17D/16N
FAMILY ADVENTURE IN PERU

Arrival in Lima and welcome at Jorge Chávez International Airport by your driver.

Transfer to the district of Miraflores, one of the most pleasant areas of the capital, located between the ocean and green spaces. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.

Check-in at the hotel and free time to rest or explore the surroundings.

In the morning, meet your English-speaking guide for a guided tour of Lima, including its historic centre and surrounding districts.

Founded in the 16th century and known as the “City of Kings”, Lima was for several centuries the political and cultural heart of Spanish America. Despite the many earthquakes that have shaped its history, the city has preserved a rich architectural heritage. Its buildings reflect the combined expertise of local artisans and masters who came from Europe.

Recently restored, the historic centre has regained all its splendour. Your route will take you to Plaza San Martín, then along Jirón de la Unión, the emblematic street leading to Lima’s Plaza Mayor, home to the Government Palace, the City Hall and the Cathedral. You will also visit the remarkable Convent of San Francisco, famous for its architecture and impressive underground galleries.

In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Arequipa.

Upon arrival in the early evening, welcome at the airport and transfer to your hotel.

Morning rafting followed by a private guided tour of the city

After breakfast, departure for a rafting activity on the Chili River, just outside Arequipa. Supervised by specialised instructors, this descent offers a fun and dynamic experience in a setting shaped by the volcanic landscapes of the region.

The activity alternates between livelier sections and calmer stretches, making it a great family adventure, depending on the age of the participants and the conditions on the day.

Return to Arequipa at the end of the morning, followed by free time for lunch.

In the afternoon, your English-speaking guide will accompany you on a discovery of Arequipa’s historic centre. You will begin at the majestic Plaza de Armas, surrounded by elegant arcades, before visiting the cathedral, as well as the church and convent of the Society of Jesus, remarkable examples of colonial architecture.

You will then continue with a visit to the famous Santa Catalina Monastery, a true city within the city. Behind its walls lies a maze of peaceful lanes, lined with small houses painted in ochre, blue and white, dotted with little squares and fountains. The atmosphere gently evokes certain villages of Andalusia.

Your visit will end with a stop at the viewpoints of Yanahuara and Carmen Alto, offering superb panoramas over the agricultural terraces of the surrounding countryside, with the volcanoes watching over the city in the background.

Return to your hotel, followed by an evening at leisure.

Tip: this is a great opportunity to try the delicious chupe de camarones, a richly flavoured local speciality.

Early morning departure from your hotel by private transport with your English-speaking guide, heading towards the Colca Canyon, in the heart of the spectacular landscapes of the volcanic Andes.

The road crosses vast high-altitude plains before reaching the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where you may observe vicuñas and other Andean camelids in their natural habitat, particularly in the Pampa Cañahuas area.

You will then continue towards Patapampa Pass, at 4,900 metres above sea level, the highest point of the journey, offering spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes, including Ampato, Sabancaya and Hualca-Hualca.

You will gradually descend into the Colca Valley and arrive in Chivay, the main village of the region. Transfer to your hotel and check-in.

Morning departure by private vehicle towards the Cruz del Cóndor, one of the best viewpoints for observing these majestic Andean birds.

The Colca Canyon is already a spectacle in itself: nearly 3,000 metres separate its highest peaks from the bed of the Colca River. Between vertiginous cliffs, agricultural terraces and traditional villages, this valley offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in southern Peru.

Visits are planned along the road back to Chivay.

You will then depart by private transport, without a guide, towards Puno. The road crosses the high Andean plateau, passing through the areas of Imata and Santa Lucía before reaching Juliaca. There, you will meet your local guide for the Altiplano region.

Continuation towards the Llachón Peninsula, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, where you will spend the night with a local family.

After breakfast, the morning is dedicated to an active discovery of Lake Titicaca. From Llachón, departure for a kayaking excursion on the calm waters of the lake, in a magnificent setting of peninsulas, terraced fields and open horizons stretching across the Altiplano.

Accompanied by local instructors, you will paddle at a gentle pace, adapted to the group and to the conditions of the day. This activity offers a different way to experience the lake, close to its reflections, its birdlife and the daily life of the lakeside communities.

After this time on the water, departure by boat towards Amantaní Island. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your host family and settle in. Lunch with the family, followed by a discovery of the island with your guide. Depending on the group’s pace, a walk may take you up to the heights of Pachatata and Pachamama, two emblematic places associated with ancient Andean beliefs.

Dinner with the family and overnight stay on the island.

In the morning, departure by private transport without a guide from Puno towards the Cusco region.

This crossing of the Altiplano immerses you in vast high-altitude landscapes, with open plains, Andean villages, herds of camelids and distant peaks. Along the way, you will cross La Raya Pass, the highest point of the route and a natural boundary between the regions of Puno and Cusco.

As far as Sicuani, the journey will be with your driver only. There, you will meet your English-speaking guide, who will accompany you for the visits planned during the rest of the day.

