16 Day Peru and the Amazon

16 Day Peru and the Amazon

Clinging to the Andes, between the parched coastal desert and the lush expanse of the Amazon rainforest, Peru is home to snow-capped mountains, giant sand dunes, flocks of brightly hued tropical birds, postcard-perfect volcanoes and rocky Pacific outcrops.

Highlights

  • Your Peru & Amazon journey is completely inclusive, providing seamless worry free travel to one of the most remarkable countries on earth
  • Experience nine nights staying in luxurious Orient Express Properties in Peru including hotel Rio Sagrado & Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge
  • Explore Lima, Peru’s capital, named the ‘City of Kings’
  • Travel onboard the Orient Express Train - the Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu
  • Marvel at Machu Picchu, one of the most outstanding archaeological wonders of the world
  • Spend 4 nights onboard the M/V Aria, sailing down the Peruvian Amazon, see the unique pink dolphins, board skiffs to cruise throughout the tributaries of this untouched wilderness
  • Enjoy touring Cusco, the mystical capital of the Incas
  • Visit the ancient archaeological site of the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Day
1

ARRIVE LIMA

Arrive Lima where a private transfer awaits to transport you through to the luxurious hotel, Milaflores Park Hotel. Set in one of Lima’s most fashionable areas, the Miraflores Park Hotel takes you straight to the heart of all that is best about this great capital city. Renowned for its beautiful garden location beside the Pacific Ocean, it has breathtaking views out to sea.

Overnight: The Milaflores Park Hotel by Orient Express
Day
2

LIMA

Founded in 1535 by the Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro, Lima became the “jewel in the crown” and as the capital of the Spanish colonies in South America, it was named the City of Kings. Lima is a metropolis of changes, a city of contrasts and the showcase of Peru. This morning tour the old town of Lima, visiting the Plaza Mayor, which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNE SCO. Other highlights include the Cathedral, with its splendid carved stalls, silver covered altars surrounded by fine woodwork, the Government Palace, the City Hall and the Archbishop’s Palace. From the historic centre travel through modern Lima and visit the fascinating Larco Herrera Museum, located in a unique 18th century mansion, which features the finest gold and silver collection from Ancient Peru and the famous archaeological collection.

Overnight: The Milaflores Park Hotel by Orient Express
Day
3

LIMA - CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS

After breakfast transfer to the airport for the flight to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco transfer by road to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. On the way stop at the town of Pisac, renowned for its colorful market where the locals meet to sell their merchandise as they have done for centuries. The handicraft market is open every day and is famous for its ceramic beads made into necklaces, earrings and other Peruvian artifacts. Situated at a lower altitude than Cusco, the Hotel Rio Sagrado provides the perfect environment in which to relax and acclimatise. The hotel is set among verdant fields and towering mountains and lies on the banks of the rushing Urubamba River. The hotel is built in natural materials to resemble and authentic Andean Village.

Overnight: Hotel Rio Sagrado by Orient Express
Day
4

SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS

Today visit Chinchero, a small Andean village located high up on the windswept plains of Anta at 3762m above sea level, about 30km from Cusco. There are beautiful views overlooking the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with the Cordillera Vilcabamba and the snowcapped peak of Salkantay dominating the western horizon. Visit the town of Ollantaytambo, the site of one of the great Inca fortresses and sacred areas in the Urubamba Valley. The town is one of the oldest continuously occupied settlements in the Americas. The sixteen massive terraces spread before you are a testimony to the magnificent Inca masonry. Climb the steep stone steps up to the imposing fortress at the top of the mountain– around 260 steps! From here the view down the valley is superb and you can admire the huge monoliths that form the Temple of the Sun.

