{"id":5485,"date":"2023-02-17T23:13:17","date_gmt":"2023-02-17T23:13:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.salkantaytrekking.com\/blog\/?p=5485"},"modified":"2026-02-20T16:48:34","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T21:48:34","slug":"panoramic-views-peru-best-places-cant-miss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.salkantaytrekking.com\/blog\/panoramic-views-peru-best-places-cant-miss\/","title":{"rendered":"Panoramic Views in Peru: The 13 Best Places that you can\u00b4t Miss"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Peru<\/strong> 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.&nbsp;Here are the best places to appreciate those breathtaking <strong>panoramic views<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents anchor-links\"><ul><li><a href=\"#Machu-Picchu-Mountain-Summit---Cusco\" data-level=\"2\">1. Machu Picchu Mountain Summit &#8211; Cusco<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#2.-Puka-Pass-and-Kinsacocha-(Ausangate-Trek)\" data-level=\"2\">2. Puka Pass and Kinsacocha (Ausangate Trek) &#8211; Cusco<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#3.-Yanahuara-Viewpoint---Arequipa\" data-level=\"2\">3. Yanahuara Viewpoint &#8211; Arequipa<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#4.-Huacachina-Desert-+-Ca\u00f1\u00f3n-de-los-Perdidos---Ica\" data-level=\"2\">4. Huacachina Desert + Ca\u00f1\u00f3n de los Perdidos &#8211; Ica<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#5.-Huancaya---Ca\u00f1ete\" data-level=\"2\">5. Huancaya &#8211; Ca\u00f1ete<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#6.-Tres-Cruces---Paucartambo\" data-level=\"2\">6. Tres Cruces &#8211; Paucartambo<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#7.-Siula-Punta-Pass-and-San-Antonio-Pass-(Huayhuash-Trek)---Huaraz\" data-level=\"2\">7. Siula Punta Pass and San Antonio Pass (Huayhuash Trek) &#8211; Huaraz<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#8.-Pacaya-Samiria-National-Reserve---Iquitos\" data-level=\"2\">8. Pacaya Samiria National Reserve &#8211; Iquitos<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#9.-Taytamaki-Viewpoint---Tarapoto-\" data-level=\"2\">9. Taytamaki Viewpoint &#8211; Tarapoto<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#10.-Morro-Solar---Lima\" data-level=\"2\">10. Morro Solar &#8211; Lima<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#11.-Paracas-National-Reserve---Paracas\" data-level=\"2\">11. Paracas National Reserve &#8211; Paracas<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#12.-Amantani-Island-or-Taquile-Island-Ruins-(Puma-or-Condor-Lookout-on-land)---Puno\" data-level=\"2\">12. Amantani Island or Taquile Island Ruins (Puma or Condor Lookout on land) &#8211; Puno<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#13.-Cruz-del-Condor-Viewpoint---Arequipa\" data-level=\"2\">13. Cruz del Condor Viewpoint &#8211; Arequipa<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Machu-Picchu-Mountain-Summit---Cusco\">1. Machu Picchu Mountain Summit &#8211; Cusco<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Within the archeological site of <strong>Machu Picchu<\/strong>, 3 extra hikes can be done. The one that reaches the highest elevation and therefore affords the best view is <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salkantaytrekking.com\/blog\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-machu-picchu-mountain\/\">Machu Picchu Mountain<\/a><\/strong>! From the summit, you\u2019ll get the most amazing bird\u2019s eye view of the majestic Inca city, as well as the surrounding green mountains, snowcaps, deep valleys, and Urubamba River.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s 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\u2019s 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salkantaytrekking.com\/machu-picchu-tours\/\"><strong>multi-day trek<\/strong><\/a> to Machu Picchu?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" src=\"https:\/\/www.salkantaytrekking.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/machu-picchu-mountain-2.jpg\" alt=\"Machu Picchu Mountain\" class=\"wp-image-5492\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Machu Picchu Mountain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Off the beaten path alternative: <strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salkantaytrekking.com\/trekking-in-peru\/choquequirao\/\">Choquequirao Trek<\/a>&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2.-Puka-Pass-and-Kinsacocha-(Ausangate-Trek)\">2. Puka Pass and Kinsacocha (Ausangate Trek) &#8211; <strong>Cusco<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Ausangate Trek<\/strong> is the wildest and most difficult and breathtakingly beautiful in the <strong>Cusco <\/strong>region. It\u2019s one of the best in the country and on the South American continent! If you\u2019re an avid hiker, it would be a shame to skip this one. It\u2019s a high-altitude trek that never dips below 14,000 feet (4270 meters), and that\u2019s part of its draw. It\u2019s 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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll 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 <strong>Puka Pass<\/strong>, you\u2019ll 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 &#8211; one deep blue and one dark turquoise! At <strong>Kinsacocha<\/strong>, your gaze will fall on five (yes, five!) glacial lakes, all different shades of light and dark blue, and even a light pink one!