Top 36 Famous Landmarks to Visit in Peru

Peru is a country full of rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty.

From ancient ruins to breathtaking landscapes, its landmarks offer something for every traveler.

Peru is home to world-famous sites like Machu Picchu, the Nazca Lines, and the Amazon Rainforest, each telling a unique story of the past and present.

If you’re looking to hike through the Andes or visit ancient Inca cities, Peru’s landmarks are sure to leave a lasting impression.

In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the most famous and interesting landmarks you won’t want to miss.

Why These Landmarks Matter

Peru’s landmarks are more than just tourist spots.

They are a big part of the country’s history and culture.

From the ancient Inca cities to the beautiful natural wonders, each place tells a story about Peru’s past.

These sites help us understand how the people of Peru lived and what was important to them.

Visiting these landmarks lets you connect with the country’s rich history while enjoying the amazing sights that make Peru so special.

1. Machu Picchu

Overview: An ancient Inca city high in the Andes.

Facts:

• It was built in the 15th century by the Inca emperor Pachacuti.
• Discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911.
• One of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Why Visit: A symbol of the Incan Empire, it offers stunning views and exciting hikes like the Inca Trail.

Interesting Fact: The exact purpose of Machu Picchu is still unknown.

2. Nazca Lines

Overview: Large geoglyphs drawn into the desert floor.

Facts:

• Some lines are over 1,000 feet long.
• Created by the Nazca people between 500 BCE and 500 CE.
• Best seen from the air.

Why Visit: The mystery surrounding these lines makes them a fascinating site.

Interesting Fact: The purpose of the lines is still debated.

3. Lake Titicaca

Overview: The highest navigable lake in the world.

Facts:

• At 12,500 feet above sea level.
• Home to the Uros people, who live on floating islands made of reeds.

Why Visit: The beautiful lake offers a chance to experience indigenous culture.

Interesting Fact: Inca legends say the Sun was born here.

4. Colca Canyon

Overview: One of the deepest canyons in the world.

Facts:

• More than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon.
• Famous for the Andean condor, a large bird.

Why Visit: Great for hiking and birdwatching.

Interesting Fact: Colca Canyon is also home to ancient terraced fields.

5. Sacred Valley

Overview: A stunning valley filled with ancient Inca sites.

Facts:

• Located near Cuzco and Machu Picchu.
• Known for its fertile lands and ancient ruins like Pisac and Ollantaytambo.

Why Visit: Take a look at the Incan history and enjoy breathtaking landscapes.

Interesting Fact: It was once a sacred area for the Incas.

6. Cuzco

Overview: The former capital of the Inca Empire.

Facts:

• Known for its colonial architecture mixed with Inca ruins.
• A UNESCO World Heritage site.

Why Visit: It’s the perfect base for exploring the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

Interesting Fact: Cuzco is called the “navel of the world” in Inca tradition.

7. Arequipa

Overview: A beautiful colonial city surrounded by volcanoes.

Facts:

• Known as the “White City” for its volcanic stone buildings.
• The Santa Catalina Monastery is a key landmark.

Why Visit: Visit for its unique architecture and stunning views.

Interesting Fact: Arequipa sits in the shadow of three snow-capped volcanoes.

8. Paracas National Reserve

Overview: A coastal reserve with beautiful desert landscapes.

Facts:

• Famous for its wildlife, including sea lions and penguins.
• Home to the Ballestas Islands, often called the “Poor Man’s Galapagos.”

Why Visit: A great spot for eco-tourism and wildlife watching.

Interesting Fact: Paracas is also an important archaeological site.

9. The Amazon Rainforest

Overview: The largest tropical rainforest in the world.

Facts:

• Home to a huge variety of plant and animal species.
• Spans many countries, with large parts in Peru.

Why Visit: Experience diverse ecosystems and unique wildlife.

Interesting Fact: The Amazon produces 20% of the world’s oxygen.

10. Huacachina Oasis

Overview: A desert oasis surrounded by sand dunes.

Facts:

• Known for sandboarding and dune buggy rides.
• Has a picturesque lagoon in the center.

Why Visit: A peaceful spot to relax or enjoy adventurous activities.

Interesting Fact: The legend of Huacachina tells the story of a princess and a magical lagoon.

11. Lima’s Historic Center

Overview: The heart of Peru’s capital city.

Facts:

• Features colonial buildings like the Plaza Mayor and the Cathedral of Lima.
• A UNESCO World Heritage site.

Why Visit: Learn about historical and cultural landmarks in the city center.

Interesting Fact: Lima was once the most important city in South America during the Spanish colonial period.

12. Sacsayhuamán

Overview: A massive Inca site located in Cuzco.

