5 Unmissable Sights When Backpacking Peru (That aren’t Machu Picchu)
Peru has become one of the premier backpacking destinations in South America and, indeed, the world.
The combination of fascinating Incan heritage, incredible gastronomy and a brilliant transport network has made the country safe and appealing to even the most novice backpackers.
Although Peru is synonymous with Machu Picchu, there are countless other activities and sights that are waiting to be explored.
Peru is home to the astonishing Andes Mountains, the world’s second-deepest canyon, and an abundance of rich Andean culture.
We will guide you through 5 sights that we consider essential when backpacking Peru so you know what should be firmly on the top of your bucket list.
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Huacachina - Dune-Buggying and Sandboarding
Huacachina is a small oasis in southwestern Peru, surrounded by sand dunes that can reach several hundred feet high. The oasis is located around 5km from the city of Ica, which is where most backpackers will arrive on their way to Huacachina.
Commonly referred to as the ‘oasis of America’, Huacachina is one of the world’s top destinations for sandboarding. For those that aren’t familiar with the sport, it is essentially the same as snowboarding, other than the fact that you career down the side of sand dunes rather than snowy mountain faces.
Sunset in Huacachina desert
Sandboarding in Huacachina is relatively straightforward and begins with an introduction to the smaller dunes before heading to the larger, more intimidating runs. Thankfully, for those with less boarding experience, you are not expected to stand-up during your ride.
You can quite happily slide down the dunes with the board underneath your belly, although having said that, it is entertaining to give standing a try, even if you’re not particularly successful.
Sandboarding in Huacachina
As thrilling as sandboarding is, it is only the prelude to Huacachina’s main adrenaline-fuelled event - dune-buggying.
Dune-buggying is a hair-raising activity that involves driving furiously over sand dunes in a specialised 4x4 buggy. One moment, you’ll be staring up toward the sky, and the next, you’ll be hurtling down the side of a dune at breakneck speed. It’s truly exhilarating!
The only oasis in South America provides unbeatable conditions for a thrilling Peruvian adventure.
Dune-buggys lined up on the sand - Huacachina
Watching the Condors at Colca Canyon
Located 100 miles northwest of Arequipa, Colca Canyon is the second-deepest canyon in the world. At almost twice the depth of the Grand Canyon in the US, Colca is a place that you have to visit while backpacking in Peru.
As well as the spectacular views on offer, Colca Canyon is also home to one of the largest birds in the world, the magnificent Andean Condor.
The Andean Condor has a wingspan of around 2.0 - 2.5 metres and typically lives between 60 and 70 years. The best place to spot this impressive creature in flight is from Cruz del Condor, a popular tourist spot accessible by road.
From this viewpoint, the canyon is approximately 1200m (3900ft) deep, and you watch in awe as the condors dive far into the canyon in search of their prey.
Colca Canyon
A 1-day Colca Canyon Tour from Arequipa is certainly enough time to see the canyon and the highlights of Colca Valley comfortably. It does, however, require a very early start. Most day tours from Arequipa begin before 4 am to give enough time to get to the canyon and enjoy everything it has to offer.
If you want to make the trip independently, the best option is to jump on a bus from Arequipa to Cabanaconde (a 5-hour journey) and source a taxi from the town to Cruz del Condor.
Colca Canyon attracts visitors from all around the globe, and we don’t want you to miss out.
Colca Canyon Valley
Rainbow Mountain
As one of the best day trips from Cusco, Rainbow Mountain has become one of the foremost backpacking destinations in South America. The mountain itself, nestled high in the Andes, has obviously existed for millennia, but the mesmerising colours of the mountain have only been revealed to humans since 2015.
The colourful exterior of Rainbow Mountain, made up of incredibly vibrant minerals, was once covered by a deep, impenetrable layer of Andean snow. As climate change takes its toll, the snow has melted to unveil a kaleidoscopic landscape of dazzling colours.
From the trailhead at the Rainbow Mountain parking lot, just outside of Quesiuno, there is a straightforward, out-and-back trail that allows hikers to trek up to 5200m above sea level. From the highest point, you are rewarded by a sublime view of the famous, colourful attraction.
Hiking the trail up to Rainbow Mountain
At such a high altitude, the hike up to the lookout over Rainbow Mountain is arduous and can be challenging even to the most experienced hikers.
Although horses are available to take you half the distance of the trail, we don’t recommend taking this option. The horses are put under considerable stress at such high altitudes with a human-sized weight on their back. Instead, take your time and take plenty of breaks.
There isn’t any public transport that takes you directly to Rainbow Mountain, so the easiest and most affordable option is to opt for a rainbow mountain tour from Cusco.
Rainbow Mountain
How the altitude affects your body when you’re high up in the Andes is one of the most important things you need to know before backpacking in South America. It really isn’t something that can be taken lightly.
Exploring the local markets
Something that cannot be missed when backpacking Peru is the chance to explore the multitude of markets and stalls that the country has. The allure of Peruvian treats and souvenirs is hard to resist.
The Plaza de Armas (main square) in Cusco is awash with stalls and vendors. Head down one of the many cobbled side-streets to find locals flogging their wares. Traditional textiles and llama-wool knitwear can all be purchased in the shadow of the magnificent Cusco Cathedral - the square's focal point.
Market near Plaza de Armas - Cusco
In Arequipa, head to the San Camilo market, where you will find underground food courts as well as an array of stalls selling local fruit, fish and spices. San Camilo is a cacophony of noise and a real assault on the senses - the smells, in particular, leave a lasting impression.
The Inca Night market in Lima’s Miraflores district is the perfect place to grab a reminder of your Peruvian backpacking trip. Practice your haggling skills over a piece of Inca-style jewellery or a world-famous alpaca wool scarf.
The hustle and bustle of Peruvian markets make for an unmissable cultural experience.
Inca Night Market - Lima
Huaca Pucllana
Huaca Pucllana is a great clay pyramid located in the heart of the Miraflores district in Lima. Built from several staggered platforms, the structure once served as the administrative centre for the Lima culture, but nowadays, it serves as an important reminder of the city’s ancient heritage.
The structure is a network of platforms that form the main pyramid, surrounded by a clearing resembling a plaza or town square.
Huaca Pucllana - Lima
Although most of the structure is visible from outside the perimeter walls, the little intricacies and nuances that make the attraction so fascinating can only be viewed once inside. From here, you can see remnants of ancient tombs and evidence of pits where offerings, sometimes live, were made to favour the gods.
For this, you must pay the 15 sol (£2.90; $5.00) entrance fee, though this does provide you with a guided tour of the complex.
Huaca Pucllana - located in the heart of Lima
One of the most fascinating elements of Huaca Pucllana is that the structure can be found right in the centre of the metropolitan city of Lima. It isn’t hidden away in the mountains like Machu Picchu; instead, the complex is flanked by high-rise buildings and hotels.
One moment, you are staring at a clay structure that was erected around 200AD, and the next, you are sipping on an ice coffee waiting for your taxi to take you back to the hostel.
As many backpackers start their South American adventure in Lima, Huaca Pucllana acts as a wonderful introduction to ancient Peruvian history.
Impressive Clay Pyramid - Huaca Pucllana - Lima
Whether you plan on backpacking South America for 6-weeks or whether you are taking an entire gap year to explore the continent, Peru is a country that must be at the top of your Latin America bucket list.
If you’re wondering how you’re going to fit everything into a short Peru trip, perhaps you could save time by visiting Machu Picchu in a day and leaving you plenty of time to explore the 5 unmissable sights that we have just outlined.
