Peru Off The Beaten Path

If you are looking to venture away from the gringo trail while continuing your exploration of Peru's ancient history and cultures, look no further than the northern city of Chiclayo. Here you can find some of Peru's most fascinating archaeological sites. The Lord of Sipan is the star of the show and one of the most important archaeological finds in the last 30 years. Affectionately known as the Tutankhamun of the Americas, this is one of the most intact ceremonial tombs found in Peru. The tomb has since been rehoused in a museum in Lambayeque, and you can still visit the crumbling adobe pyramids where they were found. One of the most interesting places to explore in the city is the Mercado Modelo, where an ancient 'witches market' offers all kinds of trinkets and potions to those in need of nature's magic! Chiclayo is also well known for its culinary scene, especially the incredible seafood. If you haven't tried Ceviche yet, this is your chance to do so!

No trip to Peru is complete without venturing into the Andes and the Amazon, but the lesser visited coastline is well worth seeking out. The coastal city of Trujillo, 350 miles (560 kilometers) north of Lima, is a great base for discovering the area. The city itself is a pleasure to explore, with large open squares surrounded by colorful colonial buildings. The ancient civilizations of the Moche and Chimu built elaborate temples and cities around Trujillo and there are numerous ruins standing the test of time. The Moche Temples of the Sun and Moon, and the archaeological Chimu complex of Chan Chan are not to be missed. Within the city limits, you'll also find the beach town of Huanchaco, where you can go to find world-class surfing and traditional seafood restaurants.

For memorable mountain vistas and trekking without the crowds of the Sacred Valley, make your way to Huaraz. Despite being a mere 250 miles (400 kilometers) from Lima, this super high-altitude mountain town feels like a world away from the busy capital. Trekking is the order of the day in Huaraz and there are plenty of stunning trails to discover. The blindingly vibrant turquoise of Laguna 69 is just a day hike away and there are lots of options for longer excursions. For those who'd rather soak in the mountain views without the exertion, many boutique hotels in Huaraz have made a point of positioning themselves in sight of the Cordillera Blanca range.

Chachapoyas is one of Peru's many hidden gems and shows visitors a totally different side to the mighty Andean range. Waterfalls, lakes, and palm tree forests can be found in this unique landscape of mountains, rainforests, and clouds, waiting to be discovered by intrepid traveler's who make their way to the city. The area even boasts its very own 'northern Machu Picchu' — with far fewer crowds — at the Kuelap Fortress Archeological Site. Here, hundreds of stone houses, terraces, and tombs perch on the mountains over an area of 1,112 acres (450 ha). For those who want to venture even further onto the path less traveled, there is Laguna de los Condores. This beautiful, remote lake, surrounded by jungle-clad mountains, is also the last resting place of thousands of Incan remains.