Day 3 – 02 May 2025 – fly to to Cusco / Sacred Valley (B)

Start the day with breakfast before transferring to the airport for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed and driven to the Sacred Valley, a serene area that allows for easier acclimatization to the altitude compared to Cusco city. The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore at your own pace, soaking in the tranquil surroundings of the valley.

Overnight in the Sacred Valley.

Day 4 – 03 May 2025- Sacred Valley / Train to Aguas Calientes (B, L, D)

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Your first stop is the charming village of Pisac, renowned for its vibrant market and impressive Inca ruins. Stroll through the market, where local artisans sell handcrafted textiles, pottery, and jewelry. Then, head up to the Pisac ruins, perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of the valley. Explore the ancient agricultural terraces and ceremonial sites with your guide.

Next, you’ll visit the Wayra Ranch for a delightful lunch accompanied by a show of Peruvian Paso horses, known for their smooth gait and elegant demeanor. Enjoy traditional Andean cuisine while watching these graceful animals perform.

In the afternoon, continue to Ollantaytambo, a well-preserved Inca town with a massive fortress that dominates the landscape. Climb the stone terraces to the top of the fortress for a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. Learn about the historical significance of this site, which served as both a temple and a strategic military point.

As the day comes to a close, transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station for your journey to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing dinner as you prepare for your visit to the iconic Inca citadel the following day.

Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

*Due to limited space for luggage storage on trains, luggage restrictions apply: one bag or backpack (carry-on luggage) with a maximum weight of 5.0 kg/11 lb, measuring no more than 62 linear inches/157 linear cm (height + length + width).

Day 5 – 04 May 2025 – Machu Picchu Exploration (B)

Rise early to catch the first bus to Machu Picchu, ensuring you arrive at the site as it opens and before the crowds. As you enter the citadel, the morning mist often shrouds the ruins, adding to the mystical ambiance. Your guide will take you on an in-depth tour of the site, covering key areas such as the Main Square, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Solar Clock (Intihuatana), the Royal Quarters, and the Temple of the Three Windows.

Machu Picchu, known as the “Lost City of the Incas,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and is believed to have been a royal estate or sacred religious site for Inca leaders.

After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to explore the ruins independently. You may choose to hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for a classic view of Machu Picchu or venture to the Inca Bridge, an ancient engineering marvel.

Return to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon, where you can relax, visit the local hot springs, or explore the town’s markets and cafes.

Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

Day 7 – 06 May 2025 – Cusco City Tour (B, D)

After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Cusco, starting with the Koricancha Temple, also known as the Temple of the Sun. This was one of the most important temples in the Inca Empire, and its walls were once covered in gold.

Next, visit the Cathedral of Cusco, located on the Plaza de Armas. The cathedral is a stunning example of colonial architecture and houses an impressive collection of art, including the famous painting of the Last Supper with a guinea pig.

Continue to the archaeological sites surrounding Cusco, including Sacsayhuaman, a fortress with massive stone walls, Qenqo, a site of carved rocks and underground chambers, Puca Pucara, a military ruin, and Tambomachay, a ceremonial site known as the “Bath of the Inca.”

In the evening, enjoy a special dinner at a local restaurant, where you can sample traditional Andean dishes while watching a folkloric dance performance. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Overnight in Cusco.

Day 8 – 07 May 2025 – Cusco to Puno (B, L)

Day 9 – 08 May 2025 – Full Day Lake Titicaca: Taquile Island & Uros Floating Islands (B, L)

At 7:00 am pick up and transfer to the port to embark on a fully equipped speedboat with on board service to head to Taquile Island. Disembarking at a secluded part of the island, explore a scenic and less touristy area of Taquile Island (exclusive). Enjoy a pristine sandy beach where you will have plenty of time to relax and feel the serenity of Lake Titicaca. Then, hike along a pre-Inca trail with spectacular landscapes of the island, visiting families of weavers to learn about their textile art and symbolism. In 2005, “Taquile and its Textile Art” were proclaimed “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO.

After 3 hours on Taquile, leave the island for the short 25-minute journey to the community of Santa Maria-Llachon, on the tip of the Capachica Peninsula. This is a picturesque off the beaten track destination. Be welcomed by the small Quechua speaking community and introduced to an intensive cultural experience, observing the traditions of the community and participating in an ancient ceremony to learn about their magical world.

Then experience the preparation of “Pachamanca”, a traditional way of cooking meat, fish and potatoes using underground ovens, and one of the main dishes of Peruvian cuisine. Enjoy these delicacies in a small, but scenic restaurant. For the more adventurous there is an optional kayak along the coast of Llachon. After lunch, leave Santa Maria and 35 minutes later arrive at a remote area of the National Reserve of Lake Titicaca to explore Uros Ccapi. These are the last authentic floating islands, less commercial and little visited. The Uros are descendants of one of the oldest cultures in South America. There are optional tours in reed boats before we depart back to Puno at 15:25 pm.

On arrival back into Puno at 16:30pm, transfer back to hotel.

Overnight in Puno.

Day 10 – 09 May 2025: Flight to Iquitos (B)

At the appropriate time pick up from hotel and transfer to the airport of Juliaca for your flight to the Peruvian Amazon where you will be met and transferred to hotel. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the hotel pool or in the vibrant city center.

Overnight in Iquitos.

Day 12 – 11 May 2025 – Amazon Exploration (B, L, D)

Wake up to the sounds of the Amazon rainforest and enjoy breakfast onboard. Today’s adventure begins with a morning skiff excursion along the tributaries of the Amazon. Keep your eyes peeled for exotic birds, playful monkeys, and perhaps even the elusive pink river dolphins.

After lunch on the cruise ship, set out for another excursion, this time focusing on the unique flora of the region. Your naturalist guides will introduce you to the medicinal plants used by indigenous communities and explain the complex ecosystem of the rainforest.

In the evening, after a delicious dinner, embark on a thrilling night safari. As darkness falls, the jungle comes alive with the sounds of nocturnal creatures. This is a unique opportunity to witness the Amazon’s wildlife in a completely different setting.

Overnight on the Amazon cruise ship.

Day 14 – 13 May 2025- Iquitos to Lima / Farewell (B)

Enjoy your final breakfast in Iquitos  before checking out of your cruise . You’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Lima. As you bid farewell to the stunning landscapes of Peru and the friends you’ve made along the way, take a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences and memories you’ve gathered during your journey.

Upon arrival in Lima, connect to your international flight home or continue with your onward travel arrangements.

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