Peru's Blue Paradise: 10 Unforgettable Water Adventures in Peru with Tanit Trails
As with all Peru's terrain, its water adventures are defined by striking contrasts - jungle rivers which carve through the heart of the Amazon, high-altitude lakes that shimmer beneath Andean peaks and Pacific waves which roll onto golden beaches in the North and crash against dramatic deserts in the South.
Peru is a place where water shapes landscapes, livelihoods and legends - and it offers guests an ever-changing backdrop for exploration.
With their unparalleled expertise and commitment to mindful, life-affirming, off-trail Peruvian travel, there's no better DMC than Tanit Trails to help your clients navigate these fascinating waters away from the tourist throngs.
From the depths of the Amazon Rainforest to the islands of Lake Titicaca; highland lagoons to remote Pacific beaches, we asked Tanit Trails' founder, explorer and cultural creator Nicolas Ramirez to share 10 unique and unforgettable aquatic adventures - any combination of which they are able to craft into a transformative bespoke itinerary that will immerse your guests deeply and authentically within the traditions, scenery, people and soul of Peru.
1. Luxury River Cruising in the Northern Amazon
There are few places on earth as untamed as the northern Amazon - and few better ways to explore it than on board a luxury river cruise. Departing from the city of Iquitos, famous for being the world’s largest settlement unreachable by road (but just 40 minutes from Lima by plane), these cruises are the epitome of nature immersion, taking guests up the mighty river in peerless style.
For those seeking the pinnacle of jungle luxury, Aqua Expeditions’ Aqua Nera is the perfect choice, its 20 spacious, beautifully designed suites offering floor-to-ceiling windows for uninterrupted river views, and its world-class Peruvian chefs serving incredible fayre throughout for an Amazon experience redefined.
The Delfin Amazon Cruises fleet brings a more intimate experience of pure boutique luxury with a deep sense of connection. With just 4 exclusive suites, the Delfin I is perfect for private charters, while the larger Delfin II and Delfin III cater to those who prefer a social element to their journey.
On board, days are spent navigating the waterways with expert naturalists on hand to narrate the sights as guests spot elusive pink river dolphins and glide through tranquil lagoons by kayak. And in the evenings? It's time to relax, cocktails in hand, as the sky shifts from gold to indigo and the sounds of the jungle come alive.
Beyond the indulgence of onboard life, adventures include expertly guided skiff excursions into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve to discover giant water lilies and lounging sloths, fascinating visits to indigenous Amazonian villages and even piranha fishing.
Learn more about Tanit Trails' Amazon River Cruises here and talk to the team at Tanit Trails about which cruise vessel and itinerary is best for each of your clients.
2. High-Altitude Wonders on Lake Titicaca
Straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, its shores dotted with remote islands, indigenous communities and sacred sites - a place where Andean legends run as deep as its sapphire-blue waters.
Titilaka Lodge (Relais & Châteaux) offers the pinnacle of lakeside luxury, with each room facing the water to bring guests uninterrupted views over the shimmering expanse of the lake. Here, experiences are curated to perfection, from private boat excursions and authentic cultural encounters to dining on gourmet dishes inspired by Andean ingredients and exploring the ancient tombs of Sillustani.
One of our favourites for your more adventurous clients is a multi-day sea kayaking excursion that sees visitors glide across Titicaca's still waters to camp in remote areas and explore with no other tourists in sight.
One of the famous attractions on Lake Titicaca are the "floating islands" of the Uros people. These unique floating islands are made entirely from woven totora reeds. Indigenous families have lived on these islands for centuries making for a fascinating experience. Another visit is to Taquile Island for more cultural immersion, meeting Quechua-speaking villagers who still continue their community’s ancient tradition of handwoven textiles, their craft recognised as a UNESCO cultural heritage.
For the ultimate indulgence?
A trip to Lake Titicaca can be combined with travel on the Belmond Andean Explorer, an opulent sleeper train that carries guests in sublime style between Cusco and Arequipa with a stop at Lake Titicaca. What can guests expect on board? Picture vintage elegance, luxurious suites and a sumptuous bar where the Pisco sours flow freely as the train glides through Peru’s breathtaking high-altitude scenery.
