Adventure Travel in Peru – Our Top Picks

Peru is rapidly gaining on South America’s other adventure travel meccas, Chile and Uruguay. The country currently receives between 600 and 700 thousand adventure tourists annually. Many dream of hiking trips along the Andes, making their way through cloud forests, high-altitude jungle and glacial peaks. Others opt for rafting the imposing rivers which formed canyons such as Cotahuasi and Colca. Here are some of our picks for the grandest adventures that Peru has to offer:

Colca Canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, and from its formative river (which flows from glacial Andean peaks to the Pacific Ocean), to its volcanoes, hot springs, it’s a landscape of extremes. Many travelers don’t have time for a more involved trek or rafting trip and thus visit the canyon for a just a day to wander about Condor’s Cross Lookout in the hope of spotting the massive and endangered Andean Condors (the world’s largest birds of flight) as they circle in search of food. While it’s better than nothing, those who crave adventure will be better served by setting aside enough time for a proper journey into the canyon.

Hiking and camping in Huascarán Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site involves frigid nights and a strong midday sun, but also delivers epic panoramic views. This pristine refuge protects 663 glaciers and 296 lakes, and plant and animal species including several endangered mammals. It also boasts Peru’s highest peak, Huascarán, along with other impressive snowy peaks. We posted details about the Santa Cruz Route in Huascarán here.

 

Mountain climbing enthusiasts in Huascarán might prefer symmetrical Mount Alpamayo, however. Although its 60-degree slope might not be as tall as neighboring peaks of the Cordillera Blanca, it was voted by an international survey of photographers and climbers in 1966 as “the most beautiful mountain in the world.”

Those who’d like to try rafting, but don’t have the experience or inclination to tackle a long trip through the canyons have a range of options available to them in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. There, one can arrange for half-day to six-day white-water rafting trips, with an option available for any experience level. While the waves might be a draw for adventure lovers, the dramatic scenery is what makes such trips unforgettable. You can learn more about rafting in the Sacred Valley here.