Most people are familiar with the exotic landscape of Peru – the towering mountains, the deep jungles, and the iconic Machu Picchu – but just beyond the well-known wonders of this South American destination is an incredible trove of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Whether it’s a thrilling mountain adventure, a cultural experience at a tiny local village, or the simple pleasure of taking in beautiful views, the unknown secrets of Peru have something for everyone. In this article, explore the hidden gems of Peru beyond Machu Picchu.
1. Uncharted Regions: Unearthing Peru’s Lost Wonders
Take an expedition through Peru’s uncharted regions to uncover its lost wonders! From ancient ruins to ancient cultures, there is much to discover in this land of mystery and adventure.
- Explore the lost ruins of the Incan Empire.
- Hike the mountainous terrain and undiscovered landscapes of Peru’s provincial landscapes.
- Experience the vibrant culture of Peru’s rich heritage.
Step back in time as you wander through the centuries-old ruins of the ancient Incan Empire. From the mysterious lost city of Machu Picchu to the awe-inspiring terraced mountains of the Sacred Valley, uncover pieces of the grand Incan legacy. Navigate Peru’s spellbinding terrain and uncover its geographical diversity, as you journey to the cloud forests of the Manu Biosphere, the highland deserts of Arequipa, and the vast Amazon Rainforest.
Unlock the secrets of Peru’s lost cultures
Discover the vibrant culture of Peru, from the ancient Quechua people to the modern-day Mixtecs. Learn about Peru’s age-old culinary and handicrafts traditions, and immerse yourself in Peru’s vibrant folklore. Wander the streets of Peru’s colonial cities, exploring the remarkable mix of Incan, Spanish, and African influences that come together to create the melting pot of Peru’s people. Venture deeper into Peru’s cities and uncover its secrets – from traditional festivals and lively markets to colonial-era churches and hidden gems.
2. Ancient Sites with Mesmerising Stories
Perched on the tops of mountains, hidden among sand dunes and tucked away in the forests are some of the oldest and most legendary sites, bearing stories of ancient family feuds, bloody battles, miraculous healings and divine revelations. Here are some of the most mesmerising, stories behind these incredible sites:
- The Great Pyramid of Giza: Built during the Old Kingdom period around 2550 BC, the Great Pyramid of Giza stands tall and proud as the oldest ancient monument in the world. It is a testament to the extraordinary engineering capabilities of the ancient Egyptians and their belief in an afterlife. Legend has it that the structures were built by mythical gods with special powers.
- Stonehenge: Stonehenge is a prehistoric site located in Wiltshire England, composed of elaborate circles of stones. The mysterious site has baffled scientists and archeologists for centuries, and its origins still remain a mystery. It is believed to be a temple dedicated to the gods, created by Celtic druids about 5,000 years ago.
- Uluru (Ayers Rock): Located in the Northern Territory of Australia, Uluru (Ayers Rock) is a sacred location for the indigenous people. The monolithic sandstone rock formation stands 348 meters tall, and is believed to have been formed by two ancestral rainbow serpent creators. Aboriginal folklore is full of tales about Uluru, and the spiritual site still holds a powerful spiritual energy for its visitors.
These ancient sites are captivating and mysterious, and countless stories have been passed down through generations to keep these legendary tales alive. They are a reminder of the history and culture of civilizations past, and are awe-inspiring for anyone fortunate enough to witness them.
3. Exploring Beyond Machu Picchu – An Unexpected Odyssey
The Peruvian highlands are home to a surprising number of adventure spots just beyond Machu Picchu. A region rife with ancient cultures and wild landscapes, the area has plenty of sights to discover beyond the ancient city of Machu Picchu. Rovering the untouched and undiscovered, here’s a glimpse at just what awaits you there.
1. Trekking the Urubamba Valley
The beauty of the Urubamba Valley beckons travelers to continue their exploration beyond Machu Picchu. Filled with vibrant mountain villages, the bright green valleys provide the perfect backdrop for trekking. The area is also home to the Inca ruins of Pisaq and Ollantaytambo, both of which should not be missed.
2. Whitewater Rafting the Rio Apurimac
Not for the faint of heart, whitewater rafting on Rio Apurimac is an exciting ride amidst the rushing rapids of the river. Professional rafting guides will help you explore various grade-3 and grade-4 rapids with magnificent views of canyon walls on either side.
3. Stand Up Paddleboarding at Lago Vilcanota
Lago Vilcanota is one of the lakes of the Peruvian Andes, and its infinite crystal-clear blue waters are perfect for a peaceful stand-up paddleboarding experience. Glide over the waters as you soak up the surrounding views of ancient Inca mountains, snow-capped peaks, and lush pampas.
4. Horseback Riding the Villages
Nothing quite quenches a traveler’s thirst for the discovery of unknown lands like horseback riding. Get close to local villages, their culture, and their customs on horseback, while riding through the valleys of the Amazonas and Madre de Dios.
4. Discovering Peru’s Undiscovered Treasures
Tourists flock to Cusco in the heart of the Inca Empire in order to explore Machu Picchu, Peru’s world-renowned lost city.But with so much attention centered on the ancient ruins, it can be easy to overlook the immensity of hidden gems in Peru. From its ancient Amazonian landscapes to coastal regions, Peru is packed with intriguing sights.
Arguably the greatest of these lesser known treasures is Peru’s extensive wildlife. With no shortage of tropical rainforests and mountainous regions, the country is home to over 1,800 bird species, 104 amphibian species, and over 5,000 types of plants. Visitors have the chance to spot Andean condors, howler monkeys, jaguars, and toucans in their natural habitats.
Aside from its riches of biodiversity, Peru is also renowned for its breath-taking landscapes. Province of Huascarán in Ancash is reminiscent of paradise, with cascading streams and lagoons in its highland areas. The city of Chachapoyas is home to the vertigo-inducing fort of Kuelap and the Gocta Waterfall, one of the highest in the world. And who could forget the world-famous Nazca lines, a series of enormous geoglyphs located in the Nazca Desert?
Peru hosts a wealth of incredible attractions to discover, especially for the curious traveller. Admire the geothermal hot springs of Cuzco’s Sacred Valley, and the ancient fortress of Kuelap in the north. Explore the spellbinding colonial villages of Trujillo and Puno, and the terrace gardens of the Sacred Valley. Here is a list of some of the most popular undiscovered gems of Peru:
- Laquipampa Cloud Forest – a cloud-drenched tropical rainforest and nature preserve.
- Manu National Park – 1.5 million hectares of pristine rainforest teeming with birds, monkey, and other wildlife.
- Colca Canyon – the deepest canyon in the world and home to the Andean condors.
- Arequipa – a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its whitewashed Spanish colonial architecture.
From rainforests to coastal deserts, Peru’s abundance of undiscovered gems is waiting to be explored. So if you’re planning a trip to Peru, make sure to step off the beaten path into fascinating new lands.
There are many hidden gems still awaiting to be discovered in Peru, each with its own unique story to tell. One thing is certain: Whether it be a colonial Spanish city in the Andes, a remote chaparral at Machu Picchu, or a hidden ruin in the jungle, Peru will always have something new and mysterious to uncover – and its wondrous secrets are sure to provide years of exploration and adventure. Bon voyage!
