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Peru is home to some of South America’s most iconic sights, from the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu and the mysterious Nazca Lines to colourful cities, spectacular mountain scenery and world class cuisine. A Peru multi centre holiday allows you to experience the very best of the country in a single trip, so we’ve put together this guide to Peru’s essential destinations.
Cusco and Machu Picchu are technically two different destinations, but the first is the gateway to the second. Cusco is mainly used to acclimatise as you go upwards towards the Inca Trail, but there’s plenty to see here. Market-filled cobbles and lively squares are bursting with tradition, and it’s really nice to just watch the world go by from sunny cafes. The valley setting here is also really gorgeous.
Cusco is where you get a real taste of local Quechua culture- from the food to the people. It doesn’t feel touristy (despite lots of people visiting it). Plaza de Armas is a stunning square which has two beautiful churches, but for something much older, take the drive out two miles to Sacsayhuamán. This Inca site is crumbling, but the layout is fantastic. Other memorable moments in Cusco include smoothies made by little old ladies, the daily Mercado market, and the quaint and flower-filled San Blas quarter. Our top tip for a great view would be a walk up Tres Cusces.
If you’re in Cusco, you’re likely gearing up for a visit to Machu Picchu. This 26-mile Inca trail has a high altitude, although the locals have a solution. If they offer you hot coca tea, take it! The trail itself is crossed on foot, although some parts have trains. You’re actually above the clouds here which is an amazing experience.
The Temple of the Sun, Royal Tomb, and Sun Gate are must-sees. The green setting of drop-down terraces is just stunning, and the backdrop peak scenery makes it such an experience. Expect a fair amount of trekking and more of a packed lunch than a fancy dining scene, but you aren’t here for Michelin-style dining. The trail is picture-perfect and utterly fascinating. No surprise why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Keep your eyes peeled for llamas here. We often get asked about guides for anyone booking. The answer is yes- you can get local guides who know the place inside out.
You can’t go to Peru without visiting the country’s capital, Lima. It’s right on the sea, really beautiful, historic, and it’s not called the Gastronomical Capital of the Americas for nothing! History-wise, the architecture here dates back to the 16th century. That means tons of leafy squares and stunning cathedrals in El Centro, grand lawns at Plaza Mayor, and the most amazing cobbles in the Barranco Beach district.
Miraflores is our favourite part of the city. This seaside district is fairly upscale, but it feels laid-back. It’s got endless ceviche restaurants, bars, offbeat galleries, and little independent boutiques. There’s a boardwalk with stunning cliff views, street performers at Kennedy Park, and a surprising amount of history at Huaca Pucllana. The ruins here date back to pre-Inca times. The whole city also has this unique buzz that’s hard to explain. From the artisan markets, art-house cinemas, and romantic parks to the nightlife, Lima is where you want to be. A stroll around San Isidro’s fancy mansions is also really nice.
If you’ve never tried ceviche cuisine, it’s raw fish marinated in limes (and it’s delicious). Lima also has its own Chinatown. No visit to Lima would be complete without trying the city’s most famous tipple, the Pisco Sour. Pisco Sours are about six times stronger than tequila so you might want to go easy, but they’re the best cocktail around.
Sitting high in the Andes on the shores of Lake Titicaca, Puno offers a fascinating insight into traditional Peruvian culture. The world’s highest navigable lake is home to the famous floating Uros Islands, where communities still live on man-made islands constructed entirely from reeds. The journey here is just as memorable as the destination, with the train from Cusco to Puno considered one of South America’s most scenic rail journeys, passing through dramatic mountain landscapes, remote villages and the vast Altiplano. Whether you’re exploring the lake by boat or simply soaking up the scenery, Puno is a wonderful addition to any Peru itinerary.
Surrounded by volcanoes and known for its iconic white stone, Arequipa is one of Peru’s most charming cities. You can get flights direct from Lima. Mirador de Yanahuara’s beautiful white archways offer panoramic views across the city and surrounding volcanoes.
In terms of experiencing this town, expect authentic Peruvian tradition. The little alleys have red desert stone, the locals are wearing colourful traditional dress, and the stuff they’re selling is the real deal. Arequipa is where you want to shop for market souvenirs and the region’s Alpaca wool. If Peruvian chocolate is something you’ve eyed up in the fancy section of the supermarket, you haven’t lived until you’ve tried it.
Arequipa also has the Santa Catalina monastery with tours and the town’s plaza with cafes and a cathedral. The buildings have beautiful bright-blue or red paints and lovely potted flowers. If you’re in town, stop by Alpaca World to pet the animals and learn about the llamas and alpacas.
For a completely different side of Peru, head into the Amazon rainforest. Most visitors access the jungle via Puerto Maldonado, gateway to the wildlife-rich Tambopata National Reserve. Stay in a remote jungle lodge and spend your days exploring by boat and on guided walks, searching for monkeys, macaws, caiman and giant otters. The Amazon provides the perfect contrast to Peru’s mountains, cities and ancient ruins, offering a chance to experience one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth as part of a wider Peru multi centre holiday.
Nazca is about 500km from Lima, so easiest to fly. This region is inland. It’s all about the history, and it’s so unique. It’s also strange that nobody has any answers to the mysterious Nazca Lines. These desert-etched patterns form geometric shapes that archaeologists are still getting their heads around. Seeing them is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Most people fly over the lines. Do it, and you’ll see fish and spider shapes- literally all sorts!
If you’re in Nazca, make sure to visit the desert dunes too. Cerro Blanco is actually the highest sand dune in the world. You can also go dune bashing in a buggy, one of the region’s most popular excursions.
The region is also world-famous for its thermal spas. It’s home to about 500 hot springs. You can bathe in them in the full outdoors, really indulge in the wellbeing aspect, and it’s a surprisingly relaxing aspect to a place most people visit with a history agenda. That part comes from the Nazca Lines, but also from tombs and real-life mummies. For this, go just outside the town to the pre-Incan Chauchilla Cemetery. The desert setting makes it really unique, but prepare to see actual skulls here!
Much like the whole of Peru, the food here is just fantastic. Barbecues here are cooked underground. Order hot-stone-cooked Pachamanca when you go.
Peru is one of South America’s most rewarding destinations, combining ancient history, spectacular scenery, fascinating culture and world class cuisine. Whether you’re looking to visit Machu Picchu, explore the Amazon, cruise Lake Titicaca or fly over the Nazca Lines, we can tailor the perfect Peru multi centre holiday for you.
So if you are considering a trip there, take a look at our Complete Peru itinerary which is quite similar to what we have shown above, it doesn’t have Nazca on there, but we can easily add that to the itinerary or make any other changes you fancy. Alternatively for something a little simpler, our Highlights of Peru is a great option combining the top 5 must visits. If you have any questions, please get it touch with our experts, who can also tailor an itinerary to your exact requirements.
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