Five Reasons To Visit Peru That Aren't Machu Picchu

Peru has its fair share of awe-inspiring sights, but most visitors skip right over them and head for the grand finale, Machu Picchu. And though the ancient city is certainly worthy of your time, there is much more to this vast country than a litter-ridden Inca Trail. Dine with the Peruvian elite, walk a manmade island, or raft a canyon that requires a mule to get to; but whatever you do, don't beeline for the Andes then skip town. Here are five really good reasons to go to Peru that don't include Machu Picchu. It's no longer the secluded surfer retreat that it once was, but the town of Máncora on Peru's northern coast is a must-do for anyone who likes to drink their cervezas barefoot. The former fishing village sports a classic South American beach vibe where you'll hear the Macarena perhaps a few too many times and dodge Americans practicing their best 7th-grade Spanish. But even with the crowds that come with cult popularity, Máncora retains the charm that initially attracted the carefree lot. Sandy beaches stretch for miles, dotted with beach chairs and plush resorts (plus the random hostel), while waves fit for Kelly Slater await offshore. Hut-like restaurants offer the Pacific's freshest seafood and the coldest beer south of Ecuador. When the sun goes down, so does the level of what's morally acceptable. Known for its raucous nightlife, Máncora transforms into a South American Cancun during the summer months (December to March). Your options of getting here from the capital city of Lima include a somewhat pricey but relatively short plane ride into the cities of Piura or Tumbes (followed by a taxi ride on in), a 16-hour bus ride up the coast, or renting a car and going at it alone.