30 Breathtaking Destinations in Peru Beyond Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is a must-see. But there are countless other places in Peru to explore, including ancient ruins, museums, dense jungles filled with unusual animals and world-class restaurants. Get locals' tips for the best places to go in Peru.

By: Antonia Mufarech

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Machu Picchu Isn't the Only Place to Go in Peru

Machu Picchu deserves its fame. These agricultural terraces built by the Incans in the mid-15th century in a tropical mountain forest that stands 8,000 feet above-sea level are quite impressive and a must-see while in Peru. Although millions of visitors travel hours (and even days) to get a glimpse of the mysterious ruins every year, they might be missing a few places along the way that are just as beautiful.

Whether you love archaeology, hiking or are a foodie looking for world-class cuisine, there is a spot (or two) for you in Peru.

But before we start, I must admit I’m a little biased. Born and raised in Lima, Peru, I really love (and miss) this place. While digging deeper into Peru’s hidden spots, all I could think about was packing my bags and becoming a tourist in my own country. In compiling this list I reached out to my Peruvian friends and family to come up with a list of local-approved places to add to your itinerary.

Urubamba Valley Near Cusco

Located in the Sacred Valley and a few hours away from Cusco, Urubamba is the starting point that leads to some of the most beautiful places in the region, including Maras and Moray. Other activities near the valley include exploring the ruins of Pisac, Chinchero and Ollantaytambo, which is known for its immense stone terraces. The most important piece of advice is to make sure that you’re looking out the window instead of at your phone. The red hues of the quinoa fields that define the valley offer postcard-like views. If you’re a photographer, make sure your trip companions are patient — you might want to stop more than once along the way. Although some choose to drive 680 miles to reach Urubamba from Lima, the most common option is to hop on a plane from Lima to Cusco and then reach Urubamba via bus or private transfer.

Local Tip: If you’re traveling to Cusco (which is located at 11,152 feet above sea level), Urubamba (around 9,420 feet above sea level), is a better place to visit first, as it will help you acclimate to the altitude and avoid soroche, or altitude sickness. So, although you might arrive in Cusco first, try to go to Urubamba before exploring Cusco city.

Arequipa City

Known as the Ciudad Blanca (White City) for its baroque architecture made from sillar, a white volcanic stone, Arequipa is Peru’s second largest city. With three volcanoes surrounding the colonial-era town, every corner has stories to tell. The historic city center has a beautiful cathedral that follows the sillar theme, and the area also features different colonial churches decorated with religious artwork. If you love ice cream, make sure you try a few scoops of the queso helado arequipeño. Although this dessert’s name directly translates to frozen cheese, don’t worry — there’s actually no cheese involved in this delicious recipe.

Iquitos in the Amazon Rainforest

All roads lead to Rome — but none lead to Iquitos. This Amazonian wildlife metropolis in the Loreto departamento (Spanish for region) is the world’s largest city that can’t be reached by road. That doesn’t mean the flights and boat rides aren’t worth the final destination. Other than exploring the remote jungle areas, make sure you stay in Iquitos for a while — it has a vibrant nightlife, and other interesting activities include touring around Belén, a neighborhood and market built on rafts to accommodate the river’s constant rise and fall. You can find all sorts of things in Belén – from local fresh fruit to herbal medicines. For more wildlife, the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is not to be missed and features pink dolphins and black caimans (the largest of the alligator family). Another option during a stay in Iquitos is visiting Monkey Island, which is about 20 miles from Iquitos. (If you do go, hold onto your camera — these monkeys love mischief and will try to grab them.)

Lake Titicaca in Southern Peru

Located 12,500 feet above sea level in the midst of the Andes, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world and the second largest in South America. The freshwater lagoon sits between Peru and Bolivia, with the Peruvian part positioned in the region of Puno. Yet, the lake’s vastness is not the only beauty that attracts visitors from all over the world: The floating islands made from totora reeds are the main attraction. Home to the Uros people, these man-made yellowish isles contrast beautifully with the blue hues surrounding them.

