If you’re looking for fun, off-the-beaten-track activities in Peru, you’re in the right place. We know how misleading travel info can be, often showcasing the same attractions. That’s why we’ve created this section to introduce you to Peru’s diverse and unique sites.
Whether you’re heading to the highlands or the jungle, we offer insights into both hidden gems and must-see destinations. Prepare your bucket list and plan an unforgettable trip with our guide to Peru’s outstanding locations!
Discover Choquequirao – Machu Picchu’s Sacred Sister
For those who didn’t know, Machu Picchu has a sacred sister and it’s located at the heart of the cloud forest, in a remote location that not even the Spaniards could have discovered. Choquequirao is thought to be the last Inca refuge and one of their most impressive structures.
The archaeological complex comprises over 1,000 hectares and only 30% of them have been fully excavated. It is linked to the Inca Citadel due to their similarities in architectural style and distribution.
Currently, the only way to get to this wonder of ancient Peru is by a 4-day trek through the cloud forest. It has a moderate to challenging difficulty but trust us, all that effort will be paid off day by day. On this adventure, you’ll be crossing different ecosystems with sublime mountain landscapes home to the famous Andean Condor.
The trail starts at 2,900 meters above sea level and goes all the way to 3,050 meters on its highest peak. Choquequirao is a rising attraction in the region of Cusco, though not many dare to hike all the way to this archeological site.
So far, the so-called Cradle of Gold receives about 9,400 visitors per year, but the regional government expects to raise the numbers up to 1 million tourists per year by implementing a cable car to this ancient structure. Therefore, if you wish to visit this uncrowded tourist attraction, you better hurry and organize your trip soon.
Hike all the way up to Waqra Pukara
Among the different things to do in Cusco, Waqra Pukara is certainly one of the most impressive attractions near the Imperial City. Although the structure wasn’t originally built by the Incas, this site is a total masterpiece situated at the edge of the Apurimac Canyon.
Waqra Pukara is one of those off-the-beaten-track attractions that, if you’re the adventurous kind of traveler, you should definitely include in your itinerary. The site was traced back to the Qanchis culture, a civilization that was established in these lands around 2500 B.C.
However, it is uncertain the purpose it had during the pre-Columbian era. Some historians point it out as an astronomical observatory or a religious sanctuary of the Qanchis, which also served as a fortress against the Inca Empire.
The archaeological site is located at 4,300 meters above sea level and comprises an impressive natural setting, surrounded by agricultural terraces, chambers, and cobbled stone stairs. You can visit Waqra Pukara on a full-day trek, but we have to highlight that the trail is quite challenging due to its steep inclines and altitude. Keep in mind that if you wish to visit this attraction, you must be fully acclimated in Cusco.
Take the Rainbow Mountain trek
If Cusco is your main travel destination, then you must experience it at its fullest! As this region has many historical monuments, it also holds a great variety of natural wonders worth visiting. The Rainbow Mountain is one of the most popular attractions near Cusco city and you can easily visit it with a full-day trek.
This colorful mountain took millions of years to create and it was not longer than 6 years ago that it was discovered. Although it was right at the heart of the Vilcanota mountain range, its colorful setting was hidden in plain sight by a thick layer of ice and snow.
As global warming increased and our glacier surface began to decrease, it melted away unveiling its natural beauty to the world. Nowadays, the Rainbow Mountain receives over 1,500 visitors per day, making it as popular as the Machu Picchu citadel.
However, the trail is definitely not for the faint-hearted since even though it might seem easy and short, the altitude is a factor that can’t be ignored. The Rainbow Mountain Trek takes about 2 hours to complete, starting from 4,800 meters above sea level and reaching 5,200 meters of elevation.
Visit the highest navigable lake in the world
In case you didn’t know or maybe we weren’t very clear with this title, Peru has the highest navigable lake in the world and it’s located in the Puno region. Lake Titicaca is another of the most important travel destinations in our country.
Not only for its awe-inspiring natural landscape but also for housing some of the oldest communities in Peru and an extensive cultural expression. This massive water body has an extension of 8,372 m2 and sits at an elevation of 3,812 meters above sea level.
The lake comprises several islands including a floating utopy that has been there since pre-Columbian times. If you visit this region, you’ll get to know the Uros Floating Islands, a group of over 100 man-made islands built entirely of totora reed, here you’ll learn about their construction process and the daily local life of its inhabitants.
You’ll also get to explore the authentic Taquile island, a place full of ancient traditions and home to the most beautiful traditional textiles in the region. If you still want to know more, you can go all the way to Amantani Island, a unique place full of croplands, rural houses, and two imposing hills with Incan archeological sites on their tops. Don’t miss this attraction during your trip to Peru!
Explore the Colca Canyon in Arequipa
In case you didn’t know, this is the most in-demand attraction of the Arequipeñan region since its beautiful setting makes it suitable for adventure sports and just unwind your mind in the middle of the Andes nature.
