Spend 12 magical days on a Paddington Bear tour in Peru that promises plenty of wildlife, history, culture and fun.
Highlights
- Spot the real-life Paddington – the Andean spectacled bear – as you explore Chaparri and the spectacled bear recovery center.
- Explore the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu with a private guide, while always on the lookout for native bears who live here!
- Spend the day adventuring in the Sacred Valley with a morning horseback ride
- Journey to the Amazon, where you’ll find yourself surrounded by 3.7 million acres of protected jungle in the Tambopata National Reserve.
- Discover the city of Cusco as you meander its ancient streets.
- Explore the Royal Tombs Museum in Chiclayo – one of the most be the most important intact tombs found in the American Continent.
Landing in Lima, cross straight to Chaparri and the dry forests of northern Peru, an area renowned for its wildlife conservation efforts, all managed by local communities. It’s here that you’ll catch your first glimpse of the real-life Paddington Bear, the only species of bear native to South America. You’ll see first-hand how the engaged species is being cared for and rehabilitated back into the wild.
After soaking up the rich history at the archaeological sites of Chiclayo and El Brujo, you’re now headed for the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Arriving via Vistadome train chugging gently through the Sacred Valley, explore the iconic Inca marvel set amongst mist-shrouded mountains with a private guide. Alongside hearing of its majestic past, you’ll also be on the lookout for more Paddingtons’ – as the spectacled bears often roam the quieter pockets of the ancient terraces.
In Cusco – wander through cobbled streets, taking in the city’s more artistic side before leaving the Sacred Valley behind in search of the rainforest and a three-night stay at the world-leading Tambopata Research Center – located in the remote Natural Reserve of Tambopata. Waiting for you here are guided excursions led by expert forest rangers and Indigenous community members, wildlife sightings, and an unforgettable cruise down the Amazon at sunset when the sky is painted in hues of pink and orange. Adventures here are designed specifically with families in mind, and in fact – Tambopata was one of the favourite experiences enjoyed by Mirjam and her family during their 7-month-long sabbatical.
As ever, this private itinerary can be adapted entirely to suit personal travel tastes and interests. Aracari can curate the most appropriate experience for you; be it a family vacation, a honeymoon, or a trip with friends, as well as shorter or longer vacations, or combining many other destinations across South America.
Daily Summary 12 Days / 11 Nights
- Day 1
Lima - ChiclayoView on map
Welcome to Peru. Upon arrival in Lima, you’ll be whisked off for your domestic flight to Chiclayo where your Peru family tour will officially begin!
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, before being whisked off for your domestic flight to Chiclayo, where we will assist with all check-in procedures. Upon arrival in Chiclayo, you will be taken via private transfer to your hotel for the evening ready to prepare for the first day of your Peru family tour.
Accommodation options
- Day 2
Chiclayo - ChaparriView on map
Catch your first glimpse of the real-life Paddington – the Andean spectacled bear – as you 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 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 refuges for 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, 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 your first experience with the Spectacled Andean Bear, recognized for its characterization in the famous Paddington books and films.
Accommodation options
- Day 3
Chaparri - ChiclayoView on map
Explore the Royal Tombs Museum in Chiclayo – considered by some archaeologists to be the most important intact tomb found in the American Continent.
Depart Chaparri today and head back to Chiclayo to visit the Royal Tombs Museum. Located 20 minutes from Chiclayo, this well-designed, modern museum houses the remains of the Lord of Sipan, a revered warrior priest from the Mochica era, whose vast collection of treasures and trinkets is on display in the permanent exhibition.
Much like Tutankhamun in Egypt, the Lord of Sipan was a mummy discovered with immense quantities of precious metals and stones in his tomb. Sipán, in the Lambayeque valley in Peru, is famed for its rich tombs revealed by archaeologists. The Lord of Sipan’s tomb – discovered in 1987 – is also known as ‘Huaca Rajada’ and its tomb and artifacts – since stored in the impressive Royal Tombs Museum – are a highlight of the Moche Route in northern Peru.
