Peru is home to many incredible natural and ancient places. From the sweltering Amazon to the high chilly mountain passes and onward to the rocky coastlines, Peru has a huge diversity of landscapes. This, plus the preservation of many ancient Incan landmarks, makes it a unique place to visit in South America.
After spending three months in Peru, it is definitely one of my favorite countries I’ve ever visited. There is so much to explore. Peru natural landmarks include Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain), Laguna 69, the Misti Volcano, and many more included on this list. Here are 15 of the best destinations in Peru.
Good to Know for Peru
Currency: Sol
Capital City: Lima
Primary Language: Spanish
Bordering Countries: Brazil, Ecuador, Chile, Bolivia
1. Lake Humantay
Lake Humantay (pictured above) is nestled in the Peruvian Andes near the iconic Salkantay Mountain and is one of the prettiest places in Peru. It’s known for its green landscape and still water, reflecting the mountain and snow. Surrounding it you’ll find glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and pristine wilderness.
This glacial lake spans approximately 0.5 square kilometers and sits at an elevation of around 13,779 feet above sea level. While it is not that big, the contrast against the jagged mountains is striking. To reach Lake Humantay, adventurers typically embark on a somewhat challenging hike from Soraypampa, accessible via Cusco. The journey involves hiking through rugged terrain and ascending steep paths, rewarding travelers with unparalleled views and a memorable alpine experience.
2. Rainbow Mountain
Once covered by glaciers long ago, Rainbow Mountain is one of the best places in Peru. It attracts many visitors with its vibrant colors caused by mineral deposits (like Sulphur and Calcium) in the soil, creating a surreal, multi-colored landscape. Rainbow Mountain’s cool factor lies in its otherworldly appearance, resembling a painted mountain amidst the Andean peaks. Rainbow Mountain is also known as Vinicunca.
Despite its remote location, it attracts thousands of adventurers annually, seeking its breathtaking views. The hike to Rainbow Mountain typically spans around 6 miles round trip, offering a challenging yet rewarding trek through high-altitude terrain. Standing at approximately 17,000 feet (5,200 meters) above sea level, reaching its summit promises an unforgettable experience.
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3. Laguna 69
With crystal blue waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks, Laguna 69 is one of the most beautiful places in Peru. Arriving at the shores of the picturesque lake is a worthy reward considering the challenge it is to get there.
Located at about 15,000 feet (4,600 meters) above sea level, the strenuous 3-hour hike to Laguna 69 is a constant uphill climb that gains 260 feet (800 m) in elevation. There are numerous switchbacks along the way and the high altitude doesn’t make it any easier! But the scenery is spectacular and arriving at Laguna 69 makes it all worth it.
The town of Huaraz is the gateway to Laguna 69. To get here, you’ll need to take an overnight bus from Lima to Huaraz. It’s best to spend a few days in the area to acclimatize to the high altitude before taking on the hike. Because it’s the lake district, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to things to do and places to see during this time.
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4. Huacachina
Huacachina is a stunning desert oasis in southwestern Peru which should definitely be part of your Peru itinerary. Located in between the largest sand dunes of the continent, this small village surrounds a lake and has incredible views. The contrast between the oasis and the dunes creates some of the most beautiful scenery. Other than the uniqueness of the oasis, it’s famous for sandboarding and dune buggy rides which are both great experiences for adventurous travelers.
You can also take a tour to a nearby Pisco distillery to learn about Peru’s national drink. The vast desert makes a great backdrop for photos and has an amazing sunset. Huacachina is accessible by bus from Lima and Paracas. Take the bus to Ica, which is very close to Huacachina, and a taxi the last 15 minutes to the desert oasis. The bus from Lima takes up to 5 hours, or 1,5 to 2 hours from Paracas.
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5. Machu Picchu
One of the must visit places in Peru, Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan citadel in the Andes dating back to the 15th century. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is world renowned with its iconic panoramic views, intricate stone structures, and terraced fields showcasing the engineering prowess of the Incas. Visitors are actually limited to select pathways to explore, which explains why you never see people in the picture of the Machu Picchu city structures and mountain peak.
