Where to go in Peru

Peru’s capital is also the unofficial gastronomic capital of South America, home to many highly acclaimed chefs. There’s so much mouthwatering food here you’ll want to sample it on a tour with a local guide to try some of the best versions, from ceviche, the national dish, to Lomo Saltado, a beef stir fry with classic Peruvian ingredients. Lima also has a rich history and impressive mix of Renaissance, baroque, neoclassical, and rococo architecture, with ornate churches, palaces, and monasteries in its historic district along with modern infrastructure. Much of its colonial architecture like the Cathedral of Lima and Plaza Mayor can be found in the UNESCO-listed city center. Visitors can also discover, in-depth, the vibrancy of lost civilizations in fascinating museums. It’s a standout when it comes to buzzing nightlife too, and at both its north and south ends, there are beaches to enjoy.

Located on an arid, isolated plateau in southern Peru, the over 70 Nazca lines include detailed artwork of animals like llamas, birds, monkeys, and fish – massive drawings carved into the earth measuring up to 660 feet. Most can only be seen from an observation tower or while flying above in a plane, but the reason they exist is unknown. It’s believed that the Nazca culture created the by removing red stones that covered the landscape, leaving the white ground below visible. But the Nazca culture flourished between 100 BC and 800 AD, so how did a primitive civilization with no airplanes to view from above accomplish a feat on such a grand scale? The mystery remains, and it’s one that might be fun to try and resolve with a visit. It lies under 200 miles from Lima and by taking a 20-minute flight, with lots of sharp turns, you can get a bird’s-eye view.

South America’s largest lake straddles the border between Bolivia and Peru in the Andes. It’s one of the highest navigable bodies of freshwater in the world and said to be the birthplace of the Incas, with numerous ruins to explore in the area. Titicaca National Reserve surrounds it, protecting rare aquatic life like giant frogs. Around its shoreline the water appears murky but the farther out you go, the more it becomes a clear, brilliant blue. The town of Puno, the country’s “folklore capital” is located on its banks and hosts many colorful festivals and parades throughout the year. It boasts beautiful Andean baroque-style architecture and makes a great base for a boat ride to the floating islands of the Uros people. The 40-minute trip will bring you to this cluster of 60 islands to spend time with local families, learning how they live, cook, share food, and educate their children.

The Amazon Rainforest is spread over eight countries, including Peru. In fact, it covers nearly two-thirds of the country yet it’s home it just five percent of the population. It boasts remarkable diversity, home to over 7,300 different flowering plant species, more than 800 types of birds and nearly 300 mammals. One can watch colorful parrots soar through the skies, monkeys swinging through the trees, and pink dolphins in the river. It also offers the chance to delve into rich indigenous culture, getting to know the Riberenos, or “river people,” who inhabit villages along the banks of the Amazon and even be welcomed into a family’s home to learn more about their traditional way of life. Spending time with an Amazon shaman to learn about the plants in the region and their medicinal uses is just one of the many other once-in-a-lifetime kind of opportunities.

Nestled in the rolling sand dunes in the southwest region of Peru, Huacachina is a little settlement that’s centered around an oasis with soaring palm trees. It emerges out of the desert like a mirage providing spectacular scenery, but it’s best known as a base for enjoying activities like sandboarding, dune buggy rides, and quad biking. Hiking is popular too, with plenty of tall dunes to conquer and enjoy a particularly memorable sunset for the effort. It’s almost a rite of passage for any visitor here, with many clustered on the dunes to take in the breathtaking view with a drink in hand. Simply relaxing and enjoying the oasis and taking an occasional refreshing dip is also a great way to pass the time. You’ll find plenty of bars, restaurants, and hotels to choose from, while the nearby city of Ica offers wineries for tasting and touring too.