Highlights
- Explore Peru’s coastal capital, trying your hand surfing with a visit to the world-class Costa Verde beach for a private surf lesson
- Journey to the Amazon, where you’ll find yourself surrounded by 3.7 million acres of protected jungle in the Tambopata National Reserve
- Take in the charm of historic Cusco, and explore magnificent Machu Picchu, before learning more about traditional Peruvian cooking
- Enjoy a thrilling day deep in the Sacred Valley, with a rockface climb up to Sky Lodge zipline, admiring the enormous valley below
- Marvel at the spellbinding Nazca lines during a private flight, before whizzing through the expansive desert dunes in sand buggies
An Amazing Andean Adventure is a private, two-week journey that includes something for all the family. Designed by our Peru-based luxury travel experts, this action-packed family vacation to Peru begins on the white waves of Lima’s Pacific Coast. It’s here you’ll try your hand at surfing during a lesson with an expert surf coach, before exploring the rich ancestral past of Lima with a private tour of this historic City.
Leaving Peru’s coastal capital behind, you’ll journey deep into the Amazon Rainforest and the world-leading Tambopata Research Center, located in the remote Natural Reserve of Tambopata. Spending three days here, you’ll be guided through the Amazon by expert forest rangers and indigenous community members. Enjoy plenty of wildlife watching, including marveling at hundreds of brightly-colored macaws and parrots, a unique spectacle native to the region.
In the mountainous region of Cusco, you’ll learn about life in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with culturally enriching experiences designed to facilitate meaningful connection and purposeful travel. Before enjoying an exhilarating zip wire through the Sacred Valley, exploring the ancient city of Cusco, and spending two days at the magnificent Machu Picchu site.
The culmination of this luxury family vacation to Peru is a private flight over the Nazca lines, pre-Columbian geoglyphs, etched into desert sands thousands of years ago. Whilst there, you’ll also explore the Ballestas Islands’ rare rock formations and wildlife before heading back to Lima for your homeward flight.
All the features of this luxury travel itinerary to Peru can of course be curated to match your own interests and styles.
Daily Summary 14 Days / 13 Nights
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Day 1
LimaView on map
Arrival in Peru
An Aracari representative will welcome you to Peru, should you wish - greeting you on the runway tarmac as you alight from your plane.
You’ll be presented with your welcome pack, including an optional local sim card, a handmade tote bag, and a sustainably sourced water bottle, before being whisked off to your hotel, where we will assist with all check-in procedures.
Accommodation options
- Day 2
LimaView on map
Surf the white waves of Lima’s Pacific coastline and explore the rich history of the city.
Today you will enjoy your first day in Peru’s coastal capital. Spend your morning strolling the charming bohemian district of Barranco during our guided art tour – or instead try your hand at surfing beneath the city’s soaring cliffs.
Peru is recognized globally as being one of the most premium surfing destinations, with almost 2,500km of Pacific coastline stretching from the north to the south of the country. As a top luxury travel agent in Peru, Aracari has contacts with some of the best surf teachers in Lima, and you’ll be greeted by these world-class instructors at the Costa Verde shoreline.
During your private lesson, you’ll be provided with a surfboard – and the class has been specially designed to accommodate all levels. It’s worth noting here that this experience is especially popular with teenagers and younger travelers. For this reason, should the adults in your group wish to do another activity – this can easily be arranged. Your first morning in Peru is then rounded off with a blissful seafood lunch in one of the award-winning restaurants that line this part of the city – offering exceptional views out onto the ocean.
In the afternoon you’ll discover how Lima’s origins pre-date the Spanish foundations of the city by several millennia and explore its museums, full of pre-Columbian treasures. You’ll unravel this rich history accompanied by our specialist guide, a professor of history, architecture, or art – dependent on your own interests.
Visit an ancient adobe pyramid right in the middle of the city, dating back to around 200 BC. Before exploring the colonial area of Lima, including the Cathedral, Convent of Santo Domingo, the Main Square, and Casa Aliaga, reportedly the oldest home on the Continent - and still family-owned after 17 generations.
Accommodation options
- Day 3
Lima - Tambopata National ReserveView on map
Journey deep into the Amazon Rainforest, arriving at the world-leading Tambopata Research Center.
You’ll leave Lima today, flying to Puerto Maldonado, and heading for the Amazon Jungle of Peru. After a 1-hour bus, followed by a 2-hour by boat journey, you’ll arrive at Tambopata Research Center (TRC), finding yourself surrounded by 3.7 million acres of protected jungle in the Tambopata National Reserve.
