Peru’s cities are very different from each other. Lima is a large coastal capital known for food, Cusco is a high-altitude former Inca capital, and Arequipa is a white-stone colonial city under a volcano. Most visitors stitch together three to five stops. Below is what each offers and how to choose.
Quick answer: the top 5
- Cusco for Inca history and access to Machu Picchu.
- Lima for food, museums and coastal neighborhoods.
- Arequipa for colonial architecture and Colca Canyon.
- Puno for Lake Titicaca.
- Trujillo or Iquitos, depending on whether you want ancient sites on the north coast or the Amazon.
Lima
Peru’s capital is a good place to begin or end a trip. The Miraflores and Barranco districts are popular for clifftop walks, restaurants and nightlife, and the historic center has colonial architecture and plazas. Lima is known for its restaurant scene, which is a main reason many visitors stay at least two nights. The weather is often overcast and cool for much of the year, even though it rarely rains. Like other large cities, it needs normal urban precautions, especially at night.
Cusco
Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire, and Inca stonework still forms the base of many buildings. The Plaza de Armas, the San Blas neighborhood and nearby ruins make it a rewarding walking city. It is also the usual base for the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Cusco sits at a high altitude, roughly 3,400 meters, so plan a slow first day.
Arequipa
Arequipa is known for buildings made of light volcanic stone, the Santa Catalina Monastery and views of surrounding volcanoes. It is also the main base for visiting Colca Canyon. At about 2,300 meters it is a gentler step up in altitude than Cusco, so some travelers visit it first.
Puno and Lake Titicaca
Puno is a small city on the Peruvian shore of Lake Titicaca, one of the highest navigable lakes in the world. It is mostly a base for boat trips to the Uros floating islands and nearby islands such as Taquile. The altitude is high, similar to or above Cusco, so take it easy.
Trujillo
On the north coast, Trujillo has a colorful colonial center and is the base for archaeological sites such as Chan Chan, an enormous adobe city built before the Inca. It is a good choice if you want a quieter and less visited part of Peru.
Iquitos
Iquitos is the largest city in the world not reachable by road, and you get there by plane or boat. It is the main gateway to the Peruvian Amazon, with lodge stays, river trips and wildlife. Check health advice for the Amazon, such as vaccinations and malaria precautions, with a travel clinic.
Huaraz
Huaraz is a base for hiking in the Cordillera Blanca, with glacial lakes and snow-capped peaks. It suits hikers rather than city sightseers, and altitude is high.
Lima or Cusco?
Neither is better, because they serve different purposes. Lima suits people interested in food, museums and the coast, and it is easy at sea level. Cusco suits people who want Inca history, mountains and a historic walking city, and it needs some altitude adjustment. Most itineraries include both.
Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley
Machu Picchu is not a city, but it is the reason many people come. It is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, chosen in a public vote in 2007. Access is by train and bus from the town of Aguas Calientes, or by trek (see our best travel destinations for hiking for the Inca Trail and alternatives). Entry tickets and train seats often sell out, so book early. The Sacred Valley between Cusco and Machu Picchu has markets and ruins, such as Pisac and Ollantaytambo, and is often used for acclimatization because it is lower than Cusco.
Altitude
Cusco, Puno and Huaraz are high enough that some visitors feel headaches, breathlessness or fatigue. A common approach is to spend the first days at lower elevation, drink water, eat lightly and avoid heavy exertion. If you have heart or lung conditions, or you have severe symptoms, talk to a doctor before and during your trip.
Sample routes
- 7 days: Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu.
- 10 days: Lima, Arequipa, Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
- 2 weeks: Add Puno and Lake Titicaca, or Iquitos for the Amazon.
Domestic flights save time on these distances. If you are planning a longer South American trip, our Patagonia travel tips and guide to Argentina cover destinations further south.
When to go
The dry season in the Andes runs roughly from May to September, which is the most popular period for Cusco and Machu Picchu, with crowds to match. The wet season, roughly November to March, brings more rain and some trail closures. The Amazon is hot and humid year-round, with river levels changing through the year.