The Most Beautiful Place in Peru, Ranked

Choose the place you think is the most beautiful!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 10, 2024 06:20
When deciding on a destination to visit in Peru, the sheer number of breathtaking options can be overwhelming. Organizing these locations into a ranked list helps travelers and enthusiasts to identify which spots might appeal most to their sense of adventure and beauty. This process not only simplifies decision making but also highlights the diverse appeal of various locales across the country. Creating a live ranking based on user votes allows the community to share their experiences and preferences, making the list an ongoing reflection of collective opinions. This interactive approach encourages participation and engagement, enabling a dynamic exchange of insights. As preferences shift and new beauty spots are discovered, these rankings evolve, providing up-to-date information that benefits all users.

What Is the Most Beautiful Place in Peru?

  1. 1
    52
    votes
    Machu Picchu
    Martin St-Amant (S23678) · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Machu Picchu

    The Inca civilization
    This ancient Incan city is one of the most iconic landmarks in Peru, with its stunning mountain backdrop and impressive archaeological ruins.
    Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca citadel located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It is renowned for its remarkable architecture, stunning landscape, and historical significance. Built in the 15th century, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage site and considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
    • Location: Andes Mountains, Peru
    • Construction Period: 15th century AD
    • Architectural Style: Inca
    • Elevation: 2,430 meters (7,970 feet)
    • Type: Citadel
    Machu Picchu in other rankings
  2. 2
    29
    votes
    Lake Titicaca
    W. Bulach · CC BY-SA 4.0
    This high-altitude lake is the largest in South America and is surrounded by scenic mountains and indigenous communities.
    Lake Titicaca is a stunning natural wonder located in the Andes Mountains of South America, straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia. It is the largest lake in South America by volume and the highest navigable lake in the world, sitting at an elevation of 3,812 meters (12,507 feet). The lake stretches across an area of approximately 8,372 square kilometers (3,232 square miles) and is surrounded by picturesque snow-capped mountains and scenic landscapes.
    • Location: Andes Mountains, Peru and Bolivia
    • Size: 8,372 square kilometers (3,232 square miles)
    • Elevation: 3,812 meters (12,507 feet)
    • Volume: Estimated to be over 900 cubic kilometers (216 cubic miles)
    • Depth: Maximum depth of approximately 281 meters (922 feet)
  3. 3
    22
    votes
    This deep canyon in southern Peru is home to incredible natural beauty, including stunning views of the Andes and the Colca River.
    The Colca Canyon is a stunning natural wonder located in Peru. It holds the title of being one of the most beautiful places in the country, thanks to its awe-inspiring landscapes and rich biodiversity. Created by the Colca River running through the Andes mountain range, this canyon showcases the remarkable forces of nature at play.
    • Location: Located in the Arequipa region of southern Peru
    • Depth: The canyon reaches a maximum depth of 3,270 meters (10,725 feet)
    • Length: The canyon stretches for about 100 kilometers (62 miles)
    • Size: The Colca Canyon is more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the United States
    • Terraces: The canyon displays ancient agricultural terraces built by the indigenous Collaguas and Cabanas civilizations
  4. 4
    19
    votes
    This desert oasis is surrounded by sand dunes and offers a unique landscape for adventure sports like sandboarding and dune buggies.
    Huacachina is a picturesque oasis located in the southwestern part of Peru, just west of the city of Ica. Known as the 'oasis of America,' it is a small town surrounding a natural oasis and a stunning lagoon. The vibrant blue-green waters of the lagoon are surrounded by towering sand dunes, creating a breathtaking landscape that attracts visitors from all around the world.
    • Location: Southwestern Peru, west of Ica
    • Geographical Feature: Natural oasis and lagoon
    • Water Source: Underground water emergence
    • Surrounding Landscape: Towering sand dunes
    • Color: Vibrant blue-green
  5. 5
    17
    votes
    This colorful mountain range in the Andes is a popular hiking destination for its unique natural beauty.
    Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, is a breathtaking natural wonder located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Its vibrant colors create a mesmerizing sight, making it one of the most beautiful places in Peru. The mountain gets its name from the various mineral deposits that have formed stripes of different hues, ranging from red, yellow, green, and blue. These colors were revealed as the ice and snow of the area melted, exposing the stunning geological formations underneath. The contrast between the colorful mountain and the surrounding snow-capped peaks is truly extraordinary.
    • Accessibility: Accessible by hiking or by horseback
    • Location: Andes Mountains, Peru
    • Elevation: 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level
    • Colors: Various shades of red, yellow, green, and blue
    • Geological Formation: Mineral deposits and sedimentary layers
  6. 6
    8
    votes
    These ancient geoglyphs in southern Peru are a mysterious and awe-inspiring sight, with intricate designs etched into the desert floor.
    The Nazca Lines are a collection of enormous geoglyphs carved into the desert floor of southern Peru. These ancient designs, etched between 500 BCE and 500 CE, cover an area of roughly 450 square kilometers and are known for their incredible precision and scale. The Nazca Lines are one of the most mysterious and captivating archaeological wonders of the world.
    • Location: Nazca Desert, southern Peru
    • Purpose: The purpose of the Nazca Lines is still debated, with theories ranging from astronomical markers to ceremonial or religious significance.
    • Designs: The Nazca Lines include various designs such as animals (spider, hummingbird, monkey, etc.), plants, geometric shapes, and humanoid figures.
    • Size: Many of the geoglyphs span hundreds of meters, with the largest measuring up to 270 meters.
    • Precise Lines: The lines are incredibly straight and were made by removing the dark surface stones to reveal the lighter-colored earth below.
  7. 7
    6
    votes
    Amazon Rainforest
    Phil P Harris. · CC BY-SA 2.5
    Peru is home to a large portion of the Amazon Rainforest, which offers incredible biodiversity and stunning natural landscapes.
    The Amazon Rainforest is the largest tropical rainforest in the world, encompassing an area spread across nine countries in South America. It is known for its exceptional biodiversity, stunning natural landscapes, and vital role in regulating the Earth's climate.
    • Location: Spread across nine countries in South America: Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.
    • Size: Covering approximately 5.5 million square kilometers (2.1 million square miles).
    • Biodiversity: Home to an estimated 390 billion individual trees, representing over 16,000 species.
    • Animal Species: Habitat for over 2.5 million insect species, tens of thousands of plants, and more than 2,000 bird and mammal species.
    • Importance: The Amazon Rainforest is often referred to as the 'Lungs of the Earth' due to its production of 20% of the world's oxygen and its vital role in carbon sequestration.
    Amazon Rainforest in other rankings
  8. 8
    7
    votes
    This colonial-era city in southern Peru is known for its stunning architecture and picturesque surroundings, including the nearby Misti volcano.
    Arequipa is a stunning city located in southern Peru. It is known for its remarkable colonial architecture, breathtaking natural landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Arequipa is surrounded by magnificent volcanic peaks, including the prominent Misti Volcano that adds to its striking beauty. The city's historic center, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a treasure trove of beautifully preserved buildings constructed from a unique white volcanic stone called sillar. The combination of impressive architecture and the surrounding dramatic landscapes make Arequipa an absolute delight for visitors.
    • Location: Southern Peru
    • Architectural Style: Colonial
    • Volcanic Peaks: Misti, Chachani, and Ampato
    • Unesco World Heritage Site: Yes
    • Main Attraction: Historic Center
  9. 9
    9
    votes
    This ancient fortress in northern Peru is a lesser-known but equally impressive archaeological site, with massive stone walls and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
    Kuelap is an ancient fortress located in the Amazonas region of Peru. It is often referred to as the 'Machu Picchu of the North' due to its impressive architecture and historical significance. The fortress was built by the Chachapoya civilization, a pre-Incan culture, around the 6th century AD.
    • Location: Amazonas region, Peru
    • Construction Period: 6th century AD
    • Architecture: Massive stone walls, circular structures
    • Size: Covering an area of approximately 6 hectares
    • Elevation: 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) above sea level
  10. 10
    6
    votes
    This coastal nature reserve is home to unique wildlife and some of the most beautiful beaches in Peru, including the famous Red Beach.