Visit to the archaeological site of Raqchi, a former Inca ceremonial and administrative centre, famous for the remains of the Temple of Wiracocha and its impressive storage structures. Located on the ancient road linking Cusco to Collasuyo, this site bears witness to the strategic importance of the region during the Inca period.

Continuation to Checacupe, an Andean village known in particular for its historic bridges. Check-in and overnight stay.

Depending on hotel availability, the night may also be arranged in Sicuani, which offers a wider choice of accommodation.

Note: The overnight stay is planned in Checacupe. Due to the limited number of accommodations available there, it may be replaced by a night in Sicuani, depending on availability.

In the morning, departure by private transport towards Palcoyo, one of the most accessible rainbow mountains in the Cusco region.

Upon arrival, you will begin a gentle approach walk through a high-altitude setting, among open landscapes, mineral formations and naturally surprising shades of colour. Less visited than Vinicunca, Palcoyo offers a softer and more gradual discovery of the rainbow mountains. The walk remains relatively short, but takes place at high altitude, so the pace will be adapted to the group.

Depending on the conditions of the day and the travellers’ energy, it may be possible to continue to the stone forest, a group of rock formations overlooking the high plains.

After the visit, you will return to the road and continue towards Cusco. Along the way, a stop may be made in Andahuaylillas to visit its colonial church, often nicknamed the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes” because of the richness of its murals, altarpieces and interior decoration.

The visit to Andahuaylillas will depend on the time available after Palcoyo, road conditions and the pace of the group.

Arrival at your destination in the late afternoon and check-in at the hotel.

Meet at reception at 8:00 a.m.

We will take a track towards Patacancha Pass, crossing the Patacancha basin and passing several Andean communities located near the valley. Along the way, we will be able to observe very picturesque traditional houses, as well as beautiful Inca terraces.

We will then continue to the community of Willoq, deeply rooted in Andean traditions and a vibrant, colourful culture. Afterwards, we will reach the community of Patacancha, where we will have the opportunity to visit Quechua families living in this beautiful mountain community.

We will also take a break to admire the landscapes and prepare our equipment before beginning the bike descent.

We will then continue towards another community, where we can discover local handicrafts made by Quechua families.

The cycling route covers approximately 20 km of downhill riding, until reaching Ollantaytambo, where our vehicle will be waiting to take us back to the hotel in Cusco.

Notes: The staff will be Spanish-speaking on this day. If a English-speaking guide is required, this must be arranged in advance.

Picnic lunch included. Dinner at leisure.

Departure with your guide at the agreed time for the visit of Ollantaytambo, one of the major sites of the Sacred Valley.

You will discover its impressive archaeological complex, built on the heights above the village. The site preserves some of the most remarkable Inca constructions in the region, with immense stone blocks carved and fitted together with astonishing precision. These stones came from a quarry located on the opposite mountain, several kilometres away, bearing witness to the organisation, technical mastery and ingenuity of the Inca builders.

Ollantaytambo was at once an urban, ceremonial, agricultural and strategic centre, allowing control over this fertile part of the Urubamba Valley, better known as the Sacred Valley.

The visit continues through the village, a true living museum where the urban layout inherited from the Inca period can still be seen. You will also discover the qolqas of Pinkuylluna, ancient storehouses built on the mountain facing the main complex. From these heights, the view over the village, the terraces and the surrounding mountains is remarkable.

A morning visit allows you to enjoy the often beautiful light and a more peaceful atmosphere, before the arrival of the main groups of visitors. It is one of the best times to fully appreciate the site and its surroundings.

In the afternoon, you will take the train towards Machu Picchu Pueblo, accompanied by your English-speaking guide.

Visit of Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas”, with a private English-speaking guide / Train to Ollantaytambo without a guide

“Machu Picchu is a journey towards the serenity of the soul, towards eternal fusion with the cosmos. There, we feel our own fragility. It is one of the greatest wonders of South America. A haven of butterflies at the epicentre of the great circle of life. One more miracle.”
Pablo Neruda

Early in the morning, at the time agreed with your guide, you will take the bus up to the site of Machu Picchu, which overlooks the valley from a height of 400 metres. The landscapes here are completely different from those you will have seen before, and the setting in which this ancient urban centre was built is truly extraordinary. The mist and the light of sunrise make the place even more impressive.

Archaeology and colonial chronicles have taught us a great deal, but many discoveries still remain to be made. Your guide will help you gain a deeper understanding of what this mysterious city may have been like during the Inca period. Two and a half hours are dedicated to the visit of the site.

You will enjoy every moment at Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.

You will then return to Machu Picchu Pueblo, either on foot or by bus, depending on your pace.

In the afternoon or early evening, depending on the train schedule confirmed at the time of booking, you will take the train to Ollantaytambo without a guide.

Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, you will make your own way to the hotel, located on the avenue leading from the train station.

Meals at leisure.

Optional ascent of Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu. Please let us know in advance, as these entrance tickets are subject to strict quotas set by the Ministry of Culture. Not recommended for travellers who suffer from vertigo.

Pick-up around 9:00 a.m. in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, followed by a transfer to our river embarkation point in Pachar.

