Aria Amazon Cruise and Machu Picchu
This 9-day journey takes you to the depths of the Peruvian Amazon and the Incan Empire. You will board the luxury Aria Amazon Cruise, which will allow you to discover the wildlife, ecosystems, local customs and marine and jungle landscapes. This journey also includes visits to the Sacred Valley – a 62-mile tendril of fertile land that was pivotal to the Incan empire and Machu Picchu – the cloud-kissing city that’s a time capsule for Incan culture.
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HighlightsLima, Iquitos, Amazon River, Cuzco, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
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Duration9 days
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Start PointLima
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Finish PointLima
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Trip StyleAmazon River Peru Cruise, History & Culture, Peru Honeymoon, Peru Luxury Tours, Travel Photography,
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IncludedAll excursions off the Aria AmazonPacaya Samiria National Reserve entrance feeTransfers to/from vesselPrivate guidesPrivate toursAll meals on board the cruiseBuffet lunch in the Sacred ValleyAll BreakfastsHotel nights as per the itineraryTravel InsuranceTrain to/from Machu Picchu24/7 SupportEntrance feesAccredited Tour GuidesTours and Transfers
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Not IncludedDomestic airfareTipsMeals not mentionedInternational airfare
Day 1: LIMA
Welcome to the capital city of Peru. A private transfer will take you from the airport to your hotel.
No meals included.
Day 2: LIMA - IQUITOS - AMAZON RIVER
Welcome to Iquitos! A private transfer will take you to the pier to board the Aria Amazon Cruise. Be ready to enjoy one of life's greatest adventures!
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch.
Day 3: AMAZON RIVER
During high water season (Nov-May): You will set sail from the Amazon River to the Yarapa River. Keep your binoculars ready to spot tropical songbirds, black collared hawks and sloths. You will go fishing for ferocious piranhas while our naturalist guides share stories of Lake Moringo. Later, you will have an evening's wildlife excursion with extraordinary stargazing on the black waters of Nauta Caño.
During low water season (Jun-Oct): You will start your adventure near the main entrance of Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Kayak, canoe and swim in the spoiled black waters, keeping eyes peeled for the Amazon's legendary pink dolphins. In the afternoon, we will visit a remote village along the Marañon River.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 4: AMAZON RIVER
During high water season (Nov-May): We will take a jungle walk across suspended bridges deep into the high Amazon rainforest. On the night, you will focus on hitech telescope sky to identify the planets and constellations.
During low water season (Jun-Oct): After the jungle walk, you will enjoy the jungle symphony and extraordinary stargazing on local boats along the "Enchanted Lake".
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 5: AMAZON RIVER - IQUITOS - CUZCO
This morning, you will visit the local fresh market to discover some region's exotic fruits and identify the day's catch by the fishermen of Amazonia.
Before saying goodbye, we will visit the Manatee Rescue Center, an animal orphanage for Amazonian manatees to rescue, rehabilitate and release them back into the wild.
Later, a private transfer will take you to the airport to take your flight to the city of Cuzco.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch.
Day 6: CUZCO
Embark on a guided tour of Cuzco that was once the capital of the Incan empire. You'll see the main plaza with its imposing Colonial cathedral and visit the Santo Domingo Convent.
Later, you'll head to the outskirts of town to see the ancient historical sites of Sacsayhuaman, Quenco and Tambomachay.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 7: CUZCO - SACRED VALLEY - AGUAS CALIENTES
Tour the Sacred Valley with a guide. In the pecking order of Incan sites, this place ranked pretty high. Its fertile lands were a vital source of food for the empire. You`ll call in on the ancient settlements of Pisaq and Ollantaytambo, as well as see a more modern site to the valley during a visit to the Awanacancha weaving centre.
In the afternoon, you'll travel to Aguas Calientes, which is also known as Machu Picchu Village.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch.
Day 8: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU - CUZCO
Wake before the sun, and get to Machu Picchu in time to watch it rise above the ancient ruins.
Take a guided tour of Machu Picchu to open the archives on its history. You'll see ritual baths, temples and fountains and also have the option to pay a little extra to climb to the top of Huayna Picchu – the mountain that stands like a watch tower at the far end of Machu Picchu.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 9: CUZCO - LIMA
Arrive in Lima and take your private transfer to Lima center.
Embark on a Lima city tour. Sights boomerang from old to new. You'll visit the main plaza, the Presidential Palace and take in the 17th century Monastery of San Francisco with its eerie catacombs.
Then, it's time to leave. A private transfer will take you to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast.