Top 10: best adventure sports in Cusco, Peru
In Cusco (Peru) it is possible to practice a great variety of adventure sports. Some are ideal for the family such as horseback riding through the Sacred Valley of the Incas or fishing on the Vilcanota River. Others are really extreme like bungee jumping in Poroy or the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for 4 days.
Below is the list of the 10 best adventure sports.
- Fishing on the Apurimac River
- Horseback Riding through the Sacred Valley
- Quad bike in Maras and Moray
- Bike in the Abra Malaga
- Rock climbing near Sacsayhuaman
- Zipline in the Sacred Valley
- Boating on the Vilcanota River
- Bungee Jumping in Cusco, Poroy
- Paragliding in the Sacred Valley
- Trekking to Machu Picchu
Fishing on the Apurimac River
The Apurimac is one of the main rivers of Cusco and Peru. Its waters are ideal for boating as well as fishing.
This river is characterized by the abundance of trout, fish of the salmon family of various dimensions, which inhabit the cold waters of the Andes Mountains.
The tour packages that perform this service are half day. That is, it starts at 5 am and ends at 2 pm, approximately. They include transportation, fishing implements, lunch and professional tour guide service.
How to book? – In the city of Cusco or online.
How much? – Check the various offers on the internet according to your requirements.
More information – Bring poncho in case of rain.
Horseback Riding through the Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley of the Incas has beautiful mountainous landscapes ideal to be visited on horseback. In addition, this geographical area offers Inca archeological sites of great importance such as Pisac, Chinchero and Ollantaytambo.
This adventure starts in the morning and ends in the afternoon. On the route you can also visit the Salineras de Maras and the circular platforms of Moray.
Even children can do this adventure during which they will visit mountainous landscapes, the Urubamba River, ancient Inca trails and some traditional villages of Cusco.
The ride lasts approximately 2 or 3 hours. Includes transportation, professional guide, muleteer, horse, gloves, helmet and lunch.
How to book? – In a tourist agency in the city of Cusco or online.
How much? – $ 85 per person, approximately.
More information – If the tourist wishes to enter the Salineras de Maras and the Andes de Moray, he must buy his entrance ticket separately.
Tourists riding in the Sacred Valley
Quad bike in Maras and Moray
One of the most popular adventures in Cusco is to explore the town of Chinchero, the archaeological site of Moray and the Salineras de Maras.
During the trip, the tourist will visit beautiful landscapes as well as traditional villages. On the way there is Moray, an Inca landing complex that resembles an amphitheater as well as the Salinas de Maras, hundreds of natural salt wells that form a beautiful landscape.
The service lasts approximately 5 hours (half day). They include professional tour guide, Quad bikes, equipment, transportation and previous training.
How to book? – In a tourist agency in the city of Cusco or online.
How much? – $ 45 per person, approximately.
More information – If the tourist wishes to enter the Salineras de Maras and the Andes de Moray, he must buy his entrance ticket separately.
Bike in the Abra Malaga
The mountainous geography of the open Malaga of Cusco (4,200 meters above sea level) is perfect for a descent route by bicycle accompanied by beautiful landscapes.
The 40-kilometer route is completely downhill and ends in the town of Ollantaytambo (2,792 meters above sea level) in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Tour packages include bicycles, equipment, transportation to the place, lunch and professional tour guide. It is not necessary to be an expert cyclist to do this adventure.
How to book? – In a tourist agency in the city of Cusco or online.
How much? – $ 100 per person, approximately.
More information – It is recommended to be over 14 years old for this adventure.
Cyclists making the descent through the Abra Malaga
Rock climbing near Sacsayhuaman
The adrenaline felt during rock climbing can be enjoyed in the town of Chacan, near the incredible fortress of Sacsayhuaman in Cusco.
No previous experience is necessary because there are sections for all levels. The sections for beginners are 25 and 30 meters. All safety equipment is included in the tour packages.
Half-day services include safety equipment, private transportation, box lunch and a professional guide. This adventure is ideal for a group of friends.
How to book? – In a tourist agency in the city of Cusco or online.
How much? – From $ 60 to $ 80 per person, approximately.
More information – Mountain climbing can also be done in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Zipline in the Sacred Valley
The zip line or zipline is the descent at speed attached to an inclined steel cable. This extreme sport can be practiced in several places in Cusco, especially in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
To perform the zip line you can choose different levels of challenge. There are up to 7 cables that vary in length: from 480 linear meters to 600 meters.
People of all ages can perform this adventure. It only takes courage to dare. If you book a service with a tourism agency remember that this includes: transportation, safety equipment, lunch and tour guide.
How to book? – In a tourist agency in the city of Cusco or online.
How much? – $ 54 per person, approximately.
More information – In the town of Santa Teresa (20 kilometers from Machu Picchu) you can also practice this sport.
Zip Line in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Boating on the Vilcanota River
The Vilcanota River (also known as the Urubamba River) runs through much of Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the slopes of Machu Picchu. Its currents are ideal for boating.
Boating on this river offers different types of levels: Difficulty I and II (no risk), III and IV (exciting with a little risk) and V (exciting with risk). The practice of boating at each of these levels depends on the time of year.
The river tour lasts approximately 2 hours. All the services that do canoeing include transportation, equipment, lunch and professional tour guide service.
How to book? – In a tourism agency in the city of Cusco or online.
How much? – $ 85 per person, approximately.
More information – The rainy season (from December to March) is ideal for advanced levels. During the dry season (from April to November) the tours are for beginners.
Bungee Jumping in Cusco, Poroy
Only 2 kilometers from the city of Cusco (in the town of Poroy) is the famous ‘Action Valley’, a sports center where you can practice bungee jumping as well as other extreme sports.
The platform from where the jump is made is suspended at a height of 122 meters, so it is considered one of the highest in Latin America.
The service includes all security elements, transportation from the city of Cusco and professional instructors. The only requirement is to overcome the fear of heights.
How to book? – In a tourist agency in the city of Cusco or online.
How much? – $ 74 per person, approximately.
More information – In the ‘Action Valley’ you can practice other adventure sports such as ‘Slingshot’ or ‘Paintball’.
Bungee Jumping in Cusco
Paragliding in the Sacred Valley
The Sacro hill in the Sacred Valley of the Incas is the starting point for paragliding. This adventure does not require previous experience. There are trained instructors to provide security to the tourist.
From approximately 800 meters you can see all the scenic beauty of the mountains, rivers and villages of the place. There is the initial jump in the company of an instructor. The service offers all the necessary safety equipment for this adventure.
The air time is 15 to 30 minutes depending on the service contracted. When performing the service remember that these are half day and include transportation, equipment, lunch and professional instructor.
How to book? – In a tourist agency in the city of Cusco or online.
How much? – $ 125 per person, approximately.
More information – Flights depend on good weather. It is recommended to be patient to wait for the right moment to start the flight.
Paragliding in the middle of the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Trekking to Machu Picchu
There are many walks that lead to Machu Picchu such as the routes through Salkantay, Lares and Huchuy Qosqo. However, the most famous of all is the Classic Inca Trail.
This 4-day and 3-night route is considered one of the best 5 hiking trails in the world. Explore Andean landscapes and jungle eyebrows as well as archaeological centers that culminate in the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
All the Inca Trail tours include transportation service (by minivan, train), tour guide, cooks, porters (help carry luggage), camps with implements and tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
How to book? – The Inca Trail reservations are made only online.
How much? – $ 650 per person, approximately.
More information – The Inca Trail remains closed in February. The reservation must be made online 5 or 6 months in advance.
Incredible view when trekking through Salkantay Mountain
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 15, 2024