More Than Machu Picchu: Explore Adventurous Peru

Peru is best known for the emerald green terraces of ancient Machu Picchu, but this South American country has so much more for travelers to explore.

From the Andes to the coastal capital of Lima, adventure awaits around every corner. To make the most of your trip, book a tour with one of The Outbound's trusted travel partners. Here is a sampling of what they have to offer in this gem of a country.

Huayhuash Circuit Trek

This 11-day tour with Flashpacker Connect is an epic trek through the Cordillera Huayhuash. Known as the best alpine trek on the planet, you'll hike past 20,000-foot plus peaks, alongside turquoise lakes, and cross cascading rivers.

Cusco to La Paz

Make your way across Peru's altiplano (or high tableland) on a 5-day tour with World Expeditions. The trip is short but very sweet, with stops at Lake Titicaca, Copacabana, and La Paz. Take in the epic scenery, cruise on the highest navigable lake in the world, and explore the ruins of Tiahuanacu.

Trek to the Lost City of Choquequirao

We know you've heard of Machu Picchu, but what about Choquequirao? Choquequirao was a major cultural and religious center for the Incas and sits high in the mountains above the Apurimac River. Trek there with adventure travel leader MT Sobek on an 8-day trip that starts and ends in Cusco. This trek also includes a stop at Machu Picchu.

Peru Multi-Sport

Trekking, biking, rafting, and zip-lining are the name of the game on this 7-day multi-sport tour with Oneseed Expeditions. Adventures include descending from 14,160-foot Malaga Pass on a mountain bike, rafting class III and IV rapids, relaxing in the Cocalmayo hot springs, zip-lining through the Urubamba River Valley, and exploring Machu Picchu.

Women's Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu

Surround yourself with the company of other bad-ass women on this 8-day tour with Explorer Chick in Cusco and along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The trip includes acclimatization time in the UNESCO World Heritage designated city of Cusco before handing your overnight gear to the porters and beginning the four-day trek to Machu Picchu. You'll arrive at your destination right at the golden hour — a truly magical time.

Rainbow Mountain Trek

If you're traveling Peru on your own agenda but are looking for a unique experience along the way, book a 1-day trek with Flashpacker Connect to Rainbow Mountain. Hike through desert landscapes with views of glaciated peaks and herds of alpacas. You may be gasping for the air by the time you reach the summit of the 16,520-foot mountain, but the views will be worth it.

Check out more Peru tours and treks!

Cover photo courtesy of MT Sobek, from their Trekking in the Cordillera Huayhuash tour.