Explore Peru

Lima, the capital of Peru, is a vibrant coastal city blending colonial history, modern urban life, and world-class gastronomy. Located along the Pacific Ocean, Lima is known for its historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with architectural gems like the Plaza Mayor, Government Palace, and the Baroque-style Cathedral of Lima. The Barranco district is ideal for street art, bohemian vibes, and nightlife, while Miraflores offers upscale shopping and stunning oceanfront views from the Malecón cliffs.

Peru is a paradise for fruit lovers, offering a wide variety of tropical and Andean fruits. Some must-try options include lucuma, often used in ice cream and desserts for its maple-like flavor; camu camu, packed with vitamin C; cherimoya (custard apple), known for its sweet, creamy flesh; and tumbo or banana passion fruit, popular in juices. Local markets such as Mercado de Surquillo in Lima or San Pedro Market in Cusco are excellent places to sample and purchase exotic fruits.

The Temple of the Sun, or Qorikancha, located in Cusco, was the most important temple in the Inca Empire. Dedicated to Inti, the sun god, Qorikancha once featured walls covered in sheets of gold and served as a religious, astronomical, and political center. After the Spanish conquest, much of the temple was destroyed and the Church of Santo Domingo was built on its foundations, creating a striking example of Inca and colonial architecture fused in one site.

The Museo Larco, located in a beautiful 18th-century mansion in Lima, houses one of the most impressive collections of pre-Columbian art in Latin America. Its galleries showcase ceramics, textiles, metalwork, and gold artifacts from ancient cultures like the Moche, Nazca, and Inca. The museum is also famous for its erotic pottery collection, offering insight into pre-Hispanic attitudes toward sexuality. Visitors can also enjoy a café and gardens, making it a peaceful cultural stop in the city.

Peru’s colonial heritage is best seen in cities like Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa. In Lima, the historic center is filled with ornate balconies, churches, and plazas. Cusco, the former Inca capital, features colonial buildings built atop Inca stone foundations—like the Cathedral of Cusco and the Jesuit Church of La Compañía de Jesús. In Arequipa, the white volcanic stone buildings of the historic center, including the Santa Catalina Monastery, offer stunning examples of Spanish baroque architecture.

The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is Peru’s most iconic archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 15th century by the Incas and rediscovered in 1911, Machu Picchu is perched high in the Andes and surrounded by cloud forests. The site includes temples, terraces, and astronomical observatories. Visitors typically reach it by train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, followed by a shuttle bus to the entrance. More adventurous travelers can trek the Inca Trail over 4 days for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.