Once the heart of the Inca Empire, Machu Picchu remains one of the best places to visit in Peru, with its mist-shrouded ruins and awe-inspiring terraces. Its scale is staggering — like discovering an ancient city frozen in time, high in the Andes.
But Peru offers more than just Machu Picchu. The capital, Lima, is a vibrant mix of colonial charm and modern energy, with world-renowned restaurants, buzzing markets, and a dramatic clifftop coastline. In the south, Cusco’s cobbled streets lead to centuries-old cathedrals, lively plazas, and remnants of Inca grandeur at every turn.
Best places to visit in Peru
26 places to visit in Peru
Lake TiticacaArequipaMachu PicchuThe Inca TrailThe Sacred ValleyCordillera BlancaHuarazLimaChinchaIca and aroundLunahuanaPisco and aroundTacnaThe Nasca Lines and aroundThe Panamerican HighwayCajamarcaChachapoyas and aroundTrujillo
Arequipa and Lake Titicaca Travel Guide
Cusco Travel Guide
Huaraz, the cordilleras and the Ancash coast Travel Guide
Lima and around Travel Guide
Nasca and the south coast Travel Guide
The Central Sierra Travel Guide
The jungle Travel Guide
Trujillo and the north Travel GuideQuestions about the best places to see in Peru
What is the best place to visit in Peru?−
If you're going to Peru, you're probably going to Machu Picchu, and yes, it lives up to the hype. Whether you hike the Inca Trail or take the train, it’s a must.
But Peru has more than one headliner. Cusco itself is packed with history and charm, Arequipa blends volcano views with colonial architecture, and the Sacred Valley is worth several days, not just a stopover. For nature, the Amazon and Lake Titicaca both deliver totally different landscapes and wildlife.
The best tailor-made trip links a few of these regions, and with the right pacing, it won’t feel rushed.
