Top 10 Most Instagram-Worthy Destinations in Peru

The Best Travel Photo Destinations in Peru

If Peru is on your travel bucket list for 2024, you’re not alone. Located in South America and as the third largest country on the continent, Peru attracts over 5 million tourists every year. Home to the iconic Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca, Peru hosts many of South America’s ‘must-visit’ destinations.

Peru is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes, ancient ruins and vibrant culture that will not only feed your wanderlust but also fill your Instagram feed with epic snapshots. In this blog, we reveal 10 of the most Instagram-able destinations in Peru that will make your Instagram feed come alive.

Consider this blog post your Peru travel guide to the country’s most photo-worthy sites. You can forget about expensive cameras and photography equipment, as all you will need to capture these picture-perfect spots when travelling in Peru is your smartphone and a keen eye for composition.

Let’s dive in.

1. Machu Picchu

If you know one thing about Peru, it’ll be that the country is home to Machu Picchu, the spectacular archaeological creation of the Inca Empire. Machu Picchu is the most iconic spot in Peru and that’s a fact. With over 1.5 million visitors per year, Machu Picchu is the country’s most visited site, and it is a bucket list destination for millions of people around the world.

This ancient Inca citadel perched high in the Andes is a photographer’s dream. Full of fascinating Inca architecture and with the majestic Andes mountains as its backdrop, this attraction offers endless photo opportunities. Whether you hike up to the Inti Punku or explore the terraces, every angle of Machu Picchu offers a mesmerising view that will transport you and your followers to another time.

2. Rainbow Mountains

Located in the Andes Mountains near the city of Cusco, the Rainbow Mountain is a popular side trip for travellers on their way to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.

Vinicunca, commonly known as Rainbow Mountain is one of the more picturesque natural attractions in Peru. This natural wonder showcases layers of red, orange, yellow and green colours that paint the mountain’s surface which are made up of 14 different minerals.

The hike to Rainbow Mountain takes you through stunning Andean landscapes, passing by local communities and grazing alpacas along the way. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the colourful mountains stretching out before you.

Although many photos you see of Rainbow Mountain suffer from over-editing, it is far from dull and still a spectacular sight to behold with your own eyes.

3. Huacachina

The Huacachina Oasis is another of the most popular natural attractions in Peru. Located just a few hours south of Lima, the Huacachina Oasis is a unique desert oasis surrounded by the mesmerising Huacachina dunes. The oasis itself is a small lagoon in the desert surrounded by vegetation and it is such a picturesque site. It is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Peru.

Tourists typically enjoy hiking to the top of the dunes, going for a ride on a dune buggy, sandboarding or even taking a paddle boat out onto the lagoon. Whatever activity it is that you want to try out on your trip to the Huacachina desert, this oasis surrounded by towering sand dunes provides a surreal backdrop for your travel photos.

4. Maras Salt Ponds

The Maras Salt Ponds in Peru are a fascinating sight to behold. Located just an hour away from Cusco, hidden in the Sacred Valley, the Maras Salt Mines are a series of man-made terraced pools that are used to harvest salt through evaporation. These ancient salt ponds create a picturesque mosaic of white, pink and brown geometric patterns, making an interesting subject for your travel photos.

From above, the Maras Salt Ponds provide a stunning backdrop for capturing some epic Instagram shots as the contrast between the bright salt pools and the surrounding mountains creates a striking visual. If you’re planning a trip to Peru, this remarkable destination is a must, and don’t forget to snap some photos to look back on your time spent in this amazing country.

5. Cusco

Cusco is a city in Peru that is rich in history and culture, with many traditional Peruvian festivals taking place here throughout the year. What was once the capital of the Inca Empire, is now a popular destination for travellers visiting Peru.

One of the main attractions in Cusco is the historic centre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here you can explore the narrow cobblestone streets and admire the stunning architecture that combines Inca and Spanish influence.

In addition to its historical and cultural attractions, Cusco is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes and is considered the gateway to the sacred valley and Machu Picchu. From snow-capped mountains to picturesque valleys, there are plenty opportunities for capturing stunning photographs.

6. Moray Terraces

The Moray Terraces are a fascinating archaeological site located in the beautiful Sacred Valley near Cusco. Although the purpose of this site remains unknown, these circular terraces built by the Incas offer a striking visual spectacle, and with the scenic Andes mountains in the background, it is definitely one of Peru’s most Instagram-able destinations.

7. Paracas National Reserve

There is more to Peru than scenic mountain landscapes and archaeological sites like Machu Picchu. Peru is a country located on the central-western shore of South America facing the Pacific Ocean and its coastline is just as beautiful as some of the country’s most popular tourist attractions.

Paracas National Reserve is known for its stunning coastal landscapes and diverse wildlife. When visiting Peru, Paracas National Reserve is a must for a dose of coastal beauty. The rugged cliffs, abundant wildlife and turquoise waters make for a serene and picturesque setting for your travel photography. It’s truly a hidden gem along Peru’s coastline and well worth a visit.

8. Arequipa Colca Canyon

Arequipa Colca Canyon, commonly known as Colca Canyon, is one of the deepest canyons in the world. The canyon is located 3 hour north of the city of Arequipa by car, and it is surrounded by the majestic Andean mountains, offering travellers the opportunity to get up close and personal to the Peruvian countryside on various hiking routes.

Home to some of Peru’s most captivating scenery, visitors will be greeted with plenty of photograph opportunities when hiking along the winding trails of the Colca Canyon. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the magnificent Andean condors soaring through the sky.

9. Lake Titicaca

Locals on floating island Lake Titicaca, Peru

Located at an altitude of 3,810m, Lake Titicaca rests gracefully between Peru to the west and Bolivia to the east. It proudly holds the title of being the largest freshwater lake in South American and the highest of the world’s largest lakes.

The lake is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, with clear blue waters that stretch as far as the eye can see. You can capture breathtaking shots of the lake itself as the panoramic views from the lakeshore or from a boat are simply stunning.

Another popular photography location is the Uros floating islands, constructed out of reeds and home to the Uros people.

10. Laguna Humantay

Laguna Humantay offers incredible photography opportunities for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. The lake itself is a stunning shade of turquoise blue and the stillness of the lake, with the reflections of the mountains on its surface, make for stunning visual compositions.

To reach Laguna Humantay, you’ll need to take a moderate hike that leads you through beautiful valleys and mountainous terrain. Kandoo Adventures ‘Salkantay Trek’ to Machu Picchu begins with a hike up to the beautiful turquoise shores of Humantay lake. Along the way you will be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The snowcapped mountains and rugged landscape create a picture-perfect backdrop for all your travel photographs.

Whether you’re a professional photographer or just enjoy taking beautiful pictures to share with your Instagram followers, the many wonders of Peru, both natural and manmade, offer a wealth of opportunities to capture truly unforgettable moments. If you’re travelling to Peru to embark on one of Kandoo Adventure’s Peru trips, be sure to visit some of the destinations mentioned in this post for memories that will last a lifetime and travel photographs that are sure to impress on social media.

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