Why Peru?
Learn Spanish and Explore Peru
“Learning Spanish opens the door to authentic travel experiences. Start by exploring the Arequipa Region, famous for its colonial architecture, spectacular landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Then continue your journey through the rest of Peru, discovering world-renowned archaeological sites, vibrant cities, breathtaking natural wonders, and the extraordinary biodiversity of the Andes, the coast, and the Amazon.
Choose a destination below and start planning your adventure.”
Coast
Lima
The capital of Peru. Highlights include its Historic Center, the districts of Miraflores and Barranco, fascinating museums, and world-renowned gastronomy.
Paracas
A National Reserve featuring spectacular desert landscapes overlooking the Pacific Ocean. From here, visitors can take boat tours to the Ballestas Islands, famous for their abundant marine wildlife.
Nazca Lines
Mysterious geoglyphs drawn in the desert more than 1,500 years ago, best appreciated from the air.
Trujillo and Chan Chan
Trujillo is known as the City of Eternal Spring. Nearby lies Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the Americas and the former capital of the Chimú civilization.
Máncora
One of Peru’s most famous beach destinations, located on the country’s northern coast. Its white sandy beaches, warm waters throughout the year, and tropical climate make it an ideal place to relax and enjoy surfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, sport fishing, and whale watching between July and October. Nearby are the beautiful beaches of Punta Sal, Vichayito, and Zorritos.
Highlands (Andes)
Arequipa
Known as the White City because of its beautiful buildings made of white volcanic stone (sillar). Its Historic Center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include the Monastery of Santa Catalina, the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, Colca Canyon, and the majestic Misti Volcano.
Cusco
The ancient capital of the Inca Empire and one of South America’s most important tourist destinations. It preserves remarkable Inca architecture alongside magnificent colonial buildings.
Machu Picchu
The world’s most famous Inca citadel and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It is Peru’s most iconic tourist attraction.
Sacred Valley of the Incas
A region filled with archaeological sites, traditional villages, colorful artisan markets, and breathtaking Andean landscapes.
Lake Titicaca
The highest navigable lake in the world. It is home to the floating islands of the Uros as well as the islands of Taquile and Amantaní, where ancient traditions continue to thrive.
Amazon Rainforest
Iquitos
The largest city in the world that cannot be reached by road. Located deep within the Amazon rainforest, it is the gateway to exploring the Amazon River, navigating its tributaries, visiting nature reserves and Indigenous communities, and discovering extraordinary biodiversity, including pink river dolphins, monkeys, caimans, and hundreds of bird species.
Puerto Maldonado
The gateway to Peru’s southern Amazon. It offers access to nature reserves, wildlife observation, and lush tropical rainforests.
Manu National Park
Declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, Manu National Park is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth and home to thousands of plant and animal species.
Northern Peru
Kuélap
An impressive fortress built by the Chachapoyas culture atop a mountain, surrounded by spectacular cloud forest landscapes.
Gocta Waterfall
One of the tallest waterfalls in the world, located in the Amazonas region and surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.
Why Visit Peru?
- Unique archaeological heritage.
- Three natural regions: coast, highlands, and rainforest.
- Internationally renowned cuisine.
- Extraordinary biodiversity.
- More than 3,000 varieties of potatoes and remarkable agricultural richness.
- Warm hospitality and rich cultural traditions.
- Experiences for every traveler: adventure, history, nature, culture, and gastronomy.
Peru is a destination that amazes visitors on every journey, where ancient history, breathtaking nature, and living traditions come together to create unforgettable experiences.
Activities You Can Enjoy in Peru
Thanks to its extraordinary geographical and cultural diversity, Peru offers unforgettable experiences for every traveler, including history, nature, adventure, gastronomy, and community-based tourism.
Cultural Tourism
- Visit colonial cities such as Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, and Trujillo.
- Explore museums and archaeological sites.
- Discover Machu Picchu, Chan Chan, Kuélap, Caral, Sacsayhuamán, and the Nazca Lines.
- Participate in traditional and religious festivals.
Nature Tourism
- Explore the Peruvian Amazon from Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado.
- Cruise along the Amazon River.
- Observe wildlife and tropical vegetation in national parks and nature reserves.
- Visit Colca Canyon and admire the flight of the majestic Andean condor.
- Sail across Lake Titicaca and visit the floating islands of the Uros people.
Adventure Tourism
- Hiking and trekking, including the famous Inca Trail.
- Mountaineering and climbing in the Cordillera Blanca.
- Mountain biking.
- White-water rafting on Andean rivers.
- Zip-lining.
- ATV adventures.
- Sandboarding and dune buggy rides in Huacachina.
- Paragliding over Lima’s coastal cliffs or the Sacred Valley.
Coastal Activities
- Relax on the beaches of Máncora, Punta Sal, Vichayito, and Zorritos.
- Surfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
- Scuba diving and snorkeling.
- Sport fishing.
- Whale watching (July to October) and dolphin watching.
- Enjoy spectacular sunsets along Peru’s tropical northern coast.
Gastronomic Tourism
- Taste traditional dishes from every region.
- Take Peruvian cooking classes.
- Visit traditional local markets.
- Tour pisco wineries and vineyards in Ica.
Rural and Community Tourism
- Stay with local families.
- Learn about traditional weaving, pottery, and handicrafts.
- Participate in farming and livestock activities.
Wildlife Observation
- Birdwatching, including the Andean condor, hummingbirds, and the Andean cock-of-the-rock.
- Observe alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, and guanacos.
- Discover the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon, home to pink river dolphins, monkeys, macaws, sloths, caimans, and countless tropical plant species.
Experiences for Travelers
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage historic centers.
- Ride panoramic trains to Machu Picchu.
- Take Amazon River cruises and jungle excursions from Iquitos.
- Walk through traditional neighborhoods.
- Photograph spectacular landscapes, volcanoes, beaches, and rainforest scenery.
- Shop for handmade textiles and traditional crafts.
- Relax in natural hot springs.
Why Choose Peru?
- Extraordinary historical and archaeological heritage.
- Stunning landscapes across the coast, Andes, and Amazon rainforest.
- From warm tropical beaches to the vast Amazon jungle.
- Cuisine consistently ranked among the best in the world.
- Activities for all ages throughout the year.
- Warm hospitality and cultural diversity that make every trip unforgettable.
In Peru, every region offers a different adventure. Whether you’re exploring ancient civilizations, relaxing on the tropical beaches of Máncora, cruising the Amazon River from Iquitos, hiking through majestic mountains, discovering the incredible biodiversity of the rainforest, or savoring its world-famous cuisine, a unique and unforgettable experience will always be waiting for you.
