August 8, 2019 Read time - 2 minutes Home to some of the most spectacular topography in the world, Peru adventure holidays promise to inspire even the most seasoned travellers. This is a beguiling land where ancient sites, colonial culture and modern traditions rub shoulders in an unimaginable fashion. Although Machu Picchu is one of the country’s most iconic treasures, there is so much more to discover here. Let us introduce you to the best places to visit that aren’t Machu Picchu in Peru… Cuzco Standing at a dizzying elevation of 11,200 feet in the Peruvian Andes, Cuzco is dubbed as the “Gateway to Machu Picchu”. This captivating city is a melting pot of history, culture and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are so many feasts for the eyes on our Cuzco trips, so we’ve handpicked some of our favourite, standout sites to explore.Mercado Central de San Pedro While the Mercado Central de San Pedro lets you experience the hustle and bustle of the cultural market with its traditional street vendors, the sound of haggling and the aromas of food that invade your senses, we’d recommend visiting the Koricancha Sun Temple and Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman as it will give you unique insight into Cuzco’s rich history and widen your knowledge of the city. Find more incredible destinations on our Essential Peru trip. The Ballestas Islands Accessible by boat off the coast of southern Peru, The Ballestas Islands are a natural haven for wildlife and boast one of the largest concentrations of seabirds in Peru. As well as playing host to birds such as the distinctive blue-footed boobies, pelicans and Humboldt penguins, you can spot humpback whales, South American sea lions and marine otters in and around the islands. Humboldt penguin colony Nazca Lines Shrouded in mystery, the Nazca Lines are a fascinating collection of geometric patterns and outlines of animals that are etched into the rock and sand. The best way to witness the archaeological phenomena that are the Nazca Lines in all their glory is to take a flight over the desert of southern Peru. The geoglyphs cover almost 1,000 square kilometres and comprise approximately 300 unique shapes – an astonishing sight that has never truly been explained. Nazca Lines Lake Titicaca High up on a plateau in the Peruvian Andes, Lake Titicaca is the tallest navigable lake in the world. The water is alive with aquatic plants and fauna, including ducks, geese, flamingos, giant frogs and fish. Known as “The Birthplace of the Incas”, Lake Titicaca is home to indigenous communities, Incan myths and ancient ruins. Its vivid blue waters are strangely still and emit a real sense of calm. There’s something quite magical about this place that makes you want to return. Lake Titicaca, Cerro El Calvario The Colca Canyon Blessed with some of the planet’s most epic scenery, Colca Canyon lays claim to being the second deepest canyon in the world and is almost twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. Condors soar high above the canyon walls as they cut through the Andes for more than 100 kilometres, while below, lush fruit trees fringe the gushing river. This really is an awesome sight that is bound to leave you speechless.The Colca Canyon Discover more places to visit in Peru with our featured trips below.
Peru Explorer 35 reviews An in-depth discovery of southern Peru from the Andes to the Amazon Culture Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate 20 Days from £3,199 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Essential Peru - Inti Raymi Festival 5 reviews Discover the archaeological wonders of southern Peru and attend a festival in Cuzco Culture Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate 16 Days from £2,599 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Machu Picchu & Galapagos 18 reviews Discover Peru's 'Lost City of the Incas' and Ecuador's 'Enchanted Isles' Culture Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate 14 Days from £5,199 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Essential Peru 135 reviews Discover southern Peru's archaeological and natural wonders Culture Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate 15 Days from £2,099 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
The Inca Trail 160 reviews Follow in the footsteps of the Peruvian Incas as you trek the classic Inca Trail Walking & Trekking Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Moderate 8 Days from £1,299 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Inca & Amazon Adventure Family Holiday 7 reviews A family adventure combining Peru's classic Inca Trail trek with the tropical Amazon Rainforest Family Suitable for: Age 13+ Activity level: Challenging 14 Days from £2,299 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Inca Trail, Titicaca & Nazca 47 reviews Discover Peru's deserts and high Andes and follow a classic trekking route Walking & Trekking Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Moderate 15 Days from £2,249 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Inca Trail & the Amazon Rainforest 91 reviews Trekking, jungle and indigenous culture - the best Peru has to offer Walking & Trekking Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Moderate 15 Days from £2,649 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
The Lost City of Choquequirao 16 reviews Trek amidst Peru's Cordillera Vilcabamba to the lost Inca site of Choquequirao Walking & Trekking Suitable for: Age 18+ Activity level: Challenging / Tough 13 Days from £1,749 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
The Moonstone Trek 3 reviews New Trek an isolated route with unexplored ruins, discovery at every turn and great mountain views – an excellent introduction to high Andean trekking Walking & Trekking Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Moderate / Challenging 9 Days from £1,349 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
The Salkantay Trek 44 reviews Trek amidst Peru's Cordillera Vilcabamba, then join the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Walking & Trekking Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Challenging 14 Days from £1,699 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details