There is freshwater fishing to be had in rivers and lakes in the highlands, generally above 2,500 meters, as well as in the Amazon jungle. Highland fishing is basically limited to trout and silversides, both of which were introduced into Peru in the nineteenth century.

These varieties are plentiful in clean and well-oxygenated waters. At altitudes over 3,000 meters, one tends to catch trout (white and pink or rainbow).


Sports fishing in the jungle, while less developed than along the coast, is concentrated in a few rivers and lakes in the northern Amazon (Iquitos and environs), where local species such as the tucunare, gamitana and araguana are the most common catches. There is also fishing to be had in some parts of the southern jungle (Madre de Dios), which teem with zúngaro, chambira, paco and doncella.


Recommendations:

- Every time you head out onto the water, whether in your own boat or a hired one, notify the local harbor captain. This can prove to be of great help in case of accidents.
- Also check tide tables and wave conditions.
- Although no particular permits are needed for sports fishing, the Fisheries Ministry prohibits fishing for trout and silversides in the highlands during the Andean summer, from April to October.
- Heed fishing bans and throw back into the sea small specimens or those with roe.
- Fishermen on bluffs or on open beaches need to take care with crumbling cliffs and quicksand.
- Never go fishing alone.

- On the coast: Visitors should bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

- In the highlands: Sunscreen is recommended, plus warm clothing. High altitude sickness known locally as soroche can set in at over 2,500 masl. Take precautions by resting the first day, drink plenty of liquids and avoid heavy food and alcohol.

- In the jungle: Never travel without insect repellent, a raincoat and sunscreen. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants are recommended to ward off insect bites. A yellow fever vaccination is obligatory. There are also vaccinations for malaria, tetanus and Hepatitis A and B, as well as local treatment for leishmaniasis (uta) and malaria.


Adventure sports and activities in Peru: