Peru Experiences

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In the west of South America, Peru offers adventures as varied as its climate and regions. With arid coastal deserts, cooler Andean highlands and tropical rainforest, it plays host to spectacular scenery with the chance to see it through the air, across land or water.

The experience can be as relaxing or as spine-tingling as you make it; there is fishing, horse-riding and trekking for the more laidback, or mountain biking, kite-surfing and kayaking for those seeking added thrills.

The landscape of Peru can be divided into three regions: the coast, the highlands and the rainforest. The coast is a narrow strip of land running from the north to the south, on the east side of the country; it is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the east and the Andes mountains on the west. The land here is dry and desert-like, although more greenery appears in the south. The highlands consist mainly of the Andes Mountains, which run parallel to the coast and make connecting from one side of the country to the other difficult. To the east of this region lies the Amazon rainforest, which covers the largest part of the country and is the fourth-largest tropical rainforest in the world.

As with the land, the climate can be divided into the three regions - although there are many microclimates within these. The coast has a sub-tropical climate where there is little rain; this region is warmer in the north, although the whole coast is subject to the cold Humboldt Current in the Pacific. This makes the warmest time January to March and the coolest July to September. Central and southern coastal cities are affected by fog in the winter.

The highlands are most affected most by the Andes Mountains. Here temperatures range from cool to very cold; the higher the altitude, the lower the temperatures, with rain in the summer months of September to March and dry winters during May to August. In the Amazon rainforest the climate is hot and wet all-year-round, with only the south having a brief dry period between June and August.

The capital city of Lima is situated in the centre of the coastal region; it is by far the most populated city in Peru and is the welcoming airport for the beginning of your adventures. Other major cities act as staging posts for many of the tours and activities that you will be experiencing, these include: Arequipa in the southern Andes, Cuzco in the south eastern Andes, Huancayo in the central Andes, Iquitos in the Amazon rainforest and Trujillo and Chiclayo on the far north-west coast.

Trekking
Peru is probably best known for its Inca ancestry and the hidden cities left behind. There are many tours to choose from to discover these for yourself, ranging from two-day excursions to three-week challenges. The reward for the trek (mostly uphill and rocky) will be the spectacular scenery and wildlife encountered along the way, as well as the wonder at seeing these centuries-old cities up close. Machu Picchu is the popular choice, but if you prefer somewhere a little less crowded, Choquequirao is the nearby 'sister', which can only be reached on foot. As well as mountain summits and ruins, Peru also has fantastic treks, through canyons in Arequipa and up to glacial lakes from Huaraz. Most routes require an average level fitness, with some designed for those needing more comfort, as well as those up for a demanding challenge.

Surfing
On the most northern part of the coast, Mancora's beaches are sandy, the water warm and the waves ideal for surfing almost all the year round. The currents of the Pacific make this area the best for experts and beginners alike, and the town is busy with a lively nightlife. For a more laid-back break the town of Huanchaco has similar conditions for surfing. Both areas have schools for anyone new to the sport and to help improve your skills, there are also plenty of options for renting boards or buying second-hand ones.

Mountain-Biking
On a bike you can get pretty much anywhere. The dirt roads take you up into the mountains, along Inca trails, across meadows, down into the jungle and through canyons. A moderate level of fitness is needed, as even when the track is downhill, the effects of altitude can still make the going challenging. With regular stops along the way to enjoy the amazing scenery, the exhilaration of being so close to ancient wonders and spectacular wildlife keeps the adrenalin going all day. Combination packages are available from some operators, where the uphill parts are mostly trekked and the downhill cycled.

Kayaking
Through the Andes Mountains and into the Amazon run many rivers, from gentle Grade 1 through to Grade 6, which the most experienced kayakers will find fearful. Courses are available to learn the basics and try out the lower-grade rivers, before you prepare for the more thrill-inspiring waterways through canyons where fallen boulders make for fast and narrow runs. Perseverance and adrenalin keep you paddling through the rapids until the more gentle grades approach and then you can spend time looking at the scenery you are passing through. Some kayak tours include treks and team-building on whitewater rafts - a great way to work closely with the friends you make.

Mountaineering
The Andean mountain range has many peaks between 5,000 and 7,000m, these are best accessed between June and September when the weather is drier. The Cordillera Blanca region accessed from Huarez has peaks suitable for all levels: Pisco for the inexperienced, Alpamayo for more proficient mountaineers and Huascaran, Peru's highest peak, a challenge for the most experienced. The snow-topped volcano of El Mista near Arequipa is a great start for those new to the sport, while peaks towards Colca canyon and Ampato have dramatic scenery as their reward for what prove to be tougher ascents. Cuzco also acts as a base for mountaineering in the Cordilleras Vilcabamba and Vilcanota regions - ideal for exploring from.

Canyoning
While trekking and mountaineering take you up mountains, canyoning will take you down. Prepare for dare-devil rappelling down dry rock faces and through falling rivers. Often with steep inclines, this is a fantastic opportunity to test your nerve pursuing a new sport. The journey to the starting point encounters impressive scenery, although on the way down it's likely you will be too busy negotiating the rock face to take in the view. Prepare to get wet mind, as at the bottom many canyons end in rivers - adding to the excitement of the descent.

Other Activities
Peru's location, scenery and culture enhance all of the available activities and help make these experiences really memorable. From Cuzco you could try fishing, hydro-speeding, motor-biking, or para-gliding. There is also horse-riding or white-water rafting, in either Cuzco or Lima and kite-surfing in Mancora.

Classical Itineraries
Whichever sports you choose to do there are some "must-see's" when visiting Peru. The Huascaran Mountain in the Cordilla Blanca range of the western Andes is Peru's highest peak - at 6746m above sea level it takes approximately six days to climb. Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America and the highest navigable lake in the world - its artificial islands made of reeds are populated and offer a great tourist attraction. The Amazon River, at least in part, must be explored. Its naural surroundings and varied wildlife, as well as its status as one of the longest rivers of the world are a magnet for travellers. Peru is well-known for its Inca heritage so the Nazca lines, geoglyphs carved into the rocks in the desert, and Machu Picchu, its most famous ancient city, should also be experienced first-hand.

While many think of Peru only as a country for exploring ancient civilisations and trekking through mountains or rainforests, it offers the intrepid explorer new challenges. Adventure sports activities are only just gaining popularity here. That said, with such a fabulous natural landscape Peru is sure to become a favoured destination for those who seek adventure holidays. So pack your gear and a notebook. This country has history and activity in equal measure.