Cusco is one of the favorite destinations for travelers not only for Machu Picchu but for the diversity of adventure sports that can be practiced there. The Inca Trail is one of the most requested by tourists, due to the effort demanded during 4 days. However, it is not the only one. Below you can see the different extreme sports that you can practice during your visit to Cusco.

• Mountain biking
• Via ferrata
• Canopy or Zip Line
• Rafting
• Bungee Jumping
• Other extreme sports to practice

These are some of the extreme sports that you can find during your visit to Cusco

Mountain biking

Cusco has a privileged geography for adventure sports. If it is cycling, the Sacred Valley of the Incas is the perfect place for lovers of pedaling. This valley offers mountain routes ideal for mountain biking. Among the best known routes are:

• Downhill cycling through the Malaga pass – This is a descent for approximately 20 kilometers from the ‘La Veronica’ mountain range (4350 m.a.s.l.) to the town of Ollantaytambo (2850 m.a.s.l.) in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
• Cycling through Maras and Moray – This is approximately 30 kilometers of unpaved roads that lead from the town of Chinchero (3762 m.a.s.l.) to the sites of Maras and Moray where the tourist will be able to observe two of the most incredible destinations in Cusco: the round terraces of Moray and the famous salt mines of Maras.
• Cycling through the ruins of Cusco – This circuit allows you to visit the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Pucapucara, Q’enqo and others by bicycle. The circuit takes an average of 5 hours.

Adventure cycling in the Malaga pass – Cusco

Via ferrata

The via ferrata is a type of mountain climbing on places of difficult access but with all the security for each type of athlete. Anyone who wants to have a bit of adrenaline can practice it. You only need to be older than 7 years old. Harness, helmet, gloves and a safety cable made of steel are used. The climb takes three to four hours depending on the athlete’s ability. It takes place in the town of Pachar in Yanahuara, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The most important thing about the via ferrata is that safety is guaranteed.

Via ferrata in the Sacred Valley of the Incas

Canopy or Zip Line

The zip line, zip line or simply canopy is the most similar to flying. It consists of sliding down a cable from 150 to 500 meters from one point to another and with a security system that keeps you safe from danger. A professional guide will help the tourist to make the descent with all the safety measures. This extreme sport can be practiced by anyone over 6 years old. Among the main places where you can do canopy are: the archaeological park of Maras and Moray, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the town of Racchi and the town of Santa Teresa.

Tourists doing canopy in the Sacred Valley

Rafting

Cusco is a perfect place for canoeing due to the diversity of its rivers. The Urubamba River, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas has one of the most beautiful and ideal places for rafting in the world. The difficulty depends on the season. In the rainy season, the river flow increases, making the difficulty of the sport IV or higher. In the dry season, the difficulty is levels II and III. Another river where rafting is practiced is the Apurimac.

Rafting in the waters of the Urubamba river in Cusco

Bungee Jumping

If you are looking for even more adrenaline, bungee jumping is the best choice. In the district of Poroy, a few minutes from Cusco, you can practice this extreme sport considered one of the most courageous. The jump is done with a special elastic rope that prevents the athlete from falling, guaranteeing his safety. The bungee jumping in Cusco is the highest in Latin America, with a height of up to 120 meters.

Bungee jumping in Poroy – Cusco

Other extreme sports to practice

• Slingshot – It consists of being launched into the skies tied to an anchoring system that keeps you safely on the ground. The experience is not as scary as Bungee Jumping but the adrenaline is also flowing.
• Paragliding – It consists of flying supported by a parachute with a sustained fall. It takes place at the top of the town of Chinchero and descends through the Sacred Valley of the Incas with an instructor. The views are incredible.
• ATVs – An adventure that can be done with the family are the ATV routes. They are practiced in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and go through the attractions of Moray and Salineras.

Advice from people who have been there

Cusco

By: Anthony R.

“Bungee Jumping“

“Travel to Cusco to make the jump which was an unforgettable experience. Full adrenaline and courage to make the decision to jump being up to 120 meters high which, by the way, is the highest in South America. This is something else and you should try it so you will overcome some inner fears and you will feel better and self-confident.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, July 18, 2024