The Great Peruvian Traverse: Amazon Jungle & Luxury Rails Across the Andes 16d/15n - Tour
Embark on an exceptional 16 day private journey with Voyagers Travel on an expedition in Peru's most breathtaking landscapes. Explore the Pacaya Samiria Reserve aboard the Zafiro cruise ship to a cultural experience at Machu Picchu. In this itinerary you'll discover the wonders of the Amazon, visit an authentic riverbank community, ride South America's first luxury train the "Belmond Andean Explorer" and discover the mysteries of the imperial capital. Throughout this adventure, Voyagers Travel provides seamless transfers, luxurious and comfortable accommodations, inmersive guided excursions, support of our dedicated local representatives and expert planners ensuring an enriching journey focused on highlights and authentic immersion.
16 Day Peru Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Lima
Your grand Peruvian traverse begins with your arrival in Lima. Upon exiting the airport, you will be met by our representative for a private transfer to your select hotel. This first day is designed for your complete relaxation.
Day 2: Start of the Amazon Expedition
After breakfast, a guide will escort you to the airport for your flight to Iquitos. A private transfer will take you on a scenic drive to the port of Nauta, where you will board the Zafiro luxury cruise. You will be greeted by the crew and meet your specialist naturalist guide, who will be your mentor for the coming days. The adventure begins with a night safari by skiff.
Day 3: Exploring the Pacaya Samiria Reserve
Under the expert direction of your guide, you will explore the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Skiff excursions are designed to maximize wildlife spotting opportunities, actively searching for everything from monkeys and sloths to elusive pink dolphins and exotic birds.
Day 4: Riverbank Culture & the Birth of the Amazon
The day offers a cultural immersion. You will visit an authentic riverbank community, where your guide will facilitate a genuine interaction. Later, you will witness the union of the Ucayali and Marañón rivers, the exact point where the majestic Amazon River is born.
Day 5: Secrets of the Forest Canopy
Your specialist guide will lead you on a walk across an impressive canopy bridge system, offering a unique perspective of the forest canopy. You will learn about the complex ecosystem that thrives in the treetops, an ecology lesson taught by a true connoisseur.
Day 6: Disembarkation & Flight to Arequipa, the White City
After a final breakfast, you will disembark to visit the Amazon Rescue Center. Your guide will escort you to the Iquitos airport for your flight to the city of Arequipa (via Lima). Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to your charming hotel in the historic center.
Day 7: Exploring the White City of Arequipa
Enjoy a day exploring the stunning colonial architecture of Arequipa, a city built from white volcanic stone (sillar). You can visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, a citadel within the city, or simply enjoy the atmosphere of the Plaza de Armas.
Day 8: Journey to the Colca Canyon
Your journey continues to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world. The drive itself is an adventure, ascending the slopes of the Chachani volcano and crossing the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve. Your expert guide will help you spot vicuñas and alpacas in their natural habitat. You will spend the night in a luxury lodge in the valley.
Day 9: The Flight of the Condor & Boarding the Andean Explorer
In the morning, your guide will take you to the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint. Here, you will witness one of nature's most breathtaking spectacles: the majestic Andean condor soaring on the canyon's thermal updrafts. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the train station to board the Belmond Andean Explorer, South America's first luxury sleeper train, for an unforgettable journey.
Day 10: Navigating the Altiplano & Lake Titicaca
Wake up as the train traverses the vast, dramatic plains of the Andean altiplano. Today's excursion takes you to Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake. On a private boat and accompanied by your specialist guide, you will visit the floating Uros islands, learning how they are built from reeds, and then Taquile Island, famous for its textile art and stunning views. You will return to the train for an elegant dinner as you travel towards Cusco.
Day 11: Arrival in Cusco, the Heart of the Inca Empire
Enjoy a final breakfast aboard as the Andean Explorer winds through the last stretches of its journey, arriving in the historic city of Cusco. Upon disembarking, you will be greeted and transferred to your luxury hotel. The rest of the day is yours to acclimatize and begin exploring this magical city at your own pace.
Day Exploring the Imperial Capital:
Today, you will immerse yourself in Cusco's history. Your guide will lead you on a walking tour that includes the Plaza de Armas, the majestic Cathedral, and the Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun. The tour culminates at the imposing fortress of Sacsayhuamán, a masterpiece of Inca military architecture.
