Adventurous Peru for Active Families
Tour Introduction
We set out to design the ideal family holiday to Peru by combining some of the most spectacular archaeological and natural sites in the country with fun activities for all ages. Starting in the ancient city of Cusco, experience action-packed adventure including white-water rafting, horse-riding and mountain biking against a backdrop of stunning Andean scenery and Inca ruins. The second half of the holiday is based in the glorious Tambopata National Reserve. In the depths of the Peruvian Amazon rainforest enjoy family friendly activities such as kayaking, hiking and visits to a canopy tower and spot a plethora of Amazonian wildlife. We believe we have succeeded in designing the ideal family holiday to Peru, and would love to prove it to you.
Full Itinerary
Transfer to Lima airport and fly to Cusco. Met on arrival and transfer to hotel.
Staying at Costa del Sol Picoaga. Includes Breakfast.
Enjoy an exciting morning of white water rafting along the Urubamba River. There is plenty of time to practice in a gentler section before the river becomes faster as it flows through a spectacular canyon with views up to the peaks above. Don’t forget to keep eyes peeled for a torrent duck, a species which specialises in fast-flowing water.
Staying at Costa del Sol Picoaga. Includes Breakfast and Lunch.
Today you and the family explore the main Inca sites above Cusco on horseback (if desired) as well as visiting some of the lesser known sites. After a picnic lunch the ride ends at the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuman before you all return by car to Cusco for the night.
Staying at Costa del Sol Picoaga. Includes Breakfast and Lunch.
A chance to do some ‘white water’ yourself today with inflatable canoes on a scenic stretch of the Urubamba River. Then continue by road through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to the quaint town of Pisac and visit the extensive artisan market - Pisac is a shopper’s dream and you’re sure to find some fabulous souvenirs and presents for friends and family back home.
Staying at Sonesta Posada del Inca Yucay. Includes Breakfast and Lunch.
Today take mountain bikes across the Chinchero plains to the early Inca agricultural earthwork of Moray. Later follow an old mule trail by bike to the vast salt pans of Maras and enjoy breathtaking views of snowcapped peaks en route before continuing the long descent to the Sacred Valley.
Staying at Sonesta Posada del Inca Yucay. Includes Breakfast and Lunch.
Take the train from Ollantaytambo down the Urubamba river to Km 104. From there hike the Inca Trail (your luggage will be taken straight to hotel), observing the spectacular views and fascinating cloud forest that lead to Inti Punku, the Gateway of the Sun, and the first glimpse of Machu Picchu. Take bus to hotel.
Staying at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo. Includes Breakfast and Lunch.
Guided visit of the Machu Picchu site including the residential, religious and agricultural sectors. There is time afterwards to hike to the Inca Bridge, Watchman’s Hut or else just wander through the ruins soaking up the atmosphere. Your local guide will tell you the story of the rise and fall of the ancient civilisations of the Andes, the tragic end of the Incas, and the unresolved mystery that this ‘lost city’ still remains. Afternoon return to Cusco.
Staying at Costa del Picoaga. Includes Breakfast and Lunch.
At leisure to explore Cusco independently. Perhaps people-watch from a café on the Plaza de Armas or visit sites such as the Cathedral, Qorikancha, or one of the many colourful markets. There is plenty to see and do in the city.
Staying at Costa del Sol Picoaga. Includes Breakfast.
Transfer to Cusco airport and fly to Puerto Maldonado. Met on arrival and transfer by road and boat to your jungle lodge. Rest of day at leisure.
Staying at Refugio Amazonas. Includes All Meals.
A day of guided activities including: rainforest hikes along family friendly trails spotting wildlife; a visit to the canopy tower; kayaking or paddle boarding along the river; and canopy climbing.
Staying at Refugio Amazonas. Includes All Meals.
Another day of guided activities within the buffer zone of the Tambopata National Reserve.
Staying at Refugio Amazonas. Includes All Meals.
Take a road transfer to Puerto Maldonado. Fly back to Lima and connect with your international flight home.
Includes Breakfast.
Tour Accommodation
Double Tree El Pardo
Overview
Part of the Hilton hotel chain, El Pardo is conveniently located in the heart of Lima’s Miraflores district, close to the restaurants and cafés of Kennedy Park, and 8 blocks from the Larco Mar entertainment complex overlooking the Pacific.
There are 150 comfortable rooms and suites all equipped with minibar, TV, tea and coffee facilities, air-conditioning and ironing facilities. Other facilities include complimentary Wi-Fi, a large fitness centre, indoor pool, two restaurants, bar and 24-hour business centre. There is plenty of choice for meals between the two onsite restaurants, the Zuma Grill offers guests international cuisine, while the Junius Restaurant specialises in Peruvian dishes.
The hotel is centrally located to explore the highlights of Lima and is within easy reach of many restaurants, entertainment and museums, it is also a comfortable base for stopovers.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Two restaurants, bar, indoor swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, fitness centre, business centre, air-conditioning, minibar and TV.
Optional Activities
City tours of Lima.
Hotel Costa del Sol Picoaga
Overview
Once the mansion of a 17th Spanish noble, the Hotel Costa del Sol Picoaga offers comfortable four-star accommodation and is just one and a half blocks from Cusco’s main square. There are 90 en suite rooms equipped with central heating, air-conditioning, safety deposit box, cable TV, telephones and mini bars. The rooms are divided into contemporary (towards the rear of the property) and colonial (towards the front around the colonnaded courtyard).
The hotel’s restaurant offers lovely views over the city’s rooftops and there is also a bar. The hotel is in an ideal location for exploration of the historic city.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
All the rooms have Wi-Fi, telephones with direct dial, minibars, cable TV and safety deposit boxes. There is an excellent restaurant and bar with views towards the Andes, 24-hour medical and room assistance, baggage storage, laundry and postal service.