Spend the day exploring the exhibition with a private guide revealing the fascinating story of the most archaeologically engaging Moche burial sites – considered by some archaeologists to be the most important intact tomb found in the American Continent.
Accommodation options- Day 4
Chiclayo - Sacred ValleyView on map
Visit El Brujo archaeological site – home to captivating artifacts including collections of pottery, textiles, and golden regalia, along with the bones of Moche royalty – before flying to Cusco, gateway to the Sacred Valley.
Today your Peru family tour will cross from northern Peru to the South as you make your way to the city of Trujillo where you’ll catch a domestic flight to Cusco. But not before a stop at El Brujo
El Brujo opened to the public in 2006. Much like Huaca de la Luna, this site features tiers of polychromatic friezes and also serves as a religious and sacrificial complex. Museo Cao is just a short walking distance from the actual site and contains a variety of captivating artifacts including collections of pottery, textiles, and golden regalia, along with the bones of Moche royalty and human sacrifices. Perhaps the site’s greatest discovery was the Moche mummy of the only known female ruler, referred to as Señora de Cao, whose remains are also on display in the museum.
After your visit and a light lunch, you’ll catch your flight to Cusco, where you’ll be met at the airport by our representative and taken via private transfer to the Sacred Valley. Arriving at your luxury hotel, you’ll be able to spend the evening at leisure – settling into your magnificent mountain surroundings.
Accommodation options0
- Day 5
Sacred Valley - Machu PicchuView on map
Spend the day adventuring in the Sacred Valley with a morning horseback ride and the afternoon hiking with a local reforestation organization, before catching a Vistadome train to Machu Picchu.
Wake early this morning ready to explore the breathtaking Sacred Valley. The first activity of on the fifth day of your Peru family tour is a guided 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 and private way to experience the rich history of the Cusco region.
After eating, you’ll spend the afternoon alongside Sagrado Verde, an organization dedicated to preserving the native forests of this majestic mountain range. Beginning in Pumamarca. you’ll be able to explore this awe-inspiring Pre-Inca and Inca archaeological site perched on a ridge overlooking the stunning Patakancha Valley. The main site dates to 1300 but the oldest buildings are over 2000 years old! The site requires a bit of climbing, but the panoramic views are well worth the effort.
You’ll then embark on an easy to moderate climb that takes in the beauty of a little-visited waterfall and a native forest of Qeuña, Unca, and its chachacomo trees. You’ll hear how these magnificent trees, once abundant in the Andes, have become increasingly rare due to deforestation resulting from habitation, intense agriculture, and slash-and-burn farming practices.
Since you’ll be accompanied by a representative from Valle Sagrado Verde – you’ll have the opportunity to directly participate in a native-tree reforestation project, helping to restore the natural balance of the environment. Valle Sagrado Verde will provide all the tools necessary for the activity, and you'll learn about the importance of preserving these trees and their unique ecosystems.
Once finished, you’ll take the Vistadome train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes at the foot of Machu Picchu – ready to continue your Peru family tour in the land of the real Paddington bears.
Accommodation options
- Day 6
Machu Picchu - Cusco View on map
Explore the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu with a private guide, while always on the lookout for native spectacled bears who may just be wandering around the quieter spots of the site.
Today you’ll explore the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu, one of the world's most important archaeological sites. Set among mist-shrouded mountains, this man-made marvel has become a symbol of the ingenuity and prosperity of one of the most expansive empires in Latin American history: the Incas. Your expert guide will tell you the history and purpose of this awe-inspiring site.
And because this luxury Peru family tour is also a quest for the real Paddington bears, your guide will also explain how the spectacled bear is the only bear species found in these high forests. If you’re lucky, you may just spot one of these beautiful black bears wandering along one of the quieter Inca terraces.
