For those seeking adrenaline-fueled adventures, Peru stands out as one of the top destinations in South America, offering a remarkable diversity across its three distinct geographical regions, each providing the perfect backdrop for thrilling sports. The Andes, in particular, are a favorite among visitors, not only for their stunning archaeological sites but also for the opportunity to immerse oneself in breathtaking mountainous landscapes, making Peru an unparalleled choice for adventure enthusiasts.
Likewise, the Huaraz region is the most popular among trekkers and it’s also recognized as the Trekking Capital of South America. On the other hand, the Peruvian coast offers many adventures that you surely wouldn’t like to miss. Luckily for you, we have prepared this section to teach you, so you get to experience most of our country without leaving anything behind. Let’s get to it!
1|Paragliding in Lima
If you prefer to master the winds instead of just going in the sea, then taking a flight on a paraglider could be the most suitable option for you. The air currents in Lima offer optimal weather conditions to fly over the vast Pacific Ocean and Lima. If you have what it takes to explore the sea, you should definitely go for a flight across the Peruvian sky.
It’s great to see that many operators provide this exciting activity! We encourage you to explore your options and find the company that suits you best. Also, keep in mind that for your safety, you won’t be renting the paraglider for solo use. Instead, a certified pilot will join you on this adventure, ensuring you have a safe and enjoyable experience from start to finish.
Likewise, just before launch, the operator will give you instructions and assistance during takeoff and landing. We’d like to note that this activity depends on the weather conditions, however, in most cases, Lima’s coastline has optimal weather for paragliding, though it may change drastically from one hour to another. If you’d like to know everything about this adventure, here’s an article about Paragliding in Lima.
2|Swimming with the Sea Lions
For those who didn’t know, the Lima coastside also holds an extensive biodiversity, similar to the one in the Ballestas Islands. In this case, Palomino Island is one of the most sought-after natural attractions in the capital of Peru, and unlike the Paracas Small Galapagos, here you’ll be able to live a more exciting experience in the Pacific Ocean.
We’re excited to share that the Callao district’s shore and its beautiful surroundings are home to a large colony of sea lions, thanks to the absence of predators in the area. During your visit, you’ll have the chance to explore some wonderful tourist attractions. One highlight you absolutely won’t want to miss is La Punta, a charming neighborhood filled with colorful republican architecture. We can’t wait for you to experience all this amazing place has to offer!
This barrio has the most delicious cevicherias (seafood restaurants) and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. You’ll also get to know a haunted military base located on San Lorenzo island and a high-security prison on El Frontón island before reaching the Palomino Islands, where you’ll get to swim with the sea lions.
Although some of you may think that swimming with sea lions could be dangerous, it is actually quite funny and frightening at the same time. Once you get the hang of it and realize how inoffensive these animals are, you’ll feel like the little mermaid yourself surrounded by ‘water dogs’ in every way.
3|ATV Quad Bike Tour to Paracas National Reserve
If you were thinking that Paracas was all about the ‘Peruvian Small Galapagos,’ let us tell you with all respect that you were wrong. Although the national reserve is the main attraction here, many travelers decide to explore it on regular bus tours, there are more exciting ways to do so. The Quad Bike Tour will let you explore the vast Paracas desert and its surroundings on a 2-hour ride across the natural protected area.
The activity will take you to the main attractions of the site, where you’ll get to see marine fossils, intriguing rock formations, and the most scenic beaches. Most tour operators start at 10:00 a.m. and it’s not necessary to have a driver’s license or to have any experience. The route is mainly flat and the ATV quad bikes are easy to handle, just make sure to be protected from the sun and carry enough water for the ride.
There are also options to take an afternoon tour through the Paracas National Reserve, so you can watch the sunset from a special spot in the area. If you’d like to spice up your adventure in Peru’s coastal area, this is the way to go!
4|Dune Buggy and Sandboarding in Huacachina
Ok, this is by far the most demanded tour in the Huacachina, and how not to since you get to explore the desert on a four-wheel buggy as if you were on a roller coaster. This adrenaline-packed adventure will take you through several dunes at high speed to later appreciate the landscape from a special spot.
Some travel operators combine the ride with the sandboarding activity, where you’ll get to slide down through several dunes on a sandboard, here you’ll find out if you’re really up to this! But don’t worry, it is not difficult at all since you can do it by laying flat on the board or – if you’re feeling adventurous – by standing on it like a total pro.
The Dune Buggy & Sandboarding tour is definitely a must if you’re traveling to this region of Peru. The tour takes about 2 hours, and we recommend you take it in the afternoon so you can see the sunset from the desert.
5|Take the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Let’s be honest here if this is your first time in Peru, you surely go to Machu Picchu. But, what if you take one of the biggest adventures in the Andes to reach this wonder of the world? As you may know, the Classic Inca Trail is one of the most in-demand alternatives to get to the historical sanctuary, something that should be on your bucket list.
The trail will take you on a 4-day journey where you’ll cross the Andes before getting fully immersed in the thick cloud forest. The natural setting in this route is like no other since you’ll be crossing different ecosystems thoroughly.
Besides the beautiful landscapes along the Inca Trail, you’ll also get to visit several archeological sites, all of them nearly intact since the Spaniards never got to discover this ancient road. That way you’ll get to know even more about the Inca civilization and how they managed to integrate these structures with the surrounding nature.
The trek will take you to altitudes that surpass the 4,000 meters of elevation before getting to Machu Picchu. On the last day, you’ll get to enter the historical sanctuary by the main entrance used during Inca times, the sun gate, while also glancing at the first sun rays that hit the citadel.
As you can see, Peru is one of the most complete travel destinations in South America, with adventures for all tastes. If you’re looking to explore our country to its fullest, travel with Viagens Machu Picchu. Feel free to contact our consultants so we can put together a personalized travel itinerary just for you!
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