Exploring Peru: from ancient wonders to unforgettable coastlines

COUNTRY EXPERT

Claudia Aramburu

Territory Channel Manager
Peru is a country where history and nature overlap. Ancient Inca cities rise from mountain peaks, deserts stretch toward oasis lagoons and coastal towns offer some of the world’s freshest seafood. Every region feels different, yet all are connected through strong traditions, remarkable landscapes and a culture built around hospitality and food.
Whether you arrive for Machu Picchu or Peru’s world-famous cuisine, the country quickly reveals there’s much more waiting beyond the obvious landmarks.

What to see

Machu Picchu: see Peru’s timeless icon

Few places inspire the same sense of wonder as Machu Picchu. Built by the Incas in the 15th century and hidden among the Andes mountains, the ancient citadel remains one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological sites.

Walking through its terraces, temples and stone pathways feels surreal, especially with the surrounding peaks piercing the clouds. It’s easy to see why the site became one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

For many travelers, the experience begins in Cusco, a fascinating city layered with Inca and colonial history. But one important detail catches many visitors by surprise: the altitude. Taking things slowly during the first few days makes a huge difference and allows you to fully appreciate the experience once your body acclimates.

Local tip:

Machu Picchu

Early mornings at Machu Picchu often bring fewer crowds and incredible mountain mist drifting across the ruins.

Paracas: enjoy a desert and ocean adventure

Paracas offers a side of Peru many travelers don’t expect. Located along the Pacific coast, it combines marine wildlife, desert landscapes, gastronomy and adventure activities in one unforgettable destination. Boat tours to the Ballestas Islands reveal sea lions, penguins and seabirds, while the mysterious Candelabro geoglyph carved into the desert hillside is nearvy. On land, visitors can explore dunes in 4x4 vehicles or experience dune buggy rides through the sand.

What makes Paracas special is the contrast: calm ocean scenery on one side, dramatic desert landscapes on the other.

Local tip:

Paracas

Sunset over the Paracas desert is one of the region’s most underrated experiences.

Los Órganos: escape to Peru’s northern coast

Not every unforgettable place is famous. For many Peruvians, the most meaningful destinations are tied to family memories and quiet moments rather than landmarks.

Los Órganos, near Máncora in northern Peru, is one of those places. It’s known for its warm waters and relaxed atmosphere – the kind of coastal town people return to in order to disconnect from routine.

And for some it’s deeply personal, a place connected to childhood trips, family fishing outings and memories that stay long after the journey ends.

Hidden gem: Lunahuaná

Lunahuaná is often overlooked by international tourists, but it offers one of the best combinations of adventure and relaxation in Peru. It’s also just a few hours from Lima.

The region is known for river rafting and attracts visitors looking for an adrenaline rush. But Lunahuaná also has a quieter side: vineyards, pisco tastings and scenic countryside perfect for a weekend escape. It’s somewhere you can spend mornings on the rapids and evenings tasting local wines surrounded by nature.

Defining local
experiences

Peru is best experienced through its food and everyday culture.

One of the simplest but most authentic experiences is visiting a traditional market, trying street food and sharing a typical Peruvian lunch. Markets are full of regional flavors, fresh ingredients and family-run stalls that reflect the diversity of the country itself.

For something more adventurous, Huacachina Oasis offers one of Peru’s most unique experiences. Surrounded by giant sand dunes, the oasis is famous for sandboarding and high-speed dune buggy rides across the desert.

What to eat and drink

Peruvian cuisine is internationally celebrated for good reason: its geography and cultural influences create a huge variety of flavors and ingredients.

Some essential dishes and drinks include

Ceviche
Fresh fish marinated in lime juice, often considered Peru’s signature dish.
Lomo Saltado
Stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes, fries and rice – a perfect example of Peru’s fusion cuisine.

Local tip:

Stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes, fries and rice – a perfect example of Peru’s fusion cuisine.

THREAT EXPERT

Leandro Cuozzo

Peru is an incredible destination for travelers, but visitors should be alert to several common digital threats that frequently target tourists, especially in highly connected areas like airports, cafés, hotels and transportation hubs. Leandro Cuozzo, Security Researcher at Kaspersky’s Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT), highlights several threats visitors should be aware of while traveling in the region.

Staying safe during your travels in Peru

How to stay safe:

Verify Wi-Fi network names with staff before connecting.
Avoid accessing banking or sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi.
Use a VPN whenever possible while traveling. Disable automatic Wi-Fi connections on your devices.

If you need to connect through public Wi-Fi, the VPN included with Kaspersky Premium helps encrypt your internet connection, providing additional protection while accessing travel services, email or online accounts.

How to stay safe:

Download apps only from official app stores.
Verify app names, developers and reviews carefully.
Avoid installing apps directly from links sent through messages or social media.
Remove apps you no longer use after your trip.

Kaspersky Premium helps protect your devices by detecting malicious downloads, unsafe apps and phishing links before they can compromise your personal information.