19 Things to Do in Peru Besides Machu Picchu

Things to do in Peru besides Machu Picchu include watching wildlife around the Ballestas Islands, exploring Paracas National Reserve, hiking Colca Canyon, staying with a family on Taquile, and visiting the Amazon. This guide keeps 19 traveler recommendations, from Arequipa’s architecture to demanding Andean treks, with practical advice to help you choose a realistic route.

I asked travel bloggers about their favorite activities, places, and things to see in Peru other than Machu Picchu. From white-water rafting along the Apurímac River to Colca Canyon and the Amazon, their recommendations show just how varied a Peru trip can be.

For the city portions, use our things to do in Cusco and Lima sightseeing guide. Build transport days with our guide to getting around Peru.

Quick picks by interest

• Paracas National Reserve
• Ballestas Islands by boat
• Colca Canyon
• A Taquile Island homestay
• Madre de Dios and Lake Sandoval
• Arequipa
• Ausangate Circuit trek

Time allowances below are editorial planning estimates unless a named tour duration is specified. Current charges and conditions are linked in each box.

1. Paracas National Reserve

Recommended by Sara from Travel Continuum

One of the places that most sticks in my mind is the ecosystem of Paracas National Reserve, near Pisco, where the parched desert meets the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean.

As you first cross into the stark peninsula, you’re struck by just how desolate the landscape is, almost as if you’ve landed on Mars! The reserve is an important and protected habitat, with red beaches, plunging golden cliffs, and rocky islands.

The views at the apex of the headland are expansive, but be prepared to be blown away in another sense: it’s also pretty wild and blustery out there.

The marine biodiversity in these waters is due to its rich nutrients, swept in by the Humboldt Current. Wildlife sightings depend on the season, conditions, and the part of the reserve you visit.

Ask whether you can stop by the Centro de Interpretación building to learn about the conservation work with both the environment and the artifacts of the ancient Paracas people.

We booked via our hostel for convenience, but many different agencies and operators offer tours (you can visit independently by bicycle but plan carefully – it’s a harsh environment!).

2. Ayacucho and its craft traditions

Recommended by Juergen from dare2go

The colonial town of Ayacucho, northwest of Cusco, and the surrounding region have a lot to offer visitors. Give it a separate stay for crafts, architecture, and archaeological sites.

Ayacucho is an authentic historic town, with very friendly and welcoming people – but without the hustle and bustle. Beautiful old colonial buildings surround the pleasant main plaza.

Ask iPerú for current visitor information and local access conditions. There are so many interesting sights around the town that you could easily spend three or four days based in Ayacucho.

The town, and villages around it, are known for their handicrafts, mostly pottery and wood carvings. Retablos are the region’s best-known craft items. They are shrine-like wooden boxes with two doors, overflowing with colorful hand-painted figurines, assembled in scenes depicting rural life or religious themes. Browse local workshops and craft markets to compare them.

The small village of Quinua, near Ayacucho, is known all over Peru for its colorful pottery.

The large ceramic churches, with crooked, bent towers, which you will see in many places around Peru, originate from here. They also produce life-like colorful figures and pots.

Another significant sight between Ayacucho and Quinua is the ancient ruins of the Wari people. Their civilization developed long before the rise of the better-known Inca Empire.

Treat Ayacucho as a planned destination, not a quick detour between Lima and Cusco. Check the exact road route against current travel advice, particularly routes near the VRAEM region.

3. White-water rafting on the Apurímac

Recommended by James from Travel Collecting

The three-day trip white-water rafting down the Apurímac River takes you through a steep canyon landscape. It is not for the faint-hearted, however. Check the exact river section: the contributor’s earlier trip and current advertised itineraries may differ.

Apumayo describes its Black Canyon itinerary as Class II–IV, while other operators offer more demanding sections. Water levels change difficulty; have the operator assess your experience, swimming ability, and suitability.

This is exciting stuff!

