Living in the comfort of tyvek-sealed and sanitized structures makes for a comfy life, except for one pretty significant drawback. "Nature deprivation." Unlike our ancestors who lived as nomadic gatherers, then eventually evolved into farmers, who spent much of their day interacting (if not battling) the elements, modern homo sapiens have evolved into indoor-dwelling, couch-loving creatures. Sadly, humans have evolved to the point where unless we intentionally create opportunities to interact with nature, we could in theory live our entire lives in a completely man-made and climate-controlled indoor world.

Being the smart beasts we are, we now understand the tradeoffs for our cushy lifestyle. We understand it's essential to actually come in contact with wind, dirt and life-sustaining sunlight. We know exposure to the "outdoors" enhances our immune system, provides essential vitamins, restores emotional harmony and even creates states of natural euphoria. We get it. But now we have a little problem. Unless you live in a teepee in the Adironacks, you're pretty much stuck like the rest of us. Encapsulated in a man-made world. Therefore being able to integrate nature activities during our daily lives as well as our travels is even more important than ever before. We crave fresh air and a little bit of dust and dirt. But not too much!

It's safe to say that the most popular outdoor activity in Peru is hiking. It's the perfect heart-pounding excursion for plucky, fit, nature lovers of all ages, on their way to Machu Picchu. Hiking in the Andes Mountains is one of the best pursuits to feed the souls of travelers seeking the kind of rejuvenation only found by being in the out-of-doors? While not everyone is interested or able to hike the rigorous Inca Trail, there's a hike in Peru to fit every ability. 

Nature based activities don't have to be difficult to be beneficial. We compiled a list of other outdoor-based activities that will appeal to nature-lovers of all ages and levels of fitness. Traveling as couples, families and small groups is the perfect foundation for exploring the wide variety of landscapes and micro-climates of the Andes Mountains in Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia.

The Peruvian countryside is ripe with fresh air, open spaces, not to mention bucolic surroundings, and it's quite easy to get off-the-grid for short periods of time. Machu Picchu is located in the "middle of nowhere." Every day 2500 people traverse the landscape of the Sacred Valley between Cusco and the main entry to "Middle of Nowhere" National Park. The main conveyance is by motorized vehicle through the Sacred Valley and then by train. We are throwing the spotlight on some of the lesser known spots along the way. 

