Few places offer the same exciting variety of adventures that Peru does. Best known as the home of the iconic Lost City of Machu Picchu, travellers often come to walk in the footsteps of the Incas and experience the awe of this remarkably well-preserved World Heritage site. But Peru has so much more to give. Did you know – it’s also home to the world’s highest navigable lake, some of the continent's biggest sand dunes, and the second-largest share of the Amazon rainforest after Brazil? There’s no doubt this South American country has hit the jackpot when it comes to its landscapes of stunning contrasts. 

(copyright) Promperu

It’s also rich in cultural treasures. From historic centres and ancient archaeological sites that reflect its pre-Columbian, Incan and colonial heritage, to a vibrant culinary scene that is now celebrated globally – boasting four entries on the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The country also proudly supports its Indigenous communities and showcases their preserved heritage through music, art, food and colourful festivals.

Below, we spotlight four diverse, dramatic and underrated regions that will ensure your clients have a Peruvian adventure they’ll never forget. 

Arequipa

With Lima being the vibrant capital and Cusco the gateway to Machu Picchu, other urban areas – such as Arequipa – can sometimes be overlooked. Surrounded by three snow-capped volcanoes, Arequipa’s pretty Unesco-listed centre consists of colonial architecture constructed from volcanic stone, giving the city its nickname ‘The White City’. Museums dedicated to fascinating Inca history, a 16th-century former monastery and the magnificent central Plaza de Armas are some of the inner city highlights, with a variety of coffee shops and restaurants serving up classic Peruvian dishes, from ceviche to lomo saltado. Arequipa is also the jumping off point for tours of Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest canyons and where travellers can marvel at Andean condors soaring above the river valley. 

Ica

Approximately four hours south of Lima, Ica is home to perhaps Peru’s most unexpected landscape. Here, travellers will find a desert filled with giant sand dunes and an enchanting oasis (the only natural oasis in South America), providing the ultimate adult’s playground for activities including sandboarding and paragliding. Ica also has significant culture and heritage: the Uneco-listed Nazca lines – ancient geoglyphs that have been etched into the desert landscape – remain a mystery even today. Best viewed from above, travellers can take to the skies via a plane excursion for the best perspective of the 300-metre long creations, depicting a hummingbird, frigate bird and monkey, among other drawings. Visitors can also head to the Ica coast for Paracas National Reserve, where wildlife tours around the Ballestas Islands feature sea lions, humboldt penguins and even humpback whales.

Puno

At an elevation of 3,810 metres above sea level, Puno sits on the shoreline of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable body of water in the world and one of South America’s largest lakes. Known as the birthplace of the Incan Empire, Puno is rich in folkloric traditions, dances and celebrations – such as the Festival of the Virgin of La Candelaria. But its main attraction has to be the floating islands of Uros: only accessible by boat, these man-made islands constructed from totora reeds first originated when Indigenous people fled from the Incas centuries ago. Communities still thrive here today, and members now invite guests to stay with them on the islands and learn about their fascinating way of life.

Madre de Dios

Declared Peru’s capital of biodiversity, the region of Madre de Dios is where travellers can enter into the country’s southern Amazon. It’s best known for Manu National Park and Tambopata National Reserve, both boasting hundreds of bird species, mammals, reptiles and insects, with highlights including macaws, monkeys, butterflies and – for very lucky travellers – jaguars. The Amazonian region is also home to several Indigenous populations that continue to live in isolation from the outside world. Some of these communities now welcome visitors to meet their people and learn about their ancient traditions and beliefs.