Peru Family Holiday

1nt Paracas, 1nt Cusco, 2 nts Urubamba, 1nt Machu Picchu, 3 nts Cusco, 1nt Puno, 1nt Lake Titicaca, 1nt Puno, 1nt Lima

Overview

This is a fantastic itinerary for families with teenagers. Arriving in the capital Lima you then head to Paracas to embark on a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, or mini Galapagos. Here you will have the chance to see sea lions, pelicans, Humboldt penguins and other sea birds.

Then fly up to the town of Cusco in the Andes, and introduce the family to some Incan ruins whilst participating in adventures such as white water rafting, horse riding and biking. The highlight of this region will be the light trek to Machu Picchu, entering through the Sun Gate.

Visit the mysterious Rainbow mountain of seven colours which is located 100km southeast from Cusco where you will reach an altitude of approx. 5,000 metres!

This itinerary ends at the mythical Titicaca Lake where you will visit the floating islands of Uros and learn about their culture before heading to Amantani Island where you will stay with family of islanders for the night. You will have dinner with them and enjoy a show of their dances.

This is an example of a family itinerary for Peru, but can be tailored and adapted to suit different age children. Older children may also enjoy a few days staying at an eco-lodge in the Amazon rainforest. Contact us for different options.

Price Guide

13 nights from £3,365 per person based on double occupancy

These prices are excluding international flights. Average flight prices vary depending on time of year and can be considerably more expensive at peak times (Christmas, Easter, Summer). Flight routes vary, please contact us for accurate flight pricing for your timings and place of departure.

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Day to Day

Below is an example day by day itinerary

Day 1

Met on arrival and transferred to Antigua Miraflores Hotel in downtown Lima.

Day 2

Transferred in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle to Paracas Bay. From Paracas, you will travel approximately 253 km along the Pan American Highway to the starting point for your buggy adventure. Here, you will hop into our buggies and can choose from various routes, ranging from flat dunes to thrilling climbs up and down dunes as high as 90 metres and stretching up to 3 kms. Along the way, you will have stunning views and can also try your hand at sandboarding for an extra dose of excitement. Overnight stay at La Hacienda Bahia Paracas (B).

Day 3

Early this morning, you will set off on a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands. Along the way, you will catch a glimpse of the famous Chandelier, a giant geoglyph (line drawing) etched into the sand, reminiscent of the Nazca Lines further south in Peru. When you arrive at the Ballestas Islands you may see sea lions, pelicans, Humboldt penguins, and a variety of other seabirds. Overnight stay at Antigua Miraflores Hotel (B).

Day 4

Transferred to the airport for your flight to Cusco. Met on arrival and transferred to your hotel before embarking on a tour of the sites in and around Cusco. Heading first to the archaeological park of Sacsayhuamán and to explore the fortress, a stunning site that exudes peace and tranquility, where you can admire massive stones, some reaching up to 4 metres in height, that have been used in its construction. Next, you will visit Qenqo, an ancient temple dedicated to the Puma, featuring an altar for sacrifices carved inside a huge rock. Afterwards, you’ll continue to Tambomachay, known as the sacred fountains of life and health. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views from Puca Pucara, a watchtower that once controlled access to the city. Following this, you will explore the Temple of the Sun, Koricancha, atop which the Convent of Saint Dominique was built. Legend says the temple was once entirely covered in gold sheets, dazzling the conquistadors upon their arrival. Finally, you will visit the main square to see the cathedral, home to invaluable colonial paintings and other artworks, including the cross brought by the first conquerors. Afterwards, you will enjoy a Cusco Art Experience. Starting with a discussion on Cusquenian art and syncretism the blending of Andean and Western cultures. Then you will receive a ceramic Torito de Pucará (bull) and box of art supplies to begin creating. You will work with the colonial Cuzco golden leaf technique, using sheets of bronze, copper, and aluminium, experimenting with various materials and methods, combining traditional and contemporary techniques on your ceramic bull. Overnight stay at Casa Andina Premium Cusco (B).

