Lima, llamas and the Nazca Lines: the 12 best places in Peru
When I say Peru is a traveller’s dream, I mean it. That’s because the country itself is absolutely huge, and there are heaps of routes for anyone who wants to backpack Peru. Do you like historical ruins and the hikes that lead to them? Peru has that to offer. Do you like beaches and surfing? Peru has that too! How about lively cities with lots of culture and nightlife? Exactly! The best places to visit in Peru will stay with you for many years to come.
Parque de la Reserva, in Lima, 📸:@halfhalftravel
How to decide where to travel in Peru
Peru is home to a variety of different landscapes and cultures, so there are many cities and areas that could be considered the best places to visit in Peru. There’s the coast with its cliffs and Pacific shores, the Andes with its high peaks and indigenous peoples, the Amazon region and the famous Lake Titicaca, which sits high above. There is much to prepare for, from the high altitudes of Cusco and the Sacred Valley to the wildlife deep in the jungle. There’s everything in between, and plenty of great hostels throughout Peru.
I like learning about Peruvian culture – about indigenous tribes, about ingredients in food I’ve never seen or tasted before (including some of the world’s hottest chilli peppers) and about the influence of Spanish colonialism reflected in the architecture.
Desserts in a bakery in Lima, 📸:@halfhalftravel
Check out these top places in Peru if you’re just thinking about where to go on your South America backpacking trip.
The best places on the coast of Peru
1. Centro Historico & Chinatown, Lima
A Buddha in a shop window in Lima’s lively Chinatown, 📸:@halfhalftravel
Travellers may pass over Lima, the country’s cliff-side capital, and think of it as a place to fly in and out of. But I’ll let you in on a secret – Lima has a lot to offer and is one of the best cities in Peru to visit! You can spend between two and four days in Lima.
Lima is home to the trendy and revitalised Barranco district, which is home to a variety of new bars and restaurants. It’s fun to take a bike tour through the neighbourhood and admire the many new pieces of street art that have been created in recent years.
You can also visit two places that I prefer above all others: the Centro Historico (historic centre) and the Barrio Chino (Chinatown). They are conveniently located right next to each other, so you can put together your own tour to see all the sights in one go. When you are in Barrio Chino, you should stop off at one of the restaurants and try the “chaufa” cuisine, a mixture of Peruvian and Chinese cuisine.
The best time to visit Lima is from December to April, which is summer in Peru. From August and September onwards, there is a thick fog on the country’s coast that hangs in the sky for many months, which you should avoid.
There is a long list of hostels in Lima, check out our website and take your pick! Selina Miraflores Lima combines style with Peruvian flair. There’s even a bar and cinema room!
How many days: 2-4
Compare all youth hostels in Lima
2. The Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines are a historical phenomenon and one of the most mysterious places to visit in Peru. If you’re the kind of person who likes to watch conspiracy videos, you’ll love this spooky place. It’s a series of giant lines in the desert drawn by pre-Columbian indigenous tribes in the form of animals and motifs from nature, which have somehow withstood the test of time. They were so advanced for their time that some people believe they were created by aliens!
If you do a “bus hop” with a provider like Peru Hop, you can make a quick stop at the Nazca Lines, or you can spend a night there. The best way to see the lines is from above, as they are not visible from the ground. You can visit the observation tower near the motorway or treat yourself to a helicopter flight.
One day is enough to see these enigmatic sights, but there are also many hostels in Nazca if you want to take more time to explore. Travellers have wonderful things to say about the Nazca Lodge, a cosy hostel that is a relaxed place to meet other backpackers.
How many days: 1-2
3. Huacachina Desert
When you think of Peru, you don’t normally think of a desert with rolling sand dunes, but that’s exactly what you’ll find in Huacachina. Adrenaline junkies will love it here. And why? Because the main activity in Huacachina is to visit the oasis town and then jump into a dune buggy! In an open buggy, you speed over the dunes and then down the slopes. Adventure sports are also on offer. Have you ever tried sandboarding? Then this is your chance!
