The Pacific Coast of South America houses a mountainous country, known for its beautiful cities and incredible tourist spots. That’s Peru – an environmental masterpiece of diversity with much to offer its visitors: from snow-capped mountains and giant sandy dunes to arid coastal deserts and quaint fishing villages, plus an endless variety of outdoor active pursuits, including multi-day trekking, whitewater rafting, world-class mountain biking, surfing, horseback riding and more. A Peru tour will bring you to a fascinating world of beauty, where you’ll surely have the ultimate experience filled with postcard-perfect memories and moments. Below are some of the most visited attractions you should not miss out during your trip to Peru.
Machu Picchu
Most people who visit Peru are here first and foremost to see the mysterious Inca ruins at Machu Picchu – a man-made city visited by close to a million tourists annually. Ideally nestled on a small hilltop, some 7,000 feet above sea level, this awe-inspiring ancient city that is one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’ is the best-known archaeological site on the continent.
The Inca Trail is the most popular hike in Peru that links a range of stunningly preserved Inca ruins. Glancing out from Funerary Rock Hut (one of the most photographic spots at Machu Picchu) on all temples, terraces and fields you seem you are taken to another world. From here you can trek back down the stairs and enter the Royal Tomb, the resting place of Incan Kings. Machu Picchu tourism peaks from June to August and the cost to enter is under $50.
Amazon Rainforest
Peruvian Amazon is one of the most virgin and untouched rainforests on Earth, making it a haven for tourists interested in nature and ecology. This is another ‘sweet cherry’ on the top of your trip that is a must for those with a sense of adventure. Sustaining the world’s richest biodiversity, Peru’s Amazon Rainforest covers a total area of more than 7.5 million square kilometers and is part of the territory of nine countries.
There are many different tours to the forest. From Cusco-a small city, you can descend down the eastern slopes of the Andes and make way for the Manu National Park. Another tour can be arranged from Lima, Peru’s capital city; fly to Iquitos, where you can take a boat ride down the mighty Amazon River. Combining trekking, kayaking adventure and many other different activities, you’ll have an unforgettable experience.
El Misti Volcano
For something challenging and more than adventurous, you can climb the El Misti Volcano. Dominating the skyline of Arequipa, El Misti tops out at around 19,100 feet and has an active eruptive history. To trek the mountain, it’s highly recommended to hire an experienced guide. Visitors will find several routes to the summit, but the easiest begins from a new road that takes you up to 3,400 meters.
Other attractions in Peru include: the Colca Canyon, where the largest flying land birds on the planet; the Nazca Town found in one of the driest deserts on the planet and the vibrant capital Lima.
