Peruvian Highlands

Travel Guide

Cusco featuring a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
La Merced Church which includes a city
Exposition Park which includes a garden and a fountain as well as a large group of people
Moray Terraces featuring landscape views and indigenous culture
Peruvian Highlands which includes a church or cathedral, a square or plaza and a city

Travel over and around mountains and through the valleys of the Central Sierra to discover hidden ruins, quaint villages and spectacular views. 

The Peruvian Highlands is an immense region consisting of dramatic peaks and sweeping valleys dotted with remote villages. Archeological sites offer a glimpse of the country’s indigenous roots, while the vast forests and undulating hills showcase its diverse topography. Take part in the village festivities in Easter and July and note the colorful attire to learn about the vibrant culture in Peru’s mountains.

Make your way to the quaint base of Tarma in the midst of the mountains and misty forests. The dry season runs from May through September. Visit the nearby city of Marcahuasi for the intriguing misshapen rocks that seem to sprout from the countryside.

Head southwest to the Andean Huancayo for its excellent views of mountains and its colonial architecture. Trek through the Jauja Valley and capture photos of the spectacular terrain. Scattered around this scenic area are the quaint communes of Huancavelica and Ayacucho.

Visit the small city of Jauja and inspect the impressive Santa Rosa de Ocopa Convent in its outskirts. Browse the intriguing items in its museum, including indigenous relics found by 18th-century missionaries.

To learn more about the indigenous past of this region, travel north to the charming town of Huánuco. Embark upon arduous trails to find the snowy mountain range of Cordillera Blanca, which contains Peru’s tallest peak Huascaran. Discover the 4,000-year-old Temple of Kotosh.

Stay in a hotel in Tingo María and take daytrips to its namesake national park, known for its jungle terrain. Gaze up at the Bella Durmiente mountain that is shaped like a reclining woman. Among the highlights are the waterfalls of the Pass of Padre Abad.

The region of the highlands takes up the central inland portion of Peru. Fly to the regional airport of Jauja or take a train from Lima to the highlands area for a picturesque route and a glimpse into the local culture. Another way to navigate this rocky area is by bus.

The Peruvian Highlands is a region with some of Peru’s most intriguing historic sights.

Where to stay in Peruvian Highlands

La Merced Church showing a city

Cusco Historic Center

4.5/5(62 area reviews)

Cusco Historic Center is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Santa Catalina Convent and Coricancha, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cusco.

Cusco Historic Center
San Blas showing a city

San Blas

San Blas is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like San Blas Viewpoint and San Blas Church.

San Blas
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San Cristóbal

While visiting San Cristóbal, you might make a stop by sights like Pre-Columbian Art Museum and Plaza de las Nazarenas.

San Cristóbal
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Santiago

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Santiago and surrounding area, you can visit Plaza de Armas and Ttio Market.

Santiago
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Primavera

Though Primavera may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Plaza de Armas and Cusco Craft Center.

Primavera
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Coripata

While Coripata may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Plaza de Armas and Cusco Craft Center.

Coripata
Kantu Hotel
Kantu Hotel
3 out of 5
calle chaparro 121, Cusco, Cuzco
The price is S$87 per night from 11 Jul to 12 Jul
S$87
11 Jul - 12 Jul
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Cusco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and onsite spa services. Popular attractions San Pedro Market and Plaza de Armas are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (80 reviews)
"Wonderful stay"

Reviewed on 2 Jul, 2025

Kantu Hotel
Palacio del Inka, A Luxury Collection Hotel by Marriott
Palacio del Inka, A Luxury Collection Hotel by Marriott
5 out of 5
Plazoleta Santo Domingo No 259, Cusco, Cusco
The price is S$504 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
S$504
8 Jul - 9 Jul
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cusco. Enjoy a full-service spa, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (905 reviews)
"Great place to stay"

Reviewed on 2 Jul, 2025

Palacio del Inka, A Luxury Collection Hotel by Marriott
Sonesta Hotel Cusco
Sonesta Hotel Cusco
4 out of 5
Ave. El Sol 954, Cusco, Cusco
The price is S$213 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
S$213
2 Aug - 3 Aug
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cusco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,003 reviews)
"Airport shuttle service"

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

Sonesta Hotel Cusco
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Quechua Aparhotel
Quechua Aparhotel
3 out of 5
173/d Chaparro, Cusco, Cuzco
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Cusco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Popular attractions San Pedro Market and Plaza de Armas are located ...
"Nice staff and decent hotel but pricey in comparison to other, nicer hotels."

Reviewed on 5 May, 2025

Quechua Aparhotel
San Pedro Apartments
San Pedro Apartments
2 out of 5
calle chaparro 173, Cusco, Cuzco
Stay at this apartment in Cusco. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions San Pedro Market and Plaza de Armas are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Great place to stay"

Reviewed on 6 Apr, 2025

San Pedro Apartments
Memorable Sacred Experience
Memorable Sacred Experience
3.5 out of 5
Maras, Maras, Cusco
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in Maras. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions Estadio de Urubamba and Nogalpampa Stadium are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
"Definitely has to be the best hotel I’ve ever stayed at."

Reviewed on 5 Jun, 2025

Memorable Sacred Experience
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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