One trip is never enough to discover all of Peru's wonders. The south's geography, characterised by deep canyons, vast dunes and snow-capped peaks, provides the ideal backdrop for adventure tours.
If you're looking for an authentic adventure in Peru, the south has plenty to offer, from white-water rafting on the Chili River to sandboarding in the Ica oases. Each destination is designed to deliver an adrenaline rush and an authentic travel experience. In 2026, the conditions and equipment for these activities will have evolved to ensure that each expedition meets the highest safety and environmental standards.
The variety of available adventure sports is amazing; you can choose between paragliding over the valleys, high-mountain trekking in the Vilcanota Range, or exploring mountain bike trails through the Sacred Valley. Whatever your choice, the Peruvian south promises to transform a simple visit into an epic experience that will test your senses and leave you with memories recorded forever.
Here we highlight just a few experiences that are impossible to miss:
- Mountaineering: Climbing is increasingly fashionable. To practice this sport, it is essential to be fit and not suffer from vertigo. Take into account, as an important point, the use of harnesses and safety protections. Use the projections and cracks of the rock itself as an aid and vertically ascend a ravine or mountain.
- Kayak: It is a millenary sport that passionate those who practice it and those who observe it. The kayak is a kayak style in which the rower is sitting with the view in the direction of travel and for its propulsion uses a single paddle of 2 shovels. Do not forget that they must provide you with a helmet and give you a small talk about safety measures before starting the tour.
- Trekking: This adventure sport consists of walking long distances on natural scenarios, high mountains and unfrequented routes. In addition, it seeks to bring people closer to the natural environment and to the knowledge of the area through heritage and traditional ethnographic and cultural elements.
- Mountain biking: It is a demanding sport ideal for lovers of adrenaline and adventure made in natural circuits usually through forests on narrow roads, with steep slopes and very fast descents.
Experience an adventure in southern Peru
Peru is a country of contrasts, with a geography that ranges from dry deserts and lush jungle to wild coasts, volcanoes, and snowy peaks. Those looking for a true adventure in Peru will find experiences here that demand both physical strength and an intrepid spirit. One of the best ways to live this is through a four-day hike through fertile valleys and Andean mountains; it is the perfect challenge to strengthen bonds when choosing an adventure travel package for friends.
However, an adventure in these lands is not only about crossing mountains, but also about discovering the secrets of an ancient civilization. Some of these mysteries are hidden in the Inca temple of Qoricancha and in the majesty of the sacred fortress of Sacsayhuaman, where giant stones tell stories of power and mysticism. Additionally, you can find historical tales and ancient legends by talking and observing daily life in the traditional towns of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Peru offers many alternatives to satisfy that desire to explore, whether descending through rushing rivers or traveling along ancient paths, adventure tours in Peru are designed to leave an unforgettable mark. Here we tell you which are the most exciting adventure sport options in the south of the country for your next expedition.
Adventure destinations in southern Peru
The south of Peru has a vast amount of tourist places, from the immensity of the canyons in Arequipa to the sacred peaks of Cusco and much more. It is for this reason that adventure tours in Peru allow you to explore diverse ecosystems that change drastically in a few kilometers. Whether you prefer the verticality of the mountains or the speed of the rivers, this region guarantees an adventure that will exceed all your expectations. Below, we will mention the 6 best activities you can do in southern Peru:
A challenge of body and spirit: The 4 Day Classic Inca Trail
Test the adventurous spirit within you on a four day hike toward the wonder of Machu Picchu. This is, without a doubt, one of the most complete adventure sports, as it combines cardiovascular endurance with cultural immersion. Climb to a pass more than four thousand meters high (the famous Warmiwañusca), explore ruins more than five hundred years old, and spend three nights camping under the starry sky on one of the best trekking routes.
An adventurer is always ready for everything and knows that the success of the route depends largely on their gear. Choosing an ergonomic backpack and the right weight is crucial to enjoying the climb. Here are some details of the Inca Trail you should keep in mind:
• Difficulty: Moderate to demanding.
• The best part: The triumphant entry through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at dawn on the fourth day.
• Consideration: The use of rubber-tipped poles is now stricter than ever to protect the original floor of the Incan path.
Suggestion: For this challenge, make sure to bring a daypack (25-30 liters) with a waterproof cover. On the Inca Trail, the weather can change from radiant sun to torrential rain in less than 15 minutes.
