Peru is one of the best countries to have vacations alone, with your couple or family. There is so much history, culture, archeology; there are cities with direct access to the Pacific Ocean, great jungles of the Amazon, beautiful mountains, enigmatic sites, a beautiful population full of smiles and without any doubt, one of the best foods in the world.
And, we cannot fail to mention the seventh wonder of the modern world, the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu; so, first of all, let’s talk a little about Cusco, the Inca City
How is Cusco, the city that houses Machu Picchu, like?
Cusco is magical, full of charm in every corner. A beautiful main square with two large churches that guard it. Hidden streets, bohemian neighborhoods, emblematic markets, archaeological remains and an invigorating nightlife. A city that many foreigners have chosen as their habitual residence.
And, as the Goiing.com, mentions: Cusco is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Americas, it was home to the Inca people starting around 1200 CE. By the time the Spanish first arrived in Cusco in 1533, it was the capital of the vast Incan empire that stretched throughout most of South America. The empire was known as Tahuantinsuyu, which means “realm of the four parts” in the Indigenous Quechua language, referring to the four regions into which the Inca divided their territory.
Places to visit without Machu Picchu
Well, there are so many cities and places to visit without Machu Picchu. Let’s start with Lima, the capital of the country
Lima, nestled on the Pacific Ocean with incredible views of the sea at sunrise and sunset, make your visit a pleasure.
In Lima you can live in very cultural and historical places as well as have a lot of fun in the waterfront neighborhoods of the city. Lots of churches and museums. Lots of funny adventures in Miraflores and Barranco areas and all the places with restaurants everywhere you go, with the very best food in the world. Lima is almost mandatory to visit
Paracas & Nazca
Towns very close to Lima, in the near south. Paracas, a very important place for the history of Peru, full of wild fauna and flora, a natural paradise on the coast, preserved in the Paracas National Reserve, making the area the only protected area in the country. You can observe animals such as dolphins, Humboldt penguins, sea lions or parihuanas, among others, thanks to the different excursions offered to tourists.
Arequipa & the Colca Canyon
Arequipa, the legendary White City, where its noble history can be felt in the air, beneath the eternal watchful gaze of its volcanoes. This is apparent in the walls of its streets, buildings and churches; in the wonderful geography that has created a fertile valley
The Colca Canyon with a depth of about 1000 – 2000 m (3300 – 6600 ft) (whereas bottom is at cca 2000 m and edges are at 3000 – 4000 meters above the sea level), it is one of the deepest canyons in the world.
Puno
It is famous for the hospitality of its people and the joyfulness of their festivities, dances and rituals. In Puno, traditions are expressed in celebrations that explode into fiestas every day of the year
Where the highest navigable lake in the world is located, Lake Titicaca with its own life and its native islands full of charm and where Local communities believe that the shape of the lake depicts that of a puma hunting the rabbit



What can I do outside of Machu Picchu?
There is so much to do outside of Machu Picchu that you will love to see. In the city of Cusco itself, you can visit many churches; cultural centers; markets full of colors and fabulous food; the neighborhood of San Blas, full of famous artisans; archaeological monuments on the outskirts of the city; hotels of all levels and for all tastes and much more.
Closest cities to Machu Picchu
The town and market of Pisac
This very Andean antique town where the ancestral customs are kept, be sure to check out the colorful market in Pisac. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of locally made crafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Bargaining is expected and can be a fun way to interact with the local merchants
The salt Mines of Maras
The salt mines of Maras are an interesting and unique destination in the Sacred Valley. The mines have been in use for over 500 years, and they are still in operation today. You are able to learn about the traditional salt-making process.


The Incan agricultural terraces of Moray
Moray is an ancient Incan site that is believed to have been used as an agricultural research station. The site is made up of several large circular terraces that were used to create microclimates for different crops. The terraces are an impressive sight and are definitely worth visiting.
The Andean village of Chinchero
With its beautiful colonial-style church and its traditional textile weaving. You are able to walk through their old small streets and buy some alpaca pieces