Peruvian Amazon and Machu Picchu Exploration
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Machu Picchu is one of the most world’s most exciting destinations. On this tour, however, it’s only one of the dozens of magnificent adventures that await you. You’ll start your fifteen-day adventure in Lima, where you’ll see its beautiful colonial architecture and the famous bohemian district of Barranco. Then, board your five-star Amazon riverboat on your way to Peru’s Sacred Valley, stopping on the way to explore the wild waterways of Ucayali and Marañón. After making your climb to Machu Picchu, you’ll end your trip in the gorgeous Andes Mountains with an exploration of ancient Andean culture. The sights and sounds of this Amazon cruise will stay with you for a lifetime.
Itinerary
DAY 1 Arrive Lima
Arrive at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima. If your cruise/tour package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, a Uniworld representative will be on hand to greet you and escort you to the beautiful Country Club Lima Hotel. Its charm and comfort will offer you the perfect home for your exploration of the city.
DAY 2 Lima
Known as the “City of Kings,” Lima was founded in 1535. A melting pot of cultures, flavors and history, this bustling metropolis has something for everyone, and today you get to discover it all.
DAY 3 Lima, Fly to Iquitos (Nauta), Embark
You will be picked up at your hotel and taken to the airport for your flight to Iquitos. Upon your arrival at Iquitos International Airport, a Uniworld representative will be on hand to greet you and escort you to the Aria Amazon.
In the evening, you will be welcomed with a reception dinner by Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. Famous for his innovative take on Amazonian cuisine, this dinner will be bursting in flavors unique to the Peruvian Amazon.
DAY 4 Yanayacu-Pucate River, Marañón River
Your day starts at the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, the second largest protected natural area in Peru. Kayak, canoe and swim in the black waters of the Yanayacu-Pucate River. In the afternoon, learn about traditional customs of the area at a remote village along the Marañón River. Once the sun sets, we’ll gaze at the night sky, where you’ll have a crystal-clear view of planets and constellations.
DAY 5 Samiria River, Nauta Caño (Amazonian Natural Park)
Today we’re exploring the vibrant wildlife and lush greenery thriving in the Amazon. Your naturalist guide will teach you all about the diverse flora and fauna unique to the region before setting off on a guided jungle walk. You’ll finish the day stargazing on the “Enchanted Lake.”
DAY 6 Nauta
One of the oldest inhabited areas in the Peruvian Amazon, Nauta is nestled between the Marañón and Ucayali Rivers. You’ll explore the town’s market, which is full of fresh fish, fruits and vegetables. From there, it’s a short journey to the birthplace of the Amazon River.
DAY 7 Ucayali River, Pacaya River
Experience life as an Amazon River dweller as you cruise along the Ucayali River. Search for the famous pink dolphins and other wildlife lurking just beyond the river. Once the sun sets, we’ll take to the Pacaya River, on the lookout for nocturnal beasts.
DAY 8 Pacaya River, Ucayali River, Tapiche River
Your day starts early today with a skiff excursion along the Pacaya River, where you’ll venture into the rainforest to see some wildlife. Following lunch, you’ll participate in a paiche fishing demonstration. The paiche is the second largest fish in the world. We’ll end the day watching for the pink river dolphins on the Ucayali River.
DAY 9 Clavero Lake, San Jose de Sarapanga Forest
Spend the morning jungle walking, canoeing, kayaking or swimming on the black water Yarapa River or Clavero Lake. In the afternoon, see the unbelievable giant water lilies of the San Jose de Sarapanga forest.
DAY 10 Nauta (Iquitos), Disembark, Fly to Cusco, Urubamba (The Sacred Valley)
Take a morning walk through the town of Nauta before disembarking the Aria Amazon. Your guide will take you on a few excursions on your way to the Iquitos airport for your flight to Cusco.
Once you’ve landed in Cusco, you will be taken to the Tambo del Inka hotel in the Sacred Valley. You will be welcomed with a delicious farm-to-table dinner.