  • We would be slacking if we didn't mention the easy 1-day Inca Trail hike.  Just like the strenuous 4-day hike, this hike requires permits. For this reason, it's best to plan several months ahead. The hike is good option for active travelers who don't have the time, interest or ability to do the strenuous 4-Day Inca Trail hike.
  • In Cusco - 
    Outskirts Hike. Instead of doing the historical outskirts tour by car, we arrange for a taxi to drop you at Tambomachay ruins with a guide and hike back to the city stopping along the way at Pukapukara, Qenco and finally Sacsayhuaman ruins.  You'll hike mostly downhill through a small community and rural valley with amazing views of Cusco. You'll need entry tickets from Turistico Boleto (ticket book). Can be purchased in the Ministry Office in Cusco, or when you enter Tambomachay.  4-5  hours/7 km.
  • In the Sacred Valley -
    Chinchero. Drive about 40 minutes from Cusco to Chinchero and hike to Yaravilca Hacienda (the chapel has been restored)  You have the option to stop & visit the Qechua women weavers who demonstrate how wool is harvested, cleaned with soap made from roots, dyed from flowers, insects and lichen, and finally hand-woven into beautiful textiles.  Then we walk over to the old Incan palace of Tupac Yupanqui, where we find plazas and foundations of the old temples.  The trail begins at the lower part of the terraces and descends through small farms of potatoes and quinoa.  Along the way we may see the local people walking to and from the valley.  We follow a small creek that eventually becomes a stream which is a tributary to the Vilcanota River that runs through the Sacred Valley. The hike is all downhill and hikers must commit to the entire length. 4-5 hours/11 km.
    Pisac. Drive about 1 hour to the archaeological site to begin hiking from 11,000 ft with an amazing view of the Sacred Valley. The first thing we see are farming terraces and burial tombs built into the side of a cliff.  We follow an ancient trail climbing steps and hiking through short tunnels. Bromeliads dangle from the cliffs and hummingbirds dart around. The hike takes you to the religious area known as the Intihuatana, where we find the nicest stone masonry work of the Incas. After time to explore, those who want to, can descend many steps down to 9500 ft to the colonial village of Pisac. Or hike back to the vehicle and drive to the town. This is the most difficult of the 3 hikes in SV. Hikers must negotiate a variety of conditions including short, steep steps and winding narrow path. Trekking poles recommended.  Hikers must commit to completing the hike. There is no pickup mid-way.Stop for refreshments in the village & explore the market. (requires entry tickets from Turistico Boleto - tourist ticket book) 3 hours/9 km.
    Maras. Drive about 1 hour from Cusco to Moray and Maras over rolling terrain. On our way to the Sacred Valley we stop at Moray, the Inca Greenhouse ruins built in concentric terraces. More than just terraces, this is one of the old experimental agricultural places of the Incas. We explore for 30 to 45 minutes, then begin hiking east on an old Incan trail that is still in use by the local people. (along the way we pass farm fields where the people grow potatoes, quinua, barley. A lot of times you get to meet farmers that are on their way home or to town) The first part of the hike is an average of 6 kilometers before you arrive at Maras (the terraced salt ponds)  Each pond is owned by an individual family who are still harvesting salt like in the old times. There is the option to get picked up here, or continue hiking down for another 1.5 hours to the Vilcabamba River.  This is the easiest of the 3 SV hikes.  2 - 3 hours/6 to 7 Km (or +1.5 hrs 10 Km)
    Mountain biking. Rolling hills and dirt roads are the perfect terrain for even beginning bike riders to enjoy. Drive 40 min to Chinchero, home of the famous colonial style church and archaeological ruins and the backdrop for Quechua women & girls who demonstrate traditional dyeing and weaving. Continue by car 20 KM to Maras Terraced Salt Ponds. Here you learn how salt is harvested and the importance of salt for economic exchange since Inca times. From there you drive by car about 30 minutes to the greenhouse ruins of Moray to learn about the sophisticated botanical practices of the Incas. You begin your Mountain Bike ride over dirt roads for about 1.5 hours over rolling terrain to the community of Pachar where you end the ride and continue by car to Ollantaytambo, the oldest still-occupied town in Peru where you visit the prominent ruins overlooking the Sacred Valley.  Arrive at your hotel for check-in or return to Cusco.
    Day Hike to Secluded Waterfalls. If you'd rather skip the urban settings, even the quaint villages. this short hike to two waterfalls and a bonus unknown Inca ruin is perfect for adventure seekers.
  • Day Trips from Cusco. Private van to Rainbow Mountain, Ausangate Mountain and other iconic destinations within 1 day driving distance.

Multi-Day Treks and Tours:

  • 5 Days / 4 Nights (or 4 Days / 3 Nights) - Hike and Drive by car through the jungle route to Machu Picchu (with optional rafting and zip-lining during the dry season from April to November)
  • 2 Days / 1 Night Rainbow hike
  • 3 Days / 3 Nights Lake Titicaca - spend full day on motorized boat exploring the Floating Reed Islands (Uros) and Takile Island

Outdoor-based Cultural activities:

  • Pachamanca meal - can be included with any Sacred Valley guided tour.  We take you to a small Qechua community or farm where a family will prepare an "earth oven" for cooking a meal.  This tradition comes from traditional farmers who worked in the fields far from home. The potatoes, fava beans, plantains and meat would cook while they worked and then they would share the meal with other workers in the community.
  • Animal Sanctuaries - on the way to Pisac, it's convenient to stop at Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary where a variety of mammals, reptiles and birds (including Condors) are getting a second chance at life. Or in the South Valley, visit Andino Mundo for wildlife conservation including the reclusive Andean spectacled bear. (can be combined with day trip to Tipon ruins)
  • Awana Kancha Alpaca Farm - stop on the way to Pisac  
  • Cusco Planetarium and Star Gazing Pickup and drop off in Cusco. Wear warm clothes

Tips for day trips:

  • Ask your hotel or guide to arrange a box lunch.
    Bring a day pack with sunscreen, hats, rain gear, drinking water and snacks for the day.

We are happy to customize any of our tours to add anything from small day hikes to big, epic expedtions into the high altitudes.  Contact Adios Adventure Travel US office by email or phone.  Our adventure travel experts can help you choose just the right activities.