14 Day Mystical Peru with Amazon Cruise - A Platinum Small Group Tour

Today fly from your home airport to Lima to begin your Peru vacation.

Welcome to Lima! On arrival, make your own way to your hotel located in the chic neighbourhood of Miraflores. 

Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.

Note: Check-in at the hotel is at 3.00pm. If arriving before this time, you are welcome to leave your bags at the hotel until your room is ready.

Note: Some flights may depart a day earlier

This morning after breakfast, we’ll set off on a tour of the bohemian enclave of Barranco, a neighbourhood which, during the summers of the 19th century, was home to the aristocracy of the period. Today, the district is considered to be the city’s hippest, where tranquillity and the bustle live side-by-side. Exhibitions, art installations, and street art flourish here, with the city’s artists, photographers and creators calling this pocket of Lima home. 

Our morning continues with a coffee and chocolate pairing hosted by Amanda Jo (AJ) Wildey and Felipe Aliaga of El Cacaotal. AJ and Felipe have designed each tasting experience to take you on a flavour journey through the various cacao and chocolate producing regions of Peru. In this fun master class, Amanda will strive to make you an expert Peruvian chocolate taster, just like her! And who doesn’t love pairing chocolate with coffee? Felipe, an expert coffee guide and certified taster from the Coffee Quality Institute in California, he will be the bridge showing the link between the world of cacao and coffee. 

Following your tour we will return to the hotel with free time for further exploration or to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities.

Later this afternoon we will visit the Larco Museum in the Pueblo Libre District. The museum, the oldest in Lima, is housed in an 18th-century vice-royal building and showcases more than 3,000 years of Peru’s pre-Columbian history. It also has an impressive gold and silver jewellery collection, demonstrating the superior skill of the ancient Peruvian artisans.   The museum is also famous for its collection of erotic ceramic pieces, mainly from the Mochica culture.

Your private tour will be guided by one of the museum's curators.

Following the tour, enjoy dinner with wine at the museum restaurant, Café del Museo, which serves Peruvian and international cuisine in a dreamy, garden setting.  

Inspiring Tastes 

• Experience a private chocolate and coffee pairing hosted by local experts.  Dinner will introduce you to the unique flavours and ingredients that have put Peruvian cuisine on the map. 

Inspiring Sights

• Step back to the pre-columbian era with a private curator led tour of the stunning Museo Larco which houses incredibly preserved treasures.

After breakfast and check out, we will head to the airport to take a 1.5 hour flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, we’ll be joined by our local guide at the airport and continue the journey to our hotel in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. 

The rest of the day can be spent at leisure enjoying the facilities of the hotel, or you may wish to explore the local area on an optional tour.

This evening we will enjoy a cocktail reception in the grounds of the hotel, with the traditional drink of Pisco Sour, accompanied with canapes.

Inspiring Tastes

• Imbibe the most iconic drink of Peru, the Pisco Sour as part of our evening canapes

Inspiring Stay 

• Nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley, Tambo Del Inka in an elegantly designed hotel featuring local elements and exquisite Peruvian textiles throughout.  Rooms offer views over the river or the Vilcanota Mountains.

After breakfast, we’ll set off on an exploration of the Sacred Valley.

We’ll first stop in the rarely visited town of Lamay, then drive to the community, where the locals will warmly welcome us and share their traditions and customs. This exclusive opportunity will give you a genuine experience of traditional community life. We will learn about different varieties of local crops and plants and witness the use of traditional farming tools and techniques still in use.  

The women of the community will discuss the important art and process of weaving and we’ll have the opportunity to chat with them and learn about their customs and their role in the field. 

For lunch we will dine at the stunning Hacienda Huayoccari, a beautiful homestead steeped in family history.  You will be welcomed by a family member before enjoying traditional homemade Peruvian food surrounded by art and breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley.

Following lunch, we’ll visit one of the last remaining Incan towns, Ollantaytambo. Once fiercely guarded by a massive fortress, we’ll discover the large archaeological complex of what used to serve as a wayside inn for royal delegations on long journeys. Surviving structures include walls and towers that protected the citadel from possible invasion. 

We’ll then head back to the hotel where the rest of the evening can be spent as you wish. 

