The 7 best adventure sports to practice in Peru

Peru has a diverse geography ideal for practicing various adventure sports, among which are: hiking, cycling, canoeing, paragliding, surfing and much more. These sports can be practiced both on the desert coast, as well as in the high mountains of the Andes Mountains or even in the vast Amazon jungle. Learn about the best alternatives in Peru to practice adventure sports.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is recognized as one of the best treks on the entire planet. As its name indicates, it covers part of the Inca royal roads, the historic qhapac ñan. The distance is 39 kilometers, which are covered in 4 days of trekking and 3 nights of camping. At the end, we arrive at Machupicchu through the upper part (the Intipunku), just as the Incas did more than 500 years ago.

The Inca Trail, being a hiking route protected by the State of Peru, requires a special permit to carry out the route. The permits are managed by a tourism agency within an all-inclusive tour. The tour also includes transportation to the starting point, professional guide, camping equipment, food with cooks, porter team, entrance to Machu Picchu and return by train to Cusco.

• Location: In the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, Cusco region.
• Price: The tours cost between 400 to 600 dollars depending on the tourism agency you choose.

Paragliding in Lima

The green coast of Lima is made up of the most touristic coastal districts of Metropolitan Lima (Chorrillos, Barranco, Miraflores, San Miguel and La Punta districts in Callao). The paragliding adventure covers part of this beautiful coastal strip, which offers some of the best views of the city. This experience is carried out in the company of an authorized tourism agency.

The companies that carry out paragliding in Lima are located mainly in the districts of Miraflores and San Miguel. On the Miraflores boardwalk you can see paragliders flying over the sea with their complete equipment. The flight is in the company of a specialist. The duration of the flight depends on each company, but is generally 15 minutes. Some include video recording of the experience.

• Location: On the green coast of Lima (mainly in the districts of Miraflores and San Miguel).
• Price: 180 soles for a 15-minute flight (varies depending on the tour company you choose).

Rafting in Lunahuaná

Lunahuaná is one of the tourist attractions preferred by tourists from Lima. It is that this mountainous valley is located only 187 kilometers from the capital city (3 hours by road). There, in the waters of the Cañete River, you can practice canoeing at different levels: from adventures for beginners to routes for experts.

Lunahuaná offers a pleasant climate throughout the year. The best time to practice canoeing is from January to March, when the waters of the Cañete River increase their volume. The canoeing adventure is carried out in the company of a professional tourism agency. They include previous classes, as well as a route of approximately 7 kilometers (1 hour downstream). In Lunahuaná you can practice other adventure sports such as rappelling, ATV and more.

• Location: In the district of Lunahuaná, province of Cañete, to the south of Lima (187 km trip by highway south).
• Price: The canoeing route costs between 30 and 60 soles, depending on the tourist company you hire.

Cycling in the jungle of Cusco

Cusco, without a doubt, is one of the best adventure options in Peru. 104 kilometers from the city, you reach Abra Málaga (4,216 masl). There you have views of high snow-capped mountains, the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Cusco jungle. It is there where the descent by highway begins towards the tropical forests of the province of La Convención in the high jungle of Cusco.

The descent by bicycle is approximately 50 kilometers. Tourists on average pedal between 2 to 3 hours. That is, it is one of the longest routes in Peru. Here and there you can enjoy an incredible landscape. The route can be done by anyone, but it is recommended to choose an authorized tourism agency. This adventure is included in the famous Inca Jungle to Machu Picchu.

• Location: On the route that connects the towns of Ollantaytambo with Santa María in the province of La Convención (in the high jungle of Cusco).
• Price: The 1 day tour costs approximately 70 dollars. The 4 days Inca Jungle tour to Machu Picchu costs approximately 300 to 400 dollars.

Hiking trail in the Cordillera Blanca

The Cordillera Blanca is an immense chain of mountains and snow-capped mountains located in the department of Áncash, in the central highlands of Peru. It is estimated that it extends to the northeast for about 200 kilometers and includes the highest snow-capped mountains in Peru such as Huascarán (6,768 masl), Huandoy (6,395 masl) and Alpamayo (5,947 masl).

The Cordillera Blanca is a highly recommended tourist destination for lovers of hiking trails. Some of the most famous treks are: the Olleros to Chavín trek (3 days), the Quebrada Quillqueyhuanca trek (3 or 4 days), the Santa Cruz to Llanganuco trek (3 days) or the classic Santa Cruz trek to Llanganuco (4 or 5 days). The routes must be carried out with an authorized tourism agency. Tourist attractions such as the Llanganuco lagoon, the 69 lagoon or the Huascarán stand out.

• Location: In the central highlands of the department of Ancash (about 442 kilometers from the city of Lima).
• Price: The 1-day tours to Laguna 69 cost between 65 and 95 soles depending on the tourism agency you choose.

Rappelling in Chanchamayo

The central jungle of Peru offers some of the best climates and geographies in the country. Chanchamayo, located in the department of Junín, offers some of the best waterfalls for rappelling. This sport consists of descending a vertical wall held by a rope and a harness. The Chanchamayo waterfalls are ideal for this sport, as well as mountain biking, paragliding and trekking.

One of the most recommended Chanchamayo waterfalls for rappelling is the Velo de la Novia waterfall (30 kilometers from the town of Perené). The waterfall consists of 120 meters of altitude. The practice is done with an official tourism agency and includes previous classes, as well as all the necessary safety equipment for a smooth adventure. There you can also practice paddle.

• Location: In the district of Chachapoyas, department of Junín in the central highlands of the country.
• Price: The 1-day tour costs between 30 and 60 soles, depending on the tourism agency you choose.

Surfing in Piura

The Piura region is characterized by its beaches with warm water under heat that exceeds 30ºC. Some of the most famous beaches in this region are: Colán, Los Órganos, Las Pocitas, Vichayito, Yacila, Lobitos, Cabo Blanco and, of course, Máncora. These beaches are ideal for relaxing, tasting delicious seafood and, of course, practicing adventure sports such as surfing.

In the warm waters of Piura’s beaches there are surf schools for beginners. There is also the possibility of renting a board and venturing out on your own. Between October and March, the waves are higher, which makes it easier to practice other sports such as windsurfing or kitesurfing. In Máncora, for example, there are excellent hotels and surf schools for all ages: from children to seniors.

• Location: 987 kilometers by north highway in the Piura region. Mancora is 180 kilometers from the city of Piura.
• Price: Surf lessons cost between 150 to 200 soles, depending on the school you hire.

By Machupicchu Terra – Last updated, August 3, 2023