What to See in Peru
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Peru has 12 sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list:

Pacific Coast

Caral, Pérou
Caral (2009)
These are the remains of the oldest pre-Columbian city in the Americas. This UNESCO-listed archaeological site is located in the desert north of Lima.
Chan Chan, Pérou
Chan Chan (1986)
This is the site, very close to Trujillo, of a pre-Columbian adobe city made up of ten citadels. Chan Chan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Plaza Mayor, Centre historique de Lima, Pérou
Historic Centre of Lima (1988)
The tourist heart of the city, with its museums, churches, squares, and beautiful colonial-era houses. The entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Lignes et géoglyphes de Nazca, Pérou
Nazca Lines and Geoglyphs (1994)
Located on the outskirts of the city of the same name, the Nazca Lines and geoglyphs are world-famous and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. These massive pre-Columbian figures are best seen from the sky.

The Andes

Centre historique d'Arequipa, Arequipa, Pérou
Historic Centre of Arequipa (2000)
Built from volcanic stone, the old town offers a stunning blend of indigenous and European colonial architecture and techniques. The entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Chavin, Pérou
Chavín (1985)
Officially called Chavín de Huántar, this UNESCO-listed archaeological site is located at 3,180 m above sea level, not far from Huaraz.
Chemins Incas des Andes
Inca Trails of the Andes (2014)
Also known as Qhapaq Ñan. These are the remains of the roads (23,000 km) built by the Incas over several centuries to consolidate their economic and political power across the Andean region. They span six countries.
Cusco, Pérou
Cusco (1983)
Synonymous with Peru’s image, the stunning colonial city of Cusco is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding areas (Pisac, Sacred Valley...).
Parc national de Huascaran, Pérou
Huascarán National Park (1985)
Ce superbe parc de la Cordillère Blanche abrite le Huascaran qui est le sommet du pays (6 746 m). On peut y pratiquer la randonnée et l'escalade.
Rio Abiseo National Park (1983)
This UNESCO-listed park is home to a rich variety of wildlife and plant life, as well as 36 archaeological sites. However, it is not always generally open to tourism.
Machu Picchu, Pérou
Machu Picchu (1983)
A UNESCO World Heritage site and globally renowned, this is the quintessential pre-Columbian site and the "symbol" of Peru.

Amazon

Parc national de Manu, Pérou
Manu National Park (1987)
A UNESCO-listed park, this vast area boasts some of the richest and most diverse wildlife and plant life.

The Pacific Coast

Chiclayo, Pérou
Chiclayo
A large city on the Pacific coast, on the route to Ecuador. It has several museums and colonial-era buildings.
Ica
300 km south of Lima, Ica is renowned for its wine and especially pisco (a brandy). In addition to the distilleries, you can also visit the city museum.
Lima, Pérou
Lima
A blend of modern and historic architecture (historic centre) for Peru’s capital, though it isn’t the country’s most appealing city.
Malabrigo
Also known as Puerto Chicama, this large coastal town in northern Peru is popular with surfers for its superb waves.
Mancora, Pérou
Mancora
A beach resort in the far north, very pleasant for its beaches and surfing.
Piura
A major city in northern Peru near the Ecuadorian border. Besides its colonial centre, Piura boasts several nearby beaches (Cabo Blanco, Colan, Máncora) popular with surfers.
Plaza de Armas, Trujillo, Pérou
Trujillo
It is the third-largest city in Peru. For tourists, it offers a historic centre and benefits from nearby beaches (including Huanchaco, known for surfing) and archaeological sites (Chan Chan, Huaca del Sol).
Tumbes, Pérou
Tumbes
This is the major coastal city before Ecuador. It is surrounded by beaches and marshes.

