There is MUCH more to Peru than Machu Picchu
We’ll be the first to admit that the main reason we visited Peru was to experience the world famous Incan city of Machu Picchu. After all, it is a new Seven Wonder of the World and has become one of the most recognizable tourist attractions on the planet.
Like many before us, our goal was to hike the legendary Inca Trail to the Lost City. The challenging 4-day trek has become one of the most memorable experiences we’ve had overseas. It’s the primary reason that Peru has become one of our favourite countries!
Although Machu Picchu gets all the fame and glory (and for good reason), there is so much more to do in Peru.
10 Things to do in Peru other than Machu Picchu
1. Explore the Amazon Rainforest
Did you know that Peru has the second largest amount of Amazon Rainforest after Brazil? The Peruvian Amazon covers 60% of the country, creating a unique and diverse ecosystem when combined with the mighty Andean Mountain range and Pacific Ocean.
The two main entry points into the Amazon Basin from Peru are Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado. It is recommended to fly to both regions because of rough road infrastructure.
We traveled from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, where we transferred to a river boat that took us 3 hours upriver to an isolated jungle lodge along the banks of the Tambopata River. There is something eerie, yet peaceful, about sleeping in an open cabin in the middle of the Amazon Jungle, while howler monkeys chant in the distance and quite rain drops hit the thatched roof.
2. Hike the Colca Canyon
Even if hiking is not your thing, witnessing the beauty of the Colca Canyon should not be missed. Along with its spectacular scenery, the Colca Canyon’s claim to fame is that it’s twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the United States, though the walls are not as vertical or dramatic. The region is also well known as the home of the rare Andean Condor, an enormous bird with the largest wing span of any land bird, at 3.2 meters.
It’s easy to book overnight trekking and/or sightseeing tours from Arequipa, Peru’s second largest city. The journey passes through remarkable volcano country, at heights as high as 4,900 meters, before descending into the stunning, lush Colca Valley below. There are several mountain villages in the valley but the most popular with tourists is the town of Chivay, celebrated for its natural hot springs and dramatic views.
3. Tour the Floating Islands of Lake Titicaca
Aside from having the title as being the highest commercially navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca is famous for its floating reed islands. The islands are home to the Uros tribe, one that pre-dates the Incan civilization.
Though quite a popular tourist attraction in Peru, touring the floating islands offers an interesting perspective into the lives of Peru’s aboriginal people. It’s a weird feeling the first time you step on an island made entirely of reeds!
The best way to travel to Lake Titicaca is to take the bus from Cusco to Puno (assuming you visit after exploring Machu Picchu) or from Arequipa. You don’t need to make reservations ahead of time because it’s easy to book day trips to the floating islands from the city of Puno.
4. Fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines
Located in the Nazca Desert plains, the peculiar Nazca Lines are a series of ancient geoglyphs that range from wildlife to geometric designs. There are several theories about how and why the geoglyphs were created but it seems nothing is conclusive. Regardless, the Nazca Lines are clearly one of Peru’s most interesting and peculiar attractions.
The best way to view these extraordinary designs is by air, though be prepared for some added adventure because the planes are small! You can book airplane tours of the Nazca Lines from Lima, Ica and Nazca.
5. Sandboarding giant sand dunes in Huacachina
Huacachina is located just outside the city of Ica, about 4.5 hours south of Lima and 10 hours from Arequipa (by tourist class bus). The desert village is built around a small natural lake with towering sand dunes surrounding it from all sides. The Peruvian desert oasis has become an increasingly popular tourist attraction for adventurers drawn to sand boarding and high speed dune buggy rides (we highly recommend you visit!).
Sand boarding Tip: Use an old snowboard with proper bindings and boots if available – you can usually find boards at hostels and hotels. Otherwise you’re likely to be strapped to a heavy wooden plank with poor control. And watch your speed; falling leads to unwanted mouthfuls of sand!
