Tourist attractions in Peru: the 5 most visited places in the country

Machu Picchu is Peru’s most popular tourist destination

Peru is an extremely diverse country, with beaches on the coast, snow-capped mountains in a number of cities and a captivating jungle. But what are its main tourist attractions? In this article we have compiled a list of the five most-visited destinations in the country, none of which should be overlooked by visitors to the country.

According to the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism, 514,000 foreign tourists visited the country between January and May 2022, and the figure is expected to reach 1.5 million by the end of the year, matching pre-pandemic levels. In 2019, Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the modern world, welcomed nearly one million national and foreign visitors in the first six months of the year.

Located in Cusco at over 2,400 metres above sea level, Machu Picchu is the crown jewel of the Inca empire, which was present not only in Peru, but in Chile, Bolivia, Argentina and Ecuador. This Inca citadel is considered the heart of this ancient civilisation, and is notable for the intricate stonework of its constructions. The site, built in the 15th century but “discovered” in 1911 by the American professor Hiram Bingham (1875-1956), stands out on the top of a mountain.

Thousands of tourists visit Machu Picchu every day.

In a short time, its impressive architecture made it one of Peru’s leading tourist attractions. Nowadays it can be reached by train, or via the Inca trail, which can take several days and is very physically demanding. Other important Inca sites such as Sacsayhuaman and the archaeological complex of Moray are also located in Cusco.

In 2007, Machu Picchu was chosen as one of the New 7 Wonders of the Modern World, in an online vote cast by over 100 million people. It shares this important accolade with The Great Wall of China (China), Petra (Jordan), Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Chichen Itza (Mexico), The Colosseum in Rome (Italy) and The Taj Mahal (India). It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In 1975, Paracas was declared a national reserve to preserve a portion of the Peruvian sea and desert, and protect the flora and fauna found there. Just over three hours away from the Peruvian capital of Lima, it is easily accessible and a perfect place to spend some time with friends or family.

The Ballestas Islands is an iconic place in Paracas.

Hosting over 216 species of birds, 36 mammals, 10 reptiles and 168 types of fish, the Paracas Reserve is notable for its significant biological diversity. Considered the most productive marine ecosystem on earth, it also seeks to preserve the migratory species which arrive to feed and shelter during their journeys. In 2019, more than half a million people visited the National Reserve.

Located in Caylloma, in the Arequipa region, the canyon located in the Colca Valley has a depth of 4160 m – the fourth deepest in the world. In 2019, UNESCO declared it a geopark, and in that year the Valley welcomed over 250,000 trekking and outdoor lovers.

The Colca Canyon is a landmark of the Andean community.

Three and a half hours from the centre of Arequipa, Colca is ideal for activities such as mountain biking and rafting. Another major attraction is the valley’s distinctive condor population. These birds can reach a wingspan of 3 metres, and weigh roughly 15 kilos. This native bird is a spectacle in its own right for many tourists. For the less adventurous, the hot springs in La Calera offer a respite from the adrenaline.

The Mochica culture was one of the most important in Peru, and dominated the north of Ancient Peru. The Lord of Sipan was one of the most important leaders of this culture. His resting place was discovered in Sipan, Chiclayo by archaeologist Walter Alva in 1987. His tomb’s silver and gold ornaments, emblems and attire can be seen in the Royal Tombs museum located in Lambayeque.

This museum was visited by more than 150,000 people in 2019, the year before the Covid-19 pandemic. The museum was inaugurated in 2002 and its design is inspired by the truncated pyramids of the Mochica culture. General admission costs just 10 soles – less than 3 US dollars. Besides the Museum of Royal Tombs, Chiclayo is known for a number of typical dishes.

Considered one of the most beautiful places in Peru, Lake Titicaca, which shares a border with Bolivia, is the highest navigable lake in the world, at over 3800 metres above sea level. The lake’s bright blue water is unique, and it is located in Puno with three islands: Uros, Taquile and Amantaní.

Lake Titicaca surprises with its landscapes.

The floating island of Uros is situated 30 minutes from the shore. Built of totora reeds, it is home to one of the oldest Andean civilisations on the planet. Handicrafts, fishing and tourism are the main economic activities in this location, which emanates a special energy. In Taquile you can go trekking, and listen to the locals speaking Quechua. More than 100 thousand people visited this beautiful lake in the year prior to the pandemic.

While these are the most-visited tourist attractions in Peru, the country boasts many other attractions, such as the beaches of Piura, Tumbes, the mountains in the centre of the country, the archaeological site of Chan Chan and the customs and traditions of its jungle.

Travel agencies receive requests for tickets and hotel reservations to these important destinations all year round. These attractions even stand out in terms of Search Engine Optimization (SEO), with Machu Picchu ranking as the second most searched wonder of the world since its reopening.