Pre-Columbian Sites

Caral, Pérou
Caral
These are the remains of the oldest pre-Columbian city in the Americas. This UNESCO-listed archaeological site is located in the desert north of Lima.
Cerro Sechin, Pérou
Cerro Sechín
One of the oldest temples in Peru, made up of large monoliths adorned with carvings. It is located in the Casma Valley.
Chan Chan, Pérou
Chan Chan
This is the site, very close to Trujillo, of a pre-Columbian adobe city made up of ten citadels. Chan Chan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Chauchilla, Pérou
Chauchilla
About thirty kilometres from Nazca, this is an open-air cemetery containing impressive pre-Columbian mummies.
Huaca de la Luna, Pérou
Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna
Adjacent to Trujillo, these are two pre-Columbian temples built by the Moche civilization.
Lambayeque
Small town near Chiclayo known for housing two very important archaeological museums, including the Royal Tombs of Sipán.
Lignes et géoglyphes de Nazca, Pérou
Nazca Lines and Geoglyphs
Located on the outskirts of the city of the same name, the Nazca Lines and geoglyphs are world-famous and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. These massive pre-Columbian figures are best seen from the sky.
Sipan, Pérou
Sipan
About thirty kilometres east of Chiclayo, Sipan (or Huaca Rajada) is home to one of the most significant funerary complexes of the Moche culture discovered to date.
Túcume
In the Lambayeque Valley, near Chiclayo, this is a complex of 26 pyramids dating from the pre-Columbian era.

Natural Heritage

Iles Ballestas, Pérou
Ballestas Islands
Off the coast of Pisco and neighboring the Paracas National Reserve, the archipelago is an ornithological reserve where seabirds and sea lions coexist. Like Paracas, the site is visited by boat.
Huacachina, Pérou
Huacachina
A stunning oasis on the outskirts of Ica with massive dunes perfect for walking or sandboarding.
Réserve nationale de Paracas, Pérou
Paracas National Reserve
In a desert area facing the Pacific, this stunning marine reserve, visited by boat, is home to numerous birds, dolphins, turtles, and sea lions. It also features a giant 120-meter geoglyph ("Tres Cruces").
San Fernando National Reserve
On the coast near Nazca, this reserve with stunning landscapes is home to colonies of birds, penguins, and sea lions.

The Andes

Aguas Calientes, Pérou
Aguas Calientes
This is the closest town to Machu Picchu and serves as the base for visiting the site. For tourism reasons, it is now also called Machupicchu Pueblo.
Arequipa, Pérou
Arequipa
A stunning colonial-era city set against a backdrop of volcanoes. It’s Peru’s second-largest city after Lima and the second-most visited after Cusco.
Plaza des Armas, Ayacucho, Pérou
Ayacucho
The city is known for having been the stronghold of the Shining Path. It features numerous churches and colonial-era buildings.
Plaza des Armas, Cajamarca, Pérou
Cajamarca
A charming northern city with several hot springs and pre-Columbian sites nearby.
Caraz
North of Huaraz, it’s an alternative base for exploring the surrounding area (treks). Caraz also has beautiful colonial-era buildings.
Cathédrale de Chachapoyas, Pérou
Chachapoyas
A town in northern Peru that has preserved beautiful houses and squares from its Spanish era.
Cusco, Pérou
Cusco
Synonymous with Peru’s image, the stunning colonial city of Cusco is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding areas (Pisac, Sacred Valley...).
Huancavelica
A small Andean town west of Ayacucho with several churches and colonial-era buildings.
Huancayo
This is the major city, the cultural and commercial hub of the central Peruvian Andes.
Huaraz, Pérou
Huaraz
This town in northern Peru is located at the foot of the Negra and Blanca cordilleras. It often serves as a base for exploring the surrounding area on hikes (or climbing expeditions).
Juliaca
The large city is close to Lake Titicaca. Its airport also serves as the region's air gateway.
La Rinconada
With a population of 72,000 and an altitude of 5,100 m, La Rinconada is the highest city in the world.
Pisac, Pérou
Pisac
It's a small town near Cuzco, in the Sacred Valley, known for its Sunday market and Inca ruins.
Puno, Pérou
Puno
On the shores of Lake Titicaca, Puno serves as a base and departure point for exploring the lake and its surroundings.
Cathédrale, Tarma, Pérou
Tarma
A small Andean city with traces of its colonial past.

