Family Adventure to Peru

Your first stop is Lima, where you'll spend the night at the JW Marriott, with plenty of time to relax before your adventure. Take a look at the impressive cathedral and stroll around the busy cafes and shops, or simply chill out in the hotel, where you can take a refreshing dip in the pool. In the morning, tuck into a hearty breakfast buffet before hitting the road for Paracas.

After a three-hour journey along the Peruvian coast, you’ll reach your home for the next few days – Hotel Paracas. Here you’ll be perfectly placed to embark on all sorts of adventures around Paracas: from 4x4 rides and sandboarding in the Ica desert to soaring above the enigmatic Nazca Lines in a light aircraft; and from yacht expeditions to the Ballestas Islands, where you'll find sea lions, penguins and flock upon flock of marine birds, to dinner in the dunes beneath the stars.

Back at the hotel you’ll enjoy its array of luxury offerings, including the large outdoor pool, spa and gourmet dining. After three nights, say goodbye to the coast and desert and get ready to experience the lush landscapes of the Sacred Valley.

You’ll fly to Cusco via Lima and be taken to your rural hideaway, Aranwa Sacred Valley, which nestles beside the Urubamba River. Surrounded by colourful wildlife and the beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley, relax and enjoy the pool and the spa – it’s one of the biggest in the country. We doubt you’ll want to miss an opportunity for rafting, on a leisurely stretch of the river towards the charming market town of Pisac, where you'll have an authentic dose of Peruvian culture - don't forget to pick up some local handicrafts.

Then you'll get to experience THE best mountain biking adventure in Peru. Heading almost entirely downhill, you’ll pass Lake Huaypo and the stunning Vilcanota mountains, before making the final descent along mule trails to the extraordinary Maras salt pans. Afterwards, relax over lunch in the Inca village of Ollantaytambo.

Catch the train from Ollantaytambo, alongside the now raging Urubamba River, to Aguascalientes and check into your luxury lodgings, Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo. Peeking through the enchanting cloud forest, Inkaterra is a cosy boutique retreat with stone, wood and thatch foundations, and an array of facilities to spoil you.

It’s just a half hour walk to Machu Picchu, heading along a winding path through atmospheric cloud forest, until you reach Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) and get your first glimpse of the mind-blowing Machu Picchu. Take the ultimate family photo, before learning about this iconic citadel on a private tour.

While you're here, you'll also have the chance to meet the spectacled bears that were the inspiration for the lovable Paddington - Inkaterra has a conservation project to protect these bears, which are native to South America, and you can even help with feeding them. 

Having experienced one of South America’s most legendary sites together, you’ll continue on for the last leg of your adventure in the stunning Incan city of Cusco.

Whether you want to see more Inca ruins, visit colonial churches, bargain-hunt in the artisan markets, or just relax in the Plaza de Armas, Cusco has got something for everyone. Get a thorough drenching with some fun grade II-III rafting on the Urubamba (the sacred river of the Incas), followed by a unique riding adventure, trekking through the spectacular scenery surrounding Cusco (no experience necessary for either of these). Budding archaeologists will also be in for a treat, as they'll be able to see the main Inca ruins of the Cusco Valley, including some amazing examples of Inca town-planning- these vast Inca stones are so intricately placed together that a knife blade can't pass between them. Your home in Cusco, the Palacio del Inka, reflects the ravishing blend of Spanish colonial and pre-Columbian styles, and is a delightful spot in which to conclude your adventure in Peru. Fly back to Lima the following day, where you’ll connect with your flight home or continue with your Peruvian adventure.