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Less strenuous alternatives: <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salkantaytrekking.com\/trekking-in-peru\/salkantay-trek\/\"><strong>Salkantay<\/strong><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salkantaytrekking.com\/trekking-in-peru\/ancascocha-trek\/\"><strong>Ancascocha<\/strong><\/a> or <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salkantaytrekking.com\/trekking-in-peru\/lares-trek\/\">Lares<\/a> <\/strong>Treks<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3.-Yanahuara-Viewpoint---Arequipa\">3. Yanahuara Viewpoint &#8211; <strong>Arequipa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The best viewpoint over the white city of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salkantaytrekking.com\/blog\/10-fantastic-things-to-do-arequipa-peru\/\">Arequipa<\/a><\/strong>, with the Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu Volcanoes perfectly framed in the background, is found in the <strong>Yanahuara <\/strong>district of the city. Its palm-filled plaza is lined with symmetrical, royal-looking white archways on one side. They\u2019re artfully made of the same bright, porous volcanic stone (ashlar) that constructed the entire Grecian-looking city. It\u2019s all perfectly picturesque! The structures here were built in the 19th century, and the fa\u00e7ade is engravede with popular quotes from Arequipa\u2019s historical influencers. Do a tour of the <strong>Sillar Route<\/strong> to see where all that dreamy, white rock came from and to enjoy the scenery outside the city!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1001\" height=\"564\" src=\"https:\/\/www.salkantaytrekking.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/yanahuara-viewpoint-arequipa.jpg\" alt=\"Yanahuara Viewpoint\" class=\"wp-image-5495\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Yanahuara Viewpoint<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Adventurous alternative:<em> Hike to the summit of Misti Volcano for an out-of-this-world view<\/em>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4.-Huacachina-Desert-+-Ca\u00f1\u00f3n-de-los-Perdidos---Ica\">4. Huacachina Desert + Ca\u00f1\u00f3n de los Perdidos &#8211; Ica<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Did you know Peru has a desert? In my opinion, the desert is one of the most relaxing landscapes. Maybe it\u2019s the fact that it seems endless or that it\u2019s all the same color, keeping visual distractions to a minimum. Maybe it\u2019s 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\u2019s undoubtedly special.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Near the city of Ica, you can visit the<strong> Huacachina oasis<\/strong> and a secluded canyon to get those incredible scenic views. In Huacachina, take a private dune<strong> buggy<\/strong> 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\u2019s best hikes in the <strong>Ca\u00f1\u00f3n de los Perdidos<\/strong> (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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hidden gem alternative:<em> Hike Cerro Blanco near Nazca, the world\u2019s tallest dune! It\u2019s where the desert collides with the Andes.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5.-Huancaya---Ca\u00f1ete\">5. Huancaya &#8211; Ca\u00f1ete<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This one\u2019s really special because it\u2019s just recently entered the tourism world and is being revealed to outsiders. In the <strong>Nor Yauyos Cochas Landscape Reserve<\/strong>, you\u2019ll find one of the most flawless and astounding landscapes in the world. The Ca\u00f1ete River runs through the area steeply downward toward the ocean, but it\u2019s 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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 Ca\u00f1ete (5.5 hours) to the town of Huancaya. There\u2019s the option to do day trips or multi-day treks in the area. Visit nearby Lunahuana, too, for a wild <strong>rafting<\/strong> experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"664\" src=\"https:\/\/www.salkantaytrekking.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/huancaya-canete.jpg\" alt=\"Huancaya, Ca\u00f1ete\" class=\"wp-image-5496\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Huancaya, Ca\u00f1ete<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s no alternative; <em>it\u2019s one of a kind<\/em>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6.