A drive from Cusco takes you to the river, where you learn essential instructions. On my trip, before each of the serious rapids, we got out and learned the best way to get through them and what to do.

The rapids are a crazy maelstrom of waves splashing over you, the raft rising almost vertical and then plummeting down huge drops as you lean forward and paddle as hard as you can.

In between rapids, you can enjoy being in a steep canyon with the chance of a condor circling overhead.

4. Ballestas Islands by boat

Recommended by Juliana from The Discoveries Of

If you are traveling to the south of Peru, I’d highly recommend stopping in Paracas to take a tour of the Ballestas Islands.

The Ballestas Islands are a small group of islands off the coast of Peru. The islands are a haven for Humboldt penguins, pelicans, boobies, cormorants, and sea lions. Sightings depend on conditions and are not guaranteed.

You’re not allowed to disembark on the islands, as they’re a protected reserve – so the only way to see them is on a boat tour.

The tours depart from a few locations, the most popular of which is Paracas. The waters can be choppy, so discuss suitability with the operator if you’re not great with boats.

The tours circle the islands, with a guide pointing out the wildlife and telling you about the different species you’re seeing. The linked outing lasts approximately two hours in total.

Our guide was a font of knowledge, talking us through the islands’ history, including Peru’s guano trade (bird droppings used as fertilizer) and why they’re protected today.

Compare passenger numbers and seating before booking if a smaller group matters to you. A smaller boat is not automatically a smoother ride.

5. Colca Canyon

Recommended by Carly from Fearless Female Travels

Colca Canyon deserves time, especially if you want to walk down into it. A viewpoint excursion is a different experience from a multiday trek and can be a better fit if you do not want the demanding climb out.

You can book a full hiking tour of the canyon over two or three days. Compare the route and pace carefully: the villages, trails, and overnight stops are not necessarily the same.

Your journey may begin at the edge of the canyon, where you can watch Andean condors glide through the air if conditions allow. Then you’ll drive to the trailhead and begin your descent through the desert surroundings.

The descent to the riverbed is steep and can be hot. Ask where you will stop for food and how much water you need to carry.

On my trip, a few more hours of hiking took us to a rustic guesthouse in Sangalle village, where we were given dinner and information about our early-morning departure. Confirm your own accommodation’s facilities rather than assuming hot water or a pool.

Of course, what goes down must come back up, and it’s the final day of the hike (either Day 2 or Day 3, depending on the tour you’ve selected) that will really test your physical stamina.

Starting in complete darkness, we hiked straight uphill for approximately four hours, watching the sunrise, until we arrived in the town of Cabanaconde, where a hearty, hot breakfast and a feeling of immense personal satisfaction awaited. That was my trip; your walking time will depend on the route and your condition.

On my trip, about half of the hikers reached the bottom of the canyon and realized they wouldn’t be able to get back up the next day. Do not rely on hiring an animal as an emergency solution. Agree on your route and evacuation plan before descending.

For more detail on the walking experience, see our Colca Canyon trekking guide.

6. Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit

Recommended by Megan from Appalachian Trail Girl

The Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit is the place to go if you’re looking for a trail that is high-altitude and physically challenging. A longer circuit takes over a week to complete, depending on the route.

The Huayhuash region was made famous by the book Touching the Void, which recounts a near-death mountaineering accident that took place in the Cordillera Huayhuash mountains. Trekking differs from climbing peaks, but altitude, weather, and remoteness still demand serious preparation.

Some of the more appealing aspects of this hike are the towering snow-covered mountains and the turquoise alpine lakes. It’s not uncommon to see locals herding mule trains along the trail to carry supplies for groups or villages.

One of my favorite experiences along the way was a natural hot spring that weary trekkers could soak in.

During my whole trek, I only met a few organized groups and a few individuals. I was not totally alone, and yet I often had views all to myself. That describes my visit rather than a promise of empty trails today.

If you’re looking for a difficult hike with rewarding scenery, the Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit is for you.

