Attractions in Peru
There are many great attractions to see and visit in Peru. The most famous of-course is the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, located in the Vilcanota Valley, 4 hours from the Andean City of Cusco. However, Peru is a country of great diversity and culture and has many other popular attractions to offer visitors. The most popular attractions are listed below.
Machu Picchu
The most famous Inca Ruins - Machu Picchu is one of the biggest attractions in Peru, and is must visit for any tour of Peru. Located 4 hours by train from Cusco, this magical citadel is one of the finest examples of an Incan settlement in South America. Read more about Machu Picchu.
The City of Cusco
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the City of Cusco was once the most important city within the Incan Empire, and is by far one of the most visited attractions in Peru. Once a city of vast palaces and temples, modern day Cusco is a vibrant and bustling city full of incredible reminders its imperial past. Read more about The City of Cusco.
The Sacred Valley
At over 100 km's in length, The Sacred Valley is home to several impressive Inca Ruins that are the perfect addition to any tour to Peru. The beautifully preserved mountain top ruins of Pisac and the Hillside fortress of Ollantaytambo are the most popular attractions, but the Sacred Valley is also popular for hiking, horse-back riding and quad biking excursions, plus several other hidden Inca ruins. Read more about the Sacred Valley.
Ollantaytambo
The archeological site of Ollantaytambo was one of the last Inca strongholds at the time of the Spanish invasion, and is a top attraction in Peru. Located at the far western end of the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo ruins showcase the incredible building techniques of the Incas, in this beautiful and tranquil region of Peru. Read more about Ollantaytambo.
Pisac Ruins
Just 40 minutes from the City of Cusco, the remote mountain top Inca ruins of Pisac overlook the small market town of Pisac in the valley below. Incorporating vast amounts of restored agricultural terracing and lodgings, Pisac also boasts a royal sector and an Inca cemetery. This attraction is usually included as part of a full day tour of the Sacred Valley. Read more about Pisac.
Arequipa
Arequipa is a city in southern Peru and the nation's second most-important city. The city stands at the foot of the snow-capped volcano El Misti, in the highlands od the Andes. The historic center of the city was named a UNESCO world heritage site in 2000, in recognition of its beauty and historical integrity. The Santa Catalina Monastery and Mama Juanita are some of Arequipa's most popular attractions. Read more about Arequipa.
Colca Canyon
Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful regions of Peru, the Colca Canyon is one of Peru's best tourist attractions for nature lovers and hiking in Peru. The Colca Canyon which is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon (USA) is situated with in the Colca Valley 5 hours from Arequipa and 6 hours from Puno. Early morning visitors to the view point of Cruz del Condor have the opportunity to see the amazing giant condor native to this part of South America. Read more about the Colca Canyon.
Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines are gigantic geoglyphs located in the Nazca Desert, a high arid plateau that stretches 53 miles between the towns of Nazca and Palpa on the Pampas de Jumana. They were created by the Nazca culture between 200 BC and 700 AD, and are one of Peru's alternative top attractions. There are hundreds of individual figures, ranging in complexity from simple lines to stylized hummingbirds, spiders, monkeys, and lizards. Read more about the Nazca Lines.
Lima
A city of 9 million people, the capital of Peru is one of South America's most rapidly expanding economies. Lima, which was once the wealthiest city in all of South America in the years preceding the Spanish invasion, tells an epic story of the rise and fall of this viceroyal region. Nowadays Lima, a vibrant and modern city is at the forefront of South American cuisine, and offers some of the finest (and well-priced) restaurants in the continent. Read more about Lima and surrounding attractions.
Custom Peru Tours
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