Peruvian Highlands

Travel Guide

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

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

3/5(1 area review)

A noteworthy feature of Cusco Historic Center is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Plaza de Armas and Santa Catalina Convent.

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 Plaza de las Nazarenas and Plaza Sán Cristobal.

San Cristóbal
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Santiago

When in Santiago, you can plan a visit to Plaza de Armas and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Santiago
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Santa Monica

Santa Monica might not have many top sights, but Real Plaza Cusco and Ttio Market are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Santa Monica
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Santa Ana

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Santa Ana and surrounding area, you can visit Plaza de Armas and Plaza El Regocijo.

Santa Ana
Kantu Hotel

Kantu Hotel

3 out of 5
calle chaparro 121, Cusco, Cuzco
The price is P4,397 per night from Aug 16 to Aug 17
P4,397
P4,397 total
Aug 16 - Aug 17
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Cusco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and onsite spa services. Popular attractions Plaza de Armas and San Pedro Market are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (120 reviews)
"Close to all attractions. Friendly staff and a delicious breakfast"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Kantu Hotel
Sonesta Hotel Cusco

Sonesta Hotel Cusco

4 out of 5
Ave. El Sol 954, Cusco, Cusco
The price is P8,847 per night from Aug 29 to Aug 30
P8,847
P9,731 total
Aug 29 - Aug 30
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! (999 reviews)
"This is a lovely hotel and the breakfast buffet was phenomenal! The restaurant is great for dinner, too. The staff was very friendly and the location is excellent."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Sonesta Hotel Cusco
JW Marriott El Convento Cusco

JW Marriott El Convento Cusco

5 out of 5
Esquina De La Calle Ruinas 432, y San Agustin, Cusco, Cusco
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P17,275 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P17,275
P21,387 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cusco. Enjoy free breakfast, a full-service spa, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,007 reviews)
"Without a doubt it’s the best hotel in the historic center of Cusco. Have been in Cusco more than 10 times and have stayed in many other hotels and this is definitely the best! Very friendly staff, very clean, delicious breakfast and very convenient location."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

JW Marriott El Convento 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.
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 Plaza de Armas and San Pedro Market are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
"Great place to stay"

Reviewed on Apr 6, 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! (6 reviews)
"Definitely has to be the best hotel I’ve ever stayed at."

Reviewed on Jun 5, 2025

Memorable Sacred Experience
Qoyllur by Wynwood House

Qoyllur by Wynwood House

3 out of 5
215 Av. Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, Cusco, Cusco
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Cusco. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Plaza de Armas and San Pedro Market ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (5 reviews)
"Great stay, comfortable. Away from tourist centre but convenient."

Reviewed on Apr 29, 2025

Qoyllur by Wynwood House
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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