Facts:

• Known for its giant stones, some weighing over 100 tons.
• Served as a ceremonial and defense site.

Why Visit: See the impressive stonework and enjoy panoramic views of Cuzco.

Interesting Fact: The construction of Sacsayhuamán is an incredible feat of Inca engineering.

13. Choquequirao

Overview: An ancient Inca site located high in the Andes.

Facts:

• Often called the “sister city” of Machu Picchu.
• Accessible by a challenging trek.

Why Visit: A less crowded but equally spectacular site compared to Machu Picchu.

Interesting Fact: Choquequirao is thought to have been a major religious and administrative center.

14. Ollantaytambo

Overview: An Inca town with well-preserved ruins.

Facts:

• Known for its large terraces and fortress.
• A key stop on the Inca Trail.

Why Visit: Tour the ancient town and its impressive ruins.

Interesting Fact: Ollantaytambo is one of the few Inca sites still continuously inhabited.

15. Moray

Overview: An ancient agricultural site.

Facts:

• Features circular terraces believed to have been used for crop experimentation.
• Located in the Sacred Valley.

Why Visit: See the Inca’s agricultural ingenuity in action.

Interesting Fact: The terraces were designed to study different microclimates for farming.

16. Puno

Overview: A city located near Lake Titicaca.

Facts:

• Famous for its annual Festival of the Virgin of Candelaria.
• A gateway to exploring the Uros Islands.

Why Visit: Experience the cultural heart of the region.

Interesting Fact: The city’s folk traditions are a major part of Peruvian heritage.

17. Cañón del Pato

Overview: A dramatic canyon in the Peruvian Andes.

Facts:

• Known for its tunnels and stunning landscape.
• A popular destination for photographers.

Why Visit: Perfect for adventure travelers and nature lovers.

Interesting Fact: The canyon features one of the most beautiful routes in the Andes.

18. Kuelap

Overview: A pre-Inca fortress in northern Peru.

Facts:

• Located in the cloud forest, offering panoramic views.
• Known for its massive stone walls and circular structures.

Why Visit: A great historical site with fewer tourists than Machu Picchu.

Interesting Fact: Kuelap was built by the Chachapoya people, known as the “Warriors of the Clouds.”

19. The Ballestas Islands

Overview: A group of small islands off the coast of Paracas.

Facts:

• Known for its large populations of sea lions, penguins, and birds.
• Accessible by boat.

Why Visit: A great place to see wildlife in its natural habitat.

Interesting Fact: The islands are often called the “Poor Man’s Galapagos.”

20. Tumbas de Sillustani

Overview: Pre-Inca burial towers near Puno.

Facts:

• Built by the Colla culture, these stone towers were used to bury important people.
• Set against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Umayo.

Why Visit: A peaceful and historic site to visit near Lake Titicaca.

Interesting Fact: The towers were designed to honor local leaders.

21. Caral

Overview: The oldest known civilization in the Americas.

Facts:

• Dates back over 5,000 years.
• Features pyramids and ceremonial areas.

Why Visit: Visit the site to learn about one of the earliest urban centers in history.

Interesting Fact: Caral was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2009.

22. Maras Salt Mines

Overview: Salt ponds that are still in use today.

Facts:

• Located in the Sacred Valley.
• The salt is harvested by evaporating water from underground springs.

Why Visit: The striking white salt ponds create a beautiful landscape.

Interesting Fact: The salt mines have been used since Inca times.

23. Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain)

Overview: A colorful mountain in the Andes.

Facts:

• Famous for its vibrant red, yellow, and green slopes.
• A popular trekking destination.

Why Visit: Enjoy one of the most unique landscapes in the world.

Interesting Fact: The mountain’s colors come from mineral deposits over millions of years.

24. Huaca Pucllana

Overview: An archaeological site in Lima.

Facts:

• An ancient pyramid built by the Lima culture.
• Used for ceremonial purposes.

Why Visit: A fascinating site in the heart of Peru’s capital.

Interesting Fact: The pyramid was built using adobe bricks, a common material for the Lima people.

25. The Inca Trail

Overview: A famous hiking route to Machu Picchu.

Facts:

• A 4-day trek that passes through forests, mountains, and Incan ruins.
• One of the most popular trekking routes in the world.

Why Visit: It’s the ultimate adventure for history and nature lovers.

Interesting Fact: The trail offers amazing views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains.

26. La Catedral (Cuzco)

Overview: A historic cathedral located in the Plaza de Armas in Cuzco.

Facts:

• Built on top of the Incan palace of Viracocha.
• Known for its colonial architecture and fine art collections.

