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Abercrombie & Kent
OFFER ID 1504786
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 from $14,690 per person
Abercrombie & Kent: Peru: Machu Picchu & the Amazon
DAY 1 Lima, Peru
Arrive in Lima, where you are met and transferred to yourhotel.
This morning, set out on a gourmet biking tour of the city’sstreet foods. Along the way, stop at Choco Museum to listento a brief presentation about the importance of coffee andchocolate production in Amazon communities. Ride on toLa Mar before visiting a small food market, and stop at alocal restaurant for some delicious Peruvian cooking. Onyour return to Miraflores, pause for a refreshment alongthe way. Take some time back at the hotel to freshen up andrest. This afternoon, enjoy a colonial city tour, starting in the historical center of Lima, visiting Casa de Aliaga and SantoDomingo Convent. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at atop-flight local restaurant.
Fly to Cusco, arriving in time for lunch at a local restaurant,followed by a briefing on the history and highlights of theInca Trail in preparation for your hike. Head out for theSacred Valley, stopping en route at a center devoted to caringfor South American camelids, such as llamas, guanacosand alpacas, with the opportunity to feed them if you wish.Arrive at your hotel and enjoy an afternoon at leisure toacclimatize. This evening, dine at your hotel’s restaurant.
Begin today interacting with members of a villagecommunity in Sacred Valley, followed by a light trekescorted by llamas on trail that overlooks a lake. Stop fora delicious picnic lunch, and then enjoy an afternoon atleisure capped off by a Scenic Sundowner overlooking ariver. Tonight, gather for dinner at your hotel.
Start the day by exploring 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 Ride Like a Local, journeying aboard the Inca Rail First-Class Train deep into the Andes toward Machu Picchu 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 (for an additional cost), you may opt to hike the Inca Trail en route. Depart early, 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 marvelous Machu Picchu.
Rise with the sun to walk through Machu Picchu in the early morning mist before the crowds arrive, an experience some consider the spiritual highlight of the journey. 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 the citadel, 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 imposingSacsayhuaman, compiled from colossal stones.
Join a Photographer in Cusco who helps you captureauthentic images of the city’s impressive architecture.
Visit Oropesa — where you sample fresh-baked bread atan artisan bakery — and the Main Plaza of Cusco.
After lunch at a local restaurant, return to your hotel foran afternoon at leisure. Tonight, gather for a dinner at thetrendsetting MAP Café restaurant.
Today, fly to Iquitos via Lima. Upon arrival, journey overlandinto the Peruvian countryside en route to remote Nauta, avillage set on the banks of the Marañón River, one of theAmazon’s three main tributaries. Begin your three-nightriver-cruise adventure, embarking elegant ‘Aria Amazon,’a modern river cruiser. Settle into your spacious suitebefore meeting the expert naturalist guides who accompanyyour expedition. This evening, gather for dinner featuringinnovative Amazonian cuisine created by consulting chefPedro Miguel Schiaffino, owner of one of Lima’s top-rankedrestaurants.
Begin your day with an early morning cruise along the Ucayali River in a comfortable skiff searching for wildlife including parrot, egret, and monkey. After breakfast, choose to go canoeing, kayaking, or swimming on the black water of the Clavero Lake, or visit an Amazonian village, where you can interact with native Riberenos (people of the river). At dusk, explore the Yarapa River in search of exotic nocturnal wildlife. This evening, gather on deck to enjoy stargazing beneath the breathtaking Amazon night sky. Your naturalist guide is on hand to help you locate various constellations.
Set off in skiffs on a wildlife excursion along the Amazon River and then, after breakfast, explore the Tahuayo River, a black water tributary of the Amazon River. Back on board join the bartender and chef for a Chef’s Table Experience. Prepare a cocktail that will pair with the dish you will be making for lunch. Then attend a discussion on the flora and fauna that surround you, before venturing forth on a thrilling jungle walk across the high Amazon rainforest. On your return in the evening, marvel at the jungle symphony and extraordinary stargazing opportunities as you travel on local boats along the “enchanted river.” 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,especially its lively markets, where the freshly harvestedbounty of the surrounding forest is on display. Bid farewellto your crew and disembark ‘Aria Amazon.’ Visit the AmazonForever Manatee Rescue Center to encounter some of thegentle, endangered aquatic mammals up close, along withexamples of paiche, the river fish you sought out earlierduring your journey, and learn about conservation effortsbeing made to protect these vital Amazon species. Then,transfer to the airport for your departing flight.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
2310 Ponderosa Drive - Suite 3
Camarillo, CA 93010
USA
(805) 484-2863
(800) 308-3483