7. Gran Vilaya trek and Kuélap

Recommended by Elisa from World in Paris

The Trek Gran Vilaya is one of the treks I most enjoyed in northern Peru. During four days and three nights, trekkers explore the Chachapoyas culture through archaeological sites and cloud-forest landscapes.

The Chachapoya inhabited this region before its incorporation into the Inca Empire. Their archaeological sites give this walk a different historical focus from the routes around Cusco.

The Gran Vilaya trek starts at the colonial city of Chachapoyas in northern Peru and ends with Kuélap. This is a moderate-to-difficult trek, with substantial slopes and long walking days, so you need to be fit. Ask for the current day-by-day route and which sections use transport.

In terms of landscape, the Gran Vilaya trek goes through thick vegetation, river valleys, and mountain cloud forest.

From a cultural point of view, you will learn about Chachapoya culture by visiting archaeological sites along the route. Stops vary by itinerary, so confirm which ruins are included and the current access to Kuélap.

PROMPERÚ’s Kuélap access update

8. A Taquile Island homestay

Recommended by Gemma from Two Scots Abroad

Taquile Island is an island on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca, known for its textile traditions. It is different from the floating Uros islands.

Tourists can visit as part of a day tour or do a homestay on Taquile Island. Confirm the host’s language and whether a guide or interpreter is included.

Our homestay Dad spoke Spanish, and the child was learning at school. The Mum did not, but we conversed through smiles and gestures.

During our homestay, the family cooked lunch, dinner, and breakfast. Our family made us soup and also a trout dinner. There was also plenty of coca tea on offer. Ask your host which meals are included and discuss dietary requirements in advance.

Arrange food and drinking water before arrival rather than relying on finding a shop near your accommodation. Day visitors can eat in local restaurants.

Apart from the fellow homestay guests, we never met (or saw) another tourist on the island during our overnight stay. It’s the most peaceful place I’ve visited!

There isn’t much to do apart from learning about the island culture from the homestay family, hiking around the island, and visiting the eerily quiet beach.

9. Madre de Dios and Lake Sandoval

Recommended by Ashley from DashinAsh

When I was planning my trip around Peru, I really had no idea how diverse the landscapes are there. When I found out that the Amazon Rainforest extends across Peruvian borders I knew I had to go.

The closest airport for this area is Puerto Maldonado. From there, there are multiple ways to visit the Amazon Basin, from lodge stays to guided excursions. Compare the actual time spent traveling by road and boat.

The Madre de Dios River runs through one part of the Peruvian Amazon, and the wildlife there is abundant and varied. We were treated to views of caimans, giant otters, spider monkeys, sloths, and howler monkeys.

There were birds of beautiful colors flying through the tree tops, and tarantulas watching as you hiked past.

I feel like Lake Sandoval is the best culmination of the multitude of the Amazon basin activities. Access combines a boat down the Madre de Dios, a walk, and a lake excursion. Ask the operator about current path and water conditions.

We watched the sunset over the lake, with giant otters swimming alongside our canoe, and then made our way back through the dark with our guide. Wildlife sightings vary, and a guided night walk is not a reason to explore alone.

The experience was unique and invigorating, and a lovely break from the more typical sights in Peru.

10. Arequipa

Recommended by Ariana from World of travels with kids

Arequipa’s white-stone historic center is worth a stay of its own.

With many colonial buildings around the center, you often feel like you are in a Spanish colonial city of yesteryear. The volcano El Misti provides an evocative backdrop and is visible from many parts of Arequipa.

While Arequipa is often used as a jumping-off point to see the Colca Canyon, it easily merits two days in our opinion. A city stay does not by itself make you acclimatized for high Andean treks.

The Plaza de Armas and Cathedral of Arequipa are good starting points before exploring the smaller streets of the historic center. Check visitor hours separately from worship times.

The Museo Santuarios Andinos is worth a visit as you learn about Inca culture and high-altitude archaeology; confirm the current display if seeing Juanita matters to you. Our favorite place to visit in Arequipa is the Monastery of Santa Catalina.