Inspiring Tastes

• Lunch at Hacienda Huayoccari where you will enjoy authentic homemade Peruvian food in unique surroundings.  The simplicity of these Peruvian delicacies is deceitful; behind each dish are hours of preparation, careful work and much knowledge. From beginning to end, this is what it’s like to dine at the table of an old Peruvian family.

Inspiring Sights

• Experience first hand the traditions and culture of the Andean people with a community visit near the town of Lamay.

Today we’re visiting a very special highlight of this tour and one of the most important sites in the country:  the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. 

After breakfast, we’ll be picked up at the hotel and head to the train station to board the Vistadome train. It is a comfortable 90 minute train journey to Aguas Calientes, with the most wonderful scenery to enjoy on the way. On arrival, we will then board a bus that will drop us off at the citadel of Machu Picchu. 

Unearthed for modernity by American explorer, Hiram Bingham, more than a century ago, Machu Picchu is considered one of the seven wonders of the world. Its architectural beauty, spectacular natural setting, and the energy that radiates from its enigmatic buildings will take your breath away. We will follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas as we tour the magical sight, led by our specialist local guide. 

A delicious lunch at a local restaurant is included today.

We will then head back to the station to catch the train to Cusco. Our return journey will be on the luxurious Hiram Bingham train.  Relax as you settle into the sumptuous comfort of one of the world's most renowned train journeys.  Throughout the 4 hour journey enjoy a gourmet dinner with wine served in the dining carriage, be entertained by live music and enjoy a cocktail in the bar.

Upon arrival your guide will take you to your hotel for check in. 

Inspiring Tastes

• Commence your Hiram Bingham rail experience with a pre-boarding “Cocktail in the mountains” with canapes, then once on board enjoy either a 3 course dinner service or opt for signature cocktails and hot and cold snacks served in the observatory bar car  - the choice is yours.

Inspiring Stay

• Once a 16th century monastery, Monasterio will soothe you with its tranquil atmosphere.  Historic baroque artworks line the walls of this protected national monument.  Each room is unique with rich wood furnishings, antique artwork and architectural quirks.  It will be a stay to remember.

Note: From January to April, when weather conditions may affect the railway line, the journey from Machu Picchu to Cusco will be a bimodal service combining train service from Machu Picchu to the Sacred Valley (approx 2 hours 40 minutes)  & bus travel from the Sacred Valley to Cusco.

After breakfast, we will take a morning walking tour of magical and hidden Cusco, led by a leading anthropologist in Andean history and communities.  Undoubtedly, Cusco stands as one of Peru's most captivating cities. Beyond its captivating Spanish baroque architecture, vibrant sea of red rooftops, and enduring Inca walls, the thoroughfares of this once imperial capital harbours tales of love, deceit, and ancient lore. Uncovering these narratives, nestled between reality and myth, offers the most personal insight into Cusco.
Our exploration will lead us through iconic plazas, ancient Inca structures, and winding alleys bearing intriguing monikers such as "Seven Snakes," "Rainbow," and "Purgatory," among others. Culminating our journey, we'll indulge in offerings of typical cuisine at a traditional Picantería, where food is accompanied by the local corn beer.
The afternoon is free to continue exploring at your own pace, shop for souvenirs or simply relax and enjoy the facilities of your hotel.

This evening we will take a short walk to our included dinner, The MAP Café, located in the central courtyard of the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art. Experience a 5 course tasting menu, explained by MAP´s gastronomic advisor.

Afterwards, you’ll be accompanied back to your hotel. 

Inspiring Tastes 

• This evening dine at one of Cusco’s best restaurants with a menu designed by one of Peru’s most famous chefs, Coque Ossio.  Dishes represent a fusion of modern cuisine and unique flavours of Peruvian ingredients 

Inspiring Sights

•  Explore Cusco in a way unique from conventional city tours, gaining a glimpse into the genuine essence of Cusco beyond its archaeological and architectural marvels. We'll immerse ourselves in the lived experiences spanning from the Inca era to the republican period, woven intricately into the fabric of its streets.

