Attractions of Peru

To help inspire or plan your trip to Peru, some of its major attractions for travellers are shown below, including some of the best natural, historical, cultural and adventure sites in the country. These include all of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for Peru which represent the best of the world's cultural and natural heritage.
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Natural	History	Wildlife	Trekking	Cities	Religious Monument	Boat Journey	Rail Journey	Diving	Cultural	Adrenaline	UNESCO WHS

Go to Region of Peru-> Southern Peru

Southern Peru - Boat Journeys

Ballestas Islands
The Ballestas Islands lie just off the Peruvian coast south of Lima and have been called a 'little Galapagos' as they provide shelter to thousands of rare sea birds, sea lions and pelicans. A boat journey from Paracas on the mainland will allow you to get close to the islands (it's not permitted to land) and view the unusual rock formations and huge diversity of marine birds and animals. The boat also offers a view of the Paracas Candelabra, a curious pre-Inca design on the desert hillside which can only be appreciated from the sea.

Ballestas Islands

The Ballestas Islands lie just off the Peruvian coast south of Lima and have been called a 'little Galapagos' as they provide shelter to thousands of rare sea birds, sea lions and pelicans. A boat journey from Paracas on the mainland will allow you to get close to the islands (it's not permitted to land) and view the unusual rock formations and huge diversity of marine birds and animals. The boat also offers a view of the Paracas Candelabra, a curious pre-Inca design on the desert hillside which can only be appreciated from the sea.

Lake Titicaca (Peru)
Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake at 3815 metres and the second largest lake in South America, covering an area of 8,400 km². There are several islands on the lake home to Aymara and Quechua-speaking Indian people who have adapted to living at high altitude and on the lake and still practice many of their traditional customs. A boat trip on Lake Titicaca from the port of Puno allows you to visit several of these islands and experience the culture of the people living there, as well as appreciating the beautiful natural scenery of the lake itself, ringed by Andean peaks. The floating reed islands are home to the Uros people, their islands are made from totura, a reed-like papyrus that grows in the shallows which is also used to build their boats and homes. On Amantani Island, there are six small villages where you can stay with a local family and learn about their customs. The island's peaks of Pachatata (Father Earth) and Pachamama (Mother Earth) are worth climbing for sunset with some spectacular views over the lake. Taquile Island also offers the chance to explore the locals traditions of music, dance and weaving - the style of dress has changed little since colonial times and items of embroidery are available to buy from the crafts co-operative.

Lake Titicaca (Peru)

Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake at 3815 metres and the second largest lake in South America, covering an area of 8,400 km². There are several islands on the lake home to Aymara and Quechua-speaking Indian people who have adapted to living at high altitude and on the lake and still practice many of their traditional customs. A boat trip on Lake Titicaca from the port of Puno allows you to visit several of these islands and experience the culture of the people living there, as well as appreciating the beautiful natural scenery of the lake itself, ringed by Andean peaks. The floating reed islands are home to the Uros people, their islands are made from totura, a reed-like papyrus that grows in the shallows which is also used to build their boats and homes. On Amantani Island, there are six small villages where you can stay with a local family and learn about their customs. The island's peaks of Pachatata (Father Earth) and Pachamama (Mother Earth) are worth climbing for sunset with some spectacular views over the lake. Taquile Island also offers the chance to explore the locals traditions of music, dance and weaving - the style of dress has changed little since colonial times and items of embroidery are available to buy from the crafts co-operative.