Adventure Holidays In Peru

Peru boasts some of the most spectacular and varied scenery in South America thanks to its three major regions. With their towering peaks, steep canyons and magnificent archaeological sites, the Peruvian Andes are perhaps the best known, but no less alluring is the narrow coastal belt that makes up Peru ’s second major region: as a northern extension of the Atacama Desert , it’s known as the most arid region on the planet. By contrast, the lush green forest that surrounds the headwaters of the Amazon forms Peru ’s third major region, an area so inaccessible that only the pluckiest travellers attempt to enter its green, spiky depths.

ADVENTURE SPORTS IN PERU

Peru is seventh heaven for hikers, with its entire highland spine offering incomparable trekking circuits of varying degrees of difficulty. The lakes of the Peruvian Andes provide excellent opportunities for white-water rafting, superb trails perfect for mountain biking, and ideal currents for fans of hang-gliding and parapente. Its snow-capped peaks also provide ample opportunity for trekking, climbing, mountaineering and skiing, but if sun, sea and sand are more your style, the beaches of Paracas are great for surfing, windsurfing, sand boarding, and scuba diving.

ADVENTURE SPORTS AREAS AND REGIONS IN PERU

Best spots for surfing, windsurfing, sand-boarding and scuba diving

Flock to the breezy bays of Paracas (Atenas, Mendieta and Yumaque) as well as certain areas along the north coast such as Pasamayo, El Paraiso and Medio Mundo, the most popular spot.

Best spots for underwater fishing

The coasts of Pucusana, Paracas and Ilo to the south, and Tumbes and Piura to the north are the most popular spots among fishermen.

Best spots for mountain biking

The number one destination for serious mountain bikers in Peru is El Callejon de Huaylas, a valley that runs between the mountain ranges of the Cordillera Blanca and the Cordillera Negra and offers beautiful, breathtaking vistas.

Best spots for white-water rafting

Cusco is the capital of rafting, in particular the exciting white-waters of the Apurimac River . For a really adventurous trip try the Tambopata River in Peru 's south eastern jungle.