Cumbemayo Near Cajamarca City

Located in the Andes and known for its Colonial architecture, Cajamarca also has dreamy landscapes you can’t miss. Here, a must-see site is Cumbemayo, an archeological complex located about 13 miles southwest of Cajamarca. This stone forest is like something straight out of a fairy tale, and its mystical treasures include a more than 3,000-year-old aqueduct. Another notable attraction is the Baños del Inca, or Inca Baths. Inca emperor Atahualpa would visit these hot springs to heal his battle scars during the Spanish conquest in the 15th century. If you want the full experience, make sure you take a dip.

Mancora Coastal Town in Northern Peru

Mancora is a seaside town in the region of Piura, which is perfect for surfing, swimming (with turtles and whale sharks) and, of course, eating delicious seafood. The town is full of bars and restaurants, making it stand out for its nightlife. Other than soaking up some sun (since the area is sunny year-round), you can also take a whale-watching tour, as migrating humpback whales often visit the area. For bragging rights, make sure you go fishing and eat some fresh-caught ceviche while on the boat — it’s fresh seafood as good as it gets. Other charming beach towns around the area include Punta Sal and Los Órganos, so make sure to visit them if you have the chance.

Vinicunca Mountain in the Sacred Valley

If you’re planning a trip to Machu Picchu, you’ve probably heard about the “Rainbow Mountain.” The name speaks for itself — and social media has been speaking about it, too. Layered with different colors, these peaks have become a major tourist attraction in the last couple of years. The site is only a few hours away from Cusco, making it an ideal day trip. Getting there isn’t too complicated: You can either book a tour or rent a car. The hike to the mountain takes about three hours, and the brightly hued landscapes along the way are definitely worth it. Yet, at 17,100 feet above sea level, altitude can sometimes get the best of you. If you need some help reaching the summit for a panoramic view, there are horses lined up at the beginning of the path that can take you there. Whether walking or riding, make sure you visit Vinicunca if Cusco is on your list.

Huacachina Oasis Near Ica

A go-to spot for travel bloggers and photographers, Huacachina is a tiny village oasis in the middle of a desert. Surrounded by huge sand dunes — including one of the world’s tallest, Cerro Blanco — the town’s lagoon is encircled by palm trees and charming bars. Getting to this oasis usually involves a four-hour car ride from Lima, but there are many places to discover along the way. For a panoramic view of Huacachina, make sure you catch a dune buggy ride to take in the dunes.

Tarma City in the Andes

Known as the City of Flowers, Tarma is the pearl of the Andes. Located around 140 miles from Lima, this small town offers blue skies and dream-like fields of alhelís (wallflowers) and claveles (carnations). To get there take a car from Lima or the bus from the town of Jauja, where there is an airport. A not-to-be-missed destination for flower-lovers, Tarma also features the neoclassical Cathedral of Santa Ana de Tarma on the central square, which is also a must-see. Local Tip: If you have a sweet tooth, make sure you try the manjar blanco tarmeño, a thicker version of homemade caramel.

Colca Canyon in Arequipa

Located 99 miles northwest of Arequipa, the Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world — some sections are up to 2 miles deep. Here, you can also observe the agricultural terraces, giant hummingbirds and, if you’re lucky, catch an Andean condor gliding past the canyon cliffs. Attractions nearby include the hot springs of La Calera, where visitors can take a dip and re-energize after a long trek through the canyon.

Paracas National Reserve in Ica

While many go straight to Huacachina on a journey along the coast, only a few stop in Paracas. A small town in the region of Ica, Paracas is known for its reserve, which hosts hidden red beaches and Mars-like sand dunes — and it’s just a three-hour drive from Lima. There are many charming resorts along the beach (and some include flamingos as part of their views). Another option is to hop on a boat tour and visit the Islas Ballestas, where you can see sleeping sea lions, baby Humboldt penguins and pelicans gliding inches away from the sea. (It’s like Galapagos, but cheaper.)

