With such incredible geographical diversity, evidenced all over Instagram and inside glossy travel magazines, Peru tantalises from abroad and satisfies once you’re actually there.
But what you may not see in all those photos are the endless opportunities to get your adventure on.
Here are four activities that await in Peru, all of which promise to up your adrenaline and buoy your spirits.
1. KUELAP, THE OTHER MACHU PICCHU
Kuélap. Credit: Fernando López / PromPerú
Sitting on a mountain top in the Amazonas region in Northern Peru, the fortress of Kuelap has always been Machu Picchu’s lesser known little brother.
But that’s changing, as more and more people discover this awe-inspiring, pre-Colombian archaeological site offering equally stunning hiking opportunities. The area not only predates Machu Picchu by 500 years, but sits at a much higher elevation, 3,000-metres-plus.
There are four walkable paths up to Kuelap, but the most popular one starts in the village of Tingo and takes approximately six hours. Alternatively, there’s also a cable car to the top.
2. RIDE RGE LONGEST LEFT IN THE WORLD
Credit: Hang Gliding in Lima. Credit: Carlos Ibarra / PROMPERU
Peru’s coastal curves span an impressive 3,000 kilometres, but it’s in the north, where the water is warmer and weather sunnier, that surfers from all over the world find themselves drawn.
Lured by the promise of that one perfect wave, there’s also plenty to get them satisfied when they’re not in the water: excellent seafood, cool cafes and just that slower pace of life.
Mancora and Chicama (home of the longest left in the world) on Peru’s northwest coast are excellent towns to base yourself in, each just a short ride out of Trujillo (an hour flight or eight-hour bus ride from Lima).
3. GO SANDBOARDING IN THE DESERT
Credit: PromPerú
If you’d rather not get wet, head to the small desert oasis of Huacachina, five hours south of Lima, for a different kind of boarded fun.
For the last 12 years, Peru’s southern desert has been a hotbed of adventure, injecting travellers into the Peruvian desert for sand-based adventure. Fun activities include sandboarding down dunes the size of small houses.
4. GAZE AT A UNESCO WONDER FROM ABOVE
Credit: Enrique Castro Mendívil / PromPerú
For an even more impressive view of the dunes and the Peruvian desert, strap into a small plane from the airport in Ica, just 10 minutes away from Huacachina, and fly over the amazing Nazca Lines.
Alternatively, it’s possible to board your scenic flight from the airport in Nazca. There are over 300 of these pre-Columbian geoglyphs etched into the desert, spread out over an area stretching 1,000 square kilometres.
There are truly one of the Earth’s greatest mysteries: Why were they drawn? And for whom? Scenic flights from Ica last around 70 minutes, giving you plenty of time to see 12 of the world-famous Nazca Lines, including the hummingbird, dog, hands, astronaut, tree, spider, whale, lizard and the shark.
For more heart-pumping adventures in Peru, visit https://www.peru.travel