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11-Nights Machu Picchu + The Amazon Cruise In-Style from $11,799
Alexander+Roberts
OFFER ID 1524215
Machu Picchu + The Amazon Cruise In-Style
Peru's most important Inca and Colonial sites are uniquely combined with our stylish cruise deep into the Peruvian Amazon. Delight in our signature land touring, expertly guided with never more than 16 guests. and a 4-night cruise aboard the intimate 16-suite Aria Amazon.
11 nights from $11,799 per person
Itinerary Details
Alexander+Roberts
Machu Picchu + The Amazon Cruise In-Style
Day 1: Welcome to Lima
On arrival, you'll be warmly greeted and escorted to the stylish Hotel B in Barranco, one of the city's liveliest and most charming districts.
Day 2: Explore Lima #WHS#
After breakfast, join our engaging resident guide to explore the city, starting at Casa Aliaga. Distinguished by its authentic period details and fine collection of antique furnishings, art and artifacts, this is the oldest inhabited residence in the Americas. It was built by one of Pizarro's captains and still occupied by his descendents after 500 years. At the highly regarded Larco Museum, you'll discover a superb collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, the perfect introduction to the Inca sites you'll explore in the coming days. This evening, we've arranged for you to dine overlooking Huaca Pucllana, a sacred pyramid of the 4th century. Meals B+D
Day 3: Fly to Cuzco + Travel into the Sacred Valley
This morning, you'll be escorted to the airport for your included flight to Cuzco, the ancient capital of the once vast and mighty Inca Empire. On arrival, meet our Andean guide for a tour of the city including the Cathedral and other Colonial landmarks that grace the Plaza de Armas. Then descend into the Sacred Valley to visit Manos de la Comunidad to see llamas and alpacas and to learn about ancient weaving techniques that are still used throughout the Peruvian highlands. Continue to the charming town of Pisac, set in the shadow of a mountaintop Inca fortress and home to a colorful market. End your day at the luxurious Tambo Del Inka in the heart of the scenic Sacred Valley. Meals B+L
Day 4: The Sacred Valley
After breakfast, today's sightseeing begins as you ascend to the monumental fortress of Ollantaytambo, Inca-built with enormous stones and so strategically positioned that it was successfully defended against the Spanish in 1537. In the shadow of the citadel, the timeless community of Ollantaytambo looks today much as it did centuries ago with its simple grid of cobblestone streets, perfectly constructed stone walls and ancient canals.
Then sit down to a delightful farm-to-table lunch at Hacienda Huayoccari, a 17th-century estate that's been home to the Orihuela family for over 100 years. In the afternoon, enjoy our specially arranged pottery workshop in the studio of famed ceramicist Pablo Seminario. Meals B+L
Day 5: Discover the Lost City of the Inca #WHS#
A 2-day visit to Machu Picchu begins with a scenic rail journey through the Urubamba River Valley, a captivating region of snow-capped Andean peaks, quiet villages and terraced fields that have been cultivated since ancient times. On arrival in the town of Aguas Calientes, you'll board a coach for the 30-minute ride up the switchback mountain road that brings you to the entrance of Machu Picchu #WHS#. Explore the fabled Lost City as our engaging guide expertly sheds light on the once-mighty Inca Empire and their extraordinary achievements. Tonight, you'll be one of the privileged few to stay at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel here on the mountaintop adjacent to Machu Picchu. Meals B+L+D
Day 6: Sunrise at Machu Picchu + Back to Cuzco
You'll want to arise early to take advantage of our lodge's one-of-a-kind setting. As the only hotel next to Machu Picchu, you can be among the first to enter the site this morning. At this early hour, the day-visitors from Cuzco and the Sacred Valley have yet to arrive and even those who spent the night in the town below will still be making the 30-minute ascent. With fewer people and the soft light of morning just breaking over the mountain peaks, this early-morning visit to Machu Picchu is one of the most memorable travel experiences you will ever have. On your return rail journey to Cuzco, you'll stop in Chincheros, a small community known for the skill of its weavers. Arriving in Cuzco, you'll be escorted to the luxurious Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, where oxygenated rooms promise comfort at the high elevation. Meals B+L
Day 7: Ancient Sites + Daily Life in Cuzco #WHS#
