Luxury Amazon River Cruise and Machu Picchu Exploration | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Luxury Amazon River Cruise and Machu Picchu Exploration

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PRIVATE TOUR - 12 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 11919

Private Tour Highlights

  • Enjoying the sounds of nocturnal wildlife while caiman-spotting with spotlight torches.
  • Visiting the Manatee Rescue Center, where endangered Amazon manatees are cared for.
  • Spying an abundance of wildlife along the Amazon River.
  • Exploring the “Mirrored Forest,” where towering trees are reflected in the black water river.
  • Soaking up the majesty of Machu Picchu, the ‘Lost City of the Incas.
  • interact with the locals at the San Pedro Market, a lively, local market where victors can learn of local Andean ingredients.
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

Enjoy a luxury Amazon River cruise and Machu Picchu exploration in this wonderful fusion of Peru’s finest offerings. This luxury itinerary incorporates a five-day cruise aboard the luxury M/V Aria in the Peruvian Amazon. Navigating the mightiest river in the world, you will witness the pristine wilderness areas and wildlife of this remote ecosystem. Enjoy the sounds of nocturnal wildlife while searching for caimans with a spotlight. The opportunity to view different species of monkeys, river dolphins, and innumerable varieties of birds are all part of a day’s adventure.  You will also visit the Manatee Rescue Center, where endangered Amazon manatees receive care.  Explore the “Mirrored Forest” where towering trees reflect in the black water river.

This itinerary concludes with a visit to Cusco and an overnight in Machu Picchu where you can soak in the majesty of the ‘Lost City of the Incas’. Recently, following UNESCO recommendations, Peruvian authorities have placed restrictions on the visitation of Machu Picchu, the lost Incan ruins. Currently, no more than 2,500 people daily will be allowed to visit the ruins. While these new restrictions are great for the preservation of the ruins, they may cause some difficulties in your ability to visit them, so we recommend booking with plenty of notice.

Optional excursions aboard the M/V Aria include venturing into remote creeks to witness giant river otters nesting, an array of yellow-crowned brush-tailed bats, frogs, night monkeys, and more. Along the voyage you will also visit traditional Amazonian villages such as San Juan del Amazonas, where the Cocama Indians carry on their tribe’s traditions living in thatched stilt houses and earning their living by fishing.

Inclusions
Prices include round-trip airfare from Lima to Cusco; round-trip airfare from Lima to Iquitos; hotel accommodation including daily continental or buffet breakfast; all transfers between airports and hotels with assistance and baggage handling; guided tours in English including all entrance fees; meals where specified; and all meals and excursions aboard the M/V Aria Amazon Cruise.

Note:
*Cost includes Vistadome train from Cusco or the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. Vistadome is ideal for travelers who want a personalized immersion of Andean culture with traditional dances and music along the way. This train features panoramic windows, leather seats, new table design as well as heating and air conditioning.

*Deluxe service Hiram Bingham train features an observation wagon with a bar and two dining cars. In addition, this train includes a gourmet brunch on board, exclusive bus return to Machu Picchu, entrance to Machu Picchu as well as a guided tour. Afternoon tea in the Sanctuary Lodge, pre-dinner cocktails and a 4-course, a la carte dinner is also included. The train does not operate on Sundays. Upgrades available from Vistadome to Hiram Bingham Deluxe; please ask your Yampu Tour Consultant for the cost of the upgrade.

*This itinerary incorporates a five day cruise aboard the M/V Aria which departs on Tuesdays making the suggested departure date for this tour on Sunday. However, we can customize the itinerary to accommodate alternative travel dates, please ask a Yampu Travel Consultant.

*Boat itineraries are subject to change due to weather conditions and time of year. River and tributary levels may vary, and thus navigation times and excursions may need to be modified at the captain’s discretion. Please note there is a 7 year age minimum on all departures aboard the M/V Aria.
Exclusions

Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are already included.

Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Package Price: From £$ 11919

Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

Sunday - Flight to Lima

Upon arrival to Lima, you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel.

Upon arrival to Lima, you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel.