The TRC has several ongoing scientific projects which you’ll be invited to learn more about, including Amazon Cam, movement-activated cameras to register local fauna, and Mapping Cats, a project that deploys constant monitoring of the jaguar population in the area.
Once settled and unpacked, your first afternoon will be spent completing a 3km to 5km hike, leading to magnificent views of the Tambopata, winding its way into the lowlands. It’s here you could spot both the Howler Monkey and Dusky Titi Monkey!
You’ll spend the night in one of their boutique Rainforest Alliance Lodges, dwellings that comply with the most rigorous sustainability standards to ensure minimum damage to this delicate environment.
Accommodation options
- Day 4
Tambopata National ReserveView on map
Marvel at hundreds of brightly-colored macaws and parrots, a unique wildlife spectacle native to the region
On most clear mornings, guests can enjoy an incredible display of colored feathers, as hundreds of macaws and parrots descend on this part of the Amazon River. You’ll be led to the specific viewing point by your expert guide, who will accompany you on the short boat ride from Tambopata Research Center. It’s an early morning start to catch a glimpse of the birds, but one that’s certainly worth it.
Located fifty meters below the cliff edge, you’ll spectate as green, scarlet, blue, and gold-winged macaws, along with several species of parrot, arrive for their breakfast of clayey soil. The so-called clay licks are one of the most remarkable wildlife highlights in the entire region, making it an experience perfect for family vacations to Peru.
After you visit the clay licks, you’ll walk along a five-kilometer trail through the lush rainforest, passing several sublime creeks and ponds. Amongst the figs, ceibas, and shihuahuacos trees your expert guide will point out squirrels, brown capuchins, spider monkeys, and peccaries.
The incredible wildlife watching will continue after a picnic lunch by the pondside. It’s here you’ll have the opportunity to spot waterfowl such as Muscovy ducks, sunbitterns, and hoatzins, as well as woodpeckers, flycatchers, and parakeets.
Back at Tambopata Research Center, you’ll enjoy a delicious and locally sourced evening meaning, before having the option of participating in a night hike. During the night it’s possible to view strange mammals and frogs, whose shapes and sounds are as bizarre as they are otherworldly!
Accommodation options
- Day 5
Tambopata National ReserveView on map
Venture deeper in the Peruvian Amazon, winding through the Rainforest Master Hike, before an unforgettable sunset cruise
On your third and final day in the Tambopata National Reserve, you’ll head out onto the Rainforest Master Hike with your expert guide. It’s a challenging climb as you wind through the forest carefully stepping over the winding highways of peaceful leaf-cutter ants, but one that undoubtedly leaves you with a great sense of accomplishment.
Once at the top, enjoy views of toucans, parrots, and macaws flying across the horizon. And as you cross the confluence with the Malinowski River, leaving the final traces of human civilization behind, sightings of capybara, caiman, geese, macaws and other large species will become more frequent.
Once back at the lodge, afternoon slips into evening, and you’ll be treated to a show of great natural beauty. Aboard the Sunset Cruise, you’ll float down the wide Amazon River. Your final night in the rainforest will be set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most spectacular sunsets, as oranges and pinks reflect spectacularly off the water.
Accommodation options
- Day 6
Tambopata National Reserve - Cusco - Sacred ValleyView on map
Bid farewell to the forest and fly to the ancient Inca city of Cusco, deep in the Sacred Valley nestled in the awe-inspiring Andes mountains.
Following your final breakfast at Tambopata Research Center, you’ll bid farewell to the forest and board your skiff for your return journey to the river port. From here you’ll be transferred by land to Puerto Maldonado airport, flying to the high-altitude city of Cusco and driving deep into the Sacred Valley.
Accommodation options0
- Day 7
Sacred ValleyView on map
Learn about life in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with culturally enriching experiences designed for purposeful travel.
Today you’ll immerse yourself in the breath-taking landscape of Peru’s Sacred Valley. Our experience ‘The Real Sacred Valley’ will introduce you to the traditional way of life still being practiced by the communities here. And as you spend the morning hiking through the mountainous valley, you’ll meet local llama herding families, and in turn, support responsible travel initiatives that seek to provide sustainable rural development, ecosystem conservation, and llama breeding in the region.
Your afternoon will be spent visiting the Sol y Luna Association – a non-profit civil institution fully funded by Sol y Luna Hotel profits, along with voluntary contributions from guests, friends, and benefactors. The Association supports the Sol y Luna Intercultural School and four foster homes for children from highland communities, as well as providing training and sustainable employment to local adults.
