The Soul of Two Worlds: A Grand Amazon & Andes Expedition 14d/13n - Peru Tour

Your grand Peruvian journey begins upon your arrival in the cosmopolitan city, Lima. As you exit the airport, you will be personally greeted by one of our representatives, who will privately assist you to your hotel. This first day is designed for your complete relaxation and acclimatization. We suggest a stretching your legs along the oceanfront boardwalks or enjoying the amenities of your hotel. Our team, with their specialized local knowledge, will be at your full disposal to arrange an introductory evening to the city's high gastronomy. Ensure a wonderful start to your adventure with a note of sophistication and absolute comfort.

After a leisurely breakfast, you will be escorted to the airport for your flight to Iquitos. The vibrant heart of the Peruvian Amazon. Upon arrival, a private vehicle will transport you on a lovely journey to the port of Nauta, on the banks of the Marañón River. There, the Zafiro, your floating sanctuary for the next five days, awaits. You will be welcomed by the crew and your personal naturalist guide, an expert about the region's flora and fauna. After settling into your suite, the cruise will begin its gentle navigation. As night falls, you will experience your first jungle immersion with a nocturnal skiff excursion on the Nauta Caño tributary, a magical first encounter with the sounds and beings of the Amazon under the stars.

Awaken to the resonant sounds of the jungle as we navigate the Marañón River. Today's journey will take you deep into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, specifically to the Yanayacu de Pucate area. On board a comfortable skiff with the company of your naturalist guide, you will explore the pristine black waters, home to an astonishing biodiversity and a base location of the legendary pink river dolphins. In the afternoon, the expedition takes a cultural turn. We will visit the community of San Regis, where, thanks to the mediation of our guide, you will participate in an authentic encounter with a local shaman. This spiritual leader will share his worldview and invite you to participate in a symbolic tree-planting ritual, forging a memorable bond with the land.

The exploration continues as the Zafiro ventures into new bends of the river. The morning offers a dose of controlled and fascinating adventure: your guide, using ancestral techniques, will teach you the secrets of piranha fishing in the calm waters of a lake. This is a representative Amazonian experience, both safe and thrilling. Later, you will have the option to swim in the warm river waters or glide in a kayak for an intimate perspective of the riverbank. The day culminates with a cooking demonstration on board by our chef, who will make a demonstration of Amazonian flavors, followed by an exquisite dinner as the sun sets over the horizon.

Today, the adventure elevates to the forest canopy. Your guide will lead you to the Amazon Natural Park, where you will have the unique opportunity to walk across a system of hanging bridges. This experience offers a completely different perspective of the jungle, allowing you to observe the life that inhabits the treetops. The walk is a sensory immersion, where your guide will help you identify exotic birds, orchids, and other wonders hidden in plain sight. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a final skiff excursion on the Shiriyacu stream for some wildlife spotting at sunset, before returning to the Zafiro for a farewell dinner.

Enjoy your last breakfast surrounded by the Amazonian landscape. After disembarking in Nauta, we will make a meaningful visit to the Amazon Rescue Center (CREA), where you will learn about the crucial work of protecting manatees, a vulnerable species. Your guide will explain the importance of this conservation project. Subsequently, you will be transferred to the Iquitos airport for your flight to Cusco. Upon landing in the imperial capital, to prioritize your well-being and optimal acclimatization, a private vehicle will take you directly to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Its lower altitude and peaceful atmosphere make it the perfect place to begin your Andean exploration.

Wake up to the crisp, pure air of the Andes. Today is dedicated to an immersive exploration of the Sacred Valley, always under the tutelage of your private guide. The day begins with a visit to the imposing fortress of Ollantaytambo, one of the most monumental works of the Inca. As you walk its colossal stone terraces, your guide will unveil its architectural genius and strategic role in history. Next, you will immerse yourself in the local culture with a visit to the Pisaq market, a feast for the senses where you can appreciate the crafts and products that are the lifeblood of the valley, all explained and contextualized by the expert voice of your guide.

The exploration of the valley's jewels continues. In the morning, your personal guide will accompany you to the archaeological complex of Pisaq, strategically perched atop a mountain. You will walk through its refined stone temples and observe the extensive agricultural terraces that demonstrate advanced Inca knowledge. The panoramic views of the valley from this point are simply spectacular and offer an unparalleled photographic opportunity. The afternoon has been reserved for your personal enjoyment. You can choose to relax in the luxury of your hotel, explore a nearby town on your own, or, if you wish, your guide can arrange a bespoke cultural experience, such as a visit to a pottery workshop.

Today you will embark on one of the world's most famous train journeys. You will be transferred to the station to board a luxury service that will take you to Aguas Calientes, the town that serves as the gateway to Machu Picchu. This journey is an experience in itself; through the panoramic windows, you will watch as the Andean landscape gradually transforms into a lush cloud forest, following the course of the Urubamba River. Upon arrival, you will be assisted with check-in at your hotel. The afternoon is yours to rest and recharge, building anticipation for the wonder that awaits you the next day.

The most awaited day has arrived. Very early, and to avoid the crowds, your private guide will accompany you on the ascent to the citadel of Machu Picchu. You will experience the magical moment of watching the first light of day bathe the ancient stone structures. For the next few hours, you will embark on an exhaustive and revealing tour of this World Heritage site. Your guide, an expert on the subject, will bring to life every temple, residence, and plaza, explaining the function, history, and mysteries of this sacred center. In the afternoon, after having soaked in its energy, you will take the train back and then a private vehicle to your hotel in the city of Cusco.

Explore the fascinating city of Cusco, a place where imperial Inca masonry merges with colonial Spanish architecture. Your personal guide will lead you on a walking tour of the historic center. The route includes the Plaza de Armas, the vibrant heart of the city; the Qorikancha temple, upon which the Convent of Santo Domingo was built, and which was once the most sacred epicenter of the empire, covered in gold. The exploration culminates at the ceremonial fortress of Sacsayhuamán, whose colossal zigzagging stone walls remain an engineering enigma, a testament to the power and vision of its builders.

This day has been intentionally left free for you to explore Cusco at your own pace and according to your personal interests. The city offers endless possibilities. You can get lost in the bohemian streets of the San Blas artisans' quarter, visit the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, or indulge in finding unique pieces of fine jewelry and textiles in its exclusive boutiques. Our team of experts and your guide will always be available to offer personalized suggestions or to arrange any activity you desire, ensuring you make the most of your stay in this captivating city.

Enjoy a quiet morning for your final activities in Cusco. It might be the perfect opportunity for one last visit to that plaza you loved so much, to send postcards, or to enjoy a coffee on a balcony overlooking the colonial rooftops. This more leisurely paced day allows you to reflect on the incredible journey you have undertaken, from the depths of the jungle to the peaks of the Andes. In the evening, we suggest a farewell dinner at one of the city's most acclaimed restaurants, a perfect end to an unforgettable expedition.

At the appointed time, your personal representative and driver will pick you up from your hotel to accompany you to the Cusco airport, where they will assist you with the procedures for your flight back home or to your next destination. You leave Peru with a soul enriched by two of the most fascinating worlds on the planet, having lived an experience of luxury, knowledge, and deep connection.