Annually, around 1.5 million visitors pilgrimage to this bucket-list destination. There are many ways to get here. The easiest way is by train or bus to the town of Aguas Calientes, but the most rewarding (in my opinion) is by trail such as the Salkantay or Inca Trail. Machu Picchu is one of those world-famous spots that actually live up to the hype. The natural landscape is truly beautiful, and the history of the site is wonderous.
6. Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca, straddling the border of Peru and Bolivia, is renowned for its cultural significance as the legendary birthplace of the Inca civilization. Its uniqueness lies in being one of the world’s highest navigable lakes, located at an elevation of around 12,500 feet (3800 meters) above sea level. Stretching over 3,200 square miles (5,100 square km), it’s not only the largest lake in South America but also boasts stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of visitors head to its shores to explore the small towns, islands, and shores. One of the most popular things to see on the lake is the Uros Islands, comprised of a floating village on man-made islands. In addition, Lake Titicaca boasts incredible night sky views. Some of the best shooting stars and milky way views I’ve ever seen have been from the shores of Lake Titicaca.
7. Maras Salt Ponds
The Maras Salt Ponds in Peru’s Sacred Valley are an ancient marvel dating back to pre-Incan times. These picturesque, terraced pools, meticulously carved into the mountainside, serve as salt evaporation ponds. Fed by a natural saline spring, the ponds are carefully maintained by local families who collect the salt through a traditional process. As water evaporates under the Andean sun, it leaves behind crystallized salt, which is then harvested by hand. This centuries-old method produces high-quality salt and is a popular souvenir purchase.
Here you can take in views of this relatively unique place by following a short walking trail and seeing the salt up close. In its own way, the different shades of white, brown, and red carved into the mountain side make for an impressive view.
8. Tambopata National Reserve
Tambopata National Reserve is part of the Amazon Rainforest and is located in Eastern Peru. Visiting the Amazon in Peru offers an opportunity to experience different landscapes, ecotourism at its best, and witness conservation efforts in a breathtaking environment. Some of the things you have the opportunity to see are over 600 species of birds, 160 types of amphibians and reptiles, 200 species of mammals, and more butterflies and plants than you can imagine.
To reach this part of the Amazon you have to fly to Puerto Moldanado and then embark on a boat ride up the Madre de Dios River. Depending what jungle lodge you stay at, will determine how far you travel up the river. There are many things to do in the Amazon including canopy walks, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, river expeditions and more. I highly recommend venturing to the Amazon to experience one of the most beautiful and diverse areas of the world.
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9. Moray Inca Ruins
The Moray Inca Ruins, located not too far from Cusco, are an archaeological site dating back to the Inca Empire. These agricultural terraces, believed to be constructed around 1400-1500 AD, showcase remarkable engineering and agricultural innovation.
What makes Moray special is its unique circular design, resembling an amphitheater of concentric terraces. Some have theorized that these terraces served as an agricultural laboratory, allowing the Incas to experiment with different crop varieties and microclimates. Each terrace has a different microclimate, with temperature differences of up to 27°F (15°C) between the top and bottom levels. This innovation contributed to the empire’s prosperity and resilience. Today, Moray stands as a testament to Inca ingenuity and remains a fascinating destination for historians and travelers alike.
10. Waqrapukara Archaeological Site
One of the most beautiful places in Peru is still relatively unknown and can be discovered south of Cusco in the Acomayo Province. Here, find the mystical site of Waqrapukara, also referred to as the “horned fortress.”
Waqrapukara is perfectly nested into the incredibly scenic Apurímac Valley. What makes this sacred site so remarkable is that it is found at an elevation of well over 13,000 feet (4,000 meters), making it almost double the altitude of Machu Picchu.
This site in Peru sees very few tourists, making it that much more special. Adventurous travelers can hike to Waqrapukara and camp at the grounds. There are many hiking routes and trails that all lead to Waqrapukara. Additionally, some tour groups do offer Waqrapukara tours which are full-day trips from Cusco. Waqrapukara is one of the most impressive Inca sites in Peru.
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11. Lake Paron
You know how sometimes you stumble upon pictures of lakes that look so turquoise that you are not sure if the pictures are Photoshopped or real?
