit from clearer skies and far less rain during these months. However, June through August is also the busiest and most expensive period to book. The coast around Lima, Paracas and Huacachina can be visited comfortably year-round, since it sits in a desert climate with minimal rainfall regardless of season.
Is Peru Safe to Visit?
Peru welcomes millions of international travelers every year, and the destinations covered in this guide Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lima’s tourist districts, Arequipa and the main Amazon lodges are all well established on the tourist circuit, with standard big-city precautions (watch your belongings, use registered taxis, avoid unlit areas at night) covering most of the real risk. Altitude, not crime, is the safety issue that catches most first-time visitors off guard: acclimatize properly before Cusco-area hikes, as noted throughout this guide.
What to See in Peru Besides Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu understandably gets most of the attention, but travelers who only see the citadel and fly home miss most of what makes Peru worth the trip. Rainbow Mountain and Ausangate cover the high-altitude adventure side; Lima covers food and city culture; Paracas and Huacachina cover the desert coast; Arequipa and Colca Canyon cover colonial architecture and condor-watching; and Tambopata or Manu cover the Amazon. A well-built Peru itinerary for first-time visitors usually combines at least three or four of these regions rather than just one.
Tips for Photographing Peru’s Most Beautiful Places
Peru rewards photographers who get an early start: the soft light right after sunrise, before the crowds arrive, tends to produce the best results at Machu Picchu, Vinicunca, Maras and Huacachina alike. Weather can shift quickly in the Andes, so don’t be discouraged by clouds or mist; they can add an atmospheric quality that a clear blue sky doesn’t.
Respect the sites as you shoot: don’t climb on archaeological walls, don’t enter restricted areas, and be mindful of local communities and wildlife. Beyond the classic wide landscape shots, look for details woven textiles, market produce, colonial doorways, stone paths and everyday moments they usually tell a more interesting story than another panorama.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Places in Peru
What are the best places in Peru to visit?
For a first trip, the best places in Peru are Machu Picchu, Cusco and the Sacred Valley, Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain), Lima, and Arequipa with the Colca Canyon. Travelers with extra time should add an Amazon extension in Tambopata or Manu.
What is the most beautiful place in Peru?
Machu Picchu is the most iconic, but many travelers find Rainbow Mountain, the Sacred Valley and the Colca Canyon equally striking in different ways, Peru’s beauty spans Inca architecture, high-Andean landscapes, desert coastline and Amazon rainforest, so “most beautiful” really depends on what kind of scenery you’re after.
How many days do you need to see the best of Peru?
Plan on at least 8-10 days to comfortably see Machu Picchu, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, one Andean adventure day and Lima. Add 2-3 more days for Arequipa and the Colca Canyon, or for an Amazon extension.
What are some hidden gems in Peru?
Ausangate and Manu National Park are the two destinations on this list that see far fewer visitors than Machu Picchu or Rainbow Mountain, despite being just as scenic Ausangate for its glacial lakes and Andean communities, and Manu for genuinely wild Amazon wildlife-watching.
Where should first-time visitors go in Peru?
First-time visitors should prioritize Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, then add Lima for food and city culture. Rainbow Mountain, Arequipa and the Colca Canyon are the next destinations most travelers add if their trip is longer than a week.
What is the best time to visit Peru?
May to October is the dry season and the best time for Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain and the Andean treks. The desert coast around Lima and Paracas can be visited year-round.
Is Peru safe to visit?
Yes, for the destinations covered in this guide Peru’s main tourist circuit is well established and well traveled. Standard city precautions apply in Lima and Cusco, and altitude, not crime, is the safety factor most first-time visitors underestimate.
Can you see the Amazon and Machu Picchu in one trip?
Yes. Tambopata is the most accessible Amazon destination to combine with Cusco and Machu Picchu, usually added as a 3-5 day extension by flight from Cusco through Puerto Maldonado.
Ready to See Peru’s Best Places for Yourself?
Choosing between all these destinations is the hardest part of planning a Peru trip, deciding how many places to combine, and in what order, matters more than picking a single “best” one.
Our Cusco-based team builds travel packages to Cusco, Peru around exactly this route, from a compact 4-day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu trip up to an 11-day tour covering the Amazon, the coast and the Andes. Browse our full range of Peru tour packages to find the itinerary that fits your time and priorities.