DAY 11 Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu)
Today you will explore the heartland of the Inka Empire, known as the Sacred Valley. Your guide will take you to Moray and Ollantaytambo, two historic sights of significant importance. You’ll experience the unique way of living in the Sacred Valley as you meet locals. We finish the day with a train ride to Aguas Calientes, the small villages nestled at the bottom of Machu Picchu.
Please note: You are only allowed one 11 lb piece of luggage on the train to Aguas Calientes. All other luggage will be taken to your hotel in Cusco.
DAY 12 Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu), Cusco
A breathtaking, historical sight, Machu Picchu is one of the “must-see” archeological sites in the world. This remarkable Inkan Empire site was never found by the Spaniards and was rediscovered during the 20th century. Today, archeologists continue to excavate this ancient city. While many mysteries still surround it, Machu Picchu tells a story of a history that goes back thousands of years. Following your day at Machu Picchu, you will take a train to Ollantaytambo and then a motor coach will take you to the Belmond Monasterio hotel in Cusco.
DAY 13 Cusco
Located in the Andes Mountains, Cusco was the heartland of the Inkan Empire. Today, you will explore all the wonders of this city as you admire the cobblestone streets, colorful textiles and art galleries. A perfect blend of ancient Andean cultures with Spanish colonial splendor, Cusco is not to be missed. Overnight, you will stay in the Belmond Monasterio hotel.
DAY 14 Cusco, Fly to Lima
We’re headed back to Lima today. After a brief walk around town, you’ll head to the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport hotel.
DAY 15 Lima
Your majestic Peru adventure ends this morning. Your guide will walk you from the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport hotel to the Lima International Airport check-in.
About this trip
See 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites and 1 country
Departure Months
June to April
What's included
14 NIGHTS
Accommodation
36 MEALS
14 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 11 dinners. Complimentary house wine and beer, spirits, soft drinks, tea, and coffee will be served on the Aria Amazon, between 6am and 11pm throughout the cruise.
ON-TRIP TRANSPORT
All transport shown
Sightseeing highlights
Designed to explore the Peruvian Amazon in luxury and comfort, the Aria Amazon is an all-suite ship with floor-to-ceiling windows, giving you a full view of the majestic rivers and rainforest. The top deck features a jacuzzi, indoor lounge & bar and an outdoor observation deck. With all-inclusive amenities and five-star cuisine by top chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, this luxurious ship is guaranteed to give you an intimate and immersive experience.
From a deep dive into Lima—the “City of Kings”—to the legendary Machu Picchu, this 15-day cruise/tour is an all-encompassing adventure into the marvels of Peru and the Amazon rainforest.
Embark on river skiffs as you explore the Ucayali and Marañón Rivers before setting off to the birthplace of the Amazon River. Admire the diverse flora and fauna in the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve.
The Bressenden difference
DINING
Meals onboard prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
Five-star cuisine with menu by top chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino
14 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 11 dinners
Complimentary house wine and beer, spirits, soft drinks, tea, and coffee will be served on the Aria Amazon, between 6am and 11pm throughout the cruise. Onboard lunches and dinner include complimentary house wine and beer, soft drinks, coffee and tea. Onshore lunches and dinners include complimentary soft drinks, coffee and tea
EXCURSIONS
13 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts and naturalist guides
ACCOMMODATIONS
7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the luxurious Aria Amazon
Lavishly appointed riverview suites with floor-to-ceiling windows
2 nights in Lima at the Country Club Lima Hotel (or similar)
1 night in Urubamba at the Tambo del Inka hotel (or similar)
1 night in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) at The Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel (or similar)
2 nights in Cusco at the Belmond Monasterio hotel (or similar)
1 night in Lima at the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport hotel at the Lima International Airport (or similar)
EXPERIENCES
3 UNESCO World Heritage sites
Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
Cultural enrichment
All transfers on arrival and departure days
Flights included between Lima & Iquitos, Iquitos & Cusco, and Cusco & Lima
Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
Low deposits – Booking protected.
CRUISE ONLY
Just want to do the cruise on its own? Then it is possible take off the Machu Picchu extension. Contact us for more details.
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Included
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Not Included
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