Visit Peru: 10 things to do and see absolutely

Machu Picchu sacred valley

Do you dream of getaways and escape, do you want to live new experiences and shake up your daily life? Therefore the Peru is the ideal destination.

This jewel of Latin America will delight you with its diversity of landscapes and its cultural richness. Our travel agency friends Peru Exceptional takes us to discover this country and 10 places and things to absolutely see in Peru !

The essentials among Peruvians!

We know full well that the Peru cannot be summed up in just 10 must-see places/places. But if you have the opportunity to go there, you absolutely must add these 10 places to your itinerary, it would be a shame to miss them!

Visit Lima: a colorful capital!

Lima The vibrant and attractive capital of Peru, Lima is a city of charm. Its historic center, listed as a UNESCO heritage site, takes you back in time. Admire the colonial buildings of the Plaza Mayor: the Cathedral and the Archbishop’s Palace.

Lima is a paradise for history and architecture buffs. Many museums and churches are open for visits. The neoclassical building of the Peruvian literature house deserves your attention.

In the heart of the city, Plaza Francia is also a unavoidable which will amaze you! We invite you to stroll through the streets of the Barranco district to discover the different Peruvian flavors in the many bars and restaurants.

The Nazca Lines: a mystery of Humanity

The Nazca Lines The Nazca region developed around 500 BC with the Paracas culture. The lines are the second most famous site in the Peru after Machu Picchu.

They extend over 50 km long and 15 km wide. Today, these lines remain one of the greatest enigmas in history and they absolutely must be seen.

There are representations of animals or geometric shapes, but no one knows the exact meaning. The site has been classified as a World Heritage Site since 1994. It is assumed that the lines could represent a calendar or irrigation system.

Arequipa, the white one

Arequipa, the white one Located at the foot of the Misti volcano, this white city gives you a total change of scenery. Take the time to stroll through the streets of this city with its colonial buildings and incredible treasures from the past. Stroll through the Place d’Armes and its cathedral or wander through the city’s different churches.

Soak up the warm atmosphere of Peruvian casas. Discover the city in its every nook and cranny. You can also venture up to the volcano and stroll through the Colca cañon, just a stone’s throw from the town. In short, enjoy this region full of charm and mystery.

Puno and Lake Titicaca

Puno Puno is a gold mine for architecture lovers. Its colonial-style cathedral, built in the 18th century by Simon Asto, is a pleasure for the eyes. It is the typical Peruvian town par excellence with its many traditional festivals. Stroll through the streets of the city and enjoy the local markets, with their flavors that will make your mouth water. Another asset of the city: it is located on the edge of the famous Lake Titicaca!

Straddling between the Bolivia and Peru, Lake Titicaca is an essential stop during your trip. Namely, it is the highest navigable lake in the world, at 3,812 m above sea level. It is also the largest fresh water reserve in Latin America!

Embark on the 25 rivers of the lake to discover the 40 islands which offer stunning landscapes to see at least once in your life. The purity of its air and its luminosity make Lake Titicaca a unique place in the world. Today, the islands remain inhabited by local Peruvian communities who perpetuate pre-Hispanic traditions by living off fishing and crafts.

Cusco: the mythical city

Cusco - the mythical city Ancient capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco means navel of the world in Quechua. The city was founded around 3000 BC.

It has long been an economic crossroads between Lima, Buenos Aires and Potosi, and has been enriched through the various conquests and civilizations that have developed there.

Some established themselves more than others, such as the Chanapata culture (800 BC) or Wari (600 AD), and of course the Incas (1200-1400 AD). In 1533, Pizarro and his troops stormed the city and its surroundings. The city is a treasure in its own right and is full of historical gems that have made it a UNESCO listing.

It has more than 7 churches and religious buildings. Today, it is an essential stopover in Peru, particularly to access the famous Machu Picchu. cusco Discover the Place d’Armes and its magnificent cathedral. We can still feel the pre-Columbian spirit, still present particularly in the Santo Domingo convent which is built on Inca foundations.

The city also has many museums that deserve your attention, including the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art (MAP). We also invite you to enjoy the legendary atmosphere of the Santa Anta district.

Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley

An ancient sacred Inca city, Machu Picchu is the cultural emblem of Peru, and one of the must-see places. It is one of the most visited sites in the world, so you will understand that it is a must. Formerly a second home for Incan nobles and priests, Machu Picchu enjoys a privileged position in the Sacred Valley presenting a breathtaking spectacle of lush green nature. This citadel is an archaeological and architectural treasure.

The city is organized into very distinct zones. The first represents the agricultural sector located in the middle of the terraces allowing the cultivation of corn, potatoes and coca. Machu Picchu sacred valley The northwest is reserved for the religious part overlooked by the Intiwatana observatory. To the northeast is the largest residential part.

Explore the Sacred Valley as well as the surroundings of Machu Picchu to discover the Temple of the Moon and all its mysteries. Awaken the Indiana Jones that lies dormant in you during your trip to Peru!

The Cordillera Blanca: snow queen

The White Cordillera 2 The Cordillera Blanca puts on a dazzling spectacle for all nature lovers that you must see if you go to Peru. It has eternal snow from 5,000 m above sea level.

Huascarán Park is the favorite spot for all hikers in Peru. The park is huge and offers multiple possibilities. This mountain range has 712 glaciers, 434 lakes and more than 20 peaks with unique silhouettes exceeding 6,000 m such as Huascarán, nicknamed the roof of Peru.

Peru - The Cordillera Blanca The Cordillera Blanca symbolizes nature in its purest state. It has a very rich fauna and flora. With a little luck you can meet llamas in the wild and watch them being sheared.

Discover Iquitos and the Amazon

Peru -Iquitos Come and satisfy your desire for adventure in Peru in this city buried in the heart of the Amazon. Created by the Jesuits, it offers you legendary cruises on the Amazon River.

A particularity of the city, which gives it all its charm: it is only accessible by boat.

Accompanied by your guide from the local communities, sail on the river or explore the reserves to discover the Amazonian fauna and flora. Peru - Amazon

We also invite you to visit the museums that explain everything about rubber and indigenous Amazonian cultures.

The northern coast of Peru, a wonderful place to see!

Peru - The northern coast The northern coast of Peru is teeming with archaeological sites of great importance. The two cultural capitals of the region are Trujillo and Chiclayo. With its colonial architecture, its buildings with splendid and multicolored facades, Trujillo has an undeniable charm.

It almost feels like we’re back in the days of the first settlers in Latin America. This city is also a historic theater. Many scenes from the War of Independence were played out there.

Stroll through the streets and let yourself be overwhelmed by this ever-present past. Chiclayo or capital of friendship, has a cultural identity of its own. There are numerous pre-Columbian burial sites, temples of unparalleled beauty accompanied by city remains.

Also take advantage of the buena onda of its Mercado Modelo on Sundays, to discover the craftsmanship and local production of Peru.

In short, Peru is wonderful!

If you like beautiful landscapes, welcoming and warm people, then Peru is the destination you would like. If you go there, don’t forget to add these must-see places to your itinerary.

Of course, as said above, these 10 places are not the only things to see in Peru. There are lots of other places and activities that are just as interesting. But this will be an opportunity to prepare another article on Peru.

So, will you add these 10 must-see and must-see places to your itinerary during your next stay in Peru?