Day 13: Immersion in the Sacred Valley of the Incas Your personal guide
Your personal guide will take you on a journey through the Sacred Valley today. You will explore the archaeological center of Chinchero, famous for its textiles, and the enigmatic circular terraces of Moray. After lunch in a countryside setting, you will visit the massive Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo. You will spend the night in a luxury hotel in the valley.
Day 14: The Train Journey to Machu Picchu
In the morning, you will board the luxurious Hiram Bingham or Vistadome train for a spectacular journey to Aguas Calientes. From there, you will ascend to the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu. You will spend the afternoon exploring this World Heritage site in the company of your specialist guide, who will reveal the secrets of its construction, history, and spiritual significance. You will spend the night in a luxury hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Day 15: Return to Cusco
You will have the morning free for an optional second visit to Machu Picchu. In the afternoon, you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo, and then a private vehicle will drive you back to your hotel in Cusco for a final night in the Andes.
Day 16: Farewell to Peru
At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the Cusco airport for your flight home, with a soul full of memories from an epic journey through the rivers and rails of Peru
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16 Day Peru Itinerary Includes
- Services of our team of experts
- All land and air transport within Latin America
- Accommodation as specified
- Meals as specified
- Excursions as specified
- Entrance fees as specified
- Guides
16 Day Peru Itinerary Does not Include
- Meals other than specified
- Domestic and International flights
- Tips and gratuities
- Meals as specified
- Airport taxes, when not included in the tickets
- Optional excursions
16 Day Peru Itinerary Highlights
- Luxury Amazon Cruise: Experience a 5-day immersion in the pristine nature of the Amazon aboard the Zafiro Cruise, with excursions led by a specialist naturalist guide.
- Belmond Andean Explorer Journey: Travel in ultimate luxury across the Andes, waking up to views of Lake Titicaca as you travel across the altiplano on one of the world's most exclusive trains.
- Andean Sanctuaries: Witness the flight of the condor in the Colca Canyon and unveil the mysteries of the Machu Picchu citadel, all interpreted through the profound narrative of your certified guides.
Travel Tips
Pack for elegance and activity: This itinerary covers extreme weather conditions. Pack light, breathable clothing for the jungle and warm layers for the cold nights on the altiplano and in the Andes. Keep in mind that this journey also offers an elegant experience, consider packing a "smart casual" outfit for dinners on board the Zafiero Cruise.
Stay prepared the high altitudes: Altitude is a significant factor. Drink plenty of water, avoid heavy meals and alcohol on the first days in Arequipa and Cusco, and take advantage of the offered coca tea. Remember always follow the guides instructions to be prepared to the adventure ahead.
Stay prepared the high altitudes: Altitude is a significant factor. Drink plenty of water, avoid heavy meals and alcohol on the first days in Arequipa and Cusco, and take advantage of the offered coca tea. Remember always follow the guides instructions to be prepared to the adventure ahead.
Fitness Requirements
This is a cultural exploration journey and does not require an extreme level of fitness. However, it involves walking at archaeological sites and in high-altitude cities (Cusco at 11,152 ft, Lake Titicaca at 12,500 ft). Participants should be in good health and able to walk at a leisurely pace at altitude.
Weather Preparedness
Amazon (Iquitos): Hot and humid tropical climate (82-95°F).
Andes (Arequipa, Colca, Titicaca, Cusco): Dry, sunny days with high UV radiation. Very cold nights, especially in the Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca, where temperatures can drop to near freezing.
Andes (Arequipa, Colca, Titicaca, Cusco): Dry, sunny days with high UV radiation. Very cold nights, especially in the Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca, where temperatures can drop to near freezing.
Frecuently Asked Questions
Just how luxurious is the Belmond Andean Explorer train?
Considered to be one of the world’s top luxury train journeys, the trains' cabins are private suites with bathrooms. The dining cars are fine dining restaurants, complete with a cocktail bar, an open-air observation car, and even a spa car. The service is absolutely fantastic.
Is there any good internet access on the trip?
There is tremendous variation in connectivity. On the Amazon cruise and for much of the train ride across the Altiplano, the signal will be very limited or non-existent altogether, providing the perfect time to disconnect. While you are in the major cities of Lima, Arequipa, and Cusco.
Why is this itinerary organized to cover the Amazon and southern Peru circuit?
This journey is designed as topics called the “Great Peruvian Traverse.” This journey brings together two of the most iconic and varied ecosystems of the country. The Amazon rainforest, the origin of biodiversity, and the high Andes, the core of the Incan Empire. Our specialists help build a narrative of transition between the two worlds to create a coherent story for the incredible natural and cultural diversity of Peru.
Why travel with us?
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