Beautiful architecture, combined with bright colors and religious relics make it a remarkable place to visit.

11. Marcahuasi rock formations

Recommended by Claudia from My Adventures Across The World

Marcahuasi offers a very different landscape from the archaeological sites around Cusco.

This plateau is set at around 4,000 meters above sea level, reached via San Pedro de Casta, a village in the mountains east of Lima. Its weathered rock formations are natural, while archaeological remains tell another part of the area’s history.

Marcahuasi is an interesting place to visit. What is special there is the eroded rocks shaped into animals and humans – turtles, seals, etc.

Make sure not to underestimate the distances in Peru. To travel from Lima to San Pedro de Casta, connections commonly run through Chosica. Confirm the current road conditions and return departure before leaving, rather than relying on an old timetable.

Other than the distance from Lima, the change in altitude is dramatic. Build in gradual acclimatization and confirm current trail access and camping arrangements. A single night in San Pedro is not a guarantee against altitude illness.

Village lodging can be basic. Confirm bedding, heating, water, meals, and onward transport directly rather than relying on facilities described in an older trip report.

It gets freezing cold up there after the sun sets, and in fact even during the day, so make sure to wear appropriate gear and take plenty of warm clothes.

12. Surfing in Máncora

Recommended by Claire from Tales of a Backpacker

Máncora is a small beach town in the north of Peru. If you are traveling through Peru toward Ecuador, Máncora can be a place to stop off to catch some waves and chill out on the beach. Check current border-route advice first.

Surfers flock to Máncora for the long beaches and waves. There are several surf schools here to choose from. If you’ve never surfed before, choose an instructor who assesses the conditions and selects an appropriate spot.

Rocks, currents, swell, and changing tides all matter. There is no universally safe tide or guaranteed beginner-friendly wave.

More experienced surfers can discuss suitable breaks with local schools. Wind and sea conditions also determine whether kitesurfing or snorkeling makes sense that day.

If you’re not a keen surfer then there is plenty of beautiful sandy beach to stretch out on, and you can also dive, snorkel or try your hand at kite-surfing too.

And then there is the nightlife! As well as being a surfing hotspot, the international crowd has brought with them a party atmosphere with bars and restaurants popping up all over town. Be sure to bring your mosquito repellent though, they are vicious!

Plan an Ecuador extension

13. Huancayo and the Mantaro Valley

Recommended by Alyssa from Ojos Extranjeros

The capital of the Junín region, Huancayo is a city filled with life, culture, and regional food. It is a base for exploring the Mantaro Valley.

Take a walk around the city center and you can see older buildings mixing with new, more modern buildings, with views of the surrounding mountains.

The streets are filled with different merchants selling their handmade, artisanal goods, stalls selling fresh juices, or salchipapa. If you’re in Huancayo, make time for Parque de la Identidad Huanca (Park of the Huanca Identity).

This park has intricate stonework, statues, and other art which represent the characteristics of the region and celebrate its folk artists.

There are replicas of traditional homes along the park. Another experience in Huancayo is a pachamanca meal.

Pachamanca is the traditional cooking of food by use of hot stones. Meat, usually lamb, pig, or guinea pig, is placed in a hole in the ground along with potatoes and corn. The hole is lined and then covered by these heated stones, and covered tightly with dirt.

The result is a communal meal shaped by this earth-oven cooking method. Ask a local restaurant when it prepares pachamanca and reserve if needed.

14. Sandboarding in Huacachina

Recommended by Vita from My Walk in the World

Huacachina is a town surrounding an oasis in the desert near Ica. The surrounding sand dunes and the adrenaline of sandboarding offer a different experience from Peru’s mountain hikes.

Sandboarding is like snowboarding, but instead of snow, you slide down sand dunes.

You can experience recreational sandboarding without standing up: on some tours, you lie down on the board. Ask about equipment, instructions, and suitability first. Going faster is not a safety advantage.

If you stay at a local hostel, there are places where you can hire boards by the hour or half/full day.

