Machu Picchu is undeniably Peru’s most famous destination, drawing over a million visitors a year with its misty peaks and Inca ruins perched high in the Andes. But while the “Lost City of the Incas” is majestic, it’s no longer the off-the-beaten-path adventure it once was. Strict entry limits, timed tickets, and crowded trails have transformed the once-serene pilgrimage into a tightly controlled experience that often leaves travelers feeling rushed and overwhelmed. Fortunately, Peru offers so much more beyond its most iconic landmark.
From remote canyons deeper than the Grand Canyon to ancient ruins that predate Machu Picchu by centuries, the country is rich in history, nature, and culture that most tourists never see. In fact, some of Peru’s lesser-known destinations rival Machu Picchu in both beauty and spiritual significance—without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. Whether you’re looking to hike through pristine highlands, explore pre-Columbian cities, or immerse yourself in Andean village life, there’s a side of Peru that remains wild, authentic, and astonishingly underrated.
This article highlights 12 incredible places across Peru that are just as epic as Machu Picchu—sometimes even more so. These spots offer a deeper connection to Peru’s past, fewer tourists, and a chance to experience something truly off the radar. And best of all, many of them can be visited without the high costs, logistical challenges, and strict regulations that come with visiting the famous Inca citadel.
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Quick & Easy Tips
Fly into Cusco but branch out: Cusco is the gateway to many of Peru’s wonders, but don’t stop there. Use it as a base to explore hidden gems like Choquequirao or the Sacred Valley villages.
Visit in shoulder season: April–May and September–October offer great weather and far fewer crowds.
Travel with a local guide: In lesser-known regions, guides not only enhance your experience with local knowledge—they also help support rural economies.
Pack for altitude: Many alternative sites are at high elevations, so bring coca leaves, hydrate, and take it slow to avoid altitude sickness.
Download offline maps and brush up on Spanish or Quechua basics for navigating more remote destinations with limited cell service or signage.
Some travelers might balk at the suggestion to “forget Machu Picchu,” viewing it as a once-in-a-lifetime must-see. And while it’s certainly impressive, the idolization of a single tourist site has created major issues: environmental degradation, local economic dependency, inflated costs, and a growing disconnection between tourism and cultural preservation. Many Peruvians are calling for more balanced tourism that distributes income and attention across the country.
There’s also a growing pushback against the Instagram-driven travel culture that treats iconic sites as little more than a backdrop. Tourists flock to Machu Picchu for the photo, not the history—racing through sacred ground without truly engaging with its significance. Meanwhile, equally important places like Kuelap, Sacsayhuamán, or the Waqrapukara ruins remain quiet and overlooked, despite offering equally rich (if not richer) cultural stories and stunning landscapes.
Choosing alternative destinations in Peru isn’t about avoiding crowds for the sake of it—it’s about recognizing the depth and diversity of Peruvian heritage. There’s more than one way to connect with the Inca legacy, and it doesn’t have to involve following the same path as everyone else.
Alternatives to Visit Machu Picchu in Peru
1. Choquequirao
Why Visit:
Known as the “sister city” of Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is another Inca archaeological site nestled in the Andes, but far less crowded.
The ruins are larger than Machu Picchu, and the journey offers a challenging but rewarding trek.
Highlights:
Panoramic views of the Apurímac River.
Intricate stone terraces and ceremonial areas.
How to Get There:
A multi-day trek from the town of Cachora (requires a guide).
Best Time to Visit: April to November.
2. Kuelap
Why Visit:
Located in the Amazonas region, this massive fortress was built by the Chachapoyas people long before the Incas.
It’s often called the “Machu Picchu of the North” for its size and grandeur.
Highlights:
Defensive walls, ceremonial platforms, and circular stone dwellings.
Surrounded by lush cloud forests.
How to Get There:
Fly to Chachapoyas or Jaén, then take a cable car to the site.
Best Time to Visit: May to September.
3. The Sacred Valley
Why Visit:
A beautiful region dotted with Inca ruins, charming villages, and stunning natural landscapes.
Perfect for those who want history and culture without the long trek.
Highlights:
Pisac Market and ruins, Ollantaytambo’s fortress, and Maras salt mines.
Explore Moray, the fascinating circular agricultural terraces.
How to Get There:
Easily accessible by bus or car from Cusco.
