3-week family holiday in Peru

Day 3 | Lima – Paracas

(approx. 225 km | 3.5-hour drive)
In the morning, the rental car you’ll be using for the next few days will be delivered to your hotel. You’ll drive to Paracas in it. Once you’ve left the sprawling capital behind, you’ll follow the coast southwards along the Panamericana Sur. You’ll pass through various villages and small towns. The desert-like landscapes are occasionally broken up by green riverbeds that line the banks of rivers flowing from the Andes.
Overnight stay: The Legend Paracas Resort | bed and breakfast

Day 4 | Paracas

In the morning, you’ll join an international group to visit the Ballestas Islands, renowned for their abundant wildlife. Here you’ll see, amongst other things, sea lions, seals, albatrosses, gannets and penguins, all busy foraging for food. On the boat trip, you’re bound to spot the famous Candelabro (the Candle), hidden amongst the hilly landscape. This upright ‘pole’ is at least 50 metres high, and stories about its origins are linked to the mysterious Nazca Lines. In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Paracas National Park further at your leisure. This nature reserve comprises the tropical desert and coastline of the Paracas Peninsula. Sixty-five per cent of the park consists of water, making it one of only two protected marine areas in Peru. Paracas is home to a huge concentration of birds and offers unique geological landscapes, such as the imposing coastal cliffs. You can go for walks, go birdwatching or take a buggy ride through the desert.
Accommodation: The Legend Paracas Resort | bed and breakfast

Day 5 | Paracas – Nazca

(approx. 215 km | 3.5-hour drive)
Today you’ll drive further south from Paracas, towards Nazca. On the way, you’ll pass through the town of Ica, amongst other places. From Ica, you can take a short detour to the oasis of Huacachina, which is situated just outside Ica. This oasis is surrounded by high sand dunes, where sandboarding is very popular. Just before entering the town of Nazca, you’ll see watchtowers on your right. From these towers, you can view the world-famous figures etched into the landscape. Of course, you can also see them from a small aeroplane.
Overnight stay: DM Nazca Hotel | bed and breakfast

Day 6 | Nazca – Arequipa

(approx. 570 km | 9.5-hour drive)
An early start – a long journey lies ahead. However, the landscapes you’ll be driving through today make this route a real pleasure to travel. You’ll leave the desert-like coastal strip behind you and head into the Andes, where you’ll discover the colonial city of Arequipa. The city is beautifully situated with the majestic peak of the ‘El Misti’ volcano in the background. The Plaza de Armas is considered one of the most beautiful in Peru; the cathedral and numerous colonial buildings adorn the square.
Overnight stay: La Maison d’Elise | bed and breakfast

Day 7 | Arequipa

A guide will take you on a trip of the centre of Arequipa. You’ll visit, amongst other places, the Plaza de Armas with its colonial buildings, the Jesuit Church – featuring a blend of Baroque art and Spanish Baroque styles – and the colourful frescoes at San Ignacio Cathedral. You’ll also visit the Santa Catalina Convent. This beautiful historic complex is reminiscent of the Spanish style found in Andalusia. The trip ends in the districts of Cayma and Yanahuara, where you’ll enjoy stunning views. Afterwards, you’ll be taken back to your hotel.
Overnight stay: La Maison d’Elise | bed and breakfast

Day 8 | Arequipa – Colca Canyon

(approx. 220 km | 4.5-hour drive)
Today, you’ll drive from Arequipa to the Colca Canyon. On the way, you’ll pass through the villages of Pampa de Arrieros, Pampa Cañahuas (home to the Aguada Blanca National Reserve), Vizcachani and Tojra (a great spot for spotting Andean birds). These villages make for a pleasant break from your journey. After a drive of around 4.5 hours, you’ll arrive in Chivay, the main town in the Colca Valley. Here, you can visit the local market. From here, it’s not far to your accommodation. You will be staying at Colca Lodge, situated at an altitude of 3,250 metres, on the banks of the Colca River and surrounded by hundreds of pre-Inca agricultural terraces that have been designated a National Heritage Site of Peru.
Overnight: Colca Lodge | bed and breakfast

Day 9 | Colca Canyon

Early in the morning, you’ll be taken to ‘Cruz del Condor’ to spot condors. The Colca Canyon is the condor’s natural habitat. They fly through the gorge, usually in the mornings and evenings. In between, they search for food in more distant areas. From the spot you’ll be visiting, you can see the condors up close; sometimes they fly as little as 5 metres away from you. In the afternoon, you’ll go on a walk of about 3 hours through the valley to the archaeological site of Uyo-Uyo. At this site, you will see spherical and rectangular buildings nearly 4 metres high. It is believed that the indigenous people here once lived off agriculture, as evidenced by the canal they constructed, which was used to irrigate the land. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend at your leisure.
Overnight: Colca Lodge | bed and breakfast

Day 10 | Colca Canyon – Sacred Valley

(approx. 460 km | 9-hour drive)
Today you have a long drive ahead of you. You will travel from the Colca Canyon to the Sacred Valley. The Sacred Valley is fed by many rivers, which flow down through neighbouring valleys and gorges, and is home to countless archaeological remains and villages. The valley was highly valued by the Incas for its specific geographical and climatic advantages. It was one of the most important centres for agriculture and remains the best place for growing maize in Peru. Upon arrival at your hotel, you will return your rental car.
Overnight stay: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay | bed and breakfast

Day 12 | Sacred Valley – Lares Valley – Cancha Cancha

Today, you’ll set off with an international group on a multi-day trek ending at Machu Picchu. You’ll be taken to the Lares Valley in the north of the Sacred Valley. Experience the incredible beauty and rich culture of the Andes during this multi-day trek, which takes you through a variety of landscapes, traditional mountain villages with their centuries-old cultures, and finally to Machu Picchu.

