Peru Destinations

Peru’s main destinations are spread across the Andes, the desert coast and the Amazon. This page sums up the cities and regions travelers ask us about most and how each one fits into a trip. For the places our own tours go, see best places to visit in Peru.

Cusco

The former capital of the Inca Empire and the base for Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and most treks in the region. Its historic centre, where Inca stonework sits under colonial buildings, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Read more: places to visit around Cusco and our Cusco travel guide.

Arequipa

Known as the White City for the pale volcanic stone of its colonial centre, with the El Misti volcano behind it. Arequipa is the starting point for the Colca Canyon, where Andean condors can be seen. Our 9-day Best of Peru trip includes Arequipa and the Colca Canyon.

Puno and Lake Titicaca

Puno sits on the shore of Lake Titicaca, at about 3,800 m. Boats leave from here for the Uros floating islands, built from totora reeds, and for Taquile Island. Ask us if you want to add Puno to a trip to Cusco.

Nazca

A desert town on the south coast, known for the Nazca Lines: large figures and lines drawn on the ground more than 1,500 years ago. They are best seen from a small plane on an overflight.

Lima

Peru’s capital, on the Pacific coast, is where most international flights arrive. Travelers usually stay in Miraflores or Barranco, and come for the food and the colonial centre. Several of our Peru packages start in Lima.

Ica and Huacachina

The desert region of Ica has the Huacachina oasis, surrounded by sand dunes used for buggy rides and sandboarding, and vineyards that produce pisco. Our 11-day and 12-day trips stop here and visit the Ballestas Islands.