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.

The fourth biggest town in Peru, Chiclayo benefits from a warm and sunny climate all year round. It's a town that's well worth a visit during your holiday, if not for its climate, then for its architecture and archaeological heritage.
Pachacamac is one of Peru's biggest archaeological sites. This impressive complex sits by the Pacific Ocean.  
Urubamba is definitely a place you should stop during a tour of the Sacred Valley if you are interested in Inca history. 
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.
Chiquian is a little village in the Ancash region, situated between the town of Huarez and the splendid Huayhuash Cordillera.
Andahuaylillas, a small village in the Andes mountains is still protected from the many tourist buses roaming all around Cusco.
Upis is an Andean village located in the Vilcanota Mountains, not far from Mount Ausangate.
A crossroads town lying between the mountains and the coast north of Lima and from where you can reach the archaeological site of Caral.
Llatica is a small hamlet in the Colca Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world.
Located on a cliff, Fure is a remote Andean village in the Colca Valley.
Llahuar is located near the Colca Canyon, the second deepest canyon in the world.
It's at Mahuayani that the Ausangate trek starts
Chilca is a seaside resort situated in the Cañete province, around two hours from the Peruvian capital by road.
Chilca Tambo is a base camp for hikers in the Vilcanota Mountains, not far from Mount Ausangate.
Malata is a hamlet situated in Colca Valley , not far from the canyon of the same name.
Capachica is a peninsula situated in the region of Puno, on the edge of Lake Titicaca.
Huasao is nicknamed a "village of sorcery" and is about 12 miles away from Cusco.
Palomani Pass is located in the Cordillera Vilcanota, you can cross it during the Ausangate trek.
Mancos is a tourist centre in Peru's Callejón de Huaylas valley that serves as the departure point for treks in the Cordillera Blanca mountain range and Huascarán National Park.