When you visit Peru, a well-planned route will take you through Peru’s main cities so you can see everything the country has to offer. Most international travelers fly into Lima, the capital city and a vibrant melting pot of modern cultures, traditional arts, and colonial architecture. Lima, while certainly among Peru’s major cities, was once considered just an entry point for tourists traveling to other parts of the country.
Today, thousands of tourists flock to Lima to explore this great city, renowned for its beautiful white-sand beaches and unique mix of old and new. Lima has some of the best museums as well as the best restaurants on the continent, not to mention an active nightlife that lasts until dawn.
One of the main cities in Peru is Arequipa, known as “The White City” for its buildings built with white volcanic rock. A beautiful valley destination, Arequipa is one of the main cities in Peru that is home to interesting churches, such as the Santa Calina Monastery. Many travelers visit Arequipa to explore the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons on the continent.
Iquitos is a tropical city and one of the only major cities in Peru located in the jungle region. This city has become one of the main tourist destinations, especially for those who enter the Peruvian Amazon jungle. For a completely different atmosphere, visit Nazca, an oasis nestled in a green valley completely surrounded by high mountains. The main attraction in Nazca is a flyover of strange lines etched into the plains centuries ago for mysterious reasons. Many travelers also visit Nazca over other major cities in Peru for its world famous paragliding and sandboarding on Cerro Blanco, the world’s largest sand dune.
Cusco is one of the most popular tourist destinations among the main cities of Peru. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, it is the closest major city to the famous ruins of Machu Picchu. Rising 11,150 feet above sea level, the city of Cusco displays a mix of Spanish colonial architecture and Inca ruins. Many tourists enjoy touring the city during the day and the many clubs and live music venues at night.
Another of the main cities of Peru for those seeking adventure is Urubamba. The largest city in the famous Sacred Valley since the time of the Inca empire, Urubamba is known for its snow-capped peaks and glaciers. In addition to the historic Inca ruins, Urubamba boasts some of the best whitewater rafting in the world with stunning scenery. Those seeking a more relaxed beachfront setting often head to Huanchaco, Peru’s hot spot for surfing and fishing. The city, which is full of beach houses, offers prime spots for surfing and bird watching.
For those looking to explore the native cultures within Peru’s major cities, daily boat trips to the island town of Armantani will transport you to a peaceful and beautiful setting of stone-carved temples. Armantani celebrates several festivals each year and is known for its traditional textiles and basketry.