For many travelers, Machu Picchu is the reason Peru appears on the map. It’s iconic, meaningful, and absolutely worth the journey. But Peru is not a one-destination country. From high-altitude trekking routes to the Amazon rainforest and the Pacific coast, the country offers an extraordinary range of experiences that are often overlooked.
If you’re already traveling far to reach Peru, adding a few extra days can turn a short visit into a well-rounded journey through very different landscapes and cultures. This guide highlights some of the best adventures beyond Machu Picchu for travelers who want to see more of the country.
Peru Is Bigger Than One Destination
Most international visitors travel long distances to reach Peru, often with limited vacation time. Because of this, itineraries are sometimes compressed around Machu Picchu alone. While that approach works, it misses much of what makes Peru unique.
Peru’s regions are surprisingly easy to combine. Flights and road connections make it possible to experience the Andes, the coast, and the Amazon in a single trip. For travelers with 10 to 18 days, expanding the itinerary often adds depth.
1. Choquequirao Trek: The Remote Inca Experience
Choquequirao is one of the largest Inca sites in Peru, yet it receives only a fraction of the visitors of Machu Picchu. Reaching it requires a multi-day trek through deep valleys and high passes, making the journey part of the experience.
The site itself is vast, partially excavated, and surrounded by dramatic mountain terrain. For travelers looking for solitude, physical challenge, and a strong sense of exploration, Choquequirao offers an unmatched alternative or complement to Machu Picchu.
Book our Choquequirao Trek here.
2. Ausangate Trek: High Andes and Glacial Landscapes
The Ausangate region showcases a different side of the Andes. This high-altitude trek passes glacial lakes, snow-covered peaks, and remote communities where traditional Andean life continues much as it has for generations.
While Rainbow Mountain is often associated with this area, the trek itself is the highlight. It’s best suited for experienced hikers or travelers seeking a demanding but rewarding adventure far from crowded routes.
Book our Ausangate Trek with Machu Picchu included here.
3. Rainbow Mountain Alternatives: Fewer Crowds, Same Colors
Vinicunca, commonly known as Rainbow Mountain, has become the second most visited attraction in Peru. As a result, crowd levels can affect the experience. Fortunately, there are alternative viewpoints in the region that offer similar geological formations with far fewer visitors, like Palccoyo.
These options provide a more relaxed experience and are easier to integrate into broader itineraries without sacrificing time or comfort.
Book our Rainbow Mountain Hike here.
Book our Palccoyo Hike here.
4. Qelqaya Ice Cap: Peru’s Largest Tropical Glacier
Qelqaya is the largest tropical ice cap in the world and one of Peru’s most unique natural landmarks. Located in a remote area of southern Peru, visiting Qelqaya involves trekking across high plains and glacial terrain.
This destination appeals to adventure travelers and those interested in landscapes rarely seen by most visitors. It pairs well with longer itineraries focused on exploration and photography.
Learn more about Qelqaya here.
5. Colca Canyon: One of the World’s Deepest Canyons
Located near Arequipa, Colca Canyon is deeper than the Grand Canyon and offers a mix of natural scenery and traditional villages. Visitors can hike into the canyon, visit condor viewpoints, or explore local towns along the rim.
Colca can be experienced as a day trip or as a multi-day hike, making it a flexible addition to southern Peru itineraries.
Book our Colca Canyon Day Tour here.
6. Arequipa: Architecture, Culture, and Regional Cuisine
Arequipa is known as the “White City” for its volcanic stone architecture. Beyond its historic center, the city offers a slower pace, strong regional identity, and some of the best food in Peru.
It’s an excellent stop for travelers who want cultural context, time to rest, or a transition between high-altitude trekking and other regions.
Book any of our Arequipa tours here.
7. The Amazon Rainforest: A Completely Different Peru
The Amazon basin presents a sharp contrast to the Andes. From Puerto Maldonado or the Tambopata region, travelers can access jungle lodges surrounded by wildlife and river systems.
Adding the Amazon to a Peru itinerary introduces biodiversity, lowland ecosystems, and a different rhythm of travel. It’s a natural extension after time in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
Book any of our Amazon Tours here.
8. Paracas and the Ballestas Islands
On Peru’s southern coast, Paracas offers desert landscapes and rich marine life. Boat tours to the Ballestas Islands provide close views of sea lions, seabirds, and coastal ecosystems.
This region is easy to reach from Lima and works well as a short but impactful addition to a longer trip.
Book our Paracas and Ballestas Islands Tour here.
9. The Nazca Lines: Ancient Desert Engineering
The Nazca Lines remain one of Peru’s great mysteries. Best viewed from the air, these massive geoglyphs offer insight into ancient cultures of the south coast.
Rather than a standalone destination, Nazca fits well into a coastal route combined with Paracas and other southern destinations.
Book our tour to the Naza Lines with flight over the Lines includes here.
10. Lake Titicaca: Living Andean Traditions
Lake Titicaca, shared by Peru and Bolivia, is the highest navigable lake in the world. Visits focus on cultural interaction rather than sightseeing alone, with opportunities to learn about life on the lake and surrounding communities.
This region offers a slower pace and meaningful cultural experiences, especially for travelers interested in Andean traditions.
Book our best Titicaca Tour here.
How to Combine These Experiences with Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu remains a central highlight, but it doesn’t need to stand alone. Many travelers combine it with:
- Cusco and the Sacred Valley, followed by the Amazon
- A high-altitude trek, then Arequipa and Colca Canyon
- Machu Picchu with a south coast route including Paracas and Nazca
Well-planned itineraries balance altitude, travel time, and rest, creating a smoother and more rewarding journey.
Book our Best Peru Package here.
Travel Peru, Not Just Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is an essential experience, but it represents only one chapter of what Peru offers. By adding a few carefully chosen destinations, travelers gain a deeper understanding of the country’s landscapes, cultures, and history.
For those planning a longer trip, Peru rewards curiosity. The more you explore, the richer the experience becomes.
