Overview
Machu Picchu and Iquitos, two of the most amazing destinations in Peru, will open your eyes and dazzle you in a 10-day expedition through the best of each place. This itinerary is for the ones who want to travel to the top and most famous regions in Peru differently. We’ll take you along the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting its interesting Inca sites and relaxing surrounded by astonishing mountains in hand-picked boutique properties. You will explore the best of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve on board the luxurious El Delfin cruise ensuring maximum comfort in the Amazon Rainforest. Peru’s Andes and jungle await!
Why we love this trip!
- Discover the scenic route to Machu Picchu by taking the Sacred Valley train.
- Explore Machu Picchu, the most famous Inca fortification.
- Cruise the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve on board the luxury El Delfin III vessel to the source of the Amazonas River.
Itinerary day-by-day
Welcome to Peru! Upon landing at Cusco airport, we will greet you and take you in private transportation towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We’ll stop at Sarapampa, a beautiful country manor that has been farming some of the best corn in Cusco for over three generations. Our host will welcome and show you around the hacienda before settling in for a delicious meal. Then, we’ll visit the Pisac traditional market to appreciate many local customs and regional products, before heading to your charming countryside hotel.
Set off on tour to visit Moray, a unique Inca site consisting of circular terraces built upon a natural depression. Then, head to Maras and visit MIL Centro, a new cuisine proposal at 3,568 m (11706 ft) by Virgilio Martinez, the most recognized Peruvian chef in the world. Savor here a gourmet 8-course meal based on the Andean highlands before visiting the Maras salt-extraction complex. Next, enjoy the views of this impressive salt-extraction complex while taking an easy painting class to capture the beauty and intensity of the unbelievable landscape.
Leave our hotel and head to Piuray Outdoor Center at the shores of Piuray Lagoon. Your instructor will welcome and give you a short briefing of today’s adventure before starting your kayaking experience. Go in the water and stroll along the lake, surrounded by a beautiful landscape and birds. Afterward, enjoy a fresh lunch made with the best inputs with the unbeatable view of the lake. After some time to rest, leave Piuray, and start our journey back to your hotel.
Board the exclusive Sacred Valley train and start your journey towards Machu Picchu town. This elegant train dates back to 1920, and after a complete refurbish, it’s possible to enjoy a fascinating ride among the Andes onboard a classic but luxurious train. After a 30-minute bus up a steep zigzagging road, you’ll encounter Machu Picchu. The afternoon is a great time to take the guided tour around the main areas of the site, as many travelers are leaving the site at this point. Your guide will be happy to answer all the questions you may have before we take you back to Aguas Calientes and your charming hotel.
Today at the coordinated time, we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo, a charming village that has not changed much since Inca times. We will explore this town and of its famous archaeological site, a fortress with impressive Inca stonework only seconded by Machu Picchu. Afterward, we continue to Wayra restaurant, where you will get to enjoy a delicious lunch while appreciating a show of the Peruvian Paso horse. Drive to your hotel in Cusco city.
Strap on our walking shoes and get ready to explore the historical center of Cusco and the surrounding countryside! We will begin with a 10-minute drive to our first visit of the day: Sacsayhuaman, a massive Inca fortress overlooking the city. Next, we’ll head back to the city. Now, our walking tour will take us not only through the most touristic sites in Cusco, such as the Main Square, and Koricancha (Temple of the Sun), but also along ancient streets, local markets, and old neighborhoods. There we will discover the magic of Cusco! A spot we like to visit, where few others go, is San Francisco Church. It has impressive colonial architecture, catacombs, and excellent rooftop views of the city. Finally, we will head to the MAP Cafe Museum. This restaurant is probably the best option in the city for a gourmet meal. You will enjoy an exquisite seven-course tasting menu with the best of our Andean cuisine.
Leave Cusco and board your flight to Iquitos, the northern Amazon Rainforest. On arrival, your cruise crew will welcome you and drive to the local port in Nauta to board your deluxe cruise El Delfin III. You’ll go on a 4-day expedition along the Marañon River and Pacaya Samiria National Reserve while enjoying some cocktails onboard and the beautiful views from the top deck.
Don’t miss the change to enjoy the astonishing sunrise from your panoramic view cabin! Head on a 2-hour skiff exploration and jungle walk trail to Fundo Casual that will take you deep in the Terra Firme forest. Your guide will teach you about the Amazon flora and fauna. Continue your Amazon expedition towards Yanayacu and Pucate rivers and enter the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, a protected area of the reserve, due to the presence of the endangered pink dolphin.
Go on a 4-hour exploration and walk along the Amazon Natural Park. Here, you’ll learn about the medicinal use of the many plants and trees that live in this forest. Following a tasty lunch, you’ll board the boats and go towards Puerto Prado. This small Amazon village will be happy to welcome you in their community. After this eye-opening encounter, we’ll continue our boat trip towards Unión de Los Ríos. At this river confluence, the Ucayali river meets the Marañon river upstream of the immense Amazon River.
After a farewell breakfast, we’ll say good-bye to the lovely cruise crew that traveled with us during the past four days and start our drive back to Iquitos city. On route to Iquitos, we will stop at The Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals to meet some river otters and baby manatees, one of the most threatened species from the Amazon. This visit and donation will help to support the preservation project. Finally, we will continue to the airport to board your flight to your next destination.
What’s included?
- Personalized attention before and throughout your trip
- Brief presentation prior departure
- All transfers and transports
- Entrance fees
- Local English-speaking guide focused on personalized trips
- Accommodation at well-thought hotels according to your travel style
- Mentioned meals
What’s not included?
- Services not specified in the program, extras & tips
- Domestic flights
- International flights
- Travel Insurance
Route
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