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Ranking factors for beautiful place

  1. Natural beauty
    The location's natural landscapes, flora, and fauna should be considered. This includes the beauty of mountains, valleys, lakes, and unique geological formations.
  2. Historical and cultural significance
    The historical relevance or cultural importance of the location should also be considered, such as the existence of archaeological sites, ancient civilizations, and cultural traditions.
  3. Biodiversity
    The richness of plant and animal species, along with the natural habitats present in the area, should be taken into account.
  4. Uniqueness
    The uniqueness of the place should also be considered, whether it is a remote, off-the-beaten-path destination, or a popular tourist attraction with iconic landmarks.
  5. Sustainability and conservation efforts
    It is important to evaluate the efforts made to preserve the environment, protect local cultures, and promote responsible tourism.
  6. Accessibility
    Accessibility to the location, both in terms of transportation (air, land, or water) and infrastructure (lodging, services, etc.) should be taken into consideration.
  7. Traveler experience
    The overall experience of visitors to the location, including the quality of guided tours, activities available, and interactions with locals, should also be considered.
  8. Local community involvement
    Local community involvement in tourism and the preservation of the area, as well as the benefits provided to local people, should be factored into the ranking.
  9. Safety and security
    The safety and security of the location, taking into account any potential hazards or dangers, are important factors to consider.
  10. International recognition
    The reputation of the place within the international tourism industry, such as rankings in travel publications or accolades received, could be taken into account as a benchmark for beauty and appeal.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful place in Peru. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or location is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1701 views
  • 171 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each location once every 24 hours. The rank of each location is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most beautiful place in peru

Peru is a land of vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning natural beauty. From the Andes mountains to the Amazon rainforest, this South American country boasts an incredible diversity of landscapes and ecosystems. One of the most awe-inspiring aspects of Peru is its ancient ruins, such as Machu Picchu and the Nazca lines, which draw thousands of visitors each year. But Peru is also home to many breathtaking natural wonders, including Lake Titicaca, the Colca Canyon, and the Huascaran National Park. With so many beautiful places to choose from, it's no wonder that picking just one as the most beautiful can be a challenge.

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