Best Places to Visit in Peru

If you are thinking about traveling to Peru, there are several places you should consider visiting. The list includes cities such as Arequipa and Cusco, as well as the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is one of the most popular sites in Peru. This ancient citadel is found in the Andes Mountains. It was built by the Incas in the 15th century. Many of its buildings play on astronomical alignments.

The site is also renowned for its sophisticated dry-stone walls. However, Machu Picchu can be tricky to navigate. To avoid problems, try to go to the site at dawn or during the midday hours. If you haven’t been to Machu Picchu before, you may want to hire a guide to help you.

Aguas Calientes, the city near Machu Picchu, is a good base to visit the site from. There are plenty of hotels and restaurants here.

Arequipa

Arequipa, Peru is one of the most beautiful cities in South America. This white city, also called La Ciudad Blanca, is located at the foot of the giant sleeping volcano Misti. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The colonial era capital is full of white sillar buildings. In the heart of Arequipa’s historic center is the Plaza de Armas. Located next to the cathedral, the square is a fusion of neoclassical and renaissance styles.

One of the best things to do in Arequipa is to take a walking tour of the city. There are a few options, including the free walking tours offered by La Plaza de Armas. Another good option is to go to the market. You can browse the stalls and shop for handmade hats, handicrafts, and other local goods.

Cajamarca

Cajamarca, the cultural hub of the Peruvian highlands, is one of the best places to visit in northern Peru. This town is located 2,750 meters above sea level in the Andes Mountains, and has a mild climate that helps agriculture thrive. It is home to a number of Spanish colonial monuments.

The city’s center is an architectural grid of whitewashed buildings. One of the most interesting buildings in Cajamarca is the Cathedral, which features a gold leaf-covered altar. Other monuments include the San Francisco Church, which is also known as the Mother Church of Santa Catalina.

The city is also home to the Museo Arqueologico, which contains artifacts from the ancient Cajamarca culture. Another archaeological site in Cajamarca is the Ventanillas de Otuzco. These necropolises are formed by volcanic rock and are about eight kilometres away from the city.

Lake Titicaca

One of the best places to visit in Peru is Lake Titicaca, a huge lake in the southern highlands of the country. Located on the border of Bolivia and Peru, it is one of the highest navigable lakes in the world. It is also a major center of ancient culture. Several islands, including Uros, are popular tourist attractions.

For a real taste of Andean culture, visit the floating island of Uros. Made from the reeds of the lake, these artificial islands are home to the Uros people. Their houses are built of totora reeds and they even build boats with them.

A more tranquil experience is to visit Isla Taquile, which looks like a huge ribbed whale. This island has about 2,000 Quechua-speaking locals, who are happy to show visitors around.

Cordillera Blanca

Cordillera Blanca is Peru’s most popular trekking destination. This mountain range is the highest tropical mountain range in the world. It is home to turquoise lakes, glaciers, and several peaks over 15,000 feet. The Huascaran National Park protects most of the Cordillera Blanca.

Cordillera Blanca offers many hiking trails to suit all skill levels. Whether you prefer day hikes or multi-day treks, you can find something to fit your needs.

Cordillera Blanca is located in the northern half of Peru. Located in the Huascaran National Park, it is a protected natural area by the UNESCO.

For those looking to go on a multi-day trek, the dry season is ideal. From April to September, the air is clear, making for beautiful scenery.

Kuelap

Kuelap is an archaeological site in northern Peru that contains the remains of the Chachapoyas culture. It was built in the seventh century by the people of the cloud and is known for its round houses, rhombuses, and geometric figures.

Kuelap is a huge, sprawling pre-Inca site that is located in the northeastern highlands of Peru. It is one of the largest stone ruins in the Americas. The site is a popular off-the-beaten-path destination, especially amongst nature lovers.

Kuelap was first discovered in the mid-1840s by a local judge in the Chachapoyas region. His survey of the area led him to the ruins, where he was amazed by the sheer size of the place. He wrote a report on Kuelap for the Geographical Society of Lima.