11 Great Outdoor Experiences in Peru
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Loading... - Mandy Hill
- 26 Aug 2022
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For adventure seekers, Peru is one of the world’s most dreamed-about destinations. From hiking Andean trails into lost cities to surfing some of the Pacific’s longest waves, there is no shortage of thrills to suit any budget or level of intensity. Here you’ll find the world’s deepest canyons, jungle hotspots with unparalleled biodiversity, and the highest mountains outside of the Himalayas.
Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The fabled lost city of the Incas is South America's greatest attraction. The Incas hid Machu Picchu so high in the clouds that it escaped destruction by the Spanish, who never found it. It's easy to go on a day trip by rail from Ollantaytambo, but those wanting the full experience opt for the arduous, 4-day trek that leads over astonishing Andean mountain passes and through some of the greatest sights in Peru, including dozens of Inca ruins, dense cloud forest, and breathtaking mountain scenery. The trek has a superlative payoff: a sunrise arrival above the glorious ruins of Machu Picchu, shrouded in a mist that dissolves as the day warms.
How to visit: 200 people per day are allowed to hike the Inca Trail on guided hikes. Reserve your spot through operators such as Peru-based Peru Treks. Permits tend to fill up 4 to 6 months in advance.
An alternative Inca Trail
Sure, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most classic hikes, though it can be expensive, crowded, and fills up long in advance. Many would argue there are even better hikes in the Cusco area, such as those to the Lares Valley or to the Inca site of Choquequirao. The Salkantay Trek takes hikers up a 15,000-foot mountain pass surrounded by snowcapped Andean peaks, past the Inca site of Llactapata, and then down into high jungle, culminating with a connection to Machu Picchu.
How to visit: Peruvian adventure travel company Mountain Lodges of Peru has constructed a series of cushy places to stay on the 7-day route where you can get a hot shower and sleep in a warm bed, not to mention get a massage or a dip in an outdoor hot tub followed by a gourmet meal with wines.
Big-time white water in the Andes
Outside of Cusco, there are a handful of excellent river runs that range from mild to world-class. Novices can do day trips to get their feet (and more) wet, while more experienced rafters can take multiday trips that sail from the highlands into the Amazon. While many opt for a crowded section of the Urubamba River near Ollantaytambo, more challenging sections can be found in the upper part of the river, known as the Cusipata section. It consists of Class II, III, and IV-plus rapids that are irresistible to the whitewater community.
How to visit: SAS Travel puts together one-day trips of the Cusipata section of the Urubamba from September to April. Some previous rafting experience is required. Read More…
