Much of the evidence of the Inca’s advanced civilization is scattered across the surrounding mountains in the Sacred Valley. Machu Picchu may be the most popular, but it's only one part of a far greater picture. The ruins at Ollantaytambo are a particular highlight, where tiers of sheer stone have been carved out of the Andean cliffs. Here, you can learn about the Inca's innovative farming methods, which included creating advanced irrigation systems in this harsh environment.

Pisac is lined by the ochre walls characteristic of the small towns that surround Cusco, underlaid by the hefty 12-angled stones used to construct the Inca’s ancient strongholds. And the Pisac Market is just as quintessentially Peruvian as the walls surrounding it—pick up everything from traditional woven ponchos and alpaca wool garb, to colorful bags stitched with Inca patterns, paintings, instruments, accessories, and more.

Machu Picchu welcomes more than 1.5 million visitors each year, but its sister city, Choquequirao, is often visited by fewer than 9,500. This underrated lost city is hidden 10,000 feet high in the Peruvian Andes. Here, hardy travelers can explore remnants of homes, temples, and agricultural structures. Currently, the 18-mile trek can only be done on foot via a challenging trail straddling the line between Andean peaks and the dense Amazonian forest below, so plan accordingly.

Against the rust-red rock and soil that burns in the Andean sun, the stark white salt pools of Maras are a sight to behold. The 5,000 cascading white steps are segmented into milky ponds with rock-hewn balustrades acting as service roads for the workers extracting the essential mineral. Salt from Maras is used in so many of Peru’s most important national products. The site is easily accessible on a day trip from Cusco and is often paired with a visit to the nearby site of Moray.

Most photos and tour brochures showcase just one spot in the Rainbow Mountains, often pumped up by heavy saturation and the illusion of an empty peak. Though the real colors are slightly duller, and the gatherings of tourists, guides, and bedraggled horses are unavoidable, the expansive landscape is still impressive, so these mountains are definitely worth climbing: The undulating Andes are ribboned by muted red, gold, and green, tinged all along the route up to the famous photo spot.

Take a trip to Humantay Lake by ascending into the Andes at the break of dawn to catch a glimpse of the lake as the sun begins to rise. You’ll start the trek at 13,700 feet (4,200 meters) above sea level, hiking between snow-capped, craggy peaks. Arduous altitude aside, though, the trail offers opportunities to spot Andean condors and views over the Cordillera de Vilcabamba. Recover at the silent edge of the bright blue lake, watching the mountain’s mirror ripple in the Andean breeze.

Before the arrival of the Spanish colonizers, Cusco was the capital of an empire that stretched from Quito in Ecuador to Santiago in Chile. Its age is evident in its foundations—giant slabs of Andean stone still stand beneath the Spanish walls. Book a tour with an experienced guide to learn about the history of the imperial city, and don’t skip visiting the Cusco Cathedral, built atop an ancient worship site, or viewing the remnants of Coricancha, a former Inca temple.

Cusco’s Urubamba River carves a scenic route through the Andes all the way to the Amazon Basin. It's made for white-water rafting excursions, thanks to Class I–III rapids that are ideal for both beginners and thrillseekers. For double the fun, opt for a rafting tour that also includes a ride on a zipline; you’ll enjoy unrivaled views of the Sacred Valley’s emerald peaks.

Peru has long been considered the culinary capital of South America, so there’s no better place to dive into Latin America’s gastronomy than here. As Cusco’s main market, Mercado Central de San Pedro captures the spirit of the city’s culture and cuisine. Food tours are a great way to navigate the bustling market with ease, while cooking classes that shop for ingredients at the market equip you with the tips and tricks you need to get Peruvian food right at home.