The Wonderful Wildlife Highlights of Peru
Tour Introduction
In designing this tailor-made itinerary, we have picked the very locations to produce a well-rounded, absorbing wildlife holiday utilising accommodation of a very high standard.
Travel by canoe to a remote lodge in the Amazon with fantastic wildlife; explore the mystic Sacred Valley of the Incas; marvel at the ‘lost’ citadel of Machu Picchu; savour a classic rail journey; observe Andean condors in the Colca Canyon; and immerse yourself in the abundant marine wildlife of the Paracas National Reserve. Truly a Peru wildlife holiday of the very best.
Full Itinerary
Arrival in Lima and connect with flight to Puerto Maldonado. Met on arrival and transfer by road and boat to your lodge.
Staying at Refugio Amazonas. Includes Lunch and Dinner.
Morning activities at the lodge including a trip to the 25-metre high canopy tower for fantastic views over the treetops. Look for birds and other wildlife including howler and squirrel monkeys, and capybara once you return to the lodge. Later travel by boat upstream to much more remote lodge.
Staying at Tambopata Research Centre. Includes All Meals.
Guided small group activities including a visit to the macaw clay lick to witness the huge flocks of various macaws and parrots consuming clay to aid their digestion of acidic fruits. Other activities include walking the trails through different types of forest to look for wildlife. Seven species of primate occur here and many are often sighted, and large herds of peccaries occasionally forage close to the trails.
Staying at Tambopata Research Centre. Includes All Meals.
Guided small group activities including walking the trails through different habitats such as native bamboo tickets, flooded forest, wetlands and terra firme forest to see a diversity of flora and fauna. Another visit to the clay lick is also possible.
Staying at Tambopata Research Centre. Includes All Meals.
Transfer by boat and road to Puerto Maldonado. Fly to Cusco and transfer by road to Ollantaytambo. Take the evening train to Aguas Calientes.
Staying at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
Guided visit of Machu Picchu. The famous lost city of the Incas is one of the most evocative places in Peru, if not globally. Your guide will tell you the story of the rise and fall of the ancient civilisations of the Andes, the tragic end of the Incas, and the unresolved mystery that this ‘lost city’ poses. Afternoon is at leisure to explore on your own, or return to your hotel to enjoy some of the inclusive activities on offer.
Staying at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo. Includes All Meals.
Inclusive activities at hotel including a nature and bird watching walk in the cloud forest and along the Urubamba River. If preferred, a second visit to Machu Picchu can be arranged (in advance at additional cost). Afternoon train to Poroy (Cusco) and transfer to your city hotel.
Staying at Costa del Sol Picoaga. Includes Breakfast.
Guided tour of the important Inca and colonial sites of Cusco including Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and Qorikancha, as well as surrounding Inca sites such as Sacsayhuaman and Tambo Machay. The afternoon is at leisure.
Staying at Costa del Sol Picoaga. Includes Breakfast.
Transfer to the airport and fly to Arequipa. Met on arrival and transfer to the awesome Colca Canyon.
Staying at Colca Lodge. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
Full day to explore the magnificent Cola Canyon including a visit to the Cruz del Condor to watch the Andean condors leaving their day roosts and flying past, often at close range. Also visit some of the villages and pre-Inca terraces in the Canyon, some of which have histories dating back 2,000 years.
Staying at Colca Lodge. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
Return to Arequipa, and enjoy a city tour including Santa Catalina Monastery, the neighborhood of San Lazaro and the Plaza de Armas, then transfer to the airport, fly to Lima and transfer to hotel.
Staying at Casa Andina Miraflores Centro. Includes Breakfast.
Transfer to the bus station and take the tourist class bus service to Paracas.
Staying at Doubletree Resort Paracas. Includes Breakfast.
Morning boat trip to the Ballestas Islands to observe internationally important breeding flocks of seabirds including Peruvian boobies, pelicans and Humboldt penguins, and a large colony of sea lions. Then return to dry land and visit the Paracas National Reserve including the Julio C. Tello museum where exhibits of Paracas culture from 500 BC to 200 AD can be seen, and explore the dramatic coastline. The afternoon is at leisure.
Staying at Doubletree Resort Paracas. Includes Breakfast.
Transfer by bus to Lima and then transfer to the airport. Catch your international flight home.
Includes Breakfast.
Tour Accommodation
Refugio Amazonas
Overview
Refugio Amazonas is a 32-room lodge plus an Amazon Villa located in a 200-hectare private reserve surrounded by the community of Condenado, in the Tambopata National Reserve buffer zone.
Built using a combination of local natural products and modern technology the lodge has a central area comprising a lobby, dining room, bar, shop and lounge and offers great canopy views of the surrounding forest. The guestrooms are rustic but comfortable and have bedside tables and hammocks. The rooms have one side open and unscreened affording great views of the forest. All have en suite bathroom with hot water and in-room safe. There is no overall electricity but a generator is switched on in the morning, at lunchtime, and in the evening for recharging guests’ batteries.
The Suites provide an added level of comfort with two large luxurious beds, ceiling fans, electricity (until 2200), WiFi, minibar and electrical outlets for charging electrical devices.
The Comfort Rooms have electricity until 2200, an outlet to charge electrical devices and WiFi.
The Superior rooms have electricity until 2200. Internet in these rooms is patchy and more reliable in the common areas of the lodge.
Refugio Amazonas offers a range of programmes including general natural history, kids and teens, soft adventures, birding, and wellness courses.
The Amazon Villa is located a 10 minute walk from the lodge and has a king size bed, hammock, WiFi, indoor living room and dining room, and minibar.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
4 wings, each with 8 en suite rooms (4 Suites, 14 Comfort and 14 Superior) connected by raised boardwalks to a central, 2-storey, 20- foot tall communal area with dining, bar and area for relaxation, and 1 bedroom Amazon Villa.
Local Wildlife
There is a mammal clay lick visited by peccaries, brocket deer, guans and parakeets; a 32-metre canopy tower with views of mixed species canopy flocks, toucans and raptors; parrot and parakeet clay lick visited by up to 7 species including dusky-headed and cobalt-winged parakeet; an oxbow lake with abundant wildlife including hoatzins, caiman and horned screamers.
Optional Activities
A number of activities can be arranged (if booked in advance) including massages and therapies with rainforest products.
Tambopata Research Centre
Overview
This 24 bed-room lodge is just 500 metres from the world’s largest known macaw clay lick. It was built combining traditional native architecture and materials (wood, palm fronds, wild cane and clay) with modern, low-impact, eco-lodge technology.
It consists of four interconnected buildings which house the superior rooms (8), dining area, kitchen and service facilities, and an elevated walkway through the rainforest that connects the comfort rooms (8), suites (4) and deluxe rooms (4). All of the rooms are arranged with one open unscreened wall facing the forest. Bedrooms are ensuite and equipped with mosquito nets, bedside tables, in-room safe, and umbrellas. The deluxe rooms have a private deck with hammock, seating, outdoor shower and outdoor tub. Electricity is available three times a day, and WiFi (patchy) in the common areas.
A variety of shared guided activities are available including visiting the macaw clay lick, wildlife watching on an extensive trail network, night walks, and sunset boat trip on the Tambopata River.
Tambopata Research Centre is also home to the Tambopata Macaw Project, a long-term study of the natural history, conservation and management of large macaws and parrots. When scientists are in residence, evening lectures are given on the biology of macaws and the Project.
A visit to the Tambopata Research Centre is usually combined with a stay at Refugio Amazonas and because of the distance travelled at least a three-, though preferably four-night stay is recommended at the Research Centre.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Four interconnected buildings which house the superior rooms, dining area, bar, kitchen and reception area. Elevated walkway to two buildings housing the comfort rooms, suites and deluxe rooms. Electricity provided by generator three times a day. WiFi available in the common areas.
Local Wildlife
One of the highlights is the world's largest known macaw and parrot clay lick visited by dozens of red-and-green, blue-and-yellow and scarlet macaws plus hundreds of parrots and parakeets (most active between August and October); 7 species of primates including the black spider monkey; large herds of peccaries are often in the vicinity of the lodge. There is a wealth of Amazonian fauna and flora.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Overview
Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel occupies a private 12-acre cloud forest reserve on the outskirts of the town of Aguas Calientes in the valley immediately below Machu Picchu. The rooms are built out of stone, adobe, stucco and eucalyptus beams, and stone pathways lead through lush cloud forest to the rooms in one- or two-storey whitewashed cottages. There is also a luxurious villa with two adjoining guest suites, terrace and plunge pool.
Some rooms overlook the gardens, whilst others face the Urubamba River. All rooms have a large bathroom, sitting area, electric heater and extra-long beds with fine cotton sheets, alpaca blankets and handmade coverlets. Rooms also include aromatherapy products and Andean slippers.
There are two restaurants, a lounge bar and the Unu Spa which offers body massages, foot aromatherapy and an Andean sauna. The bar, boutique and reception all display authentic Andean artefacts and fabrics.
Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel offers an extensive educational and recreational programme with many guided activities on offer designed to meet a variety of interests and preferences. The hotel grounds contain more than three miles of ecological paths where guests can enjoy the native environment. There are daily guided walks to learn about the ecology of the cloud forest, an Orchid Trail to see some of the 372 orchid species (best time for blooms is from November to March), morning and evening birdwatching walks to look for some of the 192 species including 16 hummingbirds, and a twilight walk focusing on Andean spirituality. The Orchid Trail walk and birdwatching can also be arranged on a private basis. Short visits can be arranged to visit the Tea House where the hotel’s organic tea is processed, and there are nightly illustrated talks by the hotel’s resident naturalist, or visiting researchers, about the flora and fauna of Machu Picchu.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
2 restaurants, lounge bar, spa and gift shop. Internet is available in the Cafe Inkaterra.
