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Ultimate Peru by River and Rail
Available

Ultimate Peru by River and Rail

Peru14 days

The journey

Overview

Exploring the Amazon basin by riverboat and the Andean Plateau by train, this exhilarating Peruvian adventure combines two bucket-list destinations in one incredible journey. Cruise the Amazon Basin aboard Pure Amazon, the region’s finest vessel. Then, explore the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco before boarding the Andean Explorer for a high-altitude rail journey to Lake Titicaca.

Highlights

  • Begin with an exploration of Peru’s vibrant culinary capital, Lima
  • Cruise for three nights aboard Pure Amazon, an Worldway Travels x A&K Sanctuary, spotting wildlife on shore with your expert onboard guides for a guided forest walk, swim or fish along the way
  • Our local experts reveal Machu Picchu and Sacsayhuamán, as well as the colonial legacy of Cusco
  • Cross one of the world’s highest rail routes aboard Andean Explorer, South America’s first luxury sleeper train
  • Cruise Lake Titicaca to meet the islanders of the Uros and visit Taquille Island
  • Watch the sunrise by the Lake Lagunillas before delving into the Sumbay Caves to see paintings dating back some 8,000 years

Day by day

Day 1

Arrive Lima, Peru

The capital of Peru and world-renowned culinary epicenter, Lima is a delightful mix of indigenous and colonial history, natural beauty and a Pacific-Coast vibe that’s laidback by day and electric by night.

Day 2

Lima – Pursuing Peru’s Flavors

Huaca Pucllana is an ancient clay-and-adobe pyramid sprawled in the midst of Lima’s urban Miraflores District. View its ongoing excavation before joining a local chef on a visit to a popular food market. Afterward, stop for a coffee tasting before strolling the city’s colorful Barranco and visit the Osma Museum. Later, help the chef prepare your dinner.

Day 3

Iquitos & Nauta – Cruising The Amazon Basin

The Amazon Basin is one of the greatest remaining wildernesses on earth and the best way to explore it is aboard Worldway Travels x A&K Sanctuary’s boutique riverboat, Pure Amazon. Starting at remote Nauta, on the banks of the Marañón River, embark on a three-night river adventure in state-of-the-art comfort, with a staff-to-guest ratio of over 1:1 ensuring exceptional, personalized attention.

Day 4

Peru Amazon – Expert-led Wildlife Viewing

In this paradise for birders, where vividly colored macaws may be seen gliding over the river, set out on an expert-led birding excursion at dawn’s first light. Don’t miss the long-limbed spider monkey or an endearingly slow-moving sloth that may see in the forest canopy. Later, as the equatorial sun dips behind the treetops, you may opt for night safari by skiff, watching for the glowing eyes of

Day 5

Peru Amazon – Village Visit and Piranha Fishing

Each day along the ever-changing river brings with it new possibilities. You may spot the Amazon’s fabled pink dolphins or go ashore to visit a local village to learn about daily life deep in the Amazon. Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner on board.

Day 6

Lima – Gain Insight into Daily Life

After a final breakfast onboard Pure Amazon, disembark in Nauta. Here you gain insight into the daily life in the region, beginning with a visit to the local market where you see the vibrant array of exotic fruits and vegetables on offer. Continue with a visit to the Museum of Indigenous Amazonian Cultures to explore its rich exhibits of the traditions and histories of Amazonian communities. From

Day 7

Sacred Valley – Elevating Your Journey

The former capital of the Inca empire, Cusco is often considered the most beautiful city in Peru. Venture from here into the Sacred Valley to visit the village of Lamay.

Day 8

Sacred Valley – Elevating Your Journey

The Sacred Valley of the Incas carves through the Peruvian Andes near Cusco. Deemed a spiritual epicenter by the Inca people, the valley is home to remote Quechua-speaking communities whose traditional way of life endures. Begin with a light trek — escorted by llamas — on a trail that overlooks a lake, and then proceed to the Village of Flowers to meet with members of the local community and learn

Day 9

Machu Picchu – Bingham’s Stunning Find

Explore the massive stone fortress of Ollantaytambo before boarding the Inca Rail First-Class Train for a journey to Machu Picchu through the verdant Peruvian countryside. Overlooking the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century at the height of the Inca Empire. Upon arrival, explore the ruins in depth with your expert guide. Return to Cusco via the Hiram Bingham train, savoring

Day 10

Cusco – Design Your Day

Discover Cusco on a city tour that includes the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and the Santo Domingo Temple. Listen as a local expert explains how clashes between the Incas and the Spanish formed today’s Peruvian culture. Later, visit Sacsayhuamán, a testament to Incan architectural skill, with a stop at Sulca workshop en route. This afternoon, enjoy one of these **Design Your Day** activities.

Day 11

Andean Explorer – Walking in Incan Footsteps

Step aboard Andean Explorer, the first luxury sleeping train in South America, to begin a relaxing trek across the Andean plains backdropped by Peru’s lofty landscapes. Get comfortable in your deluxe cabin as the train rolls southeast to Tinta Station. Disembark to discover Raqch’i, an Incan archaeological site. Back on board, view the La Raya mountain range en route to Lake Titicaca.

Day 12

Andean Explorer – Secrets of the Floating Islands

Absorb the eclectic beauty and rich biodiversity of Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America. Ride by traditional boat to the islands of the Uros to view extraordinary floating manmade isles created from woven reeds. Eat lunch on Taquille Island, where many locals are Quechuan, followed by a visit to the sparkling sands of Collata Beach.

Day 13

Andean Explorer – Ancient Cave Artwork

Step inside the Sumbay caves, home to fascinating paintings estimated to be over 8,000 years old. Return to Arequipa by train before flying to Lima.

Day 14

Depart Lima

Enjoy breakfast before your short walk to the airport to board your departing flight.

What's included

  • Expert local guides & seamless transfers
  • Carefully selected luxury accommodations
  • Selected meals & signature experiences
  • Private arrival & departure transfers

Not included

  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas where applicable
  • Gratuities & personal expenses

Accommodations

  • InterContinental Real Lima Miraflores
  • Nauta
  • Pure Amazon, an A&K Sanctuary
  • Lima
  • Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol Lima Airport
  • Cusco

Frequently asked questions

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