Summary
Short description
Float through Amazonia in boutique luxury after uncovering the mysteries of Peru’s ancient past
Highlights
- Let cultural visits and jungle excursions introduce you to the Amazon's biodiversity
- Relax in boutique luxury aboard the Aria Amazon
- Uncover Peru's ancient past at Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley
- Explore Lima's Spanish and pre-Incan treasures
In Brief
- 1 Night Lima
- 2 Nights Sacred Valley
- 1 Night Machu Picchu
- 2 Nights Cusco
- 1 Night Iquitos
- 4 Nights Amazon River Cruise
- 1 Night Lima
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
History & culture | Natural world | River cruise | Wildlife
Introduce yourself to Peru’s colonial tapestry with its capital before delving further into the country’s rich history with Machu Picchu – the enigmatic poster child for the Sacred Valley’s lost Incan cities and stunning geography. However, dig a little deeper on guided tours and you’ll find lesser-known citadels, archaeological sites and Cusco’s UNESCO-listed blend of colonial intricacy and imposing Inca battlements. Then, end with an exclusive five-day cruise through the Peruvian Amazon aboard a bijoux river ship. Along the way, you’ll stop off for naturalist-led jungle treks, community visits and small skiff launches that bring you through intertwining waterways to parrots, monkeys and an incredible array of colourful fauna. You’ll also enjoy a full board fine dining experience.
It’s worth noting that, while the itinerary below features both MV Aria Amazon, there are a full range of vessels and routes available. Contact our Latin America specialists for further information.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
Depart the UK
Begin with complimentary airport lounge access before day flight to the Peruvian capital. Arriving in the evening, you'll be met by a private driver and transferred to your central hotel in the Barranco district. All bohemian eclecticism, it's an wonderfully colourful spot to begin your Peruvian adventure, home to some of the capital's best bars and restaurants, and a stretch of beach known for its superb surf.
Stay: Hotel B, Lima (Deluxe)
Day
2
Lima/Sacred Valley
This morning– on a half-day private tour – you’ll watch as Lima wears its ‘City of Kings’ moniker with pride in its Plaza Mayor. Here, you’ll find the twin Government and Archbishop Palaces set alongside its grand Cathedral and colonial City Hall. You’ll then move onto historic convents, modern districts, Pacific sea views and Huaca Huallamarca, a centuries-old pre-Incan adobe pyramid. A private transfer and flight will then bring you to Cusco where you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Urubamba, set among picturesque foothills and snowy peaks.
Stay: Hotel Sol y Luna, Sacred Valley (Superior)
Meals: B
Day
3
Sacred Valley
Head out to explore El Valle Sagrado on a full-day tour, taking in a collection of its highlights. You'll start with a visit to the Incan terraces of Moray followed by the Maras salt pants. Your next stop after lunch is Ollantaytambo, an Incan military, religious and agricultural centre. From its mountaintop perch you’ll look down on its town namesake; pick out its narrow streets and canals that remain unchanged since the Incas. Finally, end the day at your hotel – the delightful Sol y Luna – or splash out on an upgrade to the stunning Explore Valle Sagrado for locally inspired gourmet dining, spa treatments and stylish blonde-wood rooms.
Stay: Hotel Sol y Luna, Sacred Valley (Superior)
Meals: B L
Day
4
Machu Picchu
Following a private transfer to the station, your journey to the Americas’ premier archaeological site will start with a luxury Vistadome train ride as picture windows and roof portholes invite in spectacular mountain vistas. A short bus transfer will bring you the rest of the way to its UNESCO-listed summit where a local expert will guide you among this fascinating complex. Royal quarters lead to views over pristinely terraced banks and temples look out over 600-year-old burial grounds.
Stay: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Days
5-6
Machu Picchu/Cusco
Make use of your return bus tickets to explore Machu Picchu further this morning – perhaps make the hike up for panoramic views over its verdant mantelpiece or wake early for sunrise mists. Then, catch a train to Cusco, a private transfer bringing you to your Spanish manor accommodation. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll explore its inimitable fusion of colonial architecture and Incan heritage on a city tour the next day. Its Coricancha Temple – complete with Incan foundations and Dominican church – is a fitting metaphor for Cusco’s unique contrasts while its Incan Sacsayhuaman Fortress and 17th century La Compania church keep their influences separate. The former is a particular favourite for its commanding views over the city. You’ll also head out of the city to a trio of archaeological sites – Qenko, Puca-Pucara and Tambomachay – along with a chance to visit a traditional arts workshop.
Stay: Inkaterra La Casona, Cusco (Superior)
Meals: B
Day
7
Iquitos
After a private transfer, you'll fly north into Iquitos International Airport, where you’ll be met and transferred to your accommodation for the night. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and exploring Iquitos at your own pace. A bustling riverside town, expect mud huts mingled with mansions and views across the neighbouring jungle. In the evening, take your pick of the air-conditioned riverside restaurants.
