Other than Machu Picchu, what are the coolest things to do in Peru?

Question

We're already going to do the Machu Picchu thing but after that we've got two weeks with no itinerary. Where should we go and what should we do?

Answer 1

Where to start? Besides Cuzco, you can go to:
- the jungle and visit the Amazonas River and the tribes around it,
- the Lake Titicaca in Puno (highest lake in the world),
- El Senor de Sipan in Trujillo (equivalent to Egipt),
- City of Caral, very close to Lima-the newest and biggest discovery/city in the world of the last 50 years I would say-,
- El Carmen in Chincha-Ica, where the peruvian black people keep their ancient traditions, food and of course, music,
- Nazca lines - all said above
- Beaches in Piura, with the famous and beautiful Mancora,
- A BUNCH of museums in Lima, Catacumbas of San Francisco, Lima's Cathedral, Barranco - city of bohemians,
- Huaraz and its snow sports,
I could really keep going, and going.
If you understand some Spanish, go to www.promperu.gob.pe , which is the governments website for tourism.
Before I forget....really, if you think of ANY sport, adventure or natural activity, you will be able to do it in Peru.
Good luck!

Answer 2

Depends on what you like to do. If you like exploring the history and site-seeing ruins, there's the Nazca sand drawings in the South of Peru. There's also Las Huacas de Luna y Sol in the La Libertad district, just outside the city of Trujillo, though that's far to the North. There's mountain climbing or river rafting, if you're the outdoor adventurous type.

If you like big cities, then you may want to take in a few days while in Lima. Granted, I don't care for much of the city, but the Mira Flores section is nice, with some interesting attractions. Larco Mar is a seaside mall built into a cliff. There's also the Museo de Oro, though I forget exactly where that is at in Lima.

Since you already plan on going to Machu Picchu, I'm sure you'll be spending some time in Cuzco. Though I haven't been to that area of Peru, I hear that the open air markets are interesting. You're likely to get tired easily that high up in the mountains, though.

Answer 3

As suggested before, you can go see the Nazca Lines. It was amazing, but you really need to take one of those private planes to truly appreciate it and anyone who gets airsick easily should avoid this like the plague! Being stuck in a tiny plane with someone throwing up is no fun. You can get great videos of it if you nix on that plan.

Another amazing place to visit in Peru is obviously the Amazon. It is astounding to see how many different cultures are still living there and in such close proximity without losing their individual heritage. We stayed in the Amazon for about 5 days. Obviously don't drink the water (I, stupidly, ate the salad which was washed in the water and lost about 10 lbs in 3 days from so much throwing up!), but the food is great. You get to go fishing for piranhas, see rubber trees, blow dart guns, enjoy the wildlife, see the native people, etc. I really enjoyed it a lot more than Macchu Picchu. :)

Whatever you decide, just enjoy the trip and take lots of pictures!

Answer 4

I would totally recomend taking a plane up to the north of Peru to Cajamarca. From this city, you can orgnise a tour of the Chachapoyas region and go see Kuelap. Kuelap rivals Manchu Pichu in its magnificance, and only 1500 visitors go there a year (I believe there are 1000 visitors to Manchu Pichu per day). The whole regoin is amazing, and the local guides know so much about the ancient culture.

There is also more Inca history to be gleaned from Cajamarca including Athaulpas ransom room (the room the the last Inca leader promised to fill with gold for his freedom from the Spanish. There is also the Banos del Inca which are baths constructed to make use of the thermal spring waters. Thsi is also the site from which the Incas marched to the last confrontation with the Spanish.

I found that up in the North of Peru, things were much cheaper, less touristy and the people were so so so nice.

Answer 5

There are several places in Cuzco you will want to visit. Always take your time because you will get tire very easy because of the altitude. There is Sacsaihuaman i recommend you go on the local bus and then you come back waking, you can see the plaza de Armas from it there is a stairway .
There are markets and you can do rafting on the rivers.

You can go to Arequipa and visit the museums and convents it historical very interesting . I recommend the Colca cannon, is the deepest on earth and you can see condors the biggest birds.

The Amazon Rainforest is nice, but hot and humid, until may is not the best time to go because of the heavy rains. Check with a travel agent or lonely planet.com for more info.

Huaraz is Very Nice, although small unless you want to go hiking for a couple of days there are several hiking circuits some 7 day long. This is a nice time of the year to do it.

Buena Suerte! Good Luck! Enjoy Peru!

a very usefull site is www.peru.info

Answer 6

I lived in Peru for two years in a city called ICA. There are many things to do in peru. Nazcz lines are a sight to see. (from the air) Lake Titikaka is nice with the reed boats. Uros islands are very beautiful. Machu Pichu is cool but rather than taking the train, hike the Inca trail. Its takes 4 days and is awesome. Cuzco is beautiful with all the buildings with the red tile roofs. There are many Inca ruins there to see. If you just want to lay around in the sun, the Las Dunas resort in Ica is luxury at its finest. If in Ica you must see the "Ica Stones" There are many winery's in southern Peru to tour. In Lima make sure and go to the Museo de Oro (the gold museum) and the National Museum.- both very cool. Many churches to be seen throughout Peru. Bull Fighting if you are intop that. The Indio Market in Lima....if you like silver jewelry.
I could go on and on for hours! It's a beautiful country. The food is amazing and the people are great. I live in canada but would move there to live in a heartbeat!

Answer 7

I just went there in October and besides Machu Picchu, the other major highlight was staying in the Amazon at Posadas Amazonas. There were lots of activities to keep us going, but ultimately it was the most relaxing most educational part of our whole trip.

Answer 8

My best advice to you would be to explore. don't do the usual tourist things because when you think of it, most tourists have seen that stuff. Hit the back roads. small, off the beaten path, villages are nice and you will find that the people that live there will be glad to see you. You will also find that it is easier to come across more reasonable deals on art and other souveniers there as well in the smaller towns and villages. Nazca is pretty cool to see on the ground but even better from the air. personally, I never knew aliens were so artistic. have a good trip.

good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 9

well going to puno to lake Titicaca(the highest navigable lake in the world) is a close option,and very beautiful.also the Nazca lines are well worth it and on your way try out a trip to the colco canyon supposedly the deepest canyon in the world where you can see the beautiful condor flying past,get footprints if you can. it is the best guide book for anywhere in south America

Answer 10

I would think the Nazca Plains would be cool.
That's where there are lines in the plain that form pictures when seen from the sky.