Paddington’s Footsteps in Peru

ARRIVAL IN LIMA – FLIGHT TO CHICLAYO

A representative from Peru Vip Travel will welcome you to Peru and, if requested, greet you directly on the tarmac as you step off your plane.

You’ll receive your welcome package before boarding your domestic flight to Chiclayo, where we will assist you with the check-in process. Upon arrival in Chiclayo, you’ll be transferred in a private vehicle to your hotel so you can settle in and prepare for the first day of your family tour in Peru.

CHAPARRÍ – HOME OF THE ANDEAN SPECTACLED BEAR

Today we head to the Chaparrí Reserve, home of the iconic Andean spectacled bear. This protected natural area, located in northern Peru, shelters a wide variety of wildlife, many of which are endemic to the dry forests of the Tumbes region.

Chaparrí and its surroundings are among the last refuges for the population of spectacled bears in dry forest environments—a rare habitat for a species that typically lives in humid mountain forests and highland páramos. The reserve staff actively work to protect these bears through direct monitoring, education, and raising awareness among local communities to reduce poaching.

Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a guided walk through the forest along the Bear Trail. During the hike, you may spot species such as the Sechuran fox and the white-collared peccary. Finally, you’ll have the chance to catch a glimpse of the majestic Andean spectacled bear, made famous worldwide by its appearance in the Paddington books and films.

VISIT TO THE ROYAL TOMBS OF SIPÁN MUSEUM

Today, we’ll depart from the Chaparrí Reserve and return to Chiclayo to visit the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum. Located just 20 minutes from the city, this modern and elegantly designed museum houses the remains of the Lord of Sipán, a revered warrior priest of the Moche culture, along with a vast collection of treasures and artifacts showcased in its permanent exhibition.

Much like Tutankhamun in Egypt, the Lord of Sipán was a mummy discovered buried with immense quantities of precious metals and stones. Sipán, located in the Lambayeque Valley, is famous for its rich tombs unearthed by archaeologists. The tomb of the Lord of Sipán, discovered in 1987 and also known as “Huaca Rajada,” along with its valuable offerings, is preserved in this stunning museum—one of the highlights of the Moche Route in northern Peru.

Spend the day exploring the exhibition with a private guide who will unveil the fascinating story behind these Moche burial sites, considered by many archaeologists to be the most important intact tomb ever discovered in the Americas.

TRUJILLO (EL BRUJO) – FLIGHT TO CUSCO

Today, your family journey through Peru will take you from north to south, heading to the city of Trujillo, where you’ll catch a domestic flight to Cusco—but not before stopping at El Brujo.

El Brujo opened its doors to the public in 2006. Like the Huaca de la Luna, this site features layers of polychrome friezes and functioned as a religious and sacrificial complex. The Cao Museum, just a short walk away, houses a fascinating collection of artifacts, including ceramics, textiles, gold ornaments, royal Moche remains, and evidence of human sacrifices. Perhaps the most remarkable discovery at the site was the Moche mummy of the only known female ruler, the Lady of Cao, whose remains are also on display at the museum.

After your visit and a light lunch, you’ll board your flight to Cusco, where a Peru Vip Travel representative will greet you at the airport and transfer you by private transport to the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival at your luxury hotel, you’ll have the afternoon free to relax and take in the stunning mountain surroundings.

HORSEBACK RIDE THROUGH THE SACRED VALLEY – VISTADOME TRAIN JOURNEY TO MACHU PICCHU

Wake up early this morning, ready to explore the breathtaking Sacred Valley. The first activity on the fifth day of your family tour through Peru is a guided horseback ride through the lush Sacred Valley before enjoying lunch at a traditional hacienda. Owned by the prestigious Lambarri family, Hacienda Huayoccari offers guests an elegant and private way to experience the rich history of the Cusco region.

After lunch, you’ll spend the afternoon with Valle Sagrado Verde, an organization dedicated to preserving the native forests of this majestic mountain range. Starting in Pumamarca, you’ll explore this stunning pre-Inca and Inca archaeological site perched on a ridge overlooking the spectacular Patakancha Valley. The main site dates back to around 1300, but the oldest structures are over 2,000 years old. The site requires a bit of climbing, but the panoramic views are well worth the effort.

Next, you’ll embark on a low to moderate hike where you’ll admire the beauty of a seldom-visited waterfall and a native forest of queuña, unca, and chachacomo trees. You’ll learn how these magnificent trees, once abundant in the Andes, have become increasingly rare due to deforestation from settlement, intensive farming, and slash-and-burn agriculture.

