An Adventure Traveler's Guide To Exploring Peru

From the Pacific Ocean to the Amazon jungle, the desert and the Andes, Peru is the perfect destination for those looking for adventure. Peru has more options than just the Inca Trail, and enough thrills to keep even an adrenaline junkie satisfied. Here is our guide for those looking for new experiences in some of the world’s most remote places.

Jungle Expedition

It doesn’t get any more adventurous than hiking through the Amazon jungle and enjoying its biodiversity. Hike through the thick forest of the Amazon or take a boat cruise to find pink dolphins. There are many different packages for staying in the Amazon, from luxury riverboat tours to jungle resorts. You’ll want to go during the dry season, which is June to November, to avoid the rain. A favorite spot for travelers willing to traverse the jungle is Parque Nacional Manu, a well-preserved national park that offers visitors a chance to encounter a variety of wildlife.

Inca Trail

Machu Picchu, Peru

Sand Dune Surfing

After you’ve practiced surfing in the water, take your new-found skills to the sand. You wont get tossed around by a rogue wave, but you might fall down a dune or two – at least it’s only sand. Three hours south of Lima lies the small desert oasis town of Huacachina, surrounded by sand dunes. Take off on a dune buggy and enjoy the sand surfing.

Huacachina, Peru

Hike to Peru’s Stone Faces

Located just five hours from Lima, Marcahuasi is a stone forest in the Andes. It has gained world recognition because of its mysteriously shaped stones that resemble human faces and animals. The origins of these seemingly carved figures has been the subject of countless debates, with some posturing that they were created by aliens. Marcahuasi is higher than both Cusco and Machu Picchu, making the hike to the top difficult, but locals offer horses and donkeys for rent if needed. Bring a tent, a sleeping bag, and some warm clothes and enjoy the mysteries of Marcahuasi.

Marcahuasi, Peru

Surf Peru

There is never a dull moment surfing in Peru, which is known to have some of the best waves in the world. There are waves for beginners and experts alike, all along Peru’s coastline. If you want to enjoy the sun and the waves, head to the north of Peru. Playa Chicama, which has one of the longest left-hand point breaks in the word, and Mancora, in the north of Peru, will give you days of epic surf when the swell is right. If you’re in Lima, head to Punta Roquitas or La Herradura.

Mancora, Peru

La Herradura, Peru

Rafting the Urubamba River

This is not one for the faint of heart. Companies offer adrenaline-seekers a chance to raft down class III and IV rapids in the Sacred Valley, located a short distance from Cusco. Go with a guide and a group of friends and enjoy the rush of river rafting. Companies will outfit you with gear, which includes a helmet, because it can get dangerous, and transportation. It is a great way to escape the city life of Cusco and raft world-class rapids.

Urubamba, Cusco, Peru

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.