So you’re into places with deep meanings and histories and not sure where to go for your next vacation? Give me five minutes to convince you on why Peru deserves a place on your travel list. Peru just isn’t like other countries. Let me tell you what really makes Peru stand out, and it’s not just because of its incredible landscapes, though those are cool too. I remember standing in the shadow of Machu Picchu for the first time, feeling the energy of this ancient citadel that’s perched so dramatically in the Andes. For me — and likely for you — visiting Peru’s top historical sites is an overall experience that really connected me to past lives.
In Cusco, you can feel the people talking and brimming with history in every cobblestone street. Walking through this city felt like stepping into that one movie where the creatures come alive, where Incan foundations support colonial Spanish buildings, and every corner has its own stories to tell.
And let’s not forget the Nazca Lines that left me speechless. All I could do at that time was just to google more information about the mysterious geoglyphs that etched into the desert floor, as I was super curious about how they were made.
5 Top Historical Places You Can’t Miss
This guide isn’t just a list of must-see historical spots; it’s an experience I want to give you guys to be able to go through these places and leave a lasting impression like it did on me.
Whether you’re a history nerd or just someone who loves to explore places with a deep, meaningful past and stories, these are the historical sites in Peru that I believe everyone should experience at least once.
Lima (Photo by Nancy Zaffaro)
Machu Picchu
No one needs to Google “Peru’s most visited place.” There’s a reason why Machu Picchu is in the top three destinations of almost every traveler’s list.
The moment I set eyes on this ancient Incan city, which is located dramatically in the misty Andean mountains, I felt a deep connection to the people who have lived here and the place it was before.
When I got there by train, the trek up was wet, it seemed to have rained, which added to the sense of arrival. I remember the quiet moments before dawn, the anticipation building as we waited for the sun to rise and make light to this majestic citadel.
It’s not just the ruins themselves that left me speechless, but the energy of the place, the feeling it gave me of standing where the Inca once stood, looking out over the same views it had.
(Photo by Isabel Leong)
Cusco
Cusco is the former capital of the Inca Empire was another highlight of my journey. One this trip, Cusco had more people visiting than I expected. The city has become a major tourist destination as it provides passage to many Incan ruins, such as Machu Picchu, one of the Seven modern wonders of the world and others.
The city is a living museum; wherever you walk, you can feel a sense of past lives, where history is buried in the very fabric of its streets.
Walking through Cusco, I couldn’t help but to admire and take pictures of the Incan and Spanish colonial architecture.
The Plaza de Armas, was my particular favorite spot, which I went back to see 3 times because I was fascinated with its grand cathedral and warm local life. Every corner has its own story. Some are told through the details of the ancient walls’ stonework, while others whispered in the colonial balconies that overlook the busy streets below.
Cuzco is a city where the past feels very much alive, and believe me when I say it’s impossible not to be swept up in its historical significance.
(Photo by Isabel Leong)
The Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley is the main treasure box of historical sites in Peru. Every stop along the way makes me feel excited to learn more about the place, offering new lessons and glimpse into the Inca civilization I’ve never known before.
Ollantaytambo, with its huge stone terraces and fortress, was one of those places that made me pause and really admire the sheer ingenuity of the Inca.
Then there’s Pisac’s hillside ruins that offer not just history, but some of the most unforgettable views of the valley below.
Being able to explore the Sacred Valley felt like piecing together the puzzle story of the Inca, one site at a time.
Ollantaytambo (Photo by Nancy Zaffaro)
The Nazca Lines
Believe me when I say, The Nazca Lines are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. I’m not exaggerating. It’s one of Peru’s top historical sites that is less visited, but well worth the effort to get there.
Being able to fly over them was an experience that I’ll never forget. As we soared above the desert, I saw these huge geoglyphs carved into shapes of spiders, monkeys, and more, all etched into the ground with incredible precision and location.
I won’t lie, the flight was a bit unsettling at times, but when those shapes appeared below, it was absolutely worth it. I was completely speechless. Afterward, standing on the desert floor, I couldn’t help but think about how the ancient people created these incredible designs. It left me wondering what made them carve such unique and monumental works.
Lima, El Centro (Photo by Nancy Zaffaro)
Peru’s capitol, Lima
Lima, Peru’s capital, was my first and last stop on this journey, and it provided the perfect bookend to the Peru adventure. The city is a city of contrasts, a mix of old and new. You can see pre-Columbian temples sitting alongside modern buildings and fashionable shops. Each barrio is unique: El Centro’s historical district, modern Miraflores, artsy Barranco, and rich cultural San Isidro.
I spent hours just walking around the historic center, as there’s so much colonial architecture to explore, not to mention the street life itself.
You should also visit the Plaza Mayor, with its high-rise buildings and the stately Government Palace, which is set on the Rimac River, left a major impression on me.
The highlight of my time in Lima was my visit to Museo Larco, one of Peru’s top historical sites in itself. I was impressed by the collection of pre-Columbian art. You can learn more and dive deep into the civilizations that lingered here long before the Inca.
Museo Larco (Photo by Nancy Zaffaro)
Peru’s Top Historical Sites: Unforgettable Adventures
Museo Larco and the Peruvian historical sites I visited is like going through a time machine. These experiences stay with you. I wondered what it was like living in the past, and it deepened my connection with Peru’s roots.
If you’re planning a trip to Peru, don’t miss these incredible landmarks – they’re more than just travel destinations; they’re unforgettable adventures.
Incan treasures at Museo Larco (Photo by Nancy Zaffaro)
For More:
- On our site: A Peruvian Adventure: Visit an Amazon Eco Lodge.
- On our site: Travel with a Group When Hiking the Inca Trail.
- More articles on our site: We love Peru!
-All photos as credited. Cover photo of Machu Picchu by Nancy Zaffaro.
