The Top 50 · 50

Attractions in Peru

The finest attractions in Peru at a glance: castles, natural wonders, historic old towns and more. Each place links to a detailed page with map, tips and photos.

🗺️ See all on the mapCulture & History (31)Nature (15)More highlights (4)

Culture & History

National Stadium of Peru
Landmark

National Stadium of Peru

The largest and most important multi-purpose stadium in Lima, mainly used for matches of the Peruvian national football team.

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Cumbemayo
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Cumbemayo

An impressive archaeological site known for its pre-Inca aqueducts and the distinctive rock formations 'Los Frailones'.

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Chan Chan
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Chan Chan

The largest pre-Columbian city in South America and the former capital of the Chimú Empire, built entirely of mud bricks.

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Chachapoyas
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Chachapoyas

A charming city in the cloud forest, serving as the gateway to the massive Kuélap fortress and Gocta, one of the world's tallest waterfalls.

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Q'enqo
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Q'enqo

One of the largest Inca sanctuaries in the Cusco region, known for its channels and altars carved into the limestone rock.

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Ayacucho
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Ayacucho

The city of 33 churches, famous for its religious tradition, colonial architecture, and the intricate retablo folk art.

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Sillustani
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Sillustani

A pre-Hispanic cemetery on the shores of Lake Umayo in Puno, famous for its cylindrical stone tombs known as Chullpas.

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Coricancha
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Coricancha

The most important sun temple of the Inca Empire in Cusco, upon whose ruins the Spanish built the Church of Santo Domingo.

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Pachacamac
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Pachacamac

A massive archaeological site on the coast south of Lima that was an important religious center long before the Incas.

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Choquequirao
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Choquequirao

An impressive Inca city in southern Peru, architecturally very similar to Machu Picchu, but much more isolated.

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Huaca Pucllana
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Huaca Pucllana

A massive adobe pyramid of the Lima culture, which today is a fascinating relic in the middle of the modern Miraflores district.

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Bridge of Sighs
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Bridge of Sighs

A picturesque wooden bridge in the bohemian district of Barranco in Lima, which has inspired many artists, musicians, and lovers.

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Nazca Lines
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Nazca Lines

Huge geoglyphs in the desert of Peru depicting geometric figures and animals, best seen from the air.

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Pisac Ruins
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Pisac Ruins

An extensive Inca site in the Sacred Valley, known for its huge agricultural terraces and ceremonial centers.

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Plaza Mayor of Lima
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Plaza Mayor of Lima

The main square and birthplace of the city of Lima, surrounded by significant historical and architectural buildings.

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Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna
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Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna

Two massive pyramids of the Moche culture near Trujillo, known for their colorful murals and reliefs.

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Real Felipe Fortress
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Real Felipe Fortress

A massive historical fortress in Callao, built in the 18th century to protect against pirates and corsairs.

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Monastery of San Francisco
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Monastery of San Francisco

An impressive baroque church and monastery complex in Lima, particularly famous for its underground catacombs.

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Chavín de Huántar
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Chavín de Huántar

An archaeological site and important religious center of the pre-Hispanic Chavín culture in the Peruvian Andes.

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Santa Catalina Monastery
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Santa Catalina Monastery

A colorful, historical monastery in Arequipa that looks like a small city of its own with streets and plazas.

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Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa
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Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa

The most important Catholic church in Arequipa, famous for its white facade made of volcanic sillar stone.

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Kuélap
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Kuélap

A massive fortress of the Chachapoya culture high in the Andes, often called the 'Machu Picchu of the North'.

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Sacred City of Caral
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Sacred City of Caral

The oldest known city in the Americas, featuring monumental architecture and impressive pyramids.

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Cusco Cathedral
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Cusco Cathedral

The magnificent main church on the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, built on the foundations of an ancient Inca palace.

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Cristo Blanco
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Cristo Blanco

A large white statue of Jesus on Pukamoqo Hill, watching over the city of Cusco with open arms.

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Ollantaytambo
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Ollantaytambo

One of the best-preserved Inca towns with an impressive fortress, located in the Sacred Valley.

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Sacsayhuamán
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Sacsayhuamán

A massive Inca fortress near Cusco, known for its massive, seamlessly fitted stone blocks.

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Machu Picchu
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Machu Picchu

The famous Inca citadel high in the Andes, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a wonder of the world.

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Tambomachay
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Tambomachay

An Inca archaeological site that served as a sanctuary dedicated to water or baths of the Inca.

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Nazca
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Nazca

Famous for the mysterious Nazca Lines, giant geoglyphs etched into the arid Peruvian desert.

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Moray
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Moray

An Inca archaeological site consisting of deep, circular terraces dug into the earth.

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Nature

Llanganuco Lakes
Lake

Llanganuco Lakes

The Llanganuco Lakes are two turquoise glacial lakes at the foot of Huascarán in the Cordillera Blanca.

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Lake Sandoval
Lake

Lake Sandoval

Lake Sandoval is a beautiful oxbow lake in the Tambopata Reserve, hosting a rich variety of wildlife.

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Lake Titicaca
Lake

Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable body of water in the world, shared between Peru and Bolivia.

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Huacachina Oasis
Lake

Huacachina Oasis

The Huacachina Oasis is a natural desert lake surrounded by massive sand dunes.

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Chachani
Mountain

Chachani

A massive volcanic complex near Arequipa, often considered the easiest six-thousander to climb due to the lack of glaciers.

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Salcantay
Mountain

Salcantay

Salcantay is the highest peak in the Cordillera Vilcabamba and a famous alternative trekking peak en route to Machu Picchu.

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Nevado Mismi
Mountain

Nevado Mismi

A glaciated mountain peak whose meltwater ultimately flows into the Atlantic Ocean after a long journey through the Amazon.

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Artesonraju
Mountain

Artesonraju

A pyramid-shaped mountain in the Peruvian Andes, often believed to have inspired the Paramount Pictures logo.

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Huaynaputina
Mountain

Huaynaputina

A volcano without a distinct profile, famous for the largest volcanic eruption in South American history in 1600.

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Sabancaya Volcano
Mountain

Sabancaya Volcano

An extremely active, heavily glaciated stratovolcano near the Colca Canyon, often emitting ash clouds.

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Mount Ampato
Mountain

Mount Ampato

A dormant, ice-capped volcano in the Andes where the famous Inca ice mummy 'Juanita' was discovered in 1995.

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Ubinas Volcano
Mountain

Ubinas Volcano

The most active volcano in Peru, located in the Moquegua region and known for its frequent ash eruptions.

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Coropuna
Mountain

Coropuna

The highest volcano in Peru and the third highest mountain in the country, crowned by a massive ice cap.

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Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain)
Mountain

Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain)

Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain, is famous for its striking, colorful mineral stripes.

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Amantaní Island
island

Amantaní Island

Amantaní Island offers authentic homestays in Lake Titicaca and features two prominent peaks, Pachamama and Pachatata.

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More highlights

Frequently asked questions

What are the top attractions in Peru?

Among the most popular are National Stadium of Peru, Cumbemayo, Chan Chan, Chachapoyas, Q'enqo and many more – the full top 50 list is on this page.

When is the best time to visit Peru?

May to October offers the most pleasant weather; July and August are warmest and busiest.