Peruvian Amazon & Machu Picchu Exploration (2021)
Experience the very best of Peru over 15 days of wonder and amazement. From a deep dive into Lima—the “City of Kings”—to the legendary Machu Picchu, this 15-day cruise/tour is an all-encompassing adventure into the marvels of Peru and the Amazon rainforest.Experience the very best of Peru over 15 days of wonder and amazement.
From a deep dive into Lima—the “City of Kings”—to the legendary Machu Picchu, this 15-day cruise/tour is an all-encompassing adventure into the marvels of Peru and the Amazon rainforest.
Your adventure starts in Lima, where you’ll explore the colorful colonial architecture, the bohemian district of Barranco and the San Francisco Monastery. Journey into the Amazon on board the Aria Amazon, a five-star ship designed for your Peruvian adventure. Embark on river skiffs as you explore the Ucayali and Marañón Rivers before setting off to the birthplace of the Amazon River. Admire the diverse flora and fauna in the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve.
Discover the beauty of the heartland of the Inka Empire, known as the Sacred Valley. Of course, no trip to Peru could truly be complete without a trek to the world famous Machu Picchu. A must-see, this spectacular piece of history has fascinated both historians and archaeologists alike. Your trip ends in the Andes Mountains in Cusco, a perfect blend of Ancient Andean culture and Spanish colonial splendor.
With no shortage of awe-inspiring beauty, this trip is sure to be an unforgettable adventure.
Note: The cruise itinerary will vary depending on water levels.
- Lima City Tour
This panoramic drive will take you around the coastline of Lima in Miraflores. Admire the colorful colonial architecture that fills the city. You’ll stroll around the “Plaza San Martín” and “Plaza de Armas,” the main square. Afterward, your guide will take you to the San Francisco Monastery. A maze of tunnels and catacombs await you here.
- Casa Aliaga
Built in 1535, the “Plaza de Armas” is one of Lima’s oldest buildings. A colonial mansion of the Aliaga family, it has been passed down the family for 17 generations. You will meet a family member who will give you a tour and show you items from centuries past. Lunch will be served at the mansion.
- Barranco Tour
Before dinner, we’ll set off to Barranco, the capital’s bohemian district. Home to many renowned artists, musicians, photographers and designers, this neighborhood is alive at all hours of the day—and night. Marvel at the colonial architecture and lush parks before ending at the Bridge of Sighs, an ancient bridge that has inspired poets and songwriters for centuries. After the tour, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner in the area.
Featured Excursion:
- Marañón River skiff ride
Today, you’ll be exploring the Amazon rainforest by skiff, a small river boat. One of the most important water sources in Peru, and a main Amazon tributary, the Marañón River is abundant in animal and plant life. Be on the lookout for one of the 64 rare bird species or pink dolphins.
In the evening, you will be welcomed with a reception dinner by Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. Famous for his innovative take on Amazonian cuisine, this dinner will be bursting in flavors unique to the Peruvian Amazon.
Featured Excursions:
- Kayak Yanayacu-Pucate River
Enjoy a state-of-the-art skiff ride on the Yanayacu-Pucate River. Famous for its black water, you’ll have the chance to kayak, canoe and swim in these legendary waters.
If luck is on your side, you might see a pink dolphin, native to the Amazon River and surrounded in legend.
- Village Tour
Over 400 tribes, some of which have yet to have contact with outside humans, call the Amazon home. Today, you’ll get the unique opportunity to meet some of them. We’ll set off on the Marañón River where you’ll meet the locals of a remote village and learn about their culture, which goes back centuries.
Featured Excursions:
- Samiria River & jungle walk
Start your day on a skiff as we cruise along the Samiria River, where you’ll have the option to spend some time fishing. Afterward, we’ll take to the land as we venture out for a jungle walk across the high Amazon.
- Stargazing on the “Enchanted Lake”
There are few sights as breathtaking as a sky illuminated by thousands of stars. Deep in the Amazon, look up to the darkest and clearest sky you’ve ever seen. We’ll spend the evening floating on the “Enchanted Lake,” gazing at constellations and planets.
Featured Excursions:
- Nauta market visit
Discover some of the exotic fruits unique to the area, such as Camu Camu or Maracuya. Meet local fishermen and see what the catch of the day is. Maybe even indulge your taste buds in an unfamiliar treat.
- Birthplace of the Amazon
Despite centuries of exploration, the Amazon River remains a fascinating destination, shrouded in mystery. Journey to where this mighty river is born, where the Ucayali and Marañón Rivers join. While all the lush greenery is breathtaking, you’ll especially be amazed at the giant water lilies growing in the river basin.
Featured Excursions:
- Skiff tour along the Ucayali River
Running 907 miles through Peru, the Ucayali River is the longest in the country. Boarding our state-of-the-art skiffs, we’ll spend the afternoon admiring the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
- Evening skiff tour on the Pacaya River
Home to plenty of nocturnal animals, the Pacaya River comes alive at night. We’ll take a skiff along the river and keep our eyes peeled for some of the wildlife.
- Skiff tour on the Pacaya River
Egrets, capuchin monkeys and taricaya turtles, oh my! This skiff excursion will take you deep into the Amazon rainforest, where, if you keep your eyes on alert, you’ll have the chance to see plenty of wildlife up close.
- Paiche fishing demonstration
One of the largest freshwater fish in the world, the paiche can grow up to 400 pounds. Adored for its large size and tasty meat, the paiche has been feeding Amazonian tribes for thousands of years. Today, you’ll meet up with some Amazonian fishermen for a demonstration. They might even get lucky and catch a paiche fish in front of you.
