Beyond Machu Picchu: 10 Hidden Gems of Peru

Why Go Beyond the Obvious in Peru?

Peru is a land of legend. Most travelers flock to iconic destinations like Machu Picchu and Cuzco—and for good reason. But for the adventurer seeking meaning, transformation, and the road less traveled, Peru holds secret doors to otherworldly places most tourists never reach.

In this post, we’ll unveil 10 magical places in Peru that remain relatively undiscovered—each steeped in mystery, nature, and soul. These aren’t just destinations; they’re invitations to experience Peru as a journey into time, spirit, and self.

Whether you’re looking for ancient ruins, sacred valleys, hidden waterfalls, or surreal landscapes, here’s your insider guide to the most magical, off-the-beaten-path destinations in Peru.

1. Choquequirao – The Sister City of Machu Picchu Without the Crowds

• Location: Apurímac Region

• Best for: Hardcore hikers, lovers of ancient mysteries

• Access: Multi-day hike from Cachora

Why It’s Magical:

Known as the “Cradle of Gold,” Choquequirao is often called the “sister” or “twin” of Machu Picchu—but it receives less than 5% of its visitors. Nestled in the clouds, this Incan citadel is only accessible via a challenging trek, keeping it blissfully free from crowds.

You’ll cross canyons, rivers, and microclimates to get there—a pilgrimage-like journey that makes the destination even more rewarding.

Errant Odyssey Tip: Combine Choquequirao with an extended trek that eventually reaches Machu Picchu, connecting two sacred cities by foot.

2. Gocta Waterfall – The Hidden Giant of the Amazon

• Location: Amazonas Region (near Chachapoyas)

• Height: 771 meters (one of the tallest in the world)

• Best for: Nature lovers, birdwatchers, eco-travelers

Why It’s Magical:

Hidden in the cloud forests of the north, Gocta remained a local secret until 2005. Once believed to be guarded by a mermaid spirit, the waterfall is now one of Peru’s most inspiring natural sites.

The hike through the jungle to reach it is just as stunning—filled with orchids, toucans, and hummingbirds.

Errant Odyssey Tip: Stay in Cocachimba village and wake up with a view of Gocta from your window.

3. Kuelap Fortress – The Machu Picchu of the North

• Location: Amazonas Region

• Built by: The Chachapoya people (pre-Incan)

• Best for: History buffs, alternative archaeology fans

Why It’s Magical:

Towering above a mountain ridge, Kuelap is an enormous stone fortress with over 400 circular structures, some older than Machu Picchu. Surrounded by mists and mystery, it feels like stepping into another civilization—one that resisted the Incas.

It’s accessible by cable car and relatively uncrowded, making it perfect for transformative solitude among the ruins.

Errant Odyssey Tip: Combine Kuelap with a visit to nearby Leymebamba Museum to see mummies and artifacts of the Chachapoya culture.

4. Huancaya – Peru’s Natural Stairway of Emerald Lakes

• Location: Nor Yauyos-Cochas Reserve, Lima Region

• Best for: Photographers, couples, nature-seekers

Why It’s Magical:

Imagine a series of emerald-colored cascades, natural pools, and stone steps carved by water. That’s Huancaya—a dreamlike river village tucked into a reserve still unknown to most foreign travelers.

The calm, the crystal-clear water, the birdsong—it’s a place to unplug and feel time slow down.

Errant Odyssey Tip: Visit during the dry season (May–October) for the clearest water and best hiking trails.

5. Lares Valley – The Soulful Alternative to the Inca Trail

• Location: Sacred Valley area

• Best for: Hikers, cultural travelers, seekers of authentic Andean life

Why It’s Magical:

While the Inca Trail sells out months in advance, the Lares Trek remains beautifully uncrowded. You'll walk among snow-capped peaks, hot springs, and traditional weaving villages.

This isn’t just a hike—it’s a window into Andean soul, where Quechua traditions remain alive, and silence speaks volumes.

Errant Odyssey Tip: Visit local communities and learn about natural dyeing and Andean cosmology as part of your trek.

6. Amaru Muru – The Portal of the Gods

• Location: Near Lake Titicaca, Puno Region

• Best for: Spiritual travelers, mystery lovers

Why It’s Magical:

Carved into a massive red rock is what appears to be a doorway to nowhere—but many believe it’s a stargate or interdimensional portal. Legends speak of shamans who walked through and disappeared.

Whether you believe the stories or not, the place vibrates with energy. People report visions, strange sensations, and a profound sense of connection.

Errant Odyssey Tip: Visit at sunrise or sunset when the rocks seem to glow with otherworldly light.

