Peru Odyssey: Lima, Amazon, Machu Picchu & More

Upon arrival to Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport, please make your way through customs and collect your baggage. After passing through the arrivals exit, you will be met by a local representative who will be holding a sign with your name on it. Once you have met your local representative, you will be provided with a welcome kit, and then will be taken to an awaiting private vehicle that will transfer you to your hotel.

In the early afternoon, meet your tour guide and set out to explore Lima’s creative hub, Barranco. On this walking tour, you will visit artists’ workshops, handicraft shops, and see some of the best street art in Lima while taking in spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Amid beautiful historic architecture, you will learn about the history of the city. Stroll along the malecón and the famous Bridge of Sighs, visit the Barranco Main Square, as well as a few hidden spots that are typically frequented by locals. A visit to a renowned Peruvian artist's home and atelier will give you a sense of the bohemian atmosphere that has typified this neighbourhood for years. A brief stop at a prestigious local muralist's workshop, whose pieces adorn many streets of the neighborhood, will show you how creativity continues to be at the heart of the Barranco experience. Rounding out the walking tour, you will enjoy a coffee at a popular specialty cafe and chocolate shop.

Back at your hotel, it will soon be time to grab a shaker and learn the secrets of mixology! This cocktail class is designed to educate and inspire with the history of the spirits, the origin of the drinks you make, and a demonstration of the proper techniques to prepare perfect mixes. You will prepare three cocktails: one pisco based, one gin based and one vodka based, and each will be paired with tasty tapas matching the profile of the cocktail. You will have all the instruments and ingredients readily available to have fun, and kitchen masters on hand to help prepare each concoction.

Following a morning at leisure, you will be met in the early afternoon by your guide and depart to explore the colonial heart of Lima, also known as The City of the Kings. Begin by transferring to the historic center where you will visit the Convent of Santo Domingo, an impressive complex that was first imagined in the 1530’s and rebuilt through the centuries following earthquakes in 1678, 1687, 1746 and 1940. From the convent, you’ll head to the stunning Casa de Aliaga, historic residence of conqueror Jerónimo de Aliaga, whose descendants still call this place home. You will then visit Plaza Mayor, an excellent place to capture pictures of gorgeous colonial architecture, including the Government Palace and Cathedral. Finally, you will be transferred to the Larco Museum, which houses the unsurpassed private collection of treasures from ancient Peru. This collection inspires its visitors, allowing guests to discover, understand and appreciate the more than 5,000 years of Peruvian history through more than 45,000 items. After exploring the museum, settle in for a tasty dinner at the museum before the return transfer back to your hotel. 

After breakfast, you and fellow travellers will be transferred to the airport ahead of your flight to Puerto Maldonado, coined the Capital of Biodiversity. Upon arrival to Puerto Maldonado, you will be met by local representatives and taken to an awaiting vehicle which will transfer you to the pier. Soon after, you’ll begin your Amazon adventure with a 45-minute boat ride along the Madre de Dios River that carves through the rainforest. The motorized wooden boat hugs the meandering riverbanks to reach your eco-lodge, Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, in the middle of the rainforest. After a short briefing and lunch, retreat to your cabin for a nap or a swing in your hammock before setting out on a guided excursion with your expert Inkaterra Explorer Guide. Conditions permitting, a walk along the Trail System for an immersive introduction into the intricate biodiversity of the Amazon basin and the layers of the rainforest is highly recommended. There are excellent opportunities for birding and observing an abundance of ¬flora; be sure to keep your camera ready just in case sloths or monkeys appear on the treetops. In the late afternoon, a twilight river excursion to witness the jungle transform from a diurnal to a nocturnal world is a great activity: where daytime animals and birds give way to species specially adapted to the darkness of the night. You may be able to spot the likes of nightjars, owls, capybaras and caimans lurking on the riverbanks. Amazonian-inspired dinner is served in the main dining room from 19:00-22:00, where you will be invited to enjoy a complimentary Pisco Sour cocktail. Back in your comfy cabaña, listen to the intriguing sounds of critters that inhabit the rainforest surrounding the lodge.