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Lima.  On arrival in Lima you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

The remainder of the day is free to relax.  You may wish to consider visiting one of Lima’s many museums, the colonial quarter or the nearby ruins of Huaca Pucllana.

This morning you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to the remote city of Iquitos.  On arrival you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to the port town of Nauta. A picnic lunch will be provided for the journey which will take approximately 90 minutes by road.  Here you will board the Zafiro, your luxurious home on the Amazon for the next three nights.  

Our team will escort you to your suite, specially designed for your comfort with comfortable beds, luxurious Peruvian pima cotton sheets, plush cotton bathrobes, air conditioning, and a private bathroom with shower and amenities.  All suites have floor to ceiling panoramic windows.

Before setting sail, our bartender will craft a cocktail using local fruits and pisco, Peru's renowned national liquor. Take advantage of this opportunity to indulge while taking in the breathtaking views of the river from the observation deck or the panoramic vistas offered by our indoor and outdoor lounges.

As we embark on our journey, our naturalist guides will provide a comprehensive overview of the trip's itinerary, including details on activities, routes, wildlife and vegetation, as well as the geographical and historical context. Should you have any questions our guides are readily available to assist you.

Following the welcome briefing, we'll indulge in delightful appetisers and take some time to relax before our next adventure on skiffs to Yacapana. Here, you'll embark on a thrilling night excursion in search of alligators, frogs, and other nocturnal species that emerge as the sun sets.

Afterwards, we'll return to the boat for some leisure time until dinner. Commence your journey with a unique Peruvian dinner infused with Amazonian flavours. Our menu offers a diverse range of options, including a vegetarian choice. Please inform us in advance of any dietary restrictions or preferences.

For those keen to catch the dawn, an early morning excursion on the river by skiff (motorised flat bottom boat) in search of birdlife such as toucans and other wildlife.  

Return to the Zafiro for a sumptuous breakfast which offers a daily selection of traditional dishes, Peruvian specialties, freshly baked homemade products and a variety of freshly prepared juices. 

After breakfast head out on the river again in search of pink river dolphins, sloths and a variety of primates.  Your naturalist guide will seek out wildlife for viewing and photography opportunities in the Pacaya Samira National Reserve.

Return to the Zafiro with time to freshen up and enjoy a delicious lunch on board.  Following lunch you may choose to take a siesta in your luxurious cabin or watch the river pass by.  For those who are interested, naturalist guides will be available for a talk about the Pacaya Samira National Reserve.  After a restful afternoon head back out on the water for further exploration and wildlife viewing as the sun sets over the mighty Amazon. 

Dinner will be served on board the Zafiro.

After breakfast head out on the skiff and explore the narrow tributaries to the Amazon river.  The Amazon contains such a variety of wildlife there is always something new to see with each day.  You will have the opportunity to fish for piranha or take a dip in the river if you dare!

Lunch will be served on board followed by time to relax.  Perhaps enjoy a soak in the onboard jacuzzi or book a massage (additional cost paid onboard).

This afternoon visit a local community to see how the people live and learn about their customs.  Your guide will act as an interpreter. Return to the Zafrio by skiff and take time to appreciate the spectacular colours of the sunset.

This evening enjoy live music on board before your farewell dinner.

Note: The order of included excursions throughout your journey,  and inclusion of walking activities, may vary subject to the time of year and water levels.   

After a final breakfast on board it’s time to say goodbye to the Zafiro crew as you transfer back to Iquitos Airport.  But the adventure does not end here.  Along the way you will visit the Manatee Rescue Centre.  

Biologists and volunteers dedicate their efforts to the welfare of manatees, an endangered species that authorities have rescued from illegal captivity. Through this endeavour, biologists go through the process of caring for and rehabilitating manatees before their eventual release back into their natural habitat. Additionally, there is the opportunity to witness the rehabilitation of other rescued animals of the Amazon.

On arrival in Lima you will be met and transferred to your hotel when the remainder of the evening is at your leisure.

Following a relaxing breakfast at your hotel, your adventure comes to an end.  At the appropriate time you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight.

We hope that you have been truly inspired by your journey through Peru.

Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight.

If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.

This flight takes you across the International Date Line so today will be spent flying to your home destination.

Welcome home, we hope you had a truly inspiring vacation.