Peru is the ultimate answer to your wanderlust as the birthplace of the Incas and a vibrant cultural hub. A huge percentage of the Peruvian account for the population in cities in Peru. About 76% live in urban areas of the country’s 31.5 million inhabitants. One of the cities of Peru like Lima is home to a huge 31.7% of the population, clearly making the capital the most dominant and important city in Peru. This country is an incredible travel destination from the majestic ruins of the lost city of Machu Pichu to the incredible Inca and Colonial architecture. The major cities in Peru attract thousands of tourists and travelers from all across the globe. These cities to visit in Peru are not necessarily the biggest cities. In terms of population, Paracas is a long way from being one of the biggest cities in Peru. Here is a list of popular and best cities in Peru that you can visit during your trip:
List of Cities in Peru
1. Lima
This largest city in Peru and the capital of the country located on the west coast of South America looking out over the Pacific Ocean and has a fascinating range of architectural styles. You’ll find pre-Columbian ruins, lovely monasteries, and churches as well as interesting museums and contemporary art galleries with such a long and varied history, interspersed around the city. There are a plethora of bars and restaurants for visitors to check out alongside its bustling nightlife with around 8.5 million people residing in Lima. Lima is the highlight of Peruvian gastronomy, feted for its culinary delights as its diverse population has brought its local dishes from around the country to the metropolis.
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2. Cuzco
Cusco, some time ago the capital of the Inca Empire is hypnotizing to meander around as wanton pioneer houses of God shake for amazingness with the Inca sanctuaries and present-day inexpensive food joints that line its antiquated cobbled roads. It is considered one of the top cities to visit in Peru. For its fantastic wealth of historical sites and rich cultural heritage, the archaeological capital of the continent is simply breathtaking. The surrounding area is full of amazing sights just waiting to be explored and, as the gateway to Machu Picchu; Cusco is a must-see city in Peru.
3. Ica
Ica is almost miraculous and surrounded by a desert that produces so many crops and is home to some of the best wines in the country. It is considered in one of the ancient cities in Peru. There are not too many tourist attractions in Ica with bustling and chaotic places, although there are a couple of nice colonial churches and a cathedral that was damaged by an earthquake in 2007. Most people visit head to the nearby town of Huacachina. These towns are so delightfully nestled in the sand dunes around an oasis. If you are planning to Ica then try the wine before you head off.
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4. Trujillo
One of the cities in Peru to visit close proximity to the ocean means that you can be lounging on the beach in no time at all. You will find here a lot of good seafood. Most people use it as a base from which to visit the incredible pre-Inca sites nearby while the old town is ravishing to behold with its lovely colonial facades and old churches. Of these, Chan Chan, the capital of the Chimu is the undoubted highlight with its fantastic ancient ruins.
5. Puno
Puno has a lot going for it, lying in a verdant valley surrounded by arid deserts despite lacking the colonial architecture and historical sites that dot other famous cities in Peru. The Puno is welcoming and atmospheric bars that are to be found everywhere in Puno. Located between Cuzco and La Paz, and Its rich cultural heritage shines forth in the people themselves. Many people visit Puno as it lies on the shores of Lake Titicaca. You can explore the amazing floating islands out on the lake from here.
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6. Iquitos
If you are looking to explore the Peruvian Amazon, Iquitos is the perfect place. The city lies on the Amazon River, set amidst the jungle and you can take boat trips along its quickly flowing waters or venture off into the jungle itself. As old and new seamlessly mix togetherIquitos is a vibrant and interesting city. While swanky modern bars lie next to mansions and mud hutsHollowed out canoes pass cruise ships on the river. The undoubted highlight of this important city in Peru is the unique Puerto Belen where wooden huts set on stilts above the river are home to a lively market, full of exotic products from the rainforest.
7. Ayacucho
The area of this main city in Peru surrounding Ayacucho has been inhabited for around 20,000 years and as such there are a plethora of amazing archaeological sites hidden away among the mountains surrounding the city. This city is located high up in the AndesIts colonial facades and beautiful churches and delightful cobbled streets hide the fact that in the 80s and 90s, Ayacucho was used to a revolutionary movement that attempted to overthrow the government. Its unique cultural heritage and the charming feel about the place, now, however, visitors to Ayacucho are invariably intrigued and stirred by. Ayacucho is fun and lively to visit with a thriving restaurant scene with a number of festivals throughout the year highlighting the local culture.
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8. Arequipa
Arequipa’s mountainous setting makes it beautiful to behold as, remarkably, another four volcanoes lie near to the city lying at the foot of the towering El Misti volcano. Arequipa is dripping in history with the old colonial center at the heart of it all with its humongous cathedral and delightful churches, mansions and more that are often distinctively built out of the white volcanic rock. The best cities in Peru to visit has some lovely little streets and captivating architectural designs for visitors to explore among its most popular attractions is the beguiling Convento de Santa Catalina. Arequipa’s range of culinary options is fantastic, on top of this and it is the birthplace of the famous novelist Mario Vargas Llosa; highlighting the city’s cultural and intellectual prowess.
9. Cajamarca
The highland city of Cajamarca is one of the most historically important settlements and best cities to visit in Peru. Famously agreeing to ransom him for a room filled with gold and twice over with silver and it was here that Francisco Pizarro and his Spanish conquistadors held the Inca Atahualpa captive. A fact reflected in the local architecture, especially the construction of the city’s churches and cathedral, Cajamarca became an important Spanish colonial settlement.
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10. Nazca
If you are an adventurous soul, interested in some mystery-hunting, and best cities to stay in Peru, Nazca is the ideal place for you. The city will give you the chance to explore its greatest mystery. Take a flight in a hot air balloon and witness the stylized figures, famous for its mysterious Nazca Lines.
So far we have discussed the most visited cities in Peru. I hope you might have gathered some information related to it. If you are planning your trip to Peru then kindly go through our other articles as well which will be quite beneficial for you. Please share your views regarding the content explained above and liked it too.
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