A paradise for surfers, nature enthusiasts, Epicureans, history buffs, and more, Peru is home to some of the most marvelled places on earth, including the Amazon Rainforest and Machu Picchu. As for the cities in Peru, well, they don’t disappoint.
For those who can’t get enough of the buzz of city life, the vibrant nooks and crannies of Peru’s cities are an urban explorer’s dream. From beautiful Arequipa to Lima’s exciting nightlife and Iquitos’ Amazonian pop art scene, here are 12 Peruvian cities you’ve simply got to see on your next adventure.
1. Lima
Sprawling along the Pacific coast, Peru’s capital city is home to more than 10 million people. Blessed with cliffside vistas, piers, surf spots, and beaches, Lima also offers plenty of history, incredible food, and entertainment.
Meander the historic centre, a designated UNESCO site, and marvel at centuries-old Spanish colonial buildings, including the Lima Metropolitan Cathedral. Thought to connect to several churches via underground passages, this Baroque masterpiece is hard to miss.
People watch in the Plaza Mayor de Lima, where tall palm trees and Neoclassical buildings frame the scene. Afterward, head to nearby Miraflores to experience its vibrant nightlife. While there, grab a great meal and a Pisco sour — Lima’s most famous cocktail.
To learn about the region’s pre-Columbian history, check out the Huaca Pucllana Site Museum right in the heart of Miraflores — or visit nearby Pachacámac, where adobe temples and pyramids have stood for over 2,000 years.
2. Cusco
At an altitude of 3,400m (11,200 ft), Cusco is one of the highest cities in the world and is considered the Incan capital. From Andean Baroque churches to Inca ruins, Cusco offers a fascinating medley of pre-Columbian and Spanish Colonial history. Known for its lively nightlife, Cusco is also the starting point for onward journeys to Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, and Ollantaytambo.
While in town stop by the Cusco Cathedral towering over the Plaza de Armas, and see one of Peru’s most famous paintings, The Last Supper, by Marcos Zapata. Featuring a roasted guinea pig as Christ’s final meal makes for a delightful Peruvian twist.
A few blocks away, the Convent of Santo Domingo shares space with the ruins and museum of Koricancha, an Incan Sun Temple once covered in gold. For more Inca history, head to the mysterious Saqsaywaman, a massive complex at the edge of town unearthed in 2008.
3. Ica
Known for its many wineries, including Tacama (one of the oldest in South America), the desert city of Ica is also famous for Pisco brandy — a Peruvian specialty.
Although Ica might be one of the driest cities on earth, its passion for wine is anything but!
After a morning of wine tasting and vineyards, spend the afternoon exploring the Museo Regional de Ica. Known for artefacts spanning from Prehistoric to Spanish Colonial, you’ll also get to see the elongated skulls of the pre-Incan Paracas peoples.
For a unique day trip, head to the Huacachina oasis, a natural lagoon on the edge of the Atacama desert. Surrounded by endless dunes, it’s the perfect spot for sandboarding and dune buggying. To continue desert adventures, travel onwards to the Cañón de Los Perdidos. Here, you’ll encounter a 200-metre (660-foot) deep canyon that looks like something from Mars.
4. Trujillo
Trujillo is one of Peru’s largest cities and was once the centre of the Moche and Chimu Kingdoms. Aside from its rich history, the city is also known for Marinera dancing and Paso horses. Once protected from Pirates by a 17th-century wall, Trujillo’s historic centre is a colourful place filled with Neoclassical buildings of yellow, orange, and blue.
Spend some time at the toy museum or visit the Casa de Urquiaga — a colonial-era mansion where Simon Bolivar, the former president of Peru, once dwelled.
For a peek into the ancient past, take a short journey to Chan Chan. The biggest pre-Columbian city in the Americas, it was once the bustling capital of the Chimu empire. In the opposite direction, explore the remarkable pre-Incan temple of Huaca de la Luna, delighting visitors with its colourful friezes of ancient gods and animals.
For outdoor lovers, head to nearby Lake Conache, a lagoon surrounded by steep dunes ideal for sandboarding. Alternatively, grab a surfboard and spend the day riding the waves at Huanchaco Beach, a famous surf spot offering tasty ceviche.
5. Arequipa
With a population of 1.3 million, Arequipa is second only to Lima in size and remains one of the major cities in Peru. Renowned for its Andean and Colonial architecture, its centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 500 protected buildings. Built predominantly with white and pink volcanic stone, Arequipa is nicknamed ‘the white city’.
Stop by the Plaza de Armas, where parterre gardens surround an elaborate bronze fountain, and views of the snowcapped Andes are visible just beyond the Cathedral Basilica. Peek inside the cathedral to explore or head to the Andean Sanctuaries Museum, where Inca relics and sacrificial mummies offer a fascinating exhibit.
Another unique spot is the nearby Santa Catalina Monastery, where arcades of orange and blue cloisters open onto peaceful courtyards. Built in 1579, the monastery is still in use today.
For outdoor lovers, Colca Canyon is a three-hour road trip from Arequipa and offers trekking opportunities through one of the world’s deepest valleys.
6. Iquitos
Hugged by the Amazon Rainforest from every angle, Iquitos is the world’s biggest city inaccessible by road. It’s also Peru’s largest city in the Amazon region — and the only way to get here is by plane or an incredible three-day boat journey.
From the marvels of the Amazon right at its doorstep to the busy markets and European-inspired buildings, Iquitos is one of a kind. It’s also an incredibly creative city. To check out Iquitos art, visit Mercado Artesanal de San Juan, where local craftspeople sell their goods. For a traditional market experience, head to the Mercado de Belen for a fantastic glimpse into the soul of this city.
