If there’s one place you have to visit this year, it’s Peru.

For many people, the word “Peru” reminds them of high mountain peaks, beautiful blue skies, ancient ruins and archaeological sites and crystal clear lakes. Peru is all of that and more. This enchanting land is full of mysteries and wonders that would take a lifetime to uncover. Your can mingle with fellow holiday makers who are seeking thrills and adventure or interact with busy locals who are more than willing to serve you local delicacies, show you the country’s most breathtaking views and even teach you how to practice their traditions.

Even after your holiday is over and you’re back at home, your holiday experiences will nag you to return once more to visit all the locations you couldn’t. So let’s scratch that curious itch that you have about Peru and introduce you to 10 of the most amazing, unique and beautiful locations in Peru that you can’t afford to miss.

Arequipa

The City of Arequipa is also known as the “White City” because of the buildings made from a white volcanic rock called sillar. Speaking of volcanos, this city is surrounded by three dramatic ones that stretch high into the sky. As a result, there is seismic activity that regularly shakes the surrounding area with the last one causing significant damage back in 2001. However, don’t let that put you off—the city’s incredibly unique and beautiful architecture has proved to be a formidable defence against the rumbles and quakes. But nature and buildings aside, Arequipa is also home to some gastronomic delights. The dishes here are spicy, creamy, and there is plenty of seafood to sink your teeth into.

Colca Canyon

The Colca Canyon is a frequent stop in most Peru vacation package deals. Situated roughly 160 km northeast of Arequipa, the Colca Canyon sports an impressive 4,150 depth, making it one of the deepest canyons in the world. To give you a sense of scale, it’s over twice the depth of the Grand Canyon. This is an excellent spot to take some breathtaking holiday pictures and to marvel at the Andean condors flying overhead. You’ll get to witness their beauty up close and take some remarkable landscape photos.

The Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is an important agricultural area that goes back to the 13th century. The Incan Empire was arguably the largest empire during the 16th century until they were finally conquered by the Spanish in 1572. Situated around 15km from Cusco, many travel experts recommend that you register yourself for tours inside of the city. You’ll need a guide to explore all the wonders of the Sacred Valley, and there’s no better way to do so than to hire a tour guide. You’ll be experiencing some splendid views, a few archaeological sites and you’ll get the chance to browse the markets.

Cusco

Cusco is an iconic city in Peru that bleeds with Andean culture. This popular tourist destination is home to home of the most colourful textures, lively fiestas and wild carnivals to take part in. The incredible landscape that surrounds this picturesque city can be explored by foot, bike or even rafting. However, you can also take the local public transport that will happily ferry you to some of the more remote locations and culture-rich areas of Cusco.

Machu Picchu

A trip to Peru isn’t complete without a tour of Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas”. Machu Picchu is truly a wonder of the world. This citadel was built atop a towering mountain and smothered in centuries worth of dense vegetation until Hiram Bingham discovered it in 1911 thanks to a tip by the locals. Machu Picchu is an official UNESCO World Heritage site that has received a lot of awards and is recognised as one of the world’s most important landmarks. This is a must-visit destination if you plan to visit Peru.

Saksaywaman

Saksaywaman is a walled complex that is shrouded in mystery. It’s famous for its incredibly large stone walls that are built from carefully cut boulders that fit almost perfectly. It’s a stunning location if you want to visit Incan ruins, and it’s close to the city of Cusco making it an easy destination to reach as a tourist. It was once a complex that could house over 10,000 men, but even now, the remains of the outer walls stand proudly and firm due to their expertly crafted precision and attention to detail. This is a location that shouldn’t be missed if you are in Cusco.