Abercrombie & Kent
OFFER ID 1493694
Peru: Machu Picchu & the Amazon
Experience the incredible diversity of Peru on a luxury adventure that ranges from the soaring stone walls of Machu Picchu to remote reaches of the Amazon Rainforest, sampling a variety of culinary treasures along the way. Opt to hike the final stretch of the Inca Trail, explore the Sacred Valley with llamas at your side and cruise for three nights along wildlife-rich tributaries of the Amazon River.
10 nights | Call for pricing
Abercrombie & Kent: Peru: Machu Picchu & the Amazon
DAY 1 Lima, Peru
Arrive in Lima, where you are met and transferred to your hotel.
This morning, set out on a gourmet biking tour of the city’s street foods. Along the way, stop at Choco Museum to listen to a brief presentation about the importance of coffee and chocolate production in Amazon communities. Ride on to La Mar before visiting a small food market, and stop at a local restaurant for some delicious Peruvian cooking. On your return to Miraflores, pause for a refreshment along the way. Take some time back at the hotel to freshen up and rest. This afternoon, enjoy a colonial city tour, starting in the historical center of Lima, visiting Casa de Aliaga and Santo Domingo Convent. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at Huaca Pucilana or another top-flight restaurant.
Fly to Cusco, arriving in time for lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a briefing on the history and highlights of the Inca Trail in preparation for your hike. Head out for the Sacred Valley, stopping en route at a center devoted to caring for South American camelids, such as llamas, guanacos and alpacas, with the opportunity to feed them if you wish. Arrive at your hotel and enjoy an afternoon at leisure to acclimatize. This evening, dine at your hotel’s restaurant.
Begin today interacting with members of a village community in Sacred Valley, followed by a light trek escorted by llamas on trail that overlooks a lake. Stop for a delicious picnic lunch, and then enjoy an afternoon at leisure capped off by a Scenic Sundowner overlooking a river. Tonight, gather for dinner at your hotel.
Today, depending on your choice, explore Ollantaytambo, a fortress of massive stone terraces that hug the mountain slopes and the site of the Incas’ greatest victory over the invading Spanish. Then, journey deep into the Andes toward Machu Picchu aboard the Inca Rail First Class Train, gazing out at the spectacular Peruvian countryside. In the early afternoon, explore the ruins with your expert 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. Alternatively, start by boarding a many-windowed Vistadome Train for the same scenic ride, but with a twist: disembark at KM 104 and set out with a guide on a hike that culminates at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), looking out over the vast UNESCO World Heritage Site. Either way, arrive for your overnight stay at the only hotel located on-site at Machu Picchu. 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.
Today, explore Machu Picchu, led by an expert guide, wandering amid the age-old stone walls and picturing life as it might have been in this majestic citadel, set some 8,000 feet above sea level. 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. After a thorough exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, return to your hotel for lunch. Then, board the Vistadome Train back to Ollantaytambo, and continue to Cusco to relax or explore on your own.
Experience Cusco your way, enjoying one of these Design Your Day activities.
Explore Highlights of Cusco and visit imposing Sacsayhuaman, compiled from colossal stones.
Join a Photographer in Cusco who helps you capture authentic images of the city’s impressive architecture.
Visit Oropesa — where you sample fresh-baked bread at an artisan bakery — and the Main Plaza of Cusco.
After lunch at a local restaurant, return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Tonight, gather for a dinner at the trendsetting MAP Café restaurant.
Today, fly to Iquitos via Lima. Upon arrival, journey overland into the Peruvian countryside en route to remote Nauta, a village set on the banks of the Marañón River, one of the Amazon’s three main tributaries. Begin your three-night river-cruise adventure, embarking elegant ‘Aria Amazon,’ a modern river cruiser. Settle into your spacious suite before meeting the expert naturalist guides who accompany your expedition. This evening, gather for dinner featuring innovative Amazonian cuisine created by consulting chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, owner of one of Lima’s top-ranked restaurants.
Begin your day near the main entrance of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, cruising along the Yanayacu Pucate River in a comfortable skiff. Also enjoy opportunities to kayak, canoe and swim in these unspoiled black waters, keeping your eyes peeled for the Amazon’s legendary pink dolphins. Upon returning to the boat, join your onboard bartender and chef for a Chef ’s Table Experience. Prepare a cocktail that will pair with the dish you will be making for lunch. This afternoon, visit a remote village along the Marañón River to learn about traditional customs and witness a ceremony performed by the local shaman. Then, watch and learn through the eyes of these river people, who demonstrate how they climb a palm tree by utilizing a kind of scaffolding to harvest the palm fruit without chopping down the tree, thus conserving it for future generations. This evening after dinner, gather around your vessel’s high-tech telescope for a stargazing experience beneath the Amazon night sky, identifying a variety of planets and constellations.
