So you’re thinking about traveling to Peru? Excellent choice! There are plenty of interesting attractions and landmarks in Peru to check out. But before that, let’s talk a bit about what makes Peru so unique compared to other countries in the region, and why Peru landmarks span a wide range.
For starters, Peru is one of the most diverse countries in the world, both in terms of geography and culture. You’ve got everything from the arid deserts of the coast to the lush Amazon rainforest and the towering peaks of the Andes Mountains.
For culture, Peru is home to a number of indigenous groups as well as people of European descent, which has resulted in a rich melting pot of traditions and customs.
So if you’re looking for an amazing and exotic travel destination, Peru definitely fits the bill! Here are some famous landmarks in Peru that you can visit when traveling in this fascinating country.
Most Famous Landmark in Peru
No points for guessing this! Machu Picchu has to be one of the first things that come to mind when it comes to Peru.
Machu Picchu
This historic ruins is the most famous landmark in Peru, and for good reason! This incredible ancient Inca city is located in the Cusco Region of Peru, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century and was abandoned just a century later, making it an incredibly well-preserved archaeological site.
One of the most fascinating things about Machu Picchu is its location. The ruins sit high up in the Andes Mountains, and can be seen from great distances. This makes Machu Picchu one of the most photographed landmarks in Peru!
There are many interesting things to see and do at Machu Picchu, so be sure to add it
Inca Trail
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous and popular trails in the world! This incredible trail winds its way through the Andes Mountains, and takes travelers on an amazing journey to the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu.
This is said to be the original trail that the Incas took, thus giving it an added level of meaning and popularity compared to other trails.
The Inca Trail is 43 miles (70 km) long, and takes 4-5 days to hike. The trail climbs up to 14,000 feet (4,267 meters) above sea level, so get ready for some challenging trekking! Here is a guide to hiking the Classic Inca Trail to help your preparation.
The Inca Trail is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is definitely a must-do activity when visiting Peru. Be sure to book well in advance, as it is highly popular and there is a limit on the hiking permits.
Cusco, Peru Landmarks
Cusco Cathedral
The Cusco Cathedral is a beautiful and historic church at the Plaza de Armas of Cusco. The cathedral was built on the site of the ancient Inca temple of Inti Watana. It is one of the most important churches in Peru and is the headquarters of the Archdiocese of Cusco.
The cathedral is a beautiful example of Spanish Baroque architecture and contains many interesting features, such as the carved wooden choir stalls, the stained glass windows, and the paintings by famous Peruvian artists. The cathedral is also home to the remains of Francisco Pizarro, one of the conquerors of Peru.
The Cusco Cathedral is a popular tourist attraction and is one of the most visited churches in Peru. It is open to visitors from Monday to Saturday.
Choquequirao
Choquequirao is a beautiful archaeological site in the Cusco Region. The site was built by the Incas and is home to a number of ruins and temples. It is often referred to as the “Cradle of Gold”, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Peru.
The site sits at an altitude of 3000 meters, and is only accessible by foot. The trek to Choquequirao is one of the most popular in Peru, and takes around four days to complete. It is a challenging trek, but the rewards are more than worth it.
Choquequirao is a must-see for anyone visiting Peru, and is one of the most famous landmarks in the country.
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
The Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, also known as the “7 Colors Mountain” is one of the most popular natural landmarks in Peru.
It is about 50 miles from Cusco and is a popular day trip from the Peruvian town. The mountain got its name because of the seven colors that can be seen from its peak, which include red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.
The mountain is part of the Willkanuta range and is made up of sedimentary rocks that are millions of years old. In order to protect the mountain from being over-visited and damaged, the Peruvian government only allows a certain number of people to climb it per day.
The Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain is a popular destination for hikers and those looking to see a natural wonder.
The hike to the mountain’s peak takes about two hours. Along the way, you will likely pass by llamas and alpacas that are used to help carry gear up the mountain.
Once at the summit, you can enjoy incredible views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
Moray
Moray is an archaeological site in the Moray district of the Cusco Region. It is a series of concentric terraced bowls that were carved into the earth, many of which still retain their original color.
The largest is 150 meters (490 ft) in diameter and 15 meters (49 ft) deep, and is thought to have been used for agricultural experiments by the Inca.
Moray is about 32 km (20 mi) from the city of Cusco. There is an admission fee to enter the site.
Manu National Park
The Manu National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. The park has more than 4,000 species of plants and over 1000 species of animals, birds, and fauna.
The National Park spans over 1.5 million hectares and is also part of the Amazon forest in Peru.
Other Famous Landmarks in Peru
Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines are a series of ancient geoglyphs located in the Nazca Desert in southern Peru. They were created by the Nazca culture between 500 BC and AD 800.
The lines consist of hundreds of straight lines, geometric shapes, and animal and plant designs. The largest figure is over 200 meters long.
The purpose of the Nazca Lines is unknown, but there are many theories. Some people think they were used for religious or astronomical purposes, while others think they were used for communication or as landmarks for travelers. No one knows for sure what the lines mean or what they were used for.
The Nazca Lines are a popular tourist attraction and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can view the markings from the air or from the ground, but the best way to see them is by taking a flight over the desert.
Huacachina, Ica
Huacachina is a small town in Ica, Peru. The town is built around a small oasis that contains a lake with high levels of mineral content.
Huacachina is famous for its beautiful desert setting and its popularity as a tourist destination. This is a great spot for people who wish to enjoy outdoor activities such as sandboarding, dune buggy rides, and paragliding.
The oasis is also said to have healing properties and is known for its therapeutic baths.
Chan Chan, Trujillo
Chan Chan is the largest pre-Columbian city in South America and was the capital of the Chimor kingdom. The city is located in the present-day city of Trujillo, Peru.
