Pérou is far more than the discovery of Machu Picchu and a visit to the magnificent city of Cusco. The country boasts exceptional riches, and there are places that are essential to see during your stay in Pérou, so you can experience a truly magical journey!

Here is our Top 10 list of must-see locations in Pérou.

Lima, the capital

Far too many travellers fail to take time to discover Lima, the capital of Pérou, and rush instead toward destinations offered by their travel operators. Lima is a wonderful city, where colonial past and modern buildings exist side by side. Numerous archaeological sites dating from the Inca period can now be found in the heart of the metropolis; museums overflow with pre- and post-colonial works; the historic centre is breathtaking; and the variety of venues for celebration and enjoying Peruvian cuisine make it an essential stop for experiencing Lima's vibrant life.

Arequipa, the White City

The city of Arequipa is the country's second-largest city and is particularly beloved by tourists from around the world. It is called the White City due to the white colour of the stone that comprises its buildings, churches, and arcades surrounding the main plaza. Arequipa is home to an impressive monastery that you absolutely must visit: Santa Catalina. Venturing outside Arequipa, you can explore semi-desert landscapes, discover the Misti volcano, the Colca Canyon (the world's deepest), and witness condors taking flight (the world's largest birds).

Trujillo and its archaeological treasures

History enthusiasts and lovers of ancient ruins will find in Trujillo a jewel of pre-Inca culture and pre-Columbian civilisations. The city of Trujillo is Pérou's third-largest, a harmonious blend of colonial architecture and archaeological remains, such as the Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna. Near Trujillo, the curious can visit the ruins and the renowned city of Chan Chan, built entirely from dried mud.

The Puno region and Lake Titicaca

The Puno region offers an immersion into an intensely natural environment, brimming with exceptional biodiversity, deeply rooted folklore, all set against magnificent landscapes such as Lake Titicaca. Don't hesitate to visit the islands on the world's highest navigable lake (Uros, Amantani, and Taquile). This segment of your Peruvian journey also serves as an excellent opportunity to cross the border and discover Bolivia or Chile.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas

The Cusco region offers an essential destination for any traveller visiting Pérou: the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This magnificent and captivating area, situated between Ollantaytambo and Pisac, contains countless Inca ruins in exceptional condition! Among the unmissable sites are the salt terraces of Maras, Chichubamba and Huayna Capacc's palace, Sacsayhuaman, Pisac, Tambomachay, and more. Travellers seeking either exoticism or thrilling experiences can enjoy the breathtaking mountain landscapes of the Andes cordillera and engage in extreme sports such as white-water rafting, trekking, or mountain biking along ancient Inca routes.

Huaraz and its breathtaking mountain vistas

Huaraz is perfectly suited for nature lovers and mountaineering enthusiasts. This city is nestled in the heart of the Andes cordillera, surrounded by chains of snow-capped peaks, some of which rank among the world's highest, such as Huascaran, which towers above 6,700 metres in elevation. Numerous lakes with brilliant turquoise waters will delight photographers. Remnants of one of Pérou's most ancient civilisations are found near Huaraz. Moreover, many local agencies offer a wide variety of adventure sports for thrill-seekers!

Chiclayo, a city for archaeology enthusiasts

If your travels take you near Lambayeque, take time to stop in Chiclayo, one of Pérou's most history-rich cities. It rivals Cusco following impressive archaeological discoveries, such as the tombs of the Lord of Sicán and Huaca Rajada, the pyramids of Túcume and the Lord of Sipán. The Sicán museum holds countless treasures from various pre-Columbian and colonial cultures.

Iquitos and the Amazon River

The Amazon is one of nature's most precious jewels that the earth can offer us. Pérou is composed largely of the Amazon, so an expedition through its lush verdure is a must. What better place to explore the fauna and flora of the Amazon than the shores of the Amazon River? The city of Iquitos is the largest Peruvian city in the Amazon rainforest, though you can also experience adventure in the jungles of Manu or Tambopata national parks. Remarkably, Gustave Eiffel, the architect of the Eiffel Tower, designed a building in the heart of Iquitos!

The mysterious Nazca Lines

After a few hours' drive on the Panamerican Highway, the world's longest road stretching from northern Canada to the tip of Argentina, you'll reach the town of Nazca. This charming small town is known worldwide for its mysterious lines etched in the desert by an ancient civilisation, now vanished. They took the secret of these enigmatic drawings—some spanning tens of kilometres—to their graves, but you can observe them by taking a small plane from one of many local operators.

Paracas, the "little sister" of the Galapagos!

Don't have the budget for a trip to the Galapagos Islands? Take advantage of the surroundings of the town of Paracas in Pérou. This destination offers opportunities to observe numerous seabirds and marine mammals near the Ballestas Islands, and if you enjoy water sports, you can dive, fish, or go windsurfing. The culture of the Paracas civilisation remains visible throughout the region. The Ica region offers a wealth of magical locations, such as the Huacachina oasis in the desert for buggy or sandboarding, the town of Lunahuana for rafting or quad biking, and vineyards where you can taste Peruvian wines and pisco.

Make sure to venture off the beaten path and discover what few other tourists will see, so you can experience something truly unique in the heart of Pérou, in unforgettable locations.