Upon arrival in Cusco in Peru you are met by your guide. You begin the drive to the “Sacred Valley of the Incas”, a succession of picturesque Andean towns, agricultural terraces and many archaeological sites, as well as the world’s most famous white corn cultivated for export.
The mild climate, the varied and dramatic scenery of snow-capped mountains, flowering meadows, lush green hills and spectacular flora and fauna, make the Valley a prime adventure destination in South America. At a lower elevation than Cusco, the Valley is a warmer and less physically taxing environment for visiting the many attractions of the region, including Machu Picchu.
On your way to the Sacred Valley you will visit Sacsayhuaman which is the largest and most impressive of four archaeological ruins on the outskirts of Cusco. Built by the Incas, it served an important military function and was the site of a major battle with the Spanish in 1536. The complex was constructed out of massive stones, some weighing as much as 300 tons, cut to fit together without the use of mortar.
Overnight - Tambo del Inka Hotel - Deluxe Terrace Room - Breakfast included
This morning you are driven to the nearby town of Pisac and its market, originally place where people from remote communities used to barter their products. Pisac has evolved to one of South America’s most famous souvenir markets. Make sure to sample some ‘empanadas’ baked in traditional clay ovens. Try your bargaining skills here always keeping in mind handmade artwork is worth it!
For an immersion into the heart of the Andean culture you will visit the charming Amaru community and its wonderful and amazing people. Straight from the hands of local craftspeople, you learn about textiles and the weaving process. The vivid colors of the Amaru villagers’ clothing are derived from natural dyes made from plants and other organic elements with which they decorate wool. Today you learn about “cochineal” red and the secret properties of some other medicinal plants in the area, as well as from other activities the community runs. Enjoy lunch at the community.
In the afternoon you return to your hotel for dinner at your leisure.
Overnight - Sol y Luna
This morning you will be transferred to Ollantaytambo station to board the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes.
Enjoy a unique train ride towards the marvelous Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. Get the most outstanding views of the Urubamba River, which cuts its way through green fields beneath the high peaks of the Andean glaciers.
From Aguas Calientes you will climb up a hillside to Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas”. Machu Picchu which means “Old Mountain”, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the seven new wonders of the world.
Lunch will be served at Sanctuary Lodge restaurant with its exclusive location next to the Inca citadel.
You spend the rest of the afternoon visiting the Sacred Inca citadel, exploring its main temples and hidden corners.
In the afternoon, take the shuttle bus back to Aguas Calientes where you will spend the night.
Overnight - Inkaterra Machu Picchu Puebloe Hotel
This morning you will have a second opportunity to visit Machu Picchu.
In the afternoon board the train back to Ollantaytambo Station. At this point, you will be met and driven back to Cusco.
Overnight - Belmond Palacio Nazarenas Hotel
This morning your Cusco visit starts with the San Pedro market, it is a vibrant spot in a very busy area in town that can keep you entertained for hours. Here you can have a first-hand look at how locals live day-to-day, outside the confines of Cusco’s tourist zones. By observing the scene you can hear the language as it is spoken and properly pronounced, view the gestures and habits that are common to the Andean culture, smell the scents of local produce and flora, absorb the styles and textures of the local fashion, see the fruits, vegetables and meats that make up the main staples of traditional meals.
Afterwards head to the MAP Café, which is located inside the courtyard of the Museo de Arte Precolombino and offers one of the finest examples of Peruvian fusion cuisine in the country. Here, you will enjoy a cooking demonstration - and be prepared to be awed! You’ll be eating inside a glass cube, surrounded by pure colonial architecture and enjoy the delight of gourmet Peruvian fusion food served by elegant black-suited waiters. Discover the interesting reinvention of traditional Peruvian dishes and take a sophisticated break from touring the city, to enjoy a culinary one-on-one experience in an intimate setting.
In the afternoon, visit Santo Domingo Monastery, the legendary Korikancha (Temple of Gold), the most important Inca temple devoted to worshipping the Sun, whose walls used to be plated with sheets of gold. Continue to the Plaza de Armas or Main Square to visit the Cathedral.
You follow to the San Blas Church and quarter with a walk by this quaint district and one of the finest views of the city. This quarter is home to the workshops and stores of the most renowned craftsmen in Cusco, including Mendivil, Merida, Rojas and Palomino.
Overnight - Belmond Palacio Nazarenas Hotel
Today is at your leisure to explore Cusco on your own.
Overnight - Belmond Palacio Nazarenas Hotel
Today you fly to Iquitos to begin your Amazon cruise.
You are transferred to Cusco Airport and check in for you onward flight via Lima (not included in the cost). On arrival you are met and board our private transfer to our exclusive Nauta Lounge for a welcome lunch before embarkation.
Settle into your generously-sized suite aboard the Aqua Nera as you begin one of life’s greatest adventures. Following an introduction to your naturalist guides and a routine safety drill, you gather at the restaurant for the first of many Amazonian cuisine experiences created by Aqua Nera consulting chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, whose restaurant, ÁmaZ, is one of Peru’s most renowned dining establishments.
Overnight - Aqua Nera
Note: All itineraries are subject to change, due to weather and other conditions.
Today you rise with the sun for an early morning birdwatching along the Marañon River. Later, canoe or kayak in Yanayacu-Pucate River and look out for the Amazon’s legendary pink river dolphins.
In the afternoon, visit an Amazonian village, where you can interact with native riberenos (people of the river) and visit local schoolchildren.
Overnight - Aqua Nera
Note: All itineraries are subject to change, due to weather and other conditions.
Awake to a lush jungle sunrise and birdwatching along the Samiria River, enjoying breakfast in the middle of the lush jungle.
Swimming and kayaking are some of the recommended activities at this part of the Reserve.
In the evening, embark on a wildlife excursion on the blackwaters of Nauta Caño, and end the night with extraordinary stargazing.
Overnight - Aqua Nera
Note: All itineraries are subject to change, due to weather and other conditions.
In the morning, take a guided visit to the local market to view the regional produce of the Peruvian Amazon, and sample exotic snacks if you wish.
You then return to the Aqua Nera for breakfast and to pack up.
Before saying goodbye, you will visit the Manatee Rescue Center, a sanctuary for orphaned Amazonian manatees to rehabilitate before their release back into the wild.
You are then transferred to Iquitos Airport for the flight back to Lima where you check in for your homebound flight and depart Peru.
End of Arrangements