6. Surfing in Mancora
Where’s the best place to surf in Peru? Well, that depends on who you ask! Located on the Pacific coast of Peru, the beach town of Mancora is famed for its pristine beaches, great surf and chilled out atmosphere. If beach lounging and catching waves are your thing, Mancora is calling you.
It’s also a great stop on the popular South America backpacking trail along the Pan-American Highway. To travel to Mancora by tourist bus from Guayaquil, Ecuador is about 7 hours. It’s an 18-hour bus from Lima to Mancora, so bring a pillow!
7. Discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Though Machu Picchu is the clear fan favourite when it comes to Incan archaeology, the Sacred Valley is a must for history buffs and cultural connoisseurs. Geographically, the Sacred Valley stretches along the Urubamba River from Pisac to Ollantaytambo. Aside from the ruins and archaeological sites, the region is well known for its remarkable landscapes and lush agriculture.
Guided tours of the Sacred Valley can be organized from Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incan Empire, and can include river rafting, horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking. There are also several historical Incan sites and unique attractions within Cusco, giving you plenty to do while you acclimatize to the high altitude of the region.
8. Witness the wildlife of the Ballestas Islands
The Islas Ballestas are accessible from the beach town of Paracas (near Pisco) by tour boat, typically lasting about 2 hours. Often described as the Galapagos Islands of Peru, the islands are home to many rare birds, including pelicans, penguins, cormorants, Peruvian boobies, and Inca terns. It’s also common to spot sea lions, turtles, dolphins, and whales in the park.
Next to the Amazon Rainforest, the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reservation offer the best wildlife experience in Peru. Due to its ideal location on the Pacific coast, day trips can be made while you explore the sand dunes of Huacachina or fly over the Nazca Lines.
9. Sightseeing in Lima
Often used as the ‘layover’ en route to Cusco, Peru’s largest metropolitan city typically gets overlooked. Though it does have a bad reputation for safety, Lima is extremely rich in history and culture. It has great museums, historical cathedrals, eerie catacombs, tasty traditional Peruvian cuisine, electric nightlife and endless shopping.
Don’t miss the bluffs at Miraflores and its spectacular Pacific ocean views!
10. Trekking the Cordillera Blanca in Huaraz
Huaraz is located in north-central Peru, about 420 km north of Lima. It is the gateway to the Cordillera Blanca, the highest range of the Peruvian Andes and famous for its magnificent snowcapped peaks and glaciers. The Cordillera Blanca includes Huascarán, the highest mountain in Peru at 6,768 metres (22,205 ft) and the third highest in the Western Hemisphere. It is arguably the best place in South America for trekking and mountain climbing expeditions.
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So what’s the lesson learned?
There is much more to Peru than Machu Picchu! But make sure you visit Machu Picchu too – it’s well worth it and definitely lives up to the hype.
And if you’re the adventurous type, we recommend you hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. To this day, it’s one of our favourite hikes!
For organized tours, check out G Adventures and Intrepid Travel. Both have great reputations. Click here to save Save up to 25% on Adventure Travel Packages to South America.
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Do you have recommendations for things to do in Peru?
Share your comments and recommendations below.
Cameron and Nicole Wears are a Canadian couple and newbie parents living in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. A passion for travel and outdoor adventure has taken them to over 65 countries & territories on 6 continents in the past 7 years. Consider following us via 
Sounds like an amazing country to visit.
It really is!
I’m heading there in a week or so (in Ecuador now) and hope to do most of those things!
Have fun! Peru is one of our favourite countries, so diverse and so much to do!
We loved Peru and, although the highlight was the Inca Trail, hiking the Colca Canyon was amazing! All are great recommendations!
We really enjoyed Machu Picchu too. It was the clear highlight for us as well.
We did our own 2 week trek in the Cordillera Blanca with 2 donkeys & a donkey driver quite some time ago. The countryside was amazing and we didn’t see a westerner for 10 days. The trip was dirt cheap too – $20/day for the donkeys +driver. We provided all the meals but it was the bargain of the century.
