itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN LIMA
Upon arrival in Lima you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel where you can freshen up and rest.
Accommodation: Villa Barranco
DAY 2: DISCOVER LIMA
The best way to get to know Lima is to take a tour of the central area first, followed by some free time afterwards to potter independently around the neighbourhoods of Miraflores or Barranca. So, this morning, enjoy an excursion around Lima complete with your own, private guide. You’ll visit both modern and colonial Lima, starting in the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro, and will come away with a good overview of the impressive archaeological site of Huaca Huallamarca. Next, head to the historic centre which comprises the World Heritage Site of Santo Domingo Convent and the Main Square which is surrounded by the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, the Municipality of Lima and the Cathedral. Afterwards, sample a ‘pisco sour’ (adults only!) - a traditional Peruvian tipple - and the tour then culminates in a visit to the Larco Museum, an incomparable private collection of treasures from ancient Peru which encapsulates more than five thousand years of Peruvian history. Since the tour is privately guided, it can work at your own family’s pace, and the afternoon is then free to spend at leisure.
Accommodation: Villa Barranco
DAY 3: FLY FROM LIMA TO PUERTO MALDONADO AND BOAT TRANSFER TO REFUGIO AMAZONAS
Today, make the short flight to Puerto Maldonado and your final destination, Refugio Amazonas, for a wonderful 3-day, fully immersive Amazon rainforest experience. The remote Refugio is by far the best Amazon offering, with total immersion in nature well away from civilisation. Note that the rooms, however, are open to the jungle – so we can happily suggest alternative options to families who might prefer a little more home comfort and luxury.
Accommodation: Refugio Amazonas
DAY 4: REFUGIO AMAZONAS
Highlights of the activities include visits to the Canopy Tower, Clay lick and Oxbow Lake. The Canopy Tower takes you high above the dense vegetation, and from the top you will see miles of pristine forest stretching in every direction. Because animals are at their most active up in the tree canopy, you’ll also enjoy incredible opportunities to see the local wildlife. The Oxbow Lake visit reveals the most important and distinct habitats in the Amazon. These lakes form when a river bend gets cut off from its main channel, creating calm, fish-filled lakes. After a quick boat trip from the lodge, you hike a short distance inland to the lake where you’ll enjoy pleasant catamaran ride around the lake with your guide to spot wildlife. Due to the lake’s biodiversity and rich abundance of fish, there’s a good chance of spotting the Hoatzin - a bizarre, dinosaur-like bird - along with troops of Squirrel Monkeys, rare Giant Otters, huge Caiman, and majestic Macaws flying overhead. Moreover, if you visit the Oxbow Lake at the Posada Amazonas lodge, you might even get to see the fascinating and much-feared Piranha. There’s plenty on offer for children of all ages, and for youngsters there are games and puzzles for learning about ecology, wildlife and conservation, plus a fabulous rainforest trail ideal for 4-10 year olds and a lovely on-site playground to keep everyone entertained when back at base.
Accommodation: Refugio Amazonas
DAY 5: REFUGIO AMAZONAS
For one of the best tropical bird experiences in the whole of the Amazon, a visit the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick is a must. Due to particularly rich nutrients, most likely salt, found in the cliff soil, the Clay Lick attracts dozens of species of colourful birds; from huge Red and Green Macaws to Mealy Parrots, the birds flock here to munch on the nutritious clay. The macaws are the largest — and certainly the loudest — of the bunch and the humid jungle air fills with their screeches as they settle into trees above the bluffs, swooping down to feed on the clay. The Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick is one of the most stunning wildlife spectacles in the world, making it a must-see for any nature lover. In addition to the above-mentioned activities, there are several different guided hikes on offer, plus local farm visits, opportunities to take part in scientific research and beautiful sunset cruises on the Tambopata River.
Accommodation: Refugio Amazonas
DAY 6: FLIGHT TO CUSCO AND TRANSFER TO SACRED VALLEY HOTEL
Today you’ll be transferred by boat back to Puerto Maldonaldo for the short flight to Cusco and onward transfer to the breathtakingly beautiful Sacred Valley which sits high up in the Andean mountains. We recommend taking plenty of time to relax and acclimatise to the altitude and the Sol Y Luna hotel - a wonderful Relais & Châteaux property in a superb mountain setting with some fantastic facilities including a pool, gym and full-service spa – is the perfect luxury base.
Accommodation: Sol Y Luna
DAY 7: DAY AT LEISURE IN SACRED VALLEY
Enjoy another restful day exploring the Sacred Valley at your own pace. We recommend taking a slow morning to allow the hordes of tourists to pass through on their way to Machu Picchu. Once the crowds have dispersed, Ollantaytambo has a real charm and it’s very easy to explore on foot. Traditional Andean ways of life continue to this day and there’s plenty to see from the Inca-era grid of cobblestoned streets, to the traditional adobe buildings and babbling irrigation channels. Ollantaytambo is well known for the ruins of the massive Inca fortress with large stone terraces on the hillside above the village which is well worth a visit.
