Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world and a must-see on any first trip to Peru. However, beyond this famous citadel lies a country filled with extraordinary destinations – each offering a glimpse into Peru’s diverse landscapes, deep-rooted history, and welcoming culture. Here are five remarkable places to visit in Peru that deserve a place on your itinerary.
Beyond Machu Picchu: Top 5 Places to Visit in Peru
The Peruvian Amazon
Covering more than 60% of Peru’s landmass, the Amazon rainforest remains one of the most pristine regions in Latin America. Despite its vastness, many visitors overlook it, making it a true escape into untouched nature.
Accessible via Iquitos in the north, the Peruvian Amazon is characterised by wide tributaries and floodplains rich in wildlife. Travellers can enjoy river cruises through the rainforest, spotting pink river dolphins, monkeys, macaws and caimans, while visiting remote indigenous communities. For those seeking an immersive nature experience, this is one of the most rewarding parts of Peru.
Colca Canyon
Four hours from Arequipa lies the breathtaking Colca Canyon – twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and stretching 63 miles across the Andes. This dramatic valley is a place of both natural grandeur and spiritual presence.
Visitors can marvel at Giant Andean condors gliding through the thermals, explore ancient terraces built by the Callagua people, and relax in natural hot springs. Hiking and horse-riding trails wind through the valley, offering incredible views and insight into rural Andean life. Colca Canyon embodies the timeless strength and beauty of the Peruvian landscape.
The Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley is one of the most important historical regions in Peru and a must for those seeking to understand Inca civilisation beyond Machu Picchu. Nestled high in the Andes, the valley was once a vital agricultural and spiritual centre.
Towns such as Pisaq, Yucay, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo offer ancient ruins, vibrant markets, and striking scenery. Here, travellers can learn about Incan traditions, hike through terraced hillsides, and enjoy sweeping valley views that change colour with the afternoon light. The Sacred Valley combines history, culture and natural splendour in equal measure.
Arequipa
Peru’s second-largest city, Arequipa, is affectionately known as “the White City” for its beautiful volcanic stone architecture. Flanked by three imposing volcanoes – Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu – it blends colonial charm with modern energy.
Wander through cobbled streets, admire baroque churches, and soak in the city’s relaxed atmosphere. Arequipa also boasts one of Peru’s best culinary scenes, rivalled only by Lima. It’s the perfect base for exploring nearby Colca Canyon, but also a destination worth exploring in its own right.
Chachapoyas
Hidden between the Andes and the Amazon Basin, Chachapoyas is a region of mystery and adventure. Known as the “Warriors of the Clouds”, the ancient Chachapoya civilisation left behind impressive fortresses, burial sites and temples still cloaked in mist and vegetation.
Visitors can explore the remarkable fortress of Kuelap – often compared to Machu Picchu – as well as Gocta Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the world. The surrounding cloud forest is rich in birdlife, orchids and secluded trails, making Chachapoyas one of the most captivating off-the-beaten-path places to visit in Peru.
Peru is a country of contrasts - from dense rainforest to high-altitude plateaus and colonial cities bursting with life. While Machu Picchu may be the headline attraction, the true beauty of Peru lies in the lesser-known corners that reveal its soul. Whether exploring the wildlife of the Amazon, the ancient terraces of the Sacred Valley, or the waterfalls of Chachapoyas, every journey through Peru tells a story worth discovering.
