Peru (Amazon River & Colca Canyon) with Luxury & Style (10 Days): Sample Itinerary Outline


ID #: DT-P-10-9-13-10-BESI

 

Peru (Amazon River & Colca Canyon) with Luxury & Style (10 Days)Day 1: Lima, PERU
This evening, arrive in Lima, where you are met and transferred to your luxury hotel. Founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, the “City of Kings” is an intriguing mélange of elegant colonial structures, pre-Columbian sites, and modern conveniences. This evening, you overnight in one of the city’s loveliest neighborhoods.
►Some suggested Lima hotels (in alphabetical order):
Country Club Lima Hotel
  (V)
Miraflores Park Hotel
  (V)
Titilaka
  (V)
►Together, we will find the best choice for you!

Days 2-5: Lima / Iquitos / Amazon, PERU
Fly to Iquitos this afternoon. Enjoy a scenic drive through the lush Peruvian countryside to the village of Nauta, your jumping-off point for your Amazon River voyage. Board MV ‘Aqua,’ the most luxurious cruiser to explore the Amazon River. After a safety drill and briefing, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow adventurers. Over the next five days, sail several tributaries of the Amazon (including the Pacaya and Ucayali Rivers) and the mighty river itself, and explore a world rarely seen by the ordinary traveller. The largest river by volume in the world, the Amazon remains singularly untamed: no bridge has ever been built to span it, and the Amazon Rainforest accounts for more than a third of the world’s entire biodiversity. Sights and specific routes depend on whether you visit during high-water or low-water season, but expect plenty of wildlife sightings from ‘Aqua’s’ skiffs and informative guided walks and excursions on land. Spot a myriad of rare fauna — such as three- toed sloth, iguana, monkey and macaw — as well as a variety of flora, including fruit trees and medicinal plants. During stops in native villages such as Hatum Posa, meet native Amazonians carving a living from fishing or subsistence farming, and learn how they cultivate wild plants to earn farm income. Take a pole and bait to some of the world’s most fish-rich rivers and catch some of the 3,000-plus species of fish, including tropical species and piranha. Throughout your journey, enjoy gourmet meals designed by acclaimed Peruvian chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. On your last evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner on board and toast your jungle adventure with the other passengers and crew.
MV 'Aqua' 

Day 6: Amazon / Iquitos / Lima, PERU
Disembark in Iquitos and enjoy a city tour and a visit to the Manatee Rescue Center. Fly to Lima this evening and overnight in the capital. The remainder of your evening is at leisure.
►For Lima hotel suggestions, see above.

Day 7: Lima / Arequipa / Colca Valley, PERU
This morning, board a flight to Arequipa, often referred to as “The White City” after the pearly volcanic rock used to build many of its colonial Spanish churches and homes. Upon your arrival, you are met and transferred to the Colca Valley. The valley is located about a five-hour drive from Arequipa, and the journey by private vehicle reveals southern Peru’s striking panoramas of imposing mountains standing guard over verdant valleys. Local geologists claim that Colca is the world’s deepest canyon, with chasms that measure up to 11,000 feet from top to bottom. In the valley, spot ancestral farming terraces, still cultivated by the native Collaguas.
►Suggested hotel:
Las Casitas del Colca   (V)

Day 8: Colca Valley, PERU
Early this morning, meet your guide and depart for the Condor Cross in Colca Canyon. At the Condor Cross, witness these rare, magnificent birds — some with wingspans of over 10 feet — as they take flight by plunging from the canyon walls to hang-glide in circular formation through the air. Marvel at the canyon’s depth and beauty. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the many activities offered by your luxury lodge, which include fishing, horseback riding, cycling and scenic walks around the spectacular Colca Valley during the day, and stargazing at night. You may also choose to learn how to cook Peruvian fare using regional ingredients such as quinoa, or to visit the on-site vegetable garden, which provides seasonal produce for the lodge’s restaurant.
►Suggested hotel:
Las Casitas del Colca  (V)

Day 9: Colca Valley / Arequipa / Lima, PERU
This morning, take a last opportunity to experience the unique activities offered by your luxury lodge or contemplate the breathtaking Colca Valley surroundings. In the afternoon, transfer back to Arequipa airport for your return domestic flight to Lima. When you arrive in Lima airport this evening, a representative meets and assists you with your overnight international departure flight.

Day 10: USA or Canada