Peruvian Amazon & Machu Picchu Exploration

This panoramic drive will take you around the coastline of Lima in Miraflores. You’ll stroll around the “Plaza San Martín” and “Plaza de Armas,” the main square. Afterward, your guide will take you to the San Francisco Monastery. A maze of tunnels and catacombs await you here.

Later, you'll visit Casa Aliaga. Built in 1535, the “Plaza de Armas” is one of Lima’s oldest buildings. A colonial mansion of the Aliaga family, it has been passed down the family for 17 generations. You will meet a family member who will give you a tour and show you items from centuries past. Lunch will be served at the mansion.

Before heading to the ship to begin sailing, a local guide will take you on a captivating tour through the Belen market. This busting market is a unique and vibrant place, and our guided tour allows you to explore its lively atmosphere while interacting with locals. You'll also head to the Nanay Bridge for breathtaking views of the Nanay River, showcasing the natural beauty of the Amazon region.

We start the day searching for the incredible wildlife along the Ucayali River. Parrots, egrets, hawks, and monkeys are among some of the Amazonian wildlife you may come across.

This afternoon, it's your choice: kayak, canoe, or swim the black waters of Clavero Lake. Alternatively, take the unique opportunity to interact with some of the native ribereños—which roughly translates to "river people," Amazonian villagers who live on the banks of the rivers—and learn about their culture.

At dusk, head out on an excursion with your naturalist guide in search of the nocturnal wildlife native to the Amazon. While cruising the Yarapa River in search of these creatures, don't forget to turn your gaze skyward for a crystal-clear view of the constellations.

Explore with your naturalist guide, who will teach you all about the diverse flora and fauna unique to the region.

Explore the Tahuayo River, a black water tributary of the Amazon River. Learn about the Tahuayo River through the stories shared by your naturalist guide.

Following lunch onboard, venture out on a jungle walk through the forest to explore the Amazonian flora and the fauna of Puerto Prado.

Discover some of the exotic fruits unique to the area, such as Camu Camu or Maracuya. Meet local fishermen and see what the catch of the day is. Maybe even indulge your taste buds in an unfamiliar treat.

Despite centuries of exploration, the Amazon River remains a fascinating destination, shrouded in mystery. Journey to where this mighty river is born, where the Ucayali and Marañón Rivers join. While all the lush greenery is breathtaking, you’ll especially be amazed at the giant water lilies growing in the river basin.

One of the most important water sources in Peru, and a main Amazon tributary, the Marañón River is abundant in animal and plant life. Be on the lookout for one of the 64 rare bird species native to the area.

Explore the black waters of the Yanayacu Pucate River, keep an eye out for sloths, egrets, parrots, and the Taricaya turtles. After your skiff ride, visit an Amazon village to witness a demonstration of Aguaje palm harvesting.

After lunch, embark on a top bucket-list adventure for your Amazonian trip, piranha fishing. Your guide will show you how to safely hunt for the notorious fish from the safety of our comfortable river skiffs.

Set out at dusk with your naturalist guide in search of the exotic nocturnal wildlife of the Amazon.

Today, your naturalist will guide you on a fishing expedition along the black waters of the Samiria River.

At dusk, enjoy a sunset cruise along the Ucayali River, while keeping an eye out for pink river dolphins.

This afternoon, choose to explore the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve one of four ways: by canoeing, kayaking, swimming, or on a jungle walk.

Today, you'll be exploring the Amazon rainforest by skiff as you cruise the Marañón River. If you're lucky, you may spot some pink river dolphins.

Visit an indigenous village to learn about local life in the Amazon, and take the opportunity to view the giant water lilies that can be found here. These lily pads are known to grow up to 10 ft. in diameter and have been recorded being able to hold hundreds of pounds without sinking under the water.

Founded in 1930, Nauta is a central gathering place for Amazonian villagers to buy and trade their local harvest. Your guide will show you the town and give you insight into the daily life of these remote people.

Manatees in the Amazon face multiple threats, from habitat destruction to hunting. The Amazon Rescue Center, funded by the Dallas World Aquarium Zoo, takes in orphaned calves, rehabilitates them, and releases them back into the wild. Since their founding, they’ve rescued over 40 orphaned baby manatees. During this visit, you’ll have a chance to get up close to these majestic creatures.

Visit The Art Gallery, a creative space owned by famous Peruvian artist Pablo Seminario. Join a workshop on painting, during which you’ll make your a tile that will be dried and burned in the oven for you, and later delivered to your hotel in Cusco to take home as a souvenir. The Art Gallery is also an excellent place to shop for nice creative pieces to bring a piece of Peru back from your trip with you.

Intermediate

A pre-Inkan site, Moray is considered to be a significant Inka agricultural research center. Your guide will give you a tour of the round, agricultural terraces. Afterward, you will meet with local women who will show you traditional Peruvian weaving techniques.

One of the few battles where the Spaniards lost to the Inkas took place at Ollantaytambo, an impressive fortress that overlooks one of the oldest villages in Cusco. After your tour of the fortress, you will walk to the “last living Inka village of Peru,” which sits under Ollantaytambo. Experience the fascinating way of living in the Sacred Valley at a family home visit. Afterward, enjoy a picnic to the sounds of traditional local Inkan instruments before making your own panpipe.

On a private terrace at the foot of Machu Picchu, sit for a fine-dining experience that fuses ancient Andean flavors with contemporary culinary techniques. Chefs Carlos Pardo Figueroa and Ribelino Alegría are dedicated to restoring crops in high-altitude Andean communities, bringing back ingredients that have been forgotten by Peruvian menus for centuries. The result is an outstanding tasting menu, “Flavors of the Andes: Apucc Mikhuna,” which translates to “the food that the mountains bring us.” Every ingredient of your meal tonight will have been sustainably sourced from communities within 31 miles of the restaurant.

Easy

Your day starts early with a shuttle bus up to the ancient citadel. Your guide will share stories about the Inka civilization, the site’s discovery, and all the theories surrounding this spectacular piece of history. Enjoy lunch at the famous Sanctuary Lodge before heading back down to Aguas Calientes.

Start your morning off at Sacsayhuamán, the Inkan ceremonial fortress dedicated to the sun. Indulge your senses at the San Pedro market as you wander through the colorful stands overflowing with fruits, vegetables, spices, and local products. Your tour continues after lunch with visits to the renaissance-style Cathedral and Koricancha, the temple dedicated to the sun “Inti.” Finally, your day ends with a dining experience inside the San Francisco Monastery of Cusco.

Abundant in beautiful handicrafts and antique stores, San Blas is a vibrant neighborhood. You’ll visit the Hilario Mendivil Museum, showcasing the work of Mendivil, an artist famous for statues of saints with notoriously long necks. Wander down small alleys with your guide before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.