Peru's Absolute Essentials

Peru’s diverse landscape spans from the coastal desert of Paracas National Reserve to the high-altitude plateaus of Marcahuasi. In the Andes, the Sacred Valley and archaeological sites like Tipón and Wiñay Wayna showcase advanced Inca engineering and agricultural terraces. Lima’s historic center preserves colonial history through the catacombs of San Francisco, the ornate Archbishop’s Palace, and the 16th-century Aliaga House. Beyond the mountains, the Amazon River provides access to the world’s largest rainforest, while pedestrian thoroughfares like Jirón de la Unión connect the capital’s traditional districts.