From the Inca Empire to the Peruvian Amazon

Itinerary Details

Day 1 UK – Lima.

Arrive into Lima where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for two nights.

Day 2 Lima.

This morning, join your Local Guide on an included walking tour of Lima’s old quarter and colonial landmarks. Start at the Plaza de Armas, boasting the city’s original colonial architecture from over four centuries ago. See the Government Palace, the cathedral and the San Francisco Monastery with its splendid 17th century mural-decorated cloisters. Also see the Larco Herrera Museum’s impressive collection of pre-Columbian artefacts. This evening, enjoy a special welcome dinner at Casa Garcia Alvarado, one of Lima’s finest historic mansions. (B, D)

Day 3 Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley.

Fly to Cusco, a magnificent Andean city, once the Inca capital and now the gateway to some of Peru’s best-known Inca sites. Spend the day in the Sacred Valley, winding through snow-capped mountains and ancient villages to see the massive Temple of Sacsayhuaman, one of the best displays of the Incas’ impressive stonework, the ceremonial site at Kenko amphitheatre, ancient Puca Pucara and a llama farm at Awana Kancha. Later, visit the vast local market in the mountain village of Pisac. This evening, learn about the horses bred specifically to cope with the terraced landscape here at a Peruvian Paso Horse Show before tonights Andean-style dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu.

Marvel at the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo followed by a visit a traditional family home before boarding a train that weaves through the lush Urubamba Valley to Machu Picchu. At the site, ascend to the Lost City of the Incas, a phenomenal collection of ruins perched against a breathtaking mountain backdrop and framed by dense jungle. Your guided tour will reveal the secrets and stories behind this sacred site and its best-known structures, including the stupendous Temple of the Sun, Andean Cross and staggered fountains. Tonight, stay at the foot of the mountain and enjoy an exquisite dinner prepared from regional Peruvian ingredients. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Machu Picchu – Cusco.

Early risers can watch the sunrise over the ruins this morning. Enjoy the tranquility of Machu Picchu at your own pace today during your second included entrance to the ruins. After lunch, return to the Sacred Valley by train and continue to Cusco. (B, D)

Day 6 Cusco.

Delve into the history of the Inca civilisation and its wars with the Spaniards on an included walking tour of Cusco with a Local Guide. Marvel at the imposing cathedral on Plaza de Armas and the Santo Domingo Monastery, originally called Koricancha and built by the Incas as a Temple of the Sun. Tonight, enjoy a special dinner at one of Cusco’s most elegant restaurants, featuring food inspired by Peru’s eclectic mix of cultures. (B, D)

Day 7 CuscoLimaIquitos (Embarkation)Cruising: Peruvian Amazon

Bid farewell to your Tour Director in Lima when you board a flight north to Iquitos. Upon arrival, enjoy an Iquitos CITY TOUR. Explore the areas of this bustling river city that flourished during the rubber boom in the early 19th century. See some of the ornate homes of the rubber barons, including the Iron House, which was designed by Gustave Eiffel. Next, stop at the MANATEE RESCUE CENTRE, where your visit will teach you about the endangered Amazon manatees and conservationists efforts to save them. During this visit, you will even be able to bottle feed these gentle giants! Continue to the Amazon Discovery, your luxurious, floating home for the next three nights. On board, settle in to your spacious suite before meeting your onboard Naturalist and Cruise Director at a welcome cocktail hour. Learn about the animals youll encounter, the native villagers youll meet, and the astonishing plant life youll seelike the giant water lily, with flowers the size of soccer balls and leaves that can grow up to eight feet in diameter and support the weight of a human! Later, sit down to an unforgettable dinner featuring Peruvian cuisine with the freshest local ingredients. Later tonight, local entertainers from the ships crew will light up the night with music and dance! (B, L, D)

Day 8 Peruvian Amazon Cruising.

After breakfast, board small boats and cruise right up close to the Yacapana Isles, also known as the ‘Isle of the Iguana’ to observe the multitude of resident reptiles that call this area home. There could also be a chance to try piranha fishing with your expert Naturalist. Return to the Amazon Discovery for lunch. Later, just before dusk, there’s a rare chance to see grey and pink freshwater dolphins. As night falls over the jungle, the search is on for caiman, frogs, and a variety of nocturnal wildlife. (B, L, D)

Day 9 Peruvian Amazon Cruising.

Enjoy a leisurely morning on board before heading ashore with your Naturalist to investigate the areas amazing flora and fauna and hopefully spot native creatures such as bald uakari monkeys, squirrel monkeys, sloths, and numerous bird species. Return to your ship for lunch and time to relax, before heading back out on the river to seek out more of the regions rare pink dolphins, as well as a variety of birdlife, including the colorful macaw. If you choose, you can stay out after dark to search for more of the nocturnal creatures. (B, L, D)

Day 10 Cruising (Disembarkation)IquitosLima

This morning, say goodbye to the Amazon Discovery and return to Iquitos for your flight to Lima. (B)

Day 11 Lima – Final day

(B)