-Tres-Cruces---Paucartambo\">6. Tres Cruces &#8211; Paucartambo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u00b0 view. It\u2019s known as \u201c<strong>The Balcony of the East<\/strong>&#8221; 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\u2019ll see the giant, snow-covered mountains of the Andes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <strong>THREE suns<\/strong> all rising next to each other. Crazy, right? It\u2019s one of <strong>the <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salkantaytrekking.com\/blog\/most-romantic-honeymoon-destinations-peru\/\"><strong>most romantic<\/strong><\/a><strong> places near Cusco<\/strong>!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Paucartambo<\/strong>, your hub for visiting Tres Cruces, is 2.5 hours from Cusco. The lookout is another hour away by car. If you don\u2019t 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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Close-up alternative: <em>Take a tour into the depths of Manu National Park, and do a canopy walk in the treetops!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7.-Siula-Punta-Pass-and-San-Antonio-Pass-(Huayhuash-Trek)---Huaraz\">7. Siula Punta Pass and San Antonio Pass (Huayhuash Trek) &#8211; Huaraz<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This trek is Peru\u2019s most remote and stupefying. It\u2019s obviously one of the best in the country but also definitely one of the best in South America and among the world\u2019s top 10! It\u2019s a mountaineer\u2019s favorite mountain range here and is compared to trekking in the Himalayas. Lonely Planet calls it \u201c<strong>a high-elevation Eden<\/strong>.\u201d There\u2019s even a book and movie about this place called <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Ddeq-vRCZ8k\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Touching the Void<\/a>.<\/strong> 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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The trek is full of far-reaching views, but the best two are Siula Pass and San Antonio Pass. From Siula, you\u2019ll see three unbelievably bright turquoise lakes at the foot of a line of snowy mountains towering above. From San Antonio, the landscape\u2019s protagonist is Yerupaja, the range\u2019s highest peak, rising to 6630 meters (21,770 feet) surrounded by deep valleys and their glacial lakes. You\u2019ll feel an energetic wave washing over you from the sacred mountains as you marvel at the sweeping panoramas of the rugged countryside.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1001\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/www.salkantaytrekking.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/huayhuash.jpg\" alt=\"view of Siula Punta Pass and San Antonio Pass. Huayhuash trek\" class=\"wp-image-5498\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">View of view of Siula Punta Pass and San Antonio Pass. Photo by: @bingebackpacking<br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Shorter, less difficult alternative: <em>Santa Cruz Trek<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8.-Pacaya-Samiria-National-Reserve---Iquitos\">8. Pacaya Samiria National Reserve &#8211; Iquitos<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This park holds over 5 million acres of intense biodiversity. It\u2019s nicknamed \u201c<strong>the jungle of mirrors<\/strong>\u201d 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 <strong>best panoramic view of the Peruvian Amazon<\/strong> from <strong>Iquitos<\/strong> 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\u2019s around without you ever lifting your head. Throw in some parrots, pink river dolphins, giant otters and Amazonian manatees and that spells wonderland! You\u2019ll get there after 2 hours by car and 3 hours by boat. You must enter with an official guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More accessible and cheaper alternative: <em>Tambopata Reserve near Puerto Maldonado<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9.-Taytamaki-Viewpoint---Tarapoto-\">9. Taytamaki Viewpoint &#8211; Tarapoto<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Peru\u2019s most Instagram-famous <strong>man-made viewpoint<\/strong> is at a restaurant and adventure park on the outskirts of the Amazon. Visitors can walk out onto a giant, outstretched hand (called <strong>The Hand of God<\/strong>) painted the colors of the country\u2019s flag &#8211; red and white. Of course, the view looking out from the hand is spectacular! You\u2019ll be staring out over the lush, green cloud forest of the northern highlands as far as the eye can see.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Be sure to take advantage of the nature walks and adventure sports offered here! While you\u2019re in <strong>Tarapoto<\/strong>, 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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1001\" height=\"715\" src=\"https:\/\/www.salkantaytrekking.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/taytamaki.jpg\" alt=\"Taytamaki viewpoint - Tarapoto\" class=\"wp-image-5500\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Taytamaki viewpoint. Photo by: taytamaki.