The Ultimate Peru Round Trip: 7 Must-See Highlights
The ideal Peru round trip: which places should you definitely visit when traveling to Peru? From surfing beaches to the mountains of the Andes, and from cultural highlights to challenging trekking routes—Peru truly has it all.
We’ve created an overview of the must-sees in this beautiful country, where Jorge is from and where we return every year. And we never stand still: as Peru specialists, we are constantly discovering the most unique and exciting places for you ourselves.
So check out the 7 highlights of Peru!
1. Lima by Bike – The Perfect Start to Your Peru Round Trip
Lima, the capital of Peru, is home to the country’s main international airport, meaning you simply can’t miss it when travelling from the Netherlands. Many travellers arrive in the evening and leave again the next day, continuing straight to Arequipa or Cusco (both accessible by plane) or heading south towards Huacachina by bus. In our opinion, that’s a shame!
Although Lima may not be the “Rome of Peru,” it does have a fascinating—if slightly weathered—historic centre worth exploring. On top of that, the vibrant districts of Barranco and Miraflores are lively and full of atmosphere, not to mention Lima’s world-class food scene.
Our tip? Explore the modern district of Miraflores, the artistic neighbourhood of Barranco, and the historic centre—all by bike. What more could a Dutch traveller want?
Our tips and facts for Lima – Peru Round Trip
2. Adventure in the Oasis of Huacachina
Ever thought oases only existed in fairy tales? Think again! Peru is home to a stunning desert oasis, surrounded by breathtaking dunes where adventure and relaxation come together perfectly. After Lima, we continue our journey to Huacachina!
From Lima, it’s just a 5-hour drive. Buses from Cruz del Sur and Oltursa depart in the morning, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the oasis upon arrival—or even jump straight into an exciting dune buggy ride in the afternoon.
We recommend Cruz del Sur and Oltursa, as they are among the most reliable and safest bus companies in Peru. Tickets can easily be booked online with a credit card.
Buses from Lima always arrive in Ica, where you can take a taxi for around 10–15 soles to reach the small oasis village of Huacachina.
We truly consider Huacachina a must-see in Peru. Why? If you don’t have the time or simply don’t feel like flying to northern Peru for some sun and relaxation, this is the perfect place to unwind after Lima. The weather is sunny year-round, with temperatures around 26°C during the day. So make sure to book accommodation with a swimming pool! We recommend Ecocamp, where you can stay in a tent while enjoying a great pool area. You can even sip cocktails at the swim-up bar—and yes, we weren’t the only Dutch travellers who discovered this hidden gem 😉
Racing dune buggies & sandboarding
The dune Buggy Tour is an absolute must when visiting Huacachina. Most Tours take place between 4 and 6 PM, so you can enjoy the sunset from the top of the dunes. During the day, relax by the pool or take a stroll along the oasis promenade.
You can also try pedal boating on the lagoon, although the boats look quite dated and are not very popular among tourists.
Our tips and facts for Huacachina – Peru Round Trip
3. Peru’s Greatest Mystery: The Nazca Lines
After Huacachina, it’s about a 2-hour bus ride to Nazca. The Nazca Lines remain one of the world’s greatest mysteries. The drawings—as our 4-year-old son calls them—were created by the people who lived in this region around 200 BC.
To this day, scientists still don’t fully understand how these enormous figures were made or what their exact purpose was. Theories range from an astronomical calendar and religious rituals to water drainage systems. Whatever the reason, the geoglyphs can only truly be appreciated from the air—and are absolutely worth it.
In Nazca itself, you’ll find the small airport where daily flights depart to view the lines from above. It’s also possible to book a flight directly from Huacachina, so you don’t necessarily need to travel to Nazca, which can save time.
There isn’t much else to do in Nazca itself. While there are some comfortable hotels with swimming pools, most travellers come here purely for the ancient Nazca Lines.
Our tips and facts for Nazca – Peru Round Trip
4. La Ciudad Blanca – Arequipa
Arequipa (2,325 meters) is known as The White City of Peru and lies in the shadow of the still-active volcano El Misti (5,822 meters). When travelling from Ica or Nazca to Arequipa, this is your first real introduction to the Peruvian Andes—and to one of the most beautiful cities in the country.
The city’s Plaza de Armas is a true highlight, dominated by the stunning snow-white cathedral that frames the square. Here, you can enjoy a great cup of coffee in one of the charming cafés overlooking the plaza, offering beautiful views of both the cathedral and the vibrant square below.
The White Cathedral of Arequipa
In Arequipa, there are two must-see highlights: the white cathedral on the main square and the Santa Catalina Monastery.
The cathedral is usually open to visitors from around 5 PM. Once inside, you’ll discover that this immense cathedral is just as dazzling white and beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. It is also impressively large, housing several santos (saints) that are venerated by worshippers.
As you step back outside, dusk begins to fall and the lights of the cathedral and the plaza slowly come to life. Head to one of the bars overlooking the square and enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset—a perfect start to your visit in Arequipa.
Santa Catalina Monastery
The next day, explore the Santa Catalina Monastery. Built in 1580, this remarkable convent is still partially inhabited by nuns today. Since 1970, it has been open to the public and is now a stunning labyrinth of colorful streets and courtyards, perfect for wandering and taking beautiful photos.
You may still encounter elderly nuns who greet you warmly as you pass by. It truly feels like a small village within the city, and you can easily spend 2–3 hours exploring before stepping back into the lively streets of Arequipa.
Colca Canyon Tour
Arequipa is also the starting point of one of the most beautiful treks in Peru: the Colca Canyon. This canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the United States, and it’s one of the best places in the world to spot condors soaring through the sky.
From Arequipa, you have several options to explore the Colca Canyon. You can visit it on a one-day Tour, where watching the condors is the absolute highlight. Alternatively, you can choose a two-day or even multi-day trek through the canyon.
The two-day Colca Canyon trek is especially recommended as part of a Peru round trip, especially if you also want to leave enough time in Cusco for a multi-day Inca Trail.
Our tips and facts for Arequipa – Peru Round Trip
5. Puno & Lake Titicaca: an Essential Stop on Your Peru Round Trip
Puno (3,860 meters) is the highest point of our Peru round trip. The city lies directly on the shores of Lake Titicaca and serves as the perfect base for exploring the famous islands.
While Puno itself doesn’t offer many attractions, Lake Titicaca is an absolute must-see. Thanks to its high altitude and frequent sunshine, the world’s highest navigable lake often looks like a mirror—making it a paradise for stunning photos.
Our tips and facts for Puno – Peru Round Trip
6. Cusco: The Capital of the Incas
What more is there to say about Cusco when it comes to Peru’s must-sees? So much has already been written and said about this former Inca capital that little introduction is needed to understand why it is an absolute must on any Peru itinerary.
The Plaza de Armas is, in our opinion, the most beautiful square of all Peruvian cities, framed by two impressive cathedrals. The city breathes culture and Inca heritage, with its narrow winding streets, lively bars, and countless churches and cathedrals.
Cusco is also the starting point for every Inca Trail and the gateway to the Sacred Valley. For more information about the different trekking options, please refer to our other blogs.
Our tips and facts for Cusco – Peru Round Trip
7. Surf Paradise Máncora
Are you into (kite)surfing, or simply looking for a relaxing beach escape in Peru—just like we are? Then make sure to start or end your trip in the surf paradise of Máncora!
The atmosphere here feels almost Caribbean, with small beach bars right on the sand and vendors selling fresh coconuts along the shore. Only the cumbia music drifting from the beach clubs reminds you that you are still in Peru 😉
Máncora has only been discovered by international travellers in recent years, but it has quickly become Peru’s top beach destination. Nearby towns like Órganos and Punta Sal are also popular among Peruvians, but they don’t have the same lively vibe and charming streets.
Although Máncora is small, it’s full of hotels, hostels, great restaurants, and souvenir shops. You’ll also find plenty of surf schools along the beach, happy to teach you the basics of the sport in just a few hours. The waves are powerful and impressive—so excitement is guaranteed!
At sunset, locals themselves often head out on their boards. Grab a cocktail, sit back at a beachside terrace, and enjoy the view.
Our tips and facts for Máncora – Peru Round Trip
