While Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa are certainly worth a visit, there are many off-the-beaten-path destinations in Peru that are just as breathtaking and worth exploring.
From the high peaks of the Andes Mountains to the lush Amazon rainforest, there is so much to see and do in this amazing country.
Here are some of my favorites to visit if you are planning what to do in your second visit to Peru or if you have enough time to explore the country.
1. Chachapoyas
Chachapoyas is the top off-the-beaten-path Peru destination on my list. It’s a very small town located in the montane forest located in the North East of Peru. It is the perfect destination for nature and archaeology lovers.
One of the main attractions near Chachapoyas is the Kuelap Fortress, anancient citadel in the middle of the jungle. It was built by the Chachapoyas people (also known as the “Cloud Warriors”) between the XI and XIV centuries.
The fortress, which sits atop a mountain overlooking the city, surrounded by beautiful landscapes of the jungle, is an impressive feat of engineering. Visitors can explore the fortress and learn about the history and culture of the Chachapoyas people. You have the option of taking a cable car ride to the top for amazing views of the forest.
Another must-see attraction in Chachapoyas is the Gocta Waterfall, which is one of the tallestt waterfalls in the world. The waterfall is located about an hour’s drive from Chachapoyas and you can reach it by a scenic hike through the rainforest. The views of the waterfall, which cascades down over 800 meters (~2,500 feet), are truly breathtaking and make for an unforgettable experience.
If you like archaeology, don’t miss a visit to the Sarcophagi of Karajia. This group of six sarcophagi stands on the middle of a mountain facing the abyss. They were built by the Chachapoyas people to hold the remains of high-ranking members of their society.
2. Huaraz
Huaraz, and especially its neighboring regions, is a dream destination for nature and hiking lovers.
Majestic snow-capped peaks surround the area, including the famous Huascarán, the highest mountain in Peru. The region is also home to some of the most beautiful lakes in the country, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
One of the must-visit lakes in Huaraz is Lake 69. The hike to the lake might not be the easiest, taking about 5-6 hours round trip, but it is one of the most iconic hikes in Peru. The turquoise lake and stunning scenery are absolutely worth it.
Another lake that should be on your itinerary is Lake Paron. This large lake is located in the Huascarán National Park and is famous for its turquoise water and spectacular views of snow-capped mountains. If you love lakes and nature but don’t love hiking or find it a bit difficult to do at high altitude, this is a good option since the tour leaves you right at the lake.
If you are more adventurous, you could hike the Santa Cruz trail, a beautiful multi-day trek in the Cordillera Blanca. The hike is 4 days long, taking you through beautiful valleys, lakes and stunning views of the mountains. You could either do it yourself if you have all the necessary equipment, though taking a tour of the Santa Cruz trail can be safer and easier, leaving you relaxed to fully absorb the beauty of the mountains.
You can read my complete guide of the best day and multi-day hikes in Huaraz here.
3. Iquitos
Located in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, Iquitos is a great destination for travelers who want to experience the beauty and diversity of the jungle and its wildlife.
For a memorable experience, stay in a lodge in the middle of the jungle. Many lodges will be close to the city but still in the middle of the jungle. Try to stay further away from the city for the best experience.
I would highly recommend staying in a lodge in the natural reserve of Pacaya Samiria. This will offer you the opportunity to see ancient trees and animals that otherwise you wouldnt.
Another great way to explore Iquitos would be taking a boat tour down the Amazon River. There are tour companies that offer this as part of short day trips.
Another option, if you are up for something more luxurious, is to take a multi-day cruise trip on the Amazon river.
The cruise will take you through the Pacaya Samiria Reserve. From the comfort of your boat, you will have the chance to see a wide range of wildlife, including pink river dolphins and colorful macaws. You’ll also have the chance to visit local villages and learn about the traditional way of life in the Amazon.
From Iquitos, you can go to the town of Belen, located on the banks of the Amazon River.
Belen is built on stilts, which allows it to rise and fall with the river’s water levels. During the rainy season, when the river is high, the houses in Belen are flooded and can only be accessed by boat. Visit Belen on the weekend to get the chance to visit their market, which offers a variety of goods including crafts, food and clothing.
4. Trujillo
Another interesting off-the-beaten-path destination in Peru is the city of Trujillo, located on the northern coast. Trujillo is known for its pre-Incan ruins, colonial architecture, and nearby fishermen towns.
One of the highlights of Trujillo are the ancient ruins located in the surrounding area.
The most famous of these is the archeological site of Chan Chan, which was the capital of the Chimú civilization. The Chimú were a powerful and sophisticated culture that flourished in the region between the 9th and 15th centuries. At Chan Chan, you can see the remains of the royal palaces, temples, and other structures built by the Chimú.
Another popular destination in Trujillo are the Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna. These are two ancient pyramids built centuries ago by the Moche civilization.
The Moches used them for religious ceremonies and as a burial place for their rulers. At the site, you can find a small but great museum to appreciate the pieces excavated from the pyramids. Additionally, the Moches were also famous for their erotic pottery, which you can appreciate at Museo Larco if you pass by Lima.
Just outside of Trujillo, Huanchaco, a small fishing town, is ideal for a couple of days of rest. It’s a great place to relax and surf. At the beach, you’ll be able to see the caballitos de totora (“little reed horses”). The caballitos are small narrow boats made of reed, which fishermen in the region have been using for over 3000 years.
5. Máncora
If you’re looking for a more laid-back beach vacation, the town of Máncora is the perfect destination. Máncora, located in the northern coast, is famous for its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and relaxed atmosphere. Right next to Máncora, the beaches of Viyachito are a bit more secluded and offer a nicer beachfront.
The town is a popular spot for surfers, and there are several excellent surf breaks in the area.
Go to the nearby town of El Ñuro for the unforgettable experience of swimming with green sea turtles. They come close to the dock and have made the town their home after the community started a protection project.
If you visit between July and October, if you are lucky, sometimes you can see humpback whales from the beach. To take a closer look at them, take a whale watching boat tour from the nearby town of Los Órganos.
A Couple More Off-The-Beaten-Path Peru Destinations
These were just a few examples of some of my favorite off-the-beaten-path Peru destinations, but there is so much more to explore in the country.
If you are still looking for inspiration for your next trip, here are a few more ideas:
Ayacucho, a region in the middle of the country, in the Andes, is a nice area if you want to experience the local culture, turquoise pools and some impressive ancient ruins. It’s specially nice to visit during Easter, when the second biggest Easter festivities in the world are held.
Oxapampa is another off-the-beaten-path destination in Peru worth visiting, especially if you enjoy the jungle. It’s a beautiful place to walk around the natural reserve which surrounds the (small) city. Plus you can get to admire the unique German architecture of the area, since many of the locals are descendants of a group of Germans that immigrated to Peru in the 19th century.
Final Thoughts
No matter where you go in Peru, you’ll find a vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty, and rich history.
There are so many things to do in Peru and beautiful places to visit that one trip will not be enough.
Whether you’re interested in ancient civilizations, the beauty of the Amazon rainforest, or the laid-back atmosphere of a beach town, you’ll find something to love in any of these off-the-beaten-track destinations in Peru.