- Skiff tour on the Ucayali River
In the afternoon, we’ll take a skiff tour on the Ucayali River. We’ll follow the banana boats transporting their jungle products to the port of Requena, while keeping an eye out for pink river dolphins.
Featured Excursions:
- Yarapa River & Clavero Lake
Choose between jungle walking, canoeing, kayaking or swimming on the black waters of the Yarapa River. Afterward, we’ll sail to Clavero Lake, where you’ll see villagers paddle in their traditional dugout canoes.
- Jungle walk in the San Jose de Sarapanga forest
Spend the afternoon surrounded by the dense San Jose de Sarapanga forest. Near the basin of the river, you’ll see giant water lilies, a true Amazon beauty. The lily leaves can grow up to 18 inches and hold close to 300 pounds.
- Nauta town visit
Founded in 1930, Nauta is a central gathering place for Amazonian villagers to buy and trade their local harvest. Your guide will show you the town and give you insight into the daily life of these remote people.
- Manatee Rescue Center
Manatees in the Amazon face multiple threats, from habitat destruction to hunting. The Amazon Rescue Center, funded by the Dallas World Aquarium Zoo, takes in orphaned calves, rehabilitates them and releases them back into the wild. Since their founding, they’ve rescued over 40 orphaned baby manatees. During this visit, you’ll have a chance to get up close to these majestic creatures.
- San Juan craft market
Before heading to the airport, we’ll stop at a local craft market. Meet local artists and pick up any last-minute souvenirs from your unforgettable adventure.
Featured Excursions:
- Moray
A pre-Inkan site, Moray is considered to be a significant Inka agricultural research center. Your guide will give you a tour of the round, agricultural terraces. Afterward, you will meet with local women who will show you traditional Peruvian weaving techniques.
- Ollantaytambo
One of the few battles where the Spaniards lost to the Inkas took place at Ollantaytambo, an impressive fortress that overlooks one of the oldest villages in Cusco. After your tour of the fortress, you will walk to the “last living Inka village of Peru,” which sits under Ollantaytambo. Experience the fascinating way of living in the Sacred Valley at a family home visit. Afterward, enjoy a picnic to the sounds of traditional local Inkan instruments before making your own panpipe.
Featured Excursion:
- Machu Picchu
Your day starts early with a shuttle bus up to the ancient citadel. Your guide will share stories about the Inka civilization, the site’s discovery, and all the theories surrounding this spectacular piece of history. Enjoy lunch at the famous Sanctuary Lodge before heading back down to Aguas Calientes.
Featured Excursion:
- Cusco city tour
Start your morning off at Sacsayhuamán, the Inkan ceremonial fortress dedicated to the sun. Indulge your senses at the San Pedro market as you wander through the colorful stands overflowing with fruits, vegetables, spices and local products. Your tour continues after lunch with visits to the renaissance-style Cathedral and Koricancha, the temple dedicated to the sun “Inti.” Finally, your day ends with a dining experience inside the San Francisco Monastery of Cusco.
Featured Excursion:
- San Blas walking tour
Abundant in beautiful handicrafts and antique stores, San Blas is a vibrant neighborhood. You’ll visit the Hilario Mendivil Museum, showcasing the work of Mendivil, an artist famous for statues of saints with notoriously long necks. Wander down small alleys with your guide before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.
| Cruise Departure | Double Occupancy Pricing | Ship | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Wed, 05 May 2021
(Lima to Lima) |
$14,499.00 |
Aria Amazon |
Select this date | |
|
Wed, 02 Jun 2021
(Lima to Lima) |
$14,499.00 |
Aria Amazon |
Select this date | |
|
Wed, 30 Jun 2021
(Lima to Lima) |
$14,499.00 |
Aria Amazon |
Select this date | |
|
Wed, 01 Sep 2021
(Lima to Lima) |
$15,499.00 |
Aria Amazon |
Select this date | |
|
Wed, 29 Sep 2021
(Lima to Lima) |
$15,499.00 |
Aria Amazon |
Select this date | |
|
Wed, 03 Nov 2021
(Lima to Lima) |
$15,499.00 |
Aria Amazon |
Select this date | |
|
Wed, 01 Dec 2021
(Lima to Lima) |
$15,499.00 |
Aria Amazon |
Select this date | |
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- All fares are per guest in US Dollars based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted.
- Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice.
- Availability of all stateroom categories cannot be guaranteed.
- Single Supplement applies for single accommodation.
- Itineraries, hotels, and vessels may change, and substitute visits to other sites may occur during your trip due to water level fluctuations and other uncontrollable factors.
- The order of sightseeing and docking ports are subject to change according to port authority assignments.
Dining
- Meals onboard prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
- Five-star cuisine with menu by top chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino
- 14 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 11 dinners
- Complimentary house wine and beer, spirits, soft drinks, tea, and coffee will be served on the Aria Amazon, between 6am and 11pm throughout the cruise. Onboard lunches and dinner include complimentary house wine and beer, soft drinks, coffee and tea. Onshore lunches and dinners include complimentary soft drinks, coffee and tea
Excursions
- 13 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts and naturalist guides
Accommodations
- 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the luxurious Aria Amazon
- Lavishly appointed riverview suites with floor-to-ceiling windows
- 2 nights in Lima at the Country Club Lima Hotel (or similar)
- 1 night in Urubamba at the Hotel Tambo del Inka (or similar)
- 1 night in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) at The Sumaq Hotel (or similar)
- 2 nights in Cusco at the Belmond Hotel Monasterio (or similar)
- 1 night in Lima at the Wyndham Costa del Sol Hotel at the Lima International Airport (or similar)
Experiences
- 1 country: Peru
- 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
- Cultural enrichment
- All transfers on arrival and departure days
- Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour
