Peru Off The Beaten Path
For every destination that you could name in Peru, there are ten more that you've never even heard of. These off the beaten path destinations offer all of the majesty and wonder of famous places like Machu Picchu and Cusco with half the crowds. Untouched jungle, empty beaches, and quaint, quiet towns await those who step off the gringo trail.
Discover the cloud forests of Moyobamba, unwind on the laid-back beaches of Punta Sal, meet the artisans of the Mantaro Valley, and explore the first Andean cities of ancient Calca.
Off the beaten path destinations in Peru may be set in isolated locations and have more rustic hotel options, but are always worth the journey. As such, they align well with curious and adventurous travelers.
The best places to visit in Peru Off The Beaten Path
Paracas
The word Paracas means "rain of sand," named after the sandstorms found in this coastal part of Peru. Hidden beneath the sand is a rich history that merits The Paracas National Reserve, a marine wildlife and historical destination.
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Puerto Maldonado
Puerto Maldonado is a small town in the southern Peruvian Amazon that’s just a half-hour plane ride from Cusco. The nearby lodges offer travelers an accessible and affordable experience in the Amazon.
Explore DestinationNazca
The south coast of Peru was home to extraordinary pre-Columbian civilizations, including the Nazca, who are best remembered for their cryptic geoglyphs: huge line pictures of animals, etched across 190 square miles (500 sq km) of desolate desert land. The Nazca lines can be seen via a plane tour, or in part from nearby hills.
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Chivay
Chivay, a traditional market town set in a picturesque patchwork of agricultural farmlands, constitutes the main hub of the Colca Valley. Chivay acts as a gateway for exploring the beautiful Colca Canyon.
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Huaraz
Huaraz offers travelers a true Andean experience in the heart of the Cordillera Blanca. It has a vibrant city center, traditional culture, and an absolutely gorgeous setting.
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Trujillo
Trujillo is a sunny and well-preserved city that boasts a large central plaza and beautiful colonial architecture. Its hidden chapels, inner gardens, and various plazas provide a great canvas for photographers and travelers interested in Peru’s colonial past.
Explore DestinationChiclayo
Chiclayo is located in a green valley along Peru's North Coast. It provides respite from the arid coast and is well known for its historical sites, agriculture, and high-quality restaurants.
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Chachapoyas
The indigenous population of the city of Chachapoyas has a reputation for being some of the most friendly and hospitable people in Peru. While in Chachapoyas, which is famous for its cloud forests, visitors can delve into the rich history of the “cloud people,” including visits to an immense stone ruin known as the “Machu Picchu of the North,” and also see some of the most impressive mummies in Peru.
Explore DestinationTarapoto
Tarapoto is a large town in Peru’s Northern Highlands. Tarapoto acts as a gateway to the northeastern high jungle and is a short, one-hour flight from Lima. This area has good food, lovely landscapes, and unique birds.
Explore DestinationHuánuco
Huánuco is a midsize town located in the Huallaga Valley. It provides travelers with a good place to stay while en route towards destinations in the Amazon Basin.
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Peru Off The Beaten Path itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Peru Off The Beaten Path itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
Family Expedition Across Peru
Elisa and her Greek family explored Peru’s diverse landscapes on a memorable 20 day adventure. They journeyed from the Paracas desert and Huacachina dunes to the high Andes of Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, and Machu Picchu. Friendly local guides shared traditions and stories, letting the family feel Peru’s warm hospitality and leaving them with a deeper appreciation for its vibrant heritage.
Andean Peaks to Lake Titicaca
The Anywhere team was planning and helping us thru out the process. Right from picking us up from the airport to dropping us back to the hotel. They created a WhatsApp group to communicate with us every day and answered our questions within a few minutes. Thanks to Lisbeth and Jose in Cusco. Eduardo in Machu Pichu, Anna Maria in Puno and Sara and Samuel in Lima. They are worked like a team to ensure our trip was well planned and executed. Big thanks to Cesar for the great planning and suggestions along the way.
Excursion Together
Laura explored Peru’s diverse landscapes on a curated 10‑day adventure that blended culture, history, and nature. She began in Lima’s coastal desert, visited the Palomino Islands for sea‑lion spotting, then trekked the high‑altitude ruins of Cusco and the Sacred Valley before sailing on Lake Titicaca’s shimmering plateau. Guides shared local customs and stories, letting her taste dishes and feel the timeless rhythm of Peruvian life, leaving her with an appreciation for the country’s vibrant heritage.