Huacachina is a year-round destination because its desert location means it’s always hot and dry. Pack your sun cream and drink plenty of water, because there’s never a bad time to visit. Most travellers spend a whole day in Huacachina to go on a dune buggy and sandboard excursion through the desert. If you want to take a second day to relax by your hostel’s pool in the sun (which shines almost every day), that’s a good idea too.
For me, one of the best experiences of staying in Huacachina was waking up to the sight of a huge sand dune right in front of my hostel. Check out the options of all the hostels in Huacachina. Banana’s Adventure screams backpacker, with a large swimming pool, cocktail bar and free breakfast. Yay!
How many days: 2-3
Compare all youth hostels in Huacachina
4. Mancora
Las Pocitas, Mancora, 📸:@lorenzonuccipe
Surfing is the order of the day! Mancora is one of the centres of Peruvian surfing. So if you’re a beach lover and looking for a good party, you should add this place to your top travel destinations in Peru. The best time to visit is between May and November, between autumn, winter and spring in Peru.
Besides the beach, what attracts travellers to Mancora is the lively nightlife where you are sure to meet like-minded people. The best backpacker-friendly parties can be found in hostels such as Loki Del Mar or Wild Rover Mancora, where lively events are organised most evenings where everyone is welcome. On the beach itself, there are a series of four bars where music is played throughout the evening.
During the day, you’ll find options for yoga, cafés, pizza and ceviche in town. Make sure you’re on the beach for sunset, as the views of the Pacific Ocean are unbeatable.
To get to Mancora, you can easily fly from other airports such as Lima. You can also take the bus, as the country is very well connected. Depending on your flexibility, you can spend between one and four days here.
While you’re catching a wave or two, you can choose one of the great hostels in Mancora. The Point Mancora Beach Hostel is a good choice and a good party. Huge swimming pool? Check. Bar by the pool? Yes. Cheap beds? Ticked off!
How many days: 1-4
Compare all youth hostels in Mancora
5. Trujillo
Trujillo is a charming city where you can spend three days and still have something to do. Known by locals as the city of eternal spring, it is a beautiful coastal city with a rich cultural heritage where the sea is not far away.
Trujillo will enchant you with its nearby ruins, its profound history and its seafood cuisine. Delicious! Close by is the surfing beach of Huanchaco, where you can test the waves or relax and watch the action. Further west of the city is Chan Chan, famous for its endangered archaeological site with pre-Columbian ruins, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its sandy appearance is truly unique.
Fancy some seafood? Here you can savour fresh delicacies from the Pacific Ocean, Peruvian style. If you really want to try ceviche (preferably several times a day), Trujillo is the place to go. Ceviche is made from raw fish marinated in citrus fruits and served with choclo (giant Peruvian corn), camote (sweet potato) and red onions as garnish. Enjoy the flavours, because this is something you will remember fondly.
The ideal time to visit Trujillo is from April to November, in autumn, winter and on the cusp of spring in Peru. You can spend between two and three days in Trujillo, as you should make time for the beach and the city.
Are you looking for accommodation? There are many great hostels in Trujillo at affordable prices that will be easy on your wallet.
At My Friend Hostel, you’ll be riding the waves in no time thanks to the in-house surf school! You can also sample the region’s delicious cuisine in the hostel’s own restaurant.
How many days: 3-4
Compare all youth hostels in Trujillo
The best places to visit in the highlands (Andes) in Peru
6. The historic streets of Arequipa
Arequipa is one of the best cities to visit in Peru. I wish I had spent more time there. So if you have the flexibility, I would suggest spending two days in the city and then a few more to have more adventures in the region. Arequipa is the city of three volcanoes, and that’s what makes it so unique. If you fancy a city with a relaxing atmosphere, Arequipa is the right choice. Wondering what you can do in Arequipa? I recommend a city tour, as the guides are very knowledgeable. Don’t forget to tip them! You can spend between one and three days here, depending on whether you make a detour to the Colca Canyon.
