Tailormade Holidays in Peru

Tour Code: TPER

Peru is a country with an astonishing biodiversity due to the incredible range of habitats that stretches from the low-lying Peruvian Amazon basin all the way up to the high Andean peaks. Its steaming lowland rainforests, offshore Pacific islands, ox-bow lakes deep within the jungle, mist-enshrouded temperate cloudforests, glaciers and volcanoes, as well as grasslands and cactus-studded canyons, are just some of the habitats worth exploring!

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Sample Itineraries

Allow our experts to craft a private holiday with an itinerary and dates to suit you! Enjoy the wealth of birds in the cloudforests of Manu, explore flooded forests of Pacaya Samiria in your own private boat, immerse yourself in culture in Cusco and stay in luxury lodges on your way to Machu Picchu – the possibilities are endless. Choose your ideal holiday and we'll make all the arrangements for you! Click one to scroll down and view more info.

The Best of Peru

15 Days

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Luxury Machu Picchu

12 Days

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Peru's Manu Road - A Wildlife Odyssey

15 Days

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When to Go

Good Time to Go

ALL YEAR ROUND

Best Time to Go

May to October

Speak to a Peru expert

Andy Tucker

Managing Director

Email Call 1-844-433-9473

Where to Go

Tambopata National Reserve
Manu National Park
Pacaya Samiria Reserve
Chaparri Ecological Reserve
+7 more

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Summary

Peru’s calibre as a wildlife destination is undeniable, and one of the country’s strengths is the ease with which very distinct habitats can be combined, allowing for an extremely diverse and exciting holiday. The country’s cultural heritage is also incredible. Machu Picchu has the ability to stir the soul like no other archaeological site in the world whilst Peru’s colourful and vibrant present-day culture is equally enchanting. Many of its wildlife lodges are rustic and simple, designed not for luxury but rather to provide clean and sufficiently comfortable accommodation in Peru’s remote and exciting wildlife hotspots. Many of these are based on creditable sustainable tourism principles, often run by, or benefiting, local communities with the aim of safeguarding the future of some of the world’s most important eco-systems. By contrast, the towns and cities of Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, Puno and Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) offer a wide selection of accommodation, from simple hostels to 5-star luxury hotels.

Our Locations

Emperor Tamarin, Peru shutterstock_144765049.jpg

Manu National Park protects over 15,000 square kilometres of pristine habitat and holds an almost mythical status amongst naturalists. This huge wilderness region ranges from the Andean high páramo scrubland, to moss-festooned elfin forest and mist-enshrouded cloudforest, all the way down to subtropical and lowland rainforest. It is this broad range of habitats that provides Manu with such an incredible biodiversity, including over 1,000 species of birds, countless reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates, and an impressive range of mammals, amongst them Jaguar, Lowland Tapir, Spectacled Bear, Giant Otter and a long list of primates from Colombian Red Howler and Peruvian Spider Monkeys to such tamarin species as Weddell's Saddle-backed and Emperor. The cloudforests of the upper reaches of Manu are a birder’s paradise, while in the lowland rainforest there are several clay-licks where large numbers of birds, particularly macaws, and such mammals as Lowland Tapir are drawn to the minerals and salts needed to supplement their diets. It is possible to fly into either Boca Manu from Cusco, to gain quick access to Manu’s remote and pristine lowland tropical rainforest. However, the exciting alternative is to travel overland by road from Cusco and then by boat in the lower reaches of the park – a journey best done with several overnight stops. This legendary route is known as the ‘Manu Road’.

Tambopata National Reserve, in south-eastern Peru, encompasses most of the drainage basin of the Tambopata River and is arguably the most pristine and biologically diverse rainforest in the world. An appreciation of the value of macaws as a magnet for eco-tourists contributed to the creation of Tambopata in the mid-1990s and, as a result, macaws have unwittingly become Peru’s rainforest ambassadors. The Tambopata clay-lick sees the daily morning arrival of hundreds of brightly coloured macaws including Scarlet, Blue-and-yellow, Red-and-green and Chestnut-fronted Macaws as well as many other species of parrots and parakeets – a truly dazzling spectacle that can be witnessed in the dry season from July to October. Several species of primate are also possible in Tambopata, including Peruvian Spider Monkey, Bolivian Squirrel Monkey, Brown Capuchin, Toppin's Titi and Bolivian Red Howler, while more elusive mammals such as Brazilian Tapir or Jaguar are seen occasion. Over 500 bird species have been recorded, and Tambopata is noted for its specialist antbird flocks as well as a host of flycatchers, tanagers, woodpeckers, ovenbirds, barbets and motmots. Access is via a short flight from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado from where motorised canoes transport visitors on river transfers that often produce exciting wildlife sightings en route.