Stay: Doubletree Iquitos by Hilton
Meals: B
Day
8
Amazon river cruise
A private transfer will see you along the only road out of town to Nauta. Here you’ll board the Aria Amazon to settle into your luxuriously appointed cabin as you start your journey along the two largest tributaries of the Peruvian Amazon – the Ucayali and the Marañon – as well as the Amazon itself. A briefing will introduce you to your naturalist guides whose multimedia presentations will keep you informed on the region’s incredible biodiversity. Then, settle down for your first evening meal aboard where imaginative menus showcase local produce with fresh fruit, fish and spices featuring heavily.
Stay: Aria Amazon (Deluxe)
Meals: B D
Day
9
Amazon river cruise
After breakfast, a small boat tour will bring you into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve long the Yanayacu-Pucate River, a black waterway home to everything from macaws and dolphins to squirrel monkeys and piranha. After lunch, a lounge lecture will educate you on the sustainable development projects being carried out in this part of the Peruvian Amazon before a community visit brings you up close to the local culture. Learn about how the native peoples practise subsistence farming, cultivating wild plants and trees to earn a living. There’s even the chance to learn about the fruit trees and medicinal plants hidden away in the jungle.
Stay: Aria Amazon (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
10
Amazon river cruise
Your morning talk today will focus on further sustainable development projects before you pay a visit to a village earning an income by planting palms to obtain oil. On the trip, your guide will also show you the artificial nests created in the sand to protect turtle eggs before you head deeper into the jungle to encounter more of the region’s wildlife. Keep an eye out for the famous Ceiba tree, the highest in the Amazon as you have a go at paddling a traditional Amazonian canoe and take a dip in the Samiria River. Returning to the ship, enjoy a cooking lesson before journeying into Nauta Caño. Part of the Pacaya Samiria Reserve, it’s known as the ‘Forest of Mirrors’ for its dark lagoons that reflect its lush scenery, animated by toucans, macaws, iguanas, alligators and colourful frogs. There’s even fishing bats.
Stay: Aria Amazon (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
11
Amazon river cruise
Sail along the Marañon River to disembark at the Casual community for a hike. Watch out for the eye-catching but poisonous frogs as you search for orange orioles and a whole host of reptile and amphibian species. Return to the Aria Amazon for lunch and a visit to the Yanayacu Islands, known locally as the ‘Islands of the Iguana’. Aside from these tiny dinosaurs, they also offer a chance to have a go at piranha fishing. There’s even the world’s largest aquatic plant – the Victoria regia, a giant lily. As the sun sets, grab your camera to capture the freshwater dolphins both grey and pink.
Stay: Aria Amazon (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
12
Iquitos to Lima
Weather depending, you’ll tour the flood zone that borders the city of Iquitos, watching the houses and shops that float on the Itaya River. You’ll also stop at Bellavista Nanay, a traditional market serving up such exotic snacks as the Amazon caterpillars – a true local delicacy. After lunch, tour Iquitos itself – a town that made its wealth with the rubber boom – before stopping at the Manatee Rescue Center where you’ll witness the rehabilitation of these gentle giants. Lastly, stop at the Amazonian Indian Market San Juan for the chance to pick up some local craft souvenirs before boarding your flight back to Lima where a private transfer will see you to your luxury hotel.
Stay: Hotel B, Lima (Deluxe)
Meals: B L
Days
13-14
Depart for UK
Following a private transfer to the airport, board your overnight flight back to the UK, arriving on day 13.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this cruise can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
14-day tailor-made river cruise holiday
from £8,660 pp incl. flights
Superior
Low Season
from £8,660 pp. incl. flights
High Season
from £8,945 pp. incl. flights
Includes:
- Complimentary UK airport lounge access
- Return flights from London to Lima
- Domestic flights between Lima, Cusco and Iquitos
- Private transfers
- 8 nights accommodation in 4* (Superior) hotels on a B&B basis, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
- 4 nights accommodation aboard MV Aria Amazon (Deluxe) on a full-board basis with daily shared excursions included
- Private half day Lima city tour
- Private full day Awanakancha, Pisac Market, Ollantaytambo with lunch
- Private full day Machu Picchu with lunch by Vistadome train
- Private half day Cusco city tour & ruins
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
Meet our experts
Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0615
Meet the team
Adjust your cruise with our recommended extensions
Following the coast south from Lima you’ll pass deserts and oases on your way to your three-night luxury getaway, complete with spa, watersports, private terraces, fine dining excellence and that all-important beach.
A flight from Lima to Chiclayo will take you off the beaten track to the remote delights of Peru’s wild north. Start with a tour of Sipan’s Royal Tombs where adobe edifices hide mausoleums filled with gold pieces and precious stones before travelling on to Trujillo the next day.
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