Lonely Planet Ranks Peru Among the Must-see Destinations for 2026

Panoramic view of a landmark Peruvian landscape highlighted by Lonely Planet Ausangate
Jesus Calixto

By Jesus Calixto

Lonely Planet said Peru is among the 25 best places in the world to visit in 2026. It also explained that the country offers nine “splendid” destinations. These are places where you can see mountains, jungles, history, and people who care for their land. That is why Peru appears as a country full of contrasts.

Nine Peruvian Destinations

  • First, there is the Colca Canyon. There, travelers hike for two or three days. They also see landscapes that change with every step. They also observe condors and ancient terraces.
  • Then there is Nevado Ausangate. It is the highest mountain in the south of the country. It is also surrounded by very special ecosystems.
  • Next is Santa Cruz, in Ancash. It is a quiet valley within the Huascarán National Park. From there, you can reach Alpamayo, a mountain famous for its beauty.
  • There is also Lares. This route leads to Machu Picchu. It also allows you to learn about the life of the Andean communities.
  • Further on, the Huayhuash mountain range is mentioned. There are seven enormous mountains there that exceed 6,000 meters.
  • Another place is the source of the Amazon River. To get there, you walk towards the snow-capped Mismi. From there, the longest river on the planet begins.
  • Then there is the Cotahuasi Canyon. It is the deepest in the world and is located within a large landscape reserve.
  • Next is Choquequirao. It is a very large Inca city. However, only a small part of it has been excavated.

Choquequirao Cusco

  • Finally, there are the Heath River and Bahuaja-Sonene National Park. This is home to the Ese’eja culture. There are also very rare ecosystems such as the Pampas del Heath.

A Country Full of Contrasts

On the one hand, Lonely Planet reminds us that Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Arequipa are still incredible destinations. On the other hand, it points out that there is a lesser-known Peru. In that Peru, there are sacred mountains, long hiking trails, immense jungles, and giant canyons. In addition, there are communities that keep their traditions alive.

These recommendations show a growing interest in sustainable travel. In addition, many visitors are looking for places with fewer people and well-preserved nature. Peru offers all of that. It also has ancient history, enormous biodiversity, and landscapes that change rapidly as one travels.

Peru’s presence in “Best in Travel 2026” attracts the attention of travelers from many countries. It also creates opportunities for tourism to grow in a more diverse way. This allows new regions to receive visitors.

Finally, this selection shows that the country is making progress in protecting its natural areas. It also promotes rural tourism and improves infrastructure. This way, more people will be able to discover these treasures in a responsible manner.

Source: Panamericana.pe

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