279 Best Sights in Peru

Everyone has heard that the Incas were good engineers, but for a real look at just how good they were at land and water management, head to Tipón. Twenty km (12 miles) or so south of Cusco, Tipón is a series of terraces, hidden from the valley below, crisscrossed by stone aqueducts and carved irrigation channels that edge up a narrow pass in the mountains. A spring fed the site and continually replenished a 900-cubic-meter (3,180-cubic-foot) reservoir that supplied water to crops growing on the terraces.

So superb was the technology that several of the terraces are still in use today and still supplied by the same watering system developed centuries ago.

The ruins of a stone temple of undetermined function guard the system, and higher up the mountain are terraces yet to be completely excavated. The rough dirt track that leads to the complex is not in the best of shape and requires some effort to navigate. If you visit without your own car, either walk up (about two hours each way), or take one of the taxis waiting at the turnoff from the main road.

This tiny village was reportedly the birthplace of Micaela Villegas, a celebrated Indigenous actress in the 18th century and the mistress of Viceroy Manuel de Amat y Junyent, one of Peru's most capable colonial administrators. Also known as La Perricholi, the spunky peruanita was the basis for Prosper Mérimée's comic novella Le Carrosse du Saint-Sacrement before becoming an important character—along with the viceroy—in Thornton Wilder's The Bridge of San Luis Rey. In reality, Villegas was most probably born in Lima, but no matter: the Casa de la Perricholi, a colonial house in town that purports to be her onetime residence, is delightful, as is a festival in July with parades, music, and danzas folklóricas celebrating her vitality. In any case, the area's gorgeous mountain views are the real reason to come.

Toro Muerto is the world's largest petroglyph field, where hundreds of volcanic rocks are thought to have been painted more than 1,000 years ago by the Huari (or Wari) culture. There are sketches of pumas, llamas, guanacos, and condors, as well as warriors and dancers. Head higher for expansive views of the desert. It's hot and windy, so bring water, a hat, and sunglasses. Toro Muerto is 164 km (102 miles) northwest of Arequipa, and, unless you are driving, guided tours are the most effective way to visit in a day.

Archaeology aficionados looking to see some ancient ruins in their crude state will enjoy this pyramid complex 35 km (22 miles) north of Chiclayo. Grand but largely unexcavated, it's the site of Huaca Larga, one of the largest adobe pyramids in South America, as well as dozens of smaller structures spread across an arid desert. Most are badly deteriorated, owing to climatic conditions. The rugged landscape, sprinkled with hardy little algarrobo (mesquite) trees, is probably similar to what it looked like when the Sicán (Lambayeque) people built the site around AD 1100; Túcume was their final ceremonial center before being conquered by the Chimú in 1375.

Keep an eye out for burrowing owls as you make your way from the entrance toward the pyramids.

The small Museo de Sitio offers tours with English-speaking guides. Also adjacent to the ruins is a lovely hotel made from adobe and algarrobo wood, Los Horcones de Túcume ( www.facebook.com/loshorconesoficial), whose architect-owner seamlessly incorporated pre-Columbian designs into the walled complex. The lodge boasts 12 airy guest rooms with private terraces and a small pool. The staff can arrange horseback-riding trips through algarrobo forests and meetings with local curanderos, or shamans.

One of the oldest cemeteries in Peru, the Ventanillas de Otuzco probably date back some 2,000 years. The ancient necropolis, 8 km (5 miles) northeast of Cajamarca, comprises 337 large burial niches carved into a cliff. From afar, the niches look like windows, hence the area's name. On closer inspection, you see that many of the cavities have carved decorations. Sadly, the site is gradually being eroded by wind and rain, though measures are being taken to slow the degradation. If you're inspired by this cemetery, you can continue in the same direction and visit the better-preserved Ventanillas de Combayo, around 30 km (18 miles) from town. A three-hour guided tour to Ventanillas de Otuzco costs around S/35. If you prefer to go by yourself, combis (small buses) from the Plaza de Armas take about half an hour.

Founded in 1540, this vineyard is the oldest in South America; it was from here that Spanish émigrés disseminated the cultivation of European grapes throughout the continent. After suffering earthquake damage in 2007, the vineyard's owners took the opportunity to overhaul its now very modern operation. Internationally renowned, it produces some of Peru's best labels, particularly the Blanco de Blancos and Don Manuel Tannat wines and the Demonio de los Andes line of piscos. Stroll through the rolling vineyards—still watered by the Achirana irrigation canal built by the Incas—before sampling the end result. The on-site restaurant is one of the best in Ica. The estate is about 11 km (7 miles) north of town.

The eclectic little suburb of Yanahuara, northwest of the city, is the perfect spot for lunch or a late-afternoon stroll. The neighborhood has amazing views over Arequipa at a lookout constructed of sillar stone arches, complete with a Pisco Museum and a little park for soaking in glorious sunsets. On a clear day, the volcanoes El Misti, Chachani, and Picchu can be seen. Stop in at the 1783 Iglesia Yanahuara. The interior has wrought-iron chandeliers and gilt sanctuaries surrounding the nave. Ask to see the glass coffin that holds a statue of Christ used in parades on holy days. To reach Yanahuara, head across the Avenida Grau bridge, then continue on Avenida Ejército to Avenida Lima, and from there, it's five blocks to the plaza. It's a 15-minute walk or an eight-minute cab ride from the city center.

About a half-hour drive from Arequipa, this serene little town is settled in the western foothills of the Volcán Chachani. Take the road 27 km (17 miles) farther to reach rustic thermal baths, where you can take a dip in naturally heated water that ranges from 70°F to 82°F. You can soak in any weather and enjoy a picnic along the river in summertime. Admission to the hot springs is S/5, and they're open daily from 8 to 3. From the old Arequipa train station, there's bus service to Yura, which takes close to an hour and costs S/5.