Exploring Peruvian adventures: unforgettable itineraries for every traveller

Peru isn’t just a place on the map. It’s a handful of different worlds rolled into one. There are mountain trails where the stories of the Incas linger in the air, and jungles that hum with the calls of howler monkeys and birds you’ve never seen before. There are valleys dusted with salt where people still farm the way their ancestors did centuries ago. 

When we talk about Peruvian adventures, it’s not about ticking off tourist spots. It’s about stepping into a story, one that you can feel and hear around you. 

If you’re thinking about Sacred Valley tours or Machu Picchu treks, this country offers more than just postcards. Whether you want the classic Inca Trail experience or are curious about Amazon rainforest exploration, the range of Peruvian adventure tours here is incredible. 

Let’s take a closer look at what makes these adventures so unforgettable, starting with the places that make your trip more than just a vacation. 

You won’t find a country with more variety packed into one place. The Andes slice through the middle, the Amazon swells in the east, and the coast runs wild with cliffs and surf towns. Wherever you go, there’s history under your feet—and no, that’s not hyperbole. 

Peru’s topography asks to be explored. You hike between living ruins. Zip-line across valleys carved by glacial melt. Eat potatoes grown 3,500 meters (11,483 ft) above sea level. This is adventure travel in Peru where the thrill isn’t just the activity—it’s everything wrapped around it. 

And the best place to start? The Sacred Valley. 

The Sacred Valley isn’t a detour—it’s the heart of the journey. Most Sacred Valley tours spin through the usual hotspots, but let’s skip the brochure language. Here’s what makes them matter: 

These aren’t just stops—they’re snapshots of a living culture. A warm-up for the Inca Trail experience still to come. 

This isn’t “interactive tourism.” It’s interaction that happens because you’re there, and people are living their lives. 

In Chinchero, you’ll meet women who still use cochineal insects to dye wool deep red. You’ll eat lunch with a farming family who grows their own quinoa. There’s a good chance you’ll be offered coca tea before a hike—and no, it’s not a gimmick, it helps with altitude. Want to go deeper? Head to Lamay, where cuy (guinea pig) is still the centrepiece of celebratory meals. You can eat it or just ask about it. Either way, it’ll stick with you. 

These aren’t curated “moments.” They’re the kind of things that make Peruvian adventure tours feel real. 

Not every day in the Sacred Valley has to be soft-focus. You want action? It’s everywhere. 

This isn’t the kind of adventure where you just check boxes. It’s where you stop mid-hike because you just heard something, then realise it’s the mountain breathing. 

When it comes to Machu Picchu treks, you’ve got options—and each one tells a different story of Peru’s past and present. These aren’t just hikes. They’re multi-day journeys through cloud forests, glacial passes, and centuries of Inca engineering. 

Here are the three most popular Peruvian adventure tours to Machu Picchu: 

Each of these treks offers a completely different Inca Trail experience—from wild alpine drama to intimate village encounters. 

The Classic Inca Trail is the most regulated and in-demand adventure travel Peru offers. Spanning 42 km (26 miles), this four-day trek weaves past Inca ruins, over high passes (up to 4,200 m), and ends with a sunrise entrance through the Sun Gate—just as the Incas once arrived at Machu Picchu. 

It’s not easy, but that final descent into the ruins? Worth every step. Learn more about the numerous animals you can spot on the Inca Trail.  

Rugged beauty, fewer crowds If you’re drawn to raw landscapes and fewer rules, the Salkantay Trek is a top pick among Peruvian adventures. This 5-day route climbs as high as 4,600 m (15,090 ft) at the Salkantay Pass, then drops into lush cloud forest. It’s ideal for hikers who want a more remote and physically demanding alternative to the Inca Trail. 

Expect: 

This is a serious trek, best suited to experienced hikers or those with a few acclimatised days under their belt. 

