Peru’s capital is a fantastic city to tour, dotted with a multitude of cultural sites and beautifully preserved architecture. Founded by the conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535, Lima was first named ‘City of Kings’ – a biblical reference to the ‘Three Wise Men of the East’ – before its name was changed by the Spanish colonialists. The most significant historical buildings are located around the Plaza Mayor, the most notable being the Government Palace, where one can still observe the changing of the guard performed by the Húsares de Junín. The beautiful Cathedral and the various small palaces and colonial balconies also play also their part in the beauty of the city. Another highlight is the famed Larco Herrera Museum, documenting the millennial cultures that preceded the Inca civilization and containing a priceless collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, including some of South America's finest pre-Inca erotic pottery.
Paracas is a coastal town in Peru's Ica region, where the Pacific Ocean meets a stark coastal desert. It is a nature and adventure destination centred on the Paracas National Reserve, a vast protected area of desert landscapes, dramatic cliffs, beaches and rich marine ecosystems. Travellers can take boat trips around the Ballestas Islands to see sea lions, Humboldt penguins and abundant seabirds, while the reserve offers spectacular viewpoints, the red-sand shores of Playa Roja, and opportunities for hiking, cycling, wildlife watching, kitesurfing and windsurfing. The mysterious Candelabra geoglyph adds a cultural dimension and is visible from the sea en route to the islands. Paracas' striking combination of desert scenery, marine wildlife, watersports and rugged coastline gives it a distinctive character on Peru's southern coast.
Nazca is situated in the Southern Coast region of Peru. The town is famous for the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nazca Lines: enormous zoomorphic drawings created in the desert by scratching away the top layer of rock and sediment to reveal lighter sand beneath. These mysterious, larger-than-life etchings are an unforgettable sight and should feature on any Peruvian travel itinerary. Other key attractions include the Nazca Channels (or Puquios) at Cantalloc – ancient underground aqueducts found near the Inca ruins of Paredones – and the interesting Museo Arqueologico Antonini, which provides great context and information about these archaeological sites. It also houses an excellent collection of Nazca ceramics and textiles (which are known for their vibrant colours and patterns).
Arequipa lies in southern Peru, set in the Andes beneath the imposing Misti volcano. Known as the "White City", it is a cultural destination celebrated for its colonial architecture, distinctive cuisine and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Its UNESCO-listed historic centre features elegant buildings crafted from white volcanic stone, atmospheric plazas and the remarkable Santa Catalina Monastery, a colourful complex of narrow streets and peaceful cloisters. Visitors can admire panoramic views from the Yanahuara viewpoint, explore traditional neighbourhoods and sample regional specialities such as rocoto relleno at local picanterías. Arequipa also serves as a gateway to the spectacular Colca Canyon, where travellers can hike through Andean scenery and look out for Andean condors soaring above the valley. Its blend of history, gastronomy and outdoor adventure makes it a memorable Peruvian destination.
The town of Chivay is located in southern Peru. This popular destination is one of the most accessible within the world-renowned trekking area of Canon del Colca (the Colca Canyon), and offers some excellent cultural sights and outdoor activities. Begin at the stone Inca Bridge, which spans the Colca Ravine, and then visit the attractive Temple Santiago Apostol de Coporaque, before relaxing in the cafe-lined Plaza de Armas de Chivay. Nature lovers will relish the Astronomical Observatory, with brilliant views of the Milky Way available in the pollution-free valley, as well as the Andean condor-spotting area of Cruz del Condor. Finally, Hot Springs La Calera offers rejuvenating waters and a range of spa treatments, and further expeditions into the Colca Canyon (such as Tuti, Sibay and Callalli) are easily arranged from Chivay.
Set on the shores of glistening Lake Titicaca, on the Altiplano of Peru, this large city is dubbed the ‘folklore capital' of the country, well known for its traditional music and dance. It is also famous for its incredible collection of floating islands - man-made islands created from reeds, which exhibit the unique survivalist culture that has been alive here since pre-Incan times. Other highlights include visits to the atmospheric, historical Church of San Pedro, the gorgeous Sistine Chapel of the Americas, and a stroll along the boardwalk on the shoreline of Lake Titicaca. Active types should take on the challenge to climb up the 700 steps to the Kuntur Wasi viewpoint, which is presided over by a massive metal condor sculpture, for the reward of breathtaking vistas across the city and Lake Titicaca beyond.
Once called the ‘Navel of the World’ by the Incas, Cusco rises in the southern Andes of Peru, where colonial grandeur meets the enduring stonework of the Inca Empire. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it serves as the main gateway to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and surrounding ruins. At its centre, the Plaza de Armas—once Huacaypata—remains alive with cafés, arcades, and the 16th-century Cusco Cathedral, built from Sacsayhuamán’s stones. Nearby, the San Blas district unfolds with whitewashed adobe houses, blue balconies, and workshops where artisans craft metalwork, woodcarvings, and sacred art. Across the city, layers of history reveal themselves in landmarks such as the Korikancha, the Inca street of Hatun Rumiyoc with its twelve-angled stone, the Museum of Colonial Art, and the ancient shrines and water temples scattered through the surrounding hills.
As previously described
Aguas Calientes, officially Machu Picchu Pueblo, is located in the Cusco Region of Peru, cradled within the lush cloud forests of the Andes. Perched along the Urubamba River, the town is encircled by towering cliffs and dense jungle vegetation, with a central creek dividing it and crossed by quaint pedestrian bridges. Established as a gateway to the iconic Machu Picchu ruins 9 kilometres away, Aguas Calientes emerged alongside the rail line in the early 20th century to accommodate travellers. Today, it thrives as a tourist hub, featuring pedestrian-friendly streets, a variety of hotels, restaurants, and artisanal markets. Visitors can unwind in the town’s natural thermal baths, which inspired its name, or embark on riverside and jungle trails offering stunning vistas. Just beyond the town, the Mandor Valley entices visitors with its tranquil trails and a stunning waterfall cascading through a lush jungle setting teeming with diverse flora.
As previously described