At 6.00 am, you’ll be taken to the Lares Valley at an altitude of 3,250 metres. Here you can enjoy the hot springs and a delicious lunch. The donkeys will carry the food, rucksacks and camping gear during the trek. You will then hike for around 6 hours to Cancha Cancha, where you will meet the local people. They will teach you more about the ancient techniques of weaving. Off to bed early tonight, as tomorrow will be a busy day.
Overnight: Cancha Campsite | full board

Day 13 | Cancha Cancha – Quisuarani

You’ll be woken up early in the morning with a tasty breakfast. Today is your longest day, with a 7- to 8-hour trek on the programme. First, you’ll head towards Abra Ipsay at an altitude of 4,480 metres. The climb offers an indescribable panoramic view of the snow-capped peaks of Pitusiray, Sawasiray and Chicon. Halfway up, you’ll stop for lunch. As you continue your walk, you’ll pass through Andean communities, whose people possess a wealth of knowledge about natural farming and traditional textile-making techniques. This is a unique region where you’ll see plenty of colourful clothing. You’ll then descend to the village of Quisuarani at an altitude of 3,700 metres, where your campsite is located.
Overnight: Quisuarani Campsite | full board

Day 14 | Quisuarani – Sacred Valley

After breakfast, you’ll continue your trek via the second-highest pass, Huillquijasa (4,200 m), to the hot springs of Lares. This trek takes you past stunning views of turquoise lagoons until you reach the village of Cuncani (3,750 m). From here, you’ll descend along the River Lares to the hot springs, where you’ll have time to relax. After lunch, you will be taken to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.
Overnight: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo | half-board

Day 15 | Machu Picchu – Cuzco

In the morning, your guide will collect you and you’ll board the train to Machu Picchu. Here, your trek of around 3 hours to the well-preserved ruins of Wiñay Wayna begins. Along the way, you’ll encounter stunning waterfalls, flora and birds. After lunch, you’ll have time to rest or explore the surrounding area. You’ll visit Inti Punku, the Inca Gate of the Sun, and catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. Once you’ve crossed the mountain ridge, you’ll arrive at this major archaeological site. Your guide will take you on a trip of the city’s ruins. Enjoy this marvellous place, where the Incas managed, with very limited resources, to build a city on top of this ancient mountain peak that is unrivalled anywhere else. From this hidden city, you’ll have a magnificent view over the surrounding subtropical rainforest. At the end of the afternoon, you’ll travel by train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival at the train station, you’ll be taken to your hotel in Cuzco.
Overnight: Quinta San Blas | bed and breakfast

Day 16 | Cusco – Puerto Maldonado – Amazon

A new adventure in new surroundings – today you’re setting off for the Amazon. You’ll take a domestic flight from Cuzco to Puerto Maldonado, from where you’ll be taken to your lodge. You’ll travel by boat along the Madre de Dios River. Along the way, you’ll already spot various species of mammals, such as turtles, birds, lizards and caimans. You’ll stop at Monkey Island and then arrive at the Sandoval Lake Reserve. From here, it is another 3 kilometres (about 2 hours) on foot before you reach your lodge and room. In the afternoon, you’ll board a boat or catamaran and cruise across Lake Sandoval, where you can spot, amongst other things, the giant otter, black caiman and various birds. Here, along the edge of the forest, which is adorned with overhanging palm trees, you’ll hear the calls of hundreds of red-breasted macaws and blue-and-yellow macaws as they return to the palm forest for the night. You’ll then return to the lodge for dinner. After dinner, you will board the boat once more to search for black caimans, which are now very rare in the Amazon region. However, they are found in abundance in Lake Sandoval. They can grow to around 4 metres in length and compete with giant otters for their share of the fish. On clear nights, the boat ventures further out onto the lake to provide an unobstructed view of the vast southern sky, with its unfamiliar constellations and the magnificent vistas of the Milky Way.
Accommodation: Sandoval Lake Lodge | full board including organised activities in an international group

Day 19 | Amazon – Lima

After breakfast, you’ll begin your return journey to Puerto Maldonado Airport. Here, you’ll board your domestic flight to Lima. On arrival at the airport, you’ll be welcomed by one of our local staff and taken to your hotel.
Accommodation: Villa Barranco | bed and breakfast

Day 20 | Lima – Amsterdam

Unfortunately, today marks the end of your unique journey. You will be collected from your hotel and taken to Lima airport, where you will board your international flight to Amsterdam.

Day 21 | Amsterdam

You will arrive in Amsterdam today.