Wild Peru

Day 1 - UK - In flight

Our nationwide shared chauffeur service collects you from home for your flight to Lima.

Day 2 - Lima

On arrival in the Peruvian capital, transfer to the hotel in the Miraflores district.

Day 3 - Callao, Palomino Islands & Lima

Callao is Lima’s historic port area. The once-rundown Monumental Callao neighbourhood is now a thriving cultural quarter, with vibrant street murals, galleries, open-air cultural events and artists’ studios. Spend some time exploring, before boarding a boat to the nearby Palomino Islands. Part of a National Marine Life Reserve, the waters here are home to sea lions, Humboldt penguins and dolphins, plus a wide variety of sea birds. Pass the islands of San Lorenzo and eL Frontón, and the Cavinzas Islands, before arriving at the Palomino Islands. There's a chance to swim in the company of the playful sea lions (wetsuits will be available); or you can do some wildlife spotting from the boat. In the afternoon, we’ll head back into Lima for a guided tour of the city’s highlights, including the cathedral and its chapels, the City Hall, and San Francisco Convent (which comes complete with ancient catacombs).

Day 4 - Lima - Amazon rainforest

After a short flight to Puerto Maldonado, board a boat to transfer to our eco-lodge in the heart of a private rainforest reserve. In the afternoon, join a guided walk along the reserve’s trail system to learn about the incredible ecosystem here in the jungle. Later, head out onto the river and witness how the forest transforms once darkness falls.

Day 5 - Amazon rainforest

Travel to Tambopata National reserve today, and enjoy a morning on Lake Sandoval. From our wooden canoes. Keep an eye out for a host of wildlife, including endangered species such as giant river otters, red howler monkeys, red-bellied macaws, anacondas and side-necked turtles. In the afternoon walk through the tropical forest canopy on the Anaconda Trail, a quarter-mile route of walkways connecting eight observation platforms. From this elevated vantage point, look out for colourful toucans, woodpeckers, trogons, monkeys, sloths, and much more.

Day 6 - Amazon rainforest

Travel by river this morning to the Gamitana ravine, home to piranhas, caimans, turtles and abundant birdlife. On the way back, call in at a sustainable farm to learn about eco-friendly agriculture in the Amazon basin - a fascinating insight into how the local people are working to protect this land and improve the quality of life for their communities. The afternoon will be spent at Hacienda Concepción, finding out about the uses and benefits of the incredible medicinal plants found in this part of the world. An evening stroll reveals a different side of the forest under the cover of night.

Day 7 - Cuzco - Sacred Valley

After a short flight to Cuzco, transfer to our hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Day 8 - Sacred Valley

Set within the Mantanay Private Conservation Area, Ensifera Camp is a sanctuary for the hummingbirds of the Sacred Valley. Accompanied by a naturalist guide, admire more than ten species of hummingbird fluttering around us. On our way back to the hotel, pause at the main square in Urubamba to appreciate its beautiful church. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 9 - Machu Picchu

Today features a visit to the iconic Incan city of Machu Picchu, a true highlight of any journey through Peru. Two options are available to reach this hilltop citadel: hike a section of the famous Inca Trail or take the train. Please indicate your preference ahead of departure. If hiking, depart early to the train station to catch a service to km 104 of the trail. From here, enjoy a scenic three-hour walk to the archaeological site of Wiñaywayna. Take time to rest and explore the site’s houses, terraces, towers, and museum. Visit the Inti Punku, or Sun Gate, for a first glimpse of Machu Picchu. The total distance up to Machu Picchu is 11 kilometres, which takes approximately 6–7 hours on foot. After an orientation of the citadel, return to the hotel to prepare for a deeper exploration of Machu Picchu the next morning. If opting for the train, travel to Aguas Calientes station while enjoying the surrounding scenery. From the station, take a bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas around the citadel, learning about their way of life and soaking up cinematic mountain views. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to the hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Day 10 - Cuzco

Hikers from the Inca Trail yesterday can return to Machu Picchu this morning to spend time exploring the citadel. Afterwards, take the train down to Ollantaytambo for lunch before continuing the journey to Cuzco. Along the way, stop at a textile centre to observe traditional weaving and dyeing techniques, and try hand-feeding llamas and alpacas. Visit Pisac market, renowned for its handicrafts, and browse for souvenirs such as pottery, textiles, and traditional Peruvian jewellery.

Day 11 - Cuzco

Enjoy a guided walking tour of Cuzco. Visit the convent of Santo Domingo, built on the site of an old Incan temple devoted to the Sun God; Compañía de Jesús church and the Cathedral, with its wonderful blend of Gothic, baroque and Renaissance style, and its collection of mestizo art. The afternoon is at leisure.

Day 12 - Huacarpay Lake, Rumichacha Lake & Sacred Garden

Enjoy a full day of birdwatching in the Andean wetlands. Start early to make the most of the day, beginning at Huacarpay Lake, a collection of lagoons, swamps, and rivers at an altitude of over 9,000 feet. Look for peregrine falcons, Andean coots, and yellow-billed pintails, as well as endemic species such as bearded mountaineers and rusty-fronted canasteros. A short journey from Huacarpay brings you to Rumichacha, where white-tufted grebes, puna teals, and the elusive plumbeous rail may appear. Conclude the day at the Sacred Garden sanctuary, capturing close-up photographs of a dazzling array of hummingbirds.

Day 13 - Lima - Paracas

Fly back to Lima, and travel to the beachside town of Paracas.

Day 14 - Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve

Rise early today to travel across the Bay of Paracas to the Ballestas Islands. Residents of these islands include pelicans, penguins, buzzards, sea lions and tendrils - bring binoculars or a camera for close-ups. Back on dry land, explore a little of the Paracas National Reserve, including the famous La Catedral rock formation and Roja beach (known for its orange-red sands). The afternoon is free to relax or explore. An optional excursion can take you over the mysterious Nazca Lines by helicopter. These geoglyphs are thought to have been created thousands of years ago by the Nazca people. Some are simple lines, while others form patterns or shapes, which will be revealed as you soar over them.

Day 15 - Lima

Head back to Lima today and spend the afternoon at the Larco Museum. Housed in an 18th-century mansion, the museum exhibits jewellery from more than 3,000 years of Peru’s pre-Columbian history. As well as gleaming gold and silver jewellery, you’ll be able to see some of the tools used to create it, which showcase the exceptional skill of the Peruvian gold and silversmiths.

Day 16 - Lima - In flight

Transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight to the UK.

Day 17 - UK

Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.