To get to Arequipa, you can fly or, if you want to be more environmentally friendly, take a bus (there are many) or a lift.
I recommend the Wild Rover hostel in Arequipa. It’s in a great location, close to all the sights in the city centre, and it’s very sociable, which is great if you’re travelling alone. Discover the other hostels in Arequipa too!
How many days: 2-5
Compare all hostels in Arequipa
7. Cusco
Cusco is on every Peru traveller‘s dream itinerary. It’s undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Peru, and soon you’ll see why!
Cusco is at a pretty high altitude, so one expert tip I can give you is to use the first two days in Cusco to acclimatise. See how your health is before travelling to Machu Picchu or attempting physical activities such as hiking. You can take part in historical guided tours through the architecture of Cusco or visit the squares, churches and other buildings on your own. If you’re lucky, you might see a parade or witness the start of a festival! As there are so many things to do in Cusco, from the city itself to day trips to other places in the Sacred Valley, you can spend three days or more than a week here.
My favourite attraction in Cusco is just outside the city, but accessible on your own or with a short half-day tour. It’s the Inca ruins of Saqsaywaman, where I first saw the incredible Inca-style stone carving that has kept these sites intact for so long. Saqsaywaman is a great way to spend half a day in Cusco, as the altitude is not much of a difference to the city itself.
When in Cusco, you may find that the food there is unique. Have you ever heard of cuy? This is the Spanish term for ‘guinea pig’, and although this dish is certainly not for everyone, it is a local speciality that doesn’t come cheap! If you haven’t yet booked a hike or day trip to Machu Picchu, don’t worry. You can book this when you arrive at the youth hostel or at a travel agency in the city.
A popular hostel in Cusco is Loki Cusco. It has a great social scene, a courtyard to hang out in and great staff with lots of tips for travellers. There are some very stylish hostels in Cusco, so take some time to explore them!
How many days: 3-8
8. Machu Picchu
You’ve probably seen thousands of photos of the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. It really is a breathtaking place and is often the main inspiration for travellers planning a Peru backpacking trip! To get to Machu Picchu, you can take a train to Aguascalientes (the base town) or hike from Cusco. Many travellers opt for the adventurous option, but both options are appealing in their own way. The best tip for anyone travelling to Machu Picchu is to consider the time of year. Between January and April, it tends to be rainy in the Andes region. In February, when the Inca Trail is closed due to poor conditions, Machu Picchu is not a good idea at all. The best time to visit is between April and October, when the sun is shining and you have the best photo opportunities.
To visit Machu Picchu itself, you only need one day. I recommend visiting with a guide and not on your own, as this historic site has many intricate details that the experienced local guides can explain best. My guide was memorable and great and made my visit to Machu Picchu much more unique than if I had been travelling on my own without any knowledge of the site. Within the designated park zone, there are two very steep hikes you can take to get a view of the ancient structures from above. I opted for “Machu Picchu Mountain”, and despite the rain, fog and altitude, I had to work hard to reach the top. From the top of this mountain within the national park, you can see even more of the surrounding area, provided you have ideal weather.
For an overnight stay while visiting Machu Picchu, you should stay in the town of Aguascalientes. Take a look at the hostels in Aguas Calientes for inspiration.
How many days: 1-2
Compare all youth hostels in Aguas Calientes
9. Colca Canyon (Cañon de Colca)
Indigenous woman selling textiles in the Colca Canyon, 📸:@halfhalftravel
Colca Canyon doesn’t seem to attract the same attention as Machu Picchu, which is strange because it’s a magnificent natural wonder just waiting to be explored! This canyon, located a few hours outside of Arequipa, is said to be deeper than the Grand Canyon in the USA. Many travellers prefer to spend their time in the bigger cities and overlook this fantastic landscape, so take the plunge and check it out. The beauty of the canyon is its colours, deep gorges and wildlife. You can go on a multi-day hike with a provider recommended by your hostel in Arequipa or opt for a day trip. A day trip is exhausting, as the day trip providers leave Arequipa in the dark at around 3am and only arrive at the canyon in the morning. You have the whole day to visit the canyon and some markets along the way if you stop for lunch, and you return in the late afternoon.
