DAY 01 – Welcome Lima / Overnight Lima
DAY 02 – Lima Colonial City Tour, Larco Museum & Dinner Show / Overnight Lima
DAY 03 – Peruvian Paso Horse Show / Overnight Lima
DAY 04 – Arrival in Iquitos – Prepare to board ship/ Overnight on board
DAY 05 – Samiria River / Overnight on board
DAY 06 – Fundo Casual/ Overnight on board
DAY 07 – The rescue & rehabilitation center of river animals / Overnight Cusco
DAY 08 – Cusco Archeological City Tour / Overnight Cusco
DAY 09 – Yachaq’s Textile Cultural / Overnight Cusco
DAY 10 – Full Day Sacred Valley / Overnight Cusco
DAY 11 – Hiram Bingham Train to Machu Picchu / Sanctuary Lodge
DAY 12 – Machu Picchu Citadel Excursion + Hiram Bingham Train / Overnight Cusco
DAY 13 – Full Day Rainbow Mountain / Overnight Cusco
DAY 14 – Maras Moray Tour & Transfer out Cusco and flight back Home
DAY 01 – WELCOME TO PERU
Upon arrival in Lima, you will be met by our representative and a private driver and will be transferred to your hotel.
Our representative will assist you with check-in procedures and provide you with a detailed itinerary, vouchers covering all the services included in your tour and additional information on the organization of your Peru trip.
Meals Included: None
DAY 02 – COLONIAL CITY TOUR + LARCO HERRERA MUSEUM + DINNER SHOW
Get ready for a busy morning, starting with a guided sightseeing tour to the most attractive and important sites in Lima, the “City of Kings”. The tour includes Lima’s Historical Center, Casa Aliaga, passing by Plaza San Martin, Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, the City Hall, the Cathedral and its Religious Art Museum, as well as San Francisco Monastery and its famous underground crypts are known as the Catacombs.
We continue to the Museo Larco a housed in an exquisite 18th century vice-royal mansion, built over a 7th century pre-Columbian pyramid and surrounded by beautiful gardens. The museum’s galleries exhibit the finest and most magnificent gold and jewelry treasures from Ancient Peru and the renowned erotic collection, one of Peru’s most celebrated attractions.
Then, spend a night out at La Dama Juana Restaurant, where you’ll enjoy a tasty Peruvian buffet and folkloric dancing.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 03 – FULL DAY PACHACAMAC & PERUVIAN PASO HORSE SHOW
Visit the Pachacamac citadel, often called the Rome of the Andes, with its temples, streets, pyramids, cemeteries, and home of the most famous oracle in the Andean empire. People from all over the Tawantinsuyo Empire visited this shrine to learn what the future held in store for themselves, their communities as well as the outcome of important battles, possible droughts, and other catastrophes.
Peruvian Paso Horse Show
Then head to private Hacienda (ranch) located in the Southern Valley of Lima, a place devoted to breeding of the traditional Peruvian Paso Horse. Relax in contact with nature and learn first-hand about the history of this particular type of horse and its characteristics. Admire newborns, horses being trained and adult horses showing off all their qualities in their luxurious “apero” outfits, ridden by our “chalanes” in typical garments. Enjoy the opportunity of riding the smoothest horse in the world and feel the elegant “paso” walk that resembles a dance.
Lunch will be served at the restaurant and you will enjoy typical Peruvian cuisine.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 04 – ARRIVAL IN IQUITOS – PREPARE TO BOARD SHIP
Our crew will be expecting your arrival at the airport, will have a box lunch while en route to Nauta in our private vehicle.
Nauta port is located in a small riverside town on the banks of the Marañon River. A VIP reception awaits us on the shores of the Marañon River. Before boarding the Delfin ship, you will be served by our friendly staff who will show you to your cozy suite, equipped with all the amenities for the experienced travelers as yourself.
Happy Hour and Orientation
You’ll enjoy the most fantastic panoramic views from the elegantly outfitted observation area located on our third deck. Our bartender will be waiting to serve you with exotic cocktails made from the regional fruits and pisco, the beloved national brandy liquor of Peru. Then, your nature guide will give you an overview of your journey’s schedule, activities, routes, highlights, wildlife, and vegetation so keep your eye out for geographical and historical landmarks.
The third deck features an entertainment center that shows film presentations, as well as extensive literature. There is also a completely equipped bar so you can try any combination of regional and international liquors and aromas. Enjoy the beautiful Amazonian afternoons and nights, and the sweet breezes of the rain forest. Moreover, should you have any questions, our guides are at your service.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 05 – SAMIRIA RIVER. PM: – YANAYACU PUCATE
Our skiffs skim the Samiria River and its tributaries, where an abundance of wildlife hides in the deep rain forest, such as blue and yellow macaws, scarlet macaws, toucans, umbrella birds, monkeys, and river otters, and more. Our naturalists with his expert eye will pinpoint all the biodiversity of this region. This is also a popular dolphin feeding spot so we won´t be the only one enjoying the variety of fish below.
