Peru Ranked Third for Adventure Tourism, Here’s Why

Although tourists who have visited Peru find it to be quite an adventure in and of itself, for the truly adventurous, more are discovering Peru as a “go to” destination for thrills ranging from Para-sailing & surfing to Canopy and remote hikes on the Inca Trail. Check it out…

Peru is the third largest country in South America for Potential Adventure tourism

A recent study ranked Peru third in South America for adventure tourism. The adventure tourism growth has been rapid over the last few years. Below we’ll explore the why. Enjoy!

(Translated via Google translate, some authors corrections.)

via Perú es el tercer país de Sudamérica con más potencial en turismo de aventura 

According to the Adventure Tourism Development Index ranks the country (Peru) over Colombia, Argentina, Brazil. Notable for having a good image and infrastructure linked to extreme sports.

Sandboarding in Huacachina, Canopy in Cusco, surfing, trekking, etc. Peru has-been positioning itself as one of the MOST popular adventure sports destinations, According to the latest report of Adventure Travel Trade Association.

In 2015 STI Adventure Tourism Development Index (ATDI) Peru is one of the Most Popular Among Developing country clubs squares, next to Czech Republic, Slovakia, Turkey, among others.

In South America (Peru) ranks third, just behind Chile and Uruguay and above Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, etc, with better scores on the country’s image on sustainable tourism and opportunities for adventure activities. Peru also earned high marks in bound adventure sports and its cultural resources to offer visitors infrastructure.

The Study
The report evaluates Adventure Travel Trade Association in 28 countries with developed and emerging nations (there were) 163 surveys among visitors and experts in adventure tourism.
According to the report, the adventure tourism market continues to gain momentum worldwide, with annual growth of 72%, with what happened to move US $89 billion in 2010 to US $263 billion in 2013.

 

Canopy Hiking Peru (Photo Pinterest)

Canopy Hiking with Inkaterra 

For a real adventure, canopy hiking is a way to see the rain forest from a whole new angle.

via Canopy in Tambopata.

Imagine walking high above the rainforest, seeing the jungle ecosystem in the same way that the birds who fly above see it. Canopy Inkaterra, opened in 2005, allows visitors to do just that.

This 344-meter (1,135-feet)-long complex of seven hanging bridges, six treetop observation platforms, and two 29-meter (95-feet)-tall towers-woven through the crowns of the tallest trees-offers visitors glimpses of rare and unusual flora and fauna, impossible to see from the ground.

A must for your trip to the jungle in Peru. Our tree canopy bridge, one of South America’s largest, makes it possible to literally walk through the treetops for more than ¼ mile, suspended 103 feet above the ground, near Tambopata. Millions of species, many still undiscovered, spend their entire lives in this realm. Until recently, only scientists ventured there.

It is considered one of the safest canopy walkways in the world. The ground-level Interpretation Center is packed with information about the rainforest and its ecology. Funding for the canopy project was provided by the World Bank and the National Geographic Society.

Sandboarding

Sandboarding Peru Photo in-peru.travel

For those looking for sand, and lots of it, make your way south of Lima to Huacachina. It’s a quaint, friendly village oasis surrounded by miles and miles of glorious sand dunes.

via Huacachina – The Extraordinary Desert Oasis in Peru.

Located five hours south of Lima, the desert oasis Huacachina is home to an extraordinary adventure tour called the dune buggy and sandboarding tour. This tour is both thrilling and jaw-dropping, transporting you deep into the desert to see the huge sand dunes on the coast. These ancient mountains of sand are beautiful and surreal. And adventurous travelers are welcome to try sandboarding down the dunes!

There is much more to do here, including winery tours, flights over the world-famous Nazca Lines, and boat tours to see Humboldt penguins and sea lions.

Surfing

Punta Hermosa Peru (Photo surfspots-gps.com)

via Surfing in Peru: A Guide with Surf Spots and Photos.

Surfing in Peru offers one of nature’s miracles: Chicama. It is the world’s longest wave and is situated north from Trujillo. Chicama has a wave that stretches over 4 kms, and paddling back is not an option. Ride as many waves as it takes to get you down the point and then walk back up. Even at 2ft Chicama breaks like a machine down the point, it is hypnotizing to watch. Morocco may well be the land of the point break but Peru certainly gives it a run for its money. Chicama is superb and worth the visit alone.

The northern part of Peru also has the warmest waters in the country.

Mountain Climbing

For those seeking higher altitude thrills, make your way to Huaraz. Some of the best climbing in the world can be found nearby.

Climbing Expedition Peru (Photo www.peruvianandes.com)

via Guided Andes Climbs and Expeditions in Peru – Alpamayo and Quitaraju – Mountain Madness.