Overnight: Hotel Rio Sagrado by Orient Express
Day
5

MACHU PICCHU

Board the luxurious Hiram Bingham train for Machu Picchu. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes train station transfer to the ruins of Machu Picchu. Today accompanied by your guide explore the city’s ruins, and feel its pulse as you visualise the lives of the priests, craftsmen and servants who inhabited this seemingly uninhabitable citadel. Excavations at the site have revealed skeletons, artifacts and woollen clothing, but no gold. The same precision of assembled stones exists here as in other Incan sites. Overlooking the raging Urubamba River and discovered in a hidden tangle of vines and trees atop the mountain, the city of Machu Picchu will forever hold its secret of its destruction - the Incas left no written record.

Overnight: Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge by Orient Express
Day
6

MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO

This morning rise early and enjoy the prospects of a walk through Machu Picchu at sunrise, something which people of strong spirituality believe to be the highlight of a visit to Machu Picchu. Today is yours to spend at leisure further exploring this magnificent citadel on your own or there is an opportunity to go on various guided walks. Late afternoon we return to Cusco by train, where cocktails and dinner will be served. Upon arrival in Cusco transfer to the 16th-century Spanish monastery, the Hotel Monasterio in the heart of the ancient Inca capital of Cusco. Located at an 11,000-foot elevation, Cusco sits in a valley that is overlooked by ancient ceremonial sites.

Overnight: Hotel Monasterio by Orient Express
Day
7

CUSCO

Today discover the fascinating heritage of the once mighty capital of the Inca Empire. Sights include the Shrine of Koricancha (Temple of the Sun) whose walls were once lined with solid gold and the Cathedral, which contains over 400 paintings of the classical Cusquena schools. Head up to the hills overlooking the city to visit the spectacular Sacsayhuaman fortress with its gargantuan boulders. See Qenqo and its mysterious underground chambers, the military complex of Puca Pucara and Tambomachay with its amazing waterworks. This afternoon enjoy a walking tour of the city of Cusco, which includes the Cathedral; this church of Triumph was built on the Suntur Wasi and the later built on the hilltop of Kiswarkancha (the Inca Wiracocha’s Palace). Also visit the Koricancha Temple, which during Quechua domination had religious purposes.

Overnight: Hotel Monasterio by Orient Express
Day
8

CUSCO

Today is yours to spend at leisure simply relaxing or wandering around this old city. Cusco was earmarked the “navel” of the Andean world. Nowadays the archaeological capital of America is accessible to the world and visitors are welcomed with open arms. Cusco blends its urban atmosphere and mestizo culture particularly well with its pre-Columbian heritage.

Overnight: Hotel Monasterio by Orient Express
Day
9

CUSCO - IQUITOS - NAUTA - MARANON RIVER

This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Iquitos. From Iquitos airport travel to Nauta to board the M/V Aria. From the moment you step on board, you will enjoy the M/V Aria’s atmosphere of low-key luxury. As you settle into your handsomely appointed, over-sized suite, you are starting on one of the great adventures of your life. Stand on the Upper Deck to take in the view, as the M/V Aria leaves Iquitos behind. Over the next four days, you will sail along the largest tributaries of the Amazon, as well as the mighty Amazon itself. You are embarking on a spectacular adventure to a place visited by only a few of the most experienced world travellers. Tonight meet the naturalist guides and the cruise director, who will use video, photos and maps to explain the details of the journey into the Amazon.

Overnight: M/V ARIA
Day
10

MARANON RIVER - CHOROYACU - PACAYA SAMIRIA NATIONAL RESERVE

This morning board the skiffs to explore part of the vast Amazon flooded forest. Your guides will tell you about the rainforest and its dynamic life, as you explore what scientists call a “gallery forest” because of its narrow vegetation, creating a tunnel of leaves. As you float through this tunnel, it is easy to spot parrots, macaws and fluffy monk saki monkeys, very close to the skiff. After enjoying lunch on board depart for a jungle walk and village visit. On this walk, the guides will introduce you to native people doing subsistence farming and explain how they learned to cultivate wild plants and trees to earn farm income. As your adventure takes you deep into the primary forest, the guides will uncover the wealth of fruit trees and medicinal plants hidden in the jungle – and will reveal some of the plants’ secrets.

