Ayacucho
This spectacular 17th-century cathedral on the Plaza de Armas has a religious-art museum inside. The moody facade doesn’t quite prepare you for the…
©Mark Green/Alamy Stock Photo
Central Highlands
If it’s breathtaking ancient ruins or immersion in uninterrupted wilderness that you crave during your journey, listen up. The rocky, remote Central Highlands can match Peru's better known destinations for these things and more – with the almost absolute absence of other travelers.
Leave the planning to a local expert
Experience the real Central Highlands. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.
Get startedAttractions
Must-see attractions
Ayacucho
Ayacucho’s most haunting museum, remembers the impact the Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path) had on Peru in the city that was most deeply affected by the…
Ayacucho
Displays popular art covering the ayacucheño (natives of Ayacucho) spectrum – silverwork, rug- and tapestry-weaving, stone and woodcarvings, ceramics …
Central Highlands
This white shrine visible on a hill 1.5km from Acobamba is one of Peru’s top pilgrimage sites, built around a rock etching of Christ crucified. A small…
Central Highlands
Santuario Nacional Huayllay, aka the bosque de piedras (forest of stones), is the world’s largest and highest rock forest at a chilly 4500m+ with…
Central Highlands
Set around beautiful gardens and courtyards, this convent was originally built by Franciscans in the early 18th century as a center for missionaries…
Central Highlands
These extensive Inca ruins perch on a swathe of barren pampa (pampas grass) at 3700m. It’s a worthwhile two-hour trek on a steep path from behind the…
Central Highlands
The best known of the myriad archaeological ruins near Tarma, this was the capital of the Taruma culture and later a major Inca administrative center. The…
Plan with a local
Guidebooks
Purchase our award-winning guidebooks
Get to the heart of Central Highlands with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.
