Panoramic Views in Peru: The 13 Best Places that you can´t Miss

Peru is famous for three things: nature, culture, and food. Today is the day to showcase nature! This country is home to not only mountains but also jungle, coast, and desert. Here are the best places to appreciate those breathtaking panoramic views.

1. Machu Picchu Mountain Summit – Cusco

Within the archeological site of Machu Picchu, 3 extra hikes can be done. The one that reaches the highest elevation and therefore affords the best view is Machu Picchu Mountain! From the summit, you’ll get the most amazing bird’s eye view of the majestic Inca city, as well as the surrounding green mountains, snowcaps, deep valleys, and Urubamba River. 

It’s surreal to see vast, untamed wilderness on all sides, accompanied by the obviously once-inhabited and thoughtfully designed Machu Picchu jutting up in the middle of it. It’s a 3.5-hour round-trip and a moderately difficult hike. The entrance ticket that includes this hike costs 200 soles. For the full experience, why not do a multi-day trek to Machu Picchu?

Off the beaten path alternative: Choquequirao Trek 

2. Puka Pass and Kinsacocha (Ausangate Trek) – Cusco

The Ausangate Trek is the wildest and most difficult and breathtakingly beautiful in the Cusco region. It’s one of the best in the country and on the South American continent! If you’re an avid hiker, it would be a shame to skip this one. It’s a high-altitude trek that never dips below 14,000 feet (4270 meters), and that’s part of its draw. It’s a challenge, and, as it normally goes, the most difficult routes are the most rewarding. The trail is full of sky-high peaks, glaciers, native animals and the jewels of the Andes, its fantastical multi-colored lakes. 

You’ll see plenty of panoramic views throughout the trek, but two of the best are from the Puka Pass or Pukacocha (4870 MASL / 15,980 FASL) and Kinsacocha (4630 MASL / 15,190 FASL). At the Puka Pass, you’ll be standing on a rust red path (puka means red in the native Quechua language) with a view of an imposing, snow-covered mountain and two bright glacial lakes – one deep blue and one dark turquoise! At Kinsacocha, your gaze will fall on five (yes, five!) glacial lakes, all different shades of light and dark blue, and even a light pink one!

Less strenuous alternatives: Salkantay, Ancascocha or Lares Treks

3. Yanahuara Viewpoint – Arequipa

The best viewpoint over the white city of Arequipa, with the Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu Volcanoes perfectly framed in the background, is found in the Yanahuara district of the city. Its palm-filled plaza is lined with symmetrical, royal-looking white archways on one side. They’re artfully made of the same bright, porous volcanic stone (ashlar) that constructed the entire Grecian-looking city. It’s all perfectly picturesque! The structures here were built in the 19th century, and the façade is engravede with popular quotes from Arequipa’s historical influencers. Do a tour of the Sillar Route to see where all that dreamy, white rock came from and to enjoy the scenery outside the city!

Adventurous alternative: Hike to the summit of Misti Volcano for an out-of-this-world view!

4. Huacachina Desert + Cañón de los Perdidos – Ica

Did you know Peru has a desert? In my opinion, the desert is one of the most relaxing landscapes. Maybe it’s the fact that it seems endless or that it’s all the same color, keeping visual distractions to a minimum. Maybe it’s the warm temperature or the gentle wind blowing through your hair and across your skin, giving you goosebumps. Or the stark contrast between land and sky. But whatever the reason, it’s undoubtedly special. 

Near the city of Ica, you can visit the Huacachina oasis and a secluded canyon to get those incredible scenic views. In Huacachina, take a private dune buggy ride away from civilization, far out into the dunes, and enjoy the silence and wonder of the place with its whimsical sand waves. Then, do one of Peru’s best hikes in the Cañón de los Perdidos (Canyon of the Lost) for some crazy, sandy landforms that seem to pop up out of nowhere. Without a doubt, it is one of the destinations in Peru with the best panoramic views.

Hidden gem alternative: Hike Cerro Blanco near Nazca, the world’s tallest dune! It’s where the desert collides with the Andes.

