The snow-crowned mountains, the fields drawn in dozens of green hues that fuse with the paths of the Inca Trail net and unite with deep and blue lagoons with their original flora and fauna, make of Cusco's routes are a great option in South America for adventure tourims.
Actually the adventure tourism includes city, valley and the practice of different kinds of activities such as mountain climbing, rafting, horseback biking, bungee jumping, mountain biking, rock climbing, fishing and many other activities is more due to the great climatic variety and to territory's geographical relief and these are just some of the options of adventures and sports that can be put into practice in many of the world's most beautiful sceneries.
Including valleys, high plateaus and mountain ranges, offer hiking circuits with different degrees of difficulty. In the Department of Cusco, nature seems to have carved the geography to create challenges for those who like adventure to the extreme. In some cases, this kind of tours includes contacts with Andean villages and people, as trekking is the region's most popular adventure activity.
When is summer on the coast, it is winter on the andes and in the jungle the climate is tropical. The most popular sector to do rafting are: Segements of the Vilcanota and Apurimac rivers, this routes give you the oportunity to journey on acients paths that will transport you to the past, exploring overall the customs of communities, their music and traditional food. In all cases, we recommend travelers who want to know the territory "step by step" in safe conditions, should previously hire a specialized travel agency.
It can be considered in 3 categories:
Peru is one of those destinations that is synonymous with travel.
There are so many epic adventurous things to do in Peru, that narrowing them down to 10 was difficult. Still, here’s a great place to start!
Hiking the Inca Trail is an incredible experience that allows you to explore the stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Peru. The Inca Trail is a 26-mile (42 km) trek that follows an ancient path that was used by the Incas to access the historic site of Machu Picchu.
The trek takes you through rugged mountain terrain, lush forests, and past stunning vistas of the Andes mountains. You'll also have the opportunity to explore fascinating Inca ruins along the way, including Wiñay Wayna, Phuyupatamarca, and Intipata.
The Inca Trail is a challenging trek that takes several days to complete, and requires a moderate level of fitness. It's important to be well prepared with proper hiking gear, including sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing, and a good quality backpack. You'll also need to be acclimatized to the altitude, which can take a few days, so it's recommended to spend some time in the city of Cusco before beginning the trek.
To hike the Inca Trail, you'll need to obtain a permit from the Peruvian government, which limits the number of visitors to the trail each day. It's important to plan well in advance and book with a licensed tour operator, as permits often sell out months in advance.
Overall, hiking the Inca Trail is an unforgettable adventure that offers breathtaking scenery and a deep connection to the history and culture of the Inca civilization.
Hiking the Salkantay Trek is another incredible trekking adventure in Peru that takes you through the stunning natural landscapes of the Andes mountains. This trek is a great alternative to the Inca Trail, as it offers similar views of the Andes and also ends at the historic site of Machu Picchu.
The Salkantay Trail is a 5-day trek that covers a distance of 46 miles (74 km), with the highest point reaching 15,200 feet (4,630 meters) above sea level. The trail takes you through breathtaking scenery, including snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, and lush tropical forests.
Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to experience the local culture of the region, including visiting traditional Andean communities and meeting locals who still practice ancient customs and traditions. You'll also have the chance to soak in natural hot springs and witness the incredible diversity of flora and fauna in the region.
The Salkantay Trail is considered a challenging trek and requires a good level of fitness, as you'll be hiking at high altitude and through rugged terrain. It's important to be well prepared with proper hiking gear, including sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing, and a good quality backpack.
Like the Inca Trail, you'll need to obtain a permit to hike the Salkantay Trail, which can be obtained through licensed tour operators. It's important to plan well in advance and book with a reputable company to ensure a safe and enjoyable trek.
Overall, hiking the Salkantay Trail is an unforgettable adventure that offers incredible scenery, cultural immersion, and a unique perspective on the history and culture of Peru.
Visiting Isla Ballestas is an excellent opportunity to witness an abundance of wildlife in their natural habitat. Isla Ballestas is a small group of rocky islands located off the coast of Paracas, Peru. The islands are home to a vast array of marine and bird life, including sea lions, penguins, pelicans, boobies, and many other bird species.
To visit Isla Ballestas, you can take a boat tour from the nearby town of Paracas. The boat ride takes approximately 2 hours and provides a fantastic opportunity to see the incredible wildlife that inhabits the islands. You'll also be able to see the famous Candelabra geoglyph, a mysterious and impressive figure etched into the side of a nearby cliff.
During the boat tour, you'll get up close to the sea lions lounging on the rocky shores, as well as the playful Humboldt penguins swimming and diving around the islands. You'll also be surrounded by hundreds of noisy and colorful birds, including pelicans, cormorants, and boobies, flying overhead and nesting in the rocky cliffs.
