Highlights of Peru

South America

Six Destinations | Leading DMC | Tailor Made Tours

Discover with us the most exciting sights in Peru

Peru sights - the land of the legendary Incas

Peru is characterized by an incredible variety and legendary sights. In hardly any other country does the exciting history resonate so much and mix with the influences of today’s modern age. The former empire of the Incas stretched from the Amazon to the Pacific coast and still leaves its mark today. In the Peruvian cities you will find numerous sights such as the relics of the lost high culture or the special architecture of the Spanish colonial era. Few countries have as many UNESCO World Heritage Sites as Peru – a total of 12 sites can be found here. There are fascinating testimonies of the past that you will discover in Peru. But Peru is not just Machu Picchu – it is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet. This is noticeable in the mentality of the Peruvians. The respect for and boundless love for nature are permanently noticeable. Whether trekking, hiking or a relaxedJourney : Explore the tropical rainforest, the barren sand desert and the majestic Andes. There are many sights to discover in Peru! Read more in our Peru information or the climate in Peru .

Vibrant capital of Peru: discover the sights in Lima

The Peruvian capital is a metropolis of contrasts: desert and coastal city in one. At the same time shaped by the enormous history of the South American country and pulsating modernity. In Lima you will discover numerous sights: magnificent buildings from the colonial era are lined up with hip trendy districts with a lot of charm and a relaxed philosophy of life. Due to its special location in the south of the country, Lima has high temperatures without precipitation almost all year round, which makes a stroll through the exciting districts of the city all the more pleasant. The heart of Lima is the magnificent Plaza Mayor. This is where the public life of the locals takes place. the 14th The 000 square meter square is surrounded by magnificent buildings and is the main attraction of Lima and one of the most important sights in Peru. Together with the old town, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. The beautiful districts of Lima can be reached quickly from the Plaza Mayor. A stroll through the trendy district of Barranco is particularly recommended. The city’s artists have settled here, which is why Barranco teems with impressive street art, modern cafes and trendy nightclubs. If you want something a little quieter, we recommend the affluent district of Miraflores. You can stroll along green promenades right by the sea or through the enchanting Love Park.

Peru's highlight: the main work of the South American civilization Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is many things: UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World”, the historical center of South America. But mainly it is one of the most impressive buildings of a past culture and Peru’s attraction par excellence. Hidden in the Andes, the ancient ruined city of the Incas sits enthroned at an altitude of 2,340 meters on the Huyana Picchu mountain. Built in the mid-15th century by the former ruler, Pachacútec Yupanqui, Machu Picchu was only rediscovered 100 years ago. Fortunately, because it was spared from the looting of the Spanish conquerors and is still one of the best preserved ancient ruins on our planet. Today Machu Picchu is a real tourist magnet – and the Peru highlight par excellence. No wonder, because the Inca ruins are just the icing on the cake. Here it can be said without a doubt: the path is the goal. The Inca Trail is a unique trekking route that connects the former royal city of Cusco with Machu Picchu. There is an uplifting hiking tour ahead of you with numerous attractions that will take you past the grandiose panoramas of misty mountains through the unique flora and fauna of the country. The Inca Trail ends directly at the sun gate Inti Punku and your first glimpse of the legendary Machu Picchu is blessed with a magic that can hardly be described. which will lead you past the grandiose panoramas of foggy mountains through the unique flora and fauna of the country. The Inca Trail ends directly at the sun gate Inti Punku and your first glimpse of the legendary Machu Picchu is blessed with a magic that can hardly be described. which will lead you past the grandiose panoramas of foggy mountains through the unique flora and fauna of the country. The Inca Trail ends directly at the sun gate Inti Punku and your first glimpse of the legendary Machu Picchu is blessed with a magic that can hardly be described.

