If you are looking for the most beautiful places in Peru to visit this year, let us tell you that this country is not only full of Andean mountains and beaches, but it is also one of the most fascinating and biodiverse destinations in the world with more than 540 chosen by the ministry of culture. In this article, we will show you 10 of the most beautiful places in Peru that are recognized for their attractiveness, culture and history, so get ready to discover some of the most impressive corners of the world!
Why is Peru one of the most beautiful places in the world?
Peru is one of the most beautiful places in the world for its amazing natural and cultural diversity. From Machu Picchu, recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, to Manu National Park, one of the most biodiverse on the planet, the country offers unique landscapes ranging from the Andes to the Amazon. It also has archaeological sites such as Caral and the Nazca Lines, and Lake Titicaca, the highest commercially navigable lake in the world.
In addition, its renowned cuisine, awarded as the best in the world at the World Travel Awards, and the warmth of its people, who keep alive ancestral traditions. Peru is not only a tourist destination, it is a profound experience of history, nature, flavors and living culture.
You might also want to check out: Virgen del Carmen festival: A celebration of faith and tradition in Cusco
10 Beautiful Places in Peru
Did you think that this ancient country only had the imperial city of Machu Picchu? In this list I share with you 10 beautiful places in Peru that, either for their natural beauty, historical value or for the recognitions, these places deserve to be on your travel list. Peru is a country that never ceases to amaze. With a geography as diverse as its history, here you can go from the snowy peaks of the Andes to the deepest jungle in a matter of hours. But beyond its landscapes, what really makes it special is the mix of lively cultures, intense flavors and energy that can be felt in every corner.
1. Machu Picchu (Cusco)
Without a doubt, Machu Picchu is Peru’s most iconic site and one of the most visited in all of South America. This 15th century Inca citadel, located more than 2,400 meters above sea level, was recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World in 2007. It has also been awarded multiple times as the main tourist attraction of South America in the World Travel Awards. So don’t leave without visiting it on Cusco day tours to Machu Picchu, it’s like walking through living history: terraces, temples and perfectly built walls surrounded by mist-covered mountains. The experience becomes magical at dawn, when the first rays illuminate the Andean landscape.
2. Sacred Valley of the Incas (Cusco)
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is located a few kilometers from the city of Cusco and surprises with its natural beauty and archaeological wealth. Here you will find towns like Pisac, Moray and Ollantaytambo, where impressive Inca terraces and ancient temples used for Inca agriculture are preserved. In 2024, Ollantaytambo was recognized as the 4th highest tourist area in the country by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism for its cultural and scenic importance. In addition to exploring ruins, you can visit handicraft markets, share with Quechua communities and enjoy green landscapes along the Urubamba River.
3. Choquequirao (Cusco-Apurimac)
This archaeological complex is known as “Machu Picchu’s sister” and was chosen by Time Out as one of the most beautiful destinations in the world in 2025. To get to Choquequirao requires a hike of several days, but its amazing routes are less traveled and you can stroll through the stone structures, ceremonial plazas and carved llamas on terraces that show the Inca legacy.
4. Lake Titicaca (Puno)
The highest navigable lake in the world, shared by Peru and Bolivia, is a place full of spirituality and tradition. In its waters float the islands of the Uros, made of totora reeds, where communities keep alive ancestral customs. So you can not miss the lake titicaca tours that includes visits to islands such as Taquile and Amantaní, where the locals practice fishing and floating boats.
5. Colca Canyon (Arequipa)
The Colca Canyon, with more than 3,200 meters deep, is one of the deepest in the world and a perfect place to observe the majestic flight of the Andean condor. From the city of Arequipa, you can take a scenic route through volcanic landscapes, colonial towns and spectacular viewpoints. The Cruz del Condor viewpoint is one of the most visited and does not disappoint. In addition, the valley is famous for its hot springs and for hosting communities that preserve pre-Inca customs. Its combination of nature, culture and tranquility makes it unforgettable.