Accommodation options
- Day 8
Sacred ValleyView on map
Zip wire through the vast canyons of the Sacred Valley, before concocting your own Peruvian liquor
Today you’ll enjoy a thrilling day deep in the Sacred Valley, beginning with at the Sky Lodge zipline. This exhilarating experience is perfect for luxury family vacations to Peru, especially for older children, who can take in the length and breadth of the enormous Sacred Valley from the vantage point of a golden eagle!
After the experience, you’ll all enjoy a gourmet lunch in one of the lodges. Suspended 1,200 ft above the valley floor, these glass pods offer panoramic views across the sweeping valley.
In the afternoon you’ll journey to the town of Ollantaytambo for a visit to El Albergue hotel for a unique experience, (and one designed for the adults in the group!) creating your own Peruvian liqueur.
Matacuy Elixir Andino is a compuesto, a traditional Andean digestif made of freshly harvested herbs from the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Matacuy is distilled at 2,800 meters altitude, which gives a low boiling point to extract the essence and oils of the plants without burning them – a process you will be invited to try.
Afterward, your own personal liquor will be sealed in a glass bottle, the perfect souvenir to be enjoyed at home 6 months later once the traditional aging process has taken place.
Accommodation options
- Day 9
Sacred Valley - Machu PicchuView on map
Alight a Vistadome train to the village of Aguas Calientes, before hiking the one-day Inca Trail to the magnificent Machu Picchu, wonder of the ancient world.
From Ollantaytambo’s station, you’ll board a Vistadome train, featuring spectacular panoramic windows offering impressive views of the surrounding valley. Alternatively, you can upgrade to the Hiram Bingham luxury train to Machu Picchu – and of course, we can also arrange private charter train services. The journey takes approximately 1.5hrs to Aguas Calientes, where you will then begin the one-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu accompanied by a specialist Aracari guide.
This one-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu allows you to arrive at the world-famous ruins by foot and avoid the usual crowds that arrive by train and bus. Most of the trek is uphill and with a fair number of precipices. The total trek covers approximately 12km (7.5mi), which is about five hours of hiking. On the way, you will visit Wiñay Wayna, a remarkable Inca site that is only approachable on foot.
Upon arrival to Machu Picchu, you will enter the ruins with time to take in the fantastic views. Set among mist-shrouded mountains, this man-made marvel has become a symbol for the ingenuity and prosperity of one of the most expansive empires in Latin American history: the Incas.
You’ll then be transferred by bus down to your hotel for the evening in Aguas Calientes unless you choose to stay in Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, the only property at the top of the hill outside the entrance to Machu Picchu.
Accommodation options
- Day 10
Machu Picchu View on map
Take in the sublime beauty of Machu Picchu
Return to Machu Picchu with your guide today, hiking to the Sun Gate, Huayna Picchu, or Machu Picchu Mountain, offering spectacular panoramic views. Afterward, take the bus back to the town of Aguas Calientes to catch the Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo for your private transfer to Cusco, taking approximately 2 hours. Or upgrade to the luxurious Hiram Bingham train for your ride to the ancient city. Then check-in to your blissful hotel suite for an evening of restful relaxation.
Accommodation options
- Day 11
CuscoView on map
Take in the charm of historic Cusco with a guided bike tour, before trying your hand at Peruvian cooking or chocolate making.
Begin your exploration of Cusco at the Plaza de Armas, the Main Square, which is marked by exquisite Spanish Colonial architecture. You’ll hop on your hire bike and be led by your expert guide through the cobbled streets of this ancient city.
The first stop will be Koricancha, the most sumptuous “Sun Temple” in the Inca Empire, and the breathtaking Cathedral, a repository for Cusco’s colonial art, as well as many other important archaeological relics and artifacts. Heading next to the colorful San Pedro Market and the charming neighborhood of San Blas, before finally arriving at Sacsayhuaman, an Inca citadel atop a hill, on the outskirts of the city. Not only are the imposing terraces of masterful stonework a sight to behold, but the vistas overlooking the sienna rooftops of Cusco provide a whole new perspective to the city you’ve just traversed.
Your final afternoon in Cusco will be foodie fun with one of two options. The first is the chance to meet a local chef and longtime friend of Aracari, Jose Luis Lescano during our experience ‘Cusco Market Tour & Home Cooking Class’. Beginning in Cusco’s famous Ttio market, Jose will guide you through the market stalls laden with native ingredients and introduce you to the local vendors.