Group fun on wheels: Inca Jungle
Are you passionate about speed and landscape changes? Enjoy four days in a tour to Machu Picchu that redefines adventure sports. This route combines a fast descent on mountain bikes from the freezing Andean passes to the heart of the cloud forest, followed by days of hiking through original sections of the Inca path.
This is the option for those looking for adrenaline and variety: you can go rafting on the Vilcanota River and fly over the valley on the highest ziplines in the region. The hike through theInca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu gives you a different travel perspective, focusing on sporting activities that make this adventure fun, always ending in the mystical citadel.
Conquer one of the highest peaks in Peru: Salkantay Trek
If your goal is to measure yourself against the strength of glaciers, the Salkantay Trek is your destination. This is an adventure in Peru that takes place under the imposing view of the Salkantay mountain, the guardian "Apu" of the region. We will move forward step by step through dramatic geographical contrasts: from dry mountain landscapes and a visit to a turquoise lagoon (Humantay), to the descent through the warm jungle brow.
During the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, you will walk along paths that cross the jungle, offering a much wilder and less crowded experience than the traditional route. It is a technical and visual challenge that has become the favorite of experienced hikers in this 2026 for its freedom of access and its luxury campsites in front of the snowy peaks.
8 day package with the Inca Jungle: Adrenaline and Culture
If you are looking for a complete trip through the Cusco region, this is the itinerary you should choose. It combines the experience of mountain biking and hiking with the best of the Inca Empire, as you will not only descend from the Andes to the jungle by bicycle; this circuit includes a deep exploration of Cusco, the impressive salt mines and agricultural terraces of the Maras and Moray complexes, and the mysticism of the Sacred Valley of the Incas for a complete experience.
It is the ideal option for the modern traveler who wants the excitement of the Inca Jungle but does not want to miss the classic cultural icons. In 8 days, you will go from the adrenaline of the Vilcanota River rapids to the silent contemplation of Inca agricultural engineering, all ending at the citadel of Machu Picchu.
Archaeological adventure and the Short Inca Trail for everyone
Not all adventures require sleeping four nights in a tent. For those who have less time or look for a slower pace without sacrificing the triumphant arrival, travel the Short Inca Trail for two days. This itinerary allows you to enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), just as the ancient pilgrims did, but with lighter logistics.
Enjoy all the historical attractions in a 6 day package designed along the Inca Trail and the heart of the Inca Empire. This lighter route guarantees an experience that everyone will enjoy! It is perfect for families or groups of friends who want the classic hiking photo without the extreme demand of the highest mountain passes, combining hotel nights in Cusco and Aguas Calientes.
Adventures To Peru Day Tours
For those who love adventure or an immediate rush of adrenaline… Cusco is the right destination. Nestled in the majestic Andes mountains, Cusco is the logistical hub for adventure treks and mountaineering; here, snowy peaks that exceed 6,000 meters, deep canyons, and cheerful valleys and towns offer unique surprises for the brave traveler.
The geography of the region offers several alternatives:
- In the water: You will always find a rushing river with fast currents (like the Apurímac) or medium calmness (like the Urubamba) for those who enjoy river rafting.
- On land: If you want a spectacular hike with high doses of excitement, the beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with its natural trails and ancient Inca paths, offer an unmatched setting to be explored through horseback riding or mountain biking.
- In the air: The altitude and the wild winds of the Andes find in Cusco the perfect place for paragliding lovers; the high mountains and thermal zones of the Sacred Valley make this activity a visual and sensory delight, flying like the condor.
Cusco has a special feature: its geography and its roads, whether dirt or paved, lead us to impressive archaeological and natural landscapes. This has created another way to see the region: taking control of your trip and your time. You only need a good motorcycle or a powerful 4x4 (ATV/Quad bikes), and the feeling of going into nature at full speed will make you live a different expedition that cannot be compared to a traditional tour.
Now, if you are more radical and prefer an extreme adventure, Cusco also has a place ready for you. You will enjoy an indescribable experience, a mix of fear, happiness, panic and euphoria... ALL together! You cannot miss it. Cusco in adventure... It is incredible! It offers complete options for one-day adventure tours that you can easily add to your 2026 itinerary:
Tours in Peru, Machu Picchu, and Amazon
If you have more time and want to take your experience to the next level, combine the adrenaline of the highlands with the mystery of the jungle. In these complete tours, you will dive into the nature of the Amazon jungle and sail through its powerful rivers. To make this trip even more exciting, you will visit Cusco, where you can see archaeological sites full of history that seem to be reborn as you walk through ancient streets, ending at the Machu Picchu citadel, with its mystery and energy intact. Our recommendations:
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