This morning's sightseeing begins in the hills outside of town where you'll explore the remarkable ruins of Sacsayhuaman. Built in the 1400's by the Inca Emperor Pachacútec, the massive limestone blocks of this ancient site were cut with such precision that they fit together without mortar like the interlocking pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Back in town at the lively San Pedro Market, our in-the-know guide will offer insight into some of the age-old traditions that still endure here in the high Andes. Finish your sightseeing with a guided tour of the Cathedral, one of several Colonial-era landmarks that grace the Plaza de Armas. The rest of this day is free to enjoy as you wish. Meals B
Day 8: Fly to Iquitos + Embark Our Amazon Cruise
After breakfast, you'll be escorted to the airport for your included flight to Iquitos. Upon arrival in this lively river port, you'll continue overland to Nauta where you'll enjoy your first Amazon adventure - a guided boat excursion here in the headwaters of South America's mightiest river. At 5:00, step aboard the stylish Aria Amazon and settle in to your spacious outside suite. Meet our onboard naturalists for an introductory briefing and then sit down to a delightful dinner as our Amazon voyage gets underway. Meals B+L+D
Please Note... Over the next 3 days, our cruise itinerary will vary between High and Low Water Seasons - as indicated. Throughout the year, our ship's exact course and each day's activities will depend upon local conditions. Nightly briefings with our shipboard naturalists will preview the next day's excursions and activities.
Day 9: Exploring the Amazon by Land + Water
High Water Season - Nov to May: This morning finds us gliding silently in small skiffs along the Yanallpa River, listening for the calls of birds, monkeys and other wildlife as they begin their day. Yanallpa means "black earth" in the Quechua language and indeed these waters are opaque and nearly black, rich with nutrients from the surrounding rainforest. As conditions allow, you'll step ashore with our naturalists for a closer look at the unique flora and fauna. After lunch back onboard the Aria, you'll have time to relax and engage with your fellow travelers and the ship's naturalists. Later this afternoon, you'll embark on a guided twilight excursion to search for nocturnal species and to enjoy some spectacular stargazing.
Low Water Season - Jun to Oct: As we set out in our skiffs this morning on the Ucayali River, you're likely to see local farmers and fishermen going about their daily life; these pristine waters are also home to pink river dolphins and our sharp-eyed naturalists will be on the lookout for these amazing animals. Later this afternoon, you'll embark on a guided twilight excursion along the Pacaya River to search for nocturnal species and to enjoy some spectacular stargazing.
Meals B+L+D
Day 10: The Pacaya + Ucayali Rivers
High Water Season - Nov to May: This morning finds the Aria Amazon deep in the heart of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Here in Peru's largest protected area, we'll discover a vast wetland reserve filled with dense vegetation, lakes, palm swamps, and streams. In addition, the lush banks of the Pacaya River are home to great egrets, capuchin monkeys and taricaya turtles. After lunch, our guides will show you how the locals fish for paiche; reaching lengths of 7 feet or more, this native Amazon species is among the largest freshwater fishes in the world! On your afternoon excursion along the Ucayali River, you may find your skiff traveling alongside a local boat laden with bananas destined for the market town of Requena. These waters are also home to the remarkable pink river dolphin - so keep your eyes peeled!
Low Water Season - Jun to Oct: Enjoy another day of naturalist-guided discoveries deep in the heart of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Here in Peru's largest protected area, we'll find a vast wetland reserve filled with dense vegetation, lakes, palm swamps, and streams - prime habitat for diverse wildlife including great egrets, capuchin monkeys and taricaya turtles. In the afternoon, our guides will show you how the locals fish for paiche; reaching lengths of 7 feet or more, this native Amazon species is among the largest freshwater fishes in the world!
Meals B+L+D
Day 11: Personalize Your Exploration
During both High and Low Water Seasons, this morning offers a chance to tailor your activities to your personal interests and taste for adventure. Accompanied by our ship's experienced naturalists, you might go on a nature walk deep into the jungle or venture out by canoe or kayak. Conditions permitting, you might even go for a swim!