Travel back in time: The royal city of Cusco, which is well worth seeing

Very close to Machu Picchu is Cusco, the capital of the former Inca Empire. Next to Lima, Cusco is the most visited city in Peru and therefore a very special attraction. Here in the old royal city you embark on a journey into the past – a real treasure trove with treasures from the Inca and colonial times. Built by the Incas in the shape of a puma, Cusco sits at an altitude of 3,416 meters and offers heavenly views of the surrounding highlands. The heart of the Puma and thus the center of the city is one of the most beautiful squares in the country: the impressive Plaza de Armas. There rises the majestic Cathedral. You can walk to the mystical sun temple and the old city walls of the Incas on Calle Sunturwasi. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cusco is the oldest continuously inhabited city in South America. But that doesn’t mean that the residents are old and dusty. A walk through the idyllic artists’ quarter of San Blas and the San Pedro Market with its local specialties will bring you closer to the locals and show you the typical hospitality.

Rainbow mountain Vinicunca: Peru sight away from the tourist crowds

Granted, Vinicunca isn’t easy to get to, but it’s well worth the effort to see this Peru attraction! Take a day trip or multi-day tour from Cusco to get to Rainbow Mountain. It goes up to 5,200 meters altitude. The 16-kilometer hike past bright white glaciers and lush green valleys is a spectacular attraction, but the Vinicunca itself tops these impressions again. Seven different colors reveal themselves under your feet, running along each other like parallel lines in an almost unnatural perfection. It’s like walking on a rainbow – you’ve rarely experienced such a colorful natural spectacle.

Peru Sights: From the White City of Arequipa to the mighty Colca Canyon

Arequipa is unfair to regard it only as a starting point for tours into the Colca Canyon. The White City, with its typical buildings from the colonial era, is a beautiful sight in Peru in its own right. Enjoy a stroll through Arequipa and have a traditional Peruvian dinner prepared for you in a typical restaurant. Meanwhile, you have a view of a unique skyline: the majestic cathedral stands out brilliantly against the bright sky, while the three mighty volcanoes Mist, Chachani and Picchu Picchu loll upwards in the background. A dreamy feast for the eyes. However, you should not miss the active tour in the Colca Canyon. The Cañón de Colca is the highest and one of the deepest canyons on earth. In places, the canyon walls soar well over 10,000 feet. The Colca Canyon is ideal for trekking tours as well as for mountain bike excursions. From its highest point (4,910 m), a truly breathtaking panorama opens up over the surrounding volcanic landscape. And a free view of the kings of the Andes unfolds. The condors of the Colca Canyon are true giants of the skies and will captivate you with their epic flight maneuvers and wide wings. And a free view of the kings of the Andes unfolds. The condors of the Colca Canyon are true giants of the skies and will captivate you with their epic flight maneuvers and wide wings. And a free view of the kings of the Andes unfolds. The condors of the Colca Canyon are true giants of the skies and will captivate you with their epic flight maneuvers and wide wings.

Indigenous People on Lake Titicaca: The Uros Floating Islands

Lake Titicaca is right on the border of Peru and Bolivia. It is the largest lake in South America and at 3,810 meters the highest navigable lake in the world. The serenity of Lake Titicaca alone, set against the splendor of the surrounding snow-capped Andean peaks, is worth the trip. But this Peru attraction has even more to offer, because this is where the Uros live. The indigenous people of the Uros have built more than 90 floating islands out of reeds in the middle of Lake Titicaca, on which they spend their everyday life. Residential buildings, schools, a soccer field and even a hospital are here. Immerse yourself in the authentic world of one of the oldest peoples in South America, who will welcome you with an incredibly open and cordial manner. You take the boat from Puno and before you know it.

Peru's Mysterious Sight: The Nazca Lines

They have puzzled science for centuries: the mysterious Nazca Lines. They are barely noticeable from the ground, but when viewed from the air, the Atacama Desert’s floor clearly reveals huge drawings of precise piled-up lines miles long. Figures represent them, geometric and figurative. Humans, Monkeys, Birds, Whales. Or just straight lines. Hundreds of them can be identified. But what for? The most common scholarly consensus is that they were used for fertility rituals between 800 B.C. and 600 AD were created. But do you really want to know exactly, or is it enough to be captivated by the imposing size and the mysterious aura of this unique sight in Peru?