Because Iquitos is a social hub for regional Indigenous communities, it’s the perfect place to learn about the many cultures of the Peruvian Amazon. Visit the Museum of Amazonian Indigenous Cultures to learn more.
Outside the city, Isla de los Monos, a rescue and rehabilitation centre for monkeys, and the Allpahuayo-Mishana National Reserve are great spots to encounter flora and fauna.
7. Chiclayo
The Northern city of Chiclayo offers visitors the chance to explore a treasure trove of museums and archaeological sites that shed light on Pre-Incan Peru.
Visit the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum. Most famous for the Lord of Sipán mummy, a pre-Incan leader adorned in ceremonial attire, you’ll also see several other mummies and artefacts from the Moche kingdom. And if you’re feeling inspired, head to Huaca Rajada, the 1,500-year-old funerary mounds of the Sipán mummies.
Less than an hour from the city’s centre in either direction, you’ll find the 26 pyramids of Túcume and the recently discovered ruins of Cerro Pátapo.
Back in town, check out the many churches, including the Neoclassical Cathedral of Chiclayo, test your bargaining skills at the Mercado Modelo (market), or venture to the Mercado De Brujos (Witches market) for an experience to remember. For beach-goers, head to the sandy shores of Pimentel Beach and kick back for a day by the Pacific Ocean.
8. Cajamarca
The city of Cajamarca is well-known for its history and also for its Carnaval celebration. A three-day festival leading up to Lent, Cajamarca comes to life with music, dancing, and festivities — just watch out for the water balloons, or you might get splashed!
Exploring the city, you’ll see several 17th-century churches, including the Cathedral of Cajamarca. Featuring an intricate Andean Baroque facade, take a moment to admire its details. Although most of Cajamarca is known for its Spanish-colonial architecture, El Cuarto del Rescate (Ransom Room) predates Spanish influence. It’s also the spot where the final emperor of the Inca Empire, Atahualpa, was held captive, extorted, and later executed by Spanish Conquistadors.
For a great view of the city, climb the steps to the hilltop of Santa Apolina and encounter a pretty chapel and several mysterious carved stones, which may have been an Incan altar. Close to several archaeological sites, day trips from Cajamarca to the ancient ruins of Kuntur Wasi, Cumbe Mayo, and the pre-Incan gravesite of Ventanillas de Combayo are a must.
9. Ayacucho
Ayacucho is a lively city known for its Easter celebrations and many churches — there are 33 in total! With colourful Holy Week parades featuring candlelight processions and a running of the bulls, Ayacucho is one of the best cities in Peru for observing Semana Santa.
Outside of Easter celebrations, Ayacucho also offers great day trips. For history buffs, head to the ruins of Vilcashuamán, where you’ll find an Incan pyramid and Temple of the Sun. Another archaeological site not to be missed is the pre-Inca capital of Wari. At 1,200 years old, this massive complex was once a bustling settlement of more than 40,000 people.
Three hours from Ayacucho, the geological formation of Millpu is a series of cascading turquoise mineral pools offering a dreamy escape.
10. Huancayo
Perched at 3,256m (10,692 ft) above sea level, with views of Mount Huaytapallana, Huancayo is a hub of Andean arts and culture.
To find that perfect something, visit Huancayo’s Sunday market, which offers an array of hand-crafted jewellery, loom-woven textiles, art, and more. You’ll also see plenty of ornately carved gourds called Mates burilados — a local artform with a 3,500-year history. Of course, Sundays aren’t the only time to check out the market scene. There’s also a large produce market open every day of the week.
To understand Huancayo’s playful spirit, head to Parque de Identidad Wanka — a fairytale-esque park showcasing the city’s history through art installations and gardens. Afterward, travel uphill to Cerro de La Libertad for great sunset views and tasty snacks.
For an otherworldly experience, hike through Torre Torre, a trail that guides you through a sandstone valley filled with extraordinary rock formations. Or, visit Paca Lake, an energetic spot for boating, fishing, and water-side dining, where fresh trout is a staple dish.
11. Huaraz
Deep within the Andean Valley of Callejón de Huaylas at 3,052m (10,013 ft) above sea level, Huaraz is one the best cities in Peru for hiking, biking, mountain climbing, and more.
Head to Huascarán National Park, a UNESCO nature reserve, and hike alpine trails dotted with azure lakes and Andean glaciers. Marvel at Mount Huascarán Peak, one of the tallest mountains in the Americas, and if you’re daring, join a climbing expedition. After a day of hiking, visit the hot springs of the Monterrey Baths. Your tired legs will thank you!
For a dose of history, visit the Museum of Ancash. Located in central Huaraz, it also happens to be surrounded by an impressive monolithic park. Just beyond the city limits, Chavín de Huantar, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers nearly 2,000 years of history and is one of the oldest known pre-Columbian sites.
12. Pisco
The Pacific port city of Pisco is known for excellent seafood and its proximity to several wildlife habitats. Though you might think Pisco is the hub of the Peruvian brandy by the same name, most Pisco distilleries are in the nearby city of Ica.
From the neighbouring beach town of Paracas, visit the Paracas National Reserve, where wildlife viewing opportunities abound. Another option is the Ballestas Islands, known as the ‘Poor Man’s Galapagos’, a protected island home to unique flora and fauna including Humboldt penguins and marine otters. Hop on a boat and you might even see dolphins!
For a memorable trip from Pisco, head to the Tambo Colorado ruins deep within the desert. An hour’s drive northeast of the city, this ancient Inca settlement may have been an administrative hub. And of course, no visit to Pisco is complete without a trip to the Nazca Lines. Book your spot on one of the many daily flights to see an incredible aerial view of the mysterious geoglyphs.
