This article was produced by National Geographic Traveler (UK).
Of Paddington in Peru Travel specialists from Latin America predict a great interest in family holidays to the country in 2025 in cinemas from November 8. In the third film of the franchise, we see the emigrated bear and his adopted family, the Browns, leave London to visit Great Aunt Lucy visits. – a journey that takes them through the Amazon rainforest and to the peaks of Peru.
Although shot partly in Colombia, Studio Canal has confirmed several filming locations in Peru. These include the capital Lima; the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and nearby Huayna Picchu mountain; plus parts of the Sacred Valley, including the town of Maras, known for its layered salt mines. Plan your own adventure with this Paddington-inspired route – marmalade sandwiches optional.
Where can you find Paddington in Peru?
1. The Amazon
This vast and exceptionally biodiverse rainforest, intersected by the river of the same name, spans nine South American countries. One of the wildest corners is Peru’s Manú National Park, which can be explored by boat and over land with a guide. Home to the country’s national bird, the Andean cock of the rock, it is also home to jaguars, giant armadillos and the elusive spectacled bear on which Paddington is based.
2. The Andes
The ruined city of Cusco serves as a gateway to some Peruvian travel icons. The Sacred Valley, about 56 kilometers north, offers walks, local markets and archaeological sites. It is a three-hour train journey from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu. The walk up is steep, but there is a bus to spare little legs.
3. The coast
Peru has over 2,000 miles of coastline, including the Costa Verde, close to the capital Lima – a great place for older kids to try surfing lessons. Further south there are boat trips to the Islas Ballestas to see sea lions and penguins.
4. Bear Country
In northern Peru, about 40 miles from Chiclayo, the Chaparrà Reserve is one of the best places to see Andean spectacled bears in their natural habitat. This community-owned rewilding reserve rehabilitates animals rescued from illegal captivity and relies on tourism to fund its work, offering tours and overnight stays at the eco-lodge. The 84,000 hectare reserve is also rich in birdlife, from tiny hummingbirds to mighty king vultures. chaparrilodge.com
Where to find Paddington in London
1. Paddington Walking Tour
This two-and-a-half-hour walking tour winds its way through filming locations in Little Venice and Maida Vale before ending at Alice’s Antiques in Portobello Road, the setting for Mr Gruber’s shop. Fans of the original book series will especially enjoy the insights into places associated with the author, Michael Bond, a long-time resident of London.
2. The Paddington Bear Experience
Story characters guide families through a series of fun activities in this immersive, multi-room adventure. Highlights include art puzzles in 32 Windsor Gardens and marmalade making in the ‘jungle’. Although best suited for children under eight, accompanying adults will appreciate the attention to detail in costume and set design.
3. Paddington Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
This classic capital transport adventure takes passengers through central London aboard a red double-decker bus, serving sandwiches, scones and cakes with a side order of city views, and music and pop quizzes to add to the atmosphere. Book well in advance for a table on the upper deck, or for a trip around Christmas when the festive lights of Regent Street are on.
4. Paddington station
A bronze statue of the bear, found on platform number one of the eponymous Paddington train station, shows him with his signature accessories: a small suitcase and a tag around his neck. Michael Bond was inspired to write the character after seeing news footage of evacuated children during the Second World War, many of whom left London by train from this station.
London locations from the first two Paddington films include Chalcot Crescent in Primrose Hill, an arc of ice-colored houses that served as the exterior of Windsor Gardens. The Natural History Museum and St. Paul’s Cathedral are also both used in important scenes.
5. The marmalade route
For a more exclusive experience, book The Marmalade Trail, which takes guests through Paddington’s London in a chauffeur-driven Mini Cooper. The three-hour tour offers a comprehensive overview of the shooting locations, including the film’s ‘Geographer’s Guild’, also known as Mayfair’s Reform Club, as well as a striking souvenir bag with a red explorer hat.
6. Paddington the musical
Keep your eyes peeled for this new musical, which will premiere in the UK in 2025. The musical is being developed by the same production company that made Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and Tom Fletcher – member of the early 2000s band McFly and a successful children’s author – will write both the music and lyrics.
Published in the November 2024 issue National Geographic Traveler (UK).
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