3. Kayaking, Paddleboarding & Lakeside Hot Tubs in the Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley is a land of legend, its ancient ruins hinting at the secrets of the Incas, the Andes rising like silent sentinels and glittering lakes offering a sanctuary of stillness. At Huaypo and Puray Lakes, water-loving guests can board a kayak, stand-up paddleboard (SUP), do yoga on floating platforms and slip into the crystal waters which, unlike busier tourist hotspots, remain blissfully uncrowded.
Bringing a touch of indulgence and warmth after a day on the lake, Huaypo Hot Tubs offer a secluded high-altitude retreat where guests can soak tired limbs as the last light fades from the mountains, sipping on rich, spiced Peruvian hot chocolate or a glass of mulled wine and marvelling at the Milky Way which, with no light pollution to dim the sky, blazes overhead unchecked.
For a taste of true Andean culture? A Pachamanca, the age-old tradition of slow-roasting meat and vegetables underground on hot stones, brings the spirit of the mountains to life. Cooking this way brings the flavours of the food out in the most incredible way, for a meal which, served lakeside with panoramic views of the Sacred Valley, is sure to nourish body and soul.
4. Ballestas Islands: The Peruvian Galápagos
Known as the Peruvian Galápagos, the Ballestas Islands are a rugged archipelago home to some of the most extraordinary wildlife in South America. Located off the coast of Paracas, these protected islands are a haven for Humboldt penguins, sea lions and thousands of seabirds - making them an absolute must-visit for nature lovers.
The best way to see the Ballestas is by private yacht - and of course Tanit Trails can arrange these exclusive excursions for your guests to enjoy the ultimate in comfort as they explore. Navigating the rocky outcrops with ease, yachts can get up close and personal in the most respectful way with the flora and fauna, allowing travellers to see sea lions basking lazily on sun-warmed rocks and enormous flocks of pelicans and cormorants taking to the sky, all while the calls of exotic birds echo across the waves.
For those who want to tour at their own pace, kayaking in Paracas Bay is a quieter and more intimate experience. Paddling gently along the coastline, guests can see marine life up close, glide past dramatic cliffs and even spot flamingos wading in the shallows. And for adrenaline junkies? Kite surfing in Paracas is an electrifying way to embrace the power of the Pacific wind, dancing between air and sea as the kite lifts and skimming across the bay’s glassy waters, adrenaline surging with every gust.
After a morning of wildlife encounters, guests return to their private yacht to savour a gourmet meal, sipping champagne as they gaze across the infinite ocean and absorb the tranquility of one of Peru’s most spectacular coastal gems.
5. Surfing the longest left break in the World & Whale Watching on the Pacific Coast
For those in the know, Máncora is Peru’s best-kept beachside secret, its year-round sunshine, golden sands and legendary waves making it the ultimate place to embrace the rhythms of the Pacific.
Surfers of every level rejoice, because Tanit Trails’ tailored experiences can pair your guests with expert local guides who know these waters inside out - with the know-how to find the perfect spot whether your guests are taking their first lesson in the gentlest of breaks or chasing some of the barrelling swells that carve through the ocean.
But Máncora is much more than just its waves. Between July and November, the coastline here becomes a front-row seat to one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles - the humpback whale migration. This is the place where the Humboldt and El Niño currents collide, and that creates an incredibly rich marine ecosystem teeming with life. Aboard a private boat, guests can head out to sea to watch the whales breach and tail-slap in mesmerising displays of power and grace - and dolphins, sea lions and even orcas make occasional appearances too, making for an ocean safari unlike any other.
In Máncora, a stay at KiChic is barefoot luxe at its finest. This boutique eco-retreat is dedicated to unwinding, with yoga, wellness treatments and farm-to-table cuisine that celebrates the best of coastal flavours - the perfect finishing touch to your guests’ experience of Peruvian Pacific paradise. Other great luxury stays include Las Arennas and DCO Suites.