Accompanied by a representative of Valle Sagrado Verde, you’ll have the opportunity to directly contribute to a native tree reforestation project, helping restore the natural balance of the ecosystem. Valle Sagrado Verde will provide all the necessary tools for the activity, and you’ll gain insight into the importance of preserving these trees and their unique environments.

Once finished, you’ll board the Vistadome train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, at the base of Machu Picchu, ready to continue your family journey through Peru in the land of the real Paddington bears.

PRIVATE GUIDE IN MACHU PICCHU

Today, you will explore the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Nestled between mist-covered mountains, this man-made wonder has become a symbol of the ingenuity and prosperity of one of the largest empires in Latin American history: the Incas. Your expert guide will share the history and purpose of this awe-inspiring site.

And since this luxury family tour through Peru is also a journey in search of the real Paddington bears, your guide will explain that the spectacled bear is the only bear species found in these high cloud forests. With a bit of luck, you might spot one of these beautiful black bears wandering along one of the peaceful Inca terraces.

Once your visit to Machu Picchu is complete, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll board your train back to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire.

EXPLORE ANCIENT & ARTISTIC CUSCO – DINNER AT CICCIOLINA

Begin your exploration of Cusco on foot, starting at the Plaza de Armas, also known as the Main Square. This plaza, one of the most historic in South America, showcases exquisite Spanish colonial architecture and ornamentation, established by the conquistadors to assert religious and political dominance. Yet, Inca relics remain ever-present throughout the city—your expert guide will point out the original Inca stonework that lines the cobbled streets.

Next, visit Koricancha, the most sacred Sun Temple of the Inca Empire, followed by the imposing Cathedral, which houses priceless examples of Cusqueñan colonial art as well as numerous important relics and archaeological artifacts. You’ll also explore the colorful San Pedro Market and the charming San Blas neighborhood.

In the afternoon, meet our “friend in the city,” who will lead you through some of Cusco’s most delightful creative spaces and local eateries during the “Creative Steps & Bites” experience. Cusco’s rich history has inspired countless local visionaries to create some of Peru’s finest shops, galleries, and studios. On this guided walking tour, you’ll feel the city’s unique energy while sampling delicious local treats.

For your final evening in the mountains on your family journey through Peru, you’ll enjoy dinner at the evocative Cicciolina restaurant. A Cusco institution for nearly 20 years, this tapas bar and wine bistro offers a magical atmosphere overlooking the terracotta rooftops of the city. Savor a menu of European-style dishes crafted with fresh Andean ingredients, in a truly delightful fusion.

PUERTO MALDONADO – TAMBOPATA NATIONAL RESERVE

Today, your family journey through Peru takes you from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the Peruvian Amazon. After a short flight, you’ll embark on a one-hour road transfer followed by a breathtaking two-hour boat ride along the Tambopata River. This journey takes you deep into the heart of the Tambopata National Reserve, one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, home to the Tambopata Research Center (TRC), nestled within over 1.5 million hectares of protected rainforest.

The TRC is a leading hub for conservation and scientific research, with various ongoing projects that invite visitor participation and learning. Highlights include the Amazon Cam, which uses motion-activated cameras to capture local wildlife, and Mapping Cats, an ambitious initiative tracking jaguars and other elusive rainforest felines.

Once settled into the lodge, you’ll enjoy your first guided walk in the afternoon, exploring 3 to 5 kilometers of trails that offer panoramic views of the winding Tambopata River. With a bit of luck, you might spot iconic species such as the red howler monkey or the elusive dusky titi monkey.

You’ll spend the night in one of the exclusive boutique lodges certified by Rainforest Alliance—sustainable accommodations designed to minimize environmental impact without compromising on comfort or style. A perfect setting to unwind, surrounded by the soothing sounds of the jungle.

MACAW CLAY LICK – PICNIC BY THE POND

In the early morning hours, as the jungle awakens with the sounds of wildlife, you’ll have the opportunity to witness one of the Amazon’s most awe-inspiring natural spectacles. Accompanied by your expert guide, you’ll take a short boat ride from the Tambopata Research Center to one of the region’s famous clay licks—mineral-rich cliffs where hundreds of macaws and parrots gather at dawn.