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Alternative near Cusco: <em>Cielo Punku Viewpoint in Huaro<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10.-Morro-Solar---Lima\">10. Morro Solar &#8211; Lima<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salkantaytrekking.com\/blog\/best-things-see-do-lima\/\">Lima<\/a> <\/strong>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\u2019s bustling coastal capital and the bordering Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On these hills, you\u2019ll 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\u2019s northern extreme), and a planetarium. It\u2019s also a popular place for experienced cyclists to practice. This was once the site of the Battle of Chorrillos<em> <\/em>between <strong>Peru<\/strong>, Chile, and Bolivia. Nearby is the Chorrillos beach, pier and fresh fish market as well as the <strong>Salto del Fraile<\/strong> landmark. Try some ceviche while you\u2019re there; it\u2019s the best in the world!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Exhilarating, bucket list alternative: <em>Paraglide over Lima from the Miraflores district!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"11.-Paracas-National-Reserve---Paracas\">11. Paracas National Reserve &#8211; Paracas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The seaside desert town home to the ancient <strong>Paracas culture of Peru<\/strong> is also the gateway to one of the country\u2019s 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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s 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 <strong>best activities in the country<\/strong>! Once you get away from the entrance and main beach, chances are the scenery will be unobstructed and you\u2019ll be in silence (except for the lapping water).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Animal lover\u2019s alternative: <em>Take a boat to the Ballestas Islands (\u201cthe poor man\u2019s Galapagos\u201d) to visit sea lions, blue-footed boobies, Humboldt penguins and other coastal birds!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"12.-Amantani-Island-or-Taquile-Island-Ruins-(Puma-or-Condor-Lookout-on-land)---Puno\">12. Amantani Island or Taquile Island Ruins (Puma or Condor Lookout on land) &#8211; Puno<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Within<strong> Lake Titicaca<\/strong>, 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salkantaytrekking.com\/blog\/family-holidays-peru\/\"><strong>Peru<\/strong><\/a> and Bolivia far off in the distance. Each peak has a set of ancient ruins to explore.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salkantaytrekking.com\/blog\/best-things-puno-peru\/\"><strong>Puno<\/strong><\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"751\" src=\"https:\/\/www.salkantaytrekking.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/taquile-amantani.jpg\" alt=\"Taquile Island, Puno\" class=\"wp-image-5502\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Taquile Island, Puno.  Photo by: @City Cookie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Mainland alternatives: <em>Condor Hill, Plaza del Faro or Cerrito de Huajsapata in the city of Puno<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"13.-Cruz-del-Condor-Viewpoint---Arequipa\">13. Cruz del Condor Viewpoint &#8211; Arequipa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At 3300 meters deep, one of the world\u2019s deepest, <strong>Colca Canyon<\/strong> 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\u2019s also the natural habitat of the majestic bird of Peru, the <strong>Andean condor<\/strong>. You can be almost 100% sure that you\u2019ll 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a wingspan of about 3 meters (10 feet) across, it\u2019s 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\u2019ll be checking one of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salkantaytrekking.com\/blog\/28-very-best-things-to-do-in-peru\/\"><strong>the country\u2019s top destinations<\/strong><\/a> off your list!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Less crowded alternative: <em>Cotahuasi Canyon (10 hours from Arequipa)&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Now You Know<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <strong>best panoramic views in Peru<\/strong>?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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.&nbsp;Here are the best places to appreciate those breathtaking panoramic [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5506,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[440,34,75,7,58,1],"tags":[616],"class_list":["post-5485","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arequipa","category-best","category-cusco","category-machu-picchu","category-peru","category-trek","tag-the-city-of-arequipa"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Panoramic Views in Peru: The 13 Best Places that you can\u00b4t Miss<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"You probably already knew that Peru is exceptional for its natural beauty. 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