Cities & Towns in Peru

Located in southern Peru and nestled amidst the Andes Mountains, Arequipa represents the country's diverse history and cultural wealth. The city is called "The White City" due to its abundant use of volcanic stone in construction. It is a captivating fusion of European and indigenous influences, and its Historical Center, designated by UNESCO, is the heart of its charm. The Historical Center showcases centuries of architectural excellence and cultural customs.

Deep within the emerald embrace of the Peruvian Amazon, where the muddy waters of the Amazon River carve their ancient path toward the Atlantic Ocean, sits one of South America's most remarkable cities. Iquitos, the capital of Peru's Loreto region, stands as a testament to human adaptability and the enduring allure of the world's greatest rainforest. This bustling metropolis holds the distinction of being the largest city in the world that cannot be reached by road, accessible only by air or by navigating the labyrinthine waterways that have served as highways for centuries.

Lima, the vibrant capital of Peru, is a sprawling metropolis that gracefully bridges ancient heritage with contemporary allure. Established in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro and often referred to as La Ciudad de los Reyes or "The City of Kings," Lima sits on Peru's central western coast along the Pacific Ocean. The city is known for its rich tapestry of history, unique culinary scene, vibrant arts, and the dynamic blend of indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian influences.

Nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the town of Maras stands as a testament to Peru's rich cultural heritage and natural wonders of Peru. This quaint village, located approximately 45 km (28 mi) north of Cusco, has captured the hearts of visitors with its picturesque streets, colonial architecture, and the remarkable Salineras de Maras—a salt mining marvel dating back to pre-Incan times.

Nestled within the majestic landscapes of the Peruvian Andes, Ollantaytambo stands as a testament to the ingenuity, resilience, and cultural richness of the Inca civilization. This town, perched at the northern terminus of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, holds within its ancient stones a wealth of history, architecture, and tradition that continues to captivate visitors from around the globe.

Puerto Maldonado, a vibrant city nestled in southeastern Peru, is the capital of the Madre de Dios region and a vital gateway to the Amazon rainforest. Known for its rich biodiversity, Puerto Maldonado attracts visitors with its lush landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique eco-lodges that offer an immersive Amazonian experience. Located near the Tambopata National Reserve and the Manu National Park, the city provides an ideal starting point for exploring one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth.

Perched high in the Andes within Peru's Sacred Valley, Cusco exemplifies a living cultural heritage where ancient Inca stonework seamlessly integrates with Spanish colonial architecture. Once the heart of Tawantinsuyu, this UNESCO World Heritage city serves as a gateway to Machu Picchu for millions of annual visitors while maintaining vibrant indigenous traditions. From the legendary Qoricancha temple to bustling markets where Quechua-speaking vendors sell traditional textiles, Cusco reveals a place where the boundaries between past and present dissolve into extraordinary harmony.

The Urubamba Valley, or Sacred Valley of the Incas, extends 100 km through Peru's Andes at 2,050-3,700 meters altitude. This fertile land, shaped by the Urubamba River and sacred to Inca cosmology, hosts key archaeological sites such as Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac. Quechua communities preserve ancient agriculture on terraced slopes where native species like Polylepis trees and Vicugna vicugna thrive. Sustainable tourism supports preservation and economic growth in this UNESCO World Heritage site.