Cusco City

Peruvians and tourists adore this quaint town. Buzzing with lively restaurants where vendors greet you with their menus, Cusco, also spelled Cuzco, was once the capital of the Inca empire. Now, this Andean city is a cultural hub where Inca ruins coexist with Baroque churches, making it an outdoor museum. There are different archaeological mysteries that display the Incas’ meticulous craft throughout the town, such as the Twelve-Angled Stone at the Lienzo Pétreo wall. Keep your eyes open: This place exudes charm, and some of its most precious secrets can be easy to miss. Other than visiting the local markets and main square, make sure you walk around San Blas, a less-touristy district full of artsy coffee shops, trendy clothing stores and creative restaurants. If you want a panoramic view of the city (especially at sunset), grab a pisco sour (a sour cocktail containing pisco brandy) and some lomo saltado (a local delicacy of stir-fried beef with tomatoes, onions and fries) at Limbus Resto Bar. Other options include visiting the chocolate museum, ChocoMuseo, or the Qorikancha (meaning “Golden Courtyard” in Quechua) temple. Local Tip: If you experience altitude sickness, try drinking some coca tea (mate de coca) or chewing coca leaves — this traditional cure might help.

Tambopata National Reserve in the Amazon Rainforest

If you love nature, you can’t miss Tambopata. Located in the Madre de Dios region, Tambopata is one of the most beautiful — and well preserved — jewels of the Amazon Rainforest. Here, you can spot macaws, jaguars and even river turtles interacting with some of the more than 1,200 species of butterflies. The reserve is about 1,061 square miles, roughly the size of Yosemite National Park. Getting to Tambopata usually consists of flying to Puerto Maldonado followed by a bus ride and then a one- to four-hour boat ride. (It is usually best to book these through a tour operator.)

Moray Archeological Terraces in the Sacred Valley

This Inca site might look less obscure than the different buildings and terraces found in the Amazon and the Andes, but they’re just as intricate. The ringed ruins of Moray are actually terraces with distinct microclimates and temperatures that allow for a greater diversity of crops. Some believe the terraces may have been an Inca laboratory to test growing conditions at various temperatures. Located about 3 miles from the city of Maras, visiting this site (as well as the salt mines of Maras) is an ideal day trip from Cusco.

Miraflores District in Lima

Even though Lima is called la ciudad gris (the gray city), its hidden gems – and restaurants – make up for its gloomy skies. If you are planning on visiting the country’s capital, you might consider staying in Miraflores or Barranco, two districts by the Pacific Ocean – each one with its own hidden spots and beauty. While in Miraflores, you can stroll along the boardwalk and watch people paragliding along the cliffs of the Costa Verde – or you can even try some paragliding yourself. There are many different restaurants in the area, and you can also go to Larcomar, an outdoor shopping center perched amid the cliffs. Barranco is also nearby, and it is known as the artistic and bohemian district of Lima, full of small coffee shops, trendy restaurants and beautiful painted murals.

Nazca Lines in Ica

Other than Paracas, Ica’s Nazca lines are another reason why you should stay for longer in the sandy area — especially if you are a mystery fan. No one knows how these lines, which stretch as long as 30 miles, were formed. Most believe they were created by the Nazca people, but their immensity still brings up many questions as to why they were created. Known as geoglyphs, the lines form 300 geometric figures including plant and animal designs that are best viewed by taking a prop plane tour.

Maras Salt Mines in the Sacred Valley

We have all used sea salt and pink Himalayan salt to add flavor to our favorite dishes. But have you ever used Maras salt? If you haven’t, you must visit this place (and, of course, buy some salt). Located about an hour and a half away from Cusco, these light pink and beige-colored terraces are actually salt mines. The salty water from the 3,000 salty pools of varying sizes evaporates due to the sun’s heat, leaving salt crystals behind.

Gocta Waterfall in the Amazon Rainforest

Located in the province of Bongara in Amazonas, the Gocta waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls in the world. Although locals in the area knew of the existence of this grand cascade, it was initially shrouded in secrecy and an uncommon site to visit. It wasn’t until 2006 when Stefan Ziemendorff, a German hydro-engineer, measured the waterfall to be about 2,530 feet tall that its worldwide popularity grew. The most common way to visit the falls is on a day trip from the city of Chachapoyas.

Salkantay Trek in the Andes

Other than Machu Picchu itself, there is a hike leading to the renowned mountain that can make the final view even more rewarding. The Salkantay trek is around 37 miles long and the journey usually takes around five days, depending on your expertise level. Salkantay, a word meaning “Savage Mountain” in quechua, refers to the glacier-capped Mount Salkantay, which offers breathtaking views along the way. Although many tourists take the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Salkantay is an alternate route that offers gorgeous views of rain forests and majestic mountains.

Huascarán National Park

Located near the city of Huaraz, Huascarán National Park is home to hundreds of mountains and turquoise lakes including Laguna 69 and Laguna Llaca (pictured). If you love outdoor adventures, this is the place for you. Here, you can climb glaciers and rocky mountains, trek along magical trails and even try hiking snow-capped Mount Huascarán or the sharp-tipped Alpamayo (which are mostly for pros). The park is also known for its Andean condors and pumas, which you might catch a glimpse of if you’re lucky.

Chan Chan Archeological Site Near Trujillo

Once home to the Chimú Kingdom, Chan Chan was the largest pre-Columbian city in the world, according to UNESCO. The ruins of this almost 8-square-mile adobe metropolis reflect the culture’s complex agricultural and industrial systems. Located near the Pacific coast city of Trujillo, the civilization thrived in the desert by using irrigation systems that allowed for growing crops. Now, the remains of Chan Chan mesmerize its visitors, as the detailed constructions are quite impressive for the time they were built. One can visit Chan Chan from the city of Trujillo, which is less than two hours away from Lima by plane.

Oxapampa Town in the High Jungle

Oxapampa is a picturesque town in the midst of the jungle. Yet, unlike many of the small villages in hidden spots around Peru, this one is particularly charming, as it is a blend of German culture and Peruvian influences. Originally founded by Austrian and German colonists, this area has delicious food fusions as well as untouched nature. Other than walking around and seeing the traditional German houses contrasted with jungle landscapes, you can also visit the town’s most famous waterfall, El Tigre, which is only a few minutes away from the city center. Oxapampa is also a great place for ecotourism, as people can stay in a scenic ecolodge and enjoy different trekking routes (and night walks) within dense forests.

Manu National Park in the Amazon Rainforest

Manu National Park is a biodiversity sanctuary located between the Amazonian jungle and the Andean highlands. With landscapes spanning from rainforests to grasslands to cloud forests, Manu is home to more than 800 bird species and 200 species of mammals, including the rare giant otter. There are also various indigenous populations that live in the park and have preserved their traditions through isolation. Getting to this wildlife haven is not easy, and the journey often involves a flight to Puerto Maldonado followed by a boat trip, which can take more than eight hours. It might sound like a lot, but the farther you go, the greater — and rarer — the flora and fauna.

Choquequirao Ruins in the Sacred Valley

Located in a mountain between Cusco and Apurímac, Choquequirao is known as Machu Picchu’s “sister city,” given its archaeological richness and beauty. Yet, it is a little more complicated to reach: The only way to do so (at least for now) is by foot, and the trek can take several days. Tours are the most common way of getting to the mountain, and these usually start from Cusco. If you are an experienced hiker, the trail is sign posted. But, it’s always better to visit these ruins with someone familiar with the area.

Huanchaco Coastal Town in Trujillo

Huanchaco is a beach town located in the province of Trujillo, and it is known for its caballitos de totora, or reed watercrafts mainly used by fishermen. Some believe that Huanchaco is where surfing originated. Pottery from the Mochica culture, which existed more than 2,000 years ago, displays the traditional “surfboards,” according to historian Enrique Amayo in his book Mar y olas. Other than watching the silhouettes of the ancient surfboards dipping in the ocean, Huanchaco is the perfect spot for a fresh ceviche and is home to the ancient temples of the Chimu and Mochica people.

