Peru is a dream destination for adventurers, families, or visitors looking for new experiences. However, among these groups of travelers, are those who want to just relax and enjoy. Are you one of them? Well, we’d like you to introduce some destinations in our country perfect for chilling out.
The Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a group of villages located 34 kilometers from Cusco. The stunning scenery from town to town truly makes this Andean area special, you will feel its magic the moment you arrive.
This region is a perfect escape from Cusco, it’s the best place for anyone wanting to relax by the Urubamba River and explore its rich history. We can say that the towns in the Sacred Valley are precious pearls that make a beautiful necklace. Come and discover the amazing Sacred Valley!
Your journey will start in Chinchero. Here, you can admire the mestizo architecture and learn about the rich culture. Don’t miss the Chinchero Archaeological Site and the local craft market, which are famous for their stunning textiles.
Next, head to Pisac, where you can explore the impressive archaeological site and enjoy the lively Sunday market. Urubamba is perfect for stunning views, great food, and outdoor fun.
Then, visit Ollantaytambo, a charming Inca village that serves as a gateway to Machu Picchu. Here, you can see the archaeological sites and the Pinkuylluna Warehouses.
Make sure to check out Moray’s fascinating agricultural terraces and the Maras Salt Mines, which are both ancient and still in use today.
Lastly, no trip is complete without visiting Machu Picchu! After having a productive but exhausting day, you can go to Aguas Calientes, where you can spend the night soaking your body in the hot springs.
Huaraz
Huaraz is like the trekking mecca of Peru—and for a good reason. It’s jam-packed with mind-blowing natural wonders. You’ll see stunning turquoise lagoons and snow-capped peaks. You’ll hike through beautiful valleys and ancient ruins. If you hang out in Huaraz, you’ll have many adventures in the “Cordillera Blanca,” a Peruvian mountain range in the famous Andes.
Plus, you’ll get to experience more of Peru’s culture. The Chavín culture, a pre inca culture that flourished from 1500 to 300 BC, is a wonderful starting point for understanding Andean civilizations. It significantly influenced later cultures, including the Incas. The Chavín de Huantar site, with its Old and New Temples, was a key religious and administrative center.
Located in the picturesque Ancash region, this site showcases the amazing artistic skills of the Chavín people. Just a short drive away, you can enjoy the stunning views of the Callejón de Huaylas.
Experts call this park a “sanctuary of biodiversity” as it houses a variety of wildlife such as 800 plant species and over 120 animal, reptile, amphibian, and bird species. In the Huascaran, you’ll find lovely lagoons, Llanganuco and Parón, and the impressive Pastoruri Glacier. This area beautifully combines Peru’s rich history with its natural wonders, making it a must-visit destination!
Huacachina
On the Peruvian north coast, 5 hours from Lima you’ll get to the only oasis in South America, La Huacachina. La Huacachina is a charming village with a beautiful lagoon and good tourist facilities. It has about 115 friendly residents and is just 15 minutes from Ica. Now popular with travelers, Huacachina was once a getaway for the wealthy from the region and Lima.
You might be surprised to learn that the transformation occurred in the 1900s, not during colonial times. Some buildings, though, appear to be from the colonial era. Yet, they were built after the 1960s to mimic Spanish-influenced architecture. Today, the Huacachina oasis is surrounded by palm trees and eucalyptus, offering a stunning view for visitors.
You can ride a dune buggy and do sandboarding, or if you don’t like that many adventure sports, you can have the pisco route tour, where you’ll discover all the secrets linked to Peru’s flagship dish. As the Paracas National Reserve, the Ballestas Islands, or the Nazca Lines are not that far, you can take the chance and visit these paradise-like destinations in our country.
Mancora
Another great option to spend chilling days is Mancora City. Popular for being a surf destination, Máncora, located in the Piura department near Tumbes, is a wonderful coastal destination in Peru. It’s well-loved for its stunning beaches and warm waters. It offers many exciting water activities.
The beaches, with their soft white sand and clear waters, are perfect for relaxing and sunbathing. Máncora has many water sports for you to enjoy. You can surf, kitesurf, windsurf, paddleboard, or sport fish. You can also explore nearby Punta Sal, which is known for its luxurious resorts and beautiful, clear waters.
Don’t miss Cabo Blanco, celebrated for inspiring Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea,” and recognized as a top fishing spot. Máncora’s warm, sunny climate makes it a top year-round spot, especially from December to April. Máncora, on Peru’s northern coast, is perfect for both relaxing and adventure. It offers an unforgettable experience!
Honorable Mentions
Chivay
The Chivay Town in Arequipa, located 180 kilometers from the white city, is your gateway to the Colca Canyon, you can have a wonderful stay in an eco-lodge and get into its thermal baths. However, keep in mind that you must be adapted to the high altitude before entering the Colca Canyon.
Amantani Island
The Amantani Island is one of the small islands on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca. It is easily reached by boat from Puno in two hours, traveling 40 kilometers away. The island features a natural environment that is cut off from Lake Titicaca’s periphery.
Two groups ruled these areas long before the Inca civilization, leaving behind amazing agricultural terraces that have been worked on ever since. These days, local farmers grow potatoes, quinoa, wheat, and other vegetables on these terraced hillsides. As soon as you lay eyes on the island, the slow-paced way of life will captivate you.
Chachapoyas
“The City in the Clouds” promises to captivate you with its biodiversity, attractions, food, and culture. In the heart of the Amazon, you’ll find Chachapoyas, the capital of the Amazonas province. In its historic center, you can see colonial architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries, in 1988 it was declared as a national cultural site.
On the Leymabamba and the Gilberto Tenorio Museums, you can get a glimpse of pre-inca cultures, such as the Chachapoyas, a people who fought the Incas and were eventually subdued by them. We can assure you you’ll be amazed by archaeological sites such as Kuelap, also called the jungle’s Machu Picchu. ”While you watch the cloud forest, you can good time in the Gocta Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in Peru and the world.
These are just a few paradise-like attractions you can see in our country, we really hope you can have a good time while leaving behind the same old grind. For your trip to Peru, we recommend you hire a reputable travel agency, such as Viagens Machu Picchu. Our more than 100,000 clients can confirm that. Contact our consultants and start living your dreams in Peru!
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