Peru and Machu Picchu have become almost synonymous. It's true that the ancient Inca ruins of legend are every bit as breathtakingly beautiful as you’ve heard. They belong on your bucket list, and their place as one of the new(er) seven wonders of the world is forever cemented. That said, the sheer number of tourists herded into and out of the ruins every day has started to rival the number of llamas in Peru—80% of the world’s, by the way—and this can’t help but take away from Machu Picchu's original sense of mystique.

The good news is that Machu Picchu isn’t Peru’s only beauty queen out there—reigning though she might be. The country is filled with stunning sites, calling out for a little more attention from the beauty. From locations sporting everything from rainbow mountains to desert penguins, here are our top seven picks – best visited on a bespoke tour with View Signature Travels.

Lake Titicaca – The Cradle of Andean Culture

Right up in the Andes at 12,500 feet above sea level, Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable lake and a sanctuary of pure serenity. The shimmering blue expanse is hypnotically beautiful, with man-made floating islands of golden reeds bobbing calmly at its center. It’s also a place of deep cultural significance, believed by the Incas to be the birthplace of the sun—understandable when you witness a sunset or sunrise there!

The Uros people, who live on the islands, are famously friendly. So much so that many visitors to the islands of Taquile and Amantani opt for a more immersive experience by staying with a local family. This gives them extra time to hike to the top of the islands for a spectacular sunset view over the lake, as well as enjoy some authentic home-cooked Peruvian cuisine.

Arequipa – The White City

A man-made city might seem like an odd choice among so many natural beauties, but Arequipa is truly something special. Nicknamed La Ciudad Blanca (The White City) due to its gleaming buildings made from volcanic stone, Arequipa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Furthermore, its colonial-era pure white structures are framed by the dramatic backdrop of three towering volcanoes. Among the many historical sites to explore within its white walls, one standout is the Santa Catalina Monastery, a peaceful labyrinth of brightly colored walls and tranquil courtyards.

As the second-largest city in Peru, Arequipa is also renowned for its progressive attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community. The food there is some of Peru’s best, and any city view is best enjoyed with a plate of rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy peppers) on the terrace of one of the city’s many upscale restaurants.

Colca Canyon – Where Condors Soar

Not far from Arequipa lies a more natural beauty: one of the deepest canyons in the world. Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colca Canyon is a place where nature and tradition still reign supreme. Andean condors gracefully glide over dramatic cliffs, terraced fields, and picturesque pre-Incan towns, where the inhabitants maintain their ancestral traditions, evident in the stepped terraces that surround their homes. Numerous trails wind through the canyon, offering breathtaking views at every turn. After a long day of hiking, head to the thermal baths in the nearby town of Chivay to soothe those aching muscles.

Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) – Mother Nature’s Pride Flag

If there was ever a sign that Mother Nature supports the LGBTQ+ community, it would be Vinicunca—better known as Rainbow Mountain or Montaña de Siete Colores (Mountain of Seven Colors). The impressive mountain gets its name from the vibrant stripes of pink, red, white, lavender, green, and yellow across its surface, created by mineral deposits in the soil.

Discovered only a decade ago, this colorful marvel has quickly become a favorite among adventure tourists but not yet so much that the crowds are overwhelming. Reaching the mountain requires a challenging hike, which helps thin the crowds, and its altitude rivals even Everest’s. It’s best to stay nearby, in Cusco, to acclimate before attempting the trek, and not linger too long on the summit while admiring the fever-dreamy landscape.

Choquequirao – Machu Picchu’s Good-looking Brother

Peru is home to hundreds of Incan ruin sites, so it’s a bit of a cliché to call one “the next Machu Picchu.” However, if any site could safely claim that title, it would be Choquequirao. This remote Incan archaeological site, located in the Andes above the Apurímac River, features impressive stone terraces, ceremonial plazas, and intricate water systems—not unlike Machu Picchu. Its nickname, the “Cradle of Gold,” comes from the way sunlight reflects off the metamorphic rocks of its buildings. Because it’s accessible only via a challenging multi-day hike, it sees far fewer visitors, helping preserve the tranquil atmosphere that makes it so special. Needless to say, the views over the nearby mountains are otherworldly.

Sacred Valley of the Incas – A Spiritual Awakening

The Sacred Valley, which surrounds Machu Picchu, feels just as divine as its name suggests. The valley is named for the surrounding glaciers, which the Incas believed were gods that provided water to the fertile plains below. You don’t have to be religious, though, to feel the sacred energy that hangs over the valley.

Nestled between majestic Andean peaks, the valley offers breathtaking views of ruins, terraced hillsides, and picturesque Peruvian villages. It is also home to many unique sites, with highlights including the town of Pisac, with its colorful market brimming with textiles and crafts; Ollantaytambo Fortress, with its towering stone terraces; the concentric terraces of Moray; and the shimmering salt pools of Maras. Oh, and expect to meet a sizable number of Peru’s famously large llama community as you traverse the valley.

Paracas National Reserve – Where Desert Makes Love to Sea

If your interpretation of perfect beauty includes lots of fine sand and crystal-clear water, head down the southern coast to Paracas National Reserve, where stark red sands clash with the deep blue Pacific to create a masterpiece of nature’s raw contrasts. Visitors to this underrated part of Peru are treated to rugged coastlines, stretching deserts, red sandy beaches, and ancient fossil beds. Everything in life is made better with penguins, and around the sea cliffs, you’ll find plenty of them mixing with colonies of sea lions, migratory birds, and even flamingos!

See Peru with View Signature Travels

Peru’s landscapes are as diverse as its people, and countless other stunning sites could easily have made this list. To see the best the country has to offer, join forces with the internationally renowned travel operator View Signature Travels to craft your own Peruvian adventure. They specialize in tailor-made journeys for the LGBTQ+ community to South America. Their trips blend luxury, cultural immersion, and unfettered adventure into one package, in which you build an itinerary based completely on your desires, interests, and budget—whether that’s hiking the Inca Trail, cooking a four-course Peruvian meal with locals, or launching an expedition to the Galápagos Islands.

Peru isn’t just a one-hit wonder; it’s a whole album of greatest hits—so skip the crowds, embrace the llamas, and follow your own rainbow road through a country full of beauty in all its forms.

This article is sponsored View Signature Travels