Peru is a good sized country, almost twice the size of Texas and only slightly smaller than Alaska. While we did fly into Cusco and out of Arrequipa when we started our travels back to the USA, we normally used buses most of the rest of the time (except our train to/from Aguas Calientes and from Cusco to Puno).
The 6 hour bus ride (192 miles) was not nearly as beautiful in my eyes (remember I like green) but it was still striking. The area, especially as you approach Arrequipa is quite arid. Still an interesting trip.