Poison Frog, Napo, Ecuadorian Amazon

Join Researchers in the Peruvian Amazon

  • TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY IDEA

Duration

9 Days

Prices Start from

£2,070pp(ex. flights)

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.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Red eyed tree frog, Costa Rica 1

Scientific Research

Make a difference by recording animal activity, setting camera traps and tracking mammals.

Morning River Cruise, Amazon Rainforest 2

Manu Reserve

Visit one of the most diverse reserves in the world and its regenerating rainforest.

Plaza de Armas, Cusco, Peru 3

Visit Qoricancha

Travel to Qoricancha, known as the “temple of the sun”, the political centre of Inca Cusco.

Dugout Canoe, Amazon Rainforest 4

Machiguenga People

Join in with community-based projects in the Amazon, perhaps helping to harvest crops.

Why we like it

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.

Explore our suggested itinerary

Peru on your wishlist? Talk to our experts about tailoring this trip for you.

  • 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

Plaza de Armas, Cusco, Peru

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

Oxbow Lake, Manu, Amazon, Peru

Visit one of the most diverse reserves in the world, encompassed by regenerating rainforest.

Day 8

Manu Biosphere Reserve - Cusco

Day 9

Cusco - Lima

Qorikancha Temple, Cusco, Peru

Travel to Qoricancha, known as the “temple of the sun”, the political centre of Cusco during the Inca era.

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

More Details

Scarlet Macaw, Amazon Rainforest
Scarlet Macaw, Amazon Rainforest

Journey to the Amazon

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.

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.

Jaguar
Jaguar

Work with Scientists

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.

Coffee Beans, South America
Coffee Beans, South America

Contribute to Communities

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.

Maras Salt Terraces, Cusco, Peru
Maras Salt Terraces, Cusco, Peru
Plaza de Armas, Cusco, Peru
Plaza de Armas, Cusco, Peru

Discover Cusco

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.

Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Islands

Suggestion: Galapagos Islands Extension

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.

Accommodation

Below you can see some of the wonderful places we have recommended for this journey.

Inkaterra La Casona £££££

  • Peru
  • City

Built within a 16th-century manor house that is positioned atop the former training grounds of an elite Inca army, Inkaterra La Casona is a carefully restored property that reflects the traditions and cultures of centuries of Peruvian culture.

View Property

Belmond Palacio Nazarenas £££££

  • Peru
  • Boutique

A former 17th-century palace and convent that became one of Cusco’s most stylish hotels, Belmond Palacio Nazarenas is built on Inca foundations and combines colonial history with contemporary indulgence. Precious Inca stonework, gold-framed paintings and colonial frescoes are offset by an inviting outdoor pool and daring Peruvian cuisine that makes use of indigenous herbs and edible flowers from the garden. Its 55 suites are set around sheltered courtyards, where trickling fountains provide a melodic backdrop. Rooms are enriched with oxygen to assist guests with acclimatisation and each suite is uniquely decorated with Peruvian flourishes and embroidered silk sheets.

View Property

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A note on price

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.

This Itinerary
Price
From £2,070 Per person

When to travel

Peru in January

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.

Peru in February

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.

Peru in March

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.

Peru in April

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.

Peru in May

As the dry season begins and winter sets in, temperatures are comfortable and the countryside is green with life from the rainy season.

Peru in June

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.

Peru in July

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.

Peru in August

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.

Peru in September

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.

Peru in October

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.

Peru in November

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.

Peru in December

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.

Holiday Inspiration

Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.

Why Choose Steppes?

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