Sunlight squeezes through the dense trees as jungle inhabitants awake from their slumber. If you are so inclined, join them in the early hours on a pre-dawn hike. Visit Lake Sandoval this morning, a glassy, ox-bow lake located inside the protected Tambopata National Reserve, reached via a sun-dappled rainforest trail. Board a dugout wooden canoe to quietly paddle through a stream and glide onto Lake Sandoval, ¬flanked by picture-perfect palms. This serene lake is home to many species of birds, the endangered giant river otter, red howler monkeys, anacondas, side-neck turtles, and black caimans among others. Return to Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica in time for lunch. In the afternoon, climb the exhilarating Inkaterra Canopy Walkway. The Canopy Walkway is a sophisticated and safe 344 meter (1,135 foot) network of seven ecologically constructed hanging suspension bridges, strung between eight treetop observation platforms above the forest ¬floor. This is an unforgettable opportunity to observe the rainforest from the rooftop and gain a sense of its size. Ascend the first vertiginous tower 38 meters (124 feet) above ground, keeping an eye out for bright toucans, woodpeckers, trogons, monkeys and the three-toed sloth. After descending, enjoy a 30-minute anaconda walk that follows a 200-meter (656 foot) raised wooden platform over a ¬flooded aguajales swamp. In this lush ecosystem, you may observe various species of amphibians, birds, mammals, abundant ¬flora and interesting trees. Back at the lodge, you can opt to enjoy a daily nature presentation in the Eco Centre or book yourself an indulgent spa treatment (not included). 

Journey 25-minutes by boat to Gamitana Farm and Creek to unearth more of the wonders of the rainforest. The Amazon is an almost endless source of exotic fruits and vegetables, many with healing properties that support local communities living in the remote jungle. At Gamitana model farm, engulfed by the sounds and scents of the Amazon, you will get to see how local farmers grow a variety of produce and sample some seasonal forest fruits. Afterwards, follow a dense jungle trail under the canopy to reach Gamitana Creek. This winding, dark water creek is home to abundant fl¬ora and fauna, with many piranhas, caiman, turtles and birds hiding in the murky waters and riverbanks. Return to Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica for lunch. In the afternoon, travel 35-minutes upriver to Inkaterra’s sister lodge Hacienda Concepcion, built on an old cocoa and rubber plantation. This site formerly functioned as a medical center, set up by Catholic missionaries in the 1950s, as well as a center for ecological research. With over 200 different plant species found here, see why the rainforest is often considered the world’s largest pharmacy and learn about their uses and benefits up-close. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing 30-minute canoe trip to look for turtles, sun grebes, nightjars and herons before returning to the lodge. Under the cover of darkness, venture out for a rainforest by night excursion through Inkaterra’s Ecological Reserve. Armed with fl¬ashlights, duck under tree boughs as your senses heighten to the movements in the undergrowth and nocturnal forest sounds that appear in different directions around you. With your Inkaterra Explorer Guide, encounter animal activity and spot species that only emerge under the veil of nightfall.

With a staggering roster of wildlife found in and around Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica - 540 bird species have been spotted in the grounds of the lodge - enjoy your last morning in this unspoiled natural wonderland as parakeets chatter away in the trees and Agouti mammals scurry between the cabañas. In the mid-morning, you’ll board your ready-waiting boat for the 45-minute return trip along the snaking Madre de Dios River, and soon after, arrive at the pier, then transfer to the airport. You will then board a flight with service to Cusco. Once in Cusco, collect your baggage and exit through Arrivals where you will meet a local representative who will lead you to the awaiting vehicle, which will then whisk you away to the Sacred Valley. A box lunch is included during the transfer to the Sacred Valley.

Today’s exploration begins with a hands-on pottery class, where you will learn about ancient pottery making in Peru, and about contemporary creative expression in the field. Later, you will visit a coffee roaster, learning about the selection and roasting process, and of course enjoying a freshly prepared cup after a demonstration on how to make excellent brews at home. Soon after, you’ll head to the fortress of Ollantaytambo, an impressive military complex rich with history, and then visit the nearby town of Ollantaytambo to stroll through the picturesque streets and shops. Here you will also break for lunch at a local restaurant. 

