Take an adventure of a lifetime to Peru with your whole family!
Journey to a land shrouded in mystery and birthplace of the New World’s most advanced society, the Incan Empire. The jewel of South America, Peru will send your camera into overdrive with its jaw-dropping terrain, colourful markets, dense Amazon jungle, forgotten temples entangled in jungle vines, and massive archaeological complexes. The ancient citadel of Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the world…come find out why! Home to a unique and proud population which continues to maintain its rich culture and identity, you will be welcomed with open arms.
This incredible Peru Family Tour itinerary can be tailored to best suit your family’s travel needs. With plenty of family-friendly adventures to be had, Peru is a wonderful place to travel to. A Peru Family Adventure which includes activities for all ages throughout the country from Lima to the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Machu Picchu and the Amazon Basin. Please note that this itinerary can be tweaked to best suit your family’s travel needs.
Highlights
STARTS AT
USD per Person
THIS IS A CUSTOMIZABLE ITINERARY FOR GROUPS OF ALL SIZES.
DATES ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
DAY 1:
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY
Welcome to Lima – the City of Kings and the bustling gateway to Peru! Lima is an ethnic melting pot, featuring pre-Hispanic, colonial and modern elements. Lima was inhabited by pre-Columbian groups centuries before it was founded by Spanish Conqueror Francisco Pizarro in 1535 on the day of the Three Kings (Epiphany). Limeños (Lima’s residents) are friendly, and the city is filled with excellent restaurants; seafood lovers, in particular, should be sure to try a ceviche, for which Lima is well known.
As today is an arrival day, there are no prearranged activities.
Meals: None
Overnight: Miraflores Hotel
DAY 2:
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY
Today enjoy a guided tour of Lima. After breakfast you’re family will become acquainted with 5000+ years of history at the Larco Museum. Located in a vice-royal mansion of the 18th century built over a 7th century pre-Columbian pyramid in Pueblo Libre, the Larco Museum features the finest gold and silver collection from Ancient Peru and worldwide icons of Pre-Columbian art. Surprise yourself with fascinating stories and enjoy an inspiring journey of discovery as you explore the museum with interactive activities, challenges and games.
Lunch at Cafe del Museo.
Some suggestions for afternoon activities include:
• Huaca Pucllana – a restored adobe ceremonial centre from the Lima culture that dates back to AD 400
• LarcoMar & Sea Wall – Stroll for miles along the cliffs of the beautifully landscaped sea wall
• Paraglide – Soar above the cliffs of Miraflores while you tandem paraglide
In the evening visit a Hacienda to enjoy a Peruvian Paso horse show with dinner. Thanks to the pride and passion of an entire family for the Peruvian Paso Horse – the nation’s cultural heritage – and for the desire to exhibit their skills and traditions, Dpaso Hacienda was created. Enjoy of the fascinating typical show of horseback riding in a unique setting that will make that night one of the most special of your stay.
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Miraflores
DAY 3:
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY
Early morning we fly from Lima to Cusco – the heart of the Incan Empire. Cusco is a colonial as well as an archaeological gem and at an elevation of 3300m, Cusco will literally take your breath away. It is for this reason that after arriving in Cusco we continue to a more comfortable elevation of 2800m of the Sacred Valley of the Incas (Urubamba Valley).
This morning, on route to the Sacred Valley, we visit Awanacancha. Here, you will learn about the various types of camelids (Llamas, Alpacas, Vicuñas, and Guanacos) that live in the Andes region. Additionally, the local villagers will teach you about the ancestral methods and techniques used to produce their textile art.
Along the route to Pisac, we will arrive to Cochahuasi, an animal sanctuary dedicated to rescuing, caring, and preserving native species, some of which are in danger of becoming extinct. Within this admirable private initiative, which seeks to raise awareness about respecting the environment, we will be able to see condors and other native species from the Andes.
Meals: B
Overnight: Sacred Valley Hotel
DAY 4:
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY
Today we further explore the spectacular Sacred Valley of the Incas towards the archaeological site of Moray. Used as an agricultural testing ground, the site’s system of circular terraces descends 490 feet (150 m) from where we will stand, serving as a perfect testament to the level of advancement achieved by the Incas, who excelled at building masterful constructions in harmony with nature.
The journey will continue until we reach the Salt Pans of Maras. The sight of this still-operating salt mine, in use since Incan times, will amaze you with the stark white of the steeply descending salt pans juxtaposed against the green of the surrounding mountain slopes.
We continue along the Urubamba river to the “Living City of the Incas” and archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo is an impressive fortress that enjoys the rare honour of being the setting for one of the only defeats inflicted on the Spanish conquistadors by the Incas when Hernando Pizarro was forced to flee back to Cusco after failing to breach the citadel in 1536. From the village below, one gains a true appreciation of Inca urban planning dating back 500 years.
