Discover Amazon & Machu Picchu

Our adventure begins in Peru's cosmopolitan capital of Lima, where you are met on arrival at the airport and transferred to our hotel near the airport. Enjoy dinner on your own this evening.

Fly this morning to Cusco, heart of the once-grand Inca Empire. From the Indigenous Quechua word qosq’o, Cusco means the “navel of the earth.” Set in a high Andean valley, Cusco was founded in the 12th century and thrived until Spanish conquistadors destroyed the Inca civilization in their 16th-century colonial quest. We learn more about this fabled city as we explore the main plaza before departing for the Sacred Valley. Stop for a special lunch at Hacienda Sarapampa, a family-owned farm surrounded by towering Andean peaks, for a farm-to-table feast featuring local ingredients like quinoa, choclo (giant corn), queso fresco and more. Learn about traditional farming techniques that have persisted sustainably over three generations as we enjoy a sampler of authentic Peruvian dishes.

In the afternoon, explore the rarely visited archaeological site of Urco. An ancient ceremonial ground once devoted to water rituals and sacred cosmology, this tranquil spot invites reflection on the deep spiritual bond between centuries-old Pre-Columbian civilizations and the natural world. As we walk among the terraces, water channels, carved rock and Incan caves, listen for the stories still flowing through stone and stream. Ultimately, we reach our luxurious hacienda-style hotel perched high on a hillside, backdropped by steep peaks cloaked in dense green vegetation. A highlight this evening is a lecture on the rich history and legacy of the Andean world. Focusing on the Incas within the broader context of Andean geography and cultures, we learn about the origins of early civilization and key archaeological research, as well as encounters between the Incas and Spanish explorers. The presentation also offers a multifaceted perspective on Machu Picchu, delving into the impressive technology behind the 15th-century stone city, including construction methods, agricultural innovation, crop domestication, irrigation systems and terrace farming.

More treasures of the Sacred Valley unfold as we follow the Urubamba River past tawny hillsides dotted with traditional villages, small farms and Incan architectural ruins. The original vast empire of the Incas was connected by a network of 10,000 miles of stone roads woven through the imposing terrain of the Andes. This was no small feat, given the steep slopes and high-altitude terrain. Suspension bridges spanned rivers and aqueducts carried water from mountain streams to irrigate terraced fields of crops, vestiges of which we see on our journey today, backdropped by knife-edged peaks.

On a visit to Maras, witness pre-Incan salt flats where salt has been harvested for over a thousand years. The intricate network of shallow pools carved into the hillside glistens as mineral-rich water from subterranean streams fills the pans and eventually evaporates, leaving behind layers of fine salt. We then head to the Ensifera Hummingbird Garden where a picnic lunch awaits, plus a talk on hummingbirds by a local expert. Depending on our timing, we may also stop at the agricultural terraces in Yucay or have a chance to meet a local shepherd. Later this afternoon, there's time to relax at our hotel before dinner, drinking in views of the valley and imposing green mountains.

Once darkness falls, if skies are clear, join a professional astronomer in the hotel gardens for guided observation of the night sky through a telescope. Blending Andean cosmology and modern science, we'll identify constellations and visible celestial objects in the southern sky. If weather conditions are not favorable, we'll head indoors for an engaging lecture on the profound connection between astronomy and Andean culture, exploring myths and sacred iconography. Using advanced astronomical simulation, our scientist guide recreates the Sacred Valley sky exactly as it appears that night, taking us on a journey through nebulae and star clusters to learn more about the life cycle of stars and our own cosmic origins, ensuring a fascinating experience whatever the weather.

Continue to Ollantaytambo, where we meet our train to Aguas Calientes. This small town rests on traditional Inca foundations and is one of the best surviving examples of Inca city planning. The spectacular Inca fortress at the top of the hill stands as a rare location where Spanish conquistadors were defeated. Soon it's time to board our Vistadome car for a 1-1/2-hour rail journey along the Urubamba River, which narrows into turbulent whitewater as we travel deeper into the mountains. The views of the near-vertical Andes slopes get more spectacular with every curve in the track. At the village of Aguas Calientes, we disembark and board a bus for the short final stretch to Machu Picchu, the ancient "Lost City of the Incas."

The storied ruins soon come into view, rising above the jungle-cloaked mountaintop like a vision in the sky, piercing the clouds. Although Machu Picchu is undoubtedly the best-known archaeological site on the continent, it retains an air of mystery. Our Expedition Leader helps to interpret all we see as we explore the labyrinth of granite houses, temples and cisterns, complex passageways and steep staircases. Llamas wander among terraced steps that once grew maize and potatoes for some 1,200 inhabitants who lived here in the 15th century. Archaeologists believe Machu Picchu may have been a royal estate and religious retreat, based on its sacred geography and astronomical orientation. Important ceremonies were conducted here, including a winter solstice rite at which a priest would “tie the sun” to a hitching post stone to prevent it from disappearing altogether.

Stay tonight at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, tucked into a forested hillside near the town of Aguas Calientes. Our private casitas are surrounded by the thick greenery of the cloud forest where more than 300 varieties of orchids grace the grounds of this secluded luxury retreat on the river.

This morning we return to the World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu for further exploration, with unscripted time for personal discovery. Among the ruins, take the opportunity to ponder, in Hiram Bingham’s words, the “bewildering romance” of a place that “appears to have been expressly designed by nature as a sanctuary for the oppressed.” Or, for those who are inclined and in shape, hike to the top of Wayna Picchu, the imposing mountain that provides the famous backdrop for the ruins in classic photos. The Incas constructed the original trail to the top, where they built temples and farming terraces. Local myth holds that the summit of Wayna Picchu was the residence for the high priest of the ancient city. This challenging hike takes 2-3 hours and climbs approximately 1,200 feet from the base at Machu Picchu, ascending a steep face using stairs and cables for support. The hike is not recommended for guests with physical limitations or those with a fear of heights, and those who opt out of the hike will have the opportunity to explore additional sites with a local guide. Should entrance tickets for Wayna Picchu be sold out, an equally challenging hike to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain may be available. This afternoon, we catch the return train to Ollantaytambo and drive back to Cusco.

Nestled in a high valley in the Andes, Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire until Spanish conquistadors destroyed the civilization during their 16th-century colonial quest. Today we take a guided tour, delving into Cusco's layered history as we stroll the narrow cobblestone streets, steeped in intrigue, stopping to admire the remnants of the Inca Wall, the Plaza de Armas and ornately gilded colonial churches. Continuing to Sacsayhuaman outside town, witness the enormous granite stonework that offers the most vivid example of Inca walls in the Cusco area. Walk among the centuries-old ruins and marvel at the massive granite stones so perfectly joined together that even a pocketknife blade cannot fit between them. Due to the exceptionally advanced building techniques of the Incas, the walls have survived earthquakes that devastated the city of Cusco in the valley just below.

Fly to Lima this morning, then on to Iquitos. Crossing the spine of the Andes, we arrive at this remote urban outpost that was once a booming rubber town. Today, Iquitos is isolated in a vast tract of jungle and can only be reached by air or water. Continue to Nauta, about 60 miles away, in a comfortable private vehicle over paved roads. Passing scenes of daily life in the rainforest, we reach this small riverside town on the banks of the Marañon River that is literally the "end of the road"—and our embarkation point for our cruise upstream. The ship is soon gliding into the broad expanse of the river, one of the Amazon's two largest tributaries, turbid with silt the color of milk chocolate. On the observation deck, our guides conduct a brief preview of our river journey, covering the places we will visit, the wildlife we'll hope to see, and a brief history and geography of the Amazon Basin. As dusk falls, enjoy a gourmet dinner with the river in view outside panoramic windows. The chef is skilled in the creative preparation of Peruvian cuisine accented with an international touch, and each meal is a memorable new discovery.

This morning, we stop at Amazon Natural Park to follow rainforest trails and canoe on the lagoon. Walking through the terra firma forest, we observe varied plant species, including walking palms and trees festooned with epiphytes. Then we board kayaks or skiffs to travel farther up the Marañon River to a virtually unvisited section of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, where the Yanayacu and Pucate rivers meet. Established in 1982 to preserve the exceptional biodiversity of the northern Amazon wilderness, this 5-million-acre sanctuary comprising the Amazon's headwaters is Peru's largest protected area.  Much of the nearly 10,000 square miles covered by the reserve is flooded forest. Giant kapok and strangler fig trees along the riverbanks shelter a multitude of wildlife, and our Expedition Leaders explain the various micro-ecosystems found here in one of the most pristine parts of the reserve. Later, as darkness descends, our environment is transformed. Back on board, head up to the top deck to listen to the symphony of night sounds in the forest, featuring nocturnal creatures like crickets and night birds that provide a percussive song. Under the cloak of night, spotlights reveal hidden wildlife: frogs, opossums, nighthawks and caimans are frequently spotted along the narrow river's banks.

Awaken in the confluence of the Ucayali and Marañon rivers where they join to form the main stem of the mighty Amazon. Cruising up the Ucayali, we reach the mouth of a remote tributary of the Upper Amazon, the Yarapa River, where we board skiffs for more intimate exploration. Watch for colorful birds such as the plum-throated cotinga, and look for pink and gray river dolphins that sometimes slice gracefully through the water alongside us. These freshwater cetaceans are highly social, friendly and intelligent. According to local lore, the dolphins turn into humans during celebrations to steal handsome men or pretty women from their villages. As we explore the Yarapa's remote reaches, look up to spy troops of curious squirrel monkeys. At every turn, our guides reveal the secrets and surprises of the jungle.

We also travel by skiff to a riverside village where we meet Indigenous residents whose culture has persisted here for centuries. Visit with the prestigious local shaman, known throughout the region as a healer and spiritual guide for residents living throughout the area’s remote reaches. Learn the uses for various medicinal plants sourced from the largest pharmacy in the world—the Amazon rainforest. At the arts and crafts market, we can purchase items that support the community and empower women artisans. Sales indirectly help preserve local fauna, since income generated decreases the pull of illegal hunting.

Disembark in Nauta this morning. Then, en route to Iquitos, stop for a tour of Acuario del Amazonas—the Aquarium of the Amazon—a research center helping to preserve the biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon through the study and conservation of more than 300 species of ornamental fish. Ideally located in an area where natural springs flow year-round, the center is dedicated to creating a long-term balanced ecosystem that enhances the environment and serves the local economy. Through ongoing education and hands-on training, local fishermen learn to establish and maintain sustainable ornamental fish aquaculture, while local citizens about conservation principles and practices. We then fly together to Lima. For your convenience, we have booked overnight hotel rooms at a comfortable airport hotel. Relax in your own private space until your overnight flight home, or take advantage of the opportunity for a full night's stay and depart the following morning.