The Best Paddling Locations To Visit In Peru

Peru is a country famous for its incredible hikes, iconic Incan ruins, and rich cultural traditions. It also features varied coastlines, endless rivers, and high-elevation lakes, all of which make for some of the most unique paddling opportunities on Earth. Whether you want to explore the world’s highest navigable lake or paddle deep into the Amazon, Peru is the place for you.

For those looking for incredible high-elevation paddling opportunities, both Lake Tititaca and glacial lakes near Huaraz are great options. Miraflores, an affluent coastal neighborhood in Lima, is great for SUP boarding, while Puerto Maldonado offers remote Amazon kayaking opportunities. The Urubamba River in Cusco’s Sacred Valley offers fun and challenging kayaking through Incan ruins, and Arequipa offers incredible whitewater rafting through gorgeous canyons.

Many tourists visit Peru to see Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. While this once lost city is certainly a sight to behold, this country has much more to offer than its archeology. It is, in many ways, one of the best-kept secrets for those who love unique paddling opportunities. If you’re looking for new, affordable, and interesting paddling destinations, then keep reading to learn more about all the best paddling destinations in Peru.

Eight Unique And Incredible Paddling Destinations In Peru

1. Lake Titicaca

Paddle The Highest Navigable Lake In The World

Lake Titicaca is perhaps the most unique and iconic paddling location in all of Peru. Easily reachable from the city of Puno, Lake Titicaca is the highest elevation navigable lake on Earth. At over 12,500 feet, you’ll need to acclimate to the thin air before kayaking in this cold, fresh water paradise.

Not only is it fascinating to paddle on this lake, but there are also several UNESCO World Heritage Sites within the lake itself, including Taquile Island, famous for its textiles. There are floating villages and unique ancient remnants you can see on land, which makes this region a fantastic detour from the typical tourist route in the Sacred Valley.

There are several kayak tours available, and you can even rent paddling vessels from many lakeside hotels.

2. Puerto Maldonado

Explore The Peruvian Amazon In A Kayak

You may associate Brazil with the Amazon, since so much of this wild territory lies within its borders. But the Amazon region extends across nine countries across South America, including Peru. For those looking to combine wildlife viewing with some day paddling in the Amazon, Puerto Maldonado is the place to be.

There are dozens of eco lodges, like Monte Amazonico Lodge, a short boat ride from Puerto Maldonado, where you can embark on night walks, river safaris, fishing trips, and kayaking. In addition to rivers, Puerto Maldonado also has Lake Sandoval, where you can canoe with a guide and witness several species of monkeys, birds, and other Amazon wildlife.

The best time to visit Puerto Maldonado as a paddler is the dry season, between May and October, when the currents are calmer, and the weather is pleasant.

3. Huaraz

Paddle In Blue Waters In The High Andes

For those looking for remote high elevation paddling and some iconic photographs, look no further than the crystal blue glacial lakes near Huaraz. Many lakes in this region, including the famous Laguna 69, don’t permit paddling or require a very arduous hike. There are, however, several bodies of water you can kayak in.

Laguna Parón is one of the most beautiful lakes in the region and the largest. The best way to reach this lake is on a group tour with a reputable travel agency like Andes Lovers. Once you reach the lake, locals offer affordable kayak rentals, where you can venture out into the frigid and stunning waters, with white-capped Andes peaks surrounding you.

4. Sacred Valley

Explore Historic Incan Ruins As You Navigate The Urobomba River

Cusco and the Sacred Valley are the epicenter of tourism in Peru. In addition to Machu Picchu, this valley has dozens of incredible archeological sites worth visiting, and Cusco is a worthwhile destination in its own right. While most visitors stick to land activities, adventure-seeking paddlers can escape the crowds and explore this region by kayaking the Urubamba River.

Ollantantambo features enjoyable Class II and III rapids and is generally considered some of the best paddling in the region. It also features several stunning Incan ruins that you can view while you float down this iconic river.

5. Paracas

Paddle In Protected Bays And Spot Rare Wildlife

For those who enjoy protected coastal paddling and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, Paracas should be at the top of your travel itinerary. The Paracas National Reserve features beautiful coastal walks and crystal clear waters that are home to many exotic animals.

You can paddle in protected bays among dolphins, flamingos, sea lions, and other unique bird species. Kayaking in this region is a rewarding way to explore this incredible coastal reserve. For the best paddling conditions, visit Paracs between December and May.

6. Arequipa

Explore The White-Water Rafting Capital Of Peru

Arequipa is a one-of-a-kind Peruvian city with architecture and cuisine you can’t find anywhere else. This city features white colonial buildings and has a Catalonian vibe, but right outside the city, there’s endless adventure. In addition to exploring volcanoes and vast canyons, you can take a whitewater rafting trip down the Rio Chili.

This river features Class II-IV rapids, and the river itself bends through a stunning canyon, where you are likely to witness stunning views and might even see an Andean condor soaring above. May through October is the best time for rafting in this region.

7. Miraflores

Enjoy SUP Boarding In Lima’s Hippest Neighborhood

Lima has a lot more to offer than incredible ceviche. This sprawling coastal capital also offers great surfing, SUPing, and coastal kayaking, most notably near the tourist-friendly Miraflores neighborhood.

Depending on the surf, you can potentially launch a SUP board from the beach in Miraflores. Alternatively, you can take a guided kayak tour along Costa Verde and see the city from a unique vantage point. You can paddle year-round in this city, but summer (from December to April) is the most enjoyable time for all water-based activities.

8. Mancora

Try Sea Kayaking And SUP Boarding In This Bohemian Surf Town

Mancora is a small beach town located on the northern coast that attracts surf enthusiasts and beach lovers from around the world. While surfing is the most popular watersport in Mancora, this region also has some fantastic coastal kayaking.

This budget-friendly paddling destination is ideal for those looking for a low-key holiday. In a kayak, you can spot sea turtles and dolphins as you paddle along coastal waters, or you can take a group kayaking tour nearby and explore mangroves and other interesting marine habitats.