Accommodation in Tambopata National Reserve

Refugio Amazonas Lodge

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Tambopata Research Centre

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The Pacaya Samiria Reserve safeguards a unique habitat of seasonally flooded or ‘Varzea’ forest in the north-east of Peru. The reserve is especially good for birding and an excellent place to see the rare Wattled Currasow. Explorations are mostly by boat, allowing access to virgin rainforest where waterbirds abound and include numerous kingfishers, herons, terns, skimmers, Pied Lapwings and Black-collared Hawks amongst many others. A number of notable mammals such as the curious Nancy Ma's Night Monkey and intriguing Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth are also regularly seen here and a visit to one of the peaceful ox-bow lakes should reveal the marvellous Giant Waterlily (Victoria amazonica) and the prehistoric-looking Hoatzin, a bird that frequents these tranquil bodies of water. Pacaya Samiria is accessed by boat from the gateway town of Iquitos and these scenic river journeys also present excellent opportunities for seeing both Pink and Grey River Dolphins.

Accommodation in Pacaya Samiria Reserve

Muyuna Lodge

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Spectacled Bear shutterstock_749477824.jpg

The Chaparri Ecological Reserve is a private community-owned reserve in the dry forests of the Tumbesian region. It is one of the best places in Peru to see Spectacled Bear and, should a wild bear elude you, a visit to the nearby Spectacled Bear rehabilitation project is worthwhile. Another highlight is the critically endangered White-winged Guan which is now thriving under the protection of the local community. The reserve is also home to such other avian specialities as Tumbes Tyrant, Rufous Flycatcher, Elegant Crescent-chest and Sulphur-throated Finch as well as the more widespread (but spectacular) Andean Condor and King Vulture. Days here often begin with the spectacle of numerous hummingbird species bathing in the stream. Chaparri is accessed from Lima via the coastal town of Chiclayo which, for birders, offers the chance to see one of South America’s most exciting waders, the Tawny-throated Dotterel. Further to the north are the dramatic Marañón Canyon and the pre-Inca pyramids at Pomac which can easily be combined with Chaparri to diversify time spent in the area.

Brown Pelican, Ballestas Islands, Peru shutterstock_168633878.jpg

The Ballestas Islands form part of the larger Reserva National de Paracas, the most important wildlife sanctuary on the Peruvian coast and, conveniently, within easy driving distance of Lima, Peru’s capital. Visitors are treated to vast numbers of seabirds, including Humboldt Penguins, both Guanay and Red-legged Cormorants, Chilean Skuas, Peruvian Terns and elegant Inca Terns. There is also a large colony of Southern Sea Lions, which helps lend a feel of a ‘mini-Galápagos’ to the islands. A visit to the Ballestas Islands can be combined with a flight over the Nazca Lines, the huge and mysterious animal-shaped and geometric designs, dating from between 900 BC and 600 AD, that are found in the desert here. These can only be fully appreciated from the air, their origins and purpose remaining a mystery to this day.

Plaza de Armas, Cusco, Peru shutterstock_354971309.jpg

Perched at an altitude of over 3,300 metres, Cusco was once the ancient centre of the Incas and today attracts visitors who come to experience an age-old culture and a city steeped in history, tradition and legend. It is the continent’s oldest continually inhabited city with immensely impressive Inca-built stone walls. The streets are often stepped and narrow, and are thronged with Quechua-speaking descendants of the Incas; to simply wander around is an experience in itself. The Inca ruins of Qorikancha (the Golden Courtyard) are a highlight and, in their day, this construction was covered in hundreds of sheets of solid gold. Nowadays there are plenty of restaurants and shops in Cusco, many of which surround the magnificent central plaza, and there is also a choice of excellent restaurants, many specialising in clay oven-fired pizza and spit-roasted chicken – perfect for energy building before embarking on an excursion to Machu Picchu!

Accommodation in Cusco

El Mercado Hotel

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Machu Picchu, Peru Shutterstock 168497345

The image of Machu Picchu is known the world over; however, little can prepare the first-time visitor to this ‘lost citadel of the Incas’. Whether you visit by train and spend the night at one of the comfortable mountain lodges, or take one of the more strenuous, but nonetheless magnificent, trekking options, Machu Picchu is a memory that remains etched in the minds of all those who have laid eyes on these iconic ancient ruins.

The Inca Trail

The ‘Inca Trail’ to Machu Picchu is undoubtedly one of the world’s great treks. The views of the snow-capped Andes and high cloudforest are stupendous, while walking from one beautiful ruin to the next is a mystical and unforgettable experience. The trek reaches a maximum elevation of 4,200 metres and the trail conditions are generally good, but a reasonable level of fitness and a sturdy pair of walking boots are essential. However, porters are provided to carry your luggage (except your daypack) and set up/strike camp, while cooks prepare all your meals. At each elevation along the trail there is a tremendous variety of birdlife on offer, enough to satisfy even the most avid birder.

The Salkantay Inca Trail

If you would like to reach Machu Picchu on foot, but would rather stay in comfortable mountain lodges along the way, then the Salkantay trek is the perfect option. The route is slightly different from the classic Inca Trail but the scenery is no less extraordinary, with highlights including the peak of Mount Salkantay, the Humantay Glacier, wonderful local farming communities and the added bonus of a less crowded trail. The lodges are marvellous and the prospect of a soothing hot bath or shower at the end of each day is a most heart-warming one!