Upon arrival, rafting equipment will be provided, followed by a technical briefing with safety instructions. A short practice session on a calm section of the river will allow everyone to become familiar with the equipment and basic paddling techniques before setting off.

The adventure then begins on the waters of the Urubamba River, in a spectacular setting of mountains, cultivated valleys and archaeological remains. The descent alternates between calm stretches and class II and III rapids, offering an experience that is fun, active and accessible.

The route continues towards Ollantaytambo, a true living Inca town dominated by its impressive agricultural terraces. The rafting descent ends in the El Resbaladero sector, where your transport will be waiting for the continuation of the programme.

In the afternoon, we set off towards Cusco, with a few visits planned along the way, including the archaeological site of Moray and the Maras salt mines. These remarkable places are sure to surprise you.

Arrival in Cusco at the end of the day and check-in at the hotel.

Morning departure by private vehicle with your English-speaking guide. A short drive will take you to the heights above Cusco.

You will begin your tour with the visit of Tambomachay, a complex dedicated to Unu, the deity of water. This site is made up of small waterfalls and channels through which the waters of youth and fertility are said to flow.

You will then visit Puka Pukara, an important military control centre that guarded access to the city of Cusco. Its name means “red fortress”.

Afterwards, you will continue your journey on foot, walking downhill towards Cusco through a small valley surrounded by fields. You will then reach the site of Q’enqo, whose name means “labyrinth” or “zigzag labyrinth”. This temple was once dedicated to Pachamama, Mother Earth.

Your tour will end with the visit of the impressive remains of Saqsaywaman. This imposing construction, built with megalithic stones, was once the main temple of Hanan Qosqo, the “Upper Cusco”, translated into Spanish as the “head of the puma”. Indeed, in the 16th century, Cusco was laid out in the shape of a puma, and Saqsaywaman stood at the level of its head.

You will finish your walk at Cusco’s Plaza de Armas.

Free afternoon to discover the imperial city at your own pace. You may visit the Cathedral, the Qoricancha temple or the colourful San Pedro market, in order to fully immerse yourself in Cusco’s culture.

Cusco is one of the great jewels of Latin America. Former capital of the Inca Empire, the city is ideally explored on foot, through its cobbled streets, lively squares and stone walls steeped in history.

Accompanied by your English-speaking guide, you will begin the visit in the San Blas district, known for its artisan workshops, sloping lanes and bohemian atmosphere. You will then pass by the famous Twelve-Angled Stone, a remarkable example of Inca architectural mastery, before reaching the Plaza de Armas, the historic heart of the city and the scene of many major events in Peruvian history.

The visit continues with Cusco Cathedral, one of the city’s most important monuments. Its chapels, sculptures and paintings from the renowned Cusco School bear witness to the deep religious syncretism born from the encounter between Catholicism and ancient Andean beliefs.

You will then continue to Qorikancha, the former Temple of the Sun, once one of the most sacred sanctuaries of the Inca Empire. After the Spanish conquest, the site was occupied and transformed by the Dominicans, giving rise to one of the most symbolic architectural ensembles in Cusco.

If time allows, you will pass through the covered San Pedro market, a colourful place where local products, scenes of daily life and a lively popular atmosphere come together.

Free time after the visits.

Transfer to Cusco airport, followed by a flight to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the Peruvian Amazon.

Upon arrival, welcome at the airport and transfer to the port, where you will board a boat for a journey along the Tambopata River to the Native Community of Infierno. The boat ride already marks your entry into another world, between tropical vegetation, wild riverbanks and the first sounds of the forest.

Check-in at Posada Amazonas lodge, followed by a visit to the canopy tower. From this observation platform rising above the treetops, you will enjoy a spectacular view over the Amazon rainforest and the Tambopata River. It is also an excellent place to observe many species of birds, depending on the activity at the time.

After breakfast, departure for the visit to Tres Chimbadas Lake. You will first reach the site by boat, after approximately thirty minutes of navigation, then continue with a walk of around forty-five minutes through the forest.

Upon arrival on the shores of the lake, an old river meander surrounded by tropical vegetation, you will board a canoe or catamaran to explore this preserved natural environment. This outing offers the opportunity to observe different species of birds, caimans and, with a little luck, a family of giant river otters, one of the emblematic species of the Amazon.

After lunch, visit to the Ñape Centre, a community initiative dedicated to the knowledge and use of medicinal plants from the region. You will discover how certain plant species are used to prepare traditional remedies, as well as for other everyday purposes, including construction, handicrafts and transport.

In the evening, night walk in the forest to observe the specific activity of wildlife after dark. This outing offers a different perception of the Amazon, through sounds, furtive movements and species rarely seen during the day.

The time has come to leave the dense, vibrant and mysterious Amazon rainforest behind. After breakfast, departure from the lodge according to your flight schedule.

Return by boat to the port, followed by a transfer to the Rainforest central office in order to collect the luggage left in storage before your stay in the jungle.

You will then be transferred to Puerto Maldonado airport for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival in the capital, welcome at the airport and transfer to your hotel.