Get comfortable because we’re about to offer you
7 brag-worthy things to do in Peru
besides Machu Picchu.
This one’s perfect for travellers who think
they’ve “been there, done that”
or anyone who likes to follow the road less travelled.
Let’s start with number 7.
Go sandboarding and race dune buggies in Huacachina
Four hours south of Lima, lies the beautiful desert oasis town known as Huacachina.
The lagoon provides great opportunities for thrill seekers and resort-enthusiasts alike.
Travellers can begin their day by boarding down some sand dunes or racing through the
desert in dune buggies, before relaxing back in town.
Truly an exhilarating experience.
Number 6.
Explore the Peruvian Amazon Less popular than its Brazilian counterpart
but not to be overlooked, the Peruvian Amazon is home to countless long and winding rivers
and diverse wildlife.
You can get to this jungle from the city of Puerto Maldonado, with flights leaving daily
from Cusco and Lima.
The Amazon accounts for 50% of the country’s landmass and in additional good news, tours
on Peru’s side of the border are significantly less expensive than across the border in Brazil.
So you can save your money for pisco sours.
Number 5.
Go deep into Colca Canyon
Visit one of the deepest and most spectacular canyons in the world, the Colca Canyon.
Reachable from Peru’s second largest city, Arequipa, the Colca Canyon is Peru’s third
most-visited attraction.
You can easily spend a few days hiking these epic landscapes, letting the canyon’s magnificent
depth astound you.
Colca Canyon is actually twice as deep as the United States’ Grand Canyon.
Number 4.
Embrace the serenity of Lake Sandoval
Close to the city of Puerto Maldonado,
Lake Sandoval is part of the Madre de Dios region of Peru,
which is part of the Amazon basin.
You can reach the serene waters of Lake Sandoval by taking an enjoyable hike beginning near
the Madre de Dios River while keeping your eyes open for parrots, macaws and other exciting
rainforest creatures along the way.
Once you arrive, take a boat out on the waters and sit back, relax and
enjoy an unforgettable sunset.
Number 3.
Taste the mineral-rich salts of Maras
Maras, a town near the city of Cusco in the Sacred Valley of southeastern Peru
is regarded around the world for its impressive collection of salt mines, dating back to Inca times.
Take in the thousands of individual salt pools that make up the hillside, each of which build
an intricate network of channels that feed spring water into the ponds.
Pay the admission fee and dip a finger into the warm water for a taste.
Your lips will be greeted by some of the finest salt in the world.
The mineral rich salt is also great for cooking and is believed to help reduce stress and
even prevent osteoporosis.
Number 2.
Walk the streets of Arequipa
You’ve heard all about Cusco and Lima, but are you familiar with the charming Arequipa?
This colonial-era capital city is filled with charming baroque architecture constructed
from white volcanic stone and dramatic Spanish-colonial era buildings like the Basilica Cathedral.
Surrounded by three breathtaking volcanoes, Arequipa has earned it’s UNESCO World Heritage
designation tenfold.
Last but not least, number 1.
Do as the Peruvians do in Huilloc
To conclude your time in Peru, there’s no better way to feel truly accomplished than
by immersing yourself in local culture.
Pay a visit to the Quechua village of Huilloc and learn the art of weaving from the female
villagers, who begin perfecting the craft at around 5 years of age.
Afterwards, sit down and enjoy an authentic pachamanca lunch, in which stones and grass
are layered over a fire, cooking everything from cuy (guinea pig for the uninitiated),
to fava beans and potatoes.
You’ll be left with a warm feeling inside, thanks to both the delicious food and of course,
the hospitality of the Quechua villagers.
Well has your hunger for something different been fulfilled yet?
No?
Then a dose of additional inspiration is in order.
Watch another video and visit us on Days to Come to start planning your next adventure
abroad.
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leave a comment down below if you have your own hidden gem to share with the world and
until next time, happy travels!