Cordillera Blanca in Peru - ideal for hiking fans

The Andean city of Huaraz is the starting point for unique mountain tours. From here you come directly into the spectacular mountain range Cordillera Blanca. This Peru attraction is the best starting point for exciting hiking and climbing tours in the Andes. You start at an altitude of over 3,000 meters and see yourself surrounded by peaks, some of which are twice as high. Numerous designated hiking routes of all lengths and degrees of difficulty lead from Huaraz into the Cordillera Blanca. Let yourself be enchanted by the eternally white roof of Peru as you hike past picturesque mountain lakes, walk at the foot of glaciers and soak up a spectacular mountain panorama. A trekking tour on the Cordillera Blanca, the highest mountain range in South America, is a hiking experience that is second to none.

Peru highlight in the desert: the oasis of Huacachina

The village of Huacachina, about four hours south of Lima, used to be a wellness oasis for wealthy Peruvians. The lagoon was said to have healing powers. Today, bathing is only possible to a limited extent due to the decline in water, but the lagoon, which is lined with palm trees and shimmers in the sunlight, still offers an enchanting sight. A relaxing retreat in the middle of the desert. And ideal for an adventure, because the more than 100 meter high sand dunes around Huacachina are ideal for sandboarding or buggy tours – and is therefore the ideal attraction for sports fans.

Other Peru attractions: The Ballestas Islands

Malicious tongues like to refer to the Ballestas Islands as “Galapagos for the poor” and thus misjudge the impressive biodiversity of this archipelago, which is protected as a nature reserve. A boat trip to the rocky islands near the Peruvian coast is always worthwhile, because here you will discover a true diversity of different animal species. The cold Humboldt Current of the Pacific provides ideal living conditions. Abundant fish stocks attract numerous seabirds, so cormorants and pelicans colonize the skies while penguins and sea lions lounge on the rocks. The Ballestas Islands are Peru’s number one attraction for all animal lovers.

FAQ about Peru attractions when traveling

The Peruvian capital is a metropolis of contrasts: desert and coastal city in one. At the same time shaped by the enormous history of the South American country and pulsating modernity. In Lima you will discover numerous sights: magnificent buildings from the colonial era are lined up with hip trendy districts with a lot of charm and a relaxed philosophy of life. Due to its special location in the south of the country, Lima has high temperatures without precipitation almost all year round, which makes a stroll through the exciting districts of the city all the more pleasant. The heart of Lima is the magnificent Plaza Mayor. This is where the public life of the locals takes place. the 14th The 000 square meter square is surrounded by magnificent buildings and is the main attraction of Lima and one of the most important sights in Peru. Together with the old town, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. The beautiful districts of Lima can be reached quickly from the Plaza Mayor. A stroll through the trendy district of Barranco is particularly recommended. The city’s artists have settled here, which is why Barranco teems with impressive street art, modern cafes and trendy nightclubs. If you want something a little quieter, we recommend the affluent district of Miraflores. You can stroll along green promenades right by the sea or through the enchanting Love Park.

Machu Picchu is many things: UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World”, the historical center of South America. But mainly it is one of the most impressive buildings of a past culture and Peru’s attraction par excellence. Hidden in the Andes, the ancient ruined city of the Incas sits enthroned at an altitude of 2,340 meters on the Huyana Picchu mountain. Built in the mid-15th century by the former ruler, Pachacútec Yupanqui, Machu Picchu was only rediscovered 100 years ago. Fortunately, because it was spared from the looting of the Spanish conquerors and is still one of the best preserved ancient ruins on our planet. Today Machu Picchu is a real tourist magnet – and the Peru highlight par excellence. No wonder, because the Inca ruins are just the icing on the cake. Here it can be said without a doubt: the path is the goal. The Inca Trail is a unique trekking route that connects the former royal city of Cusco with Machu Picchu. There is an uplifting hiking tour ahead of you with numerous attractions that will take you past the grandiose panoramas of misty mountains through the unique flora and fauna of the country. The Inca Trail ends directly at the sun gate Inti Punku and your first glimpse of the legendary Machu Picchu is blessed with a magic that can hardly be described. which will lead you past the grandiose panoramas of foggy mountains through the unique flora and fauna of the country. The Inca Trail ends directly at the sun gate Inti Punku and your first glimpse of the legendary Machu Picchu is blessed with a magic that can hardly be described. which will lead you past the grandiose panoramas of foggy mountains through the unique flora and fauna of the country. The Inca Trail ends directly at the sun gate Inti Punku and your first glimpse of the legendary Machu Picchu is blessed with a magic that can hardly be described.

