Active Tours to South America

If you’re the type of person who loves to stay active, even when you travel, and you’re thinking of booking a Machu Picchu tour package, you’re in luck. Peru is full of wonderful outdoor activities and ways to stay fit while traveling. Here are just a few way to get your blood pumping during a South America tour.

1. Go surfing. The vast majority of international flights arriving to Peru land in Lima, the country’s seaside capital city. Be sure to book a night or two here so you have time to explore the city’s historical center, its hip Miraflores district, and to head down to the Pacific coastline for some surf and sun. You can book a lesson ahead of time with your hotel or hostel, or just meanderer down yourself. There are always surfers renting boards, wetsuits, and giving lessons.

2. Hike the Inca Trail. If you’re visiting Machu Picchu, the best way to ensure you don’t put on any pounds during your vacation is to get to the famous ruins the hard way, by using your own two feet. If you plan to hike the classic four day Inca Trail you will need to book a few months in advance, because spots sell out quickly. However, there are plenty of alternative treks to choose from.

3. Go rafting. The Andes run right down the middle of Peru, meaning there is plenty of rushing water, especially in the spring. You can go rafting in towns outside of Lima, or there are numerous rafting places in and around the Sacred Valley, which is the fertile region surrounding Cuzco.

4. Explore the Amazon. Over fifty percent of Peru is covered by the Amazon Rainforest, and exploring it is always an adventure. Booking an Amazon tour can be pricy for the budget traveler, but is worth it, as there is nowhere else on earth like this jungle, and seeing it is definitely not a walk in the park. You can head north to explore Iquitos, or see the southern Peruvian Amazon around Puerto Maldonado or Manu, both close to Cuzco.

5. Sand surfing. You may not know about this odd activity, but south of Lima in the desert mountains sand boarding is all the rave. It works similar to snowboarding, expert you’re surfing on sand rather than snow. Tours for this activity usually include a ride in a dune buggy and equipment and a brief explanation of how to do it, although most of it is just trial and error.