For surfing enthusiasts, Tanit Trails' owner is an expert surfer and can help with other famous surf locations along Peru's pacific coast for dedicated surfing and training. Your clients can surf the longest left break in the World in Chicama and explore other fantastic surf breaks such as Pacasmayo, Poemape and San Bartolo - just south of Lima.
6. White-Water Thrills on the Apurímac River
For adrenaline-lovers, the Apurímac River delivers in spectacular style. Rafting here is no ordinary experience - this is the source of the mighty Amazon, carving its way through a vast, 3,000-metre-deep canyon of towering rock walls, hidden beaches and swirling rapids.
Tanit Trails offers two ways to experience this natural wonder: an action-packed one-day descent, or a multi-day expedition, where guests paddle by day and camp under starlit skies by night.
The one-day experience begins early, with a breathtaking drive from Cusco that takes guests through the high Andean plateau with its snow-capped mountains before descending into the canyon’s depths. The first glimpse of the river, its jade-green waters snaking through the cliffs below, sets the tone for what’s to come. After a full safety briefing, helmets are fastened, life jackets secured and rafts launched into the first exhilarating stretch of white water. Alive with energy, these world-class rapids range from Class III to Class V, and rafting here demands teamwork, focus and a real sense of adventure. But it’s not all heart-pumping excitement - moments of calm are to be found, where guests can float gently and take in the incredible scenery and wildlife, stopping to explore side canyons and lunching on deserted beaches.
For those opting for the three-day expedition, the rewards are even greater. After days on the river, evenings are spent camping on secluded river beaches, where fires crackle, warm meals are served and stories are shared beneath the clearest of skies.
Whichever option your guests embark on, there’s a profound sense of achievement at the end - a memorable sense of adventure at its most exciting and immersive in one of South America’s most spellbinding landscapes.
7. Glamping, Kayaking & Andean Rituals at Lake Pomacanchi
High in the Andes, between Cusco and Lake Titicaca, Lake Pomacanchi is a place of stillness and serenity. To glamp here is to truly retreat into nature, seizing a rare chance to slow down in one of Peru’s most breathtaking settings and becoming completely immersed in local culture and legends. After a stunning drive from Cusco that winds through remote villages and past endless rolling hills, a traditional Andean blessing ceremony greets your guests, as a local "paco" (spiritual guide) honours Pachamama, the Earth Mother, and ensures harmony between the land and those who visit.
Your guests will quickly find that days here unfold at a different rhythm - one unrecognisable from the bustle of modern life. Unhurried mornings can be spent kayaking the glassy waters, as local fishermen cast their nets in the traditional way, their reflections dancing on the surface. Later, energies can be spent on a gentle hike to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, a stunning alternative to the busier Vinicunca route that takes in a surreal landscape of red, orange and turquoise layered earth on the way up and reveals glorious views of the Ausangate Glacier at the summit.
Returning, a delicious surprise awaits with an exquisite lunch in an old Hacienda; the perfect treat for hungry hikers! And evenings here? With that spectacularly clear sky above, nights are for gathering around a flickering fire, dining on delicious food and drinking in Peru at its most beautiful, real and authentic.
8. Fishing the Wild Waters of the Andes & Amazon
Guests who love the thrill of the catch? Tanit Trails have just the thing. As always with Peru, there are extremes to explore, from high-altitude trout fishing in the Andes to the untamed adventure of Amazonian river fishing.
In the Andean lakes, guests can fish in crystal-clear lakes and creeks where trout dart beneath the surface, surrounded on all sides by towering peaks.This experience is both tranquil and exhilarating, with local expert guides sharing indigenous fishing techniques that have been used for centuries.
But the real pièce de résistance is an unforgettable fishing adventure that takes travellers deep into the remote, wild Amazon - a rugged, immersive and oh-so thrilling experience casting lines into the world's largest river system. Surrounded by pristine jungle, with the sounds of exotic wildlife all around, guests can immerse themselves in a true angler’s paradise, fishing alongside local guides for species found nowhere else on the planet - from the elusive piranha to giant arapaima and peacock bass. For fishing enthusiasts, this is an absolute dream come true - a life-affirming experience deep in the heart of one of the most remote and biodiverse ecosystems on earth.
10. Southern Amazon Jungle Lodges, Wildlife and River Experiences
The Southern rivers and jungles of Puerto Maldeonaldo and Madre de Dios are where more adventurous travelers that are interested in wildlife, conservation and total immersion in nature can explore. Tanit Trails can take your guests to explore this pristine corner of Peru and offer them fabulous accommodation across a portfolio of river ecolodges, all of which have a strong focus on conservation and sustainability.
Less intrepid travellers will love the short 25-minute boat trip to the wonderful Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción, a collection of rustic thatched cabanas, on stilts, or even the eco-luxury wooden cabanas at Inketerra Reserva Amazonica, both lodges are only a short boat transfer from Puerto Maldeonaldo but still feel secluded and remote. Deeper into the Amazon guests can find the wonderful Posada Amazonas Lodge, the secluded Refugio Amazonas Lodge, and for total immersion in nature, Tanit Trails love to recommend guests make the longer trip to Tambopata Research Centre, located within the Tambopata National Reserve, deep in the heart of Madre de Dios.
Tambopata Research Centre sits literally at the gateway of the national park and is more than just a lodge, it is in fact home to a scientific research centre where researchers have been carrying out groundbreaking conservation research since the 80’s. At Tambopata, guests have the opportunity to become a ‘citizen scientist’ and study jungle insects and discover new species with the researchers.
Experiences at these more remote lodges include visiting a working jungle farm and a real Brazil nut concession, paddling around Lake Condenado on a catamaran, looking for wildlife such as a hoatzin, caiman or horned screamers, kayak and stand-up paddling on the Tambopata River and rappeling from a Canopy platform. Guests can also visit claylicks to see macaws descending to eat and event join a resident scientist and help them with their work finding new species, setting camera traps for wildlife photography and reviewing the fascinating images taken.
10. World's 3rd Highest Waterfall and Wild Swimming in Cloud Forest Pools.
Nature rules supreme in Peru’s Northern Amazon, the rhythm of life set by the calls of howler monkeys and the chorus of cicadas. Beneath the lush rainforest canopy lies Bosque Guardian Lodge, an off-grid hideaway perched on the edge of the Cordillera Escalera conservation area. Here, luxury and sustainability walk hand in hand; with exquisitely crafted bamboo lodges nestled amongst misty treetops, organic, farm-to-table dining and a whole raft of reforestation initiatives, educational programmes and wildlife monitoring efforts to discover.
Days here unfold at an idyllic pace. Lazy mornings spent wild swimming in the glassy waters of the Tiraco River and a variety of waterfall-fed tropical pools, unfolding into afternoons roaming winding trails that lead through the cacao and Melipona bee reserves, where guests can learn about the delicate balance of the rainforest and its remarkable biodiversity. Birdwatchers will be in their element, with everything from technicolour macaws to iridescent hummingbirds to spot, while evening visits to the frog ponds reward guests with a symphony of chirping amphibians.
For those with time to explore further into the high Amazon, the Chachapoyas region remains one of Peru’s best-kept secrets. This is the land of the “Cloud People,” a civilisation lost to time whose secrets are hidden in the cliff tombs and remote jungle fortresses of ancient warriors. From here, visit the Gocta Falls, the world’s third-highest waterfall, set in primal forests, where moss-cloaked trees stand guard over a landscape teeming with wildlife. The final approach is one of Peru's most breathtaking sights, a thundering, mist-veiled cascade that plunges 770 metres into the valley below in a thrilling reminder of the raw, untamed beauty of Peru's wild nature. Stay at Gocta Natura Reserve or the Gocta Andes Lodge.
So - where first?
Each of these experiences has been meticulously curated by Tanit Trails to offer not just adventure, but immersion - every paddle stroke, every wave and every moment on the water a chance to connect with the raw, untamed and ancient beauty of Peru and its people.
So, for those seeking a truly transformative journey, the question is simple: where will you go first?
For more information and/or an introduction to Nico and his incredible team, get in touch today.
