Scientific Research
Make a difference by recording animal activity, setting camera traps and tracking mammals.
Travel to the front line of conservation, home to scientists and a small group of volunteers from all around the world, to stay in a research station turned eco-lodge and lend a hand in the regenerating rainforest.
Make a difference by recording animal activity, setting camera traps and tracking mammals.
Visit one of the most diverse reserves in the world and its regenerating rainforest.
Travel to Qoricancha, known as the “temple of the sun”, the political centre of Inca Cusco.
Join in with community-based projects in the Amazon, perhaps helping to harvest crops.
Aside from spending time in fascinating Cusco and exploring its nearby Inca ruins, this itinerary travels to an indescribable location that is home to more than 512 species of birds and mammals that include jaguars and pumas for a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Manu Learning Centre. Travellers who embark on this unique journey are certain to gain a deeper understanding of the indigenous people and complex biosphere of the rainforest by becoming involved in research programmes and living amongst scientists.
Day 1
Lima - Cusco
Day 2
Cusco
Day 3
Cusco - Manu Cloud Forest
Day 4
Manu Cloud Forest - Manu Biosphere Reserve
Day 5-7
Manu Biosphere Reserve
Day 8
Manu Biosphere Reserve - Cusco
Day 9
Cusco - Lima
Day 1
Lima - Cusco
Day 2
Cusco
Head to a hilltop artists’ studio to peruse delicately painted ceramics, photograph the friendly alpacas, and take a traditional cooking class.
Day 3
Cusco - Manu Cloud Forest
Day 4
Manu Cloud Forest - Manu Biosphere Reserve
Day 5-7
Manu Biosphere Reserve
Visit one of the most diverse reserves in the world, encompassed by regenerating rainforest.
Day 8
Manu Biosphere Reserve - Cusco
Day 9
Cusco - Lima
Travel to Qoricancha, known as the “temple of the sun”, the political centre of Cusco during the Inca era.
Travel from the highlands of Cusco, crossing the Andean Mountains and journeying through the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Sacred Valley, to the Amazon Rainforest. Spend the night in a rustic lodge on the lush eastern slopes of the Manu Biosphere Reserve before descending further through the Cloud Forest and travelling by motorised canoe to the Manu Learning Centre.
Stay in a research station turned eco-lodge that is encompassed by regenerating rainforest, sleeping in simple accommodations that share a bathroom and a central dining area that doubles up as a place to eat and to discuss findings with the resident researchers. As captivating macaws squawk overhead, rascally monkeys dart through the canopy, and hummingbirds congregate around the trees, guests at Manu Learning Centre are able to experience indescribable wildlife encounters without even leaving the confines.
Become involved with the practical collection of scientific data, including attending night walks to record nocturnal birds, identifying butterflies and checking dung beetle traps. Participate in important ongoing conservation and research projects by setting camera traps that track jaguars and pumas, monitoring the clay licks that host endangered blue-headed macaws and investigating the science behind carbon sequestration.
Operating with respect to the indigenous Machiguenga people that inhabit this region, the Manu Learning Centre routinely helps the local communities as they plant vegetables in their bio-gardens. In choosing to stay here as an eco-tourist, guests directly support the indigenous people of the area by providing sustainable livelihoods and improved living standards.
Spend time in the Inca capital of Cusco, a lively colonial city set around a main plaza to learn about the mysterious legends of the empire. Head to a hilltop artists’ studio to peruse delicately painted ceramics, photograph the friendly alpacas, and take a traditional cooking class inside the Pre-Columbian Art Museum of Cusco. Venture outside of the city with an expert guide to find the fascinating salt terraces or the “temple of the sun” Qoricancha to walk around the huge Inca structure of Sacsayhuaman.
Consider flying out to the remote and remarkable Galapagos Islands, the pristine archipelago that can be explored during eye-opening sailing voyages or through carefully planned island-hopping trips. For up close and personal encounters with fearless sea lions, penguins, tortoises, sharks, blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas (to name very few), these islands are unmissable and combine beautifully with an adventure in Peru.
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Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
January begins the rainy season in the Andes and the Amazon as they reach the summer months. Along the coast, this can be one of the best times to visit, although it is a hotspot for locals.
As the rains continue, February can be a good time to avoid crowds. While Machu Picchu remains open, trekking in this area is a challenge as the Inca Trail closes for the month. Heavy rains in the Amazon increase water levels on the river, making wildlife viewing slightly more challenging however it does allow you to adventure into areas otherwise not reachable by boat in other months of the year.
March can be a good time to visit Peru. As the rainy season draws to the end, the coast will still be experiencing summer weather while inland you can expect rains. This can be one of the least crowded months for Machu Picchu and the local tourism on the beaches has subsided as children go back to school.
April is considered one of the best times to travel to Peru with pleasant temperatures and avoiding the busiest period. As there is still some rain, the landscape is vibrant.
As the dry season begins and winter sets in, temperatures are comfortable and the countryside is green with life from the rainy season.
June marks the start of the peak season in Peru. Skies are clear, making for picturesque sightseeing. As this is officially the start of winter, cooler temperatures are expected especially in the evenings.
July begins the peak travel season as international holidays open. With warm, sunny days and cooler evenings, this is also the peak time for trekking the mountainous landscapes of the Andes.
August continues the peak season throughout the country. With cooler evening temperatures, brings a morning fog in the Sacred Valley, which clears to blue skies by the afternoon. Expect dry, sunny weather in the Amazon during this time.
As spring draws in during the month of September, expect cloudy mornings which clear to blue skies in the afternoon. Showers become more likely as this is considered the shoulder season before the green season begins.
Temperatures begin to increase in October as summer approaches. As the dry season comes to an end, the chance of precipitation increases along with clouds.
Temperatures rise in November with rain increasing from the middle of the month. As a shoulder season, this can be a good time to travel to avoid crowding in Machu Picchu.
Weather in December sees increased temperatures as summer begins, along with the start to the rainy season. Rising water levels in the Amazon makes wildlife viewing slightly more challenging along the shores.
Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.
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