The Paddington Bear movie is released on November 28 and statues of the world’s favourite bear are popping up around London. But if you want to see the “real” bears from Peru, Journey Latin America has created a Spectacled Bear inspired family holiday – starting with a trip on the Paddington Heathrow Express.
The 14-day adventure starts with a day diving into the local markets in Peru’s capital Lima. You then fly on to Cusco to explore on foot the Spanish colonial masterpiece and former capital of the Inca Empire. Continue by road to discover the monumental Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and on by rail to Machu Picchu, further down the Urubamba valley.
You” then visit Peruvian bears. A few years ago at the foot of the mountain, where the Inca citadel is perched, three endangered spectacled bears were spotted in the vicinity of a hotel’s grounds. The bears, agile climbers and primarily vegetarian, are suffering from the shrinking of their cloud forest habitat. The hotel operator, Inkaterra, established the Spectacled Bear Project, where bears are rehabilitated and prepared for a return to the wild.
Paddington Bear lovers will also be delighted by the next experience. You fly to Chiclayo in northern Peru and travel on to the family-friendly Chaparri Eco Lodge, set in a conservation area of dry forest. Here you’ll see spectacled bears in their enclosure, again being prepared to return to their home in the wild; but also rehabilitated foxes, deer and condors. The place is alive with other exotic birds too.
Head home from Peru to Paddington itinerary has flexible departures, and costs from £2,295 per person based on a family of four. The price includes flights from London, comfortable mid-range B&B accommodation, transfers and excursions.
See www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk
For ore information on Peru, see www.peru.travel
