Family adventure in Peru
A mutli-activity adventure which sees the whole family trek, raft, canoe and bike some of Peru’s Highlights.
Starting in Lima, we will take you to the ancient Inca Highland of Cusco to acclimatise. From there, we have lined up an entire range of exciting adventures.
Joining the tour
On booking you will be sent the name and addresses of hotels, and where and when to rendezvous with tour leader.
Itinerary details
Note: Should circumstances dictate, certain details, such as overnight stops, may vary from those shown in the day-by-day itinerary below.
Day 1
Join the tour in Lima and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2
We take an early flight from the Pacific coast to Cusco, 3,400m above sea level. We have all of today and tomorrow to absorb its unique atmosphere while adapting to the altitude. Afternoon city walking tour. (hotel, B)
Day 3
A day of white water rafting on the upper sections of the Rio Urubamba. Return to Cusco (B,L)
Day 4
We explore the nearby ruins around Cusco by horse and on foot – a fun way to help to acclimatise.
According to legend, Cusco was founded by Manco Capac, having been sent to earth by his father, Inti (the Sun God) to civilize humanity. The absence of a written language makes it difficult to separate myth from history, but it seems likely that Manco arrived from the south of Peru about 800 years ago and founded what would become the capital of the Inca Empire.
Today, the fascinating blend of finely engineered sloping Inca walls and Spanish colonial architecture give Cusco its special character; it's a great city to explore. At night Cusco offers perhaps the best selection of live Andean folk music to be found anywhere.(B)
Day 5
Calm canoeing on the Rio Urubamba and on to the highland town of Pisac – a great market town. (B/L/D)
Day 6
A day in Pisac – for the energetic - a hike around the impressive Inca ruins, for the less adventurous - the artisan market is a souvenir hunters dream.
An afternoon drive down the Sacred Valley of the Incas to a charming hacienda. (B/L/D)
Day 7
A short transfer brings us to Chinchero for the start of probably the best one day mountain bike adventure in Peru.
Largely downhill, we pass Lake Huaypo and enjoy great views of the Vilcanota mountain range. This fun, dirt road mountain bike descent into the Sacred valley is suitable for all the family.
The final descent on mule trails is through the spectacular working salt-pans of Maras. We have a constant support vehicle on hand for any weary/non-riders.
We return to our hacienda where we can rent horses, relax in the beautiful garden or visit the nearby town of Urubamba and the chance to shop for some top quality ceramics. (B/L/D)
Day 8
We catch the early morning train from Ollantaytambo down the raging Urubamba river to KM 104. Here we start our hike along the Royal Inca Trail.
Whilst walking, all you need to carry is a daypack. Your over-night luggage will be transferred to your hotel in Aguas Calientes to await your arrival.
An invigorating ascent takes us to Winay Wayna, a beautiful Inca ruin full of swallows and orchids. A contour path through the fascinating cloud forest leads to Inti Puncu, the gateway of the Sun and our first glimpse of Machu Picchu.
We pass through the ruins and catch a bus down to our hostal in the colourful town of Aguas Calientes. (B/L/D)
Day 9
We return to the ruins first thing in the morning. We have Machu Picchu virtually to ourselves for a full guided tour. There is time afterwards to climb Huayna Picchu or else just wander through the ruins, soaking up the amazing atmosphere.
We board the afternoon train back to Poroy. Here our waiting bus whisks us back to Cusco and our hotel. Then if we have the energy a celebration dinner in one of Cusco’s excellent restaurants. (B/L)
Day 10
There is so much to see and do in Cusco that we dedicate a whole free day to doing just that.
Whether your interest is exploring Inca ruins, visiting Colonial churches, bargain hunting in Indian markets or just relaxing over a cappuccino on a terrace overlooking the Plaza de Armas, Cusco has it all. (B).
Day 11
A short flight over the Andes brings us to Puerto Maldonado, in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Here we travel by motorized dug out canoe boat away from the town to our jungle lodge.
With our resident expert guides on hand we can choose to do as little or as much exploring as we like. We can take canoe rides, hike trails, go out at night in search of Caimen or simply relax in our hammock and soak up the atmosphere. (B/L/D)
Days 12 and 13
Up at dawn, we continue our exploration of the jungle, by foot into the pristine rainforest or by canoe on the nearby lake.
Our resident naturalist guides will tell us about the amazing flora and fauna of the Amazon.
Hopefully we see several species of monkeys, many exotic birds and if we are lucky maybe a mammal or two. Another siesta and for those who wish, more exploration of the rainforest. (B/L/D)
Day 14
Fly to Lima, day room in Lima and then connect to your international flight home. (B)
Check our Books and Maps section where you will find a range of literature to help you get the most out of your South American adventure.
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