Peru is a unique destination for water sports. From the Pacific coast to the Andean peaks, via the legendary Lake Titicaca, each environment offers unparalleled sensations and landscapes. Discover below the best spots, must-do activities and our practical tips.
The Humboldt Current creates unique conditions: powerful waves, regular winds and waters rich in marine life. From Lima northwards, discover each discipline, its best spots and the best time to go.
December to April (summer, warm sea, consistent waves).
December to April.
May to October (strong trade winds).
May to October.
April to November (best visibility).
December to April (warmer water).
December to April (marlin), tuna year-round.
April to October (stable wind).
Year-round, prefer windless mornings (December-April warmer).
December to April (calm sea).
December to April (best conditions).
Year-round, avoid days with too strong wind.
Rivers flowing down from the Andes offer powerful rapids and spectacular landscapes. From Cusco to Arequipa, experience the adrenaline of rafting, kayaking, hydrospeed and canyoning.
May to November (dry season, stable flow and clear waters).
Beginner: supervised class II-III sections. Advanced: class IV-V with local guide.
May to November (dry season).
Good physical condition, helmet and life jacket mandatory. Dry season recommended.
May to November.
April to November (dry season) to avoid flooding.
From the sacred waters of Lake Titicaca to glacial lagoons, experience unique adventures in paddleboarding, kayaking or canoeing. Calm, preserved nature and breathtaking panoramas.
May to October (dry season, sunny but cold – bring a wetsuit).
May to October (dry season) for Andean lakes, year-round for Sandoval Lake.
Year-round (avoid rainy season in the Amazon).
Before you hit the water, here's everything you need to know to enjoy water sports in Peru safely, at the right time, and with the right equipment.
Still have doubts? Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about water sports in Peru.
Paddleboarding (SUP) on a lake or calm sea is ideal for beginners: easy to learn, low risk. Next, surfing on the beaches of Máncora or Punta Hermosa (with suitable schools) and class II-III rafting on the Urubamba are excellent supervised options.
Yes, especially during high season (December-February and July-August). For rafting on the Apurímac, kitesurfing in Paracas and diving trips, book at least 2-3 days in advance. For surfing, booking is not mandatory but recommended for lessons.
May to October: this is the dry season, ideal for rafting, kayaking, kitesurfing (strong winds) and lagoons. If you also want to enjoy warm seas for surfing, come rather in December to April. To combine everything, November and April offer acceptable transitions.
Knowing how to swim is essential for any water activity. For paddleboarding on calm lakes, basic swimming ability is enough (life jacket mandatory). For whitewater kayaking or rafting, you need to be comfortable in the water as falls are possible.
Absolutely. Examples: kayaking or SUP on Lake Titicaca with a visit to the Uros islands, surfing in Lima and discovering the historic center, rafting on the Urubamba after Machu Picchu, or diving in Paracas followed by the national reserve. Many operators offer combined packages.
Take out specialized travel insurance that covers adventure sports (rafting, diving, canyoning, surfing). Check evacuation limits and the availability of 24/7 assistance.
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(Map available in French)
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