LATAM Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Day
2

Monday - Private City Tour of Lima

This afternoon, enjoy a private city tour of Lima, one of the most important cities in South America since its founding in 1535. As you journey through the historic center of the city, admire San Martin's beauty and its major squares, the Cathedral, and the Government Palace. Visit San Francisco Convent, a religious building from the late 16th century, and its catacombs. This tour also includes a drive through the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores. Please note that the Cathedral is open Monday through Saturday.

During your tour, you will also visit the Museo Larco. Founded in 1926, the Museo Larco chronologically showcases the past 3,000 years of Peruvian history and culture, including its pre-Colombian history. The museum is located in a beautiful 18th-century vice-royal mansion built atop a 7th-century pre-Colombian tomb. After exploring the Museo Larco, enjoy complimentary cocktails and appetizers at the onsite Larco Cafe overlooking the beautiful surrounding gardens.
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Museo_Larco_Lima_Peru
Day
3

Tuesday - Lima- Iquitos

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and privately transferred to the airport for your flight to Iquitos

Upon arrival, be greeted for airport reception and transferred to the luxury M/V Aria. After check-in, there will be time to meet fellow travelers while the staff performs a routine safety drill.

This evening, enjoy a relaxing welcome dinner of Peruvian cuisine, considered one of the world's best, paired with delicious South American wines.

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and privately transferred to the airport for your flight to Iquitos

Upon arrival, be greeted for airport reception and transferred to the luxury M/V Aria. After check-in, there will be time to meet fellow travelers while the staff performs a routine safety drill.

This evening, enjoy a relaxing welcome dinner of Peruvian cuisine, considered one of the world's best, paired with delicious South American wines.

Aria-Amazon-Exterior
Day
4

Wednesday - Amazon Flooded Forest

This morning, board skiffs to explore part of the vast Amazon flooded forest as the naturalist guides explain the dynamics of this intriguing ecosystem. During the exploration, visit what scientists call "gallery forest" because of its narrow vegetation that creates a tunnel of leaves. Float through the tunnel and spot parrots, macaws, and fluffy monk saki monkeys very close to the skiff.
In the afternoon, explore the "Mirrored Forest," a segment where towering trees reflect in the black water river. Here one will be able to see dozens of enchanting parrots, blue-yellow macaws, and a great variety of primates and sloths enjoying nature undisturbed by the human presence. While making the way back to the vessel, there will be a chance to see caimans, frogs, and fishing bats as the sunsets. This evening, enjoy dinner and an overnight at leisure aboard the M/V Aria.
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Iquitos_Skiff_Peru
Day
5

Thursday - Hatum Posa- Yanayacu Lake

This morning, rise early to cruise the beautiful and intricate ox-bow lake. Cruise close to shore, and there will be an opportunity to view several kinds of monkeys and many species of birds, including terns, neo-tropic cormorants, egrets, and herons, before returning to the M/V for breakfast. Later this morning, walk to Hatum Posa, where the naturalist guides will introduce everyone to the native people practicing subsistence farming to explain how they cultivate wild plants and trees to earn farm income. Deep in the primary forest, guides will also show the wealth of fruit trees and medicinal plants hidden in the vegetation. Return to the M/V for lunch.

In the late afternoon, the best time of day to spot some species of monkeys, take the skiffs along the Pacaya River, journeying from Ranger Station No. 1 toward Yanayacu Lake to see the abundant life that is hidden in the deep rainforest. As the sun sets, listen for the loud, ferocious-sounding warning signals made by howler monkeys marking their territories and listen as other nocturnal animals send their shrill calls across the treetops. Returning to the M/V aboard skiffs, take the opportunity to use special spotlight torches to locate night creatures, including caimans. This evening enjoy dinner and an overnight at leisure aboard the M/V.
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Iquitos_Delfin_monkey_Peru
Day
6

Friday - Pacaya Reserve

The day begins with the exploration of the Pacaya Reserve aboard the skiffs. As the sun rises, see a treasure trove of wildlife, including parrots, macaws, toucans, and several species of monkeys. Near a popular dolphin feeding spot, enjoy a bag breakfast before returning to the M/V Aria for the remainder of the morning at leisure.