In High Water Season from Nov to May, you'll also enjoy a guided visit to an Amazon village - an exciting opportunity to experience daily life in the Peruvian rainforest.
In Low Water Season from Jun to Oct, you'll embark on a guided rainforest walk through the pristine San Jose de Sarapanga Forest to see giant water lilies .
This evening before dinner, our ship's captain will introduce you to some of the crew members who have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure a delightful cruise experience for you and your fellow passengers. Meals B+L+D
Day 12: Iquitos + Manatee Rescue Center + Fly to Lima
After breakfast, disembark in Iquitos and join residents at a local market to experience a slice of daily life - and to see the wide variety of fish and produce sourced from the Amazon. Before heading to the airport for your included flight to Lima, you'll also visit the San Juan Craft Market and the Manatee Rescue Center, where orphaned manatees are cared for until they can be released into their native river habitats including the Peruvian Amazon and its tributaries. Upon arrival in Lima, our staff will meet you and escort you to your onward flight. Meals B
National Reserve Pacaya-Samiria is the natural habitat for lots of wild animals and trees, as well as exuberant aquatic life: more than 500 bird species, 102 mammalians, 240 reptiles, 58 amphibians, 256 fishes and 1024 wild and cultivated vegetal species. In the reserve many species are protected: black caiman (Melanosuchus niger), dugongo (Trichechus inunguis), water turtle (Podocnemis unifilis), spider ape (Ateles sp.), giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), pink dolphin (Inia geoffrensis) and grey dolphin (Sotalia fluviatilis).
It isn’t difficult to find, year after year, new species of fauna and flora; and still few scientist dedicated to mysterious and variegate world of insects that populate the Reserve.
Excursions
SACRED VALLEY: Hat making lessons at Maras community - 1 hour
SACRED VALLEY: Hat making lessons at Maras community - 1 hour
Mrs. Grandonia and Mrs. Álvarez, the renowned hatters of Maras, run an attractive crafts shop that produces top hats. They want to share their art with the travelers who visit their town. Dare to learn this ancient Andean activity.
Tour duration: 1 hour
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair accessible: No
Physical activity level: Moderate
Included: Private guide and transportation, participatory classes
Not included: Tips for guide and driver.
Excursions
CUZCO: Pottery workshop by Totemiq - 3 hours
CUZCO: Pottery workshop by Totemiq - 3 hours
Let your imagination soar in two magnificent workshops offered by Totemiq, an artistic and cultural development project where Cusco traditions are rescued and given new life in artistic sessions. In the first activity, Cusco Colonial Glazed Ceramics, learn how to make a horse or bull of Pucara, a traditional Cusco figure, and apply fine finishes with a layer of enamel, giving it a glazed effect. In the second, the Colonial Gold Leaf application, enjoy painting with the characteristic colours of the mountain range and then finish decorating your work with gold leaf, a traditional technique that Art Trail has recovered and applied to contemporary crafts. Both workshops are taught by renowned Cusco artists. By the end of the sessions, you’ll have two personalised works that will be delivered to your hotel the following day. After the workshops, return to your hotel.
Tour duration: 3 hours
Tour can operate: Morning / afternoon
Wheelchair accessible: No
Physical activity level: Moderate
Included: Private guide and transportation, materials and souvenir
Not included: Tips for guide and driver.
Excursions
LIMA: Lima´s boardwalks and gastronomic experience - 4 hours
LIMA: Lima´s boardwalks and gastronomic experience - 4 hours
Start with a scenic tour of the boardwalk, crossing the bohemian district of Barranco and the modern district of Miraflores, passing by Love Park where you can admire an imposing view of the Pacific Ocean. After the tour, arrive at a thematic restaurant and participate in a cocktail demonstration class, learning how to prepare the famous pisco sour. Then, enjoy a demonstration cooking class, learning how to make a delicious, typical Peruvian dish. After both classes, enjoy a tasty lunch overlooking the sea. At the end of your tour, transfer back to your hotel.
Tour duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair accessible: No
Physical activity level: Moderate
Included: Private guide and transportation, gastronomic experience
Not included: Tips for guide and driver.
