Peru Family Experience - 9 Days

Itinerary

• Days 1-0: LimaArrival Day

  Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.

• Days 2-1: Lima/Tambopata

  Fly to Puerto Maldonado and continue by motorized canoe to the comfortable, intimate, and exclusive G Lodge Amazon. Enjoy guided excursions led by expert naturalists to spot wildlife at nearby oxbow lakes, and treetop towers. Fly from Lima to Puerto Maldonado, deep in the lowlands of the Amazon jungle. Travel by motorized canoe to our lodge in the Tambopata rainforest area, which holds the world record for the most bird sightings in one area.

  Explore the jungle with local guides before flying to Cusco, located high in the Andes. Depending on flight arrival times, enjoy either a boxed lunch aboard the boat or lunch upon arrival at the lodge. Rubber boots are provided at the lodge.

• Days 3-2: Tambopata

  Enjoy visits to oxbow lakes and small clay licks to learn about the jungle and its inhabitants. Be introduced to the area’s rich flora and fauna by expert naturalist guides, who can teach extensive uses for medicinal and other forest plant resources through traditional techniques. Be prepared to go early morning or evening to avoid the heat of midday. Enjoy a leisurely pace – the trip requires some walking, but nothing too strenuous.

• Days 4-3: Tambopata/Cusco

  Boat transfer to Puerto Maldonado for a flight to Cusco. Explore the many plazas, ruins, shops, and markets during free time. Transfer by boat, then take a morning flight high into the Andes and the heart of Inca territory to Cusco. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and getting to know the city. Cusco is the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city, and the hub of the South American travel network.

• Days 5-4: Cusco/Aguas Calientes

  Travel to Ollantaytambo making a stop along the way to the Caccaccollo and the Planeterra Women's Weaving co-op. Here your family can meet the women who are part of the co-op and learn about traditional weaving methods. Once in Ollantaytambo catch the train to Aguas Calientes. Settle in and explore the town, taking time to look at the local handicrafts. Transfer to Ollantaytambo, the town and fortress are strategically situated overlooking the beautiful Urubamba River valley. This major ruin site is known as the best surviving example of Inca urban planning and engineering. It is admired for its huge steep terraces guarding the Inca Fortress and for being one of the few places where the Spanish lost a major battle during the conquest.

  Take a scenic train to get to Aguas Calientes villages, passing by beautiful Urubamba Valley.

• Days 6-5: Machu Picchu/Cusco

  Explore the ruins of Machu Picchu with a local guide. Transfer back to Cusco by train and van. Enjoy the unique experience of visiting the historic spiritual centre of the Incas, the "Lost City" of Machu Picchu. Tour the ruins and have the opportunity to soak in the nearby thermal baths. Return by train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy and then transfer by van to Cusco.

• Days 7-6: Cusco

  Visit the Chocolate Museum in Cusco and learn all about the history and origin story behind the truffle. Enjoy a hands-on demonstration and make your own sweet dessert. After, spend a free afternoon in Cusco. Choose to visit museums or the famous Sacsayhuaman ruins that tower over the city. Every year, Cusco attracts thousands of travellers who come to delve into its noble but tragic past. It is the perfect base for optional explorations around the city and area as well as a range of outdoor activities. Relax and explore this fascinating city, and take time to acclimatize to the high altitude.

• Days 8-7: Cusco/Lima

  Enjoy the morning in Cusco before flying to Lima. Opt for a traditional dinner. The evening is the last chance for a dinner with our group. Peruvian food is now becoming world renowned. Opt to try some delicious ceviche, juicy lomo saltado, or perhaps guinea pig. Adults might want to try the famous Pisco sour, but this drink is definitely not for the kids.

• Days 9-8: Lima

  Depart at any time.