ATTRACTIONS IN PERU
We are extremely proud to be Peruvians and feel overjoyed
to host you in our home country!
Peru is an incredibly diverse country, composed of three main regions: the coast, the highlands, and the jungle. It has multiple geographies and climates and is home to multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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We have included some of our favorite attractions in Lima and other places in Peru if you wish to travel and explore our beautiful country. Although there are many more, we have included most of our recommended places.
LIMA
(The only capital of South America next to the ocean)
LARCOMAR
BARRANCO
MUSEO LARCO
An open-air shopping and entertainment center built into the cliffs of Miraflores, Larcomar offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, trendy shops, Peruvian and international restaurants, and cafes. It’s the perfect spot for a scenic walk, sunset photos, or a relaxed afternoon overlooking the sea.
Lima’s most artistic district, known for its colorful murals, charming colonial homes, and seaside views. It’s a great place for a leisurely walk, enjoying live music, art galleries, cafés, and the iconic Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs). At night, the district comes alive with some of Lima’s best bars and nightlife, making it a great spot for both locals and visitors.
Famous for its pre-Columbian art collections (including ceramics, textiles, metalwork, jewelry, crowns, etc) from ancient cultures. Also famous for its beautiful gardens with colorful flowers with a popular restaurant (Museo Larco Café-Restaurant). You can choose to go only to the restaurant in the gardens.
MUSEO DE ORO
CENTRO DE LIMA
PLAZA MAYOR
CATACUMBAS DE
SAN FRANCISCO
Famous for its stunning collection of pre-Columbian gold crafts (jewelry, ornaments, ceremonial masks, etc) by ancient Peruvian civilizations. Showcases the Inca’s mastery of metallurgy and the symbolic importance of gold in religion and power.
(You will see this from the terrace at the cocktail on Friday)
The heart of historic Lima, the Plaza Mayor is surrounded by colonial landmarks like the Government Palace, Lima Cathedral, and Archbishop’s Palace. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s ideal for admiring Spanish architecture, learning about Peru’s history, and strolling through vibrant, culture-rich streets.
Step into Lima’s mysterious past with a visit to the San Francisco Catacombs, located in Lima’s historic center, just off the Plaza Mayor. Beneath the stunning colonial Church and Convent of San Francisco, you’ll explore underground tunnels with a glimpse into colonial-era burial traditions. Guided tours are available daily, mostly in English and Spanish.
CUSCO
(The capital of the Inca Empire)
MACHU PICCHU
PLAZA DE ARMAS
& CUSCO CATHERAL
SACRED VALLEY
Peru’s most iconic treasure and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
A mystical Inca citadel surrounded by lush green mountains. Whether you arrive by train or trail, this Wonder of the World is an unforgettable experience.
At the heart of Cusco lies the vibrant Plaza de Armas, surrounded by colonial balconies, arched walkways, beautiful gardens, and lively cafés. Overlooking the plaza is the Cusco Cathedral. This historic center blends Inca foundations with Spanish elegance, offering the perfect spot for a stroll, photos, or coffee/drinks with a view.
Just a short drive from Cusco, the Sacred Valley is a stunning region of fertile farmland, rivers, and Andean peaks that was once the heart of the Inca Empire. The valley is filled with archaeological sites, local markets, and traditional villages.
URUBAMBA
SALINERA DE MARAS
(Maras Salt Mines)
MORAY
Located in the heart of the Sacred Valley, Urubamba is a tranquil town surrounded by towering mountains, rivers, and farmland. Once an important agricultural center for the Incas, today it’s a peaceful base for exploring the valley’s many wonders. Well known for its laid-back charm, beautiful boutique hotels, and farm-to-table dining.
Located in the mountains of the Sacred Valley, these are thousands of shimmering white salt pools cascading down the hillside, harvested by hand since Inca times. It's a surreal place to visit and photograph.
Located in the Sacred Valley, the Moray ruins are a famous archeological site composed of circular terraces that are believed to have been used by the Incas for agricultural research. A mysterious and photogenic site with great views of the Andes.
OLLANTAYTAMBO
LAGUNAS PIURAY
& HUAYPO
PISAC
Located in the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo is a charming Inca town with cobblestone streets and an impressive stone fortress. It also has train access to Machu Picchu.
Located just outside the Sacred Valley, near the charming town of Chinchero, Piuray and Huaypo are two stunning Andean lakes surrounded by rolling hills, farmland, and mountain views. There are some very fun quad-bike tours around these lagoons!
Located in the Sacred Valley, Pisac combines impressive Inca ruins with one of the region’s most colorful artisan markets.