Historic Center of Lima

Trips to Peru often include a stop in Lima, the country’s capital. Although many do so for the food — with Maido consistently ranking as one of the top 5 restaurants in the world — there are many other reasons to visit, such as its historic center. Here, you can travel back in time through the colonial buildings of the area and visit the different churches, such as the Cathedral of Lima. Make sure to also traverse the Plaza Mayor and walk through Jirón de la Unión, the most important street in the center that can lead to the barrio chino, or Chinatown. If you do get there, make sure to try some chifa, a culinary tradition that fuses Chinese Cantonese elements with Peruvian ingredients.

Chicama Town in Northern Peru

Known as the place with the “longest waves” in the world, Chicama is the perfect place for surf lovers – and for those seeking an adventure. Located around 370 miles northwest of Lima, this surf spot offers waves around two miles long, making it a surfing paradise. On clear days, you can even observe over 50 lines of waves moving from the horizon to the shore. Other than epic waves, Chicama also features a host of architectural treasures, such as huacas, or ceremonial structures, from the Mochica culture.

Kuélap Citadel in the Amazon Rainforest

Speaking of ancient civilizations, Kuélap was once a walled city built by the Chachapoyas culture – and it is around 700 years older than Machu Picchu. The area is home to over 400 ruins and is found in the southern part of the Amazonas region. The remains of the citadel sit 10,000 feet above sea level and are surrounded by cloud forests and a panoramic view of the Uctumbama Valley. Common access to Kuélap consists of a cable car route from the town of Nuevo Tingo. The cable car leaves visitors about one mile away from the fortress. From there, visitors can either walk or take a horseback ride along the trail.

Pastoruri Glacier at Huascarán National Park

Peru doesn’t only have deserts, beaches, mountains and jungles – it also has glaciers. The Pastoruri glacier lies around 17,225 feet above sea level in Huascarán National Park. Given its remote location, the best way to get there is on a tour. Although visitors were once allowed to walk on the glacier, global warming and tourism have led to its rapid deterioration. Now, it is estimated that it might take two decades (or even less) for it to melt completely. If you can, make sure you visit this marvel before it’s too late.

Huancaya Natural Refuge Near Lima

I must admit I had never heard of Huancaya until I was taken to this magical place on a high school class trip. And I’m so glad we went. Although only a three to five hour drive from Lima, not a lot of people (including locals) know about this mesmerizing place. The perfect blend of exquisite foliage and stunning water features, this area is defined by emerald lagoons and turquoise waterfalls. Here, you can trek along the scenic cascades and take a boat ride (or kayak if you’re feeling adventurous) through the Huallhua lagoon. The easiest way to book activities is through a tour, which will also provide all the gear you need. If you can, make sure you try pachamanca, a meal that traces its roots to the Inca Empire. The dish consists of different meats such as lamb and chicken alongside potatoes, corn and other local ingredients marinated with local herbs and cooked underground with the help of hot rocks.

30 Breathtaking Destinations in Peru Beyond Machu Picchu

Shop This Look

Machu Picchu Isn't the Only Place to Go in Peru

Urubamba Valley Near Cusco

Arequipa City

Iquitos in the Amazon Rainforest

Lake Titicaca in Southern Peru

Cumbemayo Near Cajamarca City

Mancora Coastal Town in Northern Peru

Vinicunca Mountain in the Sacred Valley

Huacachina Oasis Near Ica

Tarma City in the Andes

Colca Canyon in Arequipa

Paracas National Reserve in Ica

Cusco City

Tambopata National Reserve in the Amazon Rainforest

Moray Archeological Terraces in the Sacred Valley

Miraflores District in Lima

Nazca Lines in Ica

Maras Salt Mines in the Sacred Valley

Gocta Waterfall in the Amazon Rainforest

Salkantay Trek in the Andes

Huascarán National Park

Chan Chan Archeological Site Near Trujillo

Oxapampa Town in the High Jungle

Manu National Park in the Amazon Rainforest

Choquequirao Ruins in the Sacred Valley

Huanchaco Coastal Town in Trujillo

Historic Center of Lima

Chicama Town in Northern Peru

Kuélap Citadel in the Amazon Rainforest

Pastoruri Glacier at Huascarán National Park

Huancaya Natural Refuge Near Lima

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