This Region of Peru Has Ancient Wonders Without the Crowds of Machu Picchu

When planning a trip to Peru, it’s likely that the UNESCO-listed citadel of Machu Picchu immediately springs to mind. Lake Titicaca’s remarkable Floating Islands of the Uros, or Cusco, the heart of the sprawling Inca empire, quickly follow. These legendary sites deserve their place on any itinerary, but for those seeking a less crowded experience, consider casting your gaze northward to step off the well-trodden path.

The Northern Amazon

The northern Amazon is a realm of profound magic and mystery that’s ideal for year-round exploration. From January to June, rising water levels bring the canopy and its wildlife closer, while from July to December, receding waters reveal intricate jungle trails, offering an astonishing perspective of the towering trees. It’s one of the key areas where you can be in this rainforest and truly appreciate the scale of the famous river, which is the largest by volume in the world.

Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, a protected area in the Loreta region, is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. It’s rich in animal and plant life, with new species frequently being discovered. It covers 20,000 square kilometers and is home to more than 80 lakes. An expedition boat allows you to navigate the intricate aquatic network, where you can spot monkeys and sloths emerging from the dense forest for water.

Archaeological Wonders

Heading further north, the laid-back town of Chachapoyas is an ideal base for exploring archaeological wonders of the Chachapoya civilization, also known as the “Warriors of the Clouds.” Kuelap Fortress, considered the Machu Picchu of the north, is a striking wonder perched on top of a cliff that likely served as a religious center. This remote site, encircled by an impressive wall spanning nearly 600 meters, can be viewed without the crowds found at more popular sites.

The Leymebamba Museum offers a captivating dive into the country’s ancient past. It holds over 200 remarkably preserved Inca-Chachapoyas mummies and the nation’s largest collection of quipos, record keeping devices utilizing knotted beads used by ancient Andean cultures.

While in Leymebamba, consider hiking to the Revash mausoleum, a four-hour round-trip journey. This colorful archaeological site sits dramatically on a cliff, its walls adorned with geometric designs depicting animal figures.

With its barely-excavated pre-Inca ruins and uncrowded hiking routes, Northern Peru feels like a land suspended in time. It offers rare feelings of discovery, walking in the footsteps of ancient cultures, and finding a profound stillness in the beautiful landscape.

Jen Richt is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and specializes in trips to South America and Antarctica. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Richt at [email protected].