Peru: Amazon & Incas, 12 Days Lima to Cusco with A&K

Day One

Arrive Lima.

Arrive into the Peruvian capital with a transfer to your hotel.
Accommodation: Miraflores Park (Ocean View Junior Suite)

Day Two

Lima.

This morning explore Peru’s capital including a visit to Plaza Mayor, the official centre of the city, as well as the historic 16th century cathedral, and the Presidential Palace. Then travel through modern Lima to visit the fascinating Larco Herrera Museum which boasts an extensive private collection of pre-Inca ceramics – among the largest collection of its kind in the world. The afternoon is at leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Miraflores Park (Ocean View Junior Suite)     

Day Three

Lima – Iquitos.

Transfer to the airport for the flight* north to the remote colonial city of  Iquitos where you are met and transferred to the pier to board Aria Amazon, your luxury home afloat on the river
Meals Included:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Aria Amazon (First Deck cabin)   

Days Four – Five

Amazon cruise.

The next three days are spent travelling deep into the Amazon rainforest, along the Ucayali River, the Amazon’s largest tributary, as well as other neighbouring rivers (the Yarapa and Dorado), each one rich in vibrant wildlife and thriving rainforests

Go fishing for the many species of Amazon fish, explore the dense jungle on foot in search of three-toed sloths, toucans, macaws then return to the comfort of the ship’s skiffs to meet taricaya turtles in their natural habitat and hunt for endangered pink dolphins, unique to the Amazon. As the Aria Amazon journeys towards the union of the Ucayali and the Marañon Rivers, considered the birthplace of the Amazon, learn from experienced, English speaking naturalist guides about the diverse Amazon wildlife and birds of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
Meals Included:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Aria Amazon (First Deck cabin)

Day Six

Nauta – Lima.

Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for the return flight to Lima (B).
Meals Included:  Breakfast
Accommodation: Miraflores Park (Ocean View Junior Suite)     

Day Seven

Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley (2,800m).

Fly* to Cusco with lunch before travelling by road into the Sacred Valley, full of archaeological sites, Inca terraces and colonial churches. Visit Awanakancha, a centre where South American camelids including llamas, alpacas, guanacos and vicuñas are bred. Learn about their fleeces and ancient weaving techniques Remainder of day at leisure .
Meals Included:  Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba (Superior Deluxe)

Day Eight

Sacred Valley.

This morning experience a unique visit to an Andean highland community to meet local Quechua-speaking farmers and weavers. This personal encounter introduces you to the lifestyle and traditions of these Incan descendants. Lunch is at Hacienda Huayoccari.
Meals Included:  Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation:Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba (Superior Deluxe)

Day Nine

Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu (2,350m).

A morning tour of the massive Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo. Continue to the Ollanta train station and board the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes where a short bus ride will bring you to the ruins of Machu Picchu. Time to explore this fascinating site with your guide.
Meals Included:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (Junior Suite)

Day Ten

Machu Picchu – Cusco (3,400m).

Opportunity to further view the site at sunrise or hike with your guide. Lunch is at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel beside the Machu Picchu ruins. Later board the elegant Hiram Bingham train to Cusco with gourmet dinner and cocktails served en route.
Meals Included:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Inkaterra La Casona (Balcony Suite)

Day Eleven

Cusco.

This morning enjoy a city tour which includes the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas, the San Pedro market and the Santo Domingo Temple or Koricancha, a Dominican Church and convent built on the foundations of the Inca’s principal religious building, dedicated to sun worship. You also visit the ruins of Sacsayhuaman outside of Cusco, a testimonial to Incan architectural skills. This ancient fortress where the greatest battle between the Spanish and Incas took place overlooks the red-tiled roofs of Cusco and spectacular countryside.
Meals Included:  Breakfast
Accommodation: Inkaterra La Casona (Balcony Suite)    

Day Twelve

Depart Cusco.

Transfer airport for return flight* to Lima. Assistance with onward flight connections.
Meals Included:  Breakfast

*Flights are not included.

Please note: This tour departs on Wednesdays.