Cusco, Cusco

destination • outdoors

Rainbow Mountain

A few years ago, a glacier retreated, revealing the spectacular mineral deposits of Rainbow Mountain below. Also known as Vinicunca, this 5,200-meter mountain is not as difficult as its elevation would imply, requiring only a 3-hour hike. The hardest part is getting a pic without hordes of people in the background.

Ollantaytambo, Cusco

destination • experience • outdoors

Ollantaytambo

If you prefer your hikes to be surrounded by Incan ruins, Ollantaytambo is for you. A massive Incan fortress set in the Sacred Valley of Peru, this can't-miss destination features not only huge temples and views, but some thigh-busting inclines, as well.

Cusco, Cuzco

destination • experience • outdoors

Valle Rojo

Valle Rojo can easily be combined with Rainbow Mountain in a one-day trip, but it's a worthwhile destination in its own right. You'll need to pay a separate entrance fee before hiking up to a viewpoint high above the canyon. From here, you'll be afforded views that you'd be hard-pressed to find anywhere else on Earth. Reds, greens and browns combine to form a spectacular natural canvas.

Chivay, Arequipa

destination • outdoors

Colca Canyon

It's the world's second-deepest canyon. It's enormous. It's gorgeous. You can approach it by merely driving along the rim, stopping for mini-hikes to viewpoints and admiring condors soaring on thermals. Or, you can book a one, two, or three-day tour of the canyon's depths, exploring oases and incredible rock formations. The choice is yours.

Lima Region, Peru

destination • experience • lodging • outdoors

Marcahuasi - San Pedro de Casta

Many come to Marcahuasi to meditate, camp, and hang out between the giant rocks and the stars. Others come to hike this giant mountain plateau replete with otherworldly rock formations. We did the latter, scrambling between huge head-like formations and ancient ruins for hours. One word of warning: the road from Lima to Marcahuasi is a one-lane dirt affair with thousand-foot cliffs on each side at times. Approach it with caution.