Chan Chan was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 due to its unique adobe style of architecture. The city was also the largest producer of cotton textiles in pre-Columbian America.
Q’eswachaka Rope Bridge
The Q’eswachaka Rope Bridge is a famous tourist destination in Peru. It is in the district of Quehue near the town of Huinchiri. The bridge was originally constructed by the Incas and has been renovated using the same traditional methods every year.
The Q’eswachaka Rope Bridge is made from woven grasses and spans 118 feet across the canyon. It is the only remaining Inca rope bridge in existence.
The Q’eswachaka Rope Bridge is one of the most popular landmarks in Peru. It is an amazing sight to see, and provides a unique cultural experience.
Barranco District, Lima
The Barranco District is a bustling district of Lima, by the coast. It is famous for its art galleries, restaurants, and nightlife.
The neighborhood also has several landmarks, including the Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs), the Iglesia de la Virgen del Carmen (Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel), and the Parque de la Muralla (Wall Park).
You can find the Barranco District south of Lima’s Historic Centre. There are public buses that can get you there easily.
Natural Landmarks in Peru
Lake Titicaca, Puno
Lake Titicaca is a large, deep lake in the Andes on the border of Peru and Bolivia. It is the largest navigable lake in South America and is also one of the highest lakes in the world, at an altitude of 3,812 metres (12,536 ft).
The lake is divided by the countries of Peru and Bolivia with about half lying in each country. Lake Titicaca is one of Peru’s most famous landmarks and a top tourist destination.
The lake has a long history dating back to pre-Inca times and was an important center for Inca culture. There are many ancient ruins around the lake that are popular tourist destinations, such as the Temple of the Sun and the Island of the Sun.
Ballestas Islands, Pisco
The Ballestas Islands are a group of small islands located off the coast of Pisco, Peru. They are home to a variety of marine life, including penguins, sea lions, and pelicans.
The islands are also famous for their strange rock formations. They have the nicknames of “Peruvian Galapagos.” or “Poor man’s Galapagos” because it is way cheaper to visit than Galapagos in Ecuador.
The Ballestas Islands are a popular tourist attraction and day trip from Pisco. The best way to see the islands is by taking a boat tour. Tours typically include a stop at the Islas de Candelaria, which is home to a colony of sea lions.
Laguna 69, Huaraz
Lago 69, also known as Laguna 69, is a turquoise glacial lake in the Peruvian Andes. It is one of the most popular hiking destinations from Huaraz.
The trek to Laguna 69 is moderate in difficulty and takes about four hours to complete. The trailhead is near the town of Musho, and the hike passes through a variety of landscapes, including forests, meadows, and glaciers.
Once at the lake, stunning views of the surrounding mountains await you. This is certainly one of the most beautiful landmarks in Peru.
Cordillera Blanca, Huascaran National Park
The Cordillera Blanca in the Peruvian Andes, is the world’s highest tropical mountain range. This natural Peru landmark is a popular destination for nature and outdoor lovers.
The Cordillera Blanca is also home to many other peaks over 6,000 meters high, including Huandoy, Alpamayo, and Chopicalqui. The most famous peak in the Cordillera Blanca is Huascaran, which is the highest mountain in Peru.
The Cordillera Blanca was formed as a result of the collision of the Nazca Plate and the South American Plate. The range is home to several glaciers, including the Quilcayhuanca Glacier, which is one of the largest glaciers in Peru.
The Cordillera Blanca is in the Huascaran National Park, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. The park is popular for hiking and mountain climbing.
Amazon River and Forest in Iquitos
The Amazon River, which is the largest river in the world by volume of water discharged, has its origins in Peru. The river flows through Peru for 1,100 miles before reaching Brazil.
While the Amazon is more synonymous with Brazil, one of the many exciting facts about Peru is that you can visit the Amazon rainforest from here.
The Amazon is a major tourist attraction and more than half of the Peruvian population lives in the areas near it. Iquitos, which is the capital of the Loreto Region, is the largest city in the Peruvian Amazon and is a popular tourist destination.
You can get there by boat or plane from Lima, which is about a two-hour flight. Iquitos is famous for its rainforests and riverboat cruises.
Colca Canyon, Arequipa
The Colca Canyon is in the Arequipa region and is one of the deepest canyons in the world. The canyon is a popular tourist destination and attracts visitors for its scenery and natural beauty. There are many different treks you can do around the Canyon.
The Colca Canyon is also famous for its history and archaeological significance. The area is home to several ancient ruins. The Colca Canyon is also home to a number of endemic species, such as the Andean condor and the Peruvian torrent duck.
Misti Volcano, Arequipa
Misti Volcano is in the Arequipa Region of Peru. The volcano has an elevation of 5,822 meters (19,089 ft) above sea level. It is one of the most active volcanoes in Peru with a history of eruptions.
The last strong eruption traces back to the 15th century. The volcano is a popular tourist destination, with many visitors climbing the slopes to the summit.
Tres Hermanas Falls, Junin
The Tres Hermanas Falls, also known as the Three Sisters Falls, is a waterfall located in Otishi National Park
With a height of 914m, this is one of the tallest waterfalls in the world. Its name comes from the way the water breaks into 3 tiers as it comes down. Surrounded by thick forestation, this waterfall is not easy to access. The best way to catch this impressive nature scape is from the air.
Discovering Landmarks in Peru
Peru is a country full of interesting landmarks to visit. From historical monuments and natural wonders, this list barely scratches the surface of all the prominent landmarks in Peru that you can enjoy.
What’s interesting about landmarks in Peru, is that they provide opportunities to start understanding the diverse and long ancient history of the country.
From tasty Peruvian food to cultural immersion, this is one country that you can spend months in and still have lots that you can do. There’s so much to explore when it comes to discovering landmarks in Peru!
