PERUVIAN WONDERS – Amazon, Inti Raymi & Machu Picchu

Our Peruvian adventure begins as we arrive in Lima! After clearing customs and immigration, we’ll be met in the International Arrivals Hall and escorted to our airport hotel, conveniently located just a short walk from the terminal.

Tonight is all about getting settled and rested. Tomorrow we trade city life for the sounds, wildlife and tropical landscapes of the Amazon! Meals: None

This morning we’ll make our way to Lima Airport for our flight to Puerto Maldonado, gateway to the Peruvian Amazon. Upon arrival, our rainforest adventure really begins as we travel approximately 30 kilometers by river along the Madre de Dios River to our Amazon lodge.

After lunch, we’ll head into the rainforest with our guide, following an interpretive trail to Caiman Lake, where we’ll look for the caimans that inhabit these waters. As afternoon turns to evening, we’ll experience our first spectacular Amazon sunset before returning to the lodge for dinner. Tonight, the sounds of birds, insects and nocturnal wildlife provide our jungle soundtrack.

We’ll wake to the sounds of the rainforest and set out after breakfast for another day of exploration. Walking deep into the forest, we’ll follow a network of trails to Lake Apu Victor, surrounded by wetlands and enormous tropical trees.

From a tall observation platform, we’ll have a wonderful vantage point for spotting some of the Amazon’s remarkable wildlife—including parrots, macaws, toucans, hoatzins, herons, caimans and turtles. After lunch, we’ll visit Monkey Island, home to several species of primates as well as colorful tropical birds and other wildlife. We’ll finish another unforgettable day watching the sun set over the Amazon basin.

Overnight: Eco Amazonia Lodge

There is still more jungle to discover! Today we’ll hike through the rainforest to Cocha Perdida—“Lost Lake.” Along the way, we’ll keep watch for the tremendous variety of flora and fauna that make the Amazon one of the most biologically diverse regions on Earth.

At Lost Lake, we’ll climb an observation platform for a close-up view of the rainforest canopy before exploring the lake in search of giant otters, the largest otter species in the world. We’ll soak in one last

Amazon sunset before returning to our lodge for dinner and a final evening surrounded by the sounds of the jungle.

After breakfast, we’ll say goodbye to the rainforest and return by river to Puerto Maldonado for our flight to Cusco. We’re trading the lush Amazon basin for the dramatic landscapes, history and culture of the Andes.

Upon arrival, our guide will introduce us to one of South America’s most fascinating cities. We’ll explore the Plaza de Armas, visit impressive Cusco Cathedral, and discover Qoricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun, whose walls were once said to have been covered in gold. It’s the perfect introduction to the Inca world—and a preview of what awaits us tomorrow.

Later, we’ll return by train through the scenic Urubamba Valley before arriving back in Cusco for the evening.

Today could become one of the most memorable days of our entire journey. We’re in Cusco for Inti Raymi—the Festival of the Sun, one of the great cultural celebrations of Peru!

This ancient Inca celebration of the winter solstice unfolds across three historic locations. We’ll begin at Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, continue to Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, and then travel to the massive Inca fortress of Saqsayhuaman for the festival’s grand ceremonies. Hundreds of performers, musicians and dancers dressed in elaborate traditional regalia recreate rituals of the Inca Empire in a remarkable spectacle of history, music and color.

After this extraordinary day, we’ll enjoy dinner and a show at a local restaurant before returning to our hotel.

This morning we’ll leave Cusco behind and travel into the spectacular Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop is Pisac, where Inca and colonial traditions come together. We’ll have time to explore its famous artisan market, filled with locally produced textiles, ceramics, jewelry and handicrafts.

We’ll also visit the impressive Pisac Archaeological Park before continuing through the valley to Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved Inca towns in Peru. Its massive stone fortress and terraces climbing the mountainside offer another remarkable look into the engineering abilities of the Inca civilization. Tonight, we’ll settle into the peaceful surroundings of the Sacred Valley.

This is the day many of us have dreamed about! We’ll board the Vistadome Observatory Train in Ollantaytambo for one of South America’s most scenic rail journeys. Huge mountains rise around us as we follow the river toward Aguas Calientes and the legendary sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

From Aguas Calientes, we’ll travel by bus high into the mountains to enter one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. With our guide, we’ll walk through this extraordinary Inca citadel, surrounded by soaring green peaks and some of the most dramatic scenery in Peru. Afterwards, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and enjoy time to relax and absorb everything we’ve experienced.

And the best part? We’re not finished with Machu Picchu yet!

One visit to Machu Picchu simply isn’t enough. This morning we’ll have a second opportunity to enter the Historic Sanctuary, allowing us to experience the citadel from another perspective and at a more relaxed pace with our private guide.

Travelers looking for an additional challenge may choose an optional hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain for spectacular views overlooking the archaeological complex. Space is extremely limited and advance reservations are required.

Later this afternoon, we’ll board the Vistadome Observatory Train for our scenic return journey through the Andes. Upon arrival in Poroy, we’ll transfer back to Cusco for our final night in Peru.

What an adventure it has been! From the wildlife and waterways of the Amazon to the pageantry of Inti Raymi, the traditions of Cusco, the beauty of the Sacred Valley and the unforgettable mountaintop ruins of Machu Picchu, we’ve experienced so many different sides of Peru.

After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the Cusco airport for our flight to Lima. Upon arrival, we’ll be assisted with our connection for our international flight home, taking with us incredible photographs, new friendships and memories of a truly remarkable South American adventure.

Meals: On-Flight