Here are some of Peru’s lesser-known, heart-racing activities worthy of their own moment on the adventure seeker’s itinerary:
BIG WAVE SURFING
Peru is considered the best place to go surfing in South America, with consistent and powerful waves – a surfers’ dream. For those who are ready to take on the big waves, Pico Alto, in the southern coast of Lima is a world-renowned big wave surf location. Its waves are only for the best of the best in the surfing world, reaching up to 7.5m in peak season. Pico Alto can only be accessed by boat, and those brave enough to take on the wave will have to be towed on. The wave is known for its strong currents and powerful impact zone, and only the most elite big wave surfers will be able to handle the wave's power, size, and speed. It is a true test of skill and courage for those who dare to ride it.The best time to surf in Peru is between April and November, when the swells are most consistent. Those who aren’t ready to take on the Pico Alto will be spoilt for choice with spots in Lima, La Libertad and Piura.
CLIMB PERU’S HIGHEST MOUNTAIN
For elite hikers who consider hikes like Kilimanjaro and Mt Everest as part of their dance card, Huascarán Mountain should be added to their list. Reaching an incredible elevation of 6,768m, Huascarán highest peak in the country. Located in the Huascarán National Park, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, and part of the Cordillera Blanca range. Summiting Huascarán takes 21 days, with a base camp situated at 5,400m altitude, a journey filled with challenging steps, and dangerous crossings. With such an imposing altitude, those who wish to take on the climb must do intense altitude training and always walk with a guide and appropriate gear. But all of that becomes worthwhile as this range of mountains is considered one of the most spectacular mountain ranges in the world.
WHITE WATER RAFTING
The Apurimac River is the most direct source of the Amazon River and known as ‘Speaker of the Gods’ in the native Quechua Language. One of the best ways to experience Apurimac River for adrenaline junkies is by white water rafting tours. This river holds II, III, IV and V rapids, meaning that even experienced rafters will be up for a challenge. Tours range from 1-6 days, with days spent white water rafting, passing by Inca bridges, waterfalls, rock formations and hanging bridges, and evenings spent camping under the stars marvelling at the open skies, and talking about the adventures of the day. Travellers can also see river otters, foxes, condors, tiger herons, eagles, falcons and more during their tour.TAKE TO THE TRACKS WITH MOUNTAIN BIKING
Travellers can switch the tour bus for a mountain bike, to get up close and personal with the villages, landscapes and people of Peru. Mountain biking through Peru isn’t for the faint-hearted, with steep mountains, unpaved roads and plenty of people and animals to navigate along the way. Riding from Huaypo Lagoon to Maras is one of the most popular routes, 78 km of ancient land that tells remarkable stories of its past. After starting at the Huaypo Lagoon, riders will make their way through small villages and picturesque agriculture, as well as experience the Maras Salt mine. Riders will pick up speed with their own version of flying through Peru.JOURNEY INTO THE FINAL FRONTIER, THE AMAZON RIVER
There are no roads leading to Iquitos. This water-drenched capital of the Peruvian Amazon lies on an island in the jungle, over one thousand kilometres northeast of Peru’s capital, Lima, and can only be accessed by flight or by boat. The Amazon has always been spoken of with a mixture of curiosity, fear and fascination and the best way to explore one of the earth’s final frontiers is kayaking this mighty river that beckons to the intrepid adventurer with bespoke experiences: navigate the waterways of the giant green labyrinth teeming with animal life such as pink dolphins, Amazonian manatees, black caimans and the freshwater dolphin swimming underneath the hull while tapirs, sloths, jaguars and giant anteaters might be spotted on the river’s shores and in the trees. The Amazon is a dream destination for fishing lovers and the river’s narrow black river tributaries are the best spots for the catch and release of sharp-toothed red piranhas.GETTING THERE
LATAM Airlines operates daily services from Sydney to Lima via Auckland and Santiago. The flight time is approximately 21 hours and 15 minutes and thanks to the International Date Line, you can depart Sydney and arrive in Lima on the same day. Qantas also operates flights to Santiago four times weekly, with connections to Lima on LATAM Airlines.Also, three weekly flights between Cusco and Santiago are operated by LATAM Airlines.
For more information on adrenaline inducing experiences in Peru visit www.peru.travel or follow @peru on Instagram and facebook.com/visitperu.
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