Peru is loaded with old colonial cities and ancient Inca towns that are interspersed with numerous fascinating archaeological sites. These towns and cities harbour some outstanding buildings and landmarks and many resort towns along the coast offer fantastic nightlife.
 Arequipa
Located in the extreme south of Peru, about 100 miles from the coastal city of Mollenda, Arequipa, the ‘White City’, is known for its impossibly deep canyons and lofty mountains. This is where Cocla Canyon, the world’s deepest canyon, can be found. Within the city itself are several attractive buildings that were constructed from bright volcanic rock (sillar). The Convento de Santa Catalina is Arequipa’s most photographed building and one of Peru’s foremost religious colonial structures.
 Cuzco
Cuzco lies to north of Arequipa and is highly revered in the archaeological world as it is home to numerous important sites and relics. Cuzco is actually the most important archaeological centre in the Americas and is also the oldest continuously inhabited city in South America. The influence of the Incas can be found all around the town, as well as huge stone walls built by the Quechuan people and stunning colonial architecture such as the cathedral and La Merced Church.
 Huaraz
Huaraz is the centre of climbing, trekking and backpacking in Peru. This is mainly due to the beautiful mountains and lakes of the nearby Andes. A string of hot springs and pre-Inca archaeological sites can also be found in the region, with Chavín de Huántar being the most important. The city is mainly used as a base camp owing to its numerous hotels and restaurants.
 Iquitos
Iquitos is the gateway to the Amazon from Peru and is the country’s largest jungle. It is located in the northeast of Peru, not too far from the Brazilian border, yet is only accessible by plane and boat. Although oil and rubber were major exports of Iquitos, tourism is the main industry of the area today and excursions into the jungle are extremely popular.
 Lima
Peru’s capital city is a huge metropolis in the middle of the country’s desert coastline and although much of the city’s inhabitants are way below the poverty line, there are some stunning attractions here. The people in Lima are very friendly and some striking architecture can be found in the colonial centre, as well as a collection of museums and even a zoo. The colonial centre of Lima is its biggest draw, where numerous lively cafés, plazas and markets provide a fantastic atmosphere throughout the day and night.
 Machu Picchu
Lying northwest of Cuzco is perhaps Peru’s most awe-inspiring sight, the ancient Incan hilltop village of Machu Picchu. This can be seen on the infamous Inca trail and is renowned around the world as the ‘lost city of the Incas’. Often bathed in clouds and mist, the most atmospheric time to explore the ruins is during a sunrise, sunset or under moonlight.
 Moray
Moray is also found near Cuzco and is another Inca site. It is a series of obscure ringed terraces that have been etched into the ground to take on the form of huge amphitheatre-like steps. The whole area was an experiment by the ancient people to test out new crops and to see how they would react to the differing temperatures from microclimates that were formed by the action of the levelling.
 Puno and Lake Titicaca
Puno was founded in the 17th century after the discovery of silver in the area. It lies on the shores of the world’s highest navigable body of water, Lake Titicaca, which straddles the Peru/Bolivia border. This incredible blue lake sits at over 12,000 feet above sea level and is South America's largest lake. Puno itself boasts one or two impressive ruins and provides some great views of the lake. It is a favourite with people who are looking to escape the frenetic tourist areas.
 Trujillo
The 15th century coastal city of Trujillo is Peru’s third largest city and lies in the north of the country. It has the feeling of a much smaller town owing to its magnificent colonial architecture and boasts a grand plaza and an attractive downtown area lined with old mansions. Trujillo’s biggest claim to fame is its nearby pre-Columbian archaeological sites, including the ruins of the Chimú culture and a collection of Moche temples. The beach resort of Huanchaco, not far from Trujillo, is also a big draw, especially for young travellers interested in surfing and nightlife.
Top Things to Do
 Cycle the Andes
Mountain biking is becoming increasingly popular in the mountains of Peru and there are some unbelievable tracks in the central Andean region, especially in the valley close to the Cordillera Blanca. The tracks have been carved out by horse hoofs and span mile upon mile of deep valleys strewn with ancient villages and lofty mountains, some of which reach as high as 16,000 feet or more. The Semana del Andinismo in Huaraz is an annual mountain biking competition and great fun.
 Explore the Amazon Basin
The Amazon rainforest is not only found in Brazil; there are huge tracts of it right inside Peru, the best of which is found in the north and accessible from Iquitos. Getting to Iquitos is an adventure in itself as only small planes and boats can make the journey. In the southern Amazon, near Cuzco, there are two outstanding national reserves, the Tambopata and Manu.
 Float on Lake Titicaca
Just to have a view across this natural wonder is impressive enough, yet taking a trip across the lake and visiting the Uros floating islands is a must. Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable body of water and stands between the town of Puno and the Bolivian border in the south of Peru. The Uros floating islands are an hour’s boat ride from the town of Puno and are actually large patches of floating reeds that are inhabited by ancient cultures. Visitors can stay on the islands overnight and marvel at the lake and stars.
 Fly over the Nasca Lines
Take a flight over these ancient South American enigmas on Peru's southern desert coast. The Nasca Lines are giant figures and lines drawn into the desert sands; they stretch for miles and are best appreciated from the air. Plants, animals and even astronauts are represented in the figures that were made between 300 BC and 700 AD. Whether they are signs from the gods, ancient calendars or agricultural tracts is unknown but they are an awe-inspiring sight, whatever their purpose.
 Tour the Sacsayhuamán under a Full Moon
It is possible to visit the Sacsayhuamán ruins at night on a dedicated tour. The ruins lie high above Cuzco and are stunning during a full moon. It is then that visitors can fully appreciate the thinking behind the Inca’s worship of the moon and their inspiring creations.
 Try Dune Surfing
The sand dunes of southern Peru are the highest in South America and many people come to Peru especially to surf down these behemoths on sand boards, boogie boards, and dune buggies. The biggest dunes are located close to the Nasca Lines, while the most stunning can be found by the Huacachina Lagoon near Ica.
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