Peru Adventure Travel
There’s no shortage of options when it comes to Peru adventure travel, from the snow-capped peaks of the Andes and glacial lakes to the ethereal cloud forests, surrounding ruins that have stood for millennia. Peru offers lots of opportunities to leave your comfort zone and do some real learning, while enjoying every minute. The beauty of it is that you don’t have to go far—whether in the confines of the capital or deep in the jungle, there are places that can take your breath away.
A popular first choice is the scenic Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu, easily one of the world’s best. The Inca Discovery Tour combines the four-day trek with a cultural and archeological tour where you get to sample local cuisine, shop at local markets, and explore the famous Inca ruins. The hiking part is far from easy, but it’s all worth it when you reach your destination and watch the sunrise over the Incan ruins.
Horseback riding is a little-known but fast-growing activity, particularly in Cusco where jungles and nature reserves are abundant. Cusilluchayoq, one of three ancient adoration sites east of Cusco, boasts a mesh of quiet, scenic trails where you can’t help but feel one with the environment. The other two sites, Laqo and Lanlakuyoq, are also worth a look—all three feature rocks carved with animal images believed to be part of an ancient ritual. A number of “spiritual tours” have turned up in recent years, most of them centered around this area.
The Urubamba River just south of the Cusco ruins is a popular site for river rafting. The northern bend, known as the Cusipata Region, features grade II to IV rapids and offers great views of the Andes and the countryside. Another stretch, the Ollantaytambo, sits right on the Sacred Valley and is also worth a look. However, as it’s also a common starting point for the Inca Trail, it can be a bit crowded during peak season.
Northern Peru is often overlooked but rich in its own right, housing the peaks and lagoons of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range. Reaching heights of over 6,000 feet and covered with snow throughout the year, they make for a strenuous but rewarding hike. Parts of it can only be reached by trekking or a horseback ride from the neighboring town of Caraz. If you can, try to make time for a lengthy trek—lots of spots are too beautiful to pass up, and each one deserves more than a passing glance.