In the late afternoon, travel to the splendid "hot spot" lake where one will be certain to catch some of the more than 3,000 species of tropical fish in the Amazon basin, including piranhas. This evening, enjoy a final dinner aboard the M/V and enjoying the peace and beauty of the Amazon.
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Iquitos_Peru
Day
7

Saturday Belen by skiff - Iquitos- Cusco

After breakfast and if weather and time allow it, this will be the last opportunity to see how people live along the Amazon by visiting the lively riverside community of Belen by skiff. Here, where the houses and shops float on the river during some months, see the entire Peruvian Amazon's bustling food market. All local inhabitants throughout the region sell and purchase goods here. After there will be some time for packing and to enjoy a light lunch before you disembark to Iquitos.

The afternoon in the remote city of Iquitos, accessible only by river or air, will not disappoint! This bustling town, complete with a house built by Gustave Eiffel, was once a rich center of the rubber industry. Visit the Manatee Rescue Center, where biologists and volunteers care for endangered Amazon manatees that conservation authorities have seized from local people. Finally, stop at the San Juan Amazonian Indian Market for one last chance to shop for local crafts before transferring to the Iquitos airport for the return flight to Cusco.

Upon arrival to Cusco, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Cusco is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruins of the old Inca city became the foundation for the Spanish architecture you see today, and many of the stone walls that line the streets were built by the Incas.
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Day
8

Sunday - Walking tour of Cusco

This morning, enjoy a private walking tour of Cusco, where you will visit the Korikancha Temple, Temple of the Sun, and the Cathedral and its Art Museum. During your tour today, you have the option to visit the Casa Concha museum or the San Pedro Market. The Casa Concha museum was recently renovated and houses over 360 archaeological pieces from Machu Picchu, recently returned by Yale University. San Pedro Market is a lively, local market where you will receive a briefing about the local Andean ingredients and have an opportunity to purchase them. This market visit is an excellent opportunity to interact with the locals, selling or purchasing items from the market.

This afternoon there will be time for lunch (lunch not included) before continuing to the nearby water shrine of Tambomachay (the Inca Fountains), Puca Pucara (the Red Fortress), the amphitheater of Kenko, and finally, the Sacsayhuaman Fortress. Later in the afternoon, return to the hotel for an evening at leisure.

Note: For more adventurous travelers, Yampu suggests an optional sunset horseback riding tour through the Sacsayhuaman Ruins. Please ask a Yampu Travel Consultant for more information.
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Cusco_Peru
Day
9

Monday - Cusco - Machu Picchu

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the train station for the Vistadome train ride to Machu Picchu.

The train will take you through the Sacred Valley of the Incas up to the town of Aguas Calientes. From here, you will board a bus to Machu Picchu and then have a private guided tour of the ruins. Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, was a flourishing ceremonial and agricultural site, probably the gateway to the jungle marshes of the Inca Empire. The central buildings were erected with the Cusco Imperial style's polished stone works, though the site was probably occupied well before the Incas started their expansion. It was associated with the earth cult revolving around the coca leaf, a privilege of the Inca royal family and priests. Enjoy lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge, at the ruins entrance, before returning to your hotel at your leisure. In the evening, enjoy a wonderful dinner at the hotel or in the town of Aguas Calientes.
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Day
10

Tuesday - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Enjoy today at your leisure. You may choose to return to Machu Picchu, hike Huayna Picchu, or relax in the village of Aguas Calientes and its hot springs. In the afternoon, we will board the train to return to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be met at the train station and transfer to your Cusco hotel.

Note: Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu on this day are not included. If you decide to return to Machu Picchu, new regulations require you to be accompanied by a guide at all times. Please contact your Yampu travel consultant if you think you would like to go back to the ruins or hike the Huayna Picchu at the time of booking (subject to availability).
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Hiram_Bingham_Train_Peru
Day
11

Thursday - Flight Home

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima where you will connect to your flight home.

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima where you will connect to your flight home.