Great tips Leigh, thanks for contibuting!
I stayed at that eco-lodge on the Tambopata River and I can say that it was one of my finest traveling experiences. We woke before dawn to catch the sunrise from the canopy tower. It was worth the early rise because every animal and bird in the jungle was up and squawking as the sun rose. Magnificent.
We had a similar experience and loved every minute! You really do feel like your in the middle of no where, so peaceful.
Having done 8 of those 10 (I just missed the amazon & mancora – good enough reasons to go back!) I totally agree. But I reckon there’s one major Peruvian highlight you missed – the fact that the country has the best food in South America!
Agreed. We loved the fresh Ceviche!
how much did it cost to do all of those things?
AMEN!
Don’t forget the Manu National Reserve, Peru’s largest national park. Amazing biodiversity, less well known than Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado. While we were there, we were the only people staying in our lodge. And it’s a day’s trip by land from Cuzco – makes it easier to see Machu Picchu and the jungle all in one trip.
Thanks for the added tips Kelly!
I did 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9
My favorite was hiking in the Colca canyon and watching those mighty condors at sunrise!
Yes! The Andean Condors at the Colca Canyon were incredible.
What a great post! We’re thinking about doing Peru soon and this kind of just solidified it! *Bookmarked for when we start planning the trip*
Thanks!
- Mia and Jordan
Ps. Would love to see you on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/WeTravelAndEat
Awesome! Glad this post helped in your planning. We just liked you guys on FB. Cheers!
I have heard that the lake titicaca area is GORGEOUS… def have been looking for a post like this to see what else there is to do in Peru.. well done!
Thanks Marcello! We just scratched the surface too. There is so much to do in Peru but these are the heavy hitters. Lake Titicaca is interesting and beautiful, but you don’t need to spend too much time there (I’d spend more time in the Colca Canyon, Pacific Coast and the Amazon – but that’s just personal preference!)
Sandboarding sounds awesome… thanks for sharing this. We’re heading to Peru sometimes this year so we’re def going to bookmark this. Cheers.
Glad you like it guys! If you head to Peru, you definitely have to make the trip to Huacachina – it’s such a cool place.
Great post… and so true. I think I enjoyed the Amazon the most… although I was sick as a dog when we were in Aguas Calentes from a hamburger of death I ate in the Sacred Valley. Nazca was amazing too… although I don’t know that I’d go back. That was a LONG bus ride; but there again, I was still pretty sick.
We had friends that ran into the deathly hamburgers of Peru.They got so sick that they had to skip our Inca Trail hike. Gotta watch out for those burgers!
Loved Peru too!! My favorite part was the Lares Trail hike to Machu Picchu and Paracas was a great town to end our trip in. It was nice and quite and love the boat tour to see the wildlife!
Our good friends did the Lares Trail and really enjoyed it also. There is never a shortage of things to do in Peru!
I’ve always wanted to go to Peru because of Machu Picchu as well but great to see that there’s so much else to do in Peru. Sandboarding looks like so much fun.
Originally we were just going to do Machu Picchu but were very happy that we decided to spend almost a month in Peru. It’s become one of our favourite countries!
great article, i surely like this site, keep on it.
Thanks!
Wow, Peru has such a varied landscape, I definitely hope to visit one day
It certainly does! I think it’s probably one of the most geographically diverse countries in the world – the Amazon, the Andes and the desert!
How long do you reckon I spend in Peru if I plan to do about 4-5 things on your list?
Sorry for the delayed response Juliana – I would reckon you need at least 3 weeks. You could visit most of these places in two weeks but it would be very rushed.
You totally nailed it! Machu Picchu is definitely the jewel of Peru, but there is a surprisingly vast amount of things to see and do in this country. The beaches of the north, the amazon, the ancient ruins EVERYWHERE….did you manage to get to the museum in Lambayeque? The artifacts there are AMAZING!
Hello Will – thanks for the great feedback!
No, unfortunately we missed the museum. We’ve heard similar reviews.
Cheers!
