Inspiration
Family Active Peru Adventure
From colonial cities and ancient citadels to cloud forests and the Amazon, this two-week journey through Peru is designed for curious, energetic families ready to explore it all - together.
Peaks, pathways and jungle drums
Begin in Lima with cycling and street food in the bohemian district of Barranco, before heading into the Andes to discover sacred valleys, colourful markets and centuries-old Inca ruins. Walk a section of the legendary Inca Trail, camp beneath the stars and arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate – an unforgettable moment for all ages. Then, venture deep into the Amazon jungle, where monkeys swing through the treetops and caimans glide through the rivers, and each day brings a new adventure.
With expert guides, comfortable stays and plenty of flexibility throughout, this is a journey that blends culture, wildlife and active exploration in one of South America’s most spectacular landscapes.
- Lima
- Cusco
- The Sacred Valley
- Sacred Valley Adventure
- The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
- Amazon Rainforest
Dallal BenRomdhane
With a goal to visit every US state and a passion for ancient civilisations, Dallal designs thoughtful, immersive trips that feel personal at every step. Her favourite areas of expertise are North America, North Africa and the Maldives.
Lima
Start your Peruvian adventure in the fantastic capital of Lima. Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your boutique hotel in the leafy district of Barranco, the perfect base to ease into the pace of your journey.
The following day, explore the city’s culinary culture with a private cycling tour through Barranco and nearby Miraflores. This guided ride offers a delicious introduction to Peruvian flavours, with tastings of classic dishes like ceviche, causa and lomo saltado in a series of local haunts known as huariques. End your ride on a sweet note with either homemade ice cream or traditional picarones (spiced sweet potato and pumpkin doughnuts).
Along the way, take in Lima’s coastal views, the buzzing local markets and the eclectic charm of its bohemian neighbourhoods, all with your private guide leading the way.
Cusco
Fly from Lima to the high-altitude city of Cusco: once the capital of the Inca Empire and now a fascinating mix of ancient stonework and Spanish colonial splendour. On arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the historic centre. The rest of the day is left free to acclimatise and soak up the atmosphere at your own pace.
The next morning, join a private guide for a half-day introduction to the city and its remarkable heritage. Begin at Koricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun, once sheathed in gold and still revered for its precise stone construction. Then step inside Cusco Cathedral on the main square, where centuries of art and architecture tell the story of Peru’s colonial past.
From there, head into the hills above the city to explore the mighty fortress of Sacsayhuamán. Built from enormous stones fitted together without mortar, it’s one of the most impressive examples of Inca engineering and offers panoramic views back over the rooftops of Cusco.
The Sacred Valley
Leave Cusco behind as you descend into the Sacred Valley: a sweeping landscape of Andean peaks, tumbling rivers and fertile farmland once considered the heartland of the Inca Empire.
Your journey begins with a full-day guided tour through the valley’s cultural and archaeological highlights. First, stop at a local farm near Awanakancha to meet llamas and alpacas and learn about traditional weaving techniques still practised today. Then continue to the colourful market town of Pisac, where artisans sell everything from handwoven textiles to carved gourds and silver jewellery.
After lunch at a local restaurant, explore the impressive Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo. Built into the mountainside, this former royal estate was both a ceremonial centre and a fortress, and its huge stone terraces remain remarkably well preserved.
Settle in for two nights at your hotel in the valley, with time to relax before tomorrow’s adventure.
Sacred Valley Adventure
Today is all about pushing your limits – and being rewarded with breathtaking views. You’ll take on the Via Ferrata, a fixed climbing route that scales a 300-metre cliff face above the Sacred Valley. With harnesses, metal rungs and expert guides to assist, no previous experience is required, just a sense of adventure!
The climb itself is exhilarating, with each step revealing more of the valley unfolding beneath you. At the top, enjoy a well-earned snack while taking in the panoramic views. Then, make your descent by rappelling back down the cliff face – a thrilling end to a truly unforgettable experience.
The Inca Trail: Stone Steps to the Sun Gate
There are few travel moments as powerful as walking into Machu Picchu at sunrise, especially when you’ve earned it, step by step, through the cloud forests and high-altitude valleys of the Inca Trail. Over four days, your family will follow ancient paths once trodden by messengers of the empire, winding past remote archaeological sites and camping beneath starry Andean skies. With expert guides, porters and everything taken care of, the focus is on the journey: conquering hidden ruins like Wiñayhuayna and spotting rare orchids in the mist. And when you finally step through the Sun Gate and see the citadel spread out below, glowing in the morning light, it’s not just a bucket list moment, it’s a shared family triumph you’ll talk about for years.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Follow in the footsteps of the Incas as you embark on one of the world’s most iconic treks. Over four days, you’ll journey from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, walking ancient stone paths through cloud forests, high-altitude passes and past hidden ruins few ever see.
Your adventure begins at Piscacucho, where the trail winds gently through the valley before climbing steeply to the high point of Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,200 metres. Camp beneath the stars each night, with all meals, equipment and porterage taken care of.
Along the way, explore archaeological sites like Runquracay, Phuyupatamarca and Intipata, as well as the remote beauty of Wiñayhuayna, your final campsite before reaching Machu Picchu. On the last morning, rise early and walk through the Sun Gate as the first light hits the lost city – a moment that will stay with you forever.
After exploring Machu Picchu with your guide, take the short bus ride to Aguas Calientes, where a warm shower, soft bed and well-earned dinner await.
Machu Picchu Pueblo & Return to Cusco
After the magic of the Inca Trail, you’ll have another chance to soak it all in. Rise early for a second entry to Machu Picchu – this time at your own pace. Climb the steep stone steps of Huayna Picchu if you’re feeling energetic, for panoramic views and a fresh perspective over the citadel and surrounding peaks.
Wander through the ruins once more, watching the light shift across the stone terraces and taking time to appreciate the scale, setting and sheer ingenuity of this Inca masterpiece.
Later, return by bus to the riverside town of Aguas Calientes and board the train back to Cusco, where your luggage will be waiting and a comfortable hotel room welcomes you back to civilisation.
Amazon Rainforest
From the high Andes to the lowland jungle, your final stop brings a complete change of pace. Fly south to Puerto Maldonado, gateway to one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Here, you’ll swap planes for a motorised canoe and travel deep into the Amazon, where the rainforest thickens around the banks of the Madre de Dios River.
Your jungle lodge is tucked within a private ecological reserve – a remote, immersive setting with a backdrop of howler monkeys and toucans between trees. Over the next few days, you’ll head out with expert naturalist guides to explore the area’s rich flora and fauna: walk along canopy bridges, paddle through oxbow lakes or take a night walk to discover the nocturnal life of the rainforest.
There’s plenty of time to relax, too. Watch wildlife from your terrace, listen to the rustle of the jungle at dawn or learn about local conservation efforts.
Day 15. Departure. After a final breakfast surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jungle, you’ll take a boat back along the river to Puerto Maldonado.
From here, board your internal flight to Lima, where your journey comes to an end.
Talk to our specialists to start planning your trip
