The two popular cities of Cusco and Lima should be atop every traveler's itinerary when planning a trip to the beautiful South American country of Peru. However, visiting some lesser-known albeit worthwhile cities truly enhances the Andean experience.

1. Puno

While the city of Puno is sprawling with indigenous markets, authentic eateries and unique transportation modes, its biggest draw is the majestic boat trips around Lake Titicaca, per Touropia.This is where tourists can visit the man-made floating islands of Uros while getting to know the indigenous Uru people.

2. Mancora

Mancora is a haven for beach sports and other water-related activities, including surfing and morning yoga along the shoreline. "You're more likely to see bikini tops and flip-flops out at night in Mancora than high heels," said Nicholas Gill of NYMag.

3. Pisco

Pisco is near Paracas National Reservation, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only marine reservation in Peru. Hailed as one of the richest yet most bizarre ecosystems, travelers will find animals like penguins, sea lions, marine cats, black ostrich, chita fish and purple crabs in Pisco.

4. Arequipa

Arequipa is at the heart of the Andes Mountains with exceptional views of El Misti Volcano, which tourists can scale if they so choose. Trekking around the city, travelers would notice Spanish-style buildings made from pearly-white volcanic rock.

5. Iquitos

Dubbed as "The Gateway to the Amazon," Iquitos is the largest city in the world inaccessible by major thoroughfares, planes and boats. That said, it is still one of the most popular places to visit in Andean nation.

6. Nazca

Nazca is home to the world-renowned Nazca Lines, the far-reaching ancient geoglyphs in the Nazca Desert, as described on Skepdic. This UNESCO World Heritage Site can be enjoyed on land or by viewing the site from a helicopter. Nazca also offers mummies, sandboarding and vibrant Sunday markets.

7. Huaraz

The polar opposite of Mancora, Huaraz is a hiker's paradise. It is located in the Cordillera Blanca region of Peru's Northern Sierra. Outside of hiking, travellers can enjoy mountaineering, rock climbing, biking, archaeological sites, museums, markets and parks. Click here to read more about Huaraz.

8. Chivay

Chivay has one of the world's deepest canyons: Colca Canyon. Measuring 13,650 feet deep, it is more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, the BohemianTraveler reported. Hikers can also enjoy the city's astronomical observatory, natural hot springs and cultural markets.

9. Huanchaco

The beach town of Huanchaco is an essential destination for surfing enthusiasts of all levels. Surfers can relish in the good wind and swell direction, with swells ranging from three to eight feet.

10. Trujillo

Trujillo is situated close to the pre-Columbian site of Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the ancient world. Interestingly enough, the city also includes some of Huanchaco's scenic shorelines. Access this link to search for hotels in Trujillo.