The vivid striped slopes of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

Peru · Off the Beaten Path

Hidden Gems of Peru

Beyond Machu Picchu lies a Peru many visitors never see: the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, a mountain painted in stripes, a canyon of condors and lost cities in the clouds.

  • 3,812 m Lake Titicaca
  • 5,200 m Rainbow Mountain
  • 6,768 m Huascarán

Hassle-Free Dream Travel!

Google ★★★★★ 5.0 · 601 reviews
Stewart Logan
★★★★★
Mikaila from The Travel Byrds put together a fantastic trip for us to Vancouver. Everything was arranged to fit our preferences including experiences I would never have known how to navigate myself. What a great way to travel, no stress, all fun — because a professional does the hard part for you.
Karen Terry
★★★★★
Amazing family vacation to Italy * can't wait to go back!
Brandie Penrose
★★★★★
We used CeCe as our travel advisor for our European trip, and she was amazing! She was able to work with a very tight deadline, listened to all of the things we asked for, and executed the trip perfectly. It was exactly what we were looking for. Highly recommend her services for anyone looking to plan a trip!
Loida Martinez
★★★★★
I cannot speak highly enough about my experience with Christina Gaspari and The Travel Byrds! She made sure to ask plenty of questions at the beginning, kept in touch while planning to make sure the things she was going to book for us were what we wanted, and made sure we had all info we might need and more before our trip. The trip itself was incredible thanks to her! Not having to worry about anything and having a full itinerary ready full of amazing experiences and even relax time accounted for was wonderful! She really put in so much work for our trip which was to multiple countries! Thanks Christina! <3
Steven Alsip
★★★★★
We have traveled with Travel Byrds 5 times and we love their service, last trip to Costa Rica was amazing. Our every concern was addressed/ all needs were met. Our agent's advice and expertise are much appreciated and we will not travel again without them!
Stephanie Fitzgerald
★★★★★
Paige planned my week-long trip to Greece. From my very first call with her to discuss my vacation “must-haves”, I was impressed with both her knowledge and her enthusiasm. She listened to my wants, made suggestions based on our discussion and then perfectly planned my trip… from the islands we visited to the hotels to the excursions. As my trip got closer, she brought in another team member to do any final bookings and modifications. It was so reassuring to know that she and her team had everything covered. I worried about NOTHING. I cannot recommend her enough.
Alexa johnson
★★★★★
If I could give Sylvie more than 5 stars, I would! Planning our honeymoon to Paros, Greece and Rome and Florence, Italy felt a little overwhelming at first, but Sylvie made the entire process so easy and stress-free. She truly thought of every single detail, and I honestly couldn’t have dreamed up a better trip or a more perfect way to start our marriage. Every hotel, transfer, flight, and excursion was seamless. On top of that, the travel app she created for us was incredible. It had every piece of information we could possibly need all in one place, so even traveling somewhere completely new felt easy and organized. We never had to wonder what was next or worry about missing anything because she had already thought of it. Not only is Sylvie incredibly organized and knowledgeable, but she genuinely cares about creating an unforgettable experience for her clients. Our honeymoon exceeded every expectation, and we made memories we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives. I cannot recommend Sylvie enough. If you’re thinking about booking a trip, do yourself a favor and let her handle it. It was hands down one of the best decisions we made, and we’re already looking forward to planning our next adventure with her!
Todd Brydges
★★★★★
