Peru is an intriguing country to explore. A land of fascinating history, colorful traditions, and mesmerizing landscapes, Peru welcomes its visitors wholeheartedly and is a perfect choice for solo travelers. This iconic South American country has a plethora of experiences to offer to its visitors. You will find many amazing destinations in Peru to explore in a better way. From dazzling sandy beaches to gigantic mountains, from desserts to vibrant city life, you will find it all here in Peru. We have brought you some of the best destinations to add to your bucket list while planning a solo trip to Peru.
Lima
Lima is the capital city of Peru and is full of life. You should start your solo trip from here. You might have heard from many people to skip Lima as it is not safe and has nothing to offer. However, this is not the case and you will see it to believe it. The main highlights of Lima are the cathedral, museums, and the Archbishop’s Palace. Don’t skip the San Francisco church and catacombs. Explore the underground caves, it is where the locals used to bury their dead ones under the church, so you can still view some of the old skulls and bones. Walk around the main square to watch the changing of the guards in front of the Presidential Palace.
Cusco
Cusco is an ancient historical city that was the oldest inhabited city in South America. Tourists flock here for Inca Ruins from all across the world. If you are interested in archaeology and history and want to time travel then step back in time here. It is known as the City of Churches. Roam around and explore places worth visiting like museums, churches, and the famous red fortress known as Puca Pucara. Some other amazing destinations to add to your list are the Museo Historical Regional and Museo Municipal de Arte Contemporaneo. You can experience mountain biking, hand gliding, and whitewater rafting in the heart of Cusco. You may even plan short trips from here as well.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is the main tourist attraction site in Peru. It is near a small town named Aguas Calientes. The town is nestled in the hills. You will always find it a busy one with a large market. Soak in the serenity and charm of this mystical town and enjoy the mist from the mountains and the sounds of the Vilcanota River. You can easily navigate to Machu Picchu from here via bus. It is among the Seven Wonders of the World. The scenic view from the top is breathtaking. You will surely be amazed by this magical site. You have to book ahead as tourism has now limited the number of visitors to preserve the environment here. Don’t plan your visit from July to August as these are the busiest months.
Arequipa
If you are in Peru, don’t miss out on the beautiful city of Arequipa. It is one of the best destinations Peru has to offer. Arequipa is most commonly known as the White City. This ancient historical city is surrounded by volcanoes. If you are a museum person, you can never get bored while being here and the city will surely not disappoint you. Wander around Plaza de Armas and find plenty of cafes and travel agencies there. The main highlight of the region is the dazzling white Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa. Some other interesting destinations include Santa Catalina Monastery. Moreover, make sure to see the short film ice maiden as it is one of the most unusual things in Peru.
Rainbow Mountain
Machu Picchu is not the only reason why people head to Peru. Another tourist hub in Peru, the multicolored Rainbow Mountain is the second one. It has many other names like Vinicunca, Winikunka, Montaña de Siete Colores, and Montaña de Colores. It lies three hours away from Cusco. So when you are in Cusco, plan a trip here. It was once covered in snow and ice and appeared only in 2015 as a result of global warming when the ice melted. There’s a lot to see around Rainbow Mountain such as the Red Valley and Ausangate. Capture this natural miracle with both your camera and heart. It is one of the most popular places on the planet and on average 1000 people visit it daily.
Lake Titicaca
Puno is the gateway to Lake Titicaca. The lake is located on the border of Peru and Bolivia and is the birthplace of the Incas. Lake Titicaca is the size of an ocean and is the world’s highest navigable lake. Take a boat trip to the Uros from here to see the Uros people. These are the people who isolated themselves centuries ago. If you want to know more about the culture and traditions of Peru, a visit to the Uros tribe is a must.