Local Wildlife
192 bird species including the Andean cock of the rock and 16 species of hummingbird, 372 orchid species, and 111 species of butterfly.
Optional Activities
The principle attraction is a visit to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. There are also a variety of inclusive activities available at the hotel. Massage and spa treatments are also available.
Hotel Costa del Sol Picoaga
Overview
Once the mansion of a 17th Spanish noble, the Hotel Costa del Sol Picoaga offers comfortable four-star accommodation and is just one and a half blocks from Cusco’s main square. There are 90 en suite rooms equipped with central heating, air-conditioning, safety deposit box, cable TV, telephones and mini bars. The rooms are divided into contemporary (towards the rear of the property) and colonial (towards the front around the colonnaded courtyard).
The hotel’s restaurant offers lovely views over the city’s rooftops and there is also a bar. The hotel is in an ideal location for exploration of the historic city.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
All the rooms have Wi-Fi, telephones with direct dial, minibars, cable TV and safety deposit boxes. There is an excellent restaurant and bar with views towards the Andes, 24-hour medical and room assistance, baggage storage, laundry and postal service.
Optional Activities
The central position in Cusco is ideal for tours of the city or for visiting Inca ruin sites and the beautiful scenery that surrounds the city.
Colca Lodge
Overview
Colca Lodge is located in the midst of ancestral farming terraces at 3,250 metres elevation in the Colca Valley. Its privileged location close to the Colca River provides the perfect base for exploring the pre-Inca history of the valley and for viewing the magnificent Andean condor.
The rustic Colca Lodge is built of traditional materials in keeping with the natural environment. All rooms have heating, hot water (from solar power) and a terrace, but no TVs. Hot water bottles are put in the beds at night, always a very welcome touch. Additional facilities include 3 restaurants, 2 bars, living room with a large fireplace, and spa. A particular attraction are 3 private thermal baths which are fed by volcanic hot springs – a perfect place to relax under a star-filled sky after a day of exploring the Colca Valley!
Colca Lodge offers activities (for an additional charge) including horse riding and mountain biking. There are also a number of interesting walks in the area surrounding the lodge, including trails to the Uyo Uyo ruins and the ‘amphitheatre’ where the pre-Incas used to prepare the finest seeds to be stored at the ‘colcas.’
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
3 restaurants, 2 bars, room and laundry service, internet (reception only), 3 thermal baths and hot spring eco spa.
Local Wildlife
Colca Lodge provides an excellent base for visits to the Cruz del Condor to watch Andean condors soaring on thermals, sometimes at eye level.
Optional Activities
Hikes, horse riding and mountain biking.
Casa Andina Classic Miraflores Centro
Overview
Casa Andina Classic Miraflores Centro hotel is located in the heart of the smart Miraflores district of Lima, within walking distance of many restaurants and shops, Kennedy Park, and the artisan handicraft markets. The location is ideal for exploring other areas of the city such as the Pacific coast and museums, and it is around 45 minutes (traffic permitting) to the airport.
There are 58 rooms offering smart and comfortable en suite facilities with free Wi-Fi, a work desk, air-conditioning and cable TV.
The hotel provides a buffet breakfast only, but there are plenty of nearby restaurants and cafes for lunch and dinner.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Breakfast room, ATM, free Wi-Fi, internet centre, and air conditioning.
Optional Activities
City tours of Lima.
Hotel Doubletree Paracas
Overview
The Doubletree Paracas is a stylish and luxurious hotel on Santo Domingo beach with close proximity to the Paracas Natural Reserve and exclusive use of its own private beach.
The hotel occupies a quiet location on Paracas Bay and is a 15-minute walk from the restaurants and souvenir shops of El Chaco. There are 124 suites, each with a terrace or balcony, flat screen TV, mini bar, safety deposit box and kitchenette. Additional facilities include two restaurants and bars, a fitness centre, pool, sundeck and spa. Chilean flamingos are often seen in the bay directly in front of the hotel.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
A large swimming pool with separate children’s pool and private whirlpool, gym and business centre. There is a poolside bar and a private beach with services provided.
Optional Activities
Water sports such as kayaking, kite surfing and sailing are available as is beach volleyball. The Paracas Natural Reserve is close by and the Ballestas Islands are easy to access by boat.
Route Map
Departure Dates
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
No. Please contact us for a quote if required.
Flight Info:
Fly from London to Lima on Iberia via Madrid, Air France via Paris, or KLM via Amsterdam. Flights are also available via the USA.
Best Visited:
January to January
Are you ATOL Registered?
Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.
John Melton
Area Specialist
Include kayaking, paddle boarding or canopy climbing in the Amazon (at additional cost).
Climb Huayna Picchu, the sugar loaf mountain behind the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Note this activity needs to be booked in advance because visitor numbers are strictly controlled.
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
This was our second holiday booked by Reef and Rainforest. It was as excellent this time round. John Melton put together a really enjoyable first week in Peru…Spectacular Galapagos in every respect…Could not have gone better.