Overnight: M/V ARIA
Day
11

TASCHA RIVER - PACAYA SAMIRIA - SAN MARTIN DE TIPISCHCA

Today there are two options to choose from. Go deep into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, along the Samiria River. Along the route, there is the opportunity to see various species of monkey, such as howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, saddleback tamarin monkeys and many bird species such as blue, yellow and scarlet macaws as well as toucans and some species of river hawks. Or partake in a walk into the Primary Forest. Here you will encounter wildlife and learn first-hand about the important medicinal value of many jungle plants. View the famous Kapok Trees (ceiba pentandra), the tallest trees in the Amazon Basin.

Overnight: M/V ARIA
Day
12

YANAYACU PUCATE - TAHUAYO - CHARO LAKE

Early morning tour Yanayacu Pucate and then as the sun rises, see a treasure trove of wildlife, including parrots, macaws, toucans, and many kinds of monkeys—as well as some “surprise” species that you have never seen before. This afternoon depart on an excursion along the Tahuayo River and experience fishing on Lake Charo, navigating from the Amazon River through the Huaysi Canal to explore the dark waters of the Tahuayo River. As you cruise along the Tahuayo River, observe fishermen paddling in their canoes. Keep your binoculars handy to see the abundant wildlife: sparrows, hawks, monkeys and sloths will be sharing this marvelous location with us. Upon arrival at Lake Charo, there is the opportunity to use the fishing gear to fish for piranhas and other specious. Whilst fishing, our nature guides will tell you the history of the lake and its residents.

Overnight: M/V ARIA
Day
13

IQUITOS - LIMA

The excursions today depend on the level of the river. Weather and time permitting, this will be the last opportunity to see how people live along the Amazon by floating in skiffs through the lively riverside community of Belen, in Iquitos. Here, where the houses and shops actually float on the river during some months, you will see the bustling food market for the entire Peruvian Amazon. All local inhabitants throughout the region sell and purchase goods here. The afternoon will be spent exploring Iquitos. Before heading to the airport, visit the Manatee Rescue Center, where biologists and volunteers care for endangered Amazon manatees that conservation authorities have seized from local people, including fishermen. Finally, stop at the San Juan Amazonian Indian Market, for a last chance to shop for local crafts. Transfer later afternoon for the flight to Lima.

Overnight: Miraflores Park Hotel by Orient Express
Day
14

LIMA - BUENOS AIRES

Early morning transfer to the airport to board a commercial flight to Buenos Aires – Argentina. Upon landing into Buenos Aires mid afternoon, you will be transferred from the airport through to your luxury hotel. This complex, energetic and seductive port city, stretches south-to-north along the Rio de la Plata, and has been the gateway to Argentina for centuries. Portenos, as the multinational people of Buenos Aires are known, possess an elaborate and rich cultural identity. Considered “The Pearl” of South America, Buenos Aires has an intense cultural life where tango, long coffee klatches and football (soccer) are essential elements in its people’s daily lives.

Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel or similar
Day
15

BUENOS AIRES

Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan city with a very strong European flavour mixed with the passion of Argentina. It is an eclectic mix of colonial architecture and old-world cafes. The city’s neighbourhoods are small and highly individualised, each with its own characteristic colours and forms. In the San Telmo district, the city’s multinational heritage is embodied in a varied and cosmopolitan architecture - Spanish Colonial design couples with Italian detailing and graceful French Classicism. La Boca’s pressed tin houses are painted a rainbow of colors and muralists have turned the district’s sidestreets into avenues of color. Today will be spent exploring every facet of this fascinating city.

Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel or similar
Day
16

BUENOS AIRES - HOME

This morning enjoy a relaxed breakfast before transferring to the airport for your International flight.

Dates & Prices

Tour Code Days Departs Returns Price $AUD  
PA200 16 26th August 2012 10th September 2012 $14,395
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JOURNEY PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
International air-fare, visa fees, airport tax or travel insurance. Items of personal nature like drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips, camera fees etc.

