Discover the 5 best cities in Peru: a traveller's guide

Peru has many fascinating and beautiful cities that offer visitors unforgettable experiences. From ancient history to incredible cuisine, these cities boast it all! But which should you prioritise during your trip to Peru?

In this list, we discuss only the cities that are real destinations in their own rights – not those that are memorable because of their proximity to somewhere else remarkable (for instance, Puno isn't a top tourist city but it's proximity to Lake Titicaca and its floating islands make it highly visited). We also don't discuss smaller settlements, like the oasis town of Huacachina.

So yes, caveats in place, let's now take a look at the top five cities in Peru that we think all travellers should try to include in their holiday itinerary!

The coastline of central Lima

Lima is nearly 10 times larger than any other city in Peru. That's astonishing when you think on it. Your first sight of it comes as you fly into the airport. It's a thin, desert megalopolis that runs along the coastline in a seemingly endless fashion, with the Andes mountains forming a natural boundary to its east.

Once you've landed and settled into your accommodation, here are some of the top attractions to be sure not to miss during your time in the Peruvian capital ...

Lima is the culinary capital of South America, so foodies can enjoy sampling some of its justifiably famous traditional and fusion dishes and drinks.

There's causa Limena, for instance, which is a potato-and-meat based entrée that has pre-Colombian origins. Then there's Peru's national dish, ceviche, which is made from thin strips of raw fish, octopus, scallops and other freshly caught seafood and marinated in leche de tigre (or ‘tiger’s milk’). Lomo saltado is a modern fusion dish of beef strips that've been sautéed with onions, tomatoes and soy sauce. And don't forget to try the city's wonderful range of Peruvian coffees and pisco sours.

The Historic Centre of Lima is the portion of the city founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro as La Ciudad de los Reyes, or City of Kings. It's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We recommend going on a guided tour, where you can see and appreciate the various architectural influences at play, watch a military parade on the plaza de armas (main square), and explore the expansive catacombs of the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco. And why not include a chocolate-making workshop while you're at it?

The inner courtyard of the Larco Museum has beautiful gardens

There's arguably no better place to learn about Peru's pre-Columbian history than at the Larco Museum in the Pueblo Libre district of Lima.

This pretty complex houses a world-class collection of artefacts, which include a staggeringly large collection of ceramics. It goes without saying that you should visit with a tour guide in order to truly appreciate the stories whispered by the various artefacts. You'll learn about the various successive cultures that have inhabited the region, from ancient BCE cultures right up to the Inca, the last civilisation to rule the region before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors.

In a city built in one of the world's harshest deserts, the adjacent clifftop suburbs of Miraflores and Barranco stand out for their carefully irrigated parks, which are full of leafy trees, flowerbeds and many unusual art installations. We highly recommend taking a stroll along the suburbs' miles-long, clifftop Malecón Walkway in the evening to watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean and Calvinzas Islands. You can also pick up various tasty eats and drinks at Larcomar, a striking open-air shopping centre built into the cliffside.

Some of the ruins of Huaca Pucllana

The Huaca Pucllana pyramid was built by the Lima, the civilisation that occupied the region between 200 and 700 AD and gave the city its present-day name. It's a remarkably intact structure, which speaks to the culture's advanced engineering skills and knowledge. The pyramid can be found in the Miraflores district, surrounded by modern buildings. It's a potent reminder of the millennia of rich history associated with this one particular spot on the globe.

There's so much more to do in Lima besides the above, though we can't mention them all here. 'Honourable mentions' go to hang-gliding from Malecón Walkway to the beach below, surfing the Pacific's waves, and catching a boat ride to the nearby uninhabited islets to see wildlife species like pelicans, Humboldt penguins and sea lions. You could also visit the Magic Water Circuit which is an amazing water fountain light and sound display held every evening in downtown Lima.

Learn more about the various attractions of this truly unique city in Lima in a day – the very best things to see, do and eat.

Statue of Pachacuti in Cusco

Undoubtedly one of the very best cities to visit in Peru is Cusco, another of the country's many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Found in a valley at 3,399 m (11,152 ft) above sea level, this high-altitude city in the Andes is the gateway to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. For this reason as well as its own various charms, Cusco can lay claim to being Peru's number one tourist destination.

So what are some of its top attractions to include in your itinerary?