The Cordillera Blanca contains more than 300 major summits – more than 20 of these rise over 6000 meters (19,685 feet.) Climbers joining Mountain Madness in Peru will find incredible climbing and easy access. Steep, fantastically fluted ice faces, such as the Southwest Face of Piramide, wildly corniced ridges like the French Ridge on Huascaran Norte, and huge ice walls like the Northeast Face of Huandoy Norte are the norm and validate the comparisons of these peaks with the grandeur of the Himalayan peaks. Alpamayo and Quitaraju are no exceptions.

Considered by many to be the world’s most beautiful mountain, an ascent of Alpamayo is an achievement valued and recognized by mountaineers the world over. Mountain Madness’ ascent follows the “Ferrari Route” up the steep, fluted southwest face of the mountain. From a scenic high camp, we’ll cross a small glacier, surpass a tricky bergschrund, and climb eight pitches of snow and ice, gradually steepening to nearly 80 degrees. The last 400 feet offers beautiful blue water ice and ends at a knife-edged summit ridge.

And if this spectacular climb weren’t enough, from our Alpamayo high camp we’ll also attempt the north face of Quitaraju, with it’s more than 2,000 feet of near perfect snow and ice conditions. This expedition is ideal for those seeking technical challenge at high altitude.

Peruvian Mountain Trek (Photo www.kutoatravel.com)

Rainforest Excursions

Amazon River Dolphin – Iquitos Peru

There are a variety of options for exploring the rainforest regions of the Amazon. From luxury cruises and lodges to “doing it yourself” hiring of a daily guide, there is something for every budget.

via Peru Amazon Tours, Amazon River Cruises in Peru – Rainforest Cruises.

The most popular Peru Amazon tour destination is the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, a protected area of flooded forests containing 5 million acres of rich ecological diversity. Pacaya Samiria is home to iconic Amazonian species such as pink river dolphins, giant otters, macaws, sloths, and caiman, all commonly observed during an Amazon River cruise. The Peruvian Amazon is one of the most biologically diverse areas on Earth, and an ideal tour destination for an ecologically-focused Amazon tour.

From Peru, it is possible to cruise down the Amazon River all the way to the Atlantic Ocean, at Belem in Brazil, where the mighty Amazon empties into the sea.

Pacaya Samiria Reserve Peru
Floating Amazon Garden Pacaya Samiria Peru

From Iquitos, you can book a tour through a variety of local agencies. Our advice is to go to the Tourist Information Center provided by PromPeru & see what they recommend. The main thing is to be sure that the accommodations are to your comfort level. Sleeping in an open air cabin with just a mosquito net may or may not be your cup of tea.

There are day tours as well as tours of 3-4 days up to several weeks for the hardy souls wanting to get deep into the Reserve for more animal and rare bird sightings.

Besides just tour companies are some rather luxurious lodges which may offer tours, boat rides etc, and will also have amenities more comfortable to those unaccustomed to rainforest jungle living. They are more expensive, but in the end may be a safe bet for a once in a lifetime experience. Many are kid friendly too. (Don’t count on good internet though.)

For luxury try a cruise

Delfin I Deluxe Master Suite Bow

This boutique Amazon riverboat combines traditional design and craftsmanship, with all modern comforts. There are only four suites on board, and so your journey will be personalized and intimate; and the Delfin prides itself on its cuisine and service.

Costly, but what a way to explore the Amazon in total luxury.

Rainforest On Your Own

For those who are more cost conscious (and/or adventurous,) one affordable way to get a taste of the rainforest is to catch a colectivo to Nauta (about 2 hours,) and then look for your own guide. It’s quite economical, and if you come at a slower time, you’ll get personalized attention for a bargain price. Be sure to tip generously. If you come around mid-day, you can check in overnight at a Nauta hotel and head out early with your guide the following day. Be sure to bring long sleeved shirts & plenty of water, snacks & repellant.

Amazon Lily Pads

The Pacaya Samiria Reserve is just one of the many natural areas preserved in Peru.

Hiking the Inca Trail

View from the Inca Trail

via Trek to Machu Picchu: 4Day Inca Trail Trek Peru For Less.

Follow the legendary path of the Incas, winding through the spectacular scenery of the Peruvian Andes, past centuries-old sites, toward the mythical and awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. Declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the mysterious ruins – and the amazing Inca trail that takes you there – are without a doubt the highlight of any trip to Peru.

One of the most famous trekking routes in the world takes adventurers along an epic and sometimes challenging journey to the city in the clouds. Visitors will be struck by the majestic beauty and human ingenuity of the Inca citadel that remained hidden until just over 100 years ago. Along the trail you will be able to admire various archeological sites and visit traditional villages where locals maintain their ancient ways of life. You will sleep at campsites and indulge in high quality meals prepared by a chef who works magic with simple ingredients and a propane stove. All the essentials for the trek are provided, including an expert bilingual guide who will help you navigate through this magical journey into the clouds.

So whether it’s been on your bucket list, or you just need to try something new, with so many opportunities, Peru may be your number one choice for adventure, bar none.

©2015 Ben Gangloff

You might also enjoy:

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5 Must See Natural Areas in Peru for 2015

 

Rustic Bridge

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