Things not to miss

Rough Guides Editors

5/16/2019

#01 Pisac Market

#02 Kuelap

The ruined citadel of Kuelap is one of the most fascinating archeological sites in the Andes.

© Ludmila Ruzickova/Shutterstock

#03 Lagunas de Llanganuco

The deep blue of these lakes in the Cordillera Blanca changes with the weather.

© Peto Laszlo/Shutterstock

#04 Huacachina

This sacred healing lagoon, ringed by palm trees and hidden among massive sand dunes, draws sandboarders and dune-buggy riders from all over the world.

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#05 Uros islands

One of Lake Titicaca’s many treasures, these man-and-woman-made floating villages have existed in the lake since Inca times.

© Rafal Cichawa/Shutterstock

#06 Andean agricultural terraces

These mountainside terraces in the magnificent Cotahuasi and Colca canyons give evidence of the impressive organization of pre-Conquest native societies.

#07 Trujillo

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Though it doesn’t attract the hype of Lima or Cusco, Peru’s third city charms with its colonial architecture and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

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#08 Ballestas Islands

Often called the Peruvian Galapagos, these islands located off the coast of Pisco are teeming with bird and marine life.

© Don Mammoser/Shutterstock

#09 Ceviche

Peru’s national dish is a refreshing treat – fresh fish soaked in lime juice and chillies.

© Christian Vinces/Shutterstock

#10 Rainforest canopy walkway

Peru’s jungle can be viewed at its best from the Amazon’s longest tree-top canopy walkway, reaching 35m above ground at the Amazon Explorama Field Station.

© Christian Vinces/Shutterstock

#11 Reserva Nacional Paracas

Just a few hours out of Lima, Paracas is a coastal wildlife haven, boasting some fantastic beaches alongside archeological sites.

#12 Cordillera Blanca

The glacial scenery of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range is among the finest and most accessible on the planet.

#13 Arequipa

This white stone city, beautiful and intriguing, is watched over by the awesome, ice-capped volcano of El Misti.

#14 Ayacucho

Bustling streets, impressive churches, passionate religious processions and unique artesanía make this Andean city a standout.

© Jess Kraft/Shutterstock

#15 Sacsayhuaman

The zigzag megalithic defensive walls of this Inca temple-fortress are home to the annual Inti Raymi Festival of the Sun.

© SL-Photography/Shutterstock

#16 Chavín de Huantar

Dating back over 2500 years, this large temple has many striking stone carvings and gargoyles, both externally and within its subterranean chambers.

#17 Puerto Belén

A frenetic, floating jungle port that has been called the Venice of the Peruvian jungle.

#18 Máncora

Peru’s most popular surfer hangout features gorgeous beaches and buzzing nightlife.

#19 Valley of the Pyramids

Over twenty adobe pyramids built by a pre-Inca civilization surround a sacred mountain at Túcume in the northern deserts.

#20 Nasca Lines

Take a helicopter tour to get the full impact of these intricate symbols, etched into the deserts of southern Peru.

#21 Colca Canyon

Twice the size of the Grand Canyon, the enormous Colca, one of the deepest canyons in the world, is also one of Peru’s biggest destinations.

#22 Machu Picchu

With mysterious temples and palaces nestling among hundreds of terraces, this fabulous Inca citadel is awe-inspiring.

© tsuchi/Shutterstock

Travel advice for Peru

Find even more inspiration for Peru here