Set off in skiffs on an excursion along the Samiria River with the option to try your hand at fishing for the paiche, a huge carp-like river dweller and longtime local food source that has more recently become a favorite of gourmet chefs. Listen to an after-lunch lecture on the flora and fauna that surround you, before venturing forth on a thrilling jungle walk across the high Amazon rainforest. On our return in the evening, enjoy the jungle symphony and extraordinary stargazing on local boats along the “enchanted lake.” Later, gather for a chat with the crew members of your vessel who recount stories of life in the Amazon, followed by a farewell dinner on board.
On your return to Nauta, visit local points of interest by bike, especially its lively markets, where the freshly harvested bounty of the surrounding forest is on display. Bid farewell to your crew and disembark ‘Aria Amazon.’ Visit the Amazon Forever Manatee Rescue Center to encounter some of the gentle, endangered aquatic mammals up close, along with examples of paiche, the river fish you sought out earlier during your journey, and learn about conservation efforts being made to protect these vital Amazon species. Then, transfer to the airport for your departing flight.
The Samiria River is located in the northeastern territory of Peru. It is in the heart of Peru’s Amazon region, you will be able to spot manatees, pink dolphins and monkeys along the river.
Nauta is a bustling small town on the shores of the Maranon river in the Peruvian Amazon. This town is perfect for visitors intersted in nature and small town culture. Visitors can hire a boat from Nauta and experience the majestic forests, mountains and lakes. For the gastronomically inclined, this region of Peru is especially known for its delicious spicy cuisine.
History buffs will get a real kick out of Ollantaytambo, a pretty town about 26 mi/42 km northwest of Cusco. Before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, Ollantaytambo served as the royal estate and ceremonial center of the Inca ruler Pachacuti, who had previously conquered this region.
The town itself still serves as a living example of Inca urban planning, while the surrounding Inca terraces and Temple Hill provide more fine examples of Inca architecture. Ollantaytambo played an important role during the Spanish Conquest. It was here that Manco Inca Yupanqui successfully defended the Inca position against a Spanish expedition following the fall of Cusco, but later retreated to the greater security of Vilcabamba.
Visitors can easily spend a couple of days exploring the nearby archaeological sites and strolling around the town. The higher sites offer spectacular views of the mountains and valleys, while the streets of Ollantaytambo are home to pre-Columbian and colonial architecture, traditional markets and plenty of Andean character.
SACRED VALLEY: Hat making lessons at Maras community - 1 hour
Mrs. Grandonia and Mrs. Álvarez, the renowned hatters of Maras, run an attractive crafts shop that produces top hats. They want to share their art with the travelers who visit their town. Dare to learn this ancient Andean activity.
Tour duration: 1 hour
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair accessible: No
Physical activity level: Moderate
Included: Private guide and transportation, participatory classes
Not included: Tips for guide and driver.
CUZCO: Pottery workshop by Totemiq - 3 hours
Let your imagination soar in two magnificent workshops offered by Totemiq, an artistic and cultural development project where Cusco traditions are rescued and given new life in artistic sessions. In the first activity, Cusco Colonial Glazed Ceramics, learn how to make a horse or bull of Pucara, a traditional Cusco figure, and apply fine finishes with a layer of enamel, giving it a glazed effect. In the second, the Colonial Gold Leaf application, enjoy painting with the characteristic colours of the mountain range and then finish decorating your work with gold leaf, a traditional technique that Art Trail has recovered and applied to contemporary crafts. Both workshops are taught by renowned Cusco artists. By the end of the sessions, you’ll have two personalised works that will be delivered to your hotel the following day. After the workshops, return to your hotel.
Tour duration: 3 hours
Tour can operate: Morning / afternoon
Wheelchair accessible: No
Physical activity level: Moderate
Included: Private guide and transportation, materials and souvenir
Not included: Tips for guide and driver.
Huacas and Shrines on a bike (Lima - 4 hours)
Lima is a big and modern city, it has been in continuous occupation for almost 2,000 years. Scholars have found more than 30 archaeological sites at different locations within the city limits. “HUACAS” are pyramidal constructions with superimposed platforms ending on a flat top, they were used for religious and administrative purposes by prehispanic civilizations along the Peruvian coast.
Our specialized Guide and his assistant will pick you up at the hotel with the bikes and the necessary equipment for the activity. After the briefing you will ride along one of the principal avenues of Lima towards the heart of Miraflores while enjoying the architecture and everyday life of the city folks. The first stop is at Huaca Pucllana, built 1,300 years ago, this visit is a great introduction to the history of Lima, traditions, cuisine and economic activities of ancient inhabitants. Then, we continue to the commercial and financial district, San Isidro, to visit Huaca Huallamarca, which has been through a magnificent restoration by the City Hall, you´ll appreciate the contrast between history and modern life.
