Peru continues to captivate travelers with a diverse array of bucket-list destinations ranging from ancient citadels to lush jungles. A few favorite places to visit in Peru include Miraflores, the Amazon, and the Cusco area which is the gateway to the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain.

map of peru for travelers

Miraflores

Miraflores stands as Lima’s premier upscale coastal district, renowned for its dramatic clifftop views along the six-mile-long Malecón boardwalk and the romantic Parque del Amor. Travelers can seamlessly transition from modern luxuries like the cliff-embedded Larcomar mall to ancient history at Huaca Pucllana, a 1,500-year-old adobe pyramid that remains illuminated for nighttime dining. This vibrant neighborhood is also a major hub for adrenaline and leisure, where visitors can go paragliding over the Pacific or relax among the famous resident cats of Kennedy Park.

Peruvian Amazon

The Peruvian Amazon remains one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, offering travelers a chance to explore a vast wilderness that covers nearly two-thirds of the country. Visitors can choose between the northern gateway of Iquitos for luxury river cruises and pink dolphin spotting, or the southern hub of Puerto Maldonado for land-based eco-lodges near the wildlife-rich Tambopata National Reserve. Beyond animal encounters with sloths and macaws, the region provides deep cultural immersion through visits to indigenous communities that maintain ancient traditions and sustainable lifestyles.

Cusco

Cusco remains the “Imperial City” of the Andes, where travelers walk through a living museum of massive Inca stonework integrated into ornate Spanish colonial architecture. Beyond its role as the essential gateway to Machu Picchu, the city enchants visitors with its artisan-filled San Blas neighborhood and the vibrant San Pedro Market, which offers a sensory immersion into local Andean flavors and crafts. Perched at over 11,000 feet, this high-altitude hub serves as the perfect base for cultural exploration and adventure, from witnessing ancient ceremonies to trekking toward the surreal colors of Rainbow Mountain.