LIMA: Participative cocktail class offered by Hotel B - 1.5 hours
LIMA: Participative cocktail class offered by Hotel B - 1.5 hours
Learn to prepare some of the most representative cocktails of Peru in a participatory class at the elegant Hotel B. The class is carried out by an experienced bartender who explains the history of the drinks and the elements used for each one. Each cocktail will be accompanied by a tasty pairing. Take advantage of this experience to learn about local cocktails in this luxurious hotel, located in a mansion of the early twentieth century.
Tour duration: 1 hour 30
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair accessible: No
Physical activity level: Moderate
Included: Private guide and transportation, seasonal cocktail accompanied by a pairing
Not included: Tips for guide and driver.
Huacas and Shrines on a bike (Lima - 4 hours)
Huacas and Shrines on a bike (Lima - 4 hours)
Lima is a big and modern city, it has been in continuous occupation for almost 2,000 years. Scholars have found more than 30 archaeological sites at different locations within the city limits. “HUACAS” are pyramidal constructions with superimposed platforms ending on a flat top, they were used for religious and administrative purposes by prehispanic civilizations along the Peruvian coast.
Our specialized Guide and his assistant will pick you up at the hotel with the bikes and the necessary equipment for the activity. After the briefing you will ride along one of the principal avenues of Lima towards the heart of Miraflores while enjoying the architecture and everyday life of the city folks. The first stop is at Huaca Pucllana, built 1,300 years ago, this visit is a great introduction to the history of Lima, traditions, cuisine and economic activities of ancient inhabitants. Then, we continue to the commercial and financial district, San Isidro, to visit Huaca Huallamarca, which has been through a magnificent restoration by the City Hall, you´ll appreciate the contrast between history and modern life. Finally, we return to the hotel completing a 12 km circuit on the bike. This activity is offered for mornings and afternoons. It lasts for 4 hours. The advantage of being at sea level and our moderate weather is that we can provide it all year round. We include a vehicle as support in case someone in the group decides to stop biking during the tour.
Highlights:
- Huacas, pyramidal constructions
- Bike to admire the arquitecture
Tour can operate: the morning or afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate/Heavy (we provide a vehicle as support in case someone in the group decides to stop biking during the tour)
Inclusions:
- Transportation from/to hotel (as back up)
- Guide
- Bikes
- Assistant
- Bottle of water
- Items not mentioned in the Included section
Historical and Natural Sanctuaries (Lima - 6 hours)
Historical and Natural Sanctuaries (Lima - 6 hours)
Highlights:
- Villa Wetlands, a natural reserve
- Pachamac, a historical sanctuary and important ceremonial center
The south limits of Lima house two important sanctuaries for the visitor: Villa Wetlands, a natural reserve holding a great variety of flora and fauna, its bodies of water attract a good array of biodiversity, they have identified more than 200 species of resident and migratory birds. And Pachacamac, historical sanctuary and important ceremonial center of the central coast in Perú, it was occupied by 4 consecutive civilizations before the arrival of the Spanish.
Our specialized guide and the vehicle will pick you up at the hotel. It´s necessary to reach Villa Wetlands early in the morning to enjoy the ecosystem. You walk for 2 km. around a lagoon facing the ocean with good opportunities for pictures and a clear understanding of the migratory patterns. The next stop is Pachacamac, the highlights of this massive archaeological site are visited. You will also enter the Site Museum displaying important pieces found during excavations, one of them is the wooden idol of Pachacamac, the most important prehispanic god in this area, carved in local wood more than a thousand years ago.
Return to the hotel is after noon, the activity takes almost 6 hours and you walk almost 5 km during the visits.
Tour Duration: 6 hours
Tour can operate: daily (excepts Monday)
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Transportation from/to hotel
- Guide
- Entrance Fees
- Bottle of water
Not Included:
- Items not mention in the Included section
Walking the history center of Lima (4 hours)
Walking the history center of Lima (4 hours)
WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
Depart the pier to Lima's main square where the Spanish conqueror, Francisco Pizarro, founded the "City of Kings" in 1535. The Government Palace, Lima City Hall, Archbishop's Palace, and the Lima Cathedral surround the square.