Begin the day with breakfast at your hotel, then set out to visit the Maras salt mines. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Raqchi viewpoint to catch incredible views of the Sacred Valley. Soon after, you’ll arrive at Maras and tour this site which is where the finest salt in the world is extracted. For lunch, nearby UNU Landscape & Gastronomy welcomes you for a hearty, healthy and traditional pachamanca dish; Pachamanca (from Quechua pacha "earth", manka "pot") is a traditional Peruvian dish baked with the aid of hot stones and an earthen oven known as a huatia. It is generally made of lamb, mutton, alpaca, llama, guanaco, vicuna, pork, beef, chicken, or guinea pig, and marinated in herbs and spices. Following lunch, your next stop of the day is to the Misminay community. Upon arrival, the villagers will warmly welcome you with music and typical dances and then invite you to learn about their lifestyle by including you in some of their daily activities. After experiencing Misminay, continue onward with a visit to Moray, a fascinating archeological site with huge concentric terraces, which the Incas used as a botanical laboratory. Back at your accommodations in the late afternoon, you’ll enjoy a bit of leisure time ahead of dinner at the hotel.

In the morning and following breakfast, you will be transferred to the train station in Ollantaytambo alongside your group guide. You will then board the Hiram Bingham train with service to Aguas Calientes, a town found at the base of the mountain that leads to Machu Picchu. On the scenic train ride, you’ll enjoy lunch on board. Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes, you will disembark the train and board a bus that will bring you up to Machu Picchu. Soon you will find yourself in front of one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, a truly unforgettable experience! From here, you will explore the ancient ruins, learning about the history and mysteries that surround this iconic site. Surrounded by incomparable landscapes, there will be no shortage of spectacular photo opportunities! After touring the citadel, you will return to Aguas Calientes to check-in to your hotel. Please note: You are only permitted to bring one bag weighing a maximum of 5 kgs (11 lbs) on the train and to Machu Picchu; all other luggage will be privately transferred from your hotel in the Sacred Valley to your onward hotel in Cusco. After experiencing Machu Picchu and travelling to Cusco, you will find your luggage waiting for you at the hotel.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, then return to Machu Picchu for an independent exploration (included), or head out on a guided hike commonly known as Montana Machu Picchu (optional). This trek is an oft-missed experience on visits to Machu Picchu, however, is a wonderful outing rewarded with excellent views of the complex and the distant mountains. Though not an overly challenging hike, the trail requires guests to climb approximately 650 meters (2,130 feet) over the course of the ascent, with the last section of the trail – where you will climb a series of ancient steps – being the most challenging. If you wish to forego this experience, you are welcome to explore Machu Picchu on your own. For lunch, you will dine at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge’s outdoor restaurant, and enjoy tea before descending Machu Picchu and returning to the train station. You will then board the Hiram Bingham train and begin the expedition to Cusco, enjoying dinner on board along the way. Upon arrival to Poroy Station in Cusco, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Following breakfast, meet your local guide and set off on a tour of Cusco, the imposing Imperial City, and an example of the harmonious coexistence between Andean and Spanish cultures. You will start with a visit to the Main Plaza, where you will visit the Cathedral, the most important temple in the city. Then, you will continue by foot until you reach the Koricancha Temple, an ancient Inca palace dedicated to the Sun God, and upon which the Order of the Dominicans built a church, which remains standing to this day. Your tour will finish with a visit to the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas, also known as Cusco’s artists district, a cradle of well-known folk artisans, with its narrow and winding streets and its popular art and knick-knacks shops. As the afternoon begins to give way to evening, you’ll head to the lovely Palacio Manco Capac on the outskirts of the city to watch the sunset while toasting your adventure, then settle in for a delicious farewell dinner. Before long, you’ll be returned to your hotel for a final evening in Peru.

Aligned to coincide with your onward flight, you will be transferred to Cusco Airport. Following an incredible journey through Lima, the Amazon and the Sacred Valley of the Incas, it is now time to return home with plenty of memories to share.