Things to do in Peru: 16 must-see attractions

Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, is the mandatory stopover for anyone visiting the Machu Picchu site. Beyond its role as a transit hub, you can spend time at the local thermal baths, the Manuel Chávez Ballón museum, or the Mandor waterfalls, and browse the craft market for souvenirs. Tucked into a lush valley, it serves as a practical home base to recharge before or after your trek to the famous Inca citadel.

Arequipa is defined by its colonial architecture and the looming Misti volcano. Known as the White City for its signature volcanic stone buildings, it offers a quieter alternative to Cuzco. Prioritize a visit to the Santa Catalina Monastery and the Museo Santuarios Andinos to understand the local history. The city center is UNESCO-listed, and the high-altitude viewpoints provide an expansive look at the surrounding Andes.

Most travelers land in Cusco, take a day to adjust, and leave for Machu Picchu. That's a mistake. The former capital of the Inca Empire is packed with cultural and historical treasures, and it deserves far more than a layover.

A Trip Through Time, From Colonial Heritage to Ancient Tradition

A few steps in, and you're back in the 16th century. The city sits at 3,350 meters (10,990 feet) above sea level, just over twice Denver's elevation, so take altitude sickness seriously. To get a feel for the city, start at the Plaza de Armas, the heart of Cusco, where vendors and strollers keep up a nonstop shuffle. Step inside the imposing baroque Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, founded by the Spanish in 1559.

If the bustle of the center gets to be too much, head to Qorikancha (the Temple of the Sun), a striking and uneasy example of what happened when the Spanish conquistadors built on top of Inca culture. Archaeological remains are everywhere here, and enthusiasts won't be disappointed. We'd point you to two sites in particular, both less than 10 kilometers from Cusco: the Puca Pucara fortress and Sacsayhuaman. Stranger, but just as fascinating, is the secret valley of Moray, where you can admire the terraces the Incas used as an agricultural research lab, proof of just how advanced their scientific knowledge was. Cusco is already an open-air museum, but if you want more background, we recommend the Inca Museum in the city center.

Cusco, a Mirror of the Peruvian Soul

Cusco captures everyday life in Peru. Economic activity may have shifted to Lima, but the city remains an exceptional place to live and to visit. To see how lively it really is, head to the San Pedro Market, near the Plaza de Armas. Pick up a genuine Peruvian poncho, a handsome piece of ceramic craftsmanship, or, if you're a food lover, spices and fresh fruit with flavors you won't find back home. The best way to take the city's pulse is still to wander the narrow, picturesque streets of the historic center.

Don't hesitate to leave the tourist streets behind and climb to the San Blas neighborhood to see the typical architecture of Peruvian houses. Perched on the hillside above the city, it's lively and very artistic. For panoramas, make your way to the viewpoint at Plaza San Cristobal de Cusco, which offers an unobstructed view of the Andes and the city below.

When to Go

Cusco has a mild, temperate climate, so you can visit almost any time of year. The city is a magnet for tourists, though, so we'd recommend avoiding high season (July, August, and December).

How to Get There

Cusco's airport is well served, with plenty of flights connecting to Lima, the Peruvian capital. Most US travelers connect through Lima as well, so look for itineraries that route you there before the final hop to Cusco. Since Peru has a very developed bus network, it's also easy to reach the city by road, including from the Bolivian border.

Nazca is a city in southern Peru defined by the massive geoglyphs etched into the desert floor, their true purpose still debated by researchers. Beyond these lines, you can explore the Chauchilla Cemetery and the Cantalloc Aqueducts, which highlight the engineering skills of the Nazca civilization. The Cahuachi archaeological site, a former ceremonial center, provides further insight into this pre-Columbian culture. With its dry desert climate and the lines drawn across its plain, Nazca is a destination for travelers focused on archaeology and history.

Puno pulls in travelers looking for raw authenticity through its direct access to Lake Titicaca and deep Andean traditions. Between the floating islands of Uros, the textile art of Taquile, and the views from the Kuntur Wasi viewpoint, the city delivers a sharp mix of culture and high-altitude geography. Sitting thousands of feet up with a heavy folkloric pulse, it is a singular stop for experiencing a Peru firmly anchored to its roots.

Ica sits in southern Peru, a landscape defined by desert plains, vineyards, and rugged canyons. The Huacachina oasis is the main draw, where you can tackle massive dunes by sandboard or buggy. Local wineries offer tastings of pisco, the regional grape brandy, while the Museo Regional de Ica covers pre-Columbian history. For hikers, the Canyon de los Perdidos provides a dramatic, arid backdrop. Expect hot, dry weather year-round, making it a reliable spot for outdoor trips regardless of the season.

San Pedro de Casta sits perched at an altitude of over 3,000 meters as the gateway to the remote stone forest of Marcahuasi. The area draws travelers with its wind-carved rock formations that resemble human and animal figures. Beyond the trails, the village provides a genuine look at rural Andean life through traditional farming routines and community celebrations. It suits hikers and culture seekers looking to experience a quieter side of the Peruvian highlands.