MONTAÑA DE LOS
7 COLORES
(Rainbow Mountain)
Known for its vibrant mineral stripes, Rainbow Mountain is a colorful natural wonder high in the Andes. It’s a challenging hike, but the views from the top are absolutely worth it!
MÁNCORA OR PUNTA SAL
(Where we got engaged!)
Looking for sun and surf? Head north to Mancora or Punta Sal, Peru’s most popular beach towns. Sunny all year, warm waters, golden sand, incredible sunsets, lively beach bars, and amazing restaurants!
PARACAS
NAZCA LINES
Etched into the desert thousands of years ago, the Nazca Lines are enormous, mysterious drawings of animals and symbols best seen from the air. Their origins remain unknown. Flying over these ancient geoglyphs is a surreal and unforgettable experience.
SAND DUNES
Just outside Paracas, golden sand dunes stretch toward the ocean. Ideal for dune buggy rides and sandboarding, this coastal desert offers thrilling adventure and unforgettable views, especially at sunset.
ISLAS BALLESTAS
The Ballestas Islands are a short boat ride from Paracas and home to sea lions, penguins, and thousands of seabirds. It’s a fun and scenic excursion that brings you up close to Peru’s unique coastal wildlife and rock formations.
HUACACHINA OASIS
Tucked between giant sand dunes, Huacachina is a dreamy desert oasis with palm trees and a peaceful lagoon. Huacachina is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation in the heart of the desert, relaxing by the lagoon or zooming through the dunes on a buggy.
AREQUIPA
COLCA CANYON
PLAZA DE ARMAS &
BASILICA CATHEDRAL
MISTI VOLCANO
Just outside the city, the Colca Canyon is one of the world’s deepest canyons, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. It's known for its breathtaking landscapes and soaring Andean condors, which can often be spotted gliding above. Ideal for a day trip or overnight escape where you can hike, soak in hot springs, and enjoy breathtaking mountain views.
Arequipa’s Plaza de Armas is considered one of the prettiest in Peru, surrounded by palm trees, fountains, and elegant archways. At its center stands the Basilica Cathedral, a grand 17th-century church made from white volcanic stone that glows at sunset and is beautifully lit at night.
Arequipa is surrounded by three volcanoes, Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu, which form an iconic backdrop to the city. You can admire them from various viewpoints, or the adventurous can take a guided hike!
SANTA CATALINA
MONASTERY
SAN CAMILO
MARKET
Step back in time inside the Santa Catalina Monastery, a peaceful and colorful complex that feels like its own little city. This monastery has cobblestone streets, bright red and blue walls, courtyards, and centuries of history. It is one of the most unique and photogenic places in Arequipa.
Built in the 16th century, the monastery remained closed to the outside world until 1970 that it opened to visitors.
A bustling local market and a great place to sample Peruvian fruits, cheeses, and snacks, and get a feel for daily life in Arequipa.
PUNO
LAKE TITICACA
UROS FLOATING
ISLANDS
PLAZA DE ARMAS
& CATHEDRAL
Located between Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world and one of the most beautiful places in the Andes. Its deep blue waters, surrounded by mountains, snow-capped peaks, and ancient legends, create a peaceful and magical atmosphere.
Handmade from layers of totora reeds, the Uros Floating Islands are home to one of the world’s most unique communties. The Uros have preserved their traditional way of life for centuries. Visitors can tour the islands, meet local families, and learn about their customs.
The heart of Puno is its lovely Plaza de Armas, where you’ll find the elegant Puno Cathedral, built in the 18th century from carved volcanic stone.
PERU'S JUNGLE
(Part of the Amazon Rainforest)
TAMBOPATA
NATIONAL RESERVE
Known for its incredible wildlife, lush jungle trails, and peaceful oxbow lakes, Tambopata is the perfect place to spot monkeys, macaws, and even giant river otters. Stay in a cozy eco-lodge and explore the magic of the jungle by boat, on foot, or at night under the stars
CRUCERO
AMAZONAS
One of the most unique, luxurious, and comfortable ways to experience the Peruvian jungle. Drift through lush rainforest, spot monkeys, pink dolphins, and toucans, and explore hidden tributaries by boat with expert guides. With elegant cabins, gourmet dining, and daily wildlife excursions.
HIGHLIGHTS
WILDLIFE
WATCHING
RIVER CRUISES &
CANOE RIDES
CANOPY WALKWAYS
& ZIPLINING
Including monkeys, sloths, toucans, macaws, pink river dolphins, otters, caimans, anacondas, jaguars, and countless butterflies and insects, among many others!
Boat rides offer a peaceful way to explore the jungle and spot wildlife in their natural habitat.
Get a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest by walking along suspended bridges in the tree canopy, or zipline through the treetops in some adventure lodges.