Travel experts reveal seven must-visit places in Peru

Iconic character Paddington Bear is inspiring holidays to his homeland, Peru.With the latest film, Paddington in Peru out in Australia on January 1, 2025, travel experts say searches for trips to his South American country are up 150 per cent."We expect people are going to fall in love with Peru as much as they love Paddington himself" Keith Crockford, Founder of The Bucket List Company, which revealed the data.READ MORE: Planning a holiday to China? Here's what you need to know before you book"Peru is a beautiful country with so much on offer – trips have already been seeing a rise in interest and we expect this to only rise in 2025 once they have gone to see this film".The company has put together the top seven things to see in the South American country."Venturing on a journey to Peru transports you to a world of ancient civilisations, dramatic landscapes, and rich cultural traditions," Keith says.READ MORE: Jurien Bay: Your ultimate guide to up-and-coming Western Australia holiday town"From the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu to colonial Lima's architecture, the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, and the mysteries of the Nazca lines, Peru offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences."1. Machu PicchuKnown as the 'Lost City of the Incas', Machu Picchu is an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site with its unique location and remarkable history.There are a variety of ways you can get to Machu Picchu, whether it's by train or trekking one of the trails, you'll get the chance to see some breathtaking views.An Andean Bear was also spotted there a few years ago, so you might even see a real-life Paddington .2. CuscoThis charming city, once the capital of the Inca Empire, is now known for its blend of Inca and Colonial architecture, cobbled streets, and vibrant markets.During your time in Cusco, you can visit the beautiful sites of Coricancha, Cusco Cathedral and Tambomachay Archeological Complex.You can also visit Sacsayhuaman, which sits on a hill above Cusco.Here you will see some of the finest examples of Inca stonework and construction, including massive rocks that were carefully cut and perfectly fitted together to form the walls. From here you'll also have beautiful panoramic views of Cusco.READ MORE: School's out, adventure is in: Your school holiday guide3. The Amazon RainforestCovering a large part of eastern Peru, a trip into the Amazon basin offers a vast array of wildlife encounters and lush vegetation.Begin your adventure in Puerto Maldonado, Peru's vibrant Capital City of Biodiversity, where you'll embark on a captivating riverboat ride along the Madre de Dios River.You can trek through lush trails, encounter fascinating wildlife at Caimán Cocha, and witness breathtaking sunsets over the Amazon.Explore Monkey Island, home to a variety of monkey species, and embark on a canoe ride around the serene lake.4. The Rainbow MountainIt sounds like something out of a fantasy story, but the high Andes of Peru is home to the very real, and very spectacular Vinicunca.This is the real-life Rainbow Mountain, and it is incredible.Layer upon layer of sediment has formed a strikingly colourful mountain, with strokes of red, lavender, yellow, turquoise, black and white all intermingling on the gentle slopes.Among locals in the Cusco area, the mountain is considered sacred, and when you visit you will see why.5. The Inca TrailYou can reach Machu Picchu via a few paths.For jaw-dropping scenery, lush cloud forest, stunning waterfalls and ancient ruins, tackle the Inca Trail.Constructed by the Incas more than 500 years ago, the Inca Road system stretches a whopping 40,000km.With more than 12,000 lagoons and some of the deepest canyons on earth, you'll encounter some truly incredible sights on the Inca Trail.6. Salkantay TrailThe Salkantay trail is another perfect way to see Machu Picchu.Less popular, more peaceful, and just as stunning as its sister routes, it is an incredible way to see the very best of Peru, the company says.Adventure around Salkantay Mountain's imposing peak and keep an eye on those mystic glaciers that seem to follow you every step of the way, then pass through lush valleys and high jungles as you descend.It's a world of diverse landscapes up there.7. Lares TrekGet off the beaten path and taste what life was like in Machu Picchu on this more cultural route to the ancient Inca settlement.Incredible ruins, azure lagoons and alpacas galore await you on your hike along the Lares Trek to one of the most celebrated new wonders of the world.