Pre-Columbian Sites

Chavin, Pérou
Chavín
Officially called Chavín de Huántar, this UNESCO-listed archaeological site is located at 3,180 m above sea level, not far from Huaraz.
Choquequirao, Pérou
Choquequirao
This is an Inca site quite similar to Machu Picchu. Hard to reach, it involves a 4-day trek starting from the village of Cachora.
Kuelap, Pérou
Kuelap
The site, near Chachapoyas, is home to a pre-Columbian fortress.
Machu Picchu, Pérou
Machu Picchu
A UNESCO World Heritage site and globally renowned, this is the quintessential pre-Columbian site and the "symbol" of Peru.
Sillustani, Pérou
Sillustani
A pre-Inca burial site set in a remarkable location on the shores of Lake Umayo, between Juliaca and Puno.
Vallée sacrée des Incas, Pérou
Sacred Valley of the Incas
This stunning valley near Cusco, roughly between Pisac and Machu Picchu, is home to numerous archaeological sites (Moray, Tambomachay, Ollantaytambo) and small villages. It's a must-see in the region.

Natural Heritage

Canyon de Colca, Pérou
Colca Canyon
North of Arequipa, this is the second-deepest canyon in the world, with a 3,400 m drop. You can hike here and spot condors.
Catarata Gocta, Pérou
Gocta Waterfall
Situées à une vingtaine de kilomètres au nord de Chachapoyas, ces chutes sont parmi les plus hautes du monde avec 771 mètres.
Tres Hermanas Falls
Dans la province d'Ayacucho, ce sont les troisièmes chutes les plus hautes du monde (914 m).
Chemin de l'Inca, Pérou
Inca Trail
A classic trek (now heavily regulated) following a beautiful traditional Inca route leading to Machu Picchu.
Cordillera Blanca, Pérou
Cordillera Blanca
A stunning mountain range near Huaraz that can be explored through treks or by climbing its peaks (33 summits exceed 5,500 m).
Cordillera Negra, Pérou
Cordillera Negra
Neighboring the Cordillera Blanca, this mountain range offers stunning landscapes, as well as hiking and climbing opportunities.
Lac Titicaca vu de l'île Taquile, Pérou
Lake Titicaca
Straddling Peru and Bolivia, it is the largest navigable lake in the world. While it is usually visited from Peru, it can also be accessed from Copacabana in Bolivia, with boat trips to the Bolivian islands of the Sun and the Moon.
Parc national de Huascaran, Pérou
Huascarán National Park
Ce superbe parc de la Cordillère Blanche abrite le Huascaran qui est le sommet du pays (6 746 m). On peut y pratiquer la randonnée et l'escalade.
Rio Abiseo National Park
This UNESCO-listed park is home to a rich variety of wildlife and plant life, as well as 36 archaeological sites. However, it is not always generally open to tourism.
Salines de Maras, Pérou
Maras Salt Mines
Near the Sacred Valley, these are hundreds of small terraces on the mountainside where natural salt is harvested by hand.
Volcan Misti, Pérou
Misti Volcano
You can climb this 5,822 m volcano near Arequipa in one or two days.

The Amazon

Iquitos, Pérou
Iquitos
In the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, with no road access, it's the starting point for jungle treks and boat trips, including along the Amazon to its mouth in Brazil. With its colonial-era buildings and small stilt houses along the riverbank, the city has its own charm.
Pucallpa, Pérou
Pucallpa
On the Ucayali River. It's the intermediate Amazonian city between the north (Iquitos) and the south (Puerto Maldonado).
Puerto Maldonado
The largest city in southern Peruvian Amazonia and the gateway to exploring the nearby jungle (Manu Park, Tambopata Reserve).

Natural Heritage

Amazonie
Amazon Rainforest
The planet's largest forest, spanning nine countries, boasts rich and diverse wildlife and plant life that can be explored (alongside local communities) through treks or boat trips on the Amazon and other rivers.
Parc national de Manu, Pérou
Manu National Park
A UNESCO-listed park, this vast area boasts some of the richest and most diverse wildlife and plant life.
Réserve de Pacaya-Samiria, Pérou
Pacaya-Samiria Reserve
Near Iquitos, this is one of the largest protected areas in Peru. It is very rich in wildlife and plant life.
Réserve de Tambopata-Candamo, Pérou
Tambopata-Candamo Reserve
In the southeast of the country, bordering Bolivia. Here you can explore the rainforest and its wildlife, and also go rafting on the Rio Tambopata.

