Once I heard someone say there weren’t many places to visit in Peru. Clearly, that person had no idea what they were talking about. Today I want to share with you some Peruvian wonders that don’t always show up in YouTube reviews but are truly magical. I’ve had the luck to explore them, and let me tell you, each one has its own unique charm. So, if you ever decide to explore Peru, don’t forget to add these places to your list. Let’s start this journey together!
Madre de Dios, in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, is like stepping into a National Geographic documentary (except here, you can take a selfie). This region is famous for its natural reserves like the Tambopata National Reserve and Manu National Park. If you’re a nature lover, this place will leave you speechless—a world of flora and fauna waiting to be discovered.
I felt like a true explorer when I arrived in Madre de Dios. The jungle is incredibly dense and teeming with life. One of the most memorable experiences was a boat ride along the Tambopata River (I would do this a hundred times over). The sound of howler monkeys and birds singing accompanied me all the way. And guess what? I saw caimans just a few meters away (yes, real caimans!). Of course, I didn’t try to pet them.
Another must-do activity is visiting Lake Sandoval. Here, you can see giant otters and even piranhas (don’t worry, they usually don’t attack tourists). The biodiversity in this region is simply astonishing. Plus, if you stay in one of the eco-lodges in the area, you can enjoy the jungle in all its splendor, with all the comforts you need. That way, you can rest while nature whispers in your ear.
Related: Best Destinations in Peru: Classic Destinations You Should Visit
Moving on to the Andes, the Colca Valley is famous for being one of the deepest canyons in the world. This is your place if you love hiking and breathtaking views like I do. The town of Chivay is the perfect starting point to explore the valley. When I was there, I soaked in the hot springs of La Calera. After a day of hiking, there’s nothing better to relax your muscles!
The Cruz del Condor viewpoint is a spot you can’t miss. Here, with a bit of luck, you can see Andean condors soaring through the sky. The first time I saw one of these gigantic birds, I almost dropped my camera out of excitement (seriously, they are huge).
Puquio, on the other hand, is a small but charming Andean town in the Ayacucho region. Although it’s less known (perfect place to disappear), it has its own appeal. The landscapes are stunning, and the tranquility of the place allows you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city (necessary to keep on with life). The surroundings of Puquio are full of history and culture, with archaeological sites and communities that keep their ancestral traditions alive.
Chachapoyas is the capital of the Amazonas region and is known for its impressive archaeological ruins and lush landscapes. The main attraction here is the fortress of Kuélap, often compared to Machu Picchu but with fewer tourists.
Getting to Kuélap is an adventure in itself. First, you have to take a cable car up the mountain. The view from above is spectacular. The walls of the fortress are imposing, and walking among the ruins is like stepping back in time. I even felt younger being there.
Another natural wonder in the area is Gocta Waterfall. With a drop of 771 meters, it is one of the highest waterfalls in the world. The hike to the waterfall is quite accessible, and the scenery along the way is simply beautiful. I recommend bringing a good pair of boots and being ready to get a bit wet (it’s totally worth it).
Related: The Best Cruise Might Be in the Amazon Jungle
Finally, we arrive at Iquitos, the largest city in the world that you can’t reach by road. To get here, you have to fly or navigate the Amazon River. The first time I arrived in Iquitos, I felt like I was in an adventure movie. Maybe I was Mowgli or Tarzan.
The city itself has a lot to offer. The Belén Market is a fascinating place where you can find everything from exotic fruits to traditional jungle remedies (although some things might seem a bit strange, it’s part of the charm!). You can also take a tour along the Amazon River and visit native communities. Meeting the people who live here and learning about their culture was a truly enriching experience.
One activity you can’t miss is swimming with pink dolphins. Yes, you read that right, pink dolphins! These friendly creatures are native to the Amazon, and swimming with them is magical.
Now you know that Peru has so much more to offer. Each of these cities has its own magic and charm. Madre de Dios immerses you in the lush Amazon jungle, Colca and Puquio amaze you with their stunning Andean landscapes, Chachapoyas transports you to ancient history and its mighty waterfalls, and Iquitos offers the adventure of the Amazon and its vibrant culture.
So, if you ever get the chance, don’t hesitate to visit them. And if you need a travel buddy, you know who to call. See you on the next adventure!
So, if you ever get the chance, do you want to immerse yourself in this adventure called Peru? At Terra Explorer, we have several itineraries for you. , and see you on the next adventure!
To ensure the well-being and safety of our travelers and staff throughout our operational chain, Terra Explorer will comply with the health and safety measures and protocols established by the Peruvian Association of Adventure Tourism and Ecotourism (APTAE), and implement the Covid-19 health and safety guidelines for adventure tourism developed by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA).
Our experiences are designed considering the least possible exposure, where the final destinations are usually remote places. By their very nature, our adventure activities are considered to be low risk, mainly because they are performed outdoors where ventilation is constant and making it easy to achieve social distancing.
During these times we are working together with a small staff of honorable people who have been part of the Terra Explorer family for many years. They and their families are aligned with the established health and safety measures. Employing these staff members also seeks to reactivate the local economy.
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Secure your trip with a deposit and pay the rest in one or more payments, at a time that suits you best. Please make sure you adhere to our policy and pay in full at least 31 days prior to your trip date.
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