THE LOST KINGDOMS: A FAMILY QUEST IN PERU

From the ancient coastal civilisations of Lima and Paracas to the mountainous heart of the Inca Empire in the Sacred Valley and Cusco, ending in the vast jungles of the Amazon, this family journey is an exciting passage through Peru’s many layers: across ecosystems, time periods and ancestral worldviews.

When to go
May-Sep
 
From Price
£25,400 PP*
(excl international flights)
Ideal Length
14 Nights
 



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Experience Highlights

  • Follow clues across Peru as sacred archaeological sites are brought to life by experts, from Pachacamac and Sacsayhuaman to the majestic Machu Picchu.
  • Soar over the Nazca lines, sail to the Islas Ballestas, race across the desert in dune buggies and explore the Amazon by riverboat, gaining unrivalled access to each ecosystem.
  • Connect with local Peruvians through surfing, cooking, music, storytelling, crafting and community visits, gaining a new cultural perspective along the way.
  • Spend time exploring as a family on a series of outdoor activities: hiking with llamas, cycling through valleys, boating down rivers and spotting wildlife in the jungle.

Embark on this family adventure to South America with Pelorus, gaining unparalleled access to remote regions, taking part in expert-led experiences and setting out on a quest to discover Peru. Journeying from costa (coast), tierra (desert), sierra (mountains), to selva (jungle), your family will become part of Peru’s living narrative - visiting archaeological wonders, flying over ancient mysteries and connecting with local communities along the way. With Pelorus, this isn’t just a family vacation - it’s a real-life quest through the lost kingdoms of Peru.

COSTA

Begin your journey in Lima, where each district contains a unique soul, sound and colour. Discover stately museums, contemporary art galleries and bustling markets. This coastal city provides some epic surfing opportunities with San Bartolo beach boasting superb waves year-round and a variety of breaks suitable for different skill levels.

Spend a morning surfing, guided by a world champion, or wander through a local market on an immersive tour alongside a culinary expert, selecting fresh produce, before preparing delicious local dishes such as ceviche and lomo saltado in an interactive cooking class. In the afternoon, delve into Peru’s storied past with a private tour of the Larco Herrera Museum, led by one of its directors. This intimate insight into pre-Columbian civilizations sets the scene for the journey ahead, offering a rich mix of hands-on learning and adventure, providing a perfect introduction to Peru for the whole family.

TIERRA

Continue along the desert coastline, stopping at the Pachacamac archaeological complex for a private visit with the former museum director. Listen as their passion and expertise bring this fascinating sacred site to life, unveiling its role in pre-Inca spiritual life. Nearby, a hidden gem awaits – a private cuadra in Mamacona. Here, you’ll be welcomed by a family of Paso horse breeders, whose beautifully decorated home, filled with generations of history and charm, offers a rare window into authentic Peruvian life. Reaching Pisco, settle in at your private luxury villa in the heart of Paracas, a region of spectacular desert landscapes.

Cruise the scenic coast as you sail to Islas Ballestas, spotting penguins, Peruvian boobies and sea lions. Spend an afternoon racing across the desert in dune buggies, stopping for sundowners as the sun sets. Meet with Ana María, custodian of the Nazca Lines legacy and former assistant to Maria Reiche, hearing stories not only about the history and significance of this iconic site but also of Maria’s life - her groundbreaking work and the challenges she overcame in preserving the Nazca Lines. Soar above the enigmatic Nazca geoglyphs on a private scenic flight – gaining an aerial perspective of one of Peru’s greatest mysteries.

SIERRA

Hop aboard a private flight to Cusco, before you continue your quest to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. En route, visit Sacsayhuaman, a masterpiece of Inca architecture. Perched on the hills above Cusco, this ancient fortress offers sweeping views and the chance to learn about Inca cosmology. Continue to the Sacred Valley, staying at a gorgeous lodge surrounded by mountains and flowers, where you will have time to relax and acclimatize in preparation for the adventures ahead.

Explore key sites like Moray, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo, blending history with fun through scavenger hunts, storytelling archaeologists, and immersive museum visits. Highlights include the vibrant Inkariy Museum and a stop at Alqa, where art meets ancient narrative. Interactive experiences turn each site into part of a larger puzzle, offering the chance to engage with the deeper stories and symbolism behind Inca life, while evenings are spent under starry skies, sharing reflections by the fire.

MACHU PICCHU, THE SACRED VALLEY, AND CUSCO

Hop aboard a scenic train ride to Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most iconic archaeological wonders. Spend the day exploring the citadel alongside your private guide, as the history of Machu Picchu is brought to life, along with the mysteries that continue to surround it. Spend your final day in the Sacred Valley on a series of active adventures: mountain or quad biking, river rafting, hiking with llamas, or visiting Andean communities. End with a heartfelt encounter with the children of the Sol y Luna Foundation, where your family’s presence supports their ongoing education and development.

Travel to Cusco, the cultural heartbeat of the Inca Empire. Visit the Textile Museum, where you’ll not only admire Andean weaving traditions but also create your own Inca quipu during a private workshop. This intricate knotted string system not only provides a unique artistic activity but also offers a deeper understanding of the originality and complexity of pre-Columbian civilizations. Keep hold of your quipu, as this will form a vital part of the next day’s activities, where you will explore Cusco on an immersive treasure hunt through the city. Stop to try your hand at chocolate-making, or even a quick music lesson, playing traditional instruments like the quena, charango and zampoña, while solving a series of clues along the way.

SELVA

Your journey culminates in the most untouched of Peru’s regions - the Amazon rainforest. Journey by boat along the Tambopata River, leading you deep into the heart of one of the most remote and biologically rich places on Earth. Enter a world unlike any other, experiencing an entirely unique and extraordinary ecosystem, home to more than 1,000 species of butterflies, 600 species of bird and over 100 species of mammals - among them monkeys, toucans, parrots, macaws, caimans, and a vast array of other remarkable wildlife.

Rise early to view thousands of birds as they gather at the macaw clay lick, gazing in wonder from the river as you are surrounded by the calls and colours of the Amazon. Set out alongside expert naturalists, explore winding trails and towering canopy walkways while engaging in research projects and learning from scientists about their efforts to protect this natural paradise. With the chance to discover and name new species as a family or birdwatch from atop the highest canopy tower in the forest, this final chapter of your family quest is a powerful immersion into a world where time stands still and nature reigns.

Where to Stay

Hotel B, Peru

Belmond Hotel Monasterio, Peru

Sol y Luna, Peru

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