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 - Trekking opportunities

Inca Trails
The Inca Trail and its alternative routes are some of the best trekking destinations in the world. Perhaps nowhere else combines stunning mountain scenery with beautiful and important historic sites, with the peaks and valleys of the Andes a dramatic backdrop for a series of spectacular Inca ruins. The destination is the most impressive of all, as you stand at the Sun Gate and gaze at the stunning lost city of Machu Picchu below. First explored by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and opened for walkers in 1970, the Inca Trail today is extremely popular and, with a limited number of permits issued by the government, you may need to book up to five months in advance. To escape the crowds, the alternative Lares Trek passes through similar scenery and altitudes but is well off the beaten path and away from the tourist crowds. At the end of the trail at Ollantaytambo, you can catch the train to Aquas Calientes and onto Machu Picchu.

Inca Trails

The Inca Trail and its alternative routes are some of the best trekking destinations in the world. Perhaps nowhere else combines stunning mountain scenery with beautiful and important historic sites, with the peaks and valleys of the Andes a dramatic backdrop for a series of spectacular Inca ruins. The destination is the most impressive of all, as you stand at the Sun Gate and gaze at the stunning lost city of Machu Picchu below. First explored by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and opened for walkers in 1970, the Inca Trail today is extremely popular and, with a limited number of permits issued by the government, you may need to book up to five months in advance. To escape the crowds, the alternative Lares Trek passes through similar scenery and altitudes but is well off the beaten path and away from the tourist crowds. At the end of the trail at Ollantaytambo, you can catch the train to Aquas Calientes and onto Machu Picchu.

Colca Canyon
The Colca Canyon in southern Peru is one of the largest and deepest in the world, twice as deep as Arizona's Grand Canyon with depths averaging about 3,400 metres. There are several villages in and around the canyon, as well as terraced fields that date back to pre-Columbian times. The village of Chivay is a good base from which to explore Colca with excellent trails to appreciate the stunning views. The viewpoint at Cruz del Condor is one of the best lookouts, particularly in the early morning when you can spot the huge Andean condors soaring on the thermal draughts rising from the canyon.

Colca Canyon

The Colca Canyon in southern Peru is one of the largest and deepest in the world, twice as deep as Arizona's Grand Canyon with depths averaging about 3,400 metres. There are several villages in and around the canyon, as well as terraced fields that date back to pre-Columbian times. The village of Chivay is a good base from which to explore Colca with excellent trails to appreciate the stunning views. The viewpoint at Cruz del Condor is one of the best lookouts, particularly in the early morning when you can spot the huge Andean condors soaring on the thermal draughts rising from the canyon.