Accommodation: Sol Y Luna
DAY 8: MOUNTAIN BIKING IN THE SACRED VALLEY
Head out today on a wonderful mountain bike adventure to explore the stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley, passing through local villages and discovering fascinating archaeological ruins along the way. Routes may vary, but one good example of a half-day excursion begins with a descent to the Moray archaeological complex comprising several concentric terraces that were once farmed by the Incas. Then on to Maras, enjoying the open road and impressive views of the surrounding mountains along the way, followed by a climb to the Maras salt mines, where salt has been extracted for thousands of years. At the end of the cycling route, you’ll be met and transported back to the hotel for a well-earned rest. For families with very young children or those not keen on cycling, alternative arrangements can be made.
Accommodation: Sol Y Luna
DAY 9: SHORT ONE-DAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU SUN GATE
Early this morning, join the Inca Trail at ‘Kilometre 104’ for the short trek to ancient Inca citadel Machu Picchu. En route, visit the archaeological complex at Chachabamba and, depending on the weather, make the ascent up to the magnificent waterfall. In the afternoon, hike up to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), a wonderful vantage point from where views of the remarkably well-preserved Machu Picchu can be enjoyed. Once you’ve had a chance to soak up the spectacular scenery, return to the village of Aguas Calientes where you will stay overnight in a hotel. For families with very young children, or those who aren’t keen on trekking, alternative ways for reaching Machu Picchu are available.
Accommodation: El Mapi
DAY 10: EXPLORE MACHU PICCHU
Wake at about 5.30am today to catch a train and bus back to Machu Picchu. You will be accompanied by a guide who will then give you a private tour of this mind-blowing ancient archaeological site which has universal appeal for all age groups. The private tour takes about 2 hours and then the rest of the time is free to spend at leisure. In the afternoon, travel to laid-back, historic Cusco where you will spend the next three nights.
Accommodation: El Mercado
DAY 11: GUIDED TOUR OF CUSCO
Explore the once Inca capital, Cusco, with a private guide. The tour begins at Koricancha Temple, an ancient Inca palace and centre of worship of the sun god, on the site of which the Dominicans built a church which survives to this day. Then on to the Main Square, where you will visit the cathedral, the most important religious building in the city. The climb then continues to Sacsayhuamán fortress, an impressive example of Inca military architecture followed by a visit to Kenko, where the sun, moon and stars were once worshipped. Next, there’s the chance to explore Puca-Pucara, which is thought to have once been a "tambo", or rest and lodging place, for the ancient Inca people. Finally, a visit to the Inkas Expression art workshop, where you will be able to see Andean art being created by artists working in silver, paint and wood. The tour is privately guided and can therefore work at a pace to suit your family.
Accommodation: El Mercado
DAY 12: EXPLORE CUSCO AT LEISURE
Today is all about independently exploring more of Cusco, a breathtakingly beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site, at your own pace. Spend some time in one of the many cafes at the Plaza de Armas and visit the chocolate museum and a whole host of ancient Inca palaces, temples and Spanish Colonial buildings.
Accommodation: El Mercado
DAY 13: FLY FROM CUSCO TO TUMBES, MANCORA, FOR A RESTFUL BEACH STAY
Today, take a flight to Tumbes via Lima followed by a two-hour road transfer to Mancora, a small, laid-back hipster surf town in the warmer North of Peru, and one of the best locations on the long Peruvian Coast. While it isn't exactly the Caribbean, being mostly Coastal Desert with plenty of surf and wind laying siege to the beaches in the afternoons, it’s a lovely place to chill out and reflect on your adventure before your journey home. You’ll most likely be swimming and relaxing around the pool rather than in the Ocean, but a stay here makes for some excellent, restorative down time at the close of your Peruvian adventure. For those looking for a more classic beach experience, it’s possible to fly home via Miami where we can arrange alternative stays in Miami South Beach or the Keys.
Accommodation: Arrenas Mancora (alternative beach stay in Miami can be arranged)
DAY 14: DAY AT LEISURE IN MANCORA
Activities in Mancora include kite surfing, quad biking, surfing, horse riding along the desert coast, seasonal whale watching or deep-sea fishing. Surfing is the big deal here and surf culture permeates the atmosphere in town which is at its busiest between December and March when the waves are at their best. Mancora itself provides a good beginner / intermediate wave and is a great place to learn to surf. For more seasoned surfers, it’s a short drive to several world class waves. Note that the surf is best in the mornings before the sea breeze picks up in the afternoon. There are also some seriously good restaurants in the vicinity.
Accommodation: Arrenas Mancora (alternative beach stay in Miami can be arranged)
DAY 15: ANOTHER RELAXED DAY IN MANCORA
Spend another day at leisure in Mancora, enjoying activities on the beach or relaxing back at base at the charming and peaceful Arrenas Mancora hotel with its excellent facilities and lovely outdoor swimming pool which has views of the beach and ocean.
Accommodation: Arrenas Mancora (alternative beach stay in Miami can be arranged)
DAY 16: TRANSFER TO AIRPORT FOR ONWARD FLIGHT
This morning, you'll be transferred to the airport to catch your onward flight.
