We know that Machu Picchu is basically synonymous with Peru, being the first thing that many people think of when we talk about the lands of the Incas, but that does not mean that this is the only attraction to see in this country that is a gem in South America.
With a privileged location, the map of Peru is placed with Chile to the south, Bolivia to the southeast, Brazil to the east, Colombia to the northeast, and Ecuador to the northwest. Our country is vastly diverse, not only in terms of culture, but also in history and nature, so we’d love to show you some of our country’s non-tourist attractions, but just as impressive as the Inca Citadel.
For those who don’t know, the Inca Empire only lasted a century, and although its development makes it seem like this was a millenary civilization, it was actually quite short, but it was of great importance to our history. Therefore, Peru has some of the pre-Inca relics that are totally worth visiting!
Also, when it comes to natural wonders, there are countless of these scattered throughout the country. Our three natural regions are another perfect reason to choose Peru as your main tourist destination in South America, where lush rainforests, idyllic beaches, and imposing snowy peaks will make you fall in love with our diversity.
As you can see, Peru is much more than Machu Picchu and we want you to see at least a little of it with your own eyes, without missing the best attractions during your much-desired itinerary. Here you will find the best attractions that go beyond the obvious in Peru!
But before we get to the point, check out these summaries and jump straight to the geographic regions you want to visit:
- Coast and desert
- Andes mountains
- Amazon rainforest
The Riddles Between the Coast and the Desert
The Peruvian coastal region and desert were the cradles of several ancestral civilizations, some of them contemporaneous with Egyptian and Mesopotamian cultures. Therefore, these regions have an impressive historical heritage and, although little is known about this society for thousands of years, its archaeological ruins tell part of its history.
Despite this, nature is another point to be highlighted in the region, where beaches and paradisiacal places in the middle of the desert have made it one of the most sought-after destinations for summer in the country. We want you to see it for yourself, so here we’ve rounded up some of the must-see attractions!
- Caral citadel
This is one of the most important archaeological finds in our territory, as it is believed to have been the oldest citadel in the Americas. However, the site was not considered until the year 2000, when research revealed its true antiquity.
The Citadel of Caral is around 5,000 years old, as it developed between 3,000 and 1,800 BC. Therefore, it is believed that this ancient civilization could have been the mother of all Andean cultures in Peruvian territory.
According to experts, Caral may have experienced a period of peace, as there are no signs of war or weapons among the artifacts found in and around the region. Impressively, Caral was an economic capital dedicated to the trade of its agricultural products with the inhabitants of the Peruvian coast and other parts of the area.
This ancient citadel was the beginning of an era and you can experience a little bit of this important part of our history from Lima. The archaeological site is located 184 km from the Peruvian capital and we have the perfect tour for you! Check out this article about our Caral Tour while you’re here!
- Chan Chan citadel
If you love history as much as we do, then you certainly can’t forget to stop by the largest clay citadel in ancient America. The Citadel of Caral is probably the main attraction within Trujillo, as it covers 20 square kilometers and comprises several walled enclosures with intriguing sculptures on their surfaces.
According to archaeologists, the citadel of Chan Chan was built by the Chimu culture around 900 AD. and is one of the greatest archaeological finds in northern Peru. The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, due to its historic importance and impressive sculptures.
This archaeological complex is famous for its large size and distribution, with administrative, ceremonial, residential, and work areas precisely separated. The architectural style varies depending on the area, allowing the Chimu to differentiate their socioeconomic classes.
The entire citadel is enclosed by a large wall made of clay bricks with beautiful engravings of animal and geometric figures, integrating its symbolism and sacred beliefs into the architecture of the entire capital. Would you like to explore this location? Check out this Trujillo travel package and see it all for yourself!
- Huanchaco beach
There’s no better way to take a break from learning about our history than going to the beach and relaxing your mind with the sound of the waves, especially in Peru, where the combination of beach and gastronomy couldn’t be more delicious!
Huanchaco beach is the perfect stop for those looking to get away from the tourist attractions a bit, although it has been gaining popularity over the years among tourists as it is located close to majestic archaeological sites and offers the perfect conditions for surfing the beach in Peru.
In addition, the northern gastronomic expression is as delicious as you can imagine, this is certainly the perfect place to taste ceviche and a refreshing pisco sour while watching a sunset on the shores of the Pacific Ocean.
Adding to all this experience, you will discover the Caballito de Totora, an ancient boat made entirely of totora reeds, a tradition that has been carried out since pre-Inca times. It will certainly be an unmissable destination in northern Peru!
- Huacachina
By far this is the most famous tourist destination in the south of Lima, and if you noticed, you understand that the place has been gaining popularity among travel bloggers and Instagram influencers. In case you didn’t understand at the beginning of the article, this is the only natural oasis in South America and it comprises a beautiful setting to relax, disconnect from the rest of the world and, most importantly, have fun.
Huacachina is located just 15 minutes from the city of Ica and is considered the perfect destination to escape the hustle and bustle of Lima, thanks to its privileged location and natural landscapes, where imposing sand dunes surround a lagoon of green waters.
The most exciting part of visiting Huacachina is taking a buggy and sandboarding tour, which will allow you to cross the desert dunes as if you were on a roller coaster, and then slide on the sandboard.
- Paracas
Among the most popular things to do on the Peruvian coast, Paracas is the perfect destination to take a break from the hustle and bustle. This beautiful seaside city is surrounded by the vast Pacific Ocean and the country’s arid desert, creating a magical setting that is home to extensive marine fauna.
In case you didn’t know, the Paracas Peninsula has one of the most biodiverse places on the coast of Peru, a group of islands and rock formations called Ballestas Islands. This part of the region is home to exotic birds, Humboldt penguins, the largest colony of sea lions in Peru and, if you’re lucky, you can even spot dolphins on your way to this beautiful place.
Likewise, the Paracas National Reserve is on the list of the best things to do in Paracas, as it is the place where the desert meets the sea, an arid paradise with vivid colors, idyllic beaches, and a refreshing ocean breeze.
- Nazca lines
We would find it a bit rude to leave the Nazca Lines off this list. These ancient geoglyphs are a puzzle that has yet to be solved, but it is certainly a wonder of the ancient world that has intrigued and delighted us for a long time.
The giant figures have remained a mystery, although they have been studied for nearly 80 years. However, as new research is carried out on the site, new information appears, allowing us to understand a little more about this enigmatic archaeological site.
The Nazca Lines were created by the Nazca culture, and although there are numerous hypotheses about the functions of these geoglyphs, ranging from astronomical calendars to landing sites for extraterrestrial spacecraft, the site could have been used for ceremonial purposes.
Currently, the only way to fully appreciate these giant geoglyphs is to fly over the Nazca Lines, which takes about 35 minutes in total but allows you to see the best-preserved figures from above the clouds.
As you can see, the region’s coastline also has its secrets and natural wonders that make it the right destination to discover southern Peru. Plus, there are other attractions you need to know about, and we have the right information for you! Check out our Peru travel guides that Viagens Machu Picchu offers to you.
A Mythical Journey through the Andes
As you may already know, the Andes were the cradle of numerous ancestral civilizations, some of which influenced the development of successor cultures, while the last existing ones left a predominant legacy in the heart of each region.
For this reason, the Peruvian mountains have beautiful ancient beliefs and traditions that have been carried out for generations to the present day. In addition, the natural wonders of this region are impressive, there is no denying it, with several snowy mountains, green valleys, and turquoise lakes.
Therefore, the Andes offer the most complete travel experience in our country, encompassing culture, history, and adventure sports from beginning to end. Here we list the most impressive natural wonders as well as incredible archaeological sites for you!
If you are more into nature, here are some attractions you should consider including in your itinerary:
- Churup lagoon
Laguna Churup is one of the places that will make you feel as if you are part of a real-life fairy tale, where its clear and colorful waters will leave you speechless with its grandeur, while the majestic snowy mountain Churup accompanies you. by the way.
Laguna Churup is a 45-minute drive from Huaraz. However, don’t let this proximity fool you, as the lagoon is 4,450 meters above sea level.
Therefore, you cannot underestimate this trail, as it can be quite difficult depending on your physical condition and acclimatization. However, all the effort will be rewarded when you arrive at the destination.
Thanks to its mineral-rich water, the lagoon has a peculiar coloring that makes it even more fascinating. When it is in direct sunlight, you can see 7 colors in its waters, so it is also known as Laguna das 7 Colors.
The trail has a moderate to challenging difficulty level and takes about 3h30 to reach the top. If you are willing to live this adventure, we have the right tour for you! Check out our Laguna Churup Trek itinerary in this article.
- Pastoruri snowy
While we are traveling, we seek to escape our reality, there are some factors that cannot be ignored. And if you are looking for more nature-focused experiences, then you must know how our world is facing radical transformations and is reacting to climate change.
Nevado Pastoruri is one of the most popular attractions, due to its impressive scenery and because of how easily accessible it is. Despite the fact that this natural wonder is located at 5,240 meters above sea level, you can reach it by car from Huaraz and take a short hike to the top.
However, as time has passed and climate change has continued to drastically impact our planet, the snowy mountain of Pastoruri has lost 40% of its ice cover over the past 60 years. Some experts point out that this natural wonder could lose its entire ice surface 10 years from now.
Therefore, if you are looking to discover this and other snowy peaks of the Cordillera Blanca as beautiful as they are today, the time is now.
The Climate Change Route seeks to generate awareness of climate change and its human impact on our planet. With this tour, you will learn more about its importance, as well as experience one of the most fascinating landscapes of Huascaran National Park.
