Highlights

  • Spot the Andean Spectacled Bear, made famous by Paddington Bear
  • Explore the incredible wildlife of the Amazon at the most remote jungle lodge in Peru
  • Swim with sealions off the coast of Lima

Discover the homeland of Paddington Bear, Peru. The only species of bear native to South America, the adorable Spectacled Bear is sadly globally endangered and threatened by habitat loss and illegal hunting. We invite you to explore the natural habitat of Paddington and spot the bears in conservation centres and natural reserves on a 12 day / 11 night adventure taking in key highlights of Peru’s natural and historic environemnts, including Chaparri Nature Reserve, the Amazon Jungle, Machu Picchu and Lima’s coast. 

Daily Summary 12 Days / 11 Nights

Day 1 Lima - Chiclayo International flight to Lima, Domestic flight to Chiclayo, Overnight at Casa Andina Select Chiclayo
Day 2 Chiclayo - Chaparri Transfer Chiclayo - Chaparri, Hike the Oso Trail and visit the Spectacled Bear recovery center, Overnight at Chaparri Lodge
Day 3 Chaparri - Chiclayo Transfer Chaparri - Chiclayo, Visit the Tombs of the North, Overnight at Casa Andina Select Chiclayo
Day 4 Chiclayo - Sacred Valley Transfer Chiclayo - Trujillo stopping at El Brujo, Domestic flight Trujillo - Cusco, Transfer to the Sacred Valley, Overnight at Sol y Luna
Day 5 Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes Horseback Riding, Lunch at a traditional Hacienda, Train to Aguas Calientes, Visit Inkaterra's Andean Bear Rescue Center, Overnight at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo
Day 6 Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco A day at Machu Picchu, Train to Cusco, Overnight at Palacio Manco Capac
Day 7 Cusco Food tour and city tour of Cusco, Overnight at Palacio Manco Capac
Day 8 Cusco - Tambopata Domestic flight Cusco - Puerto Maldonado, Transfer via boat to Refugio Amazonas, Overnight at Refugio Amazonas
Day 9 Tambopata Jungle activities with Refugio Amazonas, Transfer via boat to Tambopata Research Center, Overnight at Tambopata Research Center
Day 10 Tambopata Jungle activities with Tambopata Research Center, Overnight at Tambopata Research Center
Day 11 Tambopata - Lima Transfer via boat to Puerto Maldonado, Domestic flight to Lima, Overnight at Villa Barranco
Day 12 Lima Swim with the marine wildlife off the coast of Lima, Explore Lima's contemporary and urban art scene, International Departure
  • Day 1
    Lima - ChiclayoView on map
    Arrival to Peru and fly to Chiclayo

    Today you will arrive into Lima, Peru where an English-speaking Aracari representative will be expecting you to assist you will transfer and check in to your domestic flight to Chiclayo. Upon arrival in Chiclayo, your private car will transfer you to your hotel for the night.

    Accommodation options
  • Day 2
    Chiclayo - ChaparriView on map
    Explore Chaparri and the Spectacled Bear Recovery Center

    Today you will make your way to the Chaparri Reserve, home of the famous Andean Spectacled bear. This is a protected natural area in northern Peru and is home to a wide range of wildlife many of which are considered endemic to the Tembesian dry forests. Chaparri and the surrounding areas are the last refuge of the dry forest population of Andean Bears; generally the species is found in humid mountain forests and parámo habitats. In Chaparri the staff is working to protect the wild bear population through direct protection and outreach and education of local people to reduce hunting.

    Upon arrival at the reserve, you can take a lovely hike through the forest along the Oso Trail. Along the way you can see Sechuran fox and White-collared Peccari, and when you arrive at your destination you will have you first experience with the Spectacled Andean Bear, frequently recognized for its characterization in the famous Paddington books and films

    Accommodation options
  • Day 3
    Chaparri - ChiclayoView on map
    Visit the Royal Tombs Museum

    Depart Chaparri to head back to Chiclayo to visit the Royal Tombs Museum. Located 20 minutes from Chiclayo, the museum houses the world famous collection of burial artifacts from the Lord of Sipán tomb and other tombs uncovered at the Huaca Rajada archaeological site.

