Peru

The Larco Museum, set in an eighteenth-century mansion, holds one of the finest collections of pre-Columbian art in the world, including an extensive gallery of Moche erotic pottery. Lima’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, centers on the Plaza Mayor and the ornate Cathedral of Lima. The city has become South America’s culinary capital, with restaurants like Central and Maido drawing global attention alongside classic ceviche stands throughout the city. Lima’s mix of colonial history and world-class dining make it far more than a stopover en route to Machu Picchu.

Sacsayhuaman, an Inca fortress overlooking the city, showcases some of the largest stone blocks ever moved by the Inca, some weighing well over a hundred tons. Cusco serves as the essential gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, with trains and treks departing regularly for the ancient citadel. San Pedro Market offers a lively look at Andean produce, textiles, and traditional dishes like alpaca skewers. Cusco’s blend of Inca engineering and colonial architecture makes it one of South America’s most historically layered cities.

The Plaza de Armas, framed by arcaded colonial buildings and the twin-towered cathedral, ranks among the most elegant in Peru. The Museum of Andean Sanctuaries displays the remarkably preserved mummy known as Juanita, discovered near the summit of a nearby volcano. Nearby, the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, offers dramatic condor sightings and hiking through terraced Andean farmland. Arequipa’s volcanic architecture and proximity to the canyon make it a highlight of southern Peru.