Lake Paron in Peru is one of those magical places. Its water is a stunning turquoise because it’s filled with tiny dust from the mountains, called ‘glacial flour.’ When the sun shines on the lake, this dust scatters the light, making it a super bright turquoise. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, it’s one of the most beautiful places in Peru. The lake is in the Ancash region and is a popular destination for travelers visiting nearby Huaraz, the “hiking capital of Peru”.
As you can imagine, visiting most sites in the region usually involves a good amount of hiking, but Lake Paron is an exception: you can hire a tour from Huaraz, and the minivan will leave you right at the lake. If you’re up for a bit more adventure, there’s a short 30-minute hike to a viewpoint on the mountain from where you can appreciate the lake’s beauty from above.
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12. Millpu Pools
One of Peru’s true hidden gems is the Turquoise Pools of Millpu. This series of stunning natural lagoons and waterfalls is tucked away high in the Andes, attracting only a handful of visitors each day.
Located 3 hours by car from Ayacucho, your best option for getting there is with a tour – usually 5 or 6 people in a car. While the drive is long and bumpy, the views are absolutely incredible.
I recommend walking all the way to the top first. This part is full of small waterfalls, but it’s hard work as you’ll reach nearly 12,500 feet (3,800 meters) of elevation! Then make your way back down through the steep-sided gorge to see close up the turquoise-coloured pools and a fascinating array of plants. It really is a place like no other!
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13. Salkantay Pass
If you like hiking and want to enjoy one of the most scenic mountain passes in Peru, Salkantay Pass should be on your Peru itinerary. Located high in the Peruvian Andes, this scenic route starts in a remote mountainous village and ends in world-famous Machu Picchu.
The trek is named after the Salkantay Mountain, which is one of the highest peaks in the Andes, reaching over 20,341 feet (6,200 meters) above sea level. The trek typically takes about 4 to 5 days to complete, covering a distance of approximately 46 miles (74 kilometers) from start to finish. The Salkantay Trek offers stunning scenery, including snow-capped mountains, lush cloud forests, and remote Andean villages. Along the way, trekkers can witness diverse ecosystems, flora, and fauna.
One of the highlights of the trek is reaching the Salkantay Pass, which stands at an altitude of about 15,090 feet (4,600 meters) and offers breathtaking panoramic views. While the Inca Trail requires permits and tends to be more regulated due to its popularity, the Salkantay Trek is often chosen by those seeking a more challenging and less crowded alternative.
Still, you need to plan and prepare adequately, as the trek involves high altitudes and varying weather conditions. Guided tours are available for the Salkantay Trek from Cusco.
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14. Sacsayhuaman
One of the most popular places to see ruins in Cusco is at Sacsayhuaman. It’s said that the layout of Cusco is supposed to resemble the outline of a puma and the ruins at Sacsayhuaman are the head.
This Incan temple complex is the largest Incan structure built and is located just outside of the city. While it is walkable, it’s also uphill, so you can either take a taxi or tour if you don’t want to walk.
Within the complex, there are three tiered walls where you can examine the precision of Incan stone masonry with large boulders several meters tall. You can also walk through ancient doorways, explore enclosures and find the natural rock slides.
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15. Misti Volcano
Misti Volcano is an incredible sight worth seeing in Peru! Most travelers will view it during a trip to Arequipa, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s 19,101 feet (5,822 meters) tall and located in Peru’s Southern Andes.
From Arequipa, Misti is easily accessible. You can simply see it from the city or you can take a day trip to enjoy it up close. Ascending Misti offers breathtaking scenes of the surrounding landscape – a view over the Southern Andes. While the climb is considered challenging, it’s a rewarding trek for experienced hikers. For those not interested in the strenuous climb, the base of the volcano still offers worthwhile scenery.
In Arequipa, you can enjoy its history, visit colonial-era churches, and enjoy traditional Peruvian food. It’s a charming colonial city known as the “White City” for its stunning architecture crafted from white volcanic stone. It’s a quieter city for travel than the more popular cities of Lima and Cusco.
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Related: Hiking the Fuego Volcano
In sum, Peru is an incredibly beautiful country to visit. From lush rainforests to snowcapped peaks to desert sands, you’ll find a wide variety of nature in Peru. If you love hiking and are an outdoor enthusiast, Peru should absolutely be at the top of your bucket list. These Peru locations are just a handful of the incredible things to see in the country.
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