The following table provides a list of the main sites to discover in Peru, ranked by priority of interest for a traveler. It indicates the major attractions of each location, some practical advice, as well as the minimum recommended time on site or in the city to fully enjoy it. These durations do not include transport times, meals, or your own travel pace.
| Site or destination | Main interests | Practical advice | Minimum recommended time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machu Picchu | The legendary Inca city and its spectacular architecture. | Come from Cusco or Aguas Calientes. Book your ticket months in advance. | 1/2 day (3 to 4 hours on site) |
| Cusco | The colonial city, historical churches, handicrafts, and the picturesque Andean streets. | It is the essential starting point to visit Machu Picchu and Sacsayhuamán. Beware of the altitude. | 2 days |
| Sacsayhuamán | The imposing Inca fortress and its megalithic blocks. | Go very early in the morning to enjoy the colors and the tranquility of the place. | 2 hours |
| Pisac | The colorful traditional market and the huge terraced Inca archaeological complex. | Visit the ruins first, then go down to the market for your shopping. | 1/2 day |
| Ollantaytambo | The Inca archaeological site and the village that has kept its original layout. | Ideal for taking the train to Machu Picchu from here. | 3 hours |
| Lima | The capital, its colonial center, renowned gastronomy, churches, and museums. | Prefer the Miraflores and Barranco districts for accommodation. | 1 to 2 days |
| Arequipa | The "White City" built of volcanic stone, the Santa Catalina convent. | Ideal stopover to acclimatize to the altitude and starting point for the Colca Canyon. | 1 to 2 days |
| Colca Canyon | Observing the flight of condors, the grandiose natural setting, and the dizzying views. | Take the time to visit the surrounding Andean villages. Bring very warm clothes for the morning. | 1 to 2 days |
| Lake Titicaca | The highest navigable lake in the world, the Uros floating islands. | Prepare for the altitude (3,800 meters) and the nighttime cold. | 1 to 2 days |
| Taquile Island (Titicaca) | Picturesque landscapes, unique textile traditions, and local costumes. | Get there by boat from Puno. Sleeping at a local's home is an excellent experience. | 1 day |
| Puno | Folklore capital, it is the gateway to Lake Titicaca. | The city itself is a transit point, spend little time there and head to the lake to see Taquile Island. | 1/2 day |
| Nazca | The mysterious lines and geoglyphs traced in the desert. | A morning flight in a small plane is the only way to truly appreciate the figures. | 1/2 day (for the flight) |
| Paracas and Ballestas Islands | The fishing port, wild coast, nature reserve, and marine wildlife (sea lions, penguins). | Boat excursions to the islands only leave in the morning, sea conditions permitting. | 1 day |
| Iquitos | The largest city in the world inaccessible by road, starting point to the Amazon rainforest. | Take river excursions on the Amazon to discover the biodiversity in a lodge. | 3 to 4 days |
| Manu National Park | The flora and fauna of one of the most preserved Amazonian biosphere reserves in the world. | Access is long and difficult (boat and road from Cusco), a specialized guide is mandatory. | 4 to 6 days |
| Huascarán National Park | The wild nature of The Andes, turquoise lagoons, and glaciers like Alpamayo. | It is best to hire the services of an adapted vehicle (4x4) to access the trek starting points. | 2 to 4 days |
| Chan Chan (La Libertad) | The immense mud-brick (adobe) city built by the pre-Inca Chimú civilization. | The site is very easily visited from the neighboring city of Trujillo. | 1/2 day |
| Lambayeque (and Chiclayo) | Fabulous archaeological museums and pre-Inca sites like the tomb of the Lord of Sipán. | Do not miss the Tumbas Reales museum, one of the most beautiful in South America. | 1 to 2 days |
| Pachacamac | The pre-Inca religious complex overlooking the Pacific Ocean. | Easily accessible on a half-day excursion from the south of Lima. | 3 hours |
| Ayacucho | Colonial architecture, 33 churches, and the capital of Peruvian popular crafts (retablos). | Accessible by bus or plane from Lima. Especially worth visiting during the fervor of Holy Week. | 1 to 2 days |
