Andes to Amazon Adventure

Depart the UK on your overnight flight and arrive in Peru’s capital where you’ll transfer to your centrally located hotel.  

A complex and sophisticated city, Lima is shrouded in history and a guided tour, on your second day, will unveil its captivating charms. Explore the historic centre, the viceregal mansions of the Pueblo Libre district and the grandiose colonial architecture of the downtown area. Visit the renowned Larco Museum, which beautifully showcases a fine collection of pre-Hispanic textiles, gold and priceless ceramics, as well as Casa Aliaga, a remarkably preserved, ornately decorated colonial mansion.

On day 3, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco, where you’ll continue to the Sacred Valley for the next two nights.

A day to explore the peaceful sacred corner of the Andes, visiting rural towns and unearthing the mysteries of ancient civilisations. Visit Chinchero, the inhabitants of which preserve the culture of the Incas via traditional attire and practising ancient customs.

Make a short trip to the Living Museum of Yucay where Andean traditions are perfectly demonstrated through elaborate textile, pottery and silverware work, and continue to the Ollantaytambo fortress. Set beautifully against the scenic backdrop of the valley, where wild llamas and alpacas roam freely, these impressive terraced ruins are the site of one of the last Inca strongholds against the Spanish conquistadors.

Leave the Sacred Valley behind in the direction of Peru’s most iconic landmark. To reach Machu Picchu you will embark on one of the world’s most beautiful train rides, boarding the Vistadome which climbs through the mesmerising Andean mountains to Aguas Calientes, displaying unparalleled scenic vistas along the way. On arrival, an encompassing tour of the Lost City of the Incas awaits. 

Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

Return to Machu Picchu this morning for further exploration (unguided) of the citadel at your own leisure. Afterwards, wander the streets and markets of Aguas Calientes before taking the train to Cusco for a stay in a centrally located hotel.

Explore Cusco on a morning tour, visiting the key sites of the former capital of the Inca Empire. Stroll through the cobbled streets lined with baroque churches and Inca-era temples and take in the palpable Andean ambience of the city. See Coricancha, the most important Inca temple which lies at the base of the intricate Santa Domingo Convent and visit the imposing Cathedral in the main square. Finally,  head into the hills to Sacsayhuaman, a magnificent fortress with exceptional views of Cusco.

Fly back to Lima and stay overnight in a hotel close to the airport.

Today marks the start of your Amazon cruise adventure. Fly to Iquitos where you will be met and taken for your orientation and introduced to your expert guides along with your fellow travelling companions.

Head to the town of Nauta, the historical port where you will board La Perla and begin your cruise by sailing down the Marañon River to the confluence of the Marañon and Ucayali Rivers, where the Amazon River begins.

Rise early to the dawn chorus of water-dwelling river birds and head to the Communal Reserve of Yanayacu de Yacapana. Observe the parrots and macaws which fill the bushy treetops, cohabiting with playful monkeys swinging from the canopies and languid sloths clinging to the branches. It is entirely possible that your vessel will be followed by curious pink dolphins completing a memorable morning wildlife experience. The afternoon will be spent on a walking excursion through the tropical jungle with an optional night-time excursion to observe the nocturnal creatures of the rainforest. 

The next day it's another early start to see the wildlife at its most active. Sailing along the Black Yarapa River, your naturalist guides will help you spot squirrel & woolly monkeys, black-collared hawks and kingfishers as you head towards the Piranha Creek, a tributary of the Pacaya and Pacaya Samiria National Reserves. The afternoon is spent learning about medicinal plants and searching for insects, tarantulas and frogs on a jungle walk which serves to impact a better understanding of the flora and fauna of the Amazon. 

As you make your way back to Nauta, stop at the Amazon Rescue Centre where biologists and volunteers help to reintegrate manatees and other aquatic mammals that have been saved from illegal trafficking, back into the wild.

Disembark your cruise at Nauta before returning to Iquitos airport for your flight back to Lima and enjoy one final night in the city.

The following day you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.  Arriving back in the UK on day 13