7. Marcahuasi – The Stone Forest That Watches You Back

• Location: East of Lima (San Pedro de Casta)

• Best for: Mystics, geology enthusiasts, camping lovers

Why It’s Magical:

Perched at 4000 meters, Marcahuasi is a stone forest filled with faces, animals, and symbols carved by nature—or ancient beings, depending on who you ask. UFO sightings are common here, and the silence is uncanny.

It’s a perfect spot for spiritual retreats, solo meditation, or stargazing under skies so clear they seem unreal.

Errant Odyssey Tip: Camp overnight and bring warm layers. Locals recommend sitting quietly with the stones—they might just speak back.

8. The Red River of Cusco – Peru’s Blood-Colored Secret

• Location: Near Pitumarca (same region as Rainbow Mountain)

• Best for: Photographers, landscape chasers, adventurers

Why It’s Magical:

This vivid scarlet-colored river appears after heavy rains and flows for a short time in the Andes near Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain). Caused by iron oxide sediment, it’s one of nature’s rarest and most surreal phenomena.

Few people know it exists—and even fewer make the effort to time their trip to see it.

Errant Odyssey Tip: Best seen during the rainy season (January–March). Combine it with a trek to Rainbow Mountain or the Palccoyo range.

9. Chavín de Huántar – The Mind-Bending Temple of Duality

• Location: Ancash Region

• Age: Over 3,000 years old

• Best for: Fans of ancient civilizations, energy explorers

Why It’s Magical:

This pre-Incan temple complex was a center for hallucinogenic rituals and cosmic alignment. Within its underground chambers, a fanged stone idol—the Lanzón—still stands, radiating enigmatic power.

Designed to confuse and challenge perception, the site may have been a spiritual initiation center. It is both architectural wonder and metaphysical maze.

Errant Odyssey Tip: Visit during solstice events or full moon for a deeper energetic connection.

10. The Floating Islands of Uros – Reed Realms of the Water People

• Location: Lake Titicaca

• Best for: Culture lovers, families, soft adventure

Why It’s Magical:

The Uros people have crafted their homes, boats, and entire floating villages from totora reeds for centuries. Living atop the highest navigable lake in the world, they embody resilience, harmony with nature, and cultural richness.

Spending a night here—listening to the water lap beneath your feet—feels like floating through time.

Errant Odyssey Tip: Choose a community-run homestay for a respectful, immersive experience.

Why These Places Matter More Than Just “Seeing Something New”

These places aren’t just hidden—they invite transformation.

• You’ll walk paths few have walked.

• You’ll see nature, silence, and sky in ways that challenge your pace and perspective.

• You’ll connect with traditions older than time, and with people who still live in sacred rhythm.

In a world of overtourism and curated photo spots, these destinations allow you to feel Peru deeply—authentically—soulfully.

Go Where Magic Still Lives

If Machu Picchu is the crown jewel, these lesser-known spots are Peru’s hidden treasure chest. Go beyond the guidebook. Step into wonder. And let Peru show you its real magic—the kind that changes you forever.

How These Hidden Gems Can Transform the Way You Travel

At Errant Odyssey, we believe that travel isn’t just about places—it’s about inner landscapes shifting. These 10 magical destinations in Peru are more than “hidden gems.” They are portals to transformation.

When you hike through the silent ruins of Choquequirao, you’re not just stepping into Incan history—you’re walking through your own silence.
When you sit in front of the Gocta Waterfall, you’re not just admiring its power—you’re being reminded of your own.
When you meet the weavers of the Lares Valley, you’re not just observing tradition—you’re witnessing resilience, woven into every thread.

These places invite you to slow down, listen, and feel. They challenge the idea of what a vacation should be and instead offer you something rare: Presence. Meaning. Awakening.

What is Transformational Travel?

Transformational travel is about seeking experiences that ignite growth, self-reflection, and purpose. It’s about letting the journey shape you, not just your Instagram feed. It’s about:

• Walking through lands where the Earth speaks.

• Sitting with elders whose stories shift your worldview.

• Being humbled by nature so vast it quiets your inner noise.

Whether it's camping under stars in Marcahuasi, meditating at Amaru Muru, or feeling childlike woder at the Red River of Cusco, Peru has a way of unraveling layers—until what’s left is the real you, wide open to the world.

A Personal Invitation from Errant Odyssey

If these places call to you, it’s not a coincidence. It might be time for your own errant odyssey—a journey not toward luxury or likes, but toward meaning and magic.

Follow the road less traveled.
Let mystery guide you.
And return home changed.

If you’d like help designing a personalized transformational trip to Peru, rooted in real culture, nature, and soul—contact us. We walk these trails not just with our feet, but with intention.