Peru is a large, vibrant, diverse, and wonderful country. Locals and travelers alike are in awe of the country's many wonders. There are so many places you need to see in Peru, and all of them have a rich history and magnificence that's unforgettable.
Peru should be on your list of countries to visit, and when you're there, immerse yourself and see all the sights the country offers. Among thousands, here are the seven places you need to see when you're in Peru.
Colca Canyon, Arequipa
One of the deepest canyons in the world (10,725 feet), the Colca Canyon in Arequipa is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the US. This astounding natural wonder is a sight to behold and a region of ancient culture.
On the way to Colca Canyon, you can find ancient agricultural terraces from the pre-Inca period still being used today. Colonial churches and infrastructures are still present in the area.
Residents of Colca are ancestors of the Collagua Indians, the ancient settlers of Colca, and have retained their culture and history in the area, unscathed by the modern world. The whole trip feels like you've traveled back in time. You'll experience the incredible agricultural landscape and ancient culture that you can only find there.
And at the canyon, the view is truly majestic. Its one of a kind scenery feels straight out of a fantasy film. You can tour around to feel the natural wonder of the world. Visiting Colca Canyon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Vinicunca
Vinicunca Mountain, also known as Montaña de Siete Colores or the Rainbow Mountain, is another natural wonder in Peru. Located Southeast of the city of Cusco, to get there are just a two-hour drive and a short trek. Along the way, you see different rock formations, locals, and other tourists enjoying the tour towards the mountains.
This mountain is unique due to its color. The varying sedimentary rocks accumulated for thousands of years to form this mountain have created a solid rainbow-colored formation. And depending on the weather, the colors look deeper during cloudy days and brilliant during sunny days. No other land formation has been this colorful that it feels like you're in a children's book where the mountains are majestically crayon-colored.
Mancora
Aside from mountains and high altitude spots, Peru also offers one of the best beaches in the world. Mancora is a lively beach town in Peru and is famous for its sand beaches and turquoise ocean. This Region is a world-famous surfing destination due to its quality, hollow waves that provide rides of about 150 meters. If you want to learn how to surf or are a surfing enthusiast, Vinicunca will leave you feeling stoked.
The warm climate in Mancora is also perfect for relaxing beach days and immersing in the Peruvian experience. The district is alive with locals, surfers, and tourists alike who enjoy Mancora's great food and resorts.
Miraflores, Lima
Miraflores is an upscale suburban beach district ten kilometers away from the main city. Miraflores is the best place to enjoy and indulge in what Peru offers. Miraflores is full of excellent hotels and restaurants that a week may not be enough to try them all. A multi-story mall named Larcomar is available for you to shop for too.
There are various beach activities held in Miraflores. They have a ten-kilometer boardwalk where you can enjoy a relaxing stroll. People surf, paraglide, and of course, relax along the beautiful coasts.
Miraflores is also the cultural center of art and theater. Various cultural theater, film, and art events are held here, loved by art and culture lovers. Museums showcasing pre-Columbian treasures are open for the public to learn more about the history of Peru.
Machu Picchu
Located on the high Andes Mountains in Peru, Machu Picchu is one of the most famous archeological sites in the world. Built around the 15th century by the Incas and rediscovered in 1911, this citadel is full of historical wonder and mystery. The Incas, a civilization with no known written language, created this architectural wonder and baffled experts and tourists of their work.
Around the area are the locals engaged in agriculture; if you want to immerse in the experience, a day around Machu Picchu is an opportunity to learn the daily lives of the locals. Experience their food and drink, and of course, enjoy the cuteness of their animals like the llamas.
Punta Sal
Punta Sal is the longest beach on the north Peruvian coast. The waters are warm and calm the whole year round, making this destination the perfect place for rest and relaxation. You'll be spending the day admiring the beautiful sand and turquoise ocean while sipping on your favorite Peruvian cocktail.
In Punta Sal, many modern and charming hotels are available to your liking and budget. And of course, since it's a coastal district, the place is full of delicious seafood cooked the Peruvian way.
Paracas
Paracas is a small town in Southern Peru known for its fantastic nature reserves, beaches, and prehistoric archeological sites.
The Paracas National Reserve and Islas Ballestas are great spots for nature adventures. Unique and massive biodiversity flourish in these areas for people to appreciate. You can also enjoy their natural beauties with pleasant activities such as paragliding, ATV driving, cycling, and sailing.
A mysterious group of line structures found in Paracas resembles different images from an aerial view. These artistic and enigmatic structures are debated whether they were made by ancient people, pirates, or aliens. Tourists flock there to be amazed by their mystery. You can also tour the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph and the Nazca lines.
Peru and its culture have so much to offer that there is always something for everyone. The places showcase the colorful lives of Peruvians and their love for their history and natural environment. Visiting these places is truly a memorable experience. So book a ticket and check these places off your list.