Once you’ve finished your visit to Machu Picchu, you’ll be taken back to Aguas Calientes where you’ll catch your train to Cusco – the ancient capital of the Inca Empire.
Accommodation options
- Day 7
CuscoView on map
EXPLORE ANCIENT AND ARTISTIC CUSCO, BEFORE DINING AT THE ATMOSPHERIC CICCIOLINA.
You’ll start your exploration of Cusco on foot, beginning at the Plaza de Armas, the Main Square. One of the most historic plazas on the continent, you’ll find exquisite Spanish Colonial architecture and ornamentation imposed by Spanish colonists to exert religious and political influence. The Inca relics remain in the city too, your expert guide will point out the original Inca solid stonework that lines the cobbled streets.
Next, visit Koricancha, the most fascinating ‘Sun Temple in the Inca Empire, along with the breathtaking Cathedral, a repository for Cusco’s colonial art, as well as many other important archaeological relics and artifacts. You will also stop by the colorful San Pedro market and pass through the charming neighborhood of San Blas.
In the afternoon, you’ll meet with our ‘friend in the city’ who will take you through some of Cusco’s most charming creative spaces and local food spots during our experience ‘Creative Footsteps and Nibbles’. Cusco’s rich history has inspired countless local visionaries to launch some of the best shops, galleries, and ateliers in Peru. On this 4-hour guided walking tour, you’ll experience the unique energy of these destinations up close, while stopping to sample local delicacies.
For your final evening in the mountains during your Peru family tour, you’ll dine at the atmospheric Cicciolina. A Cusco institution for almost 20 years, this tapas restaurant and wine bar can be found in a magical setting overlooking the terracotta tiles of the city. Expect a menu of European dishes made with local Andean ingredients, making for a delicious fusion.
Accommodation options- Day 8
Cusco - TambopataView on map
JOURNEY DEEP INTO THE AMAZON RAINFOREST, ARRIVING AT THE WORLD-LEADING TAMBOPATA RESEARCH CENTER.
Your Peru family tour leaves Cusco today, flying to Puerto Maldonado, and heading for the Amazon Jungle in Peru. After a 1-hour car journey, followed by a 2-hour boat ride, 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 that 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 can spot both the Howler Monkey and Dusky Titi Monkey.
You’ll spend the night in one of the property’s boutique Rainforest Alliance Lodges, beautiful boltholes that comply with the most rigorous sustainability standards to ensure minimum damage to this delicate environment.
Accommodation options
- Day 9
TambopataView 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 families on a luxury private tour 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 10
TambopataView on map
VENTURE DEEPER INTO 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. 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.
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, spending your final night in the rainforest 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 11
Tambopata - LimaView on map
BID FAREWELL TO THE FOREST AND FLY TO PERU’S CAPITAL FOR A STAY IN THE BOHEMIAN BARRANCO DISTRICT.
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 back to the coastal cliffs of Lima for the penultimate evening of your Peru family tour.
We recommend dinner at the intimate Isolina restaurant, where you’ll enjoy an authentic Peruvian food in a relaxed atmosphere.
Accommodation options
- Day 12
LimaView on map
SAIL TO THE PALOMINO ISLANDS TO SEE LIMA’S abundant MARINE LIFE BEFORE YOUR INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT HOME.
On this final morning, you’ll enjoy a private boat ride to the Palomino Islands just off the coast of Peru’s capital. Here you’ll see the different marine life that the coastal capital of Lima has to offer, as well as plenty of birds. It’s safe to swim with the curious sea lions that inhabit the islands and surrounding waters, and many of those on a Peru family tour with us hop into the water to try it!
Depending on your flight schedule, you then be taken via private transfer to Lima airport, where we will assist you with everything you need for a smooth onward journey home.
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Journey pricing as of 2024
Basic Pricing - US$10,000 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 Tour Peru12 days of wildlife, culture and fun. - Day 2