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
Please note international flights are not included in the journey price, however, the programme has been designed to coincide with Lan Chile Airlines. Please contact your travel agent or Bill Peach Journeys for pricing and details.

INCLUSIONS

  • Nine nights of luxurious accommodation staying in Orient Express properties
  • Four nights onboard the M/V Aria exploring the Amazon River
  • Domestic commercial flights Lima to Cusco, Cusco to Iquitos, Iquitos to Lima
  • Superb cuisine throughout, within each of the luxury hotels there are a selection of restaurants and cuisines to choose from and all included in the price. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in your journey price.Alcohol is included with lunch and dinner on the M/V Aria
  • Escorted throughout by an experienced Journey Director and local hosts who will uncover parts of Peru that are out of bounds to the average traveller
  • Luxury air conditioned coaches used throughout to explore each of the towns
  • All porterage, entrance fees, tips and transfers are included
  • All touring throughout, including train journey onboard the luxurious Hiram Bingham

TRAVELLING THROUGHOUT SOUTH AMERICA
Travelling throughout South America can be a challenge for even the most avid traveller. We believe the best way to travel is with an intimate group and to be looked after every step of the way. On this 16 day journey Bill Peach Journeys has taken care of every detail, careful planning and research has gone into every aspect to ensure you can simply relax and immerse yourself in the experience. From the very best available accommodation to a superb boat cruise on the Amazon, all has been organised to ensure a seamless journey.

MODE OF TRAVEL
Travel throughout South America can be challenging, distances are great and facilities between destinations are limited. There are a number of different kinds of transportation used throughout this journey. For our journey to Machu Picchu we will be travelling onboard the Orient Express Train – Hiram Bingham. For our journey down the Amazon we will be onboard the stunning ship – M/V Aria. The M/V Aria is the ultimate luxury cruise ship on the northern Amazon River. For additional internal air services we will be utilising the services of Lan Chile. On the ground we will be utilising an air-conditioned luxury coach to undertake our transfers and touring throughout.

LUXURY ACCOMMODATION
On this journey we have tried to capture the essence and beauty of each area by finding the most suitable boutique style accommodation. Throughout this journey you will be staying at a selection of magnificent Orient Express properties such as the Miraflores Park Hotel in Lima, Hotel Rio Sagrado in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, and Hotel Monasterio in Cusco. All of these hotels are located in the heart of each location, giving you the perfect vantage point to enjoy this journey.

LOCAL GUIDES
As with all Bill Peach Journeys your exploration of Peru will be hosted by one of our experienced Journey Directors – who, will be on hand for the duration of the journey to ensure that every detail is taken care of. To complement our Journey Director we will also have our Peruvian host who understands the culture, language and logistics of travelling throughout Peru, providing a local perspective and interpretation of the journey. At each destination we will of course have local guides with an intimate knowledge of the special attributes of the area, the history, hidden treasures and local knowledge that will take us from the well worn paths to places that would be out of bounds to the average traveller.

LEVEL OF FITNESS
This is a moderate to active journey incorporating walks that are graded as moderate. Given the warm temperatures in the Amazon during the day it is highly recommended that clients that select this journey have good health and fitness.Altitude sickness is a consideration when travelling to cities that are located at high altitudes, such as Cusco and Machu Picchu. Not everyone suffers from altitude sickness, however, there are a number of precautions that can be considered to minimize this risk. A number of the excursions include visits to archaeological sites that were built centuries ago, hence the paths are uneven and usually involve steep inclines or stairs to access.

JOURNEY PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
International air-fare, visa fees, airport tax or travel insurance. Items of personal nature like drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips, camera fees etc.

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
Please note international flights are not included in the journey price, however, the programme has been designed to coincide with Lan Chile Airlines. Please contact your travel agent or Bill Peach Journeys for pricing and details.

Price $14,395 per person.
Single supplement: $3,765
Days: 16
Max Group Size: 20
Activity Level: Moderate
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