Day 5

Depart for Pachar, the starting point of your river rafting adventure on the Urubamba River. Upon arrival, participants will receive their rafting gear along with a thorough safety briefing to prepare for navigating rapids rated levels 2 and 3. After some practice on the calmer sections of the river, your journey begins on gentle waters, allowing you to take in the stunning mountain scenery and nearby archaeological sites. As you progress, you will encounter class 2 and 3 rapids, culminating in “El Resbaladero,” a challenging class 3 rapid featuring waves and small whirlpools. Following this exhilarating experience, you will enjoy lunch at a traditional riverside restaurant owned by a local community family, offering a wonderful opportunity to savour authentic Andean cuisine while supporting community projects. In the afternoon, your adventure continues with a horseback ride along a trail that follows the left bank of the Urubamba River. Along the way, you’ll pass through quaint villages, farms, and Andean terraces, immersing ourselves in the local landscape and culture. Overnight stay at Sonesta posada del Inca Yucay (BL).

Day 6

Set out to the Inca Sacred Valley to begin your biking adventure. Along the way, you’ll cross and admire a variety of mountains, Andean landscapes, and traditional villages that proudly preserve their local culture. The ride continues to Pisaq, where you will take in some stunning sights. The tour will then proceed through the towns of Taray and Calca. Overnight stay at Sonesta Posada del Inca Yucay (BL).

Day 7

Today you will transfer to begin the Express Inca Trail a gentle trek to explore the stunning Wiñaywayna complex. Following a boxed lunch, you will proceed to the lost city of Machu Picchu, entering through Intipunku, also known as the Sun Gate. Return back to the town of Machu Picchu (formerly known as Aguascalientes). Overnight stay at El Mapi by Inkaterra (BL).

Day 8

Early in the morning, you will return to Machu Picchu with your guide. This remarkable archaeological site will captivate you with its powerful energy and impress you with its terraces, ceremonial temples, stairways, and urban sectors. After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu at your own pace. Late afternoon you will take the train back to Cusco, where you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight stay at Casa Andina Premium Cusco (BL).

Day 9

Very early in the morning, you will begin your journey through the South Valley toward Phulawasipata, the starting point of your hike to Cerro Colorado, also known as the Rainbow Mountain, located approximately 100 km southeast of Cusco. After enjoying breakfast, you’ll start your ascent with your guide, passing through the control point and entering this awe inspiring natural wonder. As you hike, you will witness the ever-changing colours of the landscape, shaped by the shifting weather. We will reach an altitude of around 5,000 meters, standing at the summit of this enigmatic mountain. Stunning geological formations will unfold before you, with the vivid contrast between the clear blue sky and the varied terrain forming a spectacular divide between the coastal desert and the Amazon basin, all under the watchful presence of the majestic Ausangate. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Cusco. Overnight stay at Casa Andina Premium Cusco (BL).

Day 10

Depart by tourist bus toward Puno, making several stops along the way to explore the highlights of this scenic route. Your first stop is Andahuaylillas, where you will visit its stunning colonial chapel, often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes.” Next, you will explore Racchi, home to the impressive Temple of the god Wiracocha, known for its towering walls and narrow passageways. You will then enjoy a lunch break and take in the breathtaking views at La Raya, the natural border between Cusco and Puno. Before reaching your final destination, you’ll stop at the Pucara Museum. You will arrive in Puno in the late afternoon. Overnight stay at Casa Andina Premium Puno (BL).

Day 11

Take a boat trip to Lake Titicaca, your first stop will be the floating Uros Islands, home to a pre Inca community that sought refuge on the lake to escape colonial forces. Here, you will observe how the locals skilfully craft their traditional reed boats using totora, a native plant of the lake. You will then continue to Amantani Island, where you will be warmly welcomed by local families. Each visitor will be introduced to their host family, with whom you will share meals and experience their customs and daily life. After a traditional lunch, you will hike to the island’s sacred site, the Pachatata (Father Earth) altar, and take in the panoramic views. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner with your host famiy, followed by a lively pena, cultural gathering featuring traditional music, dances, and an exhibition of typical local attire. Overnight stay at Homestay (BLD).

Day 12

Continue your journey to Taquile Island, where you’ll be welcomed by its warm and vibrant community. The island is known for preserving ancient traditions that are still proudly practiced today. As we explore, you will be captivated by the stunning panoramic views of Lake Titicaca and the rich cultural heritage of the island. Enjoy its unique folklore and admire the intricate, colourful handwoven textiles for which Taquile is renowned. A traditional lunch will be served on the island before returning to Puno. Overnight stay at Casa Andina Premium Puno (BL).