Lima — Barranco at sunset
Lima's bohemian district. The Bridge of Sighs, street art, galleries, and bars that open onto the cliffs above the Pacific. Watch the sunset from the Malecón, then have pisco sours in a colonial mansion.
✨ Must-sees in Peru
The real must-sees in Peru go beyond the postcard spots. These are the places locals point visitors toward once the obvious sights are out of the way.
In Peru, must-sees comes down to a few things: lima — barranco at sunset, lima — miraflores malecón, and lima — eat at a huarique.
Lima — Miraflores Malecón
The clifftop promenade overlooking the Pacific. Paragliders launch from the cliffs. Walk from Larcomar mall to Parque del Amor. The ocean views are dramatic and the parks are manicured.
Lima — Eat at a huarique
Unmarked, home-style restaurants in residential neighborhoods. Ask locals — the best food in Lima is in places you'd never find on Google. Anticuchos (beef heart skewers) from a street cart at night.
Cusco — San Blas neighborhood
The artisan quarter above the main plaza. Narrow cobblestone streets, workshops, galleries, and cafés with balcony views. Wander without a map. Every turn reveals something.
Cusco — Sacred Valley by combi
Take a local combi (not a tour bus) to Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Moray. The Inca terraces, salt mines (Maras), and the valley itself are as impressive as Machu Picchu — without the crowds.
Cusco — Machu Picchu at first light
The first bus from Aguas Calientes leaves at 5:30am. Arrive before sunrise when mist fills the valley. As the clouds lift and reveal the citadel, you'll understand why millions make the journey.
Arequipa — Santa Catalina Monastery
A city within a city — a 16th-century convent with colorful streets, plazas, and cloisters. Nuns lived in complete isolation for 400 years. The afternoon light against the terracotta walls is painterly.
Arequipa — Colca Canyon
Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. Condors soar at eye level from the Cruz del Condor viewpoint. The 2-day trek to the bottom and back is challenging but transformative.
Arequipa — Picanterías for lunch
Traditional restaurants serving rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy peppers), chupe de camarones (shrimp chowder), and adobo arequipeño. La Nueva Palomino is the most famous. Go for Sunday lunch.