From a strategically placed observation point about fifty meters below the cliff edge, you’ll watch as these majestic birds descend to feast on the clay. The brilliant feathers of green, scarlet, blue, and gold-winged macaws—mixed with various parrot species—paint the sky with a vibrant symphony of color. This breathtaking natural event is one of the most unforgettable moments for families on a luxury private tour of Peru.

After the aerial spectacle, you’ll embark on a five-kilometer guided hike through the dense rainforest canopy. Your guide will lead you past towering ceiba trees, ancient strangler figs, and centuries-old shihuahuacos, helping you spot the incredible wildlife that thrives in this ecosystem—from tropical squirrels and peccaries to agile spider monkeys and curious capuchins.

A picnic lunch awaits by a peaceful pond, where you’ll continue your exploration in search of water and riverside birds such as Muscovy ducks, hoatzins, South American ostriches, flycatchers, and parakeets. The birdsong and the gentle hum of the jungle will be your companions in this unforgettable sensory experience.

Back at the lodge, enjoy a delicious dinner made with locally sourced ingredients. If you still have energy after the day’s adventures, join a guided night walk to uncover the jungle’s nocturnal secrets. With expert guides, you’ll search for elusive mammals and brilliantly colored frogs whose sounds and shapes stretch the limits of imagination.

MASTER HIKE THROUGH THE RAINFOREST – SUNSET NAVIGATION

On your third and final day in the Tambopata National Reserve, you’ll embark on one of the most immersive experiences of your journey: the Master Hike through the Rainforest, led by your expert guide. This moderately challenging to demanding trek takes you along less-traveled trails that wind through twisted roots, gleaming moss, and the constant bustle of diligent leaf-cutter ants.

As you ascend, elevated panoramic views of the jungle begin to unfold. High in the canopy, watch for toucans, macaws, and parrots soaring gracefully across the sky. As you near the confluence with the Malinowski River—a symbolic boundary between untouched wilderness and human presence—wildlife sightings become even more remarkable: capybaras resting along the riverbanks, caimans gliding silently through the water, and flocks of Amazonian geese ushering you forward.

Returning to the lodge, the afternoon slowly gives way to evening. Your farewell to the jungle will be marked by a moment of unmatched beauty: a private Sunset Navigation. Aboard a private boat, you’ll glide along the calm waters of the Tambopata River as the sky glows with golden, pink, and violet hues. Shadows stretch over the water while the rainforest sings its final song of the day—a poetic close to your stay in this magical corner of the Amazon.

Spend your final night in one of the exclusive Rainforest Alliance Lodges, surrounded by the subtle sounds of the jungle, carrying with you not only photographs but also lasting memories of a truly extraordinary family adventure.

BOHEMIAN DISTRICT OF BARRANCO – DINNER AT ISOLINA RESTAURANT

After your final breakfast at the enchanting Tambopata Research Center, it will be time to say farewell to the jungle—that vibrant sanctuary of life that has accompanied you in recent days. You’ll board your private boat for one last serene journey along the river, wrapped in the morning symphony of tropical birds and the constant whisper of the rainforest.

Upon arrival at the river port, a ground transfer will take you to the Puerto Maldonado airport to catch your flight back to Lima’s coastal cliffs, where you’ll spend the penultimate night of your unforgettable family tour through Peru.

For dinner, we recommend an experience that celebrates the most authentic roots of Peruvian cuisine: Isolina, a cozy and vibrant restaurant located in the heart of Barranco. Here, you’ll enjoy hearty criollo recipes passed down through generations, served in generous portions in a warm and relaxed setting reminiscent of a traditional Lima tavern.

A perfect evening to share with family and once again savor the cultural richness of Peru.

PALOMINO ISLANDS – INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE FLIGHT

On your final morning in Peru, we invite you to experience an unforgettable adventure on the Pacific waters. You’ll board a private yacht for an exclusive excursion to the Palomino Islands, located just off the coast of Lima. This marine sanctuary is home to vibrant biodiversity: you’ll spot elegant seabirds like boobies, cormorants, and pelicans, as well as entire colonies of playful sea lions.

For those feeling adventurous, there’s a completely safe and extraordinary opportunity to swim with these friendly marine mammals in their natural habitat—an activity that has become a favorite highlight for many of the families who travel with us.

Depending on your international flight schedule, your private driver will meet you at the port and transfer you to Lima’s airport. There, your Peru Vip Travel representative will assist with check-in and final departure procedures, ensuring that your farewell from Peru is as seamless and memorable as the journey you’ve just lived.