    Accommodation options
  • Day 4
    Chiclayo - Sacred ValleyView on map
    Visit El Brujo Archaelogical site and fly to Cusco

    Make your way from the north of Peru to the south, with a road transfer to Trujillo. En route stop at El Brujo, an archaelogical site that features tiers of polychromatic friezes and also served as a religious and sacrificial complex. Fly from Trujillo to Cusco, where you will transfer to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

    Accommodation options
  • Day 5
    Sacred Valley - Machu PicchuView on map
    Horse ride and visit an Andean Bear Rescue Center

    Enjoy a horseback ride through the lush Sacred Valley before lunch at a traditional hacienda. Owned and operated by the prestigious Lambarri family, Hacienda Huayoccari offers guests an elegant way to experience the rich history of the Cusco region. After lunch take the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes at the foot of Machu Picchu. As a guest at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo hotel, you have the exclusive opportunity to visit the on-site Andean Bear Rescue Center. Take some time to learn about the bear species in a different natural environment from Chaparri.

    Accommodation options
  • Day 6
    Machu Picchu - Cusco View on map
    Visit Machu Picchu and journey to Cusco by train

    Spend today exploring the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu. The main destination on many travelers’ lists, the ‘lost city of the Incas’ is a man-made marvel that has become a symbol for the ingenuity and prosperity of the most expansive empire in pre-Columbian America. After your tour, take the train back to the Sacred Valley and drive to Cusco.

    Accommodation options
  • Day 7
    CuscoView on map
    Food tour and Cusco's city higlights

    Explore Peru's famous food scene with a tour of Cusco led by a professional chef. Admire one of the most beautiful towns in South America with a guided city tour.

    Accommodation options
  • Day 8
    Cusco - TambopataView on map
    Fly to Puerto Maldonado and journey to the Amazon by boat

    Fly from Cusco to the Amazon rainforest, home to some of the most incredible wildlife watching opportunities in the world. After arriving into Puerto Maldonado, set off by boat to Tambopata National Reserve. With 3.7 million acres of protected jungle, this reserve protects habitats ranging from the Andean highlands, through to some of the last remaining cloud forests and lowland rainforests. On the way into the reserve you will stop for a night at Refugio Amazons before continuing on to the heart of the reserve where you will spend two nights at Tambopata Research Center. Both are Rainforest Alliance Verified lodges and engage directly with native communities to develop tourism in Peru’s jungle. Their focus is on sustainable, community-based tourism.

    Accommodation options
  • Day 9
    TambopataView on map
    Cruise to Tambopata Research Center

    After exploring the canopy of the jungle at Refugio Amazonas, you will transfer four and a half hours by boat to Tambopata Research Center, the most remote Amazon lodge in Peru. Along the way lookout for wildlife, there is plenty to be seen! Two hours from Refugio Amazonas, deep in the Tambopata National Reserve, you will stop at the Chuncho Clay Lick. After a brief 5 minute walk, you will have the chance to see dozens of large and colorful macaws feeding on the special sodium rich clays of the riverbank.

    Accommodation options
  • Day 10
    TambopataView on map
    Jungle activities with Tambopata Research Center

    Enjoy amazing jungle activities with Tambopata Research Center such as a visit to the Macaw Clay Lick that was featured on the cover of National Geographic, walking trails through the forest, or settling into a platform in the middle of a pond for water wildlife watching.

    Accommodation options
  • Day 11
    Tambopata - LimaView on map
    Journey by boat to Puerto Maldonado and fly to Lima

    Make your way out of the jungle with a domestic flight from Puerto Maldonado to Lima where you will transfer to your hotel in the bohemian district of Barranco.

    Accommodation options
  • Day 12
    LimaView on map
    Sail to the Palomino Islands and Departure from Peru

    Enjoy the marine life that the coastal capital of Lima has to offer with a morning boat ride to Palomino Islands. Here you can see plenty of birds and also swim with the curious sea lions that inhabit the islands and surrounding waters. In the afternoon explore the contemporary and urban art scenes of the port district Callao before heading to the airport for your international departure.

Journey pricing as of 2024

Basic Pricing - US$7,680 per person
  • Based on two people travelling together in double or twin occupancy.
  • Price is per person for this 12-day itinerary
  • Discounted children's rates on request
  • Based on Hotel Selection: Casa Andina Chiclayo, Chaparri Lodge, Sola & Luna, Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel, Palacio Manco Capac, Refugio Amazonas, Tambopata Research Center

What's Included?

This journey is based on two people travelling together in double or twin occupancy, excluding flights (international and domestic).

  • Includes all specified services in the journey 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 journey 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
  • Incredible wildlife viewing opportunities

What's not Included?

  • Domestic flights (quoted separately).
  • International Flights and airport taxes.
  • Travel Insurance.
  • Tips.
Paddington Bear in Peru
The only species of bear native to South America