Activities
Active Peru
The soaring peaks of the Andes Mountains, great rivers, the Pacific coast, the forests of the Amazon basin and the world’s driest deserts…
Its uniquely diverse geography means that Peru can offer travelers unparalleled possibilities in terms of adventure tourism. If you feel you would like to come to Peru and test yourself against nature, then check-out the exciting activities we describe here. Our highly-trained and experienced guides will guarantee that you enjoy a challenging, safe and unforgettable Peruvian adventure.
Trekking and hiking
Peru offers trekking and hiking enthusiasts many irresistible walking routes around some of the world’s most spectacular snow-capped peaks. Ancient trails cross high plains and descend into fertile valleys, all the while surrounded by great peaks and often passing fascinating archaeological sites and traditional Andean highland communities. As you will see, the attractions are practically endless on all our routes, which range from one day hikes to expeditions of several days. The best time to walk in the Andes is during the dry season, from May to August, although we offer routes which can be hiked throughout the year.
The famous Inka Trail to Machu Picchu
One of the most famous trekking circuit is the Inka Trail Trek to the Lost City of the Inkas. What makes this hike so special is the stunning combination of Inka ruins, unforgettable views, magnificent mountains, exotic vegetation and extraordinary ecological variety. Depending of the time you have, we can offer you a 2, 3, or 4 days version.
The Salkantay Trek
A beautiful but intense trek, with several lanes at great altitudes. This trek takes approximately eight days and an excellent physical condition is needed. It requires the support of mules and carriers.
The Ausangate Trek
This trek combines landscapes of extraordinary beauty in a circuit that places us in contact with an almost unexplored region, populated by age old communities of shepherds and craftsmen. The walk takes about six days and requires good physical condition as well as the support of mules and muleteers.
Chinchero-Huayllabamba Trek (Sacred Valley)
This is a rather easy walk (mostly downhill), but can take 4 to 5 hours. The hike is quite beautiful, with fine views of the peaks of the Urubamba Range. Its runs over the pampa with a good view of Chinchero, finally it drops down to the Urubamba Valley. An alternative hike from Chinchero follows the spectacular Maras-Moray-Pichingoto salt mines.
Mountain biking
Peru: One of the best places in the world for mountain biking, whatever your level of experience.
With its incredible network of ancient trails, tracks and roads crisscrossing the Andes, Peru is without a doubt one of the last great unspoiled destinations for those in search of pure mountain biking experiences. Peru’s unique geography means that we can offer you a number of biking routes, from two-day descents from the Andes to the Amazon basin, to long distance off-road rides over seemingly endless high plains and down into fertile inter-Andean valleys.
Biking in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
The Valley of Vilcanota, only an hour's drive from Cuzco, has a large variety of biking routes. Located 2.500 masl, the Valley contains an array of picturesque villages and natural landscapes that permits the adventurer to custom-design circuits of incomparable beauty, that include archaeological sites of vast cultural interest. Some of the most spectacular places are Ollantaytambo, which boasts a fortress and typical Inka village; Pisac, which has magnificent agricultaral terraces; Moray, which includes a pre-Colombian "agricultural laboratory", among other wonders. We recommend that trips be planned for the dry season (from May to October).
Chinchero-Moray-Maras-Las Salinas-Urubamba
One of the finest one-day trips in Peru, best done with a guide. Largely downhill on a mixture of dirt road and single track, to the circular runs of Moray and into the spectacular salt pans of Maras on an awesome mule track.
Cusco Ruins
Just outside Cusco you can combine your biking trip with a visit to some beautiful ruins like Puka Pukara, Tambo Machay, Qenqo and Sacsayhuaman.
Rafting, Canoeing and Kayaking
Peru is quickly becoming one of the world’s main travel destinations for those in search of great rafting, canoeing or kayaking experiences. Many of Peru’s rivers are ranked among the ten best white water experiences in the world, and such trips are high on the “must-do” list of all adventure travelers. But these great Peruvian rivers provide more than a rush of adrenaline, for their white waters take travelers past smoothly eroded granite rocks into remote regions of the Andes where they can see for themselves the world’s deepest and most spectacular canyons, wildlife such as river otters, Andean condors and pumas, and ancient cultures which have changed little over the centuries. Tierra de los Inkas offers some of the best white water adventures in Peru, with most of them in the Cusco region and lasting from just one day to expeditions of 3 or 4 days.
