Zetsim • Peru destination guide
Best places to travel in Peru: 10 destinations worth building a trip around
Peru is one of those rare countries where a single trip can feel like three. The coast has city energy and seafood. The Andes deliver altitude, ruins, and unreal landscapes. The Amazon flips the script completely.
If you’re looking for the best places to travel in Peru, this list is designed to help you plan an itinerary that makes sense geographically and logistically—plus a practical travel detail that matters more than people admit: staying connected with a Zetsim eSIM so you can access maps, bookings, and transport details anywhere.
How to use this list: Pick 3–5 destinations that cluster together. Peru is large, and internal travel time is real. The best itineraries aren’t “everything,” they’re “everything that fits.”
1) Cusco (the base that makes Peru work)
Cusco is the hub for a huge portion of Peru’s most famous experiences. It’s historic, walkable, and packed with tour operators, cafés, and hotels—meaning it’s also one of the easiest places to organize day trips.
- Best for: history, Andean culture, day trips, acclimatizing before big excursions
- Don’t underestimate: altitude. Take your first day slowly.
2) Machu Picchu (iconic for a reason)
Machu Picchu earns its reputation. Whether you hike in or take the train, the experience is as much about the approach as the ruins themselves.
- Best for: bucket-list travel, guided history, photography
- Practical tip: plan tickets and transport early in high-demand months; build time buffers for weather and logistics.
3) Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and the in-between)
The Sacred Valley isn’t just “on the way” to Machu Picchu. It’s a destination in its own right—markets, ruins, villages, and landscapes that feel calmer than Cusco.
- Best for: day trips, slower travel, scenery, local markets
- Ideal style: stay 1–2 nights to reduce back-and-forth transport
4) Lima (food capital energy + coastal views)
Lima is often treated as a layover. That’s a mistake. It’s one of the most rewarding city stops in South America—especially if you like food, neighborhoods with personality, and coastal walks.
- Best for: restaurants, museums, nightlife, a comfortable landing/exit point
- Planning tip: use Lima to recover from international flights before heading to altitude.
5) Arequipa (the “White City” with a strong vibe)
Arequipa feels different from Cusco and Lima—more relaxed, with its own architecture, views, and a strong café culture. It’s also a logical base for nearby nature experiences.
- Best for: city breaks, architecture, day trips, regional food
- Good pairing: Colca Canyon (see below)
6) Colca Canyon (condors, viewpoints, and dramatic landscapes)
Colca Canyon is one of Peru’s classic nature trips, usually visited from Arequipa. Expect early mornings, scenic drives, and big views.
- Best for: nature, viewpoints, hiking options
- Reality check: tours can be long days—pack snacks, layers, and patience.
7) Lake Titicaca (Puno and the high-altitude lake experience)
Lake Titicaca is about atmosphere: the light, the altitude, the scale of the water. It’s not a “fast” destination—give it time to feel it.
- Best for: cultural experiences, lake tours, slower travel
- Note: altitude can be significant—similar acclimatization rules apply.
8) Huacachina (desert dunes and a very different Peru)
Huacachina is a small oasis town surrounded by massive dunes. It’s a fun, high-contrast stop if you’re routing through the south coast.
- Best for: dunes, short adventure breaks, sunset vibes
- Works well as: a 1-night stop or day trip depending on your route
9) The Peruvian Amazon (choose a lodge-based experience)
The Amazon region is a completely different climate and travel style. Many travelers choose a lodge-based trip with guided activities like boat rides, wildlife spotting, and forest walks.
- Best for: wildlife, nature immersion, a “once in a lifetime” change of scenery
- Packing tip: humidity is constant—bring breathable layers and rain protection.
10) Rainbow Mountain area (high-altitude scenery and day-hike culture)
Rainbow Mountain (and nearby routes) is popular for a reason: the colors can be striking and the landscape feels otherworldly. The trade-off is altitude and crowds.
- Best for: dramatic landscapes, day hikes, photography
- Be smart about: acclimatization and pacing.
Altitude reminder: If you feel unwell, don’t power through. Adjust plans, hydrate, rest, and prioritize safety.
How to build an itinerary that doesn’t feel rushed
Peru trip planning gets better when you stop trying to “collect” destinations and start grouping them:
- Lima + South Coast: Lima + desert/oasis stops
- Cusco cluster: Cusco + Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu + day hikes
- Southern loop: Arequipa + Colca Canyon + Lake Titicaca
- Nature add-on: Amazon lodge trip as a standalone block of days
The best plan is the one that leaves you with mornings you’re not exhausted.
Stay connected while traveling between Peru’s top destinations
Peru travel isn’t just “getting there.” It’s confirmations, pickup points, QR codes, train times, map navigation, and messaging hotels when plans shift.
A Zetsim travel eSIM helps you handle the practical stuff anywhere:
- access bookings and tickets when you’re moving between cities
- use maps for transfers in Lima, Cusco, and smaller towns
- message tour operators and accommodations if timing changes
- use hotspot as backup when Wi‑Fi is unreliable
FAQ — Best places to travel in Peru
What are the best places to visit in Peru for a first trip?
For first-time travelers, a classic route is Lima + Cusco + Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu. If you have extra time, add Arequipa/Colca Canyon or an Amazon lodge experience.
How many days do I need to see the best of Peru?
10–14 days is a strong starting point for Lima and the Cusco region, plus Machu Picchu. If you add the Amazon or the southern loop (Arequipa + Lake Titicaca), 14–21 days feels more comfortable.
Is Cusco worth visiting even if I don’t hike?
Yes. Cusco is a cultural hub with historic sites, markets, museums, and easy day trips. You can build an excellent itinerary without multi-day trekking.
What’s the best way to avoid itinerary stress in Peru?
Group destinations by region, build buffer days for transport, and avoid packing too many long travel legs into one week. Peru is large—travel time adds up quickly.
How do I get internet while traveling around Peru?
A travel eSIM is a convenient option. With Zetsim, you can set up your eSIM before departure and use mobile data on arrival for maps, bookings, messaging, and hotspot backup.
Resources
This page is for general travel information. Check local conditions, weather, and official guidance before booking fixed activities, especially at high altitude.
