Places to discover

Best places to visit in Peru

A trip to Peru is an opportunity to immerse yourself in indigenous South American culture by visiting legendary sites such as Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. Sample guinea pig meat, stay on floating islands, follow in the footsteps of the Incas, go for dune buggy rides in the sand dunes or horse rides through the canyons: there are lots of surprises waiting for you in the land of Pachamama, a popular tourist destination that is fully deserving of the enthusiasm it generates.

Though it is possible to race round and see all the essential things the country has to offer in the space of two weeks, you will undoubtedly want to get off the beaten track as well. Read what Evaneos' experts have to say for advice on how to do this. They have each spent a lot of time in the country and are able to provide personal anecdotes and practical tips in support of their reviews.

When you arrive in Lima, head first of all to the Pacific Coast to see and admire the famous Candelabra at Pisco, go sandboarding in Ica, and take a flight tour over the Nazca Lines. From there you can easily get to Cusco and the Sacred Valley, the highlight of which is of course Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. To reach it, either trek the Inca Trail or get from one archaeological site to the next using first the buses then the trains.

When visiting the city of Puno, spend some time on the islands of Isla Amantani and Isla Tauquile in Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Then head on to Arequipa, the White City, and go trekking in the Colca Canyon.

A visit to Iquitos, in the Peruvian Amazon region of the north of the country, offers the opportunity to meet and encounter native indigenous people and Peruvian shamans, and for mountain climbing afficionados there are the ascents of some of the highest summits in the Andes to tackle.

As you have no doubt now realised, visiting Peru is not at all about taking things easy and relaxing, and you will return from the country with a head full of amazing memories. Don't waste another second and start planning your itinerary right away by browsing the Evaneos website.

Pachacamac is one of Peru's biggest archaeological sites. This impressive complex sits by the Pacific Ocean.  
The road that takes you to Yanque is worth the trip in itself. Though this is quite a tiny backwoods village, it does offer a warm welcome to visitors.
The Lost Valley of the Incas is found in the Peruvian Andes. It's not only historically rich but also boasts stunning landscapes along the River Urubamba.
Welcome to the largest city in the world that cannot be reached by land! When you disembark at Iquitos, whether from a boat or a plane, you'll already feel as if you're in the jungle. An unforgettable Amazon rainforest adventure awaits you.
From the boat, you can observe women sitting on the straw islands, the reflection of their colourful clothing shimmering in Lake Titicaca's waters. This almost bizarre view heralds your arrival at the floating islands of the Uros community.  
So there you have it, a different way to discover and explore Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. A genuine encounter with real local people awaits you on Amantani when you stay with a local host family for the night.
Perched at 3,700 metres, the town of Chinchero has superb views over the Sacred Valley of the Incas. 
Tinqui is a small Andean village in the Vilcanota Mountains.
Upis is an Andean village located in the Vilcanota Mountains, not far from Mount Ausangate.
Three hours drive from Cusco, Pacchanta village is situated at an altitude of 13 779 feet , at the foot of Ausangate.
At 3,800m altitude, at the heart of the Sacred Valley, Patabamba is a village of weavers.
An Inca site that is usually reached by a two or three day walk.
Llachon, a peaceful village on Capachica Peninsula is starting to develop little by little to welcome tourists in search of authenticity.
Juliaca is an industrial city that serves more as a stop-off point on the way somewhere else than as a tourist destination in its own right. 
The city of Huaraz is located at the foot of the Cordillera Negra and Cordillera Blanca mountain ranges. It serves as the departure point for several mountain trails and lies in a simply sublime setting. 
An unmissable archaeological site in the Ancash region and the astronomical and religious centre of the Chavin civilisation.
A crossroads town lying between the mountains and the coast north of Lima and from where you can reach the archaeological site of Caral.
The Llanganuco Lagoon is in the Huascaran National Park. It's stunning, albeit little known to tourists visiting Peru.
A border city with Ecuador, Tumbes is perfectly situated by the sea which confers upon it some magnificent beaches.
The approach to the Canyon de Colca is a beautiful introduction to this expedition to the depths of Peru.