The South

Southern Peru

The best-known Andean center is the ancient imperial city of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca empire. This is the main hub of tourism in Peru, not only is it the start for many to discover Machu Picchu.

It’s also the main access point for the Sacred Valley, the Andean Mountains of the Cordilleras Vilcanota & Vilcabamba, and the gateway to the Amazon Jungle.

Many come for a week and fall short of exploring everything on their wishlist, it’s advisable to plan out in advance where to go & what to do. Make it an objective to trek to the forgotten citadels (Choquequirao or Vilcabamba), explore an old artisanal market, and get more intimate with knowing the enchanted Andean valleys (Sacred Valley, Lares Valley).

Heading to places off the beaten track, it’s always a big help if you speak a little Spanish & are respectful of the local cultures. Regions such as Ausangate also still rely heavily on the Andean language of Quechua, don’t be surprised to hear it being used in these places!

Below is our selection of culturally interesting places to visit in the South of Peru.

Machu picchu
Recommended places to visit

Cusco

The Imperial Inca City of Cusco (Plaza de Armas, Q’oricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Tipon, Inkilltambo)

Sacred Valley (Pisac, Chincheros, Ollantaytambo, Lares Valley, Maras & Moray)

Machu Picchu (Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountains)

Recommended places to visit

Lima

o   Tours in the City (Lima Pre-Inca, Inca, Colonial y Moderna) & Beaches south of Lima

o   Pachacamaq, restos Arqueológicos

o   Huarochirí: San Juan de Iris: Marka Iris, cementerio,  Carampoma, Huachupampa, San Pedro de Casta: Markahuasi, Callahuanca, San Mateo, Matucana, San Jerónimo de Sulco: Palacala

o   Caral

o   Canta: Obrajillo, Cordillera de la Viuda.

o   Oyón: Churín, Chiuchín, Huancawasi, Rapaz

o   Cañete: Lunahuaná.

Lima
Ica
Recommended places to visit

Ica

o   Chincha

o   Pisco: Reserva Nacional de Paracas, Islas Ballestas

o   Ica: Museo Nacional de Ica, Huacachina, Viñedos

o   Nazca: Sobrevuelo a las Líneas de Nazca, Acueductos de Cantalloc, Centro ceremonial Cahuachi, Los Paredones (restos arqueológicos Inca), Cementerio de Chauchilla, Taller de cerámica de la cultura Nazca, Casa Museo María Reiche, Playa Marcona

Recommended places to visit

Ayacucho

Pampas Galeras y Tambo Colorado

Azul Lagunas de Millpu

Colca Canyon
Recommended places to visit

Arequipa

o  The coast of Arequipa, Puerto Inca.

City of Arequipa (La ciudada blanca – the ‘white city’)

Cañón del Colca

Cañón del Cotahuasi

Recommended places to visit

Puno

o  Ancient City of Puno

Lake Titicaca: Islas Uros, Taquile y Amantaní

Puno
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