The regions and places to go in Peru.
Each region and places to go in Peru are different and totally unique but all are beautiful. Here, we give you a flavour of each region so you can chose which region (or regions) you would like to go to on your holiday.
As an alternative to researching properties by region, try our A-Z Directory of Accommodation which also allows you to filter by quality standard. And always feel free to call us for advice.
Arequipa
This lovely ‘white city’ is a great way to start to acclimatise to altitude. As you do so you can explore the handsome colonial buildings that have made Arequipa’s centre a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cajamarca
The highland town of Cajamarca is the capital of the Peruvian carnival – and in February the town throws itself into the carnival spirit with gusto. Wander the narrow, cobbled streets, explore colonial mansions
Chachapoyas & Kuelap
This region has been called Peru’s ‘best-kept secret’ and it’s a secret that’s definitely worth revealing. The landscape is gorgeous, with waterfalls, mountain valleys, caverns and cloudforest
Trujillo & Chan Chan
600 years ago Chan Chan was the largest city on in the Americas and today what is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site remains the largest adobe settlement in the world.
Colca Canyon
3,400m deep canyon is staggering. For many it’s on a par with the Grand Canyon, and its magnificent mix of volcanoes, rivers and ancient crop terraces, combined with the sight of majestic Andean Condors soaring above it make it an unforgettable spectacle.
Cusco
Known worldwide as the gateway to Machu Picchu, Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire for 300 years. It’s a fabulous place to spend two or three days – it’s so much more than simply a starting-off point for the iconic archaeological sites
Iquitos
This is your gateway to the Amazonian rainforest, with its jaguars, giant otters and pink dolphins and immense wealth of flora and wildlife. Iquitos is the place to board the five-star cruise boats that take you into the heart of the rainforest.
Lake Titicaca & Puno
The islands of Lake Titicaca were the birthplace of the Inca. This vast body of deep blue water – the highest navigable lake in the world – is bordered by Peru and Bolivia and is home to the Uros Indians, who inhabit the famous floating reed islands.
Lima
Lima is much more than simply an arrival city. It is home to museums, good shops, galleries, and colonial architecture, and a world-renowned food ‘scene’, from street food to five-star restaurants.
Machu Picchu
Discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911, this World Heritage Site, located on a limestone ridge some 600m above the Urubamba River, may well be the finest architectural achievement of the new world.
Manú and Tambopata
For nature lovers there can be no excuse not to visit the Manú Biosphere Reserve and Tambopata National Reserve. The stunning rainforest, cloudforest, lowland jungle and powerful Amazon and Tambopata rivers.
Nazca
The mysterious Nazca Lines are one reason to visit this part of the South coast of Peru, but there is much more to see in this enigmatic region, particularly for those fascinated by ancient civilisations.
Paracas
This small town is best known for the sea life, seabirds and migratory birds in its marine nature reserve and as a starting point for boat trips to the Ballestas Islands.
The Sacred Valley
This stunning valley was viewed by the Incas as a representation of Heaven on Earth, and they built many magnificent temples and fortresses along the banks of the Urubamba River.