How many days: 1 (4 if you hike)
Compare all hostels in Arequipa
The best places to visit in the Peruvian Amazon
10. Iquitos
Get ready for the Amazon! Iquitos is the original gateway city for travellers entering the Amazon from Peru. From Iquitos you can explore the northern region of the Peruvian Amazon rainforest, which is the main reason for travelling. There are so many excursions you can do from Iquitos! Usually your hostel will help you with this or recommend favourite tour operators. You can choose adventures such as manatee watching, ziplining or visiting rare and endangered species in designated nature reserves. I suggest you spend between three and five days in Iquitos if you have the time.
There are many relaxed hostels in Iquitos that deserve your attention. The Green Track Hostel is just a short walk from the Plaza de Armas and is an oasis of relaxation after a busy day of adventure.
How many days: 3-5
Compare all hostels in Iquitos
11. Puerto Maldonado
Puerto Maldonado is the gateway to the southern Amazon region in Peru. Think of Peru as a letter “C”, with Puerto Maldonado at the bottom of the curve. If you’re looking for a quieter place to explore Peru than the hotspots of Cusco and the Sacred Valley, this region is for you. It’s not as well known in the backpacker scene as Iquitos, so you can spread the word to your friends!
Puerto Maldonado is not necessarily a destination in itself, but the starting point for other adventures in the Amazon rainforest. You have a good chance of spotting the local wildlife, including monkeys and capybaras. Remember that life in Puerto Maldonado is centred around the river, so a cruise is a must!
You can arrive by bus or flight from various domestic airports. The best time to visit is between May and September. Depending on how many activities you want to do, you can stay between two and four days.
Looking for a hostel in Puerto Maldonado? Visit the Tambopata Hostel, which is popular with backpackers.
How many days: 2-4
Compare all hostels in Puerto Maldonado
12. Tarapoto
For a city unfamiliar to the typical traveller, Tarapoto holds quite a surprise. It’s less famous than Iquitos, and the hostel is much newer in Tarapoto than in other places. So why is it worth a visit?
Tarapoto is called Peru’s “jungle paradise” because it is a hub for exploring the Amazon. It could also be your way into the Amazon, or the way out. If you love nature, you’ll enjoy visiting the nearby Ahuashiyacu waterfalls, bird watching or rafting on the Mayo River. Visit the region between May and September, when the weather is at its driest. If you enjoy being in a jungle town and love wildlife, you should spend two to three days here.
In Tarapoto, you can stay at the El Mural hostel in a safe neighbourhood where you’ll feel right at home. Take a look at the other hostels in Tarapoto too!
How many days: 2-3
Compare all hostels in Tarapoto
What do you think of these top destinations in Peru?
I’d love to know what you think of my ideas for the best travel destinations in Peru, as this country is huge and offers different experiences for every type of traveller. If you don’t know where to travel in Peru yet, think about what kind of activities you like to do, be it hiking, camping or visiting historical ruins, and start there.
Read more:
🌟 The ultimate guide to backpacking in Peru
🌟 The 19 best youth hostels in Peru
🌟 10 things you should know before visiting Machu Picchu
About the author:
Becca Siegel is a travel writer living in Brooklyn, NY, USA. She runs the travel website @halfhalftravel and Instagram with her boyfriend and travel partner Dan. Becca has spent a lot of time abroad, having lived in China and Hong Kong for 2.5 years and more recently working remotely in Europe and Latin America. 
Favourite place in the world: Hong Kong. 
Favourite hostel: Hostel Mamallena, Boquete, Panama 
Follow me on Instagram: @halfhalftravel
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