Yanayacu Pucate
You will start cruising through the Yanayacu and Pucate Rivers, peeking into the different creeks and lagoons. This is one of the best-preserved and protected zones of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Your guide will use his expert eye to pinpoint all the biodiversity of this region. You will even have the opportunity to swim in the jungle river along with the famous pink dolphins!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 06 – FUNDO CASUAL. PM: – SAN FRANCISCO. – NAUTA CAÑO
Fundo Casual
The walk down the Fundo Casual jungle trail will take you deep into the rain forest on “Terra Firma” (non flooded forest) where your guide will point out the dynamic creatures and vegetation of the Amazon. Be sure to keep your eyes open for surprises!
San Francisco
Next, we will visit the community of San Francisco which includes a short skiff ride and jungle walk to meet the local villagers who have called Amazonia their home for generations. Here we will visit a market featuring amazing arts and crafts from the local women. Following this visit will be a jungle walk with our guides to search for nocturnal creatures.
Nauta Caño
After a delicious dinner, we will visit Nauta Caño Creek, where we will go fishing for the piranha, a delightful and challenging experience you won’t forget! As night approaches, your guide will take you on a night safari in search of Cayman alligators and night birds.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 07 – THE RESCUE & REHABILITATION CENTER OF RIVER ANIMALS
With heavy hearts, the staff will wish you farewell as you begin your departure. At the port of Nauta. Our ground crew will be waiting to take you back by private vehicle to Iquitos. We will visit the rescue center before reaching the Airport.
You will have the chance to meet baby manatees and learn about these wonderful creatures and why they are on the endangered species list.
You will also have the chance to pet and feed these manatees. There are also some other animals cared for by the center that have been rescued from capture with the intention of being turned into pets and other threatening conditions.
Airport departure
Our staff will be on hand to help you with your luggage and check-in at the Airport in Iquitos. The return flight will take you directly to Cusco.
Upon arrival at Cusco Airport, you will be met by our representative and a private driver and will be transferred to your hotel.
Our representative will provide you with a detailed itinerary, vouchers covering all the services included in your tour and additional information on the organization of your Machu Picchu experience.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 08 – ARCHEOLOGICAL CUSCO CITY TOUR
This morning you’ll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Cusco, with your guide to the first ruin site (Tambomachay). As you walk to and visit each archaeological site, your guide will explain the history, architecture, and local traditions. The four sites are Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, Q’enko, and Sacsayhuaman. After exploring the last ruin site, you will walk down to the Plaza de Armas in Cusco City. With examples of Inca history and architecture. Visit the city’s most important historical monuments that reveal the influence of different cultures: The Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral dating from Spanish vice-royalty times, built with great slabs of red granite renaissance style in contrast with the baroque style silverwork of its interior and, the Santo Domingo church built upon the foundations of the Inca temple Qorikancha, dedicated to worship the Sun God.
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 09 – DECODING THE ANDEAN TEXTILE
AMARU COMMUNITY – PISAC
Experience the magic of authentic Andean weaving, from the shearing process of the llamas and sheep all the way to the final product, the vivid colors of the clothing worn by the villages of Amaru come from natural dyes extracted from plants and other organic elements. The weavers create fantastic geometric shapes that enclose ancient Inca codes. The communities knit their identity, customs and desires – creating a conversation with them by means of visual patterns. The Amaru villagers will teach you how to speak this language through textiles as you build your own design with their help.
You will be greeted by an amazing community reception with traditional music and beautiful Incan flowers (kantu). After the welcoming ceremony, you will begin “Decoding the Andean Textile” this starts with an explanation of all the different organic materials use to make the natural dyes – which plants they come from, what is their symbolism, and what other uses they have (many have medicinal qualities as well). The second activity is the shearing, cleaning and the coiling of the sheep or alpaca wool that is used in textiles – followed by a demonstration of how the wool is dyed by boiling. The iconography that is used in the textiles is extremely important to the villagers of Amaru – and through the duration of this activity, a local guide will explain the most important motives of each symbol that is weaved in the textile. Once the demonstration is concluded, you will get the chance to purchase beautiful, local textile all locally made and authentically (table runners, scarfs, purses, belts, bracelets, etc).