Finally, we return to the hotel completing a 12 km circuit on the bike. This activity is offered for mornings and afternoons. It lasts for 4 hours. The advantage of being at sea level and our moderate weather is that we can provide it all year round. We include a vehicle as support in case someone in the group decides to stop biking during the tour.
Highlights:
Historical and Natural Sanctuaries (Lima - 6 hours)
Highlights:
The south limits of Lima house two important sanctuaries for the visitor: Villa Wetlands, a natural reserve holding a great variety of flora and fauna, its bodies of water attract a good array of biodiversity, they have identified more than 200 species of resident and migratory birds. And Pachacamac, historical sanctuary and important ceremonial center of the central coast in Perú, it was occupied by 4 consecutive civilizations before the arrival of the Spanish.
Our specialized Guide and the vehicle will pick you up at the hotel. It´s necessary to reach Villa Wetlands early in the morning to enjoy the ecosystem. You walk for 2 km. around a lagoon facing the ocean with good opportunities for pictures and a clear understanding of the migratory patterns. The next stop is Pachacamac, the highlights of this massive archaeological site are visited. You will also enter the Site Museum displaying important pieces found during excavations, one of them is the wooden idol of Pachacamac, the most important prehispanic god in this area, carved in local wood more than a thousand years ago.
Return to the hotel is after noon, the activity takes almost 6 hours and you walk almost 5 km during the visits.
Tour Duration: 6 hours
Tour can operate: daily (excepts Monday)
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
Insider Access: Barranco & Lima songs with Javier Lazo (3 hours)
An experience designed to get to know the history of Lima through songs from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries by the hand of Javier Lazo a Peruvian Musical Curator, two times Latin Grammy nominated. Enjoy a private concert along with a conversation with Javier, while walking through the bohemian district of <span 1px="" border-bottom:="" cjwvc3znpg="=" ));"="" class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2 SCXW201443356 BCX0" data:image="" solid="" span="" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-repeat: repeat-x; background-position: left bottom; background-image: var(--urlContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2,url(">where travelers will sing and learn about the best artists and composers of musica criolla (creole music, from the Peruvian Coast) such as Rosa Mercedes Ayarza, Felipe Pinglo, Eduardo Márquez Talledo, Chabuca Granda, Manuel Acosta Ojeda and Andrés Soto.
Our specialized guide will pick you up at the hotel and will drive you to Barranco where you will visit Main Plaza, Puente de los Suspiros, Bajada de baños, while gazing at the amazing mural artwork made by top Peruvian urban artists.
Highlights:
Walking the history center of Lima (4 hours)
Lima, the city of the Kings, was founded to be the capital and most important town of the Spanish domain in South America until the 18th century. The Historical Center represents the model of architecture and urban planning of Spanish colonial cities with high political, economic and cultural importance, as devised by Charles V in 1542.
Our expert Guide will pick you up from your hotel and will take you from the modern part to the colonial section of Lima, you will walk among historical monuments, religious and political buildings located within the perimeter declared Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1988. This learning experience will allow you to appreciate typical examples of Hispanic American baroque style as well as some other different styles like Art Nouveau.
Besides the stops for great pictures of Limenian architecture, you will have the opportunity to visit Casa de Aliaga, a mansion still inhabited by the same family since the foundation of the city, an extraordinary experience that will take you back in time. To finish the experience, we visit the Dominican Convent, which was the first catholic order to arrive in Perú with Francisco Pizarro and they have a lot of history, traditions and sainthood to impress our travelers.
Highlights:
LIMA: Lima´s boardwalks and gastronomic experience - 4 hours
Start with a scenic tour of the boardwalk, crossing the bohemian district of Barranco and the modern district of Miraflores, passing by Love Park where you can admire an imposing view of the Pacific Ocean. After the tour, arrive at a thematic restaurant and participate in a cocktail demonstration class, learning how to prepare the famous pisco sour. Then, enjoy a demonstration cooking class, learning how to make a delicious, typical Peruvian dish. After both classes, enjoy a tasty lunch overlooking the sea. At the end of your tour, transfer back to your hotel.
Tour duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair accessible: No
Physical activity level: Moderate
Included: Private guide and transportation, gastronomic experience
Not included: Tips for guide and driver.
LIMA: Participative cocktail class offered by Hotel B - 1.5 hours
Learn to prepare some of the most representative cocktails of Peru in a participatory class at the elegant Hotel B. The class is carried out by an experienced bartender who explains the history of the drinks and the elements used for each one. Each cocktail will be accompanied by a tasty pairing. Take advantage of this experience to learn about local cocktails in this luxurious hotel, located in a mansion of the early twentieth century.
Tour duration: 1 hour 30
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair accessible: No
Physical activity level: Moderate
Included: Private guide and transportation, seasonal cocktail accompanied by a pairing
Not included: Tips for guide and driver.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.