“It’s not as if we can drop everything and fly to Peru,” says the long-suffering Mr Brown in a scene from the recently-released Paddington sequel, Paddington in Peru.

Of course, everyone knows what happens to the Brown family a short time later – the title, after all, is a giveaway, proving Mr Brown wrong in spectacular fashion.

Packing their bags and heading to the airport, Paddington et al soon find themselves in deepest Peru, exploring thick forests, sailing down rivers, discovering the Sacred Valley, and ending up for the final denouement at the iconic Incan citadel of Macchu Pichu.

Drop everything and fly to Peru

To Mr Brown’s surprise, the family overcome some initial wobbles to discover that Peru is the perfect destination for an adventurous trip.

And Paddington’s journey through Peru isn’t just a feast for marmalade enthusiasts – notwithstanding the orange-themed El Dorado he discovers – it’s also a cinematic love letter to one of the most enchanting destinations in the world. 

Before arriving at the famous Sacred Valley, Paddington’s South American adventure begins with a boat journey on the Amazon. Mr Brown, ever the travel pessimist, notes with consternation that “the Amazon is quite large;” a guide might be a good idea when venturing into unknown waters. 

Step forward Delfin Amazon Cruises, offering luxury river cruises deep in the thick forests of Peru’s upper Amazon; as Relais & Chateaux’s first ever cruise member, this pioneering, family-owned business has led the way in exclusive river voyages.

Welcoming and child-friendly, Delfin provide a personalised, authentic experience combining high-end luxury with an immersive, nature-based experience; a far cry from the nerve-shredding voyage faced by Paddington and the Browns at the hands of Antonio Banderas’ dastardly captain Hunter Cabot.

Rest easy at Sol y Luna

After all the dangers faced by Paddington and the Browns, largely at the hands of treacherous nuns and avaricious explorers, they might have appreciated some respite at Hotel Sol y Luna.

Situated in Urubamba, an hour from Cusco in Peru’s Sacred Valley, and a quick train journey from Paddington’s ancestral home at Machu Picchu, this Relais & Chateaux property is a haven for travellers of all types.

The hotel’s charming casitas sit amongst 25 acres of lush gardens, alive with hummingbirds and insects buzzing amongst the abundant bougainvillaea and kantuta flowers.

Winding stone paths connect the casitas with the spa, pool, hot tub and restaurants, whilst the Wayra stables are the perfect spot to see our Peruvian Paso horses and enjoy a pre-lunch pisco sour.

Adventures for all

Visitors might not wish to replicate all of Paddington’s adventures (dodging a runaway boulder, anyone?), although some people would not object to being trapped in the Andes with Antonio Banderas. 

But whatever your appetite for adventure, Sol y Luna has got it covered. Guests can try their hand at kayaking, paragliding over the valley’s sweeping landscape or cycling, horse riding, quad-biking or hiking through ancient villages, Andean foothills and bustling markets.

A trip to Machu Picchu itself is a must, and there are a host of other Incan sites to explore at leisure – all reachable from Sol y Luna, where guests will be accompanied by experienced and friendly personalised guides.

Heart of the matter

In the film, Paddington visits the Sacred Valley in his search for Aunt Lucy, and ultimately discovers a well-kept secret; the heart of Machu Picchu is, in fact, an orange grove growing the ingredient to our hero’s beloved marmalade. 

The heart of the Sol y Luna hotel is, in turn, its Foundation, and its secret, the sense of community fostered from providing a loving home for hundreds of deserving children.

The Sol y Luna Foundation was established 25 years ago by Sol y Luna founders Petit and Franz, and is made up of a school, children’s home, special needs centre and tertiary education programme, dedicated to providing for underprivileged children in this corner of Peru.

Funded by the hotel itself, the Foundation is the hotel’s raison d’etre and places the hotel at the heart of the local community. Guests are welcome to visit children in the school to see the incredible work the Foundation does every day.

Whether you are looking for adventure, cultural immersion, archaeological highlights or a community connection, with the release of Paddington in Peru, there’s no better time to pack your suitcase and see Aunt Lucy’s homeland for yourself.