Must-see & highly recommended

Amazon Rainforest
★★★★ The planet's largest forest, spanning nine countries, boasts rich and diverse wildlife and plant life that can be explored (alongside local…
Cusco
★★★★ Synonymous with Peru’s image, the stunning colonial city of Cusco is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It serves as an excellent base for…
Lake Titicaca
★★★★ Straddling Peru and Bolivia, it is the largest navigable lake in the world. While it is usually visited from Peru, it can also be accessed…
Machu Picchu
★★★★ A UNESCO World Heritage site and globally renowned, this is the quintessential pre-Columbian site and the "symbol" of Peru.
Paracas National Reserve
★★★★ In a desert area facing the Pacific, this stunning marine reserve, visited by boat, is home to numerous birds, dolphins, turtles, and sea…
Sacred Valley of the Incas
★★★★ This stunning valley near Cusco, roughly between Pisac and Machu Picchu, is home to numerous archaeological sites (Moray, Tambomachay…

Recommended

Arequipa
★★★ A stunning colonial-era city set against a backdrop of volcanoes. It’s Peru’s second-largest city after Lima and the…
Colca Canyon
★★★ North of Arequipa, this is the second-deepest canyon in the world, with a 3,400 m drop. You can hike here and spot condors.
Historic Centre of Arequipa
★★★ Built from volcanic stone, the old town offers a stunning blend of indigenous and European colonial architecture and techniques. The entire…
Chauchilla
★★★ About thirty kilometres from Nazca, this is an open-air cemetery containing impressive pre-Columbian mummies.
Inca Trail
★★★ A classic trek (now heavily regulated) following a beautiful traditional Inca route leading to Machu Picchu.
Inca Trails of the Andes
★★★ Also known as Qhapaq Ñan. These are the remains of the roads (23,000 km) built by the Incas over several centuries to consolidate their…
Cordillera Blanca
★★★ A stunning mountain range near Huaraz that can be explored through treks or by climbing its peaks (33 summits exceed 5,500 m).
Cordillera Negra
★★★ Neighboring the Cordillera Blanca, this mountain range offers stunning landscapes, as well as hiking and climbing opportunities.
Nazca Lines and Geoglyphs
★★★ Located on the outskirts of the city of the same name, the Nazca Lines and geoglyphs are world-famous and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage…
Huascarán National Park
★★★ Ce superbe parc de la Cordillère Blanche abrite le Huascaran qui est le sommet du pays (6 746 m). On peut y pratiquer la randonnée et…
Manu National Park
★★★ A UNESCO-listed park, this vast area boasts some of the richest and most diverse wildlife and plant life.
Pacaya-Samiria Reserve
★★★ Near Iquitos, this is one of the largest protected areas in Peru. It is very rich in wildlife and plant life.