After, you will have an amazing lunch consisting of local cuisine prepared fresh with local ingredients.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 10 – SEDUCTIVE FULL DAY IN THE SACRED VALLEY
Start your exploration on the way to the Sacred Valley visiting Awanacancha, an Andean textile center whose key objective is to maintain the wealth of Incan textile art and keep their traditions alive.
Then head to the town of Pisac, famous for its ruins which lie atop a hill at the entrance the valley and separated along the ridge into four groups: Pisac, Inti Watana, Q’allaqasa, and Kinchiraqay. Visit the Inti Watana group which includes the Temple of the Sun, baths, altars, water fountains, a ceremonial platform, and an inti Watana – a volcanic ritual stone used as an astronomic clock or Inca calendar to define the change seasons.
Continue to the Pisac Markets, which was the place of reunion for all artisans of the region to get together and exchange or buy and sell their products.
After lunch, we will travel to the ruins of the Ollantaytambo fortress to continue the tour. These spectacular ruins were constructed during the time of the Incas.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 11 – HIRAM BINGHAM TRAIN TO MACHU PICCHU
Travel back in time aboard the elegant Belmond Hiram Bingham Train, enjoying the Ultimate in Luxury Train transportation on a 13-hour tour of the world-famous Machu Picchu. Climb aboard the train’s richly appointed 1920s Pullman cars to enjoy fabulous views of the Andes, white tablecloth dining and high-end wine.
Dine and dance your way between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu aboard this enchanting Luxury train. Named after the explorer who rediscovered the Inca Citadel.
This is an exclusive Luxury Train where you will enjoy a full day of unforgettable experiences.
- Welcome show aboard with typical dances of the region
- A Bar Car with the best Peruvian cocktails
- Gourmet lunch on board
- An Observatory Car to enjoy the scenery of the route
- Live music show
- Upbound bus to the Machu Picchu Citadel
- Entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu Citadel
- A tour guide in Spanish and/or English for a group up of 14 people
- Tea time at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Hotel
- Return bus to Machu Picchu Town
- VIP Lounge at Machu Picchu Station
- Gourmet dinner on board
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 12 – SUNRISE MACHU PICCHU CITADEL EXCURSION
You will leave your hotel after breakfast and board a bus that will take you to the entrance gate of the citadel of Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu is one of the most-visited sites worldwide. Machu Picchu dazzles all who visit it with its beauty and mystery. You will follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas as you explore this magical citadel along with your local and experimented tour guide.
After the tour, you will stop at a local restaurant for a buffet lunch.
Afterwards, you will have a little time to explore the town of Aguas Calientes before boarding your train back to Cusco.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Optional
HIKE UP TO HUAYNA PICCHU, the mountain behind Machu Picchu. This hike is strenuous and recommended only for travelers comfortable with heights and who have a good fitness level.
A fair amount of climbing is required. Get fabulous views of Machu Picchu from the top. Total time for this excursion is 2.5 hours. You may want to extend your hike and go to the Moon Temple as well, which is close to Huayna Picchu. This adds an extra hour total to this excursion. Total time for the Huayna Picchu visit, including the Moon Temple, is 3.5 hours. (This hike requires advanced reservations).
DAY 13 – FULL DAY RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
This morning we will head to the south of Cusco, a trip that will take approximately 3 hours to the starting point of the excursion. Once we arrive in the community of Chilca we will have breakfast followed by an information session that will be provided by our guide.
The hike will take between 4 to 5 hours (normal – slow rhythm) with the first part ascending gradually until the control point.
From this point, the trail will ascend sharply by 45 degrees until Vinincunca. To have an even better view, we will climb up a small mountain, which is found at the Forefront of this natural wonder, and see how fascinating this área is. We will be here for about 40 minutes and then return to the camping área for lunch where a departure time will be confirmed for the return trip back to Cusco.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 14 – MARAS MORAY TOUR & TRANSFER OUT CUSCO AND FLIGHT BACK HOME
Today you will set off in the direction of the Sacred Valley to the town of Chinchero, an authentic Andean village with lots of character, where we will find the colonial church that houses a large collection of painting from the Cusqueñan School of Art.
Next, continue to the salt fields of Maras and its seemingly never-ending terraces, where salt extracted from springs is stored. The use of Maras Salt dates back thousands of years and is inherited from generation to generation and managed communally.
Continue your excursion to admire the Moray terraces, believed to be a former gigantic agricultural laboratory, an astronomical observatory or a place of worship, or maybe all three. It is thought that Moray was used for plant adaptation to new climatic environments thanks to its circular terraces in immense cone-shaped depressions of 47 to 84 m that resemble giant fingerprints or contour lines.
At the scheduled time you will be shuttled from the hotel to the airport to board your flight back to Lima. Our representative will assist you with check-in procedures and then to your connecting flight back home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
