Upon arrival in Lima, Peru’s coastal capital, the group will clear immigration and make their way to a conveniently located airport hotel. After settling in, the group can enjoy a good night’s rest before beginning their journey through Peru the following morning.

Meals:  Nil

Our journey begins in Peru’s fascinating Andes–Amazon region, where cloud forests, ancient archaeological sites and traditional communities offer plenty to discover. Situated at approximately 2,335 metres (7,660 feet) above sea level, the Chachapoyas region is known for its cool mountain climate and rich cultural heritage. Following a morning flight, we set off on a scenic three-hour drive to Leymebamba, with a box lunch provided en route. Our first stop is the Leymebamba Museum, home to an impressive collection of archaeological discoveries, including mummies recovered from ancient Chachapoya cliff tombs. This visit provides an engaging introduction to the region’s history and culture. We then continue to our lodge to settle in, meet our local guides and attend a program and safety briefing. The evening concludes with a welcome dinner and group reflection, preparing everyone for the cultural exchanges, conservation activities and hands-on learning experiences ahead.

Meals:  B,L,D

Situated at approximately 2,200 metres (7,220 feet), Leymebamba is a traditional Andean village surrounded by lush green valleys and mountain landscapes. With its rich Chachapoya heritage and beautiful natural surroundings, the area offers plenty of opportunities to discover the region’s history, culture and environment. After breakfast, we lace up our hiking boots and set off on the Sinuno Hike, exploring highland trails that wind through native vegetation, rural farmland and scenic viewpoints. Along the way, our local guides introduce us to the region’s ecosystems, traditional farming practices and everyday life in the Andes. Following the hike and lunch, we return to Leymebamba for a creative afternoon with a local artist. During a hands-on sarcophagi painting workshop, we learn about the fascinating burial customs and artistic traditions of the ancient Chachapoya people while creating our own designs. Later in the afternoon, we return to the lodge to relax after a rewarding day of hiking and cultural discovery.

Meals:  B,L,D

At about 1,750 m (5250 ft) in the Alto Utcubamba corridor, the Amazilia Reserve is a cool, humid cloud-forest sanctuary surrounded by orchids, coffee farms, and vibrant wildlife. This landscape is home to one of Peru’s rarest species—the Marvelous Spatuletail hummingbird—making it an ideal base for conservation learning and bird-focused exploration. A private transfer brings the group into the reserve, where a picnic lunch is served before beginning a guided birdwatching walk. We learn to spot hummingbirds and observe the delicate ecosystems they depend on. From the lodge, we continue on foot through shifting habitats, seeing firsthand the reforestation and habitat-restoration efforts underway to protect the Spatuletail. A short afternoon circuit around the lodge introduces the native plant nursery, bird-friendly coffee practices, and the network of forest trails. The day concludes with camping inside the reserve, fully immersed in the sounds and rhythms of the cloud forest.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we take part in Amazilia Reserve’s organic, bird-friendly coffee program, discovering how sustainable farming helps protect local wildlife and the surrounding forest. We follow the journey from bean to cup, starting with hand-picking ripe coffee cherries before learning how the beans are pulped, fermented, washed and dried. Along the way, we see how coffee farming and conservation can work together. The morning wraps up with a coffee tasting session. In the afternoon, we join a hands-on ornithology workshop, learning to identify local bird species by their appearance and calls while exploring how bird monitoring and scientific observation contribute to conservation research. We then put our learning into practice through a tree-planting activity, helping establish a dedicated restoration area for World Expeditions Schools. This project supports habitat recovery for hummingbirds and other forest wildlife while providing valuable insight into ecosystem restoration. We finish the day with another night camping in the reserve, surrounded by the sounds of the cloud forest.

Meals:  B,L,D

High in the mountains of northern Peru, at approximately 3,000 metres (9,840 feet), Kuélap is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites of the ancient Chachapoya civilization. Surrounded by cloud forests and overlooking the Utcubamba Valley, this impressive pre-Inca fortress offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past. After breakfast, we travel by private vehicle to Nuevo Tingo, where we board a cable car for a scenic journey above the valleys and forested mountainsides towards Kuélap. Once at the site, our local guide leads us through the ancient citadel, exploring its towering stone walls, circular houses and intricate carvings while learning about the history, architecture and daily life of the Chachapoya people. Following lunch near the site, we continue to Lamud, where the afternoon is free to relax, enjoy the mountain surroundings or reflect on the day's discoveries. Tonight, we camp in Lamud before continuing our journey the following morning.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we explore two fascinating sites in the highlands of Luya, beginning with a short hike through the countryside to Karajía. Here, at approximately 2,700 metres (8,860 feet), we discover the remarkable Chachapoya sarcophagi, a collection of painted burial figures perched high on a cliff face overlooking the valley. Our local guide explains their history, cultural significance and the techniques used to position them in such a difficult location, offering an interesting look into the burial traditions of the Chachapoya people. After a box lunch along the way, we continue to Quiocta Cave, located at approximately 2,650 metres (8,690 feet). With our local guide, we explore the underground chambers, discovering impressive stalactites and stalagmites while learning how these formations developed over thousands of years. We also learn about the cave’s connection to the ancient Chachapoya civilization and its archaeological importance. After a day combining history, archaeology and natural science, we return to Lamud for another night of camping.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, we leave Lamud and travel by private vehicle to the Utcubamba River for a morning of rafting. Following a safety briefing, we take to the water with certified guides for a fun, beginner-friendly Class II rafting experience. Along the way, we navigate gentle rapids and calmer stretches of river, with a short canyon hike offering a chance to learn about the region’s geology and subtropical environment. After our rafting adventure, we continue to Cocachimba, a small village near the impressive Gocta Waterfall. Here, we enjoy lunch at GoctaLab before exploring this community project and taking part in a hands-on cultural workshop. We can try our hand at pottery, using local clay to create our own pieces, or join local artisans for a traditional weaving workshop, learning about native cotton, natural dyes and techniques passed down through generations. We finish the day camping in Cocachimba, surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery and views of the Gocta Waterfall cliffs.

Meals:  B,L,D

We start the day bright and early at 5:30 a.m., heading out from Cocachimba on a guided hike to the lower section of Gocta Waterfall, one of the tallest waterfalls in the world. The five-hour round-trip walk takes us through lush cloud forest, passing orchids, bromeliads and plenty of native plants and birdlife. Along the way, our guide introduces us to the region’s wildlife and the importance of protecting these unique habitats. As we get closer to the waterfall, the trail opens up to spectacular views of Gocta’s towering cliffs and cascading waters. After taking time to enjoy the scenery, we make our way back to GoctaLab for a well-earned lunch. In the afternoon, we visit Pirqapata Lab to explore the fascinating world of fungi. With the help of local specialists, we discover how edible and medicinal mushrooms are grown, their role in keeping forests healthy and how sustainable cultivation works. We also get to try our hand at mushroom inoculation. Later, we stop at a local hummingbird refuge to watch these colourful little birds dart between flowers and feeders while finding out more about their role in pollination. We round off the day back at our campsite in Cocachimba with a relaxed pizza night, sharing stories after a full day of hiking and exploring.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Cocachimba and begin our journey back to Chachapoyas Airport, enjoying our final views of the cloud forests and mountain landscapes along the way. We board our morning ATSA Airlines flight to Lima, where we connect with our onward international flights. As our journey comes to an end, we leave Peru with new friendships, memorable experiences and a greater appreciation for the region’s rich cultural heritage, remarkable biodiversity and the communities that call it home.

Meals:  B