Hiking to Machu Picchu is the most popular outdoor pursuit in Peru, but the country offers a surprisingly diverse range of exhilarating adventures. The third-largest country in South America, Peru woos thrill-seekers with its lush Amazonian forest, extensive windswept coastline, dramatic mountains and pristine rivers and lakes. From surfing or paragliding in Lima to whitewater rafting through the rainforest, here are the top adrenaline-filled activities in Peru.
Alternative Hikes Around Cusco
Most visitors to Machu Picchu spend a few days in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude, and there are several other exciting hikes they can do from this enchanting city. Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake are excellent one-day options that have soaring vistas of Andean scenery and offer clients the chance to do some trekking practice before tackling the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Leading local tour operator Alpaca Expeditions offers these excursions, as well as other multiday treks led by top guides.
Whitewater Rafting on the Apurimac and Urubamba Rivers
Many of South America’s most robust rivers run through Peru, which offers numerous high-octane rafting opportunities, including several in the Cusco area. River Explorers organizes invigorating rafting trips for novices and advanced paddlers alike. Clients can choose one-day trips on the Apurimac River that race between craggy canyon cliffs or opt for one- to three-day trips on the Urubamba River, close to Machu Picchu, for lusher scenery and more wildlife.
Clients can kayak through the reeds on Lake Titicaca.
Credit: 2026 Sang/Edgar AdventuresSurfing or Paragliding Off the Coast of Lima
With 1,500 miles of Pacific coastline, Peru offers great surfing, even in the capital city of Lima. The best surf spot is found beneath the cliffs of the Miraflores neighborhood, where the waves are gentler for beginners and intermediates. Here, clients can find vendors renting surfboards and other equipment. Miraflores Surf Lessons also lets clients book a private instructor in advance. Or, visitors can take their thrills to bigger heights and get a bird’s-eye view of Lima while paragliding. Condor Xtreme offers both paragliding and parakiting from the capital and other destinations around Peru.
Kitesurfing and Windsurfing In Paracas Bay
Situated only 160 miles south of Lima, Paracas Bay and its powerful winds attract kite and wind surfers from around the globe. Clients can take lessons and get properly outfitted by Kangaroo Kite, which takes care of seasoned pros and beginners alike. While in the area, don’t miss out on visiting the Paracas National Reserve, a vast protected natural park with dramatic desertscapes, coastal scenery and jagged islands inhabited by penguins and sea lions.
Kayaking on Lake Titicaca
Boat trips are popular on Lake Titicaca, but it’s particularly magical to glide through the world’s highest navigable lake by kayak. Being so close to the lake’s serene surface — floating through reeds and with delicate puffy clouds overhead — allows visitors to switch off and connect with nature. Edgar Adventures arranges multiday kayaking tours around the lake that include stops at lesser-visited floating islands (a famous feature of Titicaca) and Taquile Island, recognized by UNESCO for its preservation of traditional textile arts.
Sandboarding in Huacachina is a unique experience.
Credit: 2026 Sandboarding PeruSandboarding and Dune-Buggying in Huacachina
Nestled within the desert between Paracas and Ica is the palm-fringed lagoon of Huacachina. Nicknamed the “oasis of America,” the area is explorable by dune buggy and even by sandboard, which is surprisingly easier and more forgiving than snowboarding. Book this adventure through Sandboarding Peru, which also offers special family experiences.
Canoeing and Ziplining Through the Amazon Jungle
Although Peru is known for its mountains, around 60% of the country is part of the Amazon rainforest. Most travelers head to the northeastern town of Iquitos, where Amazonia Expeditions can arrange ziplining or canoeing through the lush jungle. Alternatively, closer to Cusco, Puerto Maldonado Amazon Tours shows clients a less-visited and better-preserved section of the Amazon where they can observe exotic flora and fauna up close on canoe trips.
Hiking and Condor-Spotting in the Colca CanyonSpread over the verdant valleys north of Arequipa — Peru’s attractive second-largest city — Colca Canyon has exceptional hiking experiences that rival those of the Andes. One of the world’s deepest canyons, Colca can be experienced on a two- or three-day trek that leads visitors to traditional pre-Inca villages, turquoise swimming holes and sweeping viewpoints where they might spot the Andean condor, one of the largest flying birds in the world. Travelers can embark on the canyon’s trails solo or join guided hikes with local operator Colca Trek.