Worth a look / Other

Ayacucho
★★ The city is known for having been the stronghold of the Shining Path. It features numerous churches and colonial-era buildings.
Cajamarca
★★ A charming northern city with several hot springs and pre-Columbian sites nearby.
Caral
★★ These are the remains of the oldest pre-Columbian city in the Americas. This UNESCO-listed archaeological site is located in the desert…
Gocta Waterfall
★★ Situées à une vingtaine de kilomètres au nord de Chachapoyas, ces chutes sont parmi les plus hautes du monde avec 771 mètres.
Tres Hermanas Falls
★★ Dans la province d'Ayacucho, ce sont les troisièmes chutes les plus hautes du monde (914 m).
Historic Centre of Lima
★★ The tourist heart of the city, with its museums, churches, squares, and beautiful colonial-era houses. The entire area is a UNESCO World…
Chachapoyas
★★ A town in northern Peru that has preserved beautiful houses and squares from its Spanish era.
Chan Chan
★★ This is the site, very close to Trujillo, of a pre-Columbian adobe city made up of ten citadels. Chan Chan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Choquequirao
★★ This is an Inca site quite similar to Machu Picchu. Hard to reach, it involves a 4-day trek starting from the village of Cachora.
Huacachina
★★ A stunning oasis on the outskirts of Ica with massive dunes perfect for walking or sandboarding.
Ballestas Islands
★★ Off the coast of Pisco and neighboring the Paracas National Reserve, the archipelago is an ornithological reserve where seabirds and sea…
Iquitos
★★ In the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, with no road access, it's the starting point for jungle treks and boat trips, including along the…
Lima
★★ A blend of modern and historic architecture (historic centre) for Peru’s capital, though it isn’t the country’s most…
Mancora
★★ A beach resort in the far north, very pleasant for its beaches and surfing.
Rio Abiseo National Park
★★ This UNESCO-listed park is home to a rich variety of wildlife and plant life, as well as 36 archaeological sites. However, it is not always…
Pisac
★★ It's a small town near Cuzco, in the Sacred Valley, known for its Sunday market and Inca ruins.
Tambopata-Candamo Reserve
★★ In the southeast of the country, bordering Bolivia. Here you can explore the rainforest and its wildlife, and also go rafting on the Rio…
San Fernando National Reserve
★★ On the coast near Nazca, this reserve with stunning landscapes is home to colonies of birds, penguins, and sea lions.
Maras Salt Mines
★★ Near the Sacred Valley, these are hundreds of small terraces on the mountainside where natural salt is harvested by hand.
Sillustani
★★ A pre-Inca burial site set in a remarkable location on the shores of Lake Umayo, between Juliaca and Puno.
Trujillo
★★ It is the third-largest city in Peru. For tourists, it offers a historic centre and benefits from nearby beaches (including Huanchaco…
Misti Volcano
★★ You can climb this 5,822 m volcano near Arequipa in one or two days.
Aguas Calientes
★ This is the closest town to Machu Picchu and serves as the base for visiting the site. For tourism reasons, it is now also called…
Caraz
★ North of Huaraz, it’s an alternative base for exploring the surrounding area (treks). Caraz also has beautiful colonial-era buildings.
Cerro Sechín
★ One of the oldest temples in Peru, made up of large monoliths adorned with carvings. It is located in the Casma Valley.
Chavín
★ Officially called Chavín de Huántar, this UNESCO-listed archaeological site is located at 3,180 m above sea level, not far from Huaraz.
Chiclayo
★ A large city on the Pacific coast, on the route to Ecuador. It has several museums and colonial-era buildings.
Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna
★ Adjacent to Trujillo, these are two pre-Columbian temples built by the Moche civilization.
Huancavelica
★ A small Andean town west of Ayacucho with several churches and colonial-era buildings.
Huancayo
★ This is the major city, the cultural and commercial hub of the central Peruvian Andes.
Huaraz
★ This town in northern Peru is located at the foot of the Negra and Blanca cordilleras. It often serves as a base for exploring the…
Ica
★ 300 km south of Lima, Ica is renowned for its wine and especially pisco (a brandy). In addition to the distilleries, you can also visit the…
Juliaca
★ The large city is close to Lake Titicaca. Its airport also serves as the region's air gateway.
Kuelap
★ The site, near Chachapoyas, is home to a pre-Columbian fortress.
La Rinconada
★ With a population of 72,000 and an altitude of 5,100 m, La Rinconada is the highest city in the world.
Lambayeque
★ Small town near Chiclayo known for housing two very important archaeological museums, including the Royal Tombs of Sipán.
Malabrigo
★ Also known as Puerto Chicama, this large coastal town in northern Peru is popular with surfers for its superb waves.
Piura
★ A major city in northern Peru near the Ecuadorian border. Besides its colonial centre, Piura boasts several nearby beaches (Cabo Blanco…
Pucallpa
★ On the Ucayali River. It's the intermediate Amazonian city between the north (Iquitos) and the south (Puerto Maldonado).
Puerto Maldonado
★ The largest city in southern Peruvian Amazonia and the gateway to exploring the nearby jungle (Manu Park, Tambopata Reserve).
Puno
★ On the shores of Lake Titicaca, Puno serves as a base and departure point for exploring the lake and its surroundings.
Sipan
★ About thirty kilometres east of Chiclayo, Sipan (or Huaca Rajada) is home to one of the most significant funerary complexes of the Moche…
Tarma
★ A small Andean city with traces of its colonial past.
Túcume
★ In the Lambayeque Valley, near Chiclayo, this is a complex of 26 pyramids dating from the pre-Columbian era.
Tumbes
★ This is the major coastal city before Ecuador. It is surrounded by beaches and marshes.