Our trip to the Rockies and National Parks was the second adventure Sylvie planned for us, and once again she knocked it out of the PARK! 🙂 Her recommendations and family excursions were spot-on and perfectly matched our interests and family dynamic. She handled all the details, taking the stress and anxiety out of the planning process. We highly recommend reaching out to Sylvie for your next trip—she’ll make sure you have an amazing experience.
Stewart Logan
★★★★★
Mikaila from The Travel Byrds put together a fantastic trip for us to Vancouver. Everything was arranged to fit our preferences including experiences I would never have known how to navigate myself. What a great way to travel, no stress, all fun — because a professional does the hard part for you.
Karen Terry
★★★★★
Amazing family vacation to Italy * can't wait to go back!
Brandie Penrose
★★★★★
We used CeCe as our travel advisor for our European trip, and she was amazing! She was able to work with a very tight deadline, listened to all of the things we asked for, and executed the trip perfectly. It was exactly what we were looking for. Highly recommend her services for anyone looking to plan a trip!
Loida Martinez
★★★★★
I cannot speak highly enough about my experience with Christina Gaspari and The Travel Byrds! She made sure to ask plenty of questions at the beginning, kept in touch while planning to make sure the things she was going to book for us were what we wanted, and made sure we had all info we might need and more before our trip. The trip itself was incredible thanks to her! Not having to worry about anything and having a full itinerary ready full of amazing experiences and even relax time accounted for was wonderful! She really put in so much work for our trip which was to multiple countries! Thanks Christina! <3
Steven Alsip
★★★★★
We have traveled with Travel Byrds 5 times and we love their service, last trip to Costa Rica was amazing. Our every concern was addressed/ all needs were met. Our agent's advice and expertise are much appreciated and we will not travel again without them!
Stephanie Fitzgerald
★★★★★
Paige planned my week-long trip to Greece. From my very first call with her to discuss my vacation “must-haves”, I was impressed with both her knowledge and her enthusiasm. She listened to my wants, made suggestions based on our discussion and then perfectly planned my trip… from the islands we visited to the hotels to the excursions. As my trip got closer, she brought in another team member to do any final bookings and modifications. It was so reassuring to know that she and her team had everything covered. I worried about NOTHING. I cannot recommend her enough.
Alexa johnson
★★★★★
If I could give Sylvie more than 5 stars, I would! Planning our honeymoon to Paros, Greece and Rome and Florence, Italy felt a little overwhelming at first, but Sylvie made the entire process so easy and stress-free. She truly thought of every single detail, and I honestly couldn’t have dreamed up a better trip or a more perfect way to start our marriage. Every hotel, transfer, flight, and excursion was seamless. On top of that, the travel app she created for us was incredible. It had every piece of information we could possibly need all in one place, so even traveling somewhere completely new felt easy and organized. We never had to wonder what was next or worry about missing anything because she had already thought of it. Not only is Sylvie incredibly organized and knowledgeable, but she genuinely cares about creating an unforgettable experience for her clients. Our honeymoon exceeded every expectation, and we made memories we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives. I cannot recommend Sylvie enough. If you’re thinking about booking a trip, do yourself a favor and let her handle it. It was hands down one of the best decisions we made, and we’re already looking forward to planning our next adventure with her!
Todd Brydges
★★★★★
Our trip to the Rockies and National Parks was the second adventure Sylvie planned for us, and once again she knocked it out of the PARK! 🙂 Her recommendations and family excursions were spot-on and perfectly matched our interests and family dynamic. She handled all the details, taking the stress and anxiety out of the planning process. We highly recommend reaching out to Sylvie for your next trip—she’ll make sure you have an amazing experience.