Very close to Machu Picchu is Cusco, the capital of the former Inca Empire. Next to Lima, Cusco is the most visited city in Peru and therefore a very special attraction. Here in the old royal city you embark on a journey into the past – a real treasure trove with treasures from the Inca and colonial times. Built by the Incas in the shape of a puma, Cusco sits at an altitude of 3,416 meters and offers heavenly views of the surrounding highlands. The heart of the Puma and thus the center of the city is one of the most beautiful squares in the country: the impressive Plaza de Armas. There rises the majestic Cathedral. You can walk to the mystical sun temple and the old city walls of the Incas on Calle Sunturwasi. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cusco is the oldest continuously inhabited city in South America. But that doesn’t mean that the residents are old and dusty. A walk through the idyllic artists’ quarter of San Blas and the San Pedro Market with its local specialties will bring you closer to the locals and show you the typical hospitality.

Granted, Vinicunca isn’t easy to get to, but it’s well worth the effort to see this Peru attraction! Take a day trip or multi-day tour from Cusco to get to Rainbow Mountain. It goes up to 5,200 meters altitude. The 16-kilometer hike past bright white glaciers and lush green valleys is a spectacular attraction, but the Vinicunca itself tops these impressions again. Seven different colors reveal themselves under your feet, running along each other like parallel lines in an almost unnatural perfection. It’s like walking on a rainbow – you’ve rarely experienced such a colorful natural spectacle.

Arequipa is unfair to regard it only as a starting point for tours into the Colca Canyon. The White City, with its typical buildings from the colonial era, is a beautiful sight in Peru in its own right. Enjoy a stroll through Arequipa and have a traditional Peruvian dinner prepared for you in a typical restaurant. Meanwhile, you have a view of a unique skyline: the majestic cathedral stands out brilliantly against the bright sky, while the three mighty volcanoes Mist, Chachani and Picchu Picchu loll upwards in the background. A dreamy feast for the eyes. However, you should not miss the active tour in the Colca Canyon. The Cañón de Colca is the highest and one of the deepest canyons on earth. In places, the canyon walls soar well over 10,000 feet. The Colca Canyon is ideal for trekking tours as well as for mountain bike excursions. From its highest point (4,910 m), a truly breathtaking panorama opens up over the surrounding volcanic landscape. And a free view of the kings of the Andes unfolds. The condors of the Colca Canyon are true giants of the skies and will captivate you with their epic flight maneuvers and wide wings. And a free view of the kings of the Andes unfolds. The condors of the Colca Canyon are true giants of the skies and will captivate you with their epic flight maneuvers and wide wings. And a free view of the kings of the Andes unfolds. The condors of the Colca Canyon are true giants of the skies and will captivate you with their epic flight maneuvers and wide wings.