Once you have sourced your ingredients, you’ll take the short walk to Jose’s home in the city to begin the cooking workshop. Together with Jose, you will prepare a delicious three-course meal of traditional dishes, ideal for foodies looking to learn more about Peruvian gastronomy and influences on Peruvian cooking.
If that’s not for you, then you can also opt for a hands-on chocolate-making experience. Hosted at the Chocolate Museum of Cusco, you’ll learn about the chocolate-making process with a bean-to-bar workshop. You’ll be invited to roast cocoa beans before molding your own chocolates to create delicious, sweet treats.
Accommodation options
- Day 12
Cusco - Lima - ParacasView on map
Journey to the quaint fishing town of Paracas on Peru’s southern coast, stopping on route to whiz through the desert in sand buggies.
Fly from Cusco to Lima, where you’ll be greeted by Aracari’s representative and driver who will escort you to the quiet shores of Paracas Marine Reserve via private transfer taking around 4 hours.
Before you arrive in Paracas, a quaint, Peruvian fishing village, you can opt to whizz around the desert in sand buggies – a favorite for those traveling with older kids. Navigate over dunes ranging from 5 to 100 meters high, and there’s also the option to sandboard too.
After the exhilarating ride, you can enjoy a sunset cocktail in the desert, before continuing to your next hotel.
Accommodation options
- Day 13
Nazca - ParacasView on map
Marvel at the spellbinding Nazca lines during a private flight over the ancient geoglyphs, and explore the rare rock formations and wildlife of the Ballestas Islands
Your penultimate day on this Peruvian adventure will see you visit the spellbinding Nazca lines. These gigantic carvings etched into desert sands thousands of years ago stretch up to 300 meters in size, covering 220km² of the desert.
Arriving at Pisco airport, you’ll board your private plane - a Cessna Grand Caravan 208B Series with a capacity for 12 passengers. The flight lasts approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, of which 20 minutes are spent circling over the Nazca Lines and Palpa Lines.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride to the Ballestas Islands, an archipelago rich in wildlife off the shore of Paracas. The islands are awash with arches, tunnels, and other wind and sea sculptures. It’s here you’ll spot all different kinds of sea birds and sea lions. You’ll also visit Punta Pejerrey, nearly the northernmost point of the isthmus and the best spot for seeing the Candelabro, a candelabra-shaped drawing etched into the highest point of a cliffside overlooking the bay.
Following your private tour of the Ballestas Islands, your Aracari guide will accompany you to the Paracas National Reserve, Peru’s only marine protected area which extends over a total of 335,000 hectares. The reserve was created to protect large breeding populations of Humboldt penguins, South American fur seals, sea lions, and 63 species of migratory bird, for which this area is an important stopover.
You’ll then be taken by private transfer back to Paracas for a final gourmet lunch – before spending the last evening in your luxury hotel.
Accommodation options
- Day 14
Paracas - LimaView on map
Head home feeling full of adventure after an incredible luxury vacation to Peru.
Your Aracari representative will collect you from your Paracas hotel and take you back to Lima International Airport via a private transfer. We will assist you with everything you need for your international departure.
Aracari specializes in tailormade travel. Here are just some of our further trip suggestions. Contact us for more bespoke ideas to inspire your travels.
Featured Destinations
Journey pricing as of 2022
Basic Pricing - US$8,900 per person
- Price is per person, based on a family of 4 in twin/double accommodation, for the full 14-day itinerary.
- Discounted children's rates on request.
- Based on Hotel Selection 1: JW Marriott, Tambopata Research Center, Sol y Luna, El Mapi, El Mercado, La Hacienda Bahia Paracas
What's Included?
- This itinerary is based on 4 people travelling together in double or twin occupancy, excluding flights (international and domestic)
- Includes all specified services in the itinerary description
- All transfers and entrance fees
- A welcome pack on arrival including: a pre-loaded cell phone to contact your travel consultant at any time, a printed booklet packed with insider tips alongside your detailed itinerary and up-to-date recommendations on dining and shopping Hand-selected English-speaking guides
- Specialist guides (where noted)
- 24-hour support from our locally based team
- 13 nights in a hand-picked and personally tested selection of Peru’s finest hotels
What's not Included?
- Domestic flights (quoted separately).
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Tips.
- Travel Insurance.
- International Flights and airport taxes.
- Neither personal expenses nor any other service not specified in the itinerary.
An Amazing Andean AdventureThe most fascinating places in Peru - Day 2