Beyond Machu Picchu

Peru’s Hidden Gems

Peru rewards travelers who go a little further. These are the places most visitors miss.

Reed boats and houses on the Uros floating islands, Lake TiticacaLake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca

At 3,812 m (12,507 ft), the world’s highest navigable lake is home to the floating reed islands of the Uros and the weaving traditions of Taquile.

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Taquile’s textile art is recognized by UNESCO. With a private boat, you can visit the islands at your own pace and lunch with a local family.

The vivid striped slopes of Rainbow MountainNear Cusco

Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

Bands of red, gold and turquoise minerals stripe this mountain, which reaches about 5,200 m (17,060 ft).

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It’s a long, high-altitude day from Cusco. We schedule it after you’ve acclimatized and choose early departures to beat the crowds. The nearby Palccoyo route is a gentler alternative.

Arequipa cathedral with El Misti volcano behindArequipa

Arequipa, the White City

Built from pale volcanic stone beneath the El Misti volcano, Arequipa is elegant, sunny and famous for its food.

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Don’t miss the Santa Catalina Monastery, a colorful walled city within the city, and a plate of rocoto relleno, the region’s spicy stuffed pepper.

Andean women in traditional dress on a mountainsideColca Canyon

Colca Canyon

One of the world’s deepest canyons, lined with pre-Inca terraces, traditional villages and hot springs.

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At Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, Andean condors ride the morning thermals just above your head. It’s an easy add-on from Arequipa.

A hiker beside a turquoise glacial lake beneath snowy peaksCordillera Blanca

The Cordillera Blanca

The world’s highest tropical mountain range, with Peru’s tallest peak, Huascarán (6,768 m), and dozens of turquoise glacial lakes.

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Based in the town of Huaraz, hikers tackle classics like Laguna 69, while others simply enjoy scenic drives and mountain lodges.

We can also add the Nazca Lines, the Paracas coast and Ballestas Islands, the cloud-forest fortress of Kuélap or a trek to Choquequirao.

Curate My Hidden Peru

Our favorite detour

Lake Titicaca in Style

Golden reed boats moored at the Uros floating islands

Islands, reed boats and big skies

Arrive on the Belmond Andean Explorer or the PeruRail Titicaca train, then stay at a lakeside lodge on a quiet peninsula. A private boat takes you to the Uros floating islands, built entirely from totora reeds, and on to Taquile for a hike and lunch with a lakeside view.

At night, the stars over the altiplano are some of the brightest you’ll ever see.

  • Private boat to Uros and Taquile
  • Lakeside lodge stays
  • Arrive by luxury train
Add Lake Titicaca
Arequipa cathedral and city with El Misti volcano behind

Arequipa and the Colca Canyon

Fly or take the train to Arequipa for elegant colonial architecture and some of Peru’s best regional cooking. From here, a scenic drive crosses high plains of vicuñas and flamingos to the Colca Canyon.

Spend a night at a lodge with hot springs, then rise early for the condors.

  • Santa Catalina Monastery
  • Condors at Cruz del Cóndor
  • Hot springs lodges

Work with One of Our Travel Experts

The average person takes over 11 hours researching their vacation. Take that time back and let us handle the nitty gritty of reading reviews, asking questions, comparing hotels and more.

Machu Picchu glowing in golden morning light

After a true deep dive into your requests, your travel agent will come back with a variety of suggested hotels, activities, and surprise experiences. You tell us which ones fit you best and we'll work through the logistics!

Cusco’s Plaza de Armas at dusk, framed by a colonial archway

You'll be equipped with an itinerary complete with the details of your trip. If anything happens along the way, you can relax knowing your travel agent will take care of everything!

Reed boats at the Uros floating islands on Lake Titicaca

Good to know

Hidden Gems FAQs

How many extra days do I need for Lake Titicaca?

Two nights is ideal: one day for the islands and time to enjoy your lodge. Arriving by train adds a scenic travel day.

Is Rainbow Mountain difficult?

It’s a high-altitude hike to about 5,200 m, so it can be tough even for fit travelers. We only schedule it once you’ve acclimatized, and suggest the gentler Palccoyo route if you’d prefer.

Can I combine the hidden gems with Machu Picchu?

Yes. A classic route is Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco, followed by the train to Lake Titicaca and a flight home via Arequipa or Lima.

Begin your journey

Your Dream Peru Getaway

Peru is a treasure trove of ancient history, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. Tell us about the trip you’re dreaming of, and one of our Peru specialists will start designing it with you.

  • A tailor-made itinerary, designed around you
  • Machu Picchu tickets, trains and permits handled
  • Hand-picked hotels with exclusive perks
  • Support before, during and after your trip

Complimentary consultation

Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Trip by Contacting One of Our Peru Specialists

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