Lake Titicaca is right on the border of Peru and Bolivia. It is the largest lake in South America and at 3,810 meters the highest navigable lake in the world. The serenity of Lake Titicaca alone, set against the splendor of the surrounding snow-capped Andean peaks, is worth the trip. But this Peru attraction has even more to offer, because this is where the Uros live. The indigenous people of the Uros have built more than 90 floating islands out of reeds in the middle of Lake Titicaca, on which they spend their everyday life. Residential buildings, schools, a soccer field and even a hospital are here. Immerse yourself in the authentic world of one of the oldest peoples in South America, who will welcome you with an incredibly open and cordial manner. You take the boat from Puno and before you know it,

They have puzzled science for centuries: the mysterious Nazca Lines. They are barely noticeable from the ground, but when viewed from the air, the Atacama Desert’s floor clearly reveals huge drawings of precise piled-up lines miles long. Figures represent them, geometric and figurative. Humans, Monkeys, Birds, Whales. Or just straight lines. Hundreds of them can be identified. But what for? The most common scholarly consensus is that they were used for fertility rituals between 800 B.C. and 600 AD were created. But do you really want to know exactly, or is it enough to be captivated by the imposing size and the mysterious aura of this unique sight in Peru?

The Andean city of Huaraz is the starting point for unique mountain tours. From here you come directly into the spectacular mountain range Cordillera Blanca. This Peru attraction is the best starting point for exciting hiking and climbing tours in the Andes. You start at an altitude of over 3,000 meters and see yourself surrounded by peaks, some of which are twice as high. Numerous designated hiking routes of all lengths and degrees of difficulty lead from Huaraz into the Cordillera Blanca. Let yourself be enchanted by the eternally white roof of Peru as you hike past picturesque mountain lakes, walk at the foot of glaciers and soak up a spectacular mountain panorama. A trekking tour on the Cordillera Blanca, the highest mountain range in South America, is a hiking experience that is second to none.

The village of Huacachina, about four hours south of Lima, used to be a wellness oasis for wealthy Peruvians. The lagoon was said to have healing powers. Today, bathing is only possible to a limited extent due to the decline in water, but the lagoon, which is lined with palm trees and shimmers in the sunlight, still offers an enchanting sight. A relaxing retreat in the middle of the desert. And ideal for an adventure, because the more than 100 meter high sand dunes around Huacachina are ideal for sandboarding or buggy tours – and is therefore the ideal attraction for sports fans.

Malicious tongues like to refer to the Ballestas Islands as “Galapagos for the poor” and thus misjudge the impressive biodiversity of this archipelago, which is protected as a nature reserve. A boat trip to the rocky islands near the Peruvian coast is always worthwhile, because here you will discover a true diversity of different animal species. The cold Humboldt Current of the Pacific provides ideal living conditions. Abundant fish stocks attract numerous seabirds, so cormorants and pelicans colonize the skies while penguins and sea lions lounge on the rocks. The Ballestas Islands are Peru’s number one attraction for all animal lovers.

Peru is one of the best travel destinations in the world, especially for individual travelers and adventure fans. In addition to the famous Inca site, you should visit other sights – because Peru has a lot to offer!

1. Machu Picchu This attraction is one of the seven new wonders of the world and a must-see for any Peru traveler. The lost Inca city was built around 1450 and is still an impressive building today.

2. Lake Titicaca The beautiful panorama with the dark blue color of the lake, the snow-capped Andes and the peaceful settlements of the Aymara and Quechua make Lake Titicaca an unforgettable sight in Peru. Don’t miss the indigenous people called Uros who live on floating reed islands.

3. Amazonas Getting there is a real adventure in itself – the city of Iquitos is not accessible by road, which is why you arrive by boat or plane to the starting point. In addition to numerous jungle sights and tropical temperatures, you will also find a diverse culture.

4. Colca Canyon The Colca Canyon is ideal for trekking and mountain bike fans. But culture and animal lovers will also get their money’s worth with this Peru attraction: traditional villages, a breathtaking view and condors.

5. Cusco The colonial city is not only the most popular trekking route to Machu Picchu, but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can discover impressive sights from the past.

6. Nazca Lines The more than 1500 huge drawings were made between 800 BC and 800 BC. and 600 AD – and are still a great mystery for archaeologists today. This Peru sight is an absolute highlight for mystery fans!

7. Lima The capital of Peru with almost 10 million inhabitants is one of the largest cities in South America. The lively metropolis has a lot to offer in addition to its colonial sights.

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