The Lares Trek is a quieter, more culturally immersive option. It’s shorter (3-4 days), but still adventurous, with peaks reaching 4,650 m (15,255.91 ft). You’ll hike through remote Andean villages where Spanish is a second language and traditions are intact. 

Why choose it? 

This trek is perfect for those looking for adventures in Peru with depth—ideal for photographers, anthropologists, and the simply curious. It can be combined with an Inca Trail Trek to make the journey even more exciting. Find more info on that combo here.  

Choose Salkantay for wild, physical challenge. Choose Lares for quiet trails and cultural connection. Both are worthy, depending on the kind of Peru adventure tour you’re after. 

What to know before you go Altitude is no joke. Spend 2–3 days acclimatising in Cusco (3,399 m / 11,152 ft) before you set off. Drink coca tea, walk slowly, and stay hydrated.  

If you’re curious about preparation, feel free to read our comprehensive guide on how to train for trekking to Machu Picchu. 

Learn more in our complete packing list for trekking to Machu Picchu. 

If you’re serious about adventure travel in Peru, these treks are more than bucket list items—they're rites of passage. 

What to expect from your Amazon adventure  Diving into the Peruvian Amazon is like stepping into another universe—dense greenery, wild sounds, and surprises at every turn. Whether you land in Puerto Maldonado, float into Iquitos, or camp near Manu National Park, be ready to trade your city pace for jungle rhythm. Think: morning boat rides through misty rivers, walking boardwalks way up in the canopy, and nighttime serenades from creatures you didn’t even know existed. 

Around Puerto Maldonado, you’ll catch the jaw-dropping sight of macaws gobbling clay on riverbanks, elusive jaguars prowling the shadows, and giant otters playing in the water.  

In Iquitos and the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve, you might swim with pink dolphins, spot sloths dozing in the trees, or hear howler monkeys announce their territory like jungle DJs. Manu National Park? It’s full of biodiversity with enough birds, monkeys, and insects to make any nature lover swoon. 

Eco-tours here are more than walks in the woods—they’re jungle masterclasses led by guides who know the forest like the back of their hand. Expect dawn boat rides, nighttime flashlight hikes, canopy treks that make you feel like a jungle VIP, and visits to indigenous communities who live in perfect harmony with the forest. 

Here’s a preview of the astonishing wildlife of Peru’s Amazon Rainforest.  

The Amazon isn’t just about critters and trees—it’s a living culture. Visiting local tribes means stepping into stories passed down for centuries. This isn’t some touristy show; it’s an authentic connection.  

At places like Posada Amazonas, you’ll share meals cooked over open fires, watch traditional dances, and hear legends that breathe life into the forest. You might even learn a thing or two about jungle medicine straight from the experts—nature’s own pharmacy. 

Peru’s adventure tours are like playlists you make for yourself—customised to your interests and stamina. Want to mash up Machu Picchu’s magic with jungle thrills and Sacred Valley charm? Done. Dreaming of a budget-friendly quick-hit Amazon trek? Totally doable. Prices start from around $800-$1,500 for 3- to 4-day packages that pack serious punch without emptying your wallet. 

For Andes days, bring layers for sun and chill, plus altitude meds like Diamox (because breathing thin air is an acquired skill).  

Time your visit with your itinerary in mind. It will make both your packing and adventures much easier.  

Read more about the best time to visit the Amazon Rainforest if it’s on your dream itinerary.  

And if you’re trekking the Inca Trail, visit a doctor first. You can also look into our tips to stay healthy and safe in Peru to make sure your adventure is as untroubled as it is amazing.  

Peru’s got it all—high mountain peaks, ancient Inca trails, and one of the wildest rainforests on Earth. Adventure here isn’t just sightseeing; it’s getting your hands dirty, your lungs full of fresh air, and your soul touched by incredible culture and nature. 

Pick your pace, pack your curiosity, and get ready to make memories that will stick long after the mud dries. 

This isn’t just travel—it’s a story you’ll tell for years and Follow Alice will make sure it’s a good one.