5. Huancaya – Cañete

This one’s really special because it’s just recently entered the tourism world and is being revealed to outsiders. In the Nor Yauyos Cochas Landscape Reserve, you’ll find one of the most flawless and astounding landscapes in the world. The Cañete River runs through the area steeply downward toward the ocean, but it’s not just any river. The scene is transformed into a fairytale as infinite small waterfalls and lakes are formed in the wide flow of its emerald waters. 

To enjoy this panorama view in Peru, find the Cascadas de (Waterfalls of) Vilca, Cabracancha, Huachacaca and Carhuayno, the Calicanto Bridge (Puente), the Puente Colgante (hanging bridge), the Bosque del Amor (Forest of Love) and the Huallhua Lake (Laguna). You can get there by taking a bus from Lima (8 hours) or Cañete (5.5 hours) to the town of Huancaya. There’s the option to do day trips or multi-day treks in the area. Visit nearby Lunahuana, too, for a wild rafting experience!

There’s no alternative; it’s one of a kind!

6. Tres Cruces – Paucartambo

Famous for having one of the most amazing panoramic views of sunrises in the world, Tres Cruces is the place to be in the early morning hours for an astonishing 360° view. It’s known as “The Balcony of the East” as the mountain lookout on which you stand has an unobstructed view gazing out over Manu National Park to the east, a part of the Peruvian jungle. Look in the other direction, and you’ll see the giant, snow-covered mountains of the Andes. 

The humid clouds of the wilderness through which the sunrays pierce every morning create a type of colorful optical illusion of light unlike anywhere else in the world. On the morning of the winter solstice, that illusion appears in the form of THREE suns all rising next to each other. Crazy, right? It’s one of the most romantic places near Cusco! 

Paucartambo, your hub for visiting Tres Cruces, is 2.5 hours from Cusco. The lookout is another hour away by car. If you don’t have a car, you can take a bus from Diagonal Angamos in Cusco (it will take longer, about 4-6 hours total, to arrive). You can also book an overnight tour from Cusco. 

Close-up alternative: Take a tour into the depths of Manu National Park, and do a canopy walk in the treetops!

7. Siula Punta Pass and San Antonio Pass (Huayhuash Trek) – Huaraz

This trek is Peru’s most remote and stupefying. It’s obviously one of the best in the country but also definitely one of the best in South America and among the world’s top 10! It’s a mountaineer’s favorite mountain range here and is compared to trekking in the Himalayas. Lonely Planet calls it “a high-elevation Eden.” There’s even a book and movie about this place called Touching the Void. Lucky for you, it can be enjoyed both by experienced mountaineers as well as healthy, fit, and determined beginners with some training and a great tour company. 

The trek is full of far-reaching views, but the best two are Siula Pass and San Antonio Pass. From Siula, you’ll see three unbelievably bright turquoise lakes at the foot of a line of snowy mountains towering above. From San Antonio, the landscape’s protagonist is Yerupaja, the range’s highest peak, rising to 6630 meters (21,770 feet) surrounded by deep valleys and their glacial lakes. You’ll feel an energetic wave washing over you from the sacred mountains as you marvel at the sweeping panoramas of the rugged countryside. 

Shorter, less difficult alternative: Santa Cruz Trek

8. Pacaya Samiria National Reserve – Iquitos

This park holds over 5 million acres of intense biodiversity. It’s nicknamed “the jungle of mirrors” for its many reflective lakes and waterways! In rainy season, it becomes a flooded forest, literally covered in natural mirrors. Hence, the way to get the best panoramic view of the Peruvian Amazon from Iquitos is by boat. When the sun is shining, the image on the water is a perfect inversion of the real-life spectacle. Even in the shade, the black water shows you what’s around without you ever lifting your head. Throw in some parrots, pink river dolphins, giant otters and Amazonian manatees and that spells wonderland! You’ll get there after 2 hours by car and 3 hours by boat. You must enter with an official guide.

More accessible and cheaper alternative: Tambopata Reserve near Puerto Maldonado

9. Taytamaki Viewpoint – Tarapoto

Peru’s most Instagram-famous man-made viewpoint is at a restaurant and adventure park on the outskirts of the Amazon. Visitors can walk out onto a giant, outstretched hand (called The Hand of God) painted the colors of the country’s flag – red and white. Of course, the view looking out from the hand is spectacular! You’ll be staring out over the lush, green cloud forest of the northern highlands as far as the eye can see. 

