The best sport spots and adventures in Peru – travel tips, packing lists and first-hand experience from DOMISPORTS.
Cusco · Trekking, Hiking · Best time: May–Sep
Four days on the original Inca trail with passes above 4,200 metres and the final walk through the Sun Gate into Machu Picchu — which is why permits are strictly limited and sell out months ahead. Acclimatise in Cusco first or the whole trek suffers. The trail closes in February. Book 4-day Inca Trail months ahead — only 500 permits/day.
Áncash · Trekking, Mountaineering, Climbing · Best time: May–Sep
Base camp for the Cordillera Blanca: day hikes like Laguna 69 at 4,600 metres, classics like the Santa Cruz trek and 6,000-metre peaks for mountaineers — all from a cheap, uncomplicated city. Enemy number one is the altitude: schedule dedicated acclimatisation days. Laguna 69 as day trip for acclimatization before the trek.
Piura · Surfing, Kitesurfing · Best time: Year-round
A mellow left-hand point right in front of town that works all year and suits your first green waves nicely. In the afternoon the wind picks up and turns the bay into kite territory. Warm water, small prices, everything within walking distance. Lefthand point break right in town — surfable year-round.
Arequipa · Trekking, Hiking · Best time: May–Nov
One of the deepest canyons on earth: over two to three days you descend from the rim to oasis villages by the river and climb back up serious switchbacks. In the morning, condors glide past at eye level. The final ascent is the real test — start early and dodge the heat. Cruz del Condor at 8am for guaranteed condor sighting.
Loreto · Kayaking, Trekking · Best time: Year-round
Amazon with no road access: Iquitos can only be reached by boat or plane, and from the lodges you kayak through side channels and flooded forest — river dolphins and sloths included. Several days at a lodge take you far deeper into the jungle than any day trip. 3-day lodge tour — better than day trip.
Cusco · Trekking, Hiking · Best time: May–Sep
The wild alternative to the Inca Trail: over the pass at a good 4,600 metres you drop from glacier terrain into cloud forest and on to Machu Picchu — no permit lottery, but more vertical metres. Physically tougher than the classic, and at least its equal in scenery. Alternative to the Inca Trail — no permit, wilder & higher.
Lima · Surfing · Best time: Year-round
Surfing in the middle of the capital: below the Miraflores cliffs, good-natured waves roll along the Costa Verde all year, with schools and rentals right on the beach. The water is cool, so a wetsuit is part of the deal. Ideal for opening your Peru trip with daily sessions. City surfing beneath the cliffs — waves year-round.
Áncash · Trekking · Best time: May–Sep
The Huayhuash circuit ranks among the truly great high-altitude treks: eight to twelve days of camp life almost entirely above 4,000 metres, with passes close to 5,000. No huts, few exit points, little infrastructure — altitude experience and proper preparation are mandatory. One of the world's most spectacular treks (8–10 days).
Lima · Surfing · Best time: Year-round
A powerful, consistent wave on Lima's southern edge that regularly hosts national and international contests. It handles plenty of swell and keeps working when other spots shut down — but demands paddle power and experience. Cold water, serious sets: a spot for accomplished surfers. Powerful beachbreak — a contest venue.
Cusco · MTB, Hiking · Best time: May–Nov
Downhill trails from the Andean ridgelines into the Sacred Valley, past Inca terraces and ruins — guided MTB tours start from Cusco. On foot, take the paths between Pisac and the villages along the Urubamba. Far quieter than Machu Picchu, and at least as rewarding for sport. Inca terraces & downhill between ruins.
Valle Sagrado, Cusco · Yoga, Meditation
Willka T'ika sits in the Sacred Valley between Cusco and Machu Picchu at around 2,865 m and has run for more than thirty years as a retreat house with chakra gardens, farm-to-table vegetarian food, a spa and Andean ceremonies led by Q'ero healers. It hosts group retreats and guided personal programmes. Yoga classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday are included in the rate only if you book directly with the property.