After experiencing Machu Picchu, it may feel like there’s nothing left to see in Peru. It turns out the country is filled with stunning landmarks that are worth taking a detour. Though this time we'll only be focusing on landmarks that fall between Machu Picchu and Lima. Points in this region cut through a series of unique landscapes from the Andes to desert islands. The use of nature makes many of these activities free.

Money saved on admission fees will likely go to the cost of tours. Treks and hikes will require them. That same tricky terrain may make some drivers nervous. Taking the bus between locations or going with a company that organizes stops is another option. Regardless of the selected mode of transportation, trip planners must first consider all the available sites.

10 Count The 7 Colors Of The Rainbow At Vinicunca

Rainbow Mountain should be the first step for people leaving Machu Picchu since the site is just outside of Cusco. The hike up to the peak is estimated to last about three hours by Nada Incluido. Reaching this point isn’t necessary to see the mountain’s famous colors. Streaks of red, green, and other colors trail all the way down the slopes. They appear more surreal from a distance, but grazing alpacas and sprigs of green grass break that illusion.

9 Take A Break By The Huacachina Oasis

Travelers planning trips to desert locations this year will want to wait out the sweltering summer heat, but Huacachina is a comfortable option year-round. The oasis that sits at its center counteracts the raging sun. Visitors spend their time plowing through the sand on ATVs. Crashing into dusty sand dunes while sand-surfing adds an extra layer of filth and sticky heat. Once they’ve had enough, they return to town for an icy Inca Kola and a dip in the lagoon.

8 Wine Country Overlaps Part Of The Route

The path from Machu Picchu cuts right through Peru’s wine country. There are opportunities for wine tastings and tours in Lima and Ica along with a few smaller name cities. Various alcohols are produced in the region, but Pisco, a type of yellow brandy, takes first priority. It’s used in Pisco Sour which is Peru’s national drink. The taste of it is sweet and sour with a creamy texture that comes from egg whites.

7 Savor The Journey By Trekking Across Colca Canyon

A hike up Colca Canyon begins with the terrace fields laid out over its areas of low elevation. Evidence of agriculture disappears as the terraces slope up into hills. In the end, these hills soar over in the valley below. The bright blue of the narrow Colca river is all that will be visible. This is a trip that takes days since the canyon is so vast and there are several small villages to visit.

6 Admire The White City In Arequipa

Past volcanic eruptions in this region left huge deposits of white sillar rock. It was used to carve out the city of Arequipa. Tour In Peru claims these stony white alleyways and stark churches to be the origin of Arequipa’s “White City” title. The city isn’t just pretty on the outside. Venture into restaurants and markets for further cultural experiences. If time allows, tours also take people out to see the sillar mines.

5 Admire The Diverse Animal Life In Paracas

Initial images of Paracas may seem desolate due to its huge swaths of uninhabited desert. Its life is hidden below the dramatic drops of cliffs out on the Ballestas Islands. Sea lions cluster along rocky enclaves out at sea. Waves rock boats of tourists back-and-forth between flocks of penguins and flamingos. On land uncovered caches of archaeological remains reveal the life that was once present on this peninsula.

4 Climb Abroad The Floating Village Of The Uros

The sensation of land sinking beneath your feet may be unnerving when making your first step onto an Uru island, but these people know what they’re doing. They’ve been proving that for centuries. Bundles of dried totora reeds are harvested from Lake Titicaca and bound together to create these floating island homes, according to Cultural Survival. The history is explained on the islands while women craft souvenirs out of reeds and colorful textiles.

Related: Rob Lowe, Zac Efron And 8 Other Celebs Who Visited Machu Picchu In Peru

3 Other Distinct Cultures Call The Water Home

Taquile Island is located further out on Lake Titicaca. This one is an actual island built on sturdy ground. The additional space has allowed its inhabitants to build a permanent city with restaurants and hotels. Men take on the task of creating textiles here, according to the Culture Trip. They are known for knitting together vibrant patterns that are worn throughout the town. Souvenir textiles are bought in the form of clothing or as decorative art pieces.

Related: A Travel Guide To Peru: 11 Things To Know While Planning Your Trip

2 Decipher The Geoglyphs At A Roadside Stop

An absence of wind and rain has preserved the Nazca Lines since ancient times. These “lines” are glyphs of animals, objects, and people etched into the earth by the Nazca people. Archaeologists and historians have yet to reach an explanation for the existence of this artwork, according to Science Alert. Visitors are welcome to climb up to the viewing tower near the Pan-American highway to look out over hundreds of carvings and make their own conclusions.

Related: Before You Write Off South America: 20 Stunning Photos Of Peru Taken By Real Travelers 

1 Celebrate The Arrival To Lima At Park Of The Reserve

The Park of the Reserve consists of 13 fountains and several gardens. Prepare to get wet walking through tunnels of jets. Or take the heart-shaped hedge tunnel to stay dry. Another standout is the Dream Maze, a labyrinth of timed fountains. There are also light shows that occur at certain times of the day. The park is found between Arequipa Avenue and the Paseo de la Republica Expressway. Entry is just $1.50 for adults, according to How to Peru.

Next: 15 Inca Structures And Sites You Can Visit In Peru Today