The best tours in Peru
Peru is a country in South America home to some of the most majestic and well-preserved archaeological sites in the Americas as well as some of the most bio-diverse and pristine rain forests and andean lakes in the world. Peru ranks as one of the world’s travel hotspots for visitors who are interested in exotic cultures, amazing geography, and ancient history. Below is a list of the best Peru tours based on their popularity per region. With plenty of cities, towns and rural villages near to most of the tourist areas, finding things to do and see definitely won’t be an issue. In addition to the must-see tourist sites, consider getting off the beaten path and rubbing elbows with some locals for a truly unique cultural experience.
Top tours destinations in Peru by popularity
Machu Picchu continues to be Peru's #1 travel destination. You can hike to Machu Picchu using the original Inca Trail or you can take a comfortable train to reach this amazing Inca world wonder. Or if you are on a budget, you can get to Machu Picchu via the backpacker route through the jungle.
Cusco is Peru's #2 travel destination. The top destination in Cusco is the rainbow mountain as well as the city of Cusco itself and the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a region that is full of amazing architecture surrounded by amazing landscapes such as lakes and mountains.
Puno is Peru's #3 travel destination. Its main attraction is the lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world and home to the Uros people who live on their man-made islands made out of reeds. Book a 2-day tour and stay with a local family for an unforgettable experience. Puno is also near the border of the country of Bolivia, you can easily get to Bolivia from Puno.
Arequipa is Peru's #4 travel destination. The city of Arequipa is one of the most beautiful in Peru. It is also near the famous the Colca Canyon, the world's deepest canyon in the American continent and well-known trekking destination. It's a habitat for the giant Andean condor, on view from overlooks during the tours.
Madre de Dios is Peru's #5 travel destination. It is famous for the Manu national reserve, celebrated for its bio diversity and one of the most pristine rain forests in the world. It is also famous for the Tambopata national reserve which has become a top tourism destination due to its natural beauty and the rainforest's incredible biodiversity
Lima City is Peru's #6 travel destination. Lima is Peru's capital and home to some amazing colonial architecture, incredible museums and interesting neighborhoods. You can also embark on a culinary exploration that is truly a food lovers dream. Lima is known to be South America's food capital, home of the best culinary restaurants in the world .
Nazca Lines is Peru's #7 travel destination. Some 300 ancient geoglyphs, which date between 400 and 650 AD, depict various figures, with five being the most prominent; the hummingbird, the monkey, the hands and the astronaut. The best way to view these amazing figures is by plane available through 3 nearby airports: Nazca airport, Ica airport and Pisco airport. There are no flights from Lima, so you must get ground transportation from Lima to reach the Nazca lines.
Ica is Peru's #8 travel destination. The Ica dessert is home to the Huacachina lake and oasis, a natural oasis that creates an amazing photo opportunity for its surreal surroundings. Ica is also home of the Paracas national reserve, a circuit of amazing beaches and islands. Ica is also where the Nazca lines are located. Ica is also where some of the best wineries of Peru are located. Tours to Ica offer a variety of experiences that are truly unique.
Iquitos is Peru's #9 travel destination. The mighty Amazon river flows through Iquitos and is something you must see in your lifetime! It is renowned for its astounding beauty, incredible biodiversity, and the vibrant cultures along the river banks. Iquitos and the Amazon river is only last in popularity because it is the farthest from Machu Picchu. But Iquitos boasts multiple wonders of the world in its soil. It is the perfect destination for adventurous travelers with a love for nature.
Best tours in South America
Since many travelers also visit nearby countries when visiting Peru, here is a list of the most popular tours that work well because of their proximity to Peru.
