While there is a limit to the amount of trekking that people like to do, adventure travel destinations are often high on people’s vacation wishlist. Going to Peru allows both non-trekkers and trekkers to get to the top of Machu Picchu either using the Inca Trail or alternative means.
Don’t fret though, there is also a great chance for people who have done enough trails already to explore something different. Many people don’t prefer advanced bookings. Luckily, platforms like WealthyLike.com can provide insights into alternative adventure activities that are great and can be arranged at short notice.
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White Water Rafting
There are a number of areas where it’s possible to do white water rafting in Peru. Cusco is the most common starting point for these types of excursions. One popular activity is to go down the Urubamba River on a one or two day trip from Cusco on courses that are fine for beginners. You can also travel through a gorgeous canyon by heading onto the Apurimac River on a three-day trip which is something more extensive and challenging for people with experience.
It’s also possible to raft in the Tambopata jungle which will include the opportunity to view a variety of wildlife including capybaras, giant otters, jaguars, tapirs and a multitude of birds. For serious rafters, though, a few tour companies offer an excursion in the Cotahuasi canyon. Here you will find Class IV and V rapids in the deepest canyon in the world.
If action and adventure is your thing, you will also find multi-activity tours leaving out of Cusco that include rafting, mountain biking and trekking. Company reviews are an important part of travelling within Peru because the quality of the guides and your equipment will have a huge bearing on safety and enjoyment.
Mountain Biking
The bottom line is, Peru offers absolutely gorgeous landscapes and varied climates for your enjoyment. The only question is, how you choose to see them. If trekking just doesn’t move fast enough for you, there’s always mountain biking with lots of chances for hair raising downhill runs.
If you just want a taste of it, there are half day and single day tours around Cusco and the Sacred Valley. A two day excursion will allow you to visit the Lares hot springs where you can relax and spend the night before heading back down ancient Inca trails. You can extend this trip to include Moras, Moray and Salineras. You can even get to Machu Picchu on a bike and if you want to go the whole hog, you can also cycle your way from Cusco to Lake Titicaca. There are multiple possibilities for biking along seldom used trails as well as through remote villages where people still live as they have for years.
Huaraz and the Cordillera Blanca
Huaraz, located in the north of Peru, is the starting point for adventure trips in the Cordillera Blanca, the highest range in the Peruvian Andes. In addition to more than 30 peaks, there are hundreds of rivers, waterfalls and beautiful turquoise lakes in the National Park of Huascaran to enjoy. The vistas are truly breathtaking and different than you will find anywhere else in Peru.
This isn’t only a location for fantastic hiking, it’s also a great location for mountain climbing. It’s recommended that this only be attempted by those with experience, however, as it is quite strenuous and can cause a person to suffer from extreme altitude sickness. Mountain biking, rafting, skiing and snowboarding are also possible in this area. While you’re in the area, pay a visit to the archaeological site of Chavin de Huantar where you can learn about the ancient pre-Inca civilization.