Tours take out groups in dune buggies and combine the ride with stops to sandboard down several dunes. Compare the departure point and actual activity time rather than just the duration of a transfer package.

Check whether dune-entry charges, boards, safety equipment, and transfers are included. Specialist stand-up sandboarding instruction is different from a recreational buggy-and-board outing.

More South America destinations

For travelers based in Lima: the combined day trip below also visits Ballestas. Select an option that explicitly includes the boat, buggy and board activities you want. The listing’s pickup wording varies between sections, so get your final arrangements confirmed. Staying in Ica/Paracas instead lets you book local activities and avoid the long return journey.

15. Glamping with the Misminay community

Recommended by Kaila from Nylon Pink

Glamping with the Misminay community near Moray combines a tent stay with learning about local life. Kaila’s account describes a glamping tent with a mattress, down covers, and decoration that matches Andean tradition.

The employees of the glamping site can show you how to get around and arrange a transfer from Cusco or the Sacred Valley. Confirm the cost, bedding for cold nights, and other inclusions for your own booking.

You can engage in cultural activities, like a cooking class, stargazing, or mud-brick building, depending on your program. You can also explore the nearby terrain and take a guided walk to the Moray viewpoint.

A viewpoint walk is not the same as admission to Moray’s archaeological site. Confirm separate entrance arrangements, then discuss meals and dietary needs with your hosts before booking.

The original stay included a traditional meal prepared by the hosts and a little time by the fire before turning in for the evening. Confirm what your own package includes.

And don’t be afraid to wake up early-the sunrises are lovely here.

16. Ausangate Circuit trek

Recommended by Jen from Long Haul Trekkers

The Ausangate Circuit takes you among glaciated peaks and high mountain lakes. Distances and the number of days vary with the route rather than following one fixed circuit.

Some six-day itineraries include Rainbow Mountain; on others it is optional or absent. Check the actual route before booking a separate day trip.

Inhabited by llama and alpaca herding communities, the region surrounds Ausangate Mountain and its glaciated slopes.

The extreme elevation will pose a challenge to those not well-acclimated. Depending on the route, difficult mountain passes can exceed 5,000 meters. Plan gradual acclimatization and discuss your health and fitness before committing.

With the unpredictable mountain weather, demanding passes, and remote trails, booking with an experienced company provides important support. Guides know the area and a mule team can carry much of the weight, depending on your package. Ask about qualifications, emergency communications, evacuation, and exact inclusions; success is not guaranteed.

In addition to giant peaks all around, the hot springs in the village of Pacchanta can be a welcome stop after a few days in the mountains. Check whether your route visits them and entry is included.

17. Trek to Choquequirao

Recommended by Taylor from Travel Outlandish

Everyone wants to visit Machu Picchu on their trip to Peru, but Choquequirao is a similarly expansive Incan complex that you may have never heard of.

The Choquequirao ruins are set above the Apurímac Canyon, reached by a particularly challenging trek. Confirm current access with your operator.

The Choquequirao trek is characterized by a steep plunge into the canyon, some tough switchbacks, and particularly remote campsites and trekking routes. A return trek and a longer extension are different itineraries.

And while Choquequirao pulls its weight as “something to do in Peru besides Machu Picchu”, the Choquequirao Trek is unique in that it can be considered an Inca Trail Alternative.

If you want to combine both archaeological sites, ask for a complete itinerary including onward transport and separately confirmed Machu Picchu admission. Finishing a trek near Aguas Calientes does not guarantee an entry ticket or a sunrise time slot.

18. Huaraz and the Cordillera Blanca

Recommended by Thea from Zen Travellers

Huaraz is a destination in Peru for high-altitude adventures. The high peaks of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range can be seen from right in town.

The trekking in the Cordillera Blanca ranges from day hikes to the multiday Santa Cruz trek and challenging mountain summits. These require very different preparation and skills, so choose by difficulty and altitude rather than photographs alone.

