Beyond the well-trodden paths to Machu Picchu lie dozens of towns where Peru’s rich cultural heritage continues to thrive in everyday life. These 16 remarkable destinations preserve centuries-old traditions while welcoming visitors into their vibrant communities.
From ancient textile traditions to pre-Columbian agricultural practices, each town offers unique glimpses into living history that you won’t find in traditional museums.
Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley
Known as the ‘Living Inca City,’ Ollantaytambo maintains its original street layout and water channels from the 13th century. Families still live in ancient stone houses built by their ancestors, using traditional courtyards called ‘kanchas’ for daily activities.
You’ll hear Quechua spoken in the streets while watching locals tend to agricultural terraces that have been continuously cultivated for over 700 years.
Pisac, Cusco Region
Perched above the Urubamba River, Pisac combines its famous ruins with one of the most authentic traditional markets in Peru. Local craftspeople continue to create ceramics using techniques passed down from Inca times, often firing their pieces in traditional ground ovens.
The town’s chicha brewers maintain the ancient art of making corn beer, storing it in centuries-old ceramic vessels.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Chinchero, Sacred Valley
Renowned for its traditional weaving cooperative, Chinchero’s women preserve intricate textile patterns that tell stories of their ancestors. The town’s Sunday market follows ancient trading traditions, with produce laid out on blankets just as it was in Inca times.
Local farmers still harvest their potatoes using traditional tools and agricultural ceremonies passed down through generations.
Chacas, Ancash
This mountain town preserves Italian artisan traditions through its famous woodworking school, where local youth learn centuries-old techniques. The town’s architecture reflects a unique blend of Andean and European influences, with ornately carved balconies and doorways.
Traditional cheese makers in surrounding villages continue using methods brought by Italian missionaries generations ago.
Marcapata, Cusco Region
Hidden in a remote valley, Marcapata maintains pre-Inca weaving traditions using natural dyes from local plants. The town’s ancient church houses a collection of colonial art that local artists still study and restore using traditional techniques.
You’ll find farmers practicing ancient agricultural rituals in the surrounding fields, particularly during planting and harvest seasons.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Huancaya, Lima Region
Nestled among stunning waterfalls, Huancaya’s stone houses and ancient paths showcase traditional high-Andean architecture. Local fishermen use traditional methods to catch trout in the turquoise lagoons, sharing age-old recipes with visitors.
The town’s yearly festivals preserve pre-Hispanic customs blended with colonial traditions, particularly during their unique water blessing ceremonies.
Tupe, Lima Region
One of the few places where the ancient Jaqaru language is still spoken daily, Tupe preserves unique cultural traditions, including distinctive traditional dress.
Local women wear the ‘anako,’ a pre-Hispanic dress style that hasn’t changed in centuries, while performing daily tasks. The town’s isolation has helped preserve ancient agricultural practices and traditional food preparation methods.
San Blas, Cusco
Known as the ‘artisan quarter of Cusco,’ San Blas maintains workshops where traditional crafts have been practiced for generations. Local artists continue creating religious art using colonial-era techniques, particularly in silver work and painting.
The narrow cobblestone streets house family-run workshops where you can watch masters teach apprentices age-old artistic methods.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Sibayo, Arequipa
Called the ‘Living Stone Town,’ Sibayo’s residents maintain their traditional lifestyle in houses built entirely of stone without mortar. Local families offer homestays where you can experience ancient cooking methods using underground ovens called ‘watias.’
The town’s bridge builders preserve techniques for creating traditional rope bridges using local grasses, demonstrating their skills during annual festivals.
Raqchi, Cusco Region
Famous for its temple ruins, Raqchi’s modern potters continue creating ceramics using pre-Hispanic techniques passed down through generations. The town’s weekly market maintains ancient bartering practices, especially for traditionally crafted items.
Local families preserve the art of traditional granary construction, building round storehouses just as their ancestors did.
Paucartambo, Cusco Region
Home to the famous Virgen del Carmen festival, Paucartambo preserves unique masked dance traditions that tell stories of local history. The town’s bridge and colonial buildings serve as stages for year-round cultural performances that maintain ancient storytelling traditions.
Local mask makers continue crafting intricate festival masks using techniques passed down through family workshops.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Juli, Puno Region
Known as ‘Little Rome of America,’ Juli preserves some of Peru’s finest colonial churches alongside vibrant indigenous traditions. Local metalworkers maintain ancient techniques for creating religious artifacts, working in workshops that have operated for generations.
The town’s markets still feature traditional medicine sellers offering ancient remedies and conducting healing ceremonies.
Antioquía, Lima Region
This small town has transformed itself into an outdoor art gallery by preserving local artistic traditions through painted house facades. Local artists continue developing unique folk art styles that blend colonial and indigenous influences.
The town’s fruit preservers maintain traditional methods for creating sweets and preserves using ancient recipes.
Chazuta, San Martín
Famous for its traditional pottery, Chazuta’s artisans maintain pre-Hispanic ceramic techniques using local clay and natural pigments. The town’s shamanic traditions blend ancient plant knowledge with modern healing practices preserved by local curanderos.
You’ll find traditional boats being built using methods passed down through generations of river navigators.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Leimebamba, Amazonas
Home to an impressive museum of mummy bundles, Leimebamba’s residents continue ancient textile traditions using local materials. The town’s horse culture preserves traditional breeding and training methods brought by Spanish colonists centuries ago.
Local cheese makers maintain colonial-era dairy processing techniques in traditional stone structures.
Calca, Cusco Region
Located in the Sacred Valley, Calca preserves ancient agricultural traditions through its terraced fields and irrigation systems. Local market vendors continue age-old traditions of herb classification and use, sharing knowledge passed down through generations.
The town’s traditional healers maintain ancient ceremonial sites where they practice rituals unchanged for centuries.
More from Travel Pug
- 15 Dangerous European Cities to Avoid
- 15 Caribbean Islands Where Tourists Keep Getting Scammed
- The 20 Most Fascinating Abandoned Places: A Journey Through Time and Forgotten Spaces
- 15 Hidden Places in the Smithsonian Museums Locals Love: A Guide to Lesser-Known Treasures
- 16 Hidden Florida Beach Towns That Aren’t Overrun with Tourists
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.