Be sure to take advantage of the nature walks and adventure sports offered here! While you’re in Tarapoto, the City of Palms, you can visit farms of tropical plants, swim under the Aguashiyacu Falls and in the Sauce Lagoon, see the Castle of Lamas, taste delectable and organic treats at the Orquidea Chocolate Factory and go on a wildlife and rafting expedition. 

Alternative near Cusco: Cielo Punku Viewpoint in Huaro

10. Morro Solar – Lima

The Morro Solar is a set of large hills overlooking the city and its coastline from the south end in the Chorrillos district. The overcast and foggy climate of Lima gives it the feel of a city in the clouds when seen from above! The is the very best place to see a panoramic view of Peru’s bustling coastal capital and the bordering Pacific Ocean. 

On these hills, you’ll find a statue of Jesus, a monument to the unknown soldier, a huge metal cross that lights up at night (and can be seen from the city’s northern extreme), and a planetarium. It’s also a popular place for experienced cyclists to practice. This was once the site of the Battle of Chorrillos between Peru, Chile, and Bolivia. Nearby is the Chorrillos beach, pier and fresh fish market as well as the Salto del Fraile landmark. Try some ceviche while you’re there; it’s the best in the world!

Exhilarating, bucket list alternative: Paraglide over Lima from the Miraflores district!

11. Paracas National Reserve – Paracas

The seaside desert town home to the ancient Paracas culture of Peru is also the gateway to one of the country’s best natural parks. Any National Reserve is expected to have exceptional raw beauty, and Paracas is no exception. The extensive views here are of reddish-orange sand, rocky outcroppings and blue waves. 

There’s a fantastic bike trail going across this coastal desert park, passing several beaches and excellent viewpoints of the Pacific Ocean and its wildlife with the sandy cliffs of the reserve. Biking is, by far, the best way to see this jewel of the Peruvian coast, and I consider it one of the best activities in the country! Once you get away from the entrance and main beach, chances are the scenery will be unobstructed and you’ll be in silence (except for the lapping water). 

Animal lover’s alternative: Take a boat to the Ballestas Islands (“the poor man’s Galapagos”) to visit sea lions, blue-footed boobies, Humboldt penguins and other coastal birds!

12. Amantani Island or Taquile Island Ruins (Puma or Condor Lookout on land) – Puno

Within Lake Titicaca, which covers 3200 square miles (8300 square kilometers), there are several islands in the shape of tall hills. On Amantani Island or Taquile Island, hikers can climb up to the top of the island for a fabulous panoramic view of the surrounding lake and islands, imagining the mainlands of Peru and Bolivia far off in the distance. Each peak has a set of ancient ruins to explore. 

These two communities have colorful, centuries-old cultural traditions that are still being maintained today, especially through unique textile patterns and weaving techniques! Either one is about 3-4 hours from the city of Puno by boat. You can also take advantage of island life a bit more by booking an overnight homestay with a local family! In fact, it is one of the best things you can add to your itinerary and enjoy the best panoramic view in Peru.

Mainland alternatives: Condor Hill, Plaza del Faro or Cerrito de Huajsapata in the city of Puno

13. Cruz del Condor Viewpoint – Arequipa

At 3300 meters deep, one of the world’s deepest, Colca Canyon is a remarkable place with endless hiking trails to explore through its sandy-red slopes and rocky outcroppings paired with farming terraces climbing up, up, up to the road. Of course, it’s also the natural habitat of the majestic bird of Peru, the Andean condor. You can be almost 100% sure that you’ll spot one on your trip to Colca, and the best place to get that vast, canyon view stretching out in front of you is from the Cruz del Condor (Cross of the Condor) viewpoint.

With a wingspan of about 3 meters (10 feet) across, it’s truly an awe-inspiring experience to see them gliding over the breathtaking scenery of the canyon. There are several tour (low activity) and trekking (high activity) options available that also include visits to the nearby hot springs. However you decide to visit, you’ll be checking one of the country’s top destinations off your list!

Less crowded alternative: Cotahuasi Canyon (10 hours from Arequipa) 

Now You Know

You probably already knew that Peru was exceptional for its natural beauty, but now you know exactly where to see it at its finest! Are you ready to enjoy the best panoramic views in Peru?