Lima was founded to be the capital and most important town of the Spanish domain in South America until the 18th century. The Historical Center represents the model of architecture and urban planning of Spanish colonial cities with high political, economic and cultural importance, as devised by Charles V in 1542.
Our expert Guide will take you to the colonial section of Lima, you will walk among historical monuments, religious and political buildings located within the perimeter declared Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1988. This learning experience will allow you to appreciate typical examples of Hispanic American baroque style as well as some other different styles like Art Nouveau.
Besides the stops for great pictures of Limenian architecture, you will have the opportunity to visit Casa de Aliaga, a mansion still inhabited by the same family since the foundation of the city, an extraordinary experience that will take you back in time. To finish the experience, we will visit the Dominican Convent, which was the first catholic order to arrive in Perú with Francisco Pizarro and they have a lot of history, traditions, and sainthood to impress our travelers.
Highlights:
- Colonial section of Lima
- Visit Casa Aliaga, a mansion still inhabited by the same family since the foundation of the city
- Dominican Convent
Tour can operate: daily
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light/Moderate
Inclusions:
- Transportation from/to hotel
- Expert Guide
- Entrance fees
- Bottled water
- Snack
Not Included:
- Items not mention in the Included section
The Amano Textile Museum (4 hours)
The Amano Textile Museum (4 hours)
WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
This excursion brings us to the Amano Textile Museum, renowned globally for its extensive collection of archaeological artifacts from pre-Columbian Peruvian civilizations, as well as the significant efforts of Mr. Yoshitaro Amano in safeguarding the world's global textile heritage. The museum's inception followed Mr. Amano's decision to settle in Peru, leveraging his success as a Japanese entrepreneur.
During his journeys across Peru, Mr. Amano encountered relics abandoned by grave robbers. Recognizing their cultural importance, he dedicated a substantial portion of his time to recovering and preserving these artifacts scattered throughout Peru's coastal deserts. These treasures were then exhibited in his residence in Miraflores.
The Amano family remains deeply committed to advancing conservation and research initiatives centered on Peru's textile legacy, in accordance with the vision of the museum's founder, while also paying homage to his memory.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate level of activity (easy walking for short distances/stairs)
DURATION: 4 Hours
(Suggested) Departure Time(s) 10:30 and/or 14:30
Note: Filming and photography are not permitted in the Amano Textile Museum, we suggest leaving your cameras in the bus.
Museo Larco (4 hours)
WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
This excursion brings Larco Museum, founded by Rafael Larco Hoyle in 1926, to showcase ancient Peruvian history through its extensive collection of artifacts spanning 5000 years. Housed in an 18th-century viceroyalty mansion built atop a pre-Columbian pyramid, the museum is renowned for its erotic pottery, accessible archives, and beautiful gardens. Andres Alvarez Calderon, actual owner of the collection, emphasizes the importance of museums in preserving humanity's heritage and engaging the public through immersive experiences.
Since it was established in 1926, the Museo Larco has been acknowledged as a pioneer in terms of public access to its collections. It was one of the first museums in the world to open its storerooms to the public, and to provide online access to its entire collection, encouraging in this way the multidisciplinary research first promoted by its founder.
Larco Museum in focused on storytelling, allowing visitors to connect with Peru's ancient civilizations and their profound relationship with nature and the cosmos.
After this stop reboard the motor-coach to return to the pier.
WHAT YOU'LL SEE ALONG THE WAY
Museo Larco´s collections
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate level of activity (easy walking for short distances)
DURATION: 4 Hours
(Suggested) Departure Time(s) 09:00 and/or 14:00
Flash photography is not permitted in the Museum.
Includes:
- Pick up/drop off at the Port of Callao.
- Touring in a private vehicle with air-conditioning. All vehicles are fitted with cellular phones.
- Qualified, registered English-speaking tour guide.
- Entrance fees.
- Bottled Mineral Water and Tissues and hand wipes provided to all guests.
- Tips to drivers and guides.
- Any services not mentioned above.
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Prices subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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New York, NY
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