Essential Peru: Top Destinations for First-Time Travelers

Introduction: Why Peru Should Be on Your Travel Bucket List

Peru is a land where ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture come together. From the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu to the colorful streets of Cusco and the vast Amazon rainforest, this South American country offers an unforgettable experience for every kind of traveler.

If you’re planning your first trip to Peru and wondering where to start, this guide covers the essential destinations that will give you a full picture of the country’s beauty, culture, and diversity.

1. Lima – The Gateway to Peru and Capital of Flavors

Most international flights arrive in Lima, Peru’s coastal capital. While many travelers see it only as a stopover, Lima is worth exploring for at least a day or two.

What to See and Do

Historic Center of Lima: A UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with colonial architecture, grand plazas, and centuries-old churches.
Miraflores and Barranco: These neighborhoods combine modern charm, ocean views, and bohemian art scenes. Barranco is known for its murals, galleries, and live music.
Peruvian Cuisine: Lima is often called the gastronomic capital of South America. Try ceviche, lomo saltado, and Amazonian-inspired dishes at award-winning restaurants like Central or Maido.

Travel Tip

Spend your first day adjusting to the local rhythm before flying to Cusco or Arequipa. Lima’s culinary scene will set the tone for the sensory journey ahead.

2. Cusco – The Heart of the Inca Empire

Cusco, once the capital of the Inca civilization, is one of the most fascinating cities in South America. Nestled high in the Andes, it blends ancient history with vibrant modern life.

Top Attractions

Plaza de Armas: The historic center surrounded by cathedrals and colonial architecture.
Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun): A sacred Inca temple that once shone with gold before the Spanish conquest.
San Blas District: Known for its narrow streets, artisan workshops, and panoramic city views.

Cusco is also the perfect base to explore the Sacred Valley and prepare for your visit to Machu Picchu.

Travel Tip

Take it easy your first day to adjust to the altitude. Drink coca tea, stay hydrated, and enjoy a slow walk through the city’s cobbled streets.

3. The Sacred Valley – Nature, History, and Local Life

Located between Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley is a must-see region filled with fertile lands, traditional markets, and impressive archaeological sites.

Highlights

Pisac: Famous for its Inca terraces and vibrant handicraft market.
Ollantaytambo: A well-preserved Inca town where you can visit the fortress and take the train to Machu Picchu.
Chinchero: A small village known for its Andean textiles and local weaving cooperatives.

Why Visit

The valley offers a gentler climate and lower altitude than Cusco, making it ideal for acclimatization. It’s also one of the best places to connect with Peru’s living culture, where ancient traditions continue to thrive.

4. Machu Picchu – The Lost City of the Incas

No trip to Peru is complete without visiting Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Hidden in the cloud forest, this 15th-century Inca citadel is a masterpiece of engineering and spirituality.

How to Get There

Most travelers take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), located at the base of the mountain. From there, buses or hikes lead to the entrance of the archaeological site.

What to Expect

Walk through temples, terraces, and sacred plazas as mist rises over the surrounding peaks. Whether you arrive at sunrise or later in the day, the atmosphere feels timeless.

Traveler Experience

To fully enjoy your visit, spend a night in Aguas Calientes. Wake up early to enter the site before the crowds and experience the mystical sunrise over the citadel.

5. Arequipa – The White City of Volcanoes

Known as La Ciudad Blanca (The White City), Arequipa is built from white volcanic stone and surrounded by majestic volcanoes like El Misti.

Top Sights

Santa Catalina Monastery: A colorful convent-city that feels frozen in time.
Plaza de Armas: One of the most beautiful squares in Peru, framed by baroque architecture.
Colca Canyon: Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and home to the Andean condor.

Why Go

Arequipa combines natural beauty, colonial charm, and delicious cuisine — all with fewer crowds than Cusco.

6. The Amazon Rainforest – Peru’s Green Heart

For travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, the Peruvian Amazon offers unmatched biodiversity and tranquility.

Top Entry Points

Puerto Maldonado: Easy to reach from Cusco, ideal for short jungle stays with eco-lodges.
Iquitos: The largest city in the world inaccessible by road, perfect for multi-day river expeditions.

What You’ll Experience

Spot macaws, monkeys, pink dolphins, and giant trees as you explore one of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth. Local guides will share ancestral knowledge about plants, wildlife, and traditional medicine.

Conclusion: Your First Journey to Peru Awaits

Peru offers more than just ancient ruins — it’s a country where history, culture, and nature coexist in perfect harmony. Whether you’re exploring Lima’s coastline, wandering through Cusco’s cobbled streets, or standing atop Machu Picchu, each destination reveals a different side of this extraordinary land.

To make your experience even more memorable, stay at Casa del Sol Machu Picchu, a boutique hotel located in the heart of Aguas Calientes. Overlooking the sacred Vilcanota River, it offers a serene atmosphere, gourmet Andean cuisine, and personalized service — the perfect place to rest after exploring the wonders of the Inca world.

Make Casa del Sol Machu Picchu your home in the Andes and let your Peruvian adventure begin.

Wonderful stay

The hotel is beautiful, elegant, and decorated very tastefully. The atmosphere very nice. Very comfortable, spacious room with terrace, jacuzzi, and river view !!Spectacular! The shower a delight. All the staff is very friendly and helpful. Congratulations on having such dedicated and cordial staff. The dinners were delicious, very thoughtful, and original dishes. Our stay at the hotel was memorable.

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1/5

Excellent

We stayed one night there and really the service has been exceptional. I have nothing but good words for the establishment. We stayed in a suite which was excellent! It had a jacuzzi. Breakfast very good. The staff is always attentive. And the restaurant is a luxury. We took the 4-step menu and it has been spectacular. I would definitely go back and recommend it.

Lola L

2/5

Beautiful hotel and wonderful breakfast!

We enjoyed our stay here while visiting Machu Picchu. The hotel was very clean, the staff very friendly and polite, and the breakfast was amazing! Seriously, the breakfast was really a beautiful spread of so many options. It is in a nice location and easy to explore from there.

Overall a really nice and would recommend it!

Martin

3/5

Unforgettable

I went to Machupicchu with family and stayed at the Casa Del Sol hotel again. The hotel is just beautiful. There have been renovations since I was last there, the dining room is beautiful and crisp! An absolute delight to dine in. But the best part of the hotel is the people. The staff really goes above and beyond to make sure we have every need attended to! The staff welcomed us back like old friends, and even helped us celebrate my mother's birthday with a bottle of wine! We stayed for 2 nights, but we could have stayed longer just to enjoy the rooms and the spa.

Chrissy

4/5

Beautiful Hotel in Aguascalientes

I loved staying at the hotel so much! As soon as we got off our bus we were greeted by very friendly staff and walked less than 100 meters to the hotel. Their food is amazing and staying in this hotel is so relaxing, especially after a day spent in Machu Picchu. Every single one of the staff is so friendly and makes sure you are as comfortable and happy as you can be. I especially loved how the hotel was just next to the river and the beautiful rooms they provided. I hope I can go back someday!

Mikenzie T

5/5