Posted on Tuesday, 9 July 2024

Explore mysterious abandoned cities in the Peruvian rainforest, go piranha fishing in French Guiana, or try sandboarding in the Atacama Desert: South America is a dream come true if you love adventure activities.

South America boasts mountains, deserts, and coastlines - many of them unspoilt and relatively unpeopled. Such a wealth of diverse landscapes means that adrenaline sports and adventure activities are never far away.

From rock climbing to piranha fishing, scuba diving to exploring Incan temples in lush rainforest, this continent has something for every passion.

Here are 10 pulse-quickening adventures to consider on your next South American sojourn.

600-year-old La Ciudad Perdida

Archaeologists believe Colombia’s La Ciudad Perdida was established about six hundred years before Machu Picchu, yet the site is nowhere near as famous.

It takes four days to complete the trail, which passes through dense jungle before reaching the Sierra Nevada Mountains, where the city is located.

Several of the city's platforms have been cleared. A good level of physical fitness is required, not least because of the 1,200 stone steps you need to ascend to reach the site!

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is one of South America's best-known historical attractions. This vast ruined city, often seen rising through the mountain mist, is undeniably spellbinding.

Some archaeologists believe the city served as a royal retreat, but mystery still shrouds the granite remains.

Built in around 1450, the city was abandoned just a century later.

The Inca Trail really consists of three different routes (Mollepata, Classic and One Day) which overlap and end in Machu Picchu. Mollepata, the longest trail, takes in the highest passes, intersects with the Classic route, then traverses the famous Warmiwañusqa ("dead woman") pass.

To help control soil erosion, a maximum of 500 people can use the trail per day. As such, booking ahead is mandatory.

Mountain biking along Bolivia's Death Road

Mountain biking along Bolivia's Death Road is not for the faint-hearted. This fenceless 35-mile stretch of road was once the main link between La Paz and Chulumani, but since a new road has been built, this precipitous track has been largely left to thrill-seeking mountain bikers. But of course, there's still the odd vehicle with more than two wheels, so you'll need to have your wits about you!

Surfing in Mancora, Peru

Surfers, too, have some great options in South America. One of the best is Mancora, Peru, well-loved for its fabulous beaches and reliable waves.

Mancora boasts the world's largest left-hand point break and is home to Peru's only warm-water break. The water is especially warm from February to April.

Mancora also offers some exceptional nightlife, making it a great place to spend a week or two.

Explore the Amazon by boat

Venture through the world's largest rainforest via the Amazon River between Tabatinga in Colombia and the Brazilian city of Manaus.

From pink dolphins to piranhas, the Amazon is teeming with life - as well as endless awe-inspiring jungle vistas.

While there are plenty of comfortable tourist boats plying the route, you can also book a trip in a cargo boat: you may only have a hammock, but you'll experience the Amazon in the most enthralling, up-close-and-personal way!

Sandboarding in the Atacama Desert

If you have a penchant for snowboarding, you simply have to try sandboarding in the Atacama Desert. And even if you haven't tried any kind of boarding before, it presents the perfect opportunity to learn.

Enjoy the thrill of carving through the soft sand while surrounded by the dramatic Atacama landscape, but without having to worry about a sore posterior (beginner snowboarders have a much tougher time in this regard!).

Rock climbing in Ecuador's El Cajas National Park

Whether you're a beginner or an expert, El Cajas offers a wealth of rock climbing opportunities. Many climbing companies can help you have a rewarding experience.

Aside from the thrill of ascending precipitous rock faces there are fabulous views, including the 4,450 m high Cerro Arquitectos (Architect’s Hill) and around 270 lagoons and lakes.

White water rafting on Ecuador's Pastaza River

Adrenaline junkies the world over are drawn to Ecuador's stunning Pastaza River in Baños de Agua Santa, and its heart-pumping Class III and Class IV white water rafting.

Numerous experienced rafting companies operate on the river, staffed by professional guides to help you get the most out of your adventure - in as safe a way as possible.

See the Iguazu Falls (Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay)

See the most powerful and visually dramatic waterfalls in South America.

The Iguazu Falls are located on the border between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. They are most easily reached by air from Buenos Aires, but you can also see them from the Brazilian side via the Brazilian city of Foz do Iguaçu.

There are also rainforest hiking trails nearby, most notably from Ciudad del Este in Paraguay.

Piranha fishing on the Kaw River, French Guiana

For one of the most thrilling (and maybe a little terrifying) fishing trips on the planet, head to the Kaw River in French Guiana. The razor-sharp teeth of the piranha are legendary, so ensure you don't get distracted by the stunning vistas as you wait for a bite.

Thankfully, there are lots of less fearsome fish to catch - ones that you can take a bite out of, instead of the other way round!

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