We opted for a couple quieter alternatives to the Santa Cruz trek and spent three days on the Akilpo–Ishinca trek and then summited Mateo Peak once we were sufficiently acclimated. That was our itinerary, not a recommended progression for every visitor.

The views of the glaciated peaks, alpine lakes, and nearby valleys stayed with us. As such, we wanted to plan a second trip back to Huaraz!

19. An Amazon stay from Iquitos

Peru has more than mountains and archaeology: a few days in the Amazon can change the pace of a trip. For a different base from Madre de Dios above, consider Iquitos in Loreto, the starting point for river and lodge trips in northern Amazonia.

Birdwatching from a riverboat and guided forest walks are reasons to choose a longer stay. Ask which activities are appropriate for the season and avoid experiences that involve handling wild animals.

Compare the lodge’s actual location, boat-transfer time, drinking-water provision, mosquito protection, meals, and emergency arrangements. Do not rely on improvised water treatment or homemade insect repellent.

The original article named Huacari Tours. Its current service and inclusions could not be confirmed for this update, so that historical mention is not a current booking recommendation.

More Places to visit in Peru

Choose a route, not a checklist

• Coast and southern Andes, about two weeks: Start with Lima, then allow 2–3 days for Paracas/Ballestas and Huacachina including transfers. Continue to Arequipa for a city stay and choose either a Colca viewpoint excursion or a trek. Use the remaining days for travel, gradual altitude adjustment, and Puno/Taquile or Cusco, rather than forcing both.
• Cusco and one adventure: Combine time in Cusco and the Sacred Valley with Misminay, then choose one major trek or rafting trip. Ausangate, Choquequirao and a multiday Apurímac expedition compete for time; they are not interchangeable afternoon add-ons.
• Northern mountains: Give Huaraz its own stay for acclimatization and a chosen hike. Chachapoyas/Gran Vilaya needs a separate travel leg. Do not treat it as a short side trip from Huaraz.
• Amazon extension: Add one lodge stay, in Madre de Dios or Loreto. Compare total travel time from your preceding stop before choosing flights or paying for a lodge.

These are editorial route outlines, not timed package itineraries. Leave a buffer before your international flight and recheck roads, flight schedules, and local access close to departure.

Season, altitude and practical planning

Choose your dates around the main activity. Conditions for an exposed high-Andes trek differ from the coast or Amazon, and rain, river levels or port closures can change an itinerary. Ask the chosen trekking or rafting operator which departures suit your route, and build a city or rest-day alternative into the plan.

Altitude affects people regardless of fitness. Plan gradual ascent and seek individualized medical advice for high-altitude trekking and Amazon travel. Do not ascend further with symptoms of altitude illness; worsening symptoms require descent and medical help. Read the CDC altitude guidance and Peru travel-health advice.

Check route-specific travel advice, not just a country-wide summary. The VRAEM warning does not cover every part of the Apurímac River, but it matters when choosing overland routes. For the Amazon, use an established operator and confirm your exact river route. See official regional travel warnings.

For accommodation, choose by the next departure: Paracas for the boat, Arequipa for the city and Colca logistics, Huaraz for mountain preparation, and a lodge matched to your Amazon gateway. Confirm luggage storage during treks, early breakfasts, transfer times, and cancellation if access changes.

Compare complete costs rather than a single “from” price: accommodation, intercity transport, guides, entry tickets, community charges, meals, equipment and insurance. Higher-priced trips can include important logistics, but check each line rather than assuming “all inclusive” covers everything.

Peru beyond Machu Picchu: FAQs

Continue planning your Peru trip

Add city time with our Cusco travel ideas and things to do in Lima. For a wider itinerary, browse our South America destinations.

Additional Peru travel reading from the original article

• About the Author
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Pauline Joie

Pauline has a bachelor’s degree in Tourism and is a professional content writer. She specializes in writing about travel and food. Pauline spent most of her career life in Dubai and is a Travel Expert for the United States and Costa Rica.

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