Optional Activities
The central position in Cusco is ideal for tours of the city or for visiting Inca ruin sites and the beautiful scenery that surrounds the city.
Sonesta Posada del Inca Yucay
Overview
Situated in a 300-year-old Franciscan monastery a beautiful chapel and surrounded by lush gardens, the colonial Sonesta Posada del Inca Yucay hotel has a peaceful ambience and offers a haven from the hustle and bustle of Cusco. There are 87 rooms, two restaurants (offering indoor and outdoor dining), gift shop, bar and business centre. Each room has a radio, TV, heating, direct dial phones and the hotel offers a central safety deposit box and laundry service for guests.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, room service, laundry service, currency exchange, gift shop, medical assistance, and internet access in the business centre.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Overview
Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel occupies a private 12-acre cloud forest reserve on the outskirts of the town of Aguas Calientes in the valley immediately below Machu Picchu. The rooms are built out of stone, adobe, stucco and eucalyptus beams, and stone pathways lead through lush cloud forest to the rooms in one- or two-storey whitewashed cottages. There is also a luxurious villa with two adjoining guest suites, terrace and plunge pool.
Some rooms overlook the gardens, whilst others face the Urubamba River. All rooms have a large bathroom, sitting area, electric heater and extra-long beds with fine cotton sheets, alpaca blankets and handmade coverlets. Rooms also include aromatherapy products and Andean slippers.
There are two restaurants, a lounge bar and the Unu Spa which offers body massages, foot aromatherapy and an Andean sauna. The bar, boutique and reception all display authentic Andean artefacts and fabrics.
Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel offers an extensive educational and recreational programme with many guided activities on offer designed to meet a variety of interests and preferences. The hotel grounds contain more than three miles of ecological paths where guests can enjoy the native environment. There are daily guided walks to learn about the ecology of the cloud forest, an Orchid Trail to see some of the 372 orchid species (best time for blooms is from November to March), morning and evening birdwatching walks to look for some of the 192 species including 16 hummingbirds, and a twilight walk focusing on Andean spirituality. The Orchid Trail walk and birdwatching can also be arranged on a private basis. Short visits can be arranged to visit the Tea House where the hotel’s organic tea is processed, and there are nightly illustrated talks by the hotel’s resident naturalist, or visiting researchers, about the flora and fauna of Machu Picchu.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
2 restaurants, lounge bar, spa and gift shop. Internet is available in the Cafe Inkaterra.
Local Wildlife
192 bird species including the Andean cock of the rock and 16 species of hummingbird, 372 orchid species, and 111 species of butterfly.
Optional Activities
The principle attraction is a visit to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. There are also a variety of inclusive activities available at the hotel. Massage and spa treatments are also available.
Refugio Amazonas
Overview
Refugio Amazonas is a 32-room lodge plus an Amazon Villa located in a 200-hectare private reserve surrounded by the community of Condenado, in the Tambopata National Reserve buffer zone.
Built using a combination of local natural products and modern technology the lodge has a central area comprising a lobby, dining room, bar, shop and lounge and offers great canopy views of the surrounding forest. The guestrooms are rustic but comfortable and have bedside tables and hammocks. The rooms have one side open and unscreened affording great views of the forest. All have en suite bathroom with hot water and in-room safe. There is no overall electricity but a generator is switched on in the morning, at lunchtime, and in the evening for recharging guests’ batteries.
The Suites provide an added level of comfort with two large luxurious beds, ceiling fans, electricity (until 2200), WiFi, minibar and electrical outlets for charging electrical devices.
The Comfort Rooms have electricity until 2200, an outlet to charge electrical devices and WiFi.
The Superior rooms have electricity until 2200. Internet in these rooms is patchy and more reliable in the common areas of the lodge.
Refugio Amazonas offers a range of programmes including general natural history, kids and teens, soft adventures, birding, and wellness courses.
The Amazon Villa is located a 10 minute walk from the lodge and has a king size bed, hammock, WiFi, indoor living room and dining room, and minibar.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
4 wings, each with 8 en suite rooms (4 Suites, 14 Comfort and 14 Superior) connected by raised boardwalks to a central, 2-storey, 20- foot tall communal area with dining, bar and area for relaxation, and 1 bedroom Amazon Villa.
Local Wildlife
There is a mammal clay lick visited by peccaries, brocket deer, guans and parakeets; a 32-metre canopy tower with views of mixed species canopy flocks, toucans and raptors; parrot and parakeet clay lick visited by up to 7 species including dusky-headed and cobalt-winged parakeet; an oxbow lake with abundant wildlife including hoatzins, caiman and horned screamers.
Optional Activities
A number of activities can be arranged (if booked in advance) including massages and therapies with rainforest products.
Route Map
Departure Dates
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
No. Please contact us for a quote if required.
Flight Info:
Fly from London to Lima direct on Latam, or on Iberia via Madrid, Air France via Paris, KLM via Amsterdam, or Avianca via Bogota. Flights are also available via the USA.
Best Visited:
January to January
Are you ATOL Registered?
Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.
John Melton
Area Specialist
Look out for vizcachas (cute bunny-like rodents) in the rocks around Machu Picchu.
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
The tour was excellent. We have no complaints and always recommend your services to our friends…We must stress we are full of praise for the tour – the itinerary was excellent – and the scenery surpassed every expectation. Your choice of hotels was equally good – we enjoyed the opportunity to swim where it was available.
Many thanks for an excellent holiday – only problem now is sifting through 850 digital images plus a video.
