Gems of Peru: Machu Picchu & Amazon Cruise

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off towards Cusco, with the opportunity to enjoy the optional Sacred Valley excursion along the way, to experience the best of the region*. Arrive in Cusco and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, enjoying the lively plazas at night. Overnight stay in Cusco.

* Optional Essence of the Sacred Valley Excursion: Discover the millenary history and vibrant culture of the Sacred Valley. Begin in Chinchero, visiting the Parwa Cultural Center to learn about traditional textiles and their symbolism. Observe the artisans in action, from the extraction of natural dyes to the weaving techniques passed down through generations. Explore the archaeological complex of Chinchero, an ancient agricultural and livestock center of the Tahuantinsuyo, and admire the Nuestra Señora de Monserrat church, an example of the fusion between Andean and Spanish cultures. Then, visit Moray, a fascinating archaeological site with concentric terraces that functioned as an Incan agricultural laboratory. Enjoy a local lunch before heading to Ollantaytambo, an ancient military, religious, and agricultural center. Tour its impressive stone fortress and main temple while enjoying unparalleled views of the town, which still retains its original Incan urban design. Stroll through its stone streets, visit the market, and immerse yourself in the authentic spirit of the Andes.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on a fascinating half-day tour of Cusco. Begin in the iconic Plaza de Armas, and visit the Cathedral. From here, walk to the Koricancha Temple, an impressive ancient Inca palace, in honour of the Sun God where a Dominican church stands on the site today.

Finally, visit the lively San Blas neighbourhood, known for its artists, shops and artisan workshops. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, soaking up the atmosphere of the city and sampling the local cuisine. As an alrerntive, we recommend an optional dinner at Tunupa Museo Restaurant* that will pair the most emblematic dishes with traditional music and dances full of charm. Overnight stay in Cusco.

*Optional Dinner Show in Cusco: A perfect occasion to enjoy a wonderful dinner in the heart of Cusco, and a lively and colorful show with live music and traditional dances.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Lima, the capital of Peru. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Lima. 

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Iquitos, also known as the capital of the Peruvian Amazon. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Iquitos.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, take part in a guided tour of Iquitos where you will familiarize yourself with the most emblematic attractions of this colorful and dynamic city. Later, you will transfer to the historic river port city of Nauta where you will be embarking on board La Perla Cruise. 

Once on board, you will meet with your guides who will walk you through what to expect of your nautical journey over the next few days. After the briefing session, you will enjoy a welcome lunch, your first taste of this region’s gastronomy! The menu offers several options, including a vegetarian alternative.

Before dinner, familiarize yourself with the Amazonian jungle as you set off on a night excursion by boat to the area of Nauta Caño. Here, you will find an array of exotic animals that can only be seen at sunset; from caimans and bats to frogs, tarantulas and other elusive species of animals that populate these lush jungles.

After this introduction into the Amazonian jungle, return to the boat to enjoy dinner, rest and recharge your batteries for the adventure to come! Night on board.

In the morning, take part in a delightful canoe picnic breakfast on the Yanayacu River in Pucate, one of the best protected and preserved areas of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, known for being home to pink dolphins. Later, make your way back to your cruise ship and enjoy lunch, some rest and a talk given by your guides on Amazonian philosophy.

Later, you will meet the shaman of the San Regis community, a wise man from the native community who will share his knowledge on the rituals of his ancestors, medicinal plants and the Amazonian cosmovision. Your guides will act as interpreters in case you wish to ask questions to the shaman.

After this one-of-a-kind reflective and spiritual experience, you will take part in a tree planting ceremony, as a contribution to the environment. Make your way back to the ship, relax as you listen to live music and enjoy a succulent dinner. After this, your guides will brief you on the activities of the following day. Night on board.

Early this morning, take part in a boat excursion to the Quebrada de Iquitos, an ideal location to spot numerous endemic species. After this, return to the cruise ship for a delicious buffet breakfast. Later, set off on a walk through the jungle until you reach the ‘hanging bridges’, a set of structures stretched high up in the trees allowing you to walk among the leafy canopy and admire the riches of the jungle from a unique perspective.

Make your way back to the cruise ship, enjoy lunch and rest up before your next excursion of the day! Later, set off on a boat expedition to the Shiriyacu stream where you will go fishing for piranha using local equipment and techniques. This area is also a very popular destination for  pink dolphins spotting.

Return to your cruise ship, enjoy some live music and feast on a delicious dinner. Night on board.

Early in the morning, take a boat to Gasparito Gorge, a very popular area for bird and primate watching. After breakfast, you will meet with a bartender who will walk you through the art of the Pisco Sour making, arguably Peru’s most recognizable cocktail.

From here, you will make your way to the airport. En route, you will visit the River Mammal Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (Amazon Forever Organization) where biologists and volunteers take care of the manatees, an endangered species that have been rescued. You will learn how the manatees are treated and prepared for their reinsertion into the wild.

Disembark the ship at the port and transfer to the airport for a flight to Lima. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in and overnight stay in Lima. 

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight* back to the US.