Places of interest in Peru
Peru offers a wealth of attractions to visit on an unforgettable trip. With the Andes, the Amazon and the coast, Peru is a diverse country. It’s ideal for adventurers, a must for culture lovers, but above all a wonderful country for those who enjoy beautiful tours. But what attractions are there, and which ones should you absolutely not miss on a trip of Peru? We’ve listed Peru’s top attractions here.
Lima: the culinary hotspot of the moment
For a long time, Lima was the most important city in South America. For two centuries, the city served as the seat of the Spanish King’s viceroy. It will therefore come as no surprise that Lima is steeped in history. Take a city walk and find out more about this history. Lima is also renowned as Latin America’s culinary hotspot. Whether for lunch or dinner, you can enjoy superb cuisine in the finest restaurants. Be sure to try ceviche for lunch at least once – the fish is fresh from the sea, making this dish a real treat.
The Amazon: a paradise of biodiversity
Almost half of Peru’s territory is taken up by the Amazon. The Amazon basin is renowned for its unrivalled diversity of flora and fauna. Here you can spot the playful giant otter, colourful macaws and, if you’re very lucky, the jaguar. There are several lodges in the Peruvian Amazon with which we collaborate. If you’d like, we’d be happy to tell you more about the options available. Another way to experience the Amazon is on a cruise. Aboard the luxurious Delfin Amazon cruises, you’ll sail past the lush forests, witness wildlife at its best and enjoy first-class service on board. Watch the video here for inspiration.
Machu Picchu
A trip of Peru would, of course, not be complete without a visit to Machu Picchu. This hidden city was discovered by chance in 1911 by the American Hiram Bingham. He was searching for the legendary city of Vilcabamba when local farmers pointed out ruins on a hill, overgrown by subtropical cloud forest. The discovery of Machu Picchu is regarded as one of the most significant archaeological finds of the twentieth century. The combination of its impressive archaeology and spectacular setting is what makes this place so truly special.
The Empire of the Incas
Before the arrival of the Europeans, the vast Inca Empire was ruled from Cuzco. The Sacred Valley surrounding it was also of great importance to this people. Today, the land of the Incas is one of the most visited areas in Peru. This is hardly surprising, as the ancient Inca culture is still very much alive here and, as a traveller, you can enjoy the scents, colours and local markets. What’s more, the surroundings are breathtakingly beautiful.
The mystical north
Northern Peru is far less well-known than the south. This part of Peru is mainly known for its unique pre-Inca archaeological sites and stunning natural beauty. If you’re interested in archaeology, the north is an absolute must-visit. Here you’ll find archaeological sites associated with various indigenous peoples, such as Chan Chan, the Tomb of Sipán and Kuelap.
View the ‘Mystical Northern Peru’ trip
Along the Peruvian coast
Much of Peru lies along the coast. Whilst it may not be a typical beach destination, Peru’s coastline boasts attractions that are certainly well worth a visit. Think of Paracas with its rich wildlife, the life-size figures etched into the arid landscape near Nazca, and the Huacachina oasis where you can go sandboarding.
Driving in Peru
It might not be the first thing that springs to mind, but Peru is a great place to explore the sights by rental car. The routes are stunning, and this way you can reach places that travellers rarely visit. Drive through the Andes, along the coast or discover the Sacred Valley by rental car.
Fancy organising your own trip of Peru?
Does Peru and its attractions appeal to you, and would you like to go on a trip? Are you curious about the options available? Then do have a look at the tours we’ve put together for your inspiration. You can book these tours directly, but we’d also be happy to put together a personalised itinerary based on your preferences and ideas.
Do you have a question? Please feel free to get in touch with us. Call +31 73 610 62 04 or send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl. We’d be happy to help.
Find out more about: HoPe Foundation
The HoPe Holana-Peru Foundation is a development and aid organisation run by and for the people of Cuzco and the villages in the Andes. HoPe focuses on children and their families who live in difficult social and economic circumstances and suffer from extreme poverty. The foundation provides not just one-off assistance but long-term support, enabling them to lead independent lives and realise their ambitions. We have been supporting this project for many years. Would you like to find out more about the HoPe Foundation? Click here to watch the video.