Best Time to Visit: April to October.
4. Lake Titicaca
Why Visit:
The highest navigable lake in the world, offering unique cultural experiences and stunning scenery.
Visit the floating islands of the Uros people or the traditional island communities of Taquile and Amantani.
Highlights:
Cultural homestays and handwoven textiles on Taquile Island.
Sacred rock formations like the Aramu Muru Portal.
How to Get There:
Fly or take a bus to Puno, the gateway city to the lake.
Best Time to Visit: May to November.
5. Huascarán National Park
Why Visit:
A paradise for adventure lovers, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts snow-capped peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and diverse wildlife.
Highlights:
Laguna 69, a stunning turquoise lake, and Alpamayo, often called the world’s most beautiful mountain.
Rare Andean condors and vicuñas.
How to Get There:
From Huaraz, access the park by car or organized trek.
Best Time to Visit: May to September.
6. Arequipa and Colca Canyon
Why Visit:
Arequipa, the “White City,” is known for its colonial architecture, and Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world.
Witness traditional Peruvian culture and spot majestic condors.
Highlights:
Santa Catalina Monastery and the Plaza de Armas in Arequipa.
Hiking trails and hot springs in Colca Canyon.
How to Get There:
Fly to Arequipa, then take a bus to Colca Canyon.
Best Time to Visit: April to November.
7. The Nazca Lines
Why Visit:
These ancient geoglyphs, carved into the desert floor, remain one of the greatest mysteries of the ancient world.
Highlights:
See figures like the hummingbird, monkey, and spider from the air.
Visit the nearby Maria Reiche Museum for more context.
How to Get There:
Take a bus or flight to Nazca, then book a plane tour over the lines.
Best Time to Visit: May to October.
8. Chavín de Huántar
Why Visit:
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this archaeological complex predates the Inca Empire by over a thousand years.
It was a ceremonial and religious center of the Chavín culture.
Highlights:
Intricate carvings, underground tunnels, and the iconic “Lanzón” monolith.
How to Get There:
Drive from Huaraz to the site.
Best Time to Visit: May to September.
9. Gocta Waterfall
Why Visit:
One of the world’s tallest waterfalls, Gocta is a stunning natural wonder in the Amazonas region.
Highlights:
A scenic trek through cloud forests to reach the falls.
Wildlife sightings, including monkeys and toucans.
How to Get There:
Take a guided tour from Chachapoyas.
Best Time to Visit: May to November.
10. The Amazon Rainforest (Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado)
Why Visit:
Explore the incredible biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon, including unique wildlife and indigenous cultures.
Highlights:
Riverboat tours, night safaris, and canopy walks.
Visit Tambopata National Reserve or Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve.
How to Get There:
Fly to Iquitos (northern Amazon) or Puerto Maldonado (southern Amazon).
Best Time to Visit: May to September for drier conditions.
11. Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Why Visit:
This vibrant, multicolored mountain is a breathtaking alternative for those seeking natural beauty.
Highlights:
Stunning views of striped mineral formations.
Nearby Palccoyo, a less crowded option with similar colorful landscapes.
How to Get There:
A day trip from Cusco, often involving a trek or horse ride.
Best Time to Visit: May to September.
12. Trujillo and Chan Chan
Why Visit:
Trujillo is known for its colonial charm and proximity to Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the world.
Highlights:
Visit the Temples of the Sun and Moon and the Huanchaco fishing village.
How to Get There:
Fly or take a bus to Trujillo.
Best Time to Visit: April to October.
Final Thoughts
Machu Picchu will always be a bucket-list favorite, but Peru is far too dynamic to be reduced to a single site. The true magic of this country lies not just in its ruins, but in its valleys, deserts, coastlines, and indigenous communities. By exploring beyond the beaten track, you get a more complete—and more rewarding—experience of what Peru truly has to offer.
In many ways, venturing beyond Machu Picchu allows for deeper immersion. You’ll find yourself hiking through valleys where few foreigners go, stumbling upon markets untouched by mass tourism, and witnessing rituals and customs that feel unchanged by time. It’s here, not in a crowded photo queue, where real connection happens.
So, go ahead—put Machu Picchu on your list if you must. But leave room for Peru’s lesser-known wonders. You may just discover that the path less traveled isn’t just quieter—it’s richer in every way that matters.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.