There are different ways to get to the Colca Canyon but it will all depend on the type of experience you’re looking for and your available time. Options range from multiple-day treks and full-day tours so you can experience this natural wonder and its surroundings.
The Colca Canyon depth varies but it can reach over 4,000 meters at some points, which makes it a natural viewpoint to appreciate the entire Colca Valley and the majestic Andean condor’s flight, also known as the third-largest bird in the world!
Likewise, the Colca Canyon is also surrounded by many Andean villages that hold an authentic cultural expression, Chivay being the most emblematic among all of them, which we’ll talk about later in this post.
Also, the region was previously inhabited by ancient civilizations, where some of them date back to 5000 B.C. However, these ancient Peruvians didn’t settle here until 200 B.C. leaving Colcas and agricultural terraces scattered all over the region and some of them are in current use by local farmers.
Fly over the Nazca lines
The Peruvian desert holds the biggest secrets and mysteries of the entire country since many ancient civilizations settled in this region leaving riddles yet to be solved as the Nazca culture did.
You surely have heard of these massive carvings in the Nazca pampas that have starred the wildest theories ranging from being a landing site for an extraterrestrial spacecraft and as simple as just a ceremonial center.
The Nazca lines are probably one of the greatest mysteries of the ancient world since there are no records of their actual purpose. Basically, everything that we know so far is that it could have been a ceremonial place for the Nazca civilization.
There are over 1,000 figures carved in the Peruvian desert and the only way to fully appreciate them is by taking a flight over the Nazca lines. A 45-minute journey that will allow you to see the most impressive figures of the pampas.
Take a break in the Huacachina Oasis
If you’re traveling south of Lima, the Huacachina Oasis should be one of the principal attractions you should visit on the way. It is recognized as the only natural oasis of the continent and offers the perfect setting to practice adventure sports, party, or just unwind your mind to the desert’s breeze.
The Huacachina Oasis is located in the Ica region and is the perfect getaway destination from the bustling capital of Peru. Although the village is very small, the site comprises a great touristic infrastructure with different accommodation options, restaurants, bars, and activities for all tastes.
Likewise, the Ica region is known for being the principal producer of wine and pisco in the country, an opportunity that you can’t miss if you’d like to know some of the oldest wineries in Latin America.
Besides, the sand dunes are as impressive as you can imagine and you can take a dune buggy ride across the entire desert before practicing sandboarding!
Make your way through the Paracas National Reserve
As you make your way through the Peruvian coast, there’s a special place that you simply can’t overlook. The Paracas National Reserve is the most visually striking protected area of the region since it comprises a natural landscape where the Peruvian desert and the Pacific Ocean converge harmonically.
Here you’ll be able to explore scenic beaches with vibrant red and yellow colors, as well as spotting hundreds of exotic birds and sea lions. Besides, if you’re planning for a longer adventure on the Peruvian coast then you should definitely stay in Paracas town.
This beach town is known for its adventure sports and for housing great marine biodiversity in its Peninsula since one of the main attractions here is the Ballestas Islands, a group of rock formations and islands home to the largest colony of sea lions and Humboldt penguins.
Get to know the Lima Historic Center
Most travelers see Lima as just a bridge to go to other destinations in the country and barely spend time here. What they don’t know is that the Lima historic center is one of the most visually striking since it was here where the Spanish colonizers settled.
This part of the city holds over 600 historical monuments and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. Therefore, there is so much to know and to experience in the so-called City of Kings that you should give it a try.
Lima’s old town holds an impressive colonial architectural style with imposing governmental and religious buildings that will leave you totally enchanted. Besides, there are some structures like the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco with a gloomy past that you’d surely like to know.
If visiting the capital of Peru, we highly recommend spending at least 24 hours exploring everything it has to offer. If you’d like to know more about it, check out this blog about the best things to do in Lima in one day!
Make your way through the Cordillera Blanca
Northern Peru also has its charms and one of the most sought-after destinations there is the Huaraz region since it is the starting point for most of the treks and adventures to the Huascaran National Park.
This famous protected area houses 27 mounts that surpass 6,000 meters of altitude, the tallest snow-capped mountains of Peru to be exact. For that reason, it is known as the Trekking Capital of South America.
The entire region is recognized for its visually striking scenery, where towering mountains, turquoise-water lagoons, and archeological sites complement the overall experience through the northern Peruvian Andes.
If you’re as adventurous as you think, then Huaraz should be on your bucket list! This magical attraction will take you to the most impressive landscapes of Peru while also getting to know the ancient mysticism of the Andean mountain range.
Yes, we know, there are so many things to do in Peru that it can take some time to put together the best travel itinerary. But don’t worry, we got you covered! If you’d like to start organizing a special travel plan throughout our country, we can help you with that.
Contact us now and get to know all the special offers we have for you. Also, if you’d like to know about some other special places to visit, check our travel packages for more information!
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