The best time to visit Isla Ballestas is during the early morning when the wildlife is most active and the sea conditions are calmer. It's important to follow the rules and regulations set by the tour operators and the National Reserve to ensure the safety and protection of the wildlife and their habitat.
Overall, visiting Isla Ballestas is an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and a chance to witness the diverse and beautiful wildlife of Peru.
Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca or Montaña de Siete Colores, is a popular destination located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It's famous for its breathtaking views of colorful striped mountain peaks and has become a popular hiking spot for tourists.
Here are some tips to help you plan your visit:
Respect the environment: When visiting Rainbow Mountain, it's important to respect the environment and follow Leave No Trace principles. Avoid littering and stay on designated trails.
Manu National Park is a protected area located in the southeastern region of Peru. It's one of the most biodiverse areas in the world and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. If you're interested in exploring the park, here's some information and tips on hiking the Manu Park trail:
Respect the environment: When visiting the park, it's important to respect the environment and follow Leave No Trace principles. Avoid littering and stay on designated trails. You'll also need to follow park regulations, such as not feeding or approaching wildlife.
Overall, hiking the Manu Park trail can be an incredible experience, offering the opportunity to see some of the world's most spectacular wildlife and landscapes. Just remember to plan ahead, respect the environment, and choose a reliable tour operator.
Colca Canyon is a beautiful canyon located in southern Peru, about four hours from the city of Arequipa. It's one of the deepest canyons in the world and is a popular destination for hiking, birdwatching, and cultural experiences. Here are some tips to help you plan your visit to Colca Canyon:
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Colca Canyon is from April to October when the weather is dry and sunny. However, it can get cold at night, so be sure to bring warm clothes.
Overall, visiting Colca Canyon can be a memorable experience, offering stunning natural landscapes, cultural experiences, and wildlife viewing. Just remember to plan ahead, choose a reliable tour operator, and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
The Humantay Lagoon is a beautiful turquoise glacial lake located in the Peruvian Andes, about a 3-hour drive from the city of Cusco. It's a popular day trip destination for visitors who want to experience the natural beauty of the Andes. Here are some tips to help you plan your visit to the Humantay Lagoon:
Overall, visiting the Humantay Lagoon can be a breathtaking experience, offering stunning natural landscapes and a challenging hike. Just remember to plan ahead, choose a reliable tour operator, and be prepared for the altitude and changing weather conditions.
Huacachina is a small oasis town located about 4 hours south of Lima, Peru. One of the most popular activities to do in Huacachina is taking a buggy ride through the surrounding sand dunes. Here are some tips to help you plan your Huacachina buggy trip:
Overall, the Huacachina buggy trip is a fun and thrilling activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Just remember to choose a reliable tour operator, be prepared for the desert conditions, and follow safety precautions.
The Misti volcano is a popular destination for trekking in the Arequipa region of Peru. The trek takes you through stunning landscapes of the Andes Mountains and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and peaks.
The Misti volcano is located in the southern part of the city of Arequipa, and stands at an impressive height of 5,825 meters above sea level. The trek to the summit of Misti is challenging, and requires a good level of fitness and acclimatization to the altitude.
There are different routes to climb Misti, but the most popular one is the one that starts at the base camp of Aguada Blanca, which is located at an altitude of around 4,200 meters. From there, the trek takes you through rocky terrain and steep inclines, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
It is recommended to take a guided trek with an experienced guide who can ensure your safety and help you with acclimatization to the altitude. The best time to climb Misti is during the dry season, which runs from May to September.
Overall, Misti is a great trekking destination for those looking for a challenging and rewarding adventure in the Andes Mountains.
The Uros Floating Islands are a group of man-made islands located in Lake Titicaca, which is shared by Peru and Bolivia. The islands are made entirely out of totora reeds, which grow abundantly in the lake.
The Uros people, who are indigenous to the area, have been living on these islands for centuries. The totora reeds are woven together to create a platform, which is then anchored to the lake bed with ropes. The reeds are also used to build homes, boats, and other structures on the islands.
Today, the Uros Floating Islands are a popular tourist destination, where visitors can experience the unique way of life of the Uros people. Visitors can take a boat tour to the islands, where they can learn about the history and culture of the Uros people, as well as see demonstrations of how the islands are built and maintained.
Visitors can also take part in traditional activities such as fishing, weaving, and rowing in the reed boats. There are also opportunities to purchase handicrafts made by the Uros people, such as textiles, pottery, and jewelry.
While the Uros Floating Islands are a fascinating and unique destination, it's important to be respectful of the Uros people and their culture. Visitors should be mindful of their impact on the environment and take care not to damage the delicate ecosystem of the lake.