Peru for Two on a Budget
Embark on a vibrant Peruvian adventure where bustling city life meets ancient Andean wonders, contrasting modern Lima’s coastal energy with the mystique of the Sacred Valley. You'll wander Lima’s historic streets, then soar to Cusco’s high-altitude charm before trekking to the misty ruins of Machu Picchu and the colorful heights of Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. Guided by knowledgeable locals, you'll taste traditional cuisine, hear Andean legends, and leave with a deeper connection to Peru’s rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes.
Our Multigenerational Journey
My sister and her family want to come next year, and possible another friend's family as well, so will definitely tell them to use Anywhere!!!
We Conquered Huayna Picchu
This was a very personal experience and Anywhere.com does an amazing job of having agents who are cultured and/or very familiar with the country to which you wish to visit. This allows the agent to listen to what you want to experience and then match you up with the right outfitter, vendor, excursion group, etc...I felt like Sara Nizama truly listened to my wants/needs and made them a reality. I am so happy with my Peru experience, thanks to Sara and her team. I want to go back soon and explore more of Peru with the help of Sara and her team. Thank you!
Wow, We Did it!
Excellent coordination and very helpful staff throughout the trip. Sara is the boss...she has good command of all aspects of our trip and provided the necessary help & support ...right from planning stage to boarding our flight back to US.
Experience The Heart of Peru
Very professional service, very good organization overall. Everything went smoothly. We ABSOLUTELY will recommend Anywhere.com to our friends. And for our future trips, we will first look at what anywhere.com is offering before looking elsewhere.
We Explored Incan Lands
Thank you Anywhere for planning an excellent vacation.
Romance in The Andes
After debating on which country to visit for our special trip, we finally decided on Peru. It was the best decision ever. Anywhere.com helped us arrange and make the most of our dream vacation!
More Peru Off The Beaten Path
There's always more to discover in Peru. From off-the-beaten-path gems to well-loved classics, these peru off the beaten path are worth adding to your itinerary.
Ayacucho
Known as the "City of Churches," Ayacucho is one of Peru's most authentic cultural treasures, where history, colonial architecture, living traditions, and breathtaking Andean landscapes come together. Wander through charming cobblestone streets, admire beautifully preserved colonial churches, and discover vibrant artisan workshops famous for their intricate retablos and handwoven textiles. Beyond the city, explore the impressive Wari archaeological complex, the fascinating Pampa de Ayacucho Historical Sanctuary, and picturesque Andean villages where ancient customs remain alive. Whether you're passionate about history, local culture, photography, or authentic experiences far from the crowds, Ayacucho offers a rewarding journey into the heart of the Peruvian Andes
Pisco
Situated on the western coast of Peru’s lowlands, Pisco started out as a fishing village. Nowadays, it’s best known for its vineyards, growing the grapes that make up the main ingredient in pisco, Peru’s famous grape brandy. Peruvians have strict rules when it comes to the harvest of grapes and the preparation of the liquor. Pisco is a cherished recipe, and has become increasingly popular all over the world. If you want to sample the national beverage, get it from the source. Pisco is also a perfect base camp for exploring the nearby Paracas National Reserve, and its stunning variety of birds and other animals.
Casma
Casma is a small and unassuming town in Peru’s North Coast region. The archeological sites of Sechín and Las Aldas are close by.
Calca
Located on the northern tip of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Calca offers pristine hikes and opportunities for mountain biking through an ancient valley. Calca is a great place to get an idea of what indigenous Andean cities would have looked like before the Spanish arrived. There are two main plazas in the center of town, a traditional feature of Inca city planning – cities planned by the Spanish typically have only one plaza.
Huancayo
Huancayo is a midsize town situated in Peru’s Mantaro Valley. The town itself is fairly nondescript, but it provides travelers with wonderful access to the cultural and naturally impressive Mantaro Valley.
Punta Sal
Punta Sal is a laid-back beach along Peru’s North Coast. The beach is lovely and peppered with a few resorts, but not much else.
Moyobamba
Moyobamba is an off-the-beaten-path jungle destination in northeastern Peru. It’s surrounded by cloud forests that harbor an array of plants and animals.
Insider-led Peru Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