Meals: B, L
Overnight: Sacred Valley Hotel
DAY 5:
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY
Transfer from your hotel to Piuray Outdoor Centre
In the morning, we arrive to Piuray Lake, where there awaiting us are hot drinks, water, and snacks (fruit and other light snacks). We start with a welcome briefing, then do a stretching session to warm up. Once the stretching session is finished, the following equipment will be provided: kayak and paddles. The guide will give you technical instructions and a safety briefing.
At 10:00 am we enter the water where, depending on the level of the group, you’ll kayak for anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half. In this time, you will be able to learn the technique and paddle yourself around the lake, taking in the awe-inspiring landscape, abundant birdlife, and surrounding farmland. Then, we return to the shore, where you have the rest of the afternoon at your disposal.
We head back to the hotel, arriving at approximately 2:00 pm.
Meals: B, L
Overnight: Sacred Valley Hotel
DAY 6:
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY
Today we travel by Train to Machu Picchu Village (Aguas Calientes) located at the base of magnificent Machu Picchu. With your local guide, you take a bus up the snaking road to the ‘Lost City of the Incas’. The archaeological site of Machu Picchu dates to the 15th century and first received international attention in 1911 when it was visited by the American historian Hiram Bingham. Ever since Machu Picchu has received visitors from around the world being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and more recently voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas as you explore this magical citadel along with the tour guide. Then return by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes.
Lunch will be at the Cafe Inkaterra.
Later on, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes then the train to Poroy Station where you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Cusco.
Meals: B, L
Overnight: Cusco
DAY 7:
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY
Cusco was the foremost city of the Inca Empire and is now the undisputed archaeological capital of the Americas, as well as the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city and the most visited tourist attraction in Peru. Cusco (Qosqo in Quechua) was the capital of the mighty Inca Empire from the 13th century until 1532 when the Spanish conquistadors arrived. The Inca had incredible foresight in regards to city planning and Cusco beautifully exemplifies this. Cusco was planned as an effigy in the shape of a puma, the Inca god of lightning.
We will begin the tour with the visit to the nearby Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, a colossal structure built with huge carved rocks jointed with absolute accuracy, this astounding sample of the Incan military architecture is, undoubtedly, the greatest architectonic work of the Tahuantinsuyo. But, in addition, it proves the undeniable firmness of the great administrative capacity of the empire and its powerful logistic system capable of mobilizing and organizing such a work.
We will then enjoy the best view of the city of Cusco from atop Cerro Pukamoqo (Red Peak), a natural scenic overlook from which the outstretched arms of Cristo Blanco, a massive white statue of Christ, embrace the city in a benevolent gesture.
As we return to the lower part of the city, we will stop off at the San Pedro Market, which being the city’s main street market, will give you an opportunity to get to know the products of Cusco, overwhelming you with the sights, aromas, tastes, and colours of the region.
Just a few blocks away, we will discover one of the most impressive buildings of Incan Cusco: the Qoricancha (the Golden Temple) – a temple dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, whose interior walls were said to have been covered in gold. We will complete the day with a stroll through the Main Square, where we will visit the Cathedral and admire its exquisite vestibules and priceless paintings from the Cusco School of the 17th and 18th centuries.
Here are a few suggestions for your free time:
• Explore the artistic neighbourhood of San Blas and shop for antiques
• Visit the gorgeous Pre-Colombian Museum, Museo Irq’i Yachay and/or the Popular Art Museum
• Cusco Planetarium is a nifty way to learn more about the Inca worldview
• Take a weaving or salsa class
Tonight is free for you to enjoy the vibrant Cusco nightlife!
Meals: B
Overnight: Cusco Hotel
DAY 8:
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY
Breakfast. Transfer to Cusco’s airport. Upon arrival from Lima or Cusco, we will welcome you at the airport and drive you ten minutes to our Puerto Maldonado headquarters. While enjoying your first taste of the forest in our gardens we will ask you to pack only the necessary gear for your next few days and leave the rest at our safe deposit. This helps us keep the boats and cargo light.
Skirting Puerto Maldonado, we drive 20 kilometers to the Tambopata River Port, entering the Native Community of Infierno. The port is a communal business.
Box Lunch.
The forty-five-minute boat ride from the Tambopata Port to Posada Amazonas will take us into the Community´s Primary Forest Private Reserve.
Upon arrival, the lodge manager will welcome you and brief you with important navigation and security tips.
