4 Mandatory Stops in Peru Beyond Machu Picchu

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4 Mandatory Stops in Peru Beyond Machu Picchu

Aug. 26, 2026
A country where the desert meets the ocean, Andean traditions remain alive, and a history
spanning thousands of years coexists with modernity.


Bogotá, August 2026. - For decades, Machu Picchu has been the great symbol of Peru to the
world. But one only needs to step off the beaten path to discover a country capable of surprising
us time and time again: tropical in the north, Andean in its traditions, urban and cosmopolitan in its capital, and with a history that began thousands of years before the Incas.

This discovery begins even before arriving at the citadel. Because Peru is not just an
archaeological destination: it is a territory where geography changes radically in just a few
hours, and where each landscape reveals a different way of relating to nature, culture, and
gastronomy.

Punta Sal: Discovering Tropical Peru

For many travelers, one of the first surprises in Peru appears in the far north. The Tumbes
department reveals a tropical and maritime facet of the country, marked by exceptional
biodiversity. In Punta Sal, a renowned seaside resort, warm waters and extensive beaches
create a unique landscape that goes beyond rest, allowing visitors to discover the marine and
coastal ecosystems characteristic of the region and, during the migration season, to enjoy one
of its greatest natural attractions: humpback whale watching, an experience that brings visitors
closer to the natural wealth of this corner of the Peruvian north.

The experience can go much further than contemplating the ocean. Through Decameron
Explorer, travelers can participate in humpback whale and sea turtle watching excursions,
navigating the coast responsibly with specialized guides. Additionally, the offer includes tours to Máncora, one of the most iconic destinations in northern Peru, ideal for enjoying its beaches,
relaxed atmosphere, and renowned gastronomy. Thus, the experience combines nature,
adventure, and the most representative attractions of the northern coast.

In this setting lies the Royal Decameron Punta Sal, a resort facing the Pacific that makes the
relationship with the sea an essential part of the stay. Its "All Inclusive" concept integrates
accommodation, gastronomy, entertainment, and non-motorized water activities, while its
location allows guests to enjoy this unique landscape of the Peruvian north, which can also be
"tasted," as the Pacific's fish and seafood are present in the ceviche and other characteristic
northern flavors that bring a piece of Tumbes' identity to the table and show that, in Peru,
gastronomy also begins in the landscape.

Long Before the Incas: Discovering Another History of Peru

But the discovery can also be made by traveling back in time. On the central coast, the Sacred
City of Caral holds a history that predates Machu Picchu by thousands of years. With about
5,000 years of antiquity, the Sacred City of Caral-Supe is recognized by UNESCO as one of the
oldest testimonies of civilization in the Americas, with monumental architecture and a complex
social organization developed long before the rise of the Inca Empire.

The history continues in other territories: the ancient "puquios" of Nasca show the extraordinary
hydraulic knowledge of the societies that inhabited one of the most arid deserts on the planet,
while Kuélap recalls the legacy of the Chachapoyas, a culture that built its own architecturaland
cultural universe in the mountains of the Peruvian northeast. These are areas that allow us to
understand that the country's historical wealth is much more extensive than what is usually
concentrated around the Incas.

El Pueblo: A Gateway to Andean Tradition

This cultural diversity can also be experienced in Santa Clara, on the outskirts of Lima. There,
Decameron El Pueblo proposes a different experience: a resort conceived as an Andean village,
whose architecture, spaces, gastronomy, and activities seek to recreate elements of traditional
Peruvian life.

The experience begins in its own Plaza de Armas, around which much of the resort's life
develops, and at night, guests can enjoy shows that make this space a meeting point within the
experience. El Mercado, inspired by a traditional market square, brings together local and
international preparations.

Peru has an experience for every type of traveler, from the adventurer to those looking to
connect with the country's traditions. The final recommendation is to coordinate the itinerary in
advance to ensure you can see everything the tourist wants to prioritize.

About Decameron All Inclusive Hotels & Resorts:

Decameron All Inclusive Hotels & Resorts is one of the most recognized hotel chains in Latin
America and the Caribbean, with a presence in countries such as Colombia, El Salvador,
Panama, Mexico, Ecuador, and Peru.

The company offers vacation experiences focused on entertainment, gastronomy, well-being,
and connection with local culture. Through its All Inclusive proposal, Decameron seeks to
provide memorable and worry-free trips, complementing its offer with products like Decameron
Explorer, which allows travelers to access tours, cultural activities, and authentic experiences in each destination.

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