Chynna SymoneDuring my recent trip to Peru, I was able to see some of the most incredible views and hit up some insane instagram spots in Peru. There’s still so much I didn’t see so here’s a post of some of the best places to get an insane shot in this beautiful country!
Machu Picchu
The first and most obvious choice of one of the best instagram spots in Peru is definitely Machu Picchu. This ancient Inca city is one of the few remaining villages that Inca people lived in so long ago. Nestled between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain, this beautiful city will look incredible on your feed.
Some people have visited during rainier seasons and the clouds covered the view, but this wonder of the world is easiest to see in the dry season (May-September)
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Another incredible view that I visited was Rainbow Mountain. These previously snow capped mountains are now uncovered and show the different colored sedimentary mineral deposits that have been exposed over time. With an altitude of around 17,000 feet it is a more difficult hike, but it’s 100% worth the view.
This is my favorite instagram spot in Peru and almost impossible to not get a super sick shot!
Sacred Valley
Sacred Valley is of historical and cultural importance in Peru. It was the heart of the Inca empire and covered with fertile lands, making the area important for agriculture. When hiking in the nearby mountains you can peek between the mountains and see the city of Cusco nestled between the peaks. It’s a beautiful view and definitely instagram worthy.
Huacachina Oasis
The Huacachina Oasis is one of the instagram spots in Peru that I did not have the opportunity to visit, but it comes highly recommended. This small village is located in the desert in southern Peru. It’s a natural oasis with waters historically said to have healing properties.Although everyone comes to this area for the sand dunes it’s the perfect place to get the perfect photo as well.
Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca, located in the Andes on the border between Peru and Bolivia, is the largest lake in South America by volume and surface area. Lake Titicaca is home to over 40 floating islands made entirely of totora reeds, where the Uros people, an indigenous community, have lived for centuries.This beautiful lake is definitely one of the most incredible instagram spots in Peru.
Colca Canyon
Located in southern Peru, near the city of Arequipa, Colca Canyon is one of the world’s deepest canyons, more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, with depths reaching over 3,270 meters (10,730 feet). The canyon is famous for its stunning scenery, including terraced fields that date back to pre-Inca times, and its dramatic landscapes of rugged mountains, cliffs, and the winding Colca River.
Humantay Lake
Humantay Lake is known for its striking turquoise waters, which are fed by the glaciers of the surrounding snow-capped peaks, particularly Mount Humantay. Humantay Lake is also considered a sacred site by the local Quechua people, and many visitors perform small ceremonies to honor Pachamama (Mother Earth) upon reaching the lake. The trek can be done as a day trip from Cusco or as part of the longer Salkantay Trek, which eventually leads to Machu Picchu. Humantay Lake is one of the best instagram spots in Peru, and will be an unforgettable experience.
Paracas National Reserve
If you’re interested in a coastal, beachy vibe, then Paracas National Reserve is the place for you! One of the key attractions within the Paracas National Reserve is the Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the “Poor Man’s Galápagos.” These islands are a haven for wildlife and are a popular destination for boat tours, where visitors can observe sea lions, penguins, and countless seabirds in their natural habitats.
This reserve will provide insane views that remind me of the rocky shores off the coast of Malta. You’ll be sure to get the perfect shot at this and definitely one of the can’t miss instagram spots in Peru.
Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay Trek is one of Peru’s most breathtaking and adventurous routes to Machu Picchu, offering a stunning alternative to the more popular Inca Trail. If you’re interested in some amazing instagram shots, you have to be dedicated to this trek and prepared for all there is to come!
The Salkantay Trek typically spans 4 to 5 days and covers approximately 60 to 75 kilometers (37 to 47 miles). For long treks such as Salkantay it’s important to do your research and prepare for such an experience.
Moray and Maras
Moray (located outside of Cusco) is an easily accessible archaeological site renowned for its impressive series of concentric terraced depressions. These circular terraces resemble a large amphitheater and were likely used by the Incas as an agricultural research station. As useful as it was for innovation it still is a beautiful sight to behold and definitely one of the coolest instagram spots in Peru.
Maras is a salt mine typically combined with Moray in a day trip due to their proximity. These salt pans, over 5,000 in number, cascade down the mountainside in a visually striking pattern. The salt has been harvested here for centuries, using traditional methods that date back to pre-Inca times. You can learn about the process of harvesting salt and see the beauty that the process creates!
In summation
Peru has very diverse landscapes from mountains, to deserts, to oceans and more. There’s so many opportunities to get the perfect shot for your next instagram post!
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