Traveling to Peru is, without a doubt, one of the best tourist experiences you can have. This southern country has everything you're looking for—from warm weather and beaches to even snow.
If you're thinking about taking an unforgettable vacation in the Inca country, we recommend visiting the top tourist spots in southern Peru.
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry about it! At Gurú Explorers, we offer tours to Cusco, Paracas, Arequipa, Huacachina, and other charming regions.
If you're interested in discovering at least one of these 4 amazing destinations, you’ll want to read this blog to the end—we’ll tell you what to see in each region. Let’s start the journey right now!
1. Cusco: The Historic Stop of the Ancient Inca Empire
When it comes to tourist destinations in southern Peru, you simply can’t overlook Cusco. This city holds the living history of the ancient Inca civilization.
It’s not only a key tourist stop in Peru but also one of global importance, attracting thousands of local and international visitors every year. One of Cusco’s most remarkable traits is that between the 15th and 16th centuries, it was the center of activity for the Inca Empire.
Weather
If you’re planning to visit Cusco, the weather conditions are something you’ll want to consider. The region has two main seasons: a dry season from April to October, and a rainy season from November to March.
The ideal time to travel is during the transitional months for more pleasant weather.The ideal time to travel is during the transitional months for more pleasant weather. Regardless of the season, Cusco has significant temperature variations between day and night—you might experience warm mornings (over 24°C / 75°F) and very cold nights (as low as 0°C / 32°F).
Ideal Clothing for Travel
To ensure a great trip to Cusco, it’s essential to bring the right clothing. Here are a few recommendations:
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Long- and short-sleeved shirts
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Convertible trekking pants (great option!)
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Lightweight jacket
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Waterproof jacket
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Hat or cap
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Scarf
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Gloves
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Cotton socks
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Sunglasses
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Sunscreen
Things to Do
Wondering what to do in Cusco? You’ll be happy to know there are plenty of activities to choose from—and something for every type of traveler. Here are some of the most popular:
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Visit the Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Site: This is a must-see if you want a unique experience at one of the top tourist spots in southern Peru. Its architecture is impressive, with massive megalithic stone walls. This site is recognized as a Cultural Heritage of the Nation.
You can learn more about this beautiful place by joining our Cusco City Group Tour.
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Explore the Cusco Cathedral: Colonial religious influence is clearly visible in the stunning Cusco Cathedral—a landmark you simply can't miss during your visit.
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Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: If you’re the adventurous type, this legendary trek is for you. It offers spectacular landscapes and stops at archaeological sites along the way.
Check out our 5-Day Inca Trail Tou and take your experience to the next level.
Tips for Visiting Cusco
Cusco is one of the best tourist destinations in southern Peru. However, to make the most of your trip, here are a few key recommendations:
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Acclimatization: The altitude in Cusco is quite high, and you may experience the well-known “soroche” (altitude sickness). We recommend giving yourself time to acclimate properly, especially if you plan to do any trekking routes.
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Carry Cash: You’ll probably want to take home a souvenir or two, so it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand.
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Respect the Local Culture: Cusco preserves many aspects of its ancient civilizations. Be respectful of the local community and adapt to the local customs and conditions.
2. Paracas: A Paradise in Southern Peru
You can’t travel and miss one of the top tourist destinations in southern Peru. Paracas is a coastal city located in Ica, just four hours from Lima. One of its key attractions is its natural beauty, with serene beaches and a desert-like environment.
The Paracas National Reserve is a protected area made up of islands, rock formations, and desert — a true visual spectacle! Within the reserve, you’ll be able to admire breathtaking landscapes such as the Red Beach.
Weather
When it comes to weather, Paracas is one of the most favored tourist spots in southern Peru. The climate is typically coastal desert. Temperatures vary depending on the season, reaching highs of 30°C (86°F) between December and April, and lows around 18°C (64°F) from July to September.
Ideal Travel Clothing
If you're ready for a getaway to Paracas, here are some suggestions for the ideal clothes to pack:
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Breathable clothing (preferably cotton)
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Swimsuit
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Hat or cap
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Sunglasses
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Sunscreen
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Open footwear (sandals)
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Sneakers or comfortable walking shoes
Things to Do
Paracas stands out as one of the best tourist destinations in southern Peru thanks to the variety of activities it offers. Some of the things you can do on your trip include:
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Ballestas Islands Tour: This is one of the most popular tourist activities — and for good reason. You’ll have the chance to see sea lions, guano birds, and Humboldt penguins in their natural habitat.
You can enjoy an impressive tour with our Full Day Huacachina and Paracas Tour (Ballestas Islands) + Pisco Winery.
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Explore the Paracas National Reserve: There is a variety of beautiful, untouched beaches that will add an exceptional touch to your trip.