The imposing facade of Coricancha

There's much to see and do in Cusco, but if you only have time to visit one site, then we think it should be Coricancha. Arguably nowhere else in Cusco offers such a stellar showcase of the blending of Inca ingenuity and Spanish colonial architecture.

Coricancha, also spelled Qorikancha, was built in honour of Inti, the sun god of the Incas. When the Spanish conquered the city, they built upon the Inca foundations of the temple and converted the structure into the Santo Domingo Church. Consequently, the site is now a fascinating mix of Inca and colonial architecture, and is a great starting place for anyone keen to learn about the history of this storied city. Of course, you need a good tour guide to help you really appreciate all that you see there!

No visit to Cusco would be complete without wandering the streets and exploring the plazas of its historic centre. Once again, we recommend heading out with a local guide, who will show you some of the finest examples of Inca stone masonry. At its best, the carefully hand-carved rocks are so closely stacked and aligned that you can't even insert the edge of a banknote.

One specific site that you might wish to visit is Cusco Cathedral, a grand and hyper-ornate building that's filled with colonial-style statues, paintings and decorative interior details. It's fascinating to learn how the local Quechua artists tasked with painting its pictures and murals quietly incorporated indigenous details and beliefs into the biblical scenes, such as including llamas and guinea pigs among the other animals and giving Mary, the mother of Jesus, the traditional, mountain-like profile of the local deity Pachamama (Mother Earth).

Finally, Cusco is hot on the heels of Lima when it comes to its foodie reputation. Many tops chefs have relocated there, and the city's food game in general is top-notch. There are also several incredible markets where you can buy very affordable food, should you like, and experience eating like a local. A popular, centuries-old dish to try while in Cusco is cuy, which is roasted guinea pig. You can learn more on the topic in Culinary Cusco – the best foods and restaurants.

Belen district of the city of Iquitos

Iquitos is Peru's largest Amazon-based city, yet it can only be reached by plane or boat – there are no roads connecting it to the rest of the country. In fact, it's the largest city in the world that can only be accessed by air or water! This fact alone makes it a compelling destination.

Some of the 'floating' buildings in the Belen district of Iquitos

The city of Iquitos sits sandwiched between the Amazon, Itaya and Nanay Rivers, all of which converge on the northeast border of the settlement. Consequently, certain parts of the city have been built with water in mind.

Nowhere is this more the case than in Belen, a riverside district of Iquitos that's notable for its dwellings built on stilts. Often called 'floating houses', the buildings are constructed this way to ensure their longevity when the waters of the Itaya River rise. A guided tour of Belen is a truly memorable experience that includes visiting the local marketplace to try some tasty local dishes.

In contrast to Belen, the historic centre of Iquitos has much less water, and instead of stilted buildings it is dominated by colonial and nineteenth century architecture.

Iquitos was established as a mission station in 1757 by Spanish Jesuits. The small settlement then burgeoned in the 1870s and 80s with the rubber boom. We highly recommend going on a guided tour of the historic city centre to learn all about the rubber boom and its consequences for the local economy, community and environment. This tour should include visiting the Casa de Fierro (Iron House), which was built in 1892 and sits on a corner of the main square. This square house with a red roof and iron-clad walls was designed by Gustave Eiffel, the man behind the eponymous Eiffel Tower.

Two manatees at the rescue centre

Another great activity on offer in Iquitos is visiting the Manatee Rescue Centre.

Manatees are slow-moving, gentle, mostly herbivorous mammals. The manatees served by the rescue centre are Amazonian manatees, the only fresh-water species. Amazonian manatees have a vulnerable designation mostly due to habitat degradation and hunting. This important rescue organisation offers visitors a one-hour tour, during which your guide explains the rehabilitation process necessary to prepare the creatures to be released back into the wild.

Finally, it's important to note that Iquitos is the gateway city for anyone wanting to go on an Amazon River cruise in Peru or explore one of the nearby parks like the renowned Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, the second largest ecological reserve in the entire Amazon Rainforest. So while it's a worthy destination in its own right, Iquitos is likely going to be bumped up on your list of must-visit cities since since it's also your stepping stone into an even wilder rainforest experience!

