Go off the beaten track in Peru

From charming cobblestone streets to mist-covered mountains and incredible wildlife, Peru is a dream for adventurous travelers looking to get off the beaten path. It’s the perfect place to reconnect with nature, lace up your hiking boots, and dive into unforgettable experiences. The cuisine is bold and vibrant, the markets are buzzing with color and culture, and the locals are warm and welcoming. But beyond the famous Inca Trail, what else does this lively, history-rich country have to offer? In this guide, we’ll explore the lesser-known treks, hidden gems, and thrilling activities that show a different side of Peru – one that’s far from the crowds and full of adventure.

Go outdoors and get hiking

The Inca Trail is the go-to trek for many visiting Peru, but there are incredible alternatives that take you off the beaten path in Peru and far from the crowds. One standout is the Huayhuash Circuit (pronounced “why-wash?”), a stunning seven-day trek featuring snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and peaceful trails with far fewer tourists than Machu Picchu. This route reaches elevations around 16,400 feet (5,000 meters), so it’s important to prepare for the altitude. Many locals chew coca leaves to help, which are easy to find in markets or pharmacies. While you’re at a local market, try a fresh fruit juice or pick up some of the region’s incredible produce, like giant avocados and tropical fruits. Cooking with local ingredients is a great way to unwind between treks and experience Peru’s rich culinary culture.

Read more: 5 authentic ways to experience Peru beyond Machu Picchu

The Lares Trek is a less demanding but equally rewarding alternative to the Inca Trail, beginning just outside the UNESCO World Heritage city of Cusco. Parts of the trail climb as high as 15,580 feet (4,750 meters), passing through traditional Quechua villages where you’ll see locals weaving, planting potatoes, and herding llamas. Wildlife sightings may include condors and alpacas, and the trail ends at Machu Picchu, making it a great choice for those without Inca Trail permits.

Another scenic route is the Salkantay Trek, which winds through cloud forests and along ancient Inca paths, leading to the remote ruins of Llactapata with views of Machu Picchu. This trail combines lush jungle, mountain landscapes, and rich history, also finishing at Machu Picchu. For experienced hikers, Mount Misti near Arequipa offers a challenging volcanic climb with breathtaking summit views. Both the Lares and Salkantay treks are unforgettable ways to explore Peru’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, offering a true escape into the mountains.

Explore on two wheels

For an equally exciting experience that’s perhaps easier on the legs, try quad biking in Cusco. It’s a thrilling way to explore the area and adds an extra rush to your adventure! If you find yourself in Huacachina, sandboarding or taking a dune buggy ride is a must for an adrenaline-filled experience. Peru also offers fantastic cycling routes, with numerous trails connecting some of the country’s most sought-after destinations, including Paracas, Arequipa, Cusco, Lima, Nazca, and Puno. These routes offer a fantastic way of exploring Peru’s impressive Inca remains while enjoying the scenic beauty of the country.

Read more: Discover mouthwatering cuisine in Peru

Take an Amazonian adventure

The Amazon Rainforest is often associated with Brazil, but in fact, Peru holds the second-largest portion of the Amazon Rainforest after Brazil. There are two main entry points to the Amazon Rainforest in Peru: Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado. This incredible ecosystem is home to a diverse range of wildlife and offers enchanting jungle experiences. While exploring the Amazon Rainforest in Peru, you can float along the Amazon River by boat, taking in the stunning surroundings, or meander through the humid jungle with a guide who will help you uncover hidden creatures. Wildlife in the Peruvian Amazon includes tapirs, deer, pumas, monkeys, jaguars, and a spectacular variety of bird species. Temperatures year-round are mostly hot and humid, with occasional cold spells between June and August. Whether you’re looking for luxury or more rustic accommodations, there are plenty of options to suit all travelers’ needs.

Visit out of this world salt ponds

For an other-worldly experience, be sure to head to the Maras Salt Ponds. Located a short distance from Cusco, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a visit to this site makes for a thrilling day trip. The placement of these magical ponds is truly bizarre, and they are wonderful to explore. From above, they look like an uneven landslide of steps. The history of the ponds is also fascinating; indigenous inhabitants of this region used to harvest salt here for centuries through evaporation. They are still used for this purpose today, with local families responsible for managing individual ponds. There are roughly 5,000 ponds in total, and they are a pink-brown color. When exploring the Maras Salt Ponds, you contribute to the local community, which helps financially support the harvesters. Be sure to make the most of a day trip here by also exploring the town of Maras, conversing with the locals to get a true feel for life in the area.

Discover alternative ancient sites

Dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, the Choquequirao ruins are now known as the “Sacred sister” of Machu Picchu, situated 3,050 meters above sea level. Located less than 40 miles from Machu Picchu, these ruins are currently only accessible by foot, making the journey to them truly rewarding. However, a cable car will soon be available to transport travelers directly to these historic ruins. The government has also announced plans to open a new road connecting Choquequirao and Machu Picchu. For those who feel up to the physical challenge, the Choquequirao hike is an incredible trek that takes you along the Vilcabamba snow-capped mountain range, ending at Aguascalientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu. For the less adventurous, it may be best to wait until the cable car opens. As Roger Valencia, the country’s deputy tourism minister, mentioned, “the hike is exceptionally beautiful, but it’s tough.”

The pre-Columbian city of Chan Chan, dating back to around 850 AD, is the most expansive architectural site in the Americas, covering 20 square kilometers. Sadly, heavy rainfall and El Niño floods have caused some parts of the city to erode, but the remarkable Tschudi complex and royal burial chamber are still open for exploration. Also worth visiting is the walled settlement of Kuélap, a fortress city atop a mountain overlooking the Urubamba Valley, surrounded by a stunning cloud forest. The recent opening of a cable car has made it easier for intrepid travelers to visit. Constructed in the 6th century AD, the city was hidden in the cloud forest for three centuries before being rediscovered in 1843. Kuélap was once the home of the Chachapoyas, called the “cloud warriors” by the Incas, and was a flourishing political center. The fortress walls are adorned with impressive intricate carvings, and the Ministry of Culture is considering it for UNESCO World Heritage status.

Why go off the beaten track in Peru?

Mass tourism has led to the rapid deterioration of iconic sites like Machu Picchu, making it even more important to seek out and discover lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path destinations in Peru. Not only will you enjoy the satisfaction of uncovering hidden gems, but you’ll also escape the crowds that inevitably flock to popular spots like the Inca Trail.

Make it happen

If any of this has inspired you to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations in Peru, be sure to reach out to our handpicked local experts. They’ll craft an authentic, tailor-made trip just for you, helping you uncover the hidden gems of Peru.