Wonders of Peru

Upon arrival, reception and transfer to your selected hotel, located in the city’s exclusive residential district of Miraflores, for a 2 nights stay. Founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, this “City of Kings” is a blend of colonial structures, pre-Colombian sites and modern conveniences. It’s also one of the world’s premier culinary cities, with a cuisine that reflects its people’s varied origins and traditions. (None)

This morning, set out to discover Peru’s capital, visiting the Plaza Mayor and Cathedral of Lima. Continue to the Church of San Francisco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, seeing its stunning library and collection of distinctive paintings and frescoes. Also explore the Larco Museum, one of the city’s best museums for pre-Columbian artifacts. Set in a majestic, 18th-century mansion surrounded by gardens, the museum houses over 45,000 pieces of ceramics as well as mummies, a gold room and textiles made of feathers. (Breakfast)

Fly to Cusco, one-time capital of the Incan Empire and discover the tranquil, grassy wonderland of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with its colourful and lively markets, charming flower-filled plains, great natural beauty and some of the most impressive historic Inca sites. Spend rest of the afternoon at leisure, taking time to acclimatize. Stay 2 nights at selected hotel. (Breakfast)

Full-day excursion to see the Maras salt pans, the amphitheatre-like terracing of Moray and to the Inca town and fortress at Ollantaytambo, an astounding feat of construction and ingenuity. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Morning drive to Ollanta and board the morning train to Machu Picchu Pueblo (former Aguas Calientes) and take a tour of Machu Picchu, the ‘Lost City of the Incas’, one of the most impressive ancient sites in the world. Overlooking the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century at the height of the Inca Empire. Although this “Lost City” was revealed to the rest of the world by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911, its location was long known to locals. Its original purpose, however, remains a matter of some conjecture, as the Incas left no written records. Explore the ruins with your expert local guide and, as you wander amid the age-old stone walls, picture life as it might have been in this majestic citadel, set some 8,000 feet above sea level. In the evening, return by train to Cusco for 2 nights at selected hotel. (Breakfast)

This morning or afternoon, discover Cusco on a city tour that includes the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and the Santo Domingo Temple, a Dominican church built on the foundations of the Koricancha, the Incas’ principal religious building. Listen as a local expert explains how the historic clashes between the Incas and the Spanish played a role in forming today’s Peruvian culture. Next, travel just outside of Cusco to behold the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, an enduring testament to Incan architectural skills. Examine its colossal stone blocks, cut and fitted together with incredible precision and without a single drop of mortar to hold them in place. This imposing fortress, which witnessed the greatest battle between the Spanish and the Incas, overlooks the red-tiled roofs of Cusco. (Breakfast)

Fly to Iquitos, via Lima, and board a small Amazon cruiser for a 3-night cruise. Arrive in Iquitos, the gateway to the Amazon. After a brief tour of the jungle city, you’ll  board your gleaming vessel and settle into your river-facing cabin. (Dinner)

Spot wildlife while exploring the tributaries of the mighty Amazon river and the remote and wild Pacaya-Samiria Reserve. Shared early morning, afternoon and evening excursions are made in small groups, either on board comfortable skiffs or by foot, and accompanied by expert jungle guides. Kayak, canoe and swim in these unspoiled black waters, while watching for wild denizens, such as colorful macaws, three-toed sloths and even the Amazon’s legendary pink dolphins. Visit a remote village along the reserveto meet the locals and learn about their traditional customs. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Spot wildlife while exploring the tributaries of the mighty Amazon river and the remote and wild Pacaya-Samiria Reserve. Shared early morning, afternoon and evening excursions are made in small groups, either on board comfortable skiffs or by foot, and accompanied by expert jungle guides. Kayak, canoe and swim in these unspoiled black waters, while watching for wild denizens, such as colorful macaws, three-toed sloths and even the Amazon’s legendary pink dolphins. Visit a remote village along the reserveto meet the locals and learn about their traditional customs. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Disembark and transfer to Iquitos. Fly to Lima and international connection back home. End of services. (Breakfast)