Soccer, the king of sports
It is of course the main sport in Peru, as in the whole Latin American continent. During the Copa America, which is held every two years, Peruvians dress in red and white (the colors of the national team, nicknamed the Bicolor, the Blanquirroja
or the Rojiblanca) and the atmosphere is always very hot. It must be said that the Peruvians have qualified for at least the quarterfinals of the tournament in the last ten editions. In 2019, they even reached the final of the competition (defeated Brazil) after beating the eternal rival Chile, 44 years after the (second) title in 1975. In the last edition in the summer of 2021, the Bicolor again fell to the Brazilians in the semifinals (0-1). Before that, the qualification for the Russian World Cup in 2018 had shaken the country, literally and figuratively, because the tremor during the victory triggered the earthquake detectors! It must be said that the last qualification for a World Cup was in 1982. We needed a national holiday to celebrate! The course then was unfortunately too short, because Peru stopped during the phases of group where it found itself besides against France.A Mecca for trekking and mountaineering
In this sector, Peru offers infinite possibilities. The choice will depend on your objectives, your experience and the time of year you plan your stay. The organization has been perfected over the years and you will always find a competent guide or agency that can help you. A first difficulty to expect is the need for acclimatization to the altitude, the duration of which varies according to the individual but requires at least three days. The three main regions of Peru for mountain walks are Huaraz, Cusco and Arequipa. In the region of Huaraz, one can tackle the peak ofAlpamayo (5,947 m) in the Cordillera Blanca, the trek of Santa Cruz in the Huascarán National Park or the Cordillera Huayhuash for a trek in the heart of the glacial mountains In the region of Cusco, the Camino Inca to Machu Picchu, the Choquequirao - Machu Picchu trek or the Salkantay Trek, to reach Machu Picchu with less touristy routes, or the Nevado Ausangate trek. In the south, this last one is the highest mountain of the region and therefore it is the most demanding trek of the area. In the region of Arequipa, one can tackle the Valley of the Volcanoes, which gathers the Sabancaya, the Ubinas and the Misti Volcano or the Nevado Chachani (active volcanoes of more than 5,000 m), but also the Colca Canyon, for a trek in a grandiose setting in the company of condors.
Some recommendations. The houses of guides (casas de guías) in the different cities will give you a lot of information about the difficulty of the treks, their interest, the need to have a guide or not and the weather conditions. These houses obviously have a large number of guides and porters.
The best season for trekking in the mountains is from June to August; the months of April, May, September and October also offer excellent conditions. During the other months, be careful! Rainfall makes the terrain very slippery, and special equipment is required. Bad weather usually does not last more than three days. The Arequipa region is more protected from bad weather than the others. It is important to leave early in order to cover the snowy part in the morning because, from midday, the snow loses its stability and avalanches are to be feared.
The basic equipment for a trek is as follows: camping tent, sleeping bag, insulating mat, kitchen equipment, hiking boots with crampons, ski poles, harness, protection against rain, warm clothes, ice axe, sombrero hat or Saharan cap, sunglasses, sun cream and gaiters in case of snow. Most of this equipment can be rented or bought on site. A small pharmacy is also essential. And, above all, don't forget the most important thing: acclimatization to the altitude which can take at least 3 days.On water or on land, sensations guaranteed!
Rafting. Peru is one of the most beautiful places in the world to practice rafting. You can practice it in very different environments, all year round, in breathtaking landscapes. The first difficulty you will have to face, even before having given the first stroke of the paddle, will be to find a good agency that will organize your expedition. The two main arguments to keep in mind are the security and the possibilities of access to spots sometimes very isolated in the middle of nature. We will be able to offer ourselves some strong sensations in the surroundings of Cusco, on the rivers Urubamba or Apurimac, in the heart of the Sacred Valley. You can also embark on the Tambopata River, straddling the regions of Puno and Madre de Dios, considered by many the most spectacular rafting spot in the country. Also worth mentioning is the Colca River, known for its 300 rapids, and the very demanding Cotahuasi River
MOUNTAIN BIKING. The Callejón de Huaraz is suitable for mountain biking and offers several marked routes. Be careful, you have to bear the effort in altitude! You will also find some mountain bike rental companies in the Sacred Valley towards Cusco, in the Cordillera Blanca and the Parque Nacional Huascarán and in the Colca Canyon. Once again, ask about the equipment (the condition of the bikes can be questionable) and check the spare parts (puncture-proof spray, inner tube, etc.).
Excellent surf spots
The beaches south of Lima are very popular with surfers. The spot of Mancora, in the north near the Ecuadorian border, attracts beginners as well as more experienced surfers (besides, the water is warmer there). Finally, close to Trujillo, the long break of Puerto Chicama (also called Malabrigo) with its waves of almost 4 km long or the waves of Huanchaco which are so famous that competitions are regularly organized there. Notice to the riders!