Why Visit: A cultural and religious landmark in Cuzco’s vibrant heart.

Interesting Fact: The cathedral houses a mix of Spanish colonial and Incan art.

27. Raqch’i

Overview: A large Incan archaeological site in southern Peru.

Facts:

• It is known for its Temple of Wiracocha, an important deity in the Incan religion.
• Includes numerous ruins and terraces.

Why Visit: A fascinating example of Inca architecture and religion.

Interesting Fact: Raqch’i is believed to have been a major religious and ceremonial center.

28. Cantalloc Aqueducts

Overview: The ancient water supply system was built by the Nazca culture.

Facts:

• Features underground channels and wells to irrigate the desert.
• A marvel of ancient engineering.

Why Visit: An engineering wonder in one of Peru’s most arid regions.

Interesting Fact: The aqueducts are still functional, providing water to the region.

29. Sillar Route

Overview: A route in Arequipa, known for its white volcanic rock formations.

Facts:

• The source of the stone used in Arequipa’s buildings.
• Visitors can tour the quarries and enjoy the landscape.

Why Visit: See how the stunning white stone is extracted and learn about Arequipa’s architectural heritage.

Interesting Fact: The volcanic stone gives Arequipa its nickname, “The White City.”

30. Pachacamac

Overview: Pre-Columbian archaeological site near Lima.

Facts:

• It served as an important religious center for the Lima culture.
• Known for its pyramids and temple ruins.

Why Visit: A site of historical significance just outside Lima.

Interesting Fact: Pachacamac was one of the most important pilgrimage centers for ancient Peruvians.

31. Iquitos

Overview: A city in the Peruvian Amazon, accessible by boat or air.

Facts:

• It is known for its proximity to the Amazon River and eco-tourism opportunities.
• A gateway to exploring the rainforest.

Why Visit: A vibrant city with easy access to the Amazon rainforest.

Interesting Fact: Iquitos is the largest city in the world that cannot be reached by road.

32. Chachapoyas

Overview: This town in northern Peru is known for its cloud forests and ancient ruins.

Facts:

• Home to the Kuelap fortress and various archaeological sites.
• Surrounded by lush, green landscapes.

Why Visit: A destination for history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Interesting Fact: The Chachapoya people, known as the “Warriors of the Clouds,” built the Kuelap fortress.

33. Huayna Picchu

Overview: A mountain next to Machu Picchu.

Facts:

• It is popular for hikers wanting to view the ruins from above.
• Offers a steep but rewarding climb.

Why Visit: A challenging hike with fantastic views of Machu Picchu.

Interesting Fact: Only a limited number of hikers can ascend Huayna Picchu each day.

34. The Peruvian Andes

Overview: A mountain range that spans the length of Peru.

Facts:

• It is known for its snow-capped peaks and dramatic landscapes.
• Offers hiking, trekking, and stunning scenic views.

Why Visit: An outdoor paradise for adventure seekers.

Interesting Fact: The Andes are home to a diverse range of climates and ecosystems.

35. Qorikancha

Overview: The Inca temple in Cuzco is dedicated to the Sun god.

Facts:

• It is known for its golden walls, which were once covered in sheets of gold.
• Now part of the Santo Domingo Church.

Why Visit: A glimpse into the grandeur of Incan religious life.

Interesting Fact: Qorikancha was the richest temple in the Incan Empire.

36. Titicaca Islands (Uros and Taquile)

Overview: Floating islands made from reeds inhabited by the Uros people.

Facts:

• Taquile is known for its unique textiles and weaving techniques.
• It is popular for its cultural experiences and scenic views of Lake Titicaca.

Why Visit: Experience traditional lifestyles and travel over the beautiful island landscapes.

Interesting Fact: The Uros people have lived on these floating islands for thousands of years.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit

To enjoy Peru’s landmarks, it’s good to be prepared. Wear comfortable shoes because some places, like Machu Picchu, require a lot of walking.

Bring water to stay hydrated, and don’t forget sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

It’s a good idea to book tickets ahead of time for popular spots.

Take some time to learn about the history of the places you visit so you can truly appreciate them.

If you want more details, hiring a guide can help make your visit even better.

Conclusion

Peru has some of the most beautiful and important landmarks in the world.

From the famous Machu Picchu to the mysterious Nazca Lines, each place shows the country’s rich culture and nature.

If you love adventure, history, or nature, Peru has something for you.

Visiting these landmarks will give you a deeper understanding of Peru and create memories that last.

These sites offer a unique look at Peru’s past and present, making them a must-see for anyone traveling to the country.

If you want more travel ideas or tips on other places to visit, check out our other blogs on the website for similar content.

Happy travels!