Man, I can’t believe I only heard of the Nazca lines last week. Those are NUTS.
Aren’t they awesome?!
Great list! I haven’t made it there yet, but I plan to spend a lot of time exploring Peru.
Oh man, no one has mentioned Kuelap (the Lost City of the Cloud People) up in Chachapoyas (north…via Chiclayo). Even in Chiclayo there are awesome things to see, like the largest witches market in all of South America (!!! Awesome!!) but Kuelap….my word. I cannot sing it’s praises enough. It is essentially like a northern version of Machu Picchu but hardly anyone goes there as it’s still under excavation. It’s situated on a mountain top and when we went there, it was just three of us, a team of archaeologists working, and a bunch of llamas. Absolutely BREATH.TA.KING. If you go, stay in Estancia El Chillo. It’s a great family run hacienda in a beautiful and convenient jumping off location to see Kuelap and the other sights. There are a number of tour companies that can take you there.
Heather, I agree 100%. I was surprised to see it was not mentioned and was delighted to see you bring this up. On our entire 1st year of our RTW trip Kuelap ranks as one of the top things we experienced. We trekked for 4 days in and saw so many of the Chachapoyian ruins along the way. Then, getting up the mountain to see the Kuelap ruins was breathtaking. If I could go back and do one thing in Peru this would be it every year, just to see the archaeological progress as they uncover more of this site.
Thanks for adding this one to this list Warren and Heather!
I’ve done over half of the activities you’ve mentioned here and I couldn’t agree with you more – it’s a country with lots to offer than just MP!
I’ll have to remember to check back here before I go to Peru…. I liked the sound of pretty much everything on the list!
Bookmarked this post as we’re heading over Ecuador so articles like this can only tempt us to look more closely at other parts of South America.
PN Huascarán is one of the best playgrounds for climbers, trekkers and alpinists in all of South America. It is also one of the least expensive places to learn how to ice climb in the Americas. When you send a picture home of you ice climbing in Perú people won’t believe it and say “I thought that Peru was all rain forest and jungle” or something along those lines. Good post guys.
Loved this post! Considering a two week trip to South America next year but couldnt decide where to go…this post definitely has me leaning towards Peru!
Awesome post. I am heading to Peru in January and now I know what I’ll be doing! Cheers!
Awesome! Come back and tell us how it goes!
How do I get from Lima to Huacachina to sandboard and return back to Lima in a day? Is this possible and are there any established groups that will organize such trips? Thanks!
It’s possible, but it will be a very full day.
Huacachina is a lot of fun, we recommend you stay at least one night (but careful… you might end up staying for 3 or 4 nights!)
Hey I’m planning a backpacking trip to Peru with a few of my mates after our exams summer 2013, this article’s been a great help picking out the sites to visit, what are prices like over there? We’ll have to start saving now so could you say what a safe amount to have available for us is if we’re going for 4 weeks, staying at cheap locations though trying to do as much as possible? I know its vague question but any estimates would be much appreciated. How long did you go for and how much was it?
Great post! Peru looks like an amazing country to visit. Will have to put it on my radar for the future.
I wasn’t too impressed with Paracas the National Reservation or Islas Ballestas. It wasn’t bad but all in all the quiet town left a bit to be desired. Lima is a great place to visit, I haven’t been to the rest but I plan on moving there for a few months towards the end of next year.
We LOVED hiking the Colca Canyon! It was even better than Machu Picchu because it was way cheaper and there were no crowds
We didn’t end up doing the hike but did spend a couple nights in a town nearby. Beautiful part of the country.
Wow, great website guys! We just arrived in Lima this morning and we are currently deciding what to do while in Peru when we stumbled upon your site…gladly, I might add. We are making a list referring to your site and comments from people on your site. We are alotting ourselves about a month here and will likely do most of what you and your friends recommend. If we discover anything that is worth mentioning, you will likely hear back from us. Cheers, and keep up the good work:).
Thanks Michael! Sorry, I didn’t see this comment until now. Hopefully you had a great trip!
