Soccer, the king of sports
It is, of course, Peru's flagship sport, as it is throughout Latin America. During the Copa América, 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. In 2019, they even reached the final of the competition (losing to Brazil) after beating eternal rivals Chile, 44 years after their (second) title in 1975. In 2021, the Bicolor lost again to the Brazilians in the semi-finals (0-1). Unfortunately, in 2024, the team finished bottom of its group and went out in the1st round.
Before that, qualification for the Russian World Cup in 2018 had shaken the country, both literally and figuratively, as the tremor of victory set off the earthquake detectors! It must be said that the last time Russia qualified for a World Cup was in 1982. We needed a national holiday to celebrate! Unfortunately, Peru's subsequent journey was all too short, as they came to a halt in the group stages, where they found themselves up against France. The team failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and qualification for 2026 is a long way off. In 2018, Peru returned with the title of best supporters, and the excitement is always present on match nights when the streets are filled with the white and red colors of the national team.
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 to help you. A first difficulty to expect is the need for altitude acclimatization, the duration of which varies according to the individual, but requires a minimum of three days. The three main regions in Peru for mountain walks are Huaraz, Cusco and Arequipa. In the Huaraz region, you can tackle theAlpamayo peak (5,947 m) in the Cordillera Blanca, the Santa Cruz trek in the Huascarán National Park or the Cordillera Huayhuash for a trek into the heart of the glacial mountains. In the Cusco region, take the Camino Inca to Machu Picchu, the Choquequirao - Machu Picchu trek or the Salkantay Trek, to reach Machu Picchu by less touristy routes, or the Nevado Ausangate trek. To the south, the latter is the highest mountain in the region, making it the most demanding trek around. In the Arequipa region, you can tackle the Valley of Volcanoes, which brings together Sabancaya, Ubinas and Volcan Misti or Nevado Chachani (active volcanoes over 5,000 m), as well as the Colca Canyon, for a trek in a grandiose setting in the company of condors.
A few recommendations. The guide houses(casas de guías) in the various towns will give you plenty of information about the difficulty of the treks, their interest, whether or not you need a guide, and the weather conditions. These houses also have a large number of guides and porters.
The best season for mountain walking is from June to August; April, May, September and October also offer excellent conditions. During the other months, take extra care! Rainfall makes the terrain very slippery, and special equipment is required. Bad weather generally lasts no more than three days. The Arequipa region is better protected from bad weather than the others. It's important to set off early to cover the snow-covered section in the morning, as by midday the snow loses its stability and avalanches can occur.
The basic equipment for a trek is as follows: camping tent, sleeping bag, insulating mat, kitchen equipment, hiking boots with crampons, ski poles, harness, rain protection, warm clothing, 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 first-aid kit 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 for rafting. You can do it in a wide variety of environments, all year round, in breathtaking landscapes. The first difficulty you'll have to face, even before you've made your first paddle stroke, is finding a good agency to organize your expedition. The two main arguments to bear in mind are safety and the possibility of accessing spots that are sometimes very isolated in the middle of nowhere. The Urubamba and Apurimac rivers near Cusco, right in the heart of the Sacred Valley, are ideal for thrills and spills. You can also embark on the Tambopata River, straddling the Puno and Madre de Dios regions, considered by many to be the country's most spectacular rafting spot. Also worth mentioning are the Colca River, famous for its 300 rapids, and the highly demanding Cotahuasi River.
MOUNTAIN BIKING. The callejón de Huaraz is ideal for mountain biking, with several signposted circuits. Mind you, you'll need to be able to stand the effort at altitude! You'll also find a number of mountain bike rental companies in the Sacred Valley towards Cusco, in the Cordillera Blanca and Parque Nacional Huascarán, and in the Colca Canyon. Once again, make sure you know what you're getting (the condition of the bikes may be questionable), and make sure you have spare parts (puncture-proof spray, inner tubes, etc.).
Excellent surf spots
The beaches south of Lima are very popular with surfers. The Máncora spot to the north, close to the Ecuadorian border, attracts beginners and more experienced surfers alike (and the water is warmer). Finally, near Trujillo, the long break at Puerto Chicama (also known as Malabrigo), with waves almost 4 km long, or the waves at Huanchaco are so famous that competitions are regularly held there. Riders beware!
