There's a Wealth of Activities in Peru Beyond Just Machu Picchu

For many visitors to Peru, Machu Picchu is the highlight of their trip. While this Incan treasure is undoubtedly a must-see (just remember the daily limit of 4,044 visitors), the country is brimming with diverse experiences—geographical, cultural, and culinary—that are worth your time. From the lush Amazon rainforest to the vibrant coastal capital, here are six essential locations in Peru that deserve a place on any travel itinerary.

1. Discover Lima

Lima provides a glimpse into modern Peru. The coastal district of Barranco features art galleries, artisanal coffee shops, and unique shopping opportunities. Maria Eugenia de Aliaga, commercial manager of destination management company Tropic DMC, suggests visiting Kuntur Huasi for traditional crafts and Neo Concept Store for its cutting-edge Peruvian fashion, art, and home goods. For excellent dining options, Aliaga recommends Merito and Siete for their exquisite cuisine and shorter wait times compared to the more renowned Central or Astrid y Gastón.

To gain insights into Peruvian art history, visit the Museo de Arte de Lima, which offers a comprehensive collection of Peruvian art spanning over 3,000 years, complete with guided tours by the museum’s curators.

Accommodation Options

The Hotel B, a Relais & Châteaux establishment, boasts 20 rooms (comprising 4 alcoba rooms, 10 aposentos, and 6 ateliers) and is located in a Belle Epoque mansion in Barranco.

2. Embark on a cultural or nature adventure in the Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley, located between Cusco and Machu Picchu, has been home to Indigenous communities for over 1,500 years. "Many travelers skip the Sacred Valley, heading straight from Cusco to Machu Picchu, but there's a wealth of experiences to explore: cultural activities, adventure excursions, crafts, and more," shares Patricia Monahan, chief world explorer at travel agency Our Whole Village. Opportunities for exploration include learning traditional weaving techniques or scaling a via ferrata to dine at the breathtaking Sky Lodge, where visitors can sleep in clear dining capsules and sleeping pods clinging to the mountainside.

For a remarkable culinary adventure, consider a pachamanca cooking class, which uses an underground clay oven. (Classes can be organized by travel agencies Our Whole Village and Tropic DMC.) While your meal is being prepared, you can craft a herbal liqueur infused with local botanicals to enjoy long after your trip.

Accommodation Options

Las Qolqas Eco Resort offers glamping experiences in Ollantaytambo, a prime location for natural exploration along the Patacancha River, within its botanical gardens, and easy access to the Qapaq Ñan, the Imperial Inca Trail.

3. Discover local goods in Cusco

Spending at least a couple of days in this former Inca capital is worthwhile (some might want extra time to acclimate to the altitude). Explore the independent design shops on Calle Carmen Alto in the San Blas neighborhood for unique artisanal items. Alternatively, visit Mercado de San Pedro for Inca-inspired souvenirs and aguayo (traditional fabric), along with enticing local produce like fresh juices, coca tea (to ease altitude sickness), and a variety of fruits and vegetables. Participate in a totemic ceramics painting workshop at Totemiq, then compare your creation to those in the Pre-Columbian Art Museum.

Just an hour’s drive from Cusco, the two-mile-long Ruta del Barroco Andino showcases how European baroque architecture was uniquely adapted with Andean touches—such as depictions of hummingbirds and Indigenous plants—across three Jesuit churches along the route.

Accommodation Options:

Situated just a short stroll from the Qorikancha Incan temple and various historical landmarks, Hotel Los Portales boasts an unbeatable central location.

4. Look for wildlife in the Amazon rainforest

Often overlooked is the 60 percent of Peru’s territory that lies within the Amazon rainforest, teeming with biodiversity. The country is home to over 4,000 known butterfly species, many of which can be seen at the Butterfly House. Lodges like InkaTerra and Rainforest Expeditions offer nature walks and boat trips. Don't miss trying local Amazonian dishes such as paiche (a local fish) and juane (rice and meat wrapped in bijao leaves and steamed in clay pots).

Where to stay

InkaTerra Hacienda Concepcion features its own expert guides well-versed in the Peruvian rainforest, along with a sprawling 439-acre private ecological reserve. The property consists of a five-room main lodge and 25 individual cabanas, located five miles downriver from Puerto Maldonado and accessible only by canoe. Discover the local wildlife, including howler monkeys, caimans, and giant river otters.

5. Immerse yourself in the architecture and cuisine of Arequipa

Known as the White City due to its stunning white volcanic stone architecture, Arequipa offers a captivating blend of protohispanic, baroque, and neo-classical styles, along with opportunities for condor sightings and access to the Misti volcano. Culturally curious and adventure-seeking travelers alike will find much to enjoy. Don’t miss dining at the picanterías: “These family-style restaurants feature communal tables where meals are served in large pots directly on the table,” explains Hugo Lara, a former Peruvian caterer in the U.S. Delight in local dishes like chaque (a hearty tripe and meat stew) and ocopa arequipeña (potatoes in a spicy creamy sauce with hard-boiled eggs), which Lara notes are spicier than typical Peruvian fare. “This cuisine is worth exploring, as it’s not easily found outside Peru, unlike ceviche and pisco sour.”

Where to stay

Housed in a converted monastery, Cirqa features 11 luxurious rooms that showcase updated sillar stone architecture, moving far beyond a monastic feel. This property is part of Relais & Châteaux.

6. Escape to Lake Titicaca

Regarded as the birthplace of the Incas, this lake is the world’s highest navigable body of water, sitting at 12,000 feet above sea level. Disconnect from the hustle and bustle and explore the region with tour operators like Tierra Latina on Lake Titicaca. Discover the floating Uros islands, crafted from bamboo, and Taquile, where women weave while men knit. A highlight of your visit will be a homestay with an Indigenous family on Amantani Island, offering a unique opportunity to engage with locals amidst stunning landscapes.

Note: As reported by the national tourism agency PromPerú, travel and tourism in Puno province have returned to normal. The Juliaca Airport reopened on April 24, 2023.

Where to stay

The 18-room Titilaka offers an elegant dining experience alongside local tourism activities such as folklore festivals and water sports.