Visit Peru Miami Indiana and the surrounding area to see the top sights 2025. Peru: Discover the pre-Columbian city of Chan Chan or the Inka-Sttte Huaca de la Luna. Experience the beautiful Andean highlands and the Amazon lowland. Try traditional dishes such as Ceviche or Guinea Pig.
Honestly, when I speak of Peru's sights, I immediately think of the little town in the heart of Indiana, located in Washington Township, Miami County, and not the Andenland – that's a completely different circus. The city was founded in 1832, shortly after the Indians left their mark here, and since then has more than enough stories to tell to fill a long road trip. I like to take the train to Indianapolis and then jump to the local bus that takes me to the historic centre, where the old brick buildings almost scream after an Instagram filter.
A short detour to Miami, Florida, feels like jumping from a hot summer into an even hotter club – the skyline, the art deco feeling and the unstoppable noise of Ocean Drive are a stark contrast to the quiet fields of Indiana. I'll take the flight to Miami, because the car just collects too much sand in the gear, and then enjoy the colorful driving that I only know from movies.
Back in Peru, Indiana, there are some hidden cafes that I prefer not to find in guidebooks because they are too good to market them. The local market on Saturday morning is a real highlight – fresh products, a bit of country music and the friendly faces of the residents who welcome you with a “Welcome” that doesn’t sound like a tourist brew. And yes, I understand the hype around the big metropolises, but here, between cornfields and old railroad tracks, I find the true “Peru Sights” feeling that no Google Map algorithm can ever capture.
I have to confess: Machupicchu is not only what every Instagram filter plays for you, but for me the only thing that gets me out of bed when I stick to a rainy Sunday in Lima. The ascent to the Sun Gate is a bit like a bad movie premiere evening – you wait forever, the weather is crazy, and then, suddenly, the panorama that almost lets you forget that you have whipped the Wi-Fi signal in the hostel before. I spent a few hours there, while a tourist from Hamburg philosophized loudly about the “magic energy” of the place; I just nodded and thought that the echo of his voice was the only thing that really swings here.
A short jump to Cusco, and you land in a city that has more layers than a well-made Lasagne run. The Plaza de Armas is the heart that never beats – it only pulsates if you want to bend the tourist crowds to find a quiet café that is not occupied by a group of backpackers who are currently planning their latest “Travel-Vlog”. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because then everyone suddenly tries to shoot a photo of the colonial style, as if a UNESCO certificate were necessary to sit there.
If you have enough of the stone structures, take a look into the Sacred Valley. There are not only the typical ruins of Ollantaytambo, but also a small village I not find in each guide – this is the village of Maras with its salty terraces. I met an old man there who told me that the salt has been degraded by his family for centuries, and he laughed when I asked if it was not a bit too “old-fashioned”. No joke, the salt actually tastes better there than any gourmet meat you can find in Lima.
A short trip to Puno where the Lake Titicaca lies, is almost like a bad joke you only understand after a few drinks. The floating islands of the Uros are a tourist magnet, but I prefer to go to the less well-known islands of Taquile, where the locals still have real craftsmanship. I bought some braided hats there that later made me the topic of conversation at the hostel – until another traveler said he had seen the same pattern in a souvenir shop in Cusco. I just swept him and said that originality is known to arise in the head.
A bit further south, almost on the edge of the world, this is Nazca plateau. The lines there are not only another “mystery of humanity” that you read in every blog post, but a real example of how much patience a person can have to paint an image that only makes sense from the air. I booked a small flight – that was the most expensive thing I've ever paid for a few minutes in a propeller plane – and while we were flying over the huge geoglyphs, I thought that maybe this was the only time I felt really small without completely discarding my arrogance.
And because I don't just know Peru Attractions I have to tell you that Barranco-Write a quarter in Lima. This is the only neighborhood that manages to be hip, decaying and somehow authentic. I discovered a small bar that is only visited by locals because it is supposed to serve the best Pisco Sour of the city – I tried the drink and was sure that the glass had more charm than most tourist guides I've ever read. The bartender told me he got the prescription from his grandmother, and I told him this is the only story I can still believe today.
Finally, before I go back to the next bus to Arequipa – where I want to visit the famous “white city” building that I have to leave here for some time – I can only say: If you travel to Peru, don’t worry about the perfect Instagram shots. Take the time to talk to the people you happen to meet on a street corner, and let yourself be surprised by the small, unsightly moments. This is the true recipe for an adventure that doesn't look like a catalog, but after a story that you can tell your friends later, without they immediately think you're a presenter.
The first stop is Wabash and Erie Canal Parkthat stretches a good piece west of Peru and almost looks like a silent witness of a long past era. I discovered an old lockhouse that still carries the echo of the former waterways – a perfect place to sniff a bit of history without having to enter a museum. Parking is almost always a Klacks, as long as you don't come on Saturday night, then the field quickly becomes the battlefield of the campers.
A few miles further, towards the south, this is Hoosier National Forest. Who thinks that Indiana is only flat cornfield has clearly made the bill without the dense jaws and the gentle underwood. I spent half a day with the mountain bike there, and the best: the trails are well marked, so you don't suddenly land in nowhere. The only hook is that Wi-Fi is a myth here – perfect if you want to escape the digital noise.
If the adrenaline again demands a push, the road leads to the north Indiana Beach in Monticello. Yes, this is actually a water and leisure park that sprays a little coastal flair in the middle of the west. I tried the wooden rollercoaster “The Rocket” there – no joke, the thing is faster than you think, and the waiting time was hardly a problem thanks to the many visitors. Parking is free, but you should come early, otherwise the field becomes a snake.
A short detour to the east takes you to Muncie, where the Minnetrista Museum & Gardens wait. I was there because I wanted to recharge a bit of culture and was surprised with artistic gardens and a collection of artworks that have more personality than some Instagram feed. The entrance is free, the museum is barrier-free, and the café serves a cake that tastes almost better than most desserts I have ever eaten in a museum.
Only about 30 kilometres south Hoosier Heritage Village in Hamilton – an open-air museum that brings the rural life of the early 20th It's over. I visited an old farmhouse that still carries the smell of hay and wood. The staff is friendly, but you should not be surprised if you get a bit of dust during the tour – this is part of the charm. Parking is enough, but they are quickly occupied in the summer, so they prefer to be there early.
A little further west, across the border to Illinois, lies the Wabash River State Park. The river here is wider and quieter, ideal for a relaxed kayak adventure. I rented a canoe and sloped down the river while the sun glittered over the trees. Parking is paid, but the fees are minimal and the staff is always helpful when you ask for the best entry points.
Last but not least, Miami County Fairgrounds not forgetting to host various events all year round – from cattle shows to rock concerts. I was there in the summer at a local music festival and was surprised how lively the atmosphere was, although it is a rather rural environment. Parking is usually easy, except for the main days when you take a taxi better.
So those looking for something more than just a small town will find a colourful mix of nature, history and entertainment around Peru, from canoeing on the Wabash River to nostalgic rides in Indiana Beach. These Peru Attractions show that the surrounding area is anything but boring.
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