Peru Highlights
Machu Picchu, the Amazon, and the world's highest navigable lake
Peru is one of South America's most compelling destinations — home to Machu Picchu (one of the world's greatest archaeological sites), the Amazon rainforest, Lake Titicaca, and the mysterious Nazca Lines. The country's extraordinary diversity of landscapes, cultures, and cuisines makes it one of the most rewarding long-haul destinations on earth.
Top Peru Highlights to Visit
Handpicked destinations for the ultimate peru highlights experience
Lake Titicaca
The world's highest navigable lake — home to the floating Uros islands and ancient Inca culture
Lake Titicaca sits at 3,812 metres above sea level on the border between Peru and Bolivia — the highest navigable lake in the world. The lake is home to the extraordinary Uros floating islands, built entirely from totora reeds by the Uros people. The Taquile and Amantaní islands offer homestays with Quechua communities maintaining ancient traditions.
Highlights
- World's highest navigable lake at 3,812 metres
- Uros floating islands built entirely from totora reeds
- Homestays with Quechua communities on Taquile and Amantaní
- Extraordinary sunrise views over the lake
- Ancient Inca cultural traditions still alive today
Things to Do
- Visit the Uros floating reed islands
- Homestay on Taquile or Amantaní island
- Watch the sunrise over the lake
- Learn about Uros reed boat construction
- Hike to the Taquile hilltop for panoramic views
Practical Info
Best Time to Visit
May–October (dry season)
Recommended Duration
2–3 days
Typical Cost
Boat tours from $15
Travel Tips
- ·Acclimatise to altitude (3,812m) before arriving
- ·Puno is 6 hours by bus from Cusco
- ·Overnight on an island for the most authentic experience
- ·The lake is coldest at night — bring warm clothing
- ·Combine with a visit to the Sillustani pre-Inca burial towers
Nearby Attractions
Nazca Lines
Ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert — one of the world's greatest archaeological mysteries
The Nazca Lines are a series of ancient geoglyphs etched into the Nazca Desert of southern Peru, created by the Nazca culture between 500 BC and 500 AD. The lines depict animals, plants, and geometric shapes — some over 370 metres long — that can only be fully appreciated from the air. The purpose of the lines remains one of archaeology's greatest mysteries.
Highlights
- Ancient geoglyphs up to 370 metres long — only visible from the air
- Created by the Nazca culture between 500 BC and 500 AD
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- One of archaeology's greatest mysteries
- Overflight from Nazca airport — 30 minutes
Things to Do
- Overflight to see the lines from the air
- Visit the Mirador (observation tower) for ground-level views
- Explore the Chauchilla Cemetery (Nazca mummies)
- Visit the Maria Reiche Museum
- Hike to the Cerro Blanco sand dune (the world's highest)
Practical Info
Best Time to Visit
May–October
Recommended Duration
1 day
Typical Cost
Overflight from $80–150
Travel Tips
- ·The overflight is essential — the lines are invisible from the ground
- ·Book the overflight in advance — prices vary significantly
- ·Nazca is 7 hours by bus from Lima
- ·Motion sickness is common on the small planes — take medication if prone
- ·Combine with a visit to the Paracas National Reserve (2 hours away)
Nearby Attractions
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