What was the name of the tour company that you used on the inca trail? Is it 4 days total or 4 there and 4 back? The pictures are amazing.
We went with Gap adventures and it’s only 4 days one way. You can take the train back. Highly recommended
Nice choices!!!! I would also include a trip to Northern Peru with a visit to Kuelap fortress, Gocta waterfall (third highest in the world), Karajia funerary site and the demanding but amazing trek to Lake of the Condors. You should also visit the pre Inca aqueduct of Cumbemayo in Cajamarca and the archaeological sites In Chiclayo and Trujillo (Chan Chan, Sipan, El Brujo). Personally i find that the best of the northern region is that it is an almost virgin region. Take a look to some photos on my site: http://www.peruviansoul.com/28/destinations/northern-kingdoms.html Cheers, Diego.
Wow, great tips. Thanks Diego..we’ll check out your site.
Exploring the Amazon and hiking the canyon are the two best activities I will love most to do in peru. The other excursion places are so amazing too. Peru is awesome.
Totally agree, Peru is awesome!
This is a very informative post! I definitely learned a lot more about Peru. I’ll keep this in mind whenever I visit.
Glad you found the post informative Mary!
Totally awesome! These attractions makes me want to visit peru one day.
Thanks for the feedback Nancy!
Peru is one of our favourite countries – hopefully you make it there soon
Those are all great and all, but yeah, I would go to Peru for Machu Picchu as well. Peru has never been on my radar travel-wise, but it looks to be a country worth seeing.
It really is a great country – very diverse. Put it on your travel list!
Did you find that you need a guide for most things or did you do it on your own? Also, we aren’t fluent in Spanish, so should we learn more of the language or did you find it easy to communicate in English?
Hi Lisa – thanks for your comment!
We went on a tour with GAdventures for the first 10 days and spent an additional 15 days on our own. We do not speak any Spanish and we were fine. You can get by with English.
I agree! There is a lot to see in Peru! But hey, that Booby is not a Peruvian Booby, did you take that picture in Ballestas Islands??? That’s a Blue-footed Booby and they RARELY show up there. Just saying!
Hah! great eyes Francis. No, we took that particular photo in the Galapagos Islands
You should try MarkaWasi (aka MarcaHuasi), an enigmatic place about 80km eastward from Lima. A lot of stones and rockformations resembling people, animals, even dinosaurs. Google it for more info.
Good to know – thanks for the feedback Jorge!
Hi guys,
just plannnig a 6 weeks trip in November / December. Would you still recomand this despite the rain season at that time.
It will be my first trip and on my own. Are there many backpackers?
thanks for making my ‘to do list’ a lot bigger and complicater, what a great info here
rgds
Hi Martijn, I just sent you an email.
My husband is Peruvian, we live in Miami, Florida, he wants to take me and my son for the first time to Machu pichu, so i went on here and i’m glad cuz now I want to go hiking in cola canyon too! I can’t wait to go we are going in june. It’s cold there in June, that will feel strange for me.
I heard we might get sick, sick cuz of the water, germs ect and also cuz of the altitute, any suggestions to make better, since it’s really unavoidable i heard?
josie.
Hi Josie! The adjusting to the altitude can be pretty rough if you’re not prepared. Matador published a great piece on recognizing altitude sickness and dealing with it. Take a look here http://matadornetwork.com/sports/how-to-deal-with-altitude-sickness/ Hope it helps and safe travels!
I totally agree Peru has so much to offer… all those places look great and there is one more place that could be added to you list Caral, “the oldest civilization in the Americas”. Have a lookat this site: http://www.caralperu.gob.pe/#
We are a group of 6 adults who are looking at doing the Inca Trail in September this year, just not sure what do to afterwards. Feel like relaxing on a beach somewhere – just not sure if Mancora is the best option – have heard mixed reviews. Possibly go to Brazil – Paraty and/or Ilha Grande? Any ideas, we have about 5 days before having to head home.