Best Adventures in Peru with iBestTravel
Peru may be known as one of the cradles of ancient civilization, but its topography also makes it a wonderland of adventure. The icy mountain peaks of the Andes draw trekkers and climbers, while the untamed desert coast is lapped by world-class waves for surfers. For explorers, the Amazon rainforest— a vast mass of wetlands and rainforest brimming with monkeys, macaws, and rare felines—is waiting to be discovered.
Hike the Inca Trail
A winding footpath climbs from the depths of the Urubamba Valley, through vaporous cloud forests, alongside the ruins of ancient way stations. For the Incas, this roadway was the main entry point to the exquisite estate of Machu Picchu. For thousands of travelers who hike the trail every year, it is a pilgrimage—a four-day trek through sumptuous scenery, with the final stop at the most spectacular archaeological site in Peru.
Planning tip: If planning to go during high season (June to September), be sure to purchase your entry ticket to the Inca citadel online and in advance, as waiting to do so in person can result in sold-out tickets.
Spend a Night on an Island in Lake Titicaca
According to Andean belief, Lake Titicaca is the birthplace of the sun. The sapphire-colored waters of South America’s largest lake enchant visitors, creating a magical experience. Spending the night on one of the floating islands immerses you in local culture—life in the rural settlements follows the rhythm of the seasons. The best part? Witnessing breathtaking sunsets surrounded by the lake’s gleaming waters.
Kayak Through the Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon Basin is known for its intense biodiversity and riotous rainforest wilderness. Parque Nacional Manu protects one of its wildest, most remote corners, rich in wildlife spotting opportunities—from tapirs to ocelots to flocks of brilliant macaws.
Planning tip: Visiting during high water season (December to May) offers more opportunities to navigate through small tributaries by kayak, while the low water season (June to November) is ideal for rainforest trekking.
Trek the Andes
The Cordillera Blanca, a majestic mountain range in the heart of Peru, beckons dedicated high-altitude trekkers. This network of craggy peaks, covered in gleaming white snow, offers incredible vistas and numerous trekking opportunities. Whether it’s the Laguna 69-day hike, the popular four-day Santa Cruz trek, or the challenging week-long Alpamayo Base Camp trek, each option presents a scenic adventure.
Planning tip: From Lima, an eight-hour bus ride to the mountain town of Huaraz is recommended. Spending a night or two here will help you acclimate to the elevation.
Look for Wildlife on Islas Ballestas
The small rocky outcroppings known as the Islas Ballestas, off the Paracas Peninsula, offer a close encounter with wildlife. Sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and colonies of Peruvian boobies can be spotted here. The islands are often referred to as the “poor person’s Galápagos” for their spectacular views without the hefty price tag.
Descend Into the Majestic Cañón Del Colca
The Cañón Del Colca, located about a four-hour drive from Arequipa, offers stunning Andean panoramas. With idyllic villages and ancient terraces, this deep canyon is also home to the majestic condors that soar on wind currents. Visitors can engage in short day hikes or trek to the canyon’s floor for a more immersive experience.
Planning tip: Don’t miss the local delicacy known as chupe de camarones, a spicy shrimp bisque.
Go Surfing Along the North Coast
Peru’s extensive coastline offers fantastic opportunities for surfing, especially along the north coast. Locations such as Huanchaco and Chicama present big swells and uncrowded breaks, ideal for surfers seeking the perfect wave.
Planning tip: For guaranteed sun, head further north to Máncora, where surfing, seafood, and a laid-back lifestyle harmonize beautifully.
Visit the Mysterious Ruins of Kuélap
The Andes are dotted with the remnants of ancient cities, and Kuélap stands among the most magnificent. This walled citadel, built by the Chachapoyas people on a mountain crest in the northern Peruvian cloud forest, offers stunning views of the Utcubamba Valley and an unforgettable journey through timeless rural settlements.
Board Down the Giant Sand Dunes of Huacachina
Huacachina, a tiny oasis in the southern Peruvian desert, provides a thrilling experience—motor up a towering dune, strap on a board, and glide down the sandy face. For those not interested in boarding, a dune buggy ride offers an exhilarating alternative.
Soar Over the Ancient Nazca Lines
One of the earth’s greatest mysteries, the Nazca Lines consist of over 70 ancient glyphs that can only be seen from the air. To experience these pre-Columbian pictograms, consider taking a light aircraft flight in the early morning hours.