6. Kuelap (Amazonas)
Known as the “Machu Picchu of the north”, this stone fortress was built by the Chachapoya culture between the 6th and 11th centuries. It is located on top of a mountain, surrounded by clouds and vegetation, at an altitude of over 3,000 meters. Its access has improved thanks to the cable car inaugurated in 2017, which has increased its popularity. It was selected within the Top 100 Green Destinations list for promoting responsible and sustainable tourism in the region.In addition, its wall of more than 20 meters high and its mystical presence make it a little-explored jewel. Today, many travelers combine a visit to this fortress with a stay in the Amazon rainforest, choosing places like Amazon Garden Lodge to experience both history and nature in a single journey.
7. Mountain of 7 Colors (Cusco)
Vinicunca, also known as the Mountain of the 7 Colors, went viral on social networks for its unique beauty, sure you have seen the videos of its vivid colors in the sand. Its natural stripes of colors are due to the accumulation of minerals such as iron, copper and sulfur in the earth. It is located more than 5,000 meters above sea level and is reached after a rainbow mountain day tour offers spectacular scenery. Condé Nast Traveler magazine included it among the most impressive places.
8. Tambopata National Reserve (Madre de Dios)
This protected area in the Peruvian Amazon is one of the most biodiverse places in the world. Tambopata is home to more than 1,200 species of butterflies, 600 species of birds and more than 100 species of mammals. You can take boat trips on rivers, night walks through the jungle and visits to clay licks where macaws gather. In recent years, it has been recognized by international organizations as an example of natural conservation and ecotourism. You can also visit the manu national park tours in the monkey islands and see the macaws at the clay lick.
9. Nazca Lines (Ica)
These giant geoglyphs drawn in the desert more than 1,500 years ago remain one of the world’s great mysteries. They represent figures of animals, humans and geometric shapes that can only be seen from the air. They were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994 and new lines have recently been discovered thanks to satellite scanning technology. It is believed that they were used for ceremonial or astronomical purposes, but their precision still amazes. The flight in a small plane is an experience that mixes history, science and adrenaline.
10. Lagoon 69 (Ancash)
Located within the Huascaran National Park, Laguna 69 is one of those places that seem to be taken from another planet. At more than 4,600 meters above sea level, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and fed by glaciers, its intense turquoise color leaves you speechless. Not for nothing was it recommended by National Geographic Adventure as one of the best trekking routes in South America.
This experience has a lot in common with the Lares trek to Machu Picchu, both treks take you through authentic Quechua communities. If you enjoyed the hike to Laguna 69, the Lares Trek is a perfect alternative to reach Machu Picchu in a more intimate way, connecting with nature and the living culture of Peru.
What is the most visited place in Peru?
Chances are you’ve thought of Machu Picchu, and yes, that’s right. Machu Picchu is the Inca jewel hidden among the mountains of Cusco at more than 2,400 meters above sea level, it is not only the most visited place in Peru, but also one of the most impressive destinations in all of South America. Last year alone it received around 1.4 million people. And the truth is no wonder: walking along its ancient walls, surrounded by mist-covered mountains, is like traveling back in time.
But beware, Peru is not only about Machu Picchu. There are many other equally incredible places that are also worth a visit. From the immensity of the Colca Canyon to the colorful streets of Cusco or the peace of Lake Titicaca, each place has its charm. Machu Picchu will be the most famous, yes, but it is not the only one that will leave you speechless.
You might also want to check out: Festival of the Crosses: Cruz Velacuy in Cusco 2025
Visit beautiful places in Peru this year
From the snowy landscapes of the Andes to the lush Amazon jungle, this small corner of the world offers one of the greatest variety of beautiful places in Peru. It’s not just about what you see, but what you feel as you walk through lands that breathe history and nature into their destinations.
No matter how many times you visit, there will always be a corner that surprises, a flavor you didn’t know or a story that inspires you. So don’t miss the opportunity to explore these beautiful places and live the experience of a lifetime with us.
