When talking about traveling to Peru, Machu Picchu is usually the first name that comes up. However, the country offers a diversity of landscapes and experiences that go far beyond the most famous archaeological site. From deserts and coasts to high-altitude lagoons and historic cities, Peru is an ideal destination for those looking to discover unique places, even on day trips.
These destinations, available as day tours, allow you to get to know the natural and cultural wealth of the country without the need for extensive itineraries, making the most of each day of travel.
What amazing destinations in Peru do we recommend and are not Machupicchu?
If you would like to enjoy a vacation in Peru and are looking to find alternative places, you have nothing to worry about. At IPA we bring you many interesting proposals that you can combine with your visit to Machupicchu, or to choose as your main destination.
Paracas and Ica: the perfect contrast between sea and desert
The southern coast of Peru surprises with its diversity of landscapes. In Paracas, the tour of the Ballestas Islands allows you to observe sea lions, birds and rock formations in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Very close to there, the Ica desert offers a completely different experience with the oasis of Huacachina, surrounded by sand dunes.
This tour combines nature, adventure, and extreme landscapes in a single day. It is an excellent option for those traveling from Lima who want to live a different experience, with activities such as buggy rides or sandboarding in the desert.
Rainbow Mountain: one of the most photographed landscapes in the Andes
The Mountain of Colors, also known as Vinicunca, has become one of the most impressive natural destinations in Peru. Its red, green and yellow hues are due to the mineral composition of the soil, creating a landscape that seems unreal.
Located in the Cusco region, this day trip includes a high-altitude hike and panoramic views of the Andean mountain range. It is ideal for active travelers looking for nature, physical challenge and unique scenarios, far from the more traditional circuits.
Humantay Lagoon: nature in its purest form
The Humantay Lagoon is another must-see destination for those who want to connect with nature. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, this turquoise lagoon offers a tranquil and visually stunning setting.
Access involves a moderate walk, but the effort is rewarded with one of the most beautiful landscapes in the region. It is a perfect choice for those looking for intense natural experiences in a short time.
Maras and Moray: Andean History and Landscape
The Sacred Valley is home to some of the most interesting sites of Andean engineering and culture. The Maras Salt Mines show a salt extraction system used since ancient times and still in force. Nearby, Moray surprises with its circular terraces, associated with Inca agricultural experimentation.
This tour combines archaeology, landscape and living traditions, and is ideal for those who want to better understand the relationship between the Andean peoples and their natural environment. However, if you prefer adventure, we also recommend you to check out our Maras and Moray ATV tour.
City tours in Lima and Cusco: culture and urban history
For those who prefer more urban tours, city tours in Lima and Cusco allow you to get to know two fundamental faces of Peru.
Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, preserves a unique blend of Inca and colonial architecture, with plazas, temples, and streets steeped in history. To learn more about City Tour Cusco, we invite you to enter here.
Lima, on the other hand, offers a tour of its historic center, traditional neighborhoods and an internationally recognized cultural and gastronomic scene. These tours are ideal for those who want to understand the historical and social context of the country without taking long excursions. Here you can find a complete tour of City Tour Lima.
Peru beyond the classic
Traveling to Peru does not mean visiting just one place. The country offers a huge variety of destinations that can be enjoyed even on day trips. Deserts, lagoons, mountains, archaeological sites and historic cities coexist in a diverse and surprising territory. And if you are traveling alone to Peru and would like to know which are the best destinations, you can learn more in the article The best destinations in Peru to travel alone in 2026
Exploring these destinations allows you to discover an authentic Peru, less saturated and full of memorable experiences. An ideal alternative for those looking to take advantage of every day of travel and get to know the country from a different perspective.
