The Best Activities for Thrill-Seekers in Peru
When you really get down to it, Peru might just be the adrenaline junkie capital of the world. Its remarkable landscapes are playgrounds for the most intrepid among us. To the fearless, the tallest mountains are seen as a challenge and the country’s giant waves are “fun.” Here is our guide to the best things for thrill-seekers to do in Peru.
Surfing
Peru is home to an entire coastline of world-class surf. From Punta Hermosa in the south to the warm waters of Mancora in the north and everywhere else in-between, if you want to score some big waves, Peru has that. And if you’re just trying to stand up, they have that too.
Trekking
Peru is the land of trekking. While everyone knows about the famous Inca Trail, there are hundreds of other treks that are cheaper, less crowded, and just as beautiful. The Huaraz trails will have you hiking through the beautiful snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca, and the Salkantay trail will give you an up-close encounter with the Inca’s most sacred mountain. The options for trekking in Peru, from the coastline to the Amazon and Andes, are seemingly endless and full of adventure.
Paraglide
In the beautiful cliffside neighborhood of Miraflores in Lima, you’ll get a chance to soar over the Pacific Ocean and the beach below. Get a running start and jump off the cliff to soar like a bird over the nicest stretch of coastline in Lima.
White water rafting
With the Andes and the rivers that lead from it, Peru has some of the best white water rafting in the world. With rivers in Cusco, Arequipa, and near Lima, no matter what your trip plans are, you’ll most likely have some quality rapids nearby. You’ll find both beginner level rapids as well as your class IV and V.
Sand boarding
In the desert oasis of Huacachina, you’ll find endless hills of orange sand. Instead of hanging out by the pool, jump in a dune buggy and surf the orange waves. Similar to surfing, but you don’t have to learn how to stand up, and instead of water you get a face full of sand when you fall.
Zip-lining
Soar over the Urubamba river in the longest zip-lines in Peru with Vertikal Zipline in Santa Teresa. Their canopy tour has 12 platforms and five cables suspended 250 meters above the valley. If you’re looking for a quick adrenaline spike on your way to Machu Picchu, this is your place. Many treks will stop off in Santa Teresa giving you the option to do the zip-line.
Bungee jump
If you want to take that adrenaline spike to the next level, head to Cusco and book a date with the company Action Valley. On their grounds, which are just outside of Cusco, you’ll have the option to free fall from their bungee platform, or get shot in the air from their slingshot. The company is your one-stop-shop for all things adventure with white water rafting and trekking tours in the Cusco region.