Accommodation in Machu Picchu

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Sample Itineraries

This itinerary visits lowland savannah and lowland rainforest, cloudforest, Cusco and Machu Picchu – the best of Peru!

Day

Depart UK, arrive Lima

Days

2 - 4

Tambopata (Heath River Wildlife Centre)

Days

5 - 6

Tambopata (Sandoval Lake Lodge)

Days

7 - 8

Cusco

Days

9 - 10

Manu Road (Cock-of-the-rock Lodge)

Day

Cusco

Day

Machu Picchu (by train)

Day

Explore Machu Picchu; return Cusco

Day

Depart Lima

Day

Arrive UK

15 Days (Flight Inclusive)

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Optionally Extend Your Holiday:

Instead of taking the train to Machu Picchu, enjoy one of the world's great hikes, the 'classic' Inca Trail, following in the footsteps of the Incas. Early booking is advised to secure a coveted trekking permit!

Day

Extra night in Cusco to acclimatise

Days

13 - 17

Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu (tented accommodation with guides and porters)

Day

Cusco

Day

Depart Lima

Day

Arrive UK

This itinerary takes you on an alternative Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu, staying in luxury mountain lodges along the way.

Day

Depart UK; arrive Lima

Days

2 - 3

Cusco

Days

4 - 9

Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu (staying in luxury mountain lodges)

Day

Cusco

Day

Depart Lima

Day

Arrive UK

12 Days (Flight Inclusive)

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Optionally Extend Your Holiday:

Option 1 – visit the Tambopata National Reserve

Day

Tambopata (Refugio Amazonas)

Days

12 - 14

Tambopata (Tambopata Research Centre)

Day

Lima

Day

Arrive UK

Option 2 – there are so many possibilities in Peru! You could explore Lake Titicaca and the Colca Canyon or venture north to the Pacaya Samiria Reserve or Chaparri Ecological Reserve. Our experts are here to discuss these options and more.

This itinerary is a classic, especially for keen birders looking to make the most of Peru’s varied habitats.

Day

Depart UK; arrive Lima

Day

Cusco

Days

3 - 4

Manu (Cock-of-the-rock Lodge)

Days

5 - 6

Manu (Amazonia Lodge)

Days

7 - 9

Manu (Manu Wildlife Centre)

Day

Cusco

Days

11 - 12

Machu Picchu (by train)

Day

Depart Lima

Day

Arrive UK

15 Days (Flight Inclusive)

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Optionally Extend Your Holiday:

Option 1 – add in two nights at the start of the holiday exploring the Ballestas Islands and the Nazca Lines

Days

2 - 3

Ballestas Islands (Paracas)

Day

Cusco (continue with the above itinerary)

Option 2 – there is always the option to access Machu Picchu via the famous Inca Trail or, alternatively, hiking the Salkantay route.

The Essentials

Wildlife Guides

Local naturalist guides are available at all our selected lodges. However, should you require an expert local naturalist or birder to accompany and guide you throughout your holiday we should be happy to arrange this for you.

When to Visit

Peru is a year-round destination, although rains between November and April mean fewer tourists during this period. The lowland rainforests are generally hot and humid with good wildlife sightings throughout the year, although the best time to witness a macaw clay-lick in full swing is from July to October, which is a relatively drier period in the lowland rainforests. The higher altitudes see less rain between May and October; this is the high season for trekking and this is also generally the best time for cloudforest/Andean birding. However, one shouldn’t discount travelling in the wet season when the mountainsides are lush and verdant and the lowland rainforest lodges are virtually free of tourists, although the Manu Road (overland) is not considered a viable route during this period.

Getting Around

Travel in Peru is achieved by means of road journeys and short domestic flights. For road journeys we generally provide a private saloon car (or a 4WD for the tougher routes) or a slightly larger vehicle if you are travelling in a small group. Access to some of the best rainforest lodges is invariably by motorised canoe.

Why Naturetrek Tailormade?

A Naturetrek Tailormade holiday allows you, with the benefit of our wildlife travel expertise and destination experience, to enjoy the perfect private wildlife holiday – one that truly matches your requirements, expectations and ambitions. We will ensure the most competitive prices, superb naturalist guides and seamless ground services.

Some of the benefits of Naturetrek Tailormade travel include:
• A bespoke itinerary which is crafted by experts and designed specifically for you
• Private guiding by the very best local naturalists
• Travel with people you know, at your own pace
• Incorporate as much culture, history or relaxation time as you wish
• Choose dates to suit you
• Select your preferred style of accommodation
• Travel with families and children of any age

Furthermore, our Tailormade team are always on hand to help and guide you along the way, with friendly advice, first-hand knowledge and inside information specific to your destination of choice. So if you have any queries about your holiday, we will be delighted to answer them. Please just give us a call!