Ultimate Peruvian Adventure
Lima, Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon, the Amazon, the Nazca Lines – it's all here (and more) in an action-packed three-week journey that allows travellers to fully immerse themselves in the natural and cultural wonders of Peru. Though most trips to a country take in a handful of its most famous destinations, it takes a truly epic adventure to include the whole array in one itinerary. The Ultimate Peruvian Adventure is one such itinerary, with a host of exciting visits to cultural sites and wilderness areas taking place over the course of three weeks. The ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is well known, but that's not the only stop on this star-studded tour – you'll also be delving into the Amazon Rainforest, taking to the waters of Lake Titicaca and getting a bird's-eye view of the enigmatic Nazca Lines, a series of huge geoglyphs carved into the earth of the Nazca Desert around 1,500 years ago. All this and much more is awaiting you in picturesque Peru!
What to expect?
Lima
Arriving into Peru's bustling capital of Lima, the former home of the Spanish Inquisition during colonial times, you will have a half-day guided city tour, taking in Lima's colonial centre. The Plaza Mayor is the historical centre, a colourful area where you can catch the changing of the guards and gaze upon the cathedral, presidential palace and other important buildings, including convents and museums.
Samiria River
Navigate the waters of the Samiria River and its tributaries, these riverbanks are home to an abundance of diverse and colourful wildlife such as river otters, capybaras, caiman, blue-and-yellow macaws, toucans, many species of monkey and more. Expert naturalists will also be on hand to help you spot the elusive and mysterious pink river dolphin. Later in the day as you float deeper into Pacaya-Samiria National Park, you might even get the opportunity to swim alongside these gentle creatures.
Fundo Casual
Embark upon a fascinating jungle trail walk, during which your guide will educate you about this unique environment and its flora and fauna. Later on you will visit the remote San Francisco community and get to meet the inhabitants of this indigenous village, who still live and thrive off the offerings of the jungle and rivers. After this busy day and another delicious meal on board, the vessel will head to Nauta Cano Creek with an opportunity for a night safari and the chance to spot caiman and nocturnal birds.
Arequipa
Today holds a day tour of 'The White City', Arequipa, this beautiful city is built almost entirely of ashlar, a type of white volcanic stone, and is located at a height of approximately 2,300 metres above sea level in the desert mountains of the Andes. Visit the main square with stunning carved arches built from the pale white volcanic stone known as sillar, the impressive Arequipa Cathedral, built in the 17th century and fully rebuilt after several earthquakes.
Colca
Colca Canyon has a depth of 3,400 metres, making it one of the deepest canyons in the world, while its red- and orange-hued sides contrast with the surrounding snow-capped mountains. An early-morning start will take you to Condor Cross, where you stand a good chance of seeing Andean condors circling above the canyon.
Puno
You will be taken by motorboat across the waters of Lake Titicaca, towards Uros, which has been constructed entirely out of tortura reeds by the lake's inhabitants, known as the 'Water Tribes'. After your visit to Uros, you'll continue by boat to Taquile Island, where the local Quechua-speaking community has developed its own social systems, as well as traditional hand-weaving techniques. Walk around the small island to see the contrasting scenery of green vegetation and azure waters against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains.
Cuzco
Your journey aboard South America's first luxury train will pass through some of the most spectacular landscapes of the Peruvian highlands. Widely considered to be the archaeological capital of South America, Cuzco has many examples of pre-Colombian ruins as well as some fine Colonial architecture. It is an intriguing mix of where the two cultures collide and the ideal place to learn and understand the culture of the Incas. The main sites on this half-day tour include the Plaza de Armas and its main cathedral, as well as the nearby Inca ruins of Korikancha, Kenko, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara and Sacsayhuaman, each with their own significance and historical context, which your guide will explain.
Sacred Valley
The first stop on your tour here is Pisac Market, where the main square is packed with stands selling traditional Peruvian products made by the local people. Here you’ll find alpaca textiles, musical instruments and paintings, as well as other potential souvenirs. Continue to the far end of the Sacred Valley and the fortress of Ollantaytambo, built to protect this part of the valley from invaders from the lowlands, and contains beautiful terraces and fine stonework.
Machu Picchu
You are to be taken to the train station in Ollantaytambo for your train ride on the Cuzco – Machu Picchu railway line. Arriving in Aguas Calientes after two hours and a short transfer, you will finally reach Machu Picchu where a guided tour of the sacred Inca citadel awaits.
The Amazon
Join the exciting motorised canoe transfer to your river-based lodge, located around an hour upstream from Puerto Maldonado. Set off around sunrise to make the most of the wildlife before the temperatures climb too high. This morning a canoe excursion will take you around Lake Sandoval in the Tambopota National Reserve. Expect to see some fascinating creatures such as giant river otters, howler monkeys, red-bellied macaws, sideneck turtles and many more. In the afternoon, you can take advantage of the network of canopy bridges around the lodge and admire the wildlife from the treetops. Walk home via the Aguajales swamps with a chance to see further wildlife in this wetland landscape.
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Why book this trip?
- Explore Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, where Andean condors soar through the skies.
- Visit Uros, an island within Lake Titicaca made from tortura reeds by the local inhabitants, known as the ‘Water Tribe’.
- Explore Cuzco, the ancient Inca capital of Peru, and marvel at venerable temples and cathedrals.
- Catch a train through the Sacred Valley on your way to Machu Picchu.
- Immerse yourself in the Amazon Rainforest, the largest jungle on the planet, observing its abundant and diverse wildlife on foot and by boat.
- Fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines and indulge in Lima's blossoming culinary scene.
Accommodation Highlights
Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica
Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica provides elegant, private cabanas or the opportunity to live in a tree house in the jungle, for a unique and exciting experience like no other. The guiding is excellent and upon arrival you will meet with an interpreter who will make up your ideal itinerary depending on you; your length of stay, fitness levels and what you want to see etc.
El Mercado
El Mercado is a contemporary boutique hotel set within an old market (‘mercado’) building, located in the historic heart of the picturesque city of Cusco. Each of the hotels 32 rooms is decorated in a modern style that is influenced by traditional patterns and colours, with bold artworks and wooden balconies looking out over the city.