- Colca canyon
The south of the Peruvian Andes has many attractions and one of the most distinctive is the Colca Canyon, located near the White City of Arequipa. In case you haven’t heard of this natural wonder, it is believed that this is one of the deepest canyons in the world, it offers a complete immersion in the nature and culture of the region.
There are different ways to get to Colca Canyon, which means you can join a trail for a few days or a day trip to explore this magical place. The canyon is surrounded by several villages, Chivay being the most emblematic of them all.
Furthermore, the region was formerly inhabited by ancient civilizations, some of which date back to 5000 BC. However, these ancient Peruvians did not settle here until 200 BC. leaving Colcas and agricultural terraces scattered throughout the region and some of these are still used today by local farmers.
- Lake Titicaca
Also known as the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca may not be an off-the-beaten-path attraction, but it is certainly an alternative for those looking to visit destinations in Peru other than Machu Picchu.
The lake has an impressive natural setting, comprising a ‘floating utopia’ called the Floating Islands of Uros, where the community lives isolated from the rest of the world on islands woven from totora reeds in this large body of water.
The cultural expression of this place is undeniably beautiful, as it is one of the oldest in Peru since its inhabitants have carried out their living traditions for centuries, despite the impositions made by the Spanish crown, during the colonization period, with the intention of erasing them.
You can experience this vivid culture in the heart of the lake, on the islands of Taquile and Amantani, two natural islands located further away from the shores of Titicaca, comprising awe-inspiring natural landscapes.
If you are looking to experience one of the most mythical places in the Andes, make sure you know all about the Lake Titicaca Lodging Experience!
- 7 Ausangate lakes
The Vilcanota mountain range has a fascinating natural landscape, where imposing snowy peaks, turquoise water lagoons, and the Colored Mountain itself merge harmoniously to make this a dream setting.
In case you didn’t know, there is a high mountain that shows its presence throughout the city of Cusco during the sunniest days, this one was also considered a powerful deity for the Inca culture. Ausangate Mountain is certainly one of the most impressive mountains in Cusco and this is one of the ways to get close to it.
Although this trail will not take you to the top of Ausangate, you will be able to fully immerse yourself in the beauties of the region, while also visiting 7 lakes that originated from this giant snowy mountain.
Trekking to the 7 Lagoons of Ausangate will take you on an inspiring journey through the Andes, where you will find an ancient cultural expression in the heart of the mountain range and an incomparable natural landscape.
If visiting archaeological sites is essential, here are some of the historical monuments that you cannot miss during your trip:
- Waqrapukara
Among the different things to do in Cusco, Waqrapukara is certainly one of the most impressive attractions close to the Imperial City. Although the structure was not originally built by the Incas, the site is a complete work of art, situated on the edge of the Apurimac Canyon.
Waqrapukara is one of the obvious attractions and if you are the adventurous type, you should definitely include it in your itinerary. The site has been identified as belonging to the Qanchis culture, a civilization that settled in these lands around 2500 BC.
However, it is uncertain what purpose the site had during pre-Columbian times. Some historians point out that this was an astronomical observatory or religious shrine of Qanchis, which also functioned as a stronghold against the Inca Empire.
The archaeological site is located at 4,300 meters above sea level and comprises impressive natural conditions, surrounded by agricultural terraces, chambers, and cobblestone stairs.
You can visit Waqrapukara on a day hike, but we need to point out that the trail is quite challenging due to its steep slopes and altitude.
- Choquequirao
For those who didn’t know, Machu Picchu has a sacred sister that is located in the heart of the cloud forest, in a remote location that not even the Spanish settlers were able to find. Choquequirao is believed to have been the last Inca refuge and one of its most impressive structures.
The archaeological complex comprises about 1000 hectares and only 30% of it has been completely excavated. The site is related to the Inca Citadel, on account of its similarities in terms of architectural style and distribution.
Currently, the only way to reach this wonder of ancient Peru is by taking a 4-day trek through the cloud forest. This one has a moderate to challenging degree of difficulty, but believe me when we say that all the effort will be worth it!
In this adventure, you will cross different ecosystems with sublime mountain landscapes that are home to the famous Andean Condor. The trail starts at 2,900 meters above sea level and reaches 3,050 meters at the highest peak.
- Chavin de Huantar
Chavín de Huantar is one of the most important pre-Inca settlements in ancient Peru. The famous structure was built by the Chavín culture, which developed between 1500 and 300 BC. which, according to archaeologists and historians, would mean that this ancient civilization could have been the mother of several Andean cultures, including the Incas.
Pre-Columbian ruins were built around 1500 BC. and functioned as an administrative and ceremonial center for the Chavin people. The archaeological complex is made up of several structures and covers an area of 12,000 m².
Although the site was partially destroyed by flooding and seismic activity, this structure remained close to untouchable in this regard. It was here that some of the most important archaeological finds were discovered, such as the Lanzón monolith, the Raimondi Star, and the Tello Obelisk.
If you love history as much as we do, then you need to include this impressive attraction in your Huaraz travel itinerary. Fortunately, we have the Tour to Chavin de Huantar for you to check out!
- Sillustani
Sillustani boasts impressive engineering and architectural techniques, although it developed around the 15th century. The Kollas were recognized for their perfectly carved rocks, a legacy replicated by the famous Inca culture.
The archaeological site is located in front of Laguna Umayo, surrounded by imposing mountains and large valleys, a beautiful natural setting complemented by this fascinating native work.
The complex is made up of dozens of funerary towers on the outskirts of the Folkloric Capital of Peru, built by the Kolla people, a civilization that, years later, was conquered by the Incas.
This civilization was characterized by its excellent architectural work and by its carved stones, being the funerary towers of Sillustani one of the perfect examples of this ancient knowledge. Puno is much more than just Lake Titicaca, if you would like to visit this wonder of ancient Peru, our Tour to Sillustani can be a great option!
As you can see, planning a trip to Peru can be even easier with the right information. Our country is vastly diverse and there are even more things to discover besides these places. If you are excited to learn more about the country of the Incas, contact our team of experts and we will organize an unforgettable tour of these mystical lands.
An Expedition through the Rainforest
For those who want to experience the natural exuberance of the Amazon basin, Peru is one of the top options to do so, as it has the second largest part of the jungle in South America. There are different places to delve into this natural wonder, with many adventures that will allow you to reconnect with nature to the fullest.
Some of these places also allow you to get to know a little about the local life of this region, while also teaching you about the importance and impact of the forest known as the “Lung of the Earth”. Here are three special places to experience this tropical paradise.
- Tambopata national reserve
This national reserve is one of the most visited parts of the Peruvian jungle, as it is easily accessible from the city of Puerto Maldonado. It is considered one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, as it brings together thousands of species of plants and animals.
Therefore, it is very popular with visitors, thanks to the different ecolodges that offer a complete immersion in the exuberance of the region’s nature. They seek to promote and generate awareness of the importance and impact of this beautiful natural resource on the world.
The Tambopata National Reserve has 275 thousand hectares, comprising 632 species of birds, 1200 types of butterflies, 103 amphibians, 180 fish, 169 mammals, and 103 reptiles.
Here you will have a more intimate experience with nature, while also getting to know a little about the routine of the locals who inhabit this remote location. Here at Viagens Machu Picchu, we have a partnership with the Inkaterra hotel chain, which offers eco-friendly tours and facilities with a smaller ecological footprint.
- Chachapoyas
This important region is located in the high jungle of northern Peru and comprises beautiful natural settings with many ancient mysteries and a delicious gastronomic experience. Chachapoyas is one of the most beautiful cities on the edge of the Amazon and the Andes, where you will be completely immersed in the exuberant nature of the region.
When it comes to history, Chachapoyas is just a few kilometers away from one of the oldest structures in Peru. The Kuelap Archaeological Site is the main attraction here as it was once the lost citadel of the Chachapoyas culture.
Kuelap has an impressive architecture with structures that rise to 7 meters in height and walls that exceed 19 meters in altitude in some places. Most of the buildings found at this archaeological site have a rounded shape and about 505 of them were used as residential areas.
Another famous destination here is the Gocta Waterfall, which represents the 17th highest waterfall in the entire world, and the highest in Peru. To get there it is necessary to cross 6 km of dense jungle, an adventure that you will surely love.
If you want to know more about this region, our Amazon & Machu Picchu travel package will take you to these and other beautiful attractions near this city in the middle of the forest.
- Iquitos
If you are looking for a deep immersion in the Peruvian Amazon basin, Iquitos is the best place to go! This region is located in the heart of the rainforest and allows its visitors to have experiences that go beyond nature.
Our Wonders of Peru & Iquitos package takes you on an expedition through the Amazon, while staying at the Amazonas Sinchicuy Lodge, on the banks of the Amazon River. Here you will explore the jungle like a true expert, while also getting to know the community of Santa Maria de Ojeal on a cultural journey.
In addition, the adventure as a whole is complemented by night walks through the lush vegetation of the region and through the famous Kingdom of Giant Trees, not to mention another beautiful experience, in which you will leave your mark on the forest in a positive way: planting a tree. before leaving.
As you can see, Peru is, without a doubt, the most complete travel destination in South America and, although we have mentioned everything this country has to offer, you will certainly love visiting any of these attractions.
Viagens Machu Picchu is concerned with ensuring that you have quality services and always have a team ready to assist you in any situation. If you are interested, contact us and get to know our packages to Machu Picchu and many other destinations in Peru, or come build a tailor-made and quality itinerary for you!