Top Attractions in Peru: From the Pacific Coast to the Andes and the Amazon

2) Paracas & the Ballestas Islands: Wild coast and marine life

If you want an easy escape from Lima that still feels adventurous, Paracas is one of those top attractions in Peru that delivers every time.

Best things to do in Paracas:

• Ballestas Islands boat tour: sea lions, seabirds, and dramatic coastal scenery.

• Paracas National Reserve: desert-meets-ocean landscapes you won’t forget.

• Bay sunset time: simple, calm, and gorgeous.

Friend tip: If you love photography, Paracas is gold—soft light, minimalist landscapes, and wildlife.

3) Huacachina & the Ica Desert: Sand dunes and adrenaline

Huacachina is a real oasis—yes, it looks unreal. The dunes are massive, the views are cinematic, and the fun is guaranteed.

Must-do experiences:

• Dune buggy ride (even if you’re not into thrills… do it once!)

• Sandboarding: you’ll laugh, wipe out, laugh again.

• Pisco and wine tasting in local wineries: Peru knows how to toast.

Friend tip: Go at sunset. The desert turns golden and everything looks like a movie scene.

4) Arequipa: The elegant “White City” with volcano views

Arequipa is perfect for slowing down. It’s charming, walkable, and surrounded by volcanoes like it’s the most normal thing in the world (it’s not).

Top highlights in Arequipa:

• Santa Catalina Monastery: a colorful city-within-a-city.

• Main Square (Plaza de Armas): one of the most beautiful in Peru.

• Viewpoints with El Misti in the background: iconic.

Friend tip: Arequipa is a great pause before heading into higher altitudes like Colca or Titicaca.

5) Colca Canyon: Condors, landscapes, and living culture

Colca isn’t just about spotting condors (though seeing them glide overhead is unforgettable). It’s also a huge valley full of pre-Inca terraces, traditional villages, and dramatic scenery.

What to do in Colca:

• Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint: the classic condor moment.

• Villages like Chivay or Yanque: local markets and daily life.

• Hot springs: because your body travels too.

Friend tip: If you can, spend a night in the valley. It feels far more authentic than rushing in and out.

6) Cusco: History, energy, and the perfect base

Cusco isn’t just a destination—it’s a whole universe. Yes, there are ruins and museums, but what hits you most is the atmosphere: ancient history that still feels alive.

Don’t miss in Cusco:

• The historic center & Plaza de Armas

• Sacsayhuamán: massive stones and panoramic views.

• San Blas: cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and charm.

Friend tip: Take your first day easy. The altitude is real, and your body will thank you.

7) The Sacred Valley: Where time slows down

If you asked me where you should stay longer, I’d say the Sacred Valley. It’s green, wide-open, photogenic—and deeply connected to local culture.

Top attractions in Peru in the Sacred Valley:

• Pisac: ruins + market + incredible valley views.

• Ollantaytambo: a living Inca town with a breathtaking fortress.

• Moray: mysterious circular terraces (Inca agricultural genius).

• Maras Salt Mines: thousands of bright white pools on a mountainside.

Friend tip: This is where it’s worth adding immersive experiences—community visits, workshops, scenic lunches, gentle hikes. It’s the heart of your trip.

8) Machu Picchu: Famous, yes—and still beyond expectations

Machu Picchu is one of those places you think you know from photos… until you’re there. Then it’s different. The mountains, the mist, the silence—it’s powerful.

How to enjoy it best:

• Visit with a guide (it transforms the experience).

• Plan it without rushing—either from the Sacred Valley or with a night in Aguas Calientes.

• If you want extra magic: panoramic train rides or short viewpoint hikes.

Friend tip: Don’t “check it off.” Let yourself feel it.

9) Lake Titicaca: High-altitude calm and cultural depth

Lake Titicaca feels quieter, more reflective—big sky, still water, and a slower rhythm.

Highlights:

• Uros Floating Islands: a unique cultural experience on reed islands.

• Taquile or Amantaní: textiles, community life, and gentle walks.

Friend tip: This is a destination for traveling with respect and curiosity. If you give it time, it’s deeply moving.

10) The Peruvian Amazon: The most immersive part of Peru

If you want Peru to truly surprise you, end in the Amazon. The rainforest isn’t something you just see—you hear it, smell it, feel it.

Main gateways:

• Puerto Maldonado (Tambopata): great to combine with Cusco and the Andes.

• Iquitos (Loreto): more remote—ideal for deep jungle and Amazon river cruises.

Amazon experiences worth every minute:

• River navigation at sunrise

• Night walks (a totally different world)

• Wildlife spotting

• Staying in a lodge surrounded by nature

Friend tip: The key is choosing the right lodge and region. Logistics matter a lot here—and a great plan changes everything.

How to build your ideal route (my quick suggestion)

To balance coast + Andes + Amazon, think like this:

• 10 days: Lima + Cusco/Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu (plus Paracas if possible)

• 12–14 days: add Arequipa/Colca or Lake Titicaca

• 14–16 days: include the Amazon (highly recommended)

Final friend advice: Don’t try to see everything—try to feel it

Peru is big, diverse, and unforgettable. The top attractions in Peru aren’t only the famous landmarks—they’re also those small moments: an early breakfast on the road, a conversation with a local artisan, cold Andean air in your lungs, or the sound of the river in the jungle.

If you want a trip that flows smoothly, feels personal, and includes meaningful experiences from the coast to the Andes and the Amazon, Colourful Peru can design it around your style—comfortable, authentic, and unforgettable.

Live a Colourful Experience with Colourful Peru.