A twenty-minute walk from Posada Amazonas leads to the 30-meter scaffolding canopy tower. A bannistered staircase running through the middle provides safe access to the platforms above. From atop you obtain spectacular views of the vast expanses of standing forest cut by the Tambopata River winding through the middle. Now and then toucans, parrots or macaws are seen flying against the horizon, or mixed species canopy flocks land in the treetop next to you.
A daily presentation on the Infierno ecotourism project is available every night from a staff member.
Overnight: Posada Amazonas Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
DAY 9:
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY
Tres Chimbadas Oxbow Lake is thirty minutes by boat and forty-five minutes hiking from Posada Amazonas. Once there you will paddle around the lake in a catamaran, searching for the resident family of nine giant river otters (seen by 60% of our lake visitors) and other lakeside wildlife such as caiman, hoatzin, and horned screamers. Otters are most active from dawn to eight or nine AM.
Parrot Clay Lick, is only a twenty-minute walk from Posada Amazonas. From a blind located about twenty meters away you will see dozens of parrots and parakeets descend on most clear mornings to ingest the clay on a river bank. Species such as Mealy and Yellow- headed Amazon, Blue-headed Parrot and Dusky headed Parakeet descend at this clay lick. The clay lick is active at dawn, during the late mornings and mid-afternoons.
Lunch
Ethnobotanical Tour, a twenty-minute boat drive downriver leads you to a trail designed by the staff of the Centro Ñape. The Centro Ñape is a communal organization that produces medicines out of forest plants and administers them to patients who choose their little clinic. They have produced a trail that explains the different medicinal (and other) uses of selected plants.
After dinner, take a night walk, you will have the option of hiking out at night, when most of the mammals are active but rarely seen. Much easier to find are frogs with shapes and sounds as bizarre as their natural histories.
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Posada Amazonas Lodge
DAY 10:
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY
Breakfast.
Transfer Tambopata River Port to Pto Maldonado Headquarters
Transfer Puerto Maldonado Headquarters to Airport, we retrace our river and road journey back to Puerto Maldonado, our office, and the airport. Depending on airline schedules, this may require dawn departures. Assistance in Lima.
Boat Transportation:
All our boats are 20-foot-long, roofed canoes with four strokes outboard motors.
Transfer In (Puerto Maldonado to Lodge): two departures daily at 13:00 – 14:30
Transfer-out (Lodge to Puerto Maldonado): two departures daily at 07:00 – 08:00
Important: We reserve the right to change the order of activities.
Meals: B
*Please note that most flights depart from Lima late in the evening. Please confirm your flight departs in the evening when booking this trip.
Tour Exclusions
IMPORTANT NOTES
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change. Although we always do our best to stick to the itinerary, due to the ever-changing nature of Morocco, activities, hotels, and visits are subject to change due to forces beyond our control.
FLIGHTS: Please do not purchase your flights until this tour is confirmed.
PASSPORTS: Must be valid for at least 6 months upon return date to your home country. Proper documentation is the responsibility of each traveller.
VISAS: (responsibility of the traveller)
VACCINATIONS: Please note that travellers must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel to most countries. Other vaccines (such as Yellow Fever) may also be required. This is responsibility of the traveller.
Travel Insurance
Cancellation, Travel, Flight, and Health insurance are required and are the responsibility of the participant to research and secure the appropriate coverage. Click HERE for a Travel Insurance Quote or please email nicola@finisterra.ca for a quote.
Check with your local travel agent /insurance provider/health plan for advice about traveling overseas.
Waiver Form
All participants will be required to sign a Waiver Form prior to departure.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Even though we wish you a flawless trip, things can happen, especially nowadays. Make sure you are prepared with a Travel Insurance policy that is right for you. Finisterra recommends Manulife Insurance or John Hancock Please feel free to ask us about Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance, Cancel for Any Reason Policies, Travel Medical Insurance, or any other questions you may have.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CANADIANS
Travel with confidence knowing that you’re covered with Manulife Insurance.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR AMERICANS – JOHN HANCOCK
Explore the world, stress-free, when you book travel insurance with John Hancock International.
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
At Finisterra Travel we help you discover, push personal boundaries, and explore the unknown.
We are super passionate about sustainable, transformational, and adventure travel. Definitely not “armchair travellers”, we have firsthand experience of where you’ll be heading.No one wants to feel like a tourist which is why when we plan a custom travel experience for you, we strive to make your adventure as authentic as possible. We offer an array of Small Group Adventures & Custom Trips, and have something for every type of traveller.
Our unique itineraries are designed to best showcase some of our favourite destinations around Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Europe. All itineraries are fully-customizable.Not your typical online travel agency, nor are we quite a tour operator, we are international travel designers with a flair for unique experiences. We’d love to hear from you!
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