Amazon Adventure & Machu Picchu

Depart the U.S. or Canada/Arrive in Lima, Perú

Arrive in Peru’s cosmopolitan capital of Lima and check into the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel.

Lima/Iquitos/Nauta/ Embark/Amazon River

This morning, fly to vibrant Iquitos, an important rubber boom center during the late 19th century that attracted thousands of immigrants. From there, you will embark the deluxe Zafiro to cruise deep into this vital and remote biosphere. Naturalists will share insight into the Amazon Basin’s complex ecosystem. Attend a Welcome Reception and watch civilization fade away.

Marañón River/Yanayacu- Pucate River/Ucayali

Wake up in the heart of the Amazon Basin, where the jungle teems with the greatest diversity of plant and animal life on Earth. Enjoy a picnic breakfast served under the shade of a magnificent rainforest canopy. Watch for white‑necked heron and wattled jacana dipping into nearby shallow waters. From there, you will meet an authentic local shaman, who will perform a traditional ritual and explain how the ribereños have used indigenous medicinal plants and herbs to cure ailments for centuries. Return to the boat for dinner, followed by an expedition into the darkness of the jungle. Search for nocturnal creatures — including caimans and bats — on a nighttime safari by skiff into the Pacaya‑Samiria National Reserve as a vast blanket of stars glow above you.

Marañón River/Nauta

Embark on a morning fishing excursion in San José de Zarapanga — a virtually uninhabited portion of the Amazon. Skiffs will take you through the labyrinthine, Shiriyacu black water tributaries while the vessel’s naturalists point out animal and plant life rarely detected by the untrained eye. Then, try your hand at catching the famous red‑bellied piranha. This afternoon, we stop in a local village for a demonstration on how to prepare an Amazonian dish known as juanes, a regional favorite made of chicken and rice, wrapped in banana leaves. Gather on the vessel’s upper deck to enjoy a final evening cruising the Amazon and a festive Farewell Reception as the sun sets over the rainforest.

Disembark/Iquitos/Lima/ Cuzco/Urubamba Valley

Disembark the river boat and fly from Iquitos via Lima to Cuzco. On arrival, transfer to the Sacred Valley of Urubamba, a scenic stretch of ancient ruins and small towns nestled in the Peruvian Andes. Check into the Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba Hotel.

Sacred Valley

After a morning at leisure, travel to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ollantaytambo, which contains ruins of a temple and fortress where Inca nobility fled when the Spaniards invaded Cuzco. Located on the side of a mountain along the Urubamba River, this well-preserved archeological site includes remnants of lavish 15th century palaces built for the rulers of the day. From there, you will visit the workshop of renowned ceramics artist Pablo Seminario, a gallery and art center devoted to preserving the production techniques and designs of ancient Peruvian cultures.

Urubamba Valley/ Machu Picchu

Check out of the hotel after breakfast as we make our journey to Machu Picchu — the lost city of the Incas. Some believe this UNESCO‑inscribed, 15th century citadel was the Inca civilization’s most stunning urban achievement, with stone walls, terraces and ramps that appear to have been naturally carved in the rock escarpments. Spend the afternoon exploring the wonders of Machu Picchu. Later this evening, check in to the deluxe Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, a luxurious respite from a day of touring.

Machu Picchu/Cuzco

Explore more of the ruins of Machu Picchu or enjoy some of the natural history activities. After lunch, board a scenic train back to Ollantaytambo and transfer to a deluxe hotel in historic Cuzco.

Cuzco

Your day begins with a tour of the Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park, a fortified Inca citadel and ceremonial site that dates to the 15th century. According to historical writings, construction of the complex of stone structures required the labor of an estimated 20,000 people working over a period of about 70 years. Continue to the heart of Cuzco for visits to the historic cathedral and ruins of Coricancha, known as the Temple of the Sun. This ornate religious complex was once considered the center of the Inca world. Attend a Farewell Reception this evening.

Cuzco/Lima

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima and enjoy the use of a day room at the Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima Airport Hotel before your overnight flight back to your home city.

Arrive in Home City