Family adventure in Peru: inspired by Paddington

Considering where to go on your family holiday? If you asked Paddington for his recommendation, he would say Peru! In fact, that’s precisely where the entire Brown family goes in the newest Paddington film, Paddington in Peru, hitting cinemas on 8th November.

Paddington in Peru brings Paddington’s story to Peru as he returns to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears. With the Brown family in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mystery plunges them into an unexpected journey through the Amazon rainforest and up to the mountain peaks of Peru.

To find out more about the Paddington in Peru film, see the trailer here:

Peru offers delights for everyone: vast and varied climates, larger-than-life historical treasures, majestic nature and wildlife, and friendly locals with a colourful culture. Here’s why Peru is THE destination for a once-in-a-lifetime family adventure.

A suspended bridge beckons, guiding your path towards a colossal tree enveloped by a lush forest.

Explore the Peruvian Amazon rainforest

Step into another world in the Peruvian part of the Amazon rainforest. Each step will take you deeper into the forest’s colourful ecosystem, where you can get up close to its flora and fauna. The rainforest’s inhabitants range from a wide variety of bird species to insects and reptiles, to mammals like sloths and jaguars. Together, the family can spot animals, listen to new and beautiful bird calls, and gaze up at the thick canopy of green treetops. You’ll be amazed by the rich biodiversity that calls the forest home.

On a guided tour your guide will introduce the family to plants that have useful medicinal properties and have been used by the locals for centuries. Take a special night tour through the forest and you’ll be treated to a completely different experience, when the songs and calls of its nocturnal animals come through in a full orchestra lineup.

Take a river cruise along the Amazon River

Did you know that Peru is recognised as THE best destination for a river cruise in the world? That’s because there’s something to excite every family member on a river cruise through the Amazon. You can travel in luxury on a small cruise ship, take a tourist boat for a more up-close experience, or go full-on adventure mode on a smaller, more agile boat for true explorers – complete with hammocks for sleeping on deck in the moonlight.

While cruising the river, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spot local wildlife with the help of a local guide. Look out for pink river dolphins, or Amazon river dolphins; if you’re lucky, you’ll see them swimming alongside your boat or playing in the water. There are also almost 1,300 different bird species that call the rainforest home – keep an eye out for e.g. toucans, macaws and harpy eagles.

Your boat may have some kayaks or canoes onboard for exploration of the smaller tributaries and streams too – you never know what may be waiting around the bend! Some river cruises even offer piranha fishing excursions, where you can catch the infamous fish and have them prepared for an authentic Peruvian meal.

A cruise ship on the shore of a river at sunset.

Immerse yourself in unique cultures in a Peruvian village

In 2023, five distinct and unique Peruvian villages were deemed the Best Tourism Villages in the world by the World Tourism Organization. These villages rose above the others thanks to their dedication to sustainable tourism and how they encompass economic, social and environmental aspects into their tourism policies. If you and the family want a unique local village experience, start with these villages:

Chacas, remarkable for its historical significance and surrounding beauty
Chavín de Huántar, filled with archeological wonders and authentic local traditions
Paucartambo, where Andean and HIspanic cultures blend beautifully
Pozuzu, as the only Austro-German colony in the country, nestled in a lush green environment
Taquile, with its gorgeous local textile art and commitment to sustainability

Get up close with the wildlife at an animal sanctuary

What better activity can you think of than spending the day playing with monkeys? This is exactly what’s possible at Isla de los Monos, or Monkeys Island. Located close to Iquitos by the Amazon River, the whole island has been transformed into a rescue centre for vulnerable monkeys. If you’re an animal lover and would love the chance to cuddle with these unbelievably cute animals, don’t miss this opportunity. You can even volunteer at the rescue centre and play a more active part in the animals’ lives.

To get to the island, catch a boat from the port of Nanay, which will take you 30 minutes up the Amazon River. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to catch more glimpses of pink river dolphins. The island’s entrance fee of 30 soles is used exclusively to pay for food, vitamins, medicine and maintenance for the refuge. Once in, you’ll be able to hang out with several species of primates, including monos choros, tocónes, titíes, maquisapas and spider monkeys.

Three passersby on a boat look at the reed houses on the small island surrounded by calm waters.

Stand on the floating islands of Lake Titicaca

Imagine standing on islands not made by nature, but by man – in a lake that’s so big it feels like a sea. These are the Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. It’s a magical feeling, knowing that the locals made the ground you’re walking on themselves, out of the materials readily at hand.

Everything from the islands to the traditional boats and even many of the handicrafts you can purchase are made from totora reeds. While visiting the islands, you can learn their local fishing techniques, try on their colourful local clothing, and even discover how they built the islands themselves.

Experience a true desert oasis

From sea-like lakes to the extremes of the desert… yes, Peru really does have it all for the adventurous family! You won’t want to leave Peru without visiting the beautifully desolate desert oasis Huacachina. Just a five-kilometre drive from the city of Ica, four hours south of Lima, you’ll find a small city that looks like it’s simply been plopped down into the middle of the desert – palm trees and all. In fact, the existence of this complete town surrounded by towering sand dunes is so dramatic that in 2017, The Telegraph listed it as one of the 21 most impressive destinations in the world to visit.

Huacachina has a small lagoon complete with a promenade for walking and enjoying the views, plus a good selection of hotels and restaurants serving authentic, delicious Peruvian dishes. Just beyond the town, you’ll find plenty of outdoor activities to try, like sandboarding, horseback riding and special sunset-viewing events.

A cluster of buildings amongst lush trees beside a small pond in an oasis surrounded by sand dunes.

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Whatever you do include in your plans, a family adventure in Peru is guaranteed to captivate everyone and create amazing memories for a lifetime!

Find more inspiration for your family adventure on Peru’s official tourism website and download Paddington-themed entertainment for the little ones right here.