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Water Sports: Paracas offers the chance to practice activities such as kitesurfing or windsurfing thanks to the region’s favorable winds.
Tips for Visiting Paracas
To help you make the most of your visit to Paracas, here are some useful tips:
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Always bring sunscreen: Paracas has both beach and desert climates, so it's very important to use sunscreen to protect yourself from UV damage.
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Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated at all times.
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Dress in layers: While the weather is usually warm, nighttime temperatures can drop and become chilly.
3. Arequipa: the charming white city
The White City can’t be left out of this list of the best tourist destinations in southern Peru. It’s the second-largest city in the country and is known for its buildings made from white volcanic stone.
The city’s history dates back to 1540 when it was founded by the Spanish. Since then, it has stood out for its impressive architecture and rich cultural heritage. It's worth noting that Arequipa was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2000.
Weather
Arequipa is an appealing destination thanks to its dry and mild climate throughout most of the year. However, temperatures vary significantly between day and night, depending on the season. During the day, temperatures can reach up to 25°C (77°F), while at night, they can drop to around 5°C (41°F).
Ideal Travel Clothing
Because of these temperature changes, we recommend bringing a variety of clothing:
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Breathable long- and short-sleeved shirts
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Lightweight pants
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Comfortable shoes
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Hat or cap
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Sunglasses
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Sunscreen
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Light jacket
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Scarf
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Thick socks
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Waterproof jacket
Things to Do
One of the reasons Arequipa is among the top tourist destinations in southern Peru is the variety of activities you can enjoy. Here are some highlights:
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Visit the Colca Canyon: This destination is a must if you’re going to Arequipa. It’s a beautiful opportunity to see the majestic condor in flight while also enjoying relaxing hot springs.
You can enjoy a great experience with our Colca Canyon Full Day Tour.
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Stroll through the Santa Catalina Monastery and Viewpoints: As mentioned before, Arequipa boasts stunning architecture worth exploring. If you're visiting the White City, don’t miss the chance to visit the Santa Catalina Monastery.
We’ll take you to this amazing site with our Arequipa City Tour + Santa Catalina Monastery.
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Taste the local cuisine: This is one of the best tourist destinations in southern Peru thanks to its rich culinary culture. Make sure to explore the traditional taverns and "picanterías" (spicy food restaurants).
Tips for Visiting Arequipa
Keep these tips in mind to take your experience to the next level:
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Acclimatize: Although it’s not as high as Cusco, Arequipa still has a considerable altitude, so take some time to adjust.
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Try the local food: Arequipa’s cuisine is spectacular—try as many dishes as you can!
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Stay hydrated: Don’t forget to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you’re doing a lot of walking.
4. Huacachina: A Stunning Oasis in Peru
Huacachina is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in southern Peru. It’s a small yet charming oasis located in Ica. The main attraction of Huacachina is how the giant sand dunes surround the area, offering a true visual spectacle.
Tourists are also drawn to Huacachina by the mystery and legends surrounding the oasis. Some claim that this paradise originates from the tale of an Inca princess.
Weather
One of Huacachina’s unique features is its balanced weather year-round, with warm and dry conditions. It practically never rains in this region, and temperatures range from highs of 35°C to lows of 10°C.
Ideal Clothing for Traveling
Due to its warm and dry climate, we recommend packing the following items when visiting Huacachina:
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Cotton clothing
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Swimsuit
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Cap or hat
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Sunscreen
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Sandals
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Sports shoes
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Light jacket
Things to Do
There’s a wide range of activities to enjoy in Huacachina, but some of the most popular among tourists include:
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Dune buggy rides: Riding a 4x4 vehicle through the dunes is an impressive and fun experience you’re sure to love.
You can fully enjoy this experience with our Private Picnic in Huacachina (includes buggy ride).
- Sandboarding on the dunes: Most tourists visiting Huacachina absolutely love the thrill of sliding down the dunes on a board. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
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Visit the vineyards: Huacachina has interesting artisanal vineyards where you can
Tips for Visiting Huacachina
You can make your trip to Huacachina truly unforgettable by following a few helpful tips:
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Use sunscreen: The weather in Huacachina can be intense, so you’ll need plenty of sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
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Choose comfort: Wear comfortable clothing, especially if you’re planning to go sandboarding.
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Protect the environment: Don’t leave any trash behind in the oasis—help preserve this beautiful place.
Conclusion
As you’ve seen, there are plenty of amazing tourist destinations in southern Peru to explore, but the most iconic for most travelers are Cusco, Paracas, Arequipa, and Huacachina.
If you want to explore any of these destinations in a unique and personalized way, Gurú Explorers is your best option. We offer private tour experiences designed to make your trip the best it can be.
We’d love to be part of your adventure in southern Peru!