2024 Peru Amazon Cruise and Luxury Train Tour

As you arrive into Lima airport and exit customs and baggage, you will be warmly welcomed. You will be assisted with your luggage before escorted to your hotel in a private vehicle. Your hotel in Lima will be the 4 star Casa Andina Private Collection Hotel. Upgrade options to the Country Club, Westin, Marriott, Art B. Best hotel is Belmond Miraflores Park. Free evening.

Free day at leisure.

After breakfast enjoy a private visit of colonial and modern Lima, starting in the centre of this vibrant, metropolis. The tour will include a visit of the cathedral, dating from 1654 which still houses the remains of the conquistador Pizarro in the foyer; the Main Square, with the original bronze fountain built in 1650, the Government Palace where the President has his official residence and the San Francisco Convent, with its famous catacombs.
Lima, known as the city of the kings, was founded in 1535 by Pizarro and after several devastating earthquakes was rebuilt in 1991; the same year that UNESCO declared Lima a world heritage site. One of the very few South American cities that preserve the colonial past, Lima was home to the Spanish viceroy during the time of the Spanish colonial power. A visit to the Larco Herrera Museum where you will also enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, tour Barranco and the residential areas of San Isidro and Miraflores.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Iquitos. On arrival into Iquitos Airport you will be met by a crew member for the group transfer by private vehicle to Nauta, 95 kilometres from Iquitos, with a lunchbox provided for you to enjoy on the way. Before departing Iquitos there will be a panoramic tour of this bustling river city, the largest city in the Peruvian Rainforest. During the 20th century, the city attracted many Europeans immigrants who contributed to a period of great wealth, commercial, and social development. Nauta is a small riverside town on the banks of the Marañon River and was the first city founded in the department of Loreto. It is here that you will board the Delfin at a private port on the shores of the Marañon River.

Upgrade to the Aria

After a VIP welcome, you will be shown to your suite with time to settle in before the first excursion by skiff to Marayali, an area populated by sloths, iguanas and anteaters as well as yellow-rumped caciques and egrets. As the Delfin sets sail, you can enjoy fantastic panoramic views from the observation lounges located on the top deck whilst sipping on a cocktail made with regional fruits and Pisco, the national brandy liquor of Peru. Your naturalist guide will give an overview of the journey ahead including activities, route, highlights, wildlife and vegetation, geography and historical background. After dinner on board you can enjoy the stars from the top deck as the Delfin sails deeper into the Amazon.

This morning we walk along the Fundo Casual jungle trail that takes us deep into the rainforest on terra firma (non-flooded forest) where your guide will point out the fascinating wildlife and vegetation of the Amazon. This afternoon we cruise along the black water Yanayacu Pucate River, one of the most spectacular sites of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Your guide will point out the biodiversity of this region with its myriad of bird species, colourful butterflies and other insects, noisy monkey troops and pink and grey river dolphins. You have the opportunity to paddle board and swim in the river maybe alongside the elusive freshwater pink river dolphins.

Continue on your exploration of the Amazon River.

Early this morning we cruise through the creeks and lagoons of Yanayaquillo, one of the best preserved and protected zones of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Your guide will explain the rich biodiversity of this region. This is also a popular dolphin feeding spot so you may be lucky enough to spot dolphins here.
After lunch the skiffs skim the Samiria River and its tributaries, where an abundance of wildlife hides in the deep rainforest, including blue and yellow macaws, scarlet macaws, toucans, umbrella birds, monkeys, river otters, capybaras and more.

Disembarking at the port of Nauta, Delfin’s ground crew will be waiting to take you by private vehicle back to the city of Iquitos.
On the way from Nauta back to Iquitos Airport, we visit the Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre of River Mammals (ACOBIA) where you will have the chance to meet and feed baby manatees and learn about these wonderful and docile creatures and why they are on the endangered species list. Other animals that have been rescued from capture for the intention of being turned into pets and other threatening conditions are also cared for at the centre. You may like to make a donation to this ambitious organisation and education centre. At Iquitos Airport staff will be on hand to give you your boarding passes and assist with check in ready for your return flight to Lima. Overnight at the airport hotel.

After breakfast, with boarding passes in hand, quick-check-in and brief one hour flight to Cuzco, the ancient Inca capital of the Incas. In Cuzco, you will be warmly welcomed and assisted with your luggage before your private drive to the Sacred Valley. Accommodation at the Aranwa Hotel. Upgrade to the Rio Sagrado Hotel, best option available.

After breakfast, a private, full-day excursion of Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit the village of Pisac, founded during Colonial times. On Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays the Indians barter their products, and artisans from all over the area sell their woven alpaca wool blankets and ponchos, engraved gourds, antique reproductions and jewellery. On Sundays, it is also the meeting place for the local Mayors of the region, who come dressed in their traditional costumes, to attend morning mass. After buffet lunch, a visit to Ollantaytambo, the only Inca town which is still inhabited. Explore the ruins above Ollantaytambo before returning to Cuzco via the traditional market town of Chinchero. Return to your hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to the railway station in time for the boarding of the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes. The train will depart at 10.00am for the 1 ½ hour journey. Arrive to Aguas Calientes train station, gateway to the lost city of the Incas.
As you disembark, you will be assisted with your luggage and welcomed to check in at the El Mapi hotel. Upgrade to the Pueblo Inkaterra or Sumaq.
The short ride up to Machu Picchu will meander through breathtaking mountain scenery up to the ancient Inca citadel. Shortly after, a private guided tour of Machu Picchu, the most spectacular ancient city in the world. Built by the Inca Pachacutec, and comprising stone blocks fitted with masterful precision, Machu Picchu harmoniously blends into the mountain landscape. There are many theories as to the origins behind Machu Picchu but three of the most popular ideas include a temple to the sun, a fortress against the jungle inhabitants or a sanctuary for the Incas. This fabulous city has houses, temples, warehouses, a large central square, all connected by narrow roads and steps, and is surrounded by terraces cut into the mountain side which were used for agriculture. Dinner and accommodation at your hotel.

You will be able to return to Machu Picchu at leisure with an opportunity to see the site at sunrise. Today no guide is provided as we feel that Machu Picchu requires a certain amount of self discovery to be fully understood. Take any of the several paths around various parts of the site. Let Machu Picchu unfold all its mysteries for you, take in the breathtaking cloud forests and jagged mountains, or marvel at the extraordinary Masonic precision of the ancient Incas. Accommodation in Aguas Calientes.

Today you will enjoy a free day in Aguas Calientes. Visit the local thermal baths or the market. If you wish to return to Machu Picchu for a third visit, the entry tickets will need to be paid for. In the alter afternoon, return by Vistadome train to Cuzco. Welcome and private drive back to your hotel, the Novotel. Upgrade to the Palacio del Inka or Aranwa. Best hotel is Belmond Monasterio/Palacio Nazarenas.

Today you will enjoy a private tour of Cuzco including the Qoricancha temple or temple of the Sun, the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman overlooking Cuzco city, Qenko, Tambomachay and Puka Pukara. Your private driver will be with you at all times as you visit each part of this fascinating and ancient city. Return to the hotel in the evening.

After breakfast, private visit to the southeast of Cuzco and the archaeological center of Tipon, there you will come to know more about the extensive carved stone channels, which represent one of the hydraulic engineering advances achieved by the Incas. Then, you will continue to Pikillacta, one of the most important administrative centers of the pre Inca times. The tour continues to the village of Andahuaylillas, which houses a beautiful seventeenth century church, which represents a dramatic expression of so-called Andean Baroque. Return to Cuzco.

After breakfast, transfer to the railway station to board the Andean Explorer train. Settle down and unwind in your luxurious cabin as the train begins its journey southeast towards Puno. Savour your first lunch on board in one of the elegant dining cars, serving delicious Andean specialities. Afternoon, visit Raqchi. Once an important control point for the Incas, it is today an archaeological site. Return to the Andean Explorer for tea. Watch the sunset over the La Raya mountains before preparing for dinner on board. Afterwards, perhaps go to the bar car and chat to fellow travellers as the Belmond Andean Explorer continues to Lake Titicaca, where it will stable for the evening. Enjoy dinner on board.

Awake early to catch the breathtaking sunrise across Lake Titicaca, before enjoying a delicious breakfast on board. Today’s tours explore the beauty and diversity of life on Lake Titicaca. Visit the Uros islands and then continue to beautiful Taquile island, with a way of life barely touched by time. Enjoy a private lunch on Collata Beach, with demonstrations from traditional dancers and artisanal workers. Return to the train for tea as your journey continues to the Colca Canyon. Return to the train for a final dinner.

After breakfast, join an excursion to rugged Lake Lagunillas, followed by a visit to Sumbay Caves, with cave paintings estimated to be almost 8,000 years old.
Disembark at Km99, at Cañahuas and transfer to your hotel in the Colca Canyon, the Colca Aranwa. Upgrade to the Casitas del Colca, best option available.

Free day at leisure.

Early breakfast at the hotel before an early departure to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, a few kilometers before Cabanaconde, where the Colca Canyon starts. Here one gets a fine view of the flight of the condors as well as of the depth of the canyon. Visit some of the local villages before returning to Arequipa. Transfer to your hotel, the Casa Andina Select. Upgrade to the Libertador/Casa Andina Private Collection.

Free day at leisure.

After breakfast, enjoy a private tour of the white city, so-called because many of the buildings are made of volcanic sillar. Visit to the Chilina valley and the old San Lazaro district with a general view of the city from the Yanahuara Belvedere. There are marvellous views including the imposing Misti Volcano overlooking the city. A visit to the Plaza de Armas and its Cathedral, the cloisters of La Compañia Church, the Church and Square of San Francisco and the extraordinary Santa Catalina convent which is built from volcanic lava and dates from the 16th century.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Lima. Accommodation at the Airport hotel.

Walk to the counter to check in for your return flight home.

End of our services.