For those adrenaline seekers, Peru is one of the best destinations in South America to practice adventure sports. Our country is widely diverse, with three geographical sectors that offer the perfect setting to experience that adrenaline rush you’re looking for.
The Andes, for example, are one of the most sought after destinations in our country, not only because of the many archaeological sites that it gathers, but also for allowing visitors to get fully immersed in its mountainous landscapes.
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 coastside offers many adventures that you surely wouldn’t like to miss.
Luckily for you, we have prepared this section to teach you about the different things to do in Peru, so you get to experience the 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 an optimal weather condition 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. However, it is worth mentioning that there are many operators that offer this activity, which is why we encourage you to do your research before committing with any company.
Likewise, they don’t rent the paraglider for solo use, but a certified pilot will accompany you in this adventure, making sure you’re safe and sound throughout the whole journey. 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. Generally, Lima’s coastline has an 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 a blog 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, the Islas Palomino are 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.
Thanks to the lack of predators in this area, the surrounding islands are home to a large colony of sea lions. On this occasion, you’ll get to explore some of the tourist attractions within the Callao district and its surroundings, plus an activity that you surely won’t like to miss!
The itinerary will take you to La Punta, a beautiful neighborhood with a colorful republican architecture. 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 in the San Lorenzo island and a high security prison in 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 the sea lions could be dangerous, it is actually quite funny and frightening at the same time. Once you get the hang of it and realise how inofensive these animals are, you’ll feel like the little mermaid yourself surrounded by ‘aquatic 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. The national reserve is the main attraction here, and though 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 fosiles, 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 for 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 southern Peru, this is the way to go!
4. Dune Buggy and Sandboarding in Huacachina
Ok, this is by far the most demanded tour in Huacachina, and how not to since you get to explore the desert on a four-wheel buggy as if you were in 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 at its fullest, we encourage you to check our travel packages or contact us so we can put together a personalized travel itinerary just for you!