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!
Beyond Machu Picchu
Peru’s Hidden Gems
Peru rewards travelers who go a little further. These are the places most visitors miss.
Lake TiticacaLake 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.
Near CuscoRainbow 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.
ArequipaArequipa, 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.
Colca CanyonColca 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.
Cordillera BlancaThe 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

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

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
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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.
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