Urubamba - day trips
Most popular rafting trips are down the Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley of the Inkas near Cusco. The Urubamba is not very wild and offers a great introduction to white water rafting, some spectacular scenery and a chance to visit some of the best Inka ruins in the surroundings as wel as some typical Indian markets. Half to one day trips.
Apurimac Expedition - 3 days
A fantastic 3 day rafting adventure in a spectacular miledeep tropical canyon with giant eroded granite rocks. The harmony of the explosive white water, interrupted by the isolated peace of calm water will help you to enjoy some of the most fascinating sceneries in the world. Feeling one with nature and those who had lived here forever: otters, deers, the mighty andean condor and the powerful puma. Rafters camp, cook and sleep on sandy beaches. Class 2 to 5. Only from May to November.
Tambopata Expedition - 10 days
For the real adventurer. An exciting 10 day rafting expedition on the Rio Tambopata. Starting in the Andes area north of Lake Titicaca and ending at the National Reserve of Tambopata in the Southern Jungle. First days on the river you have to deal with lots of technical rapids in wild Andean scenery. The trip will finish with gentle floating days along the Jungle riverbanks where monkeys and birds will spy on you from their hideouts. Class 3 - 4, only from June to October.
Surfing
Sea, waves and lots of fun. Over 3.000 km Pacific Coast. For some time the Sea of the Inkas is a must for surfers from all over the world. Beautiful beaches with huge waves seem to have created especially for surf and adrenaline lovers. Many of these places have witnessed incredible duels between surfers and spectacular waves. Instinct has prepared special tours so that you can raise your adrenaline to the max.
Punta Hermosa
On the central coast of Peru, 40km south of Lima. Kind of waves: Rights, strong, big and fast, tubular sections. Breaks all year around. Average water temp. 16 degr. C. Services: Punta Hermosa.
Pico Alto
On the central coast of Peru, 43km south of Lima. Kind of waves: Outer reef, rights, eventually lefts, can reach 8 to 10 meters, formed waves, strong long with tubular sections. Breaks: 1 km away from shore. Average temp. 16 degr. C . Only for advanced surfers. Services: Punta Hermosa.
Chicama
Northern coast of Peru near the city of Lbertad, 614 km north of Lima. Kind of waves: Point-break, left, considered one of the longest in the world. Pipeline, with 4 sections that reaches 2 meters. Strong winds against(offshore). Average temp. between 17,7 - 22,1 degr.C. Services: Lodging and food. Other services in city of Trujillo.
Cabo Blanco
Northern coast of Peru, near the city of Piura, 1137 km from Lima. Kind of waves: Reef-break. Perfect left pipeline from 1 to 3 meters aprox. Dangerous reef closeness. Not apt for beginners. Best conditions between Octobre and January. Best waves with northern hemisphere highs. Averge temp: between 24,4 - 28,2 degr. C. Services: fishing town with food and lodging.
Mancora
Northern coast of Peru, near the city of Piura, 1164 km from Lima. Kind of waves: Reef-break. Long left formed, can each more than 2 meters. Good conditions all ear around. Average temp between 24,4 - 28,2 degr. C. Very fluent according to swell strength. Services: fishing town, mutiple services such as lodging, food and stores.
Horseriding
Horseriding can be done everywhere around Cusco and in the Sacred Valley of the Inkas, one hour from Cusco. You will visit some typical Inka villages, shaman communities and ofcourse some of the most amazing archaeological Inka sights. We also can arrange more days expeditions. Other sections are at the nearby Cusco ruins or South-East of Cusco (Tipon).
Ruins of Cusco
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Cusco - Urubamba
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Pampas of Chinchero
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Ruins of Típon
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Lucre & Lago Huaycarpay
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Copyright 2006 Land of the Inkas