Arequipa with Chachani volcano presiding

Another one of the five best cities to visit in Peru is the historic and beautifully situated Arequipa. Located in the Andes in the far south of Peru, the city's backdrop is defined by the three nearby volcanoes: Misti (5,822 m), Chachani (6,075 m) and Pichu Pichu (5,664 m). Founded in 1540, Arequipa is called the White City because many of its historic buildings were constructed from sillar, a pale volcanic rock mined from these volcanoes.

Arequipa Cathedral and Misti Volcano at sunset

One of the best places to visit in Arequipa is the historic centre of Arequipa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We recommend exploring the colonial districts of Yanaahuara and St Lazarus, and walking up to the spectacular viewpoint of the Mirador de Yanahuara. Also step inside the cool of Arequipa Cathedral, the longest church in Peru. Dating from 1656, the cathedral was razed by an 1868 earthquake and then rebuilt, so it has a simpler, more luminous interior than most of the other cathedrals in the country.

You might also like to combine your inner city wanderings with a food tour, as the cafés and restaurants of Arequipa serve truly excellent Peruvian cuisine.

The monastery buildings are known for their distinctively red walls

An important part of the historic city centre is the Convent of Saint Catalina (or Monasterio de Santa Catalina in Spanish), which was built in 1579. It's billed as being a city within the city, given its location within the heart of Arequipa and the fact of it having its own streets, plaza, chapel, cloisters and residential buildings. It's an important example of Peruvian colonial architecture, while it's pinkish walls make it eminently photographable.

Even though it remains a working convent, visitors are welcome. You can pop into the chapel, browse the impressive picture gallery, attend a theatrical performance, visit the museum (which houses many old books), and also just stroll the alleys and enjoy the sun and ambience while sitting in the plaza.

We must finally mention that Arequipa is the gateway to various bucket-list-worthy adventure destinations like the Valley of the Volcanoes, Colca Canyon and the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca. These nearby destinations attract adventure tourists and nature lovers from all around the world. So we highly recommend combining your Arequipa city visit with some exploring just beyond its borders!

Plaza de Armas in the historic center of Trujillo

Located in a valley where the Moche River empties into the Pacific Ocean on the northern coastline of Peru, Trujillo is a desert city steeped in ancient and mediaeval history.

The ancient Moche culture, for instance, lived in the valley between 100 and 900 AD. They were then succeeded by the Chimú, who ruled for nearly 600 years before they were, in their turn, conquered by the Incas in the 1500s. Finally, the Spanish came, and they built the colonial architecture that now dominates present-day Trujillo.

Without doubt, visitors to Trujillo should head to the Huacas of the Su and Moon archaeological site to learn about the ancient Moche (or Mochica) civilisation. The well-preserved irrigation channels, pyramids, stairs, wall paintings and friezes are just some of the site's ruins and features that help to tell the story of this robust and sophisticated society.

While there, you can also step into the world-class Huacas de Moche Museum. Here you're introduced to the culture through various thematic displays, such as those touching on theocracy, war, human sacrifice, fishing, plants and the universe. The Moche were expert potters, weavers, metalworker and carvers, so there are also many incredible artefacts to admire.

Chan Chan archaeological site with anachronistic Inca statue

As mentioned, after the Moche came the Chimú. To learn about the Chimú, visit Chan Chan, an incredibly intact archaeological site on the outskirts of Trujillo. This vast complex of ruined adobe constructions (which include temples, plazas, cemeteries and a palace) was once the thriving capital of the Chimú. In fact, it was the largest of the Americas' pre-Colombian cities!

We highly recommend going on a guided tour to learn about the industry, lifestyle and beliefs of this fascinating culture.

One of Trujillo's characteristically colourful streets

We highly recommend going on a tour of the historic centre of Trujillo. This should include visiting the historic centre, where bright yellow and royal blue buildings line the spacious plaza de armas. The Saint Maria Cathedral is one of these yellow buildings, making it a striking edifice since it combines such a brightly coloured paint with more traditionally colonial architectural details.

What's especially lovely about Trujillo is that it's very much a city for locals – so you experience a more authentic sort of Peruvian lifestyle compared with other, more tourist-centric cities. The city is also the launching pad for anyone visiting the nearby Cordillera Blanca, the country's second-most popular Andean region. You might therefore like to pair a visit to Trujillo with some hiking among the snow-capped peaks of Peru's northern Andean mountains.

So what do you think? Are you ready to visit Peru's most beautiful, historic, culinary and cultural cities? Please just drop us a note if you'd like us to help you plan that trip!