Here is our list of 12 must-see tourist sites that you should not miss the opportunity to visit on your trip to Peru.
Machu Picchu
This Inca citadel was built in the mid-15th century on the rocky chair between Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu Mountain. It is located 2490 meters above sea level in the eastern advisor of the Central Andes Mountains in southern Peru. It is the masterpiece of Inca architecture and engineering. Due to its incredible location and surrounding landscape, along with its unique architecture, Machu Picchu is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet.
The Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines are one of the most impressive and important pre-Hispanic legacies in Peru. These drawings in the sand were presented by the Nazca culture in the desert near Ica. The lines are located near the coast between kilometer 419 and kilometer 465, and are composed of huge complex geometric figures representing animals and gods. Some figures are more than 300 meters long. The meaning of these giant drawings on the desert floor remains one of the greatest mysteries in Peruvian history.
Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world. It lies 3812 meters above sea level on the Collao plateau, which is a high plain formed in the middle of the central Andes. About half of the lake is in Peru and the other half is in Bolivia. Lake Titicaca covers an area of 8562 km² and is an obligatory destination due to its famous islands (such as Los Uros, Amantaní and Taquile) and the countless tourist sites that dot its shores.
The Amazon River
The Amazon River is the largest river and carries more water to the sea than any other river in the world. Its watershed is also the largest river basin on Earth. The river comes from the Quebrada de Apacheta in Arequipa, Peru. Within its watershed thousands of species of plants and animals make their home. There are also many native communities that live along the Amazon and its tributaries.
Kuelap
This is an important pre-Inca archaeological site. It is located in the Andes of northeastern Peru in the province of Luya. It was built by the Chachapoya people and is a vast archaeological complex that includes a monumental artificial platform. Kuelap is perfectly aligned from north to south, and was built on the limestone ridge of Barreta Hill.
Paracas and Ballestas Islands National Reserve
This national reserve is composed of 335,000 hectares, of which 117,406 hectares are land. The islands are made up of sandy beaches, small islands of black rock and countless cliffs and rocky peaks. They are home to more than 300 animal species. These include the Humboldt penguin and many species of seabirds, fish and sea lions. You can also see the enigmatic Paracas Candelabra.
Huacachina
This beautiful lagoon is in the middle of the desert of Ica. The naturally formed lake is famous for its healing powers. It is surrounded by luxurious tropical vegetation such as bougainvillea, palm trees, eucalyptus and huarangos. It is an ideal place to practice sand surfing, as the lagoon is surrounded by dunes with steep slopes that are perfect for this sport.
The Colca Valley
This valley is located in the province of Chivay de Arequipa. It is a famous natural refuge due to its great cultural value, its amazing landscapes and its great biodiversity. These are just some of the animals that live in the valley: the mysterious Andean condor, the peregrine falcon, the fast kestrel and the vicuña. When you look up you will see the snow-covered volcanoes Sabancaya and Ampato. When you look down you can see the immensity of the Colca Canyon.
Choquequirao
Choquequirao se llama la ciudad gemela de Machu Picchu debido a sus características arquitectónicas similares. Se encuentra en el flanco de la montaña Salkantay en la región de Cusco . Cuenta con una majestuosa arquitectura inca con terrazas, templos, acueductos, grandes murallas con nichos y otros recintos. El sitio está rodeado por una inmensa cadena de impresionantes montañas y el imponente cañón del Apurimac.
Lima
Lima has been declared part of the Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is one of the most important cities in South America. Lima is the capital of Peru and is also the commercial, political, financial and cultural center of the country. It is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in the central part of Peru.
Cusco
Cusco is the oldest and continuously inhabited city in America, and was the capital of the Inca Empire. It lies in a fertile valley in the heart of the great Andes mountain range, and is Peru's most visited tourist destination. There are countless attractions in and around the city. Some of these are: Sacsayhuaman, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Choquequirao, Rainbow Mountain and the Humantay Lake.
Tambopata
Tambopata is a natural protected area located in the department of Madre de Dios. It is known as a biodiversity paradise. It is full of wildlife, and has a lot of winding rivers and infinite forests. Tambopata is a country of environmental wonders. One of the focal points is Lake Sandoval, where it is also possible to participate in adventure sports such as zip-line, exploring the jungle canopy from hanging bridges, kayaking and hiking.
