Adventure Unplugged: Peru

Day 1 | Arrive in Lima Touch down in Peru’s capital and settle into Barranco, a relaxed coastal neighbourhood known for its creativity and café culture. Villa Barranco feels personal and welcoming, offering a calm base after international travel. The afternoon is kept intentionally light, allowing everyone to reset, wander nearby streets or enjoy ocean views along the clifftop. It’s a gentle start that prioritises comfort and ease, setting the tone for a journey designed around shared experiences, without rushing straight into sightseeing.

 

Day 2 | Lima: Art, Culture and the Pacific

Today showcases two contrasting sides of Lima that appeal equally to parents and teenagers. Begin with a guided exploration of Barranco, the city’s most creative district, known for its colourful streets, coastal views, and vibrant art scene. A visit to the Pedro de Osma Museum offers insight into Peru’s rich colonial history through an impressive collection of viceregal art, providing cultural depth without feeling overly formal.

In the afternoon, head to the Pacific coast for a surfing lesson, where consistent waves and expert coaching make the experience accessible and fun, even for beginners. The balance of cultural discovery and active adventure keeps the day engaging, while shared experiences create natural moments of connection.

Day 3 | Into the Amazon Rainforest Leave the city behind and travel deep into the Amazon Basin. A flight followed by a river journey marks a clear shift in pace and scenery, building anticipation as roads disappear and rainforest takes over. Refugio Amazonas sits within protected jungle, surrounded by wildlife and river life. The afternoon is spent settling in and beginning to explore the surroundings, with early opportunities to spot birds and monkeys. It’s an exciting transition into a more immersive, nature-led part of the journey.

 

Day 4 | Amazon: Wildlife and Exploration Wake to the sounds of the rainforest and spend the day exploring by river and on foot. Activities are designed to engage teenagers, combining wildlife spotting with insights into medicinal plants, conservation and local ecosystems. Each experience feels hands-on and immediate, encouraging curiosity and questions. Time is balanced carefully with breaks back at the lodge, ensuring the day feels absorbing rather than overwhelming. The Amazon reveals itself gradually, fostering a deeper appreciation for its scale and complexity.

 

Day 5 | Amazon: Deeper into the Jungle A second full day in the rainforest allows for richer exploration and a growing sense of familiarity. Venture further into the jungle, keeping an eye out for more elusive wildlife and learning how this fragile environment is protected. There’s a sense of access here — being far from crowds, moving quietly through the forest and gaining insight rarely available to casual visitors. By now, the family begins to move at the jungle’s pace, creating shared memories that feel genuinely distinctive.

Day 9 | Machu Picchu: Journey and Discovery Travel by Vistadome Observatory train, one of the most scenic rail journeys in South America. The route follows the Urubamba River as high Andean landscapes gradually give way to lush cloud forest, visible through panoramic windows. Arrive at Machu Picchu and explore this remarkable citadel, where terraces, temples and viewpoints reveal the Incas’ mastery of engineering and landscape. Lunch at Sumaq offers a refined pause before settling into the tranquil surroundings near the site.

Day 10 | Wayna Picchu and Cusco An early start brings the opportunity to climb Wayna Picchu, a steep but rewarding ascent with unforgettable views back over Machu Picchu — a highlight for active teenagers. A second visit to the site allows time to explore areas missed the previous day before returning to Cusco by train. The shift from jungle to historic city is energising, with the evening free to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of the former Inca capital.

 

Day 11 | Cusco: Hidden Stories This morning reveals a more intimate side of Cusco on a Magical & Hidden walking tour. Step away from the main squares to uncover Inca foundations concealed within colonial buildings, quiet courtyards and lesser-known streets. The experience brings history to life in a way that feels engaging for younger travellers. The afternoon is free, offering time to explore markets, cafés or simply wander together, absorbing the city at your own pace.

 

Day 12 | Cusco at Leisure A final full day to enjoy Cusco without a fixed agenda. Families can choose to revisit favourite spots, shop for meaningful souvenirs or relax after an active journey. Teenagers often enjoy the independence of exploring nearby streets, while parents appreciate the chance to slow down. Optional experiences can be added, but the emphasis remains on flexibility and reflection — a calm conclusion to a rich and varied adventure through Peru.