Planning a trip to Peru and not sure where to go? This country is full of incredible things to do and see. There’s something in Peru for everyone, whether you’re interested in culture, history, nature, adventure or all of the above! Keep reading to learn about the 10 best places to visit in Peru for 2019.
1. Machu Picchu
No surprises here. Machu Picchu is our top place to visit in Peru for 2018, and with good reason. This majestic Inca citadel is one of the world’s most famous man-made wonders, a place so beautiful and so mysterious that it simply must be seen to be believed. Perched on an Andean mountainside with the jungle at its feet, Machu Picchu’s location was lost to the outside world for centuries. Most significantly, it was never found by the Spanish conquistadors, allowing the fortress to escape the destruction wrought by the invaders and giving us the opportunity to enjoy it in such well-preserved form today. There are many options available for seeing Machu Picchu, including rail travel and a number of long and short treks.
2. Manu National Park
While the Amazon Rainforest is most closely associated with the massive neighboring country of Brazil, some of the most biodiverse and best-conserved pristine forest in all of Amazonia is located right here in Peru. The crown jewel of Peru’s jungle region is Manu National Park, an extensive natural reserve located a day’s drive north of the city of Cusco. Within the park, you’ll encounter some of the jungle’s most iconic animals, from jaguars and tapirs to monkeys and colorful macaw parrots. A number of native tribes also call the park home and visitors can pay a visit to one of these communities for a unique cultural experience.
3. Natural Pools of Millpu
The natural pools of Millpu have only been open to tourists for a short time, but photos of this incredible place have been widely-shared on social media and it’s easy to see why. These eye-popping turquoise waters and stark canyon walls are any photographer’s dream. You can also get into the waters and enjoy a swim, but beware that the high altitude means that these natural pools can be quite frigid. Don’t worry though, the view alone makes the trip worth it! Millpu is located in a remote corner of Ayacucho, one of Peru’s most beautiful and culturally-rich regions. Visitors will discover a wealth of other interesting attractions to visit while traveling in the area.
4. Choquequirao
The Inca city of Choquequirao is sometimes referred to as Machu Picchu’s sister–both sites are located in the same region of Peru, have a similar style, and were built around the same time. What sets Choquequirao apart, however, is its remoteness. Unlike its more famous sister (which is connected to Cusco by rail and has been an established tourist attraction for decades), the ruins of Choquequirao are only reachable by embarking on a difficult two-day hike through the Apurímac Canyon. This means that Choquequirao sees comparatively little tourist traffic. On some days, you might even find that you’re completely alone at this ancient site: a truly incomparable experience.
5. Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain
Since opening up to tourism a couple of years ago, Rainbow Mountain (or Vinicunca as it’s known to locals) has firmly taken its place as one of Cusco’s must-see attractions. While the beauty of this place is undeniable, its popularity means that you’re certain to encounter crowds of other tourists at the site. What many do not realize, however, is that this region is actually home to a number of similar rainbow-colored hills that are free of crowds. Palcoyo is a valley which is home to several of them and is mostly off the tourist radar. The Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain alternative hike is also much easier, only requiring a brisk 30-minute walk compared to the 3-hour uphill trek to Vinicunca.
6. Nazca Lines
This series of hundreds of enormous geoglyphs known as the Nazca Lines is one of Peru’s most enigmatic places. Created by the Nazca culture for which the area is named, the Nazca Lines are famously only visible from the air, leading to wild speculation by conspiracy theorists about ancient aircraft and extraterrestrials. More conventional theories hold that the lines were intended as messages to the gods, perhaps acting as prayers for water in this parched desert region. A flight over the lines is definitely one of Peru’s top travel experiences, and the area also makes a great stopping point for travelers heading towards Cusco from the coast.
7. Huascarán National Park
Huascarán National Park in northern Peru is one of the best places for trekking and mountaineering in all of South America. Home to a number of gorgeous trails such as the Santa Cruz Trek and the Huayhuash Circuit, this is the place to be for serious trekkers. If you’re more of a beginner, not to worry. A number of easier day treks are popular as well, taking you to spectacular destinations like the blue glacial lake known as Laguna 69. Most treks both long and short leave from the nearby city of Huaraz.
8. Lima
The vast majority of visitors to Peru will pass through Lima at some point during their travels, even if only for an airport layover. Peru’s largest city has somewhat of a poor reputation among travelers, but it’s actually got an enormous amount to offer. The city’s cuisine is world-renowned: in fact, several of the top-ranked restaurants in the world are located here. Lovers of culture will be pleased to find that some of South America’s best museums are also located in Lima and there are a plethora of amazing Pre-Columbian ruins located in the region as well (make sure to visit Pachacamac and Caral). Visit Lima with an open mind and you’ll soon discover what an underrated destination it is!
9. Kuelap
The home of a brand-new cable-car system, the mountaintop fortress of Kuelap is quickly becoming known as one of northern Peru’s best attractions. Built by the Chachapoya culture (also known as Warriors of the Clouds), these 1,500-year-old ruins are surrounded by lush highland jungle and panoramic mountain vistas, a sight that is every bit as magnificent as Machu Picchu. The surrounding region offers a wealth of other worthwhile attractions such as the Gocta waterfall (one of the highest in the world) and the Sarcophagi of Karajia.
10. Colca Canyon
Colca Canyon, the second-deepest canyon in the world, is home to some of the most incredible mountain vistas you’ll find anywhere in the Andes. Enjoy the sight of condors soaring overhead as you take in the rugged and majestic scenery. Enjoy Colca Canyon on a day trip or take part in a multi-day trek to experience the culture and way of life of the people who live in the canyon.
As demonstrated by this list, Peru has a nearly endless number of wonderful places to visit. We hope you enjoyed this list of the 10 best places to visit in Peru in 2019!
Header Image: Modified from Flickr / Ferran Altimiras