Lima, Peru

Cusco, Peru

Machupicchu, Cusco, Peru

Places You'll See

  • Peru_Lima_city

    Lima

    Bursting with architectural history and culture, Lima has an eclectic array of attractions. Visit the Santo Domingo Convent, a religious and artistic staple of the city’s historic center. Take a walk along the cliffs of the Miraflores district, showcasing the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, and after, enjoy some shopping at the Larcomar Mall.

  • Peru_Cusco_city

    Cusco

    Once a powerful Incan city, Cusco is filled to the brim with relics of its grand history. Visit the ruins of the ancient Incan Koricancha Temple, where the Church of Santo Domingo now stands atop. Behold the many beautiful, colonial buildings in the Main Square, including the Cathedral and Church of La Compania de Jesus (Society of Christ).

  • Machu Picchu

    Recently, following UNESCO recommendations, Peruvian authorities have placed restrictions on the visitation of Machu Picchu, the lost Incan ruins. Currently, no more than 2,500 people daily will be allowed to visit the ruins. While these new restrictions are great for the preservation of the ruins, they may cause some difficulties in your ability to visit them, so we recommend booking with plenty of notice.

Hotel Options

Aria-Amazon-Design-Suite

Featured Accommodation

Aria Cruise Accommodations

Custom built for Aqua Expeditions by leading Peruvian architect Jordi Puig, the Aria Amazon allows her guests to explore the Peruvian Amazon in utmost comfort. The 45 meter (147 foot) Aria Amazon set sail in 2011 following the success of its sister ship, the Aqua Amazon. Spacious and indulgent, yet intimate enough to feel entirely exclusive, the 16-cabin Aria Amazon incorporates extremely generous dining and lounging areas including an outdoor jacuzzi overlooking the Amazon’s river views. The striking matte black hulled ship can accommodate a maximum of 32 guests plus 24 crew including the paramedic and four English speaking naturalist guides. Aqua Expeditions highly experienced cruise ship captain and crew and the Aqua Expedition’s rigorous cruise ship standards ensure smooth travel and safety on the waters of the Amazon. Floor to ceiling windows face the Amazon River (with blackout windows for maximum privacy) in each of the Aria Amazon’s 16 Design Suites, four of which can interconnect for families. Handsomely decorated with natural fibers and neutral hues these air-conditioned accommodations with en suite sitting areas and bathrooms each measure 23 square meters (250 square feet).

Iquitos ,

4 Star Properties

Lima : Doubletree El Pardo, Lima

Lima : Innside by Meliá Lima Miraflores

Cusco : El Mercado

Cusco : Palacio Manco Capac 

Machu Picchu : El MaPi

Machu Picchu : Casa del Sol

5 Star Properties

Lima : Hilton Lima Miraflores

Lima : Hyatt Centric San Isidro Lima

Cusco : Inkaterra La Casona

Cusco : Palacio del Inka by Libertador, Cusco

Machu Picchu : Sumaq Hotel

Machu Picchu : Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo

Luxury Properties

Lima : Miraflores Park Plaza (Ocean View)

Lima : JW Marriott, Lima

Cusco : Belmond Palacio Nazarenas

Cusco : Belmond Hotel Monasterio

Machu Picchu : Sanctuary Lodge (standard Room)

Machu Picchu : Sanctuary Lodge (Mountain View With Terrace)

Testimonials

Steve M.

Traveled February, 2015

I recommend Yampu highly for S. American travel

In 2015, Yampu organized a 19-day individual itinerary tour for me to Peru (Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lima), Chile (Santiago, Valparaiso/Casablanca, and southern Patagonia) plus a short stop in Buenos Aires. This tour included three nights at the all-inclusive Hotel de los Torres in Torres del Paine National Park, and a 4-day, 3-night cruise on the MV Stella Australis through the Tierra del Fuego archipelago from Punta Arenas to Cape Horn and on to Ushuaia. At every stop Yampu arranged airport transfers, superb guides, safe and cordial drivers, comfortable and beautiful hotels, and fascinating programs. The trip ran like clockwork, was educational and immense fun, a true mix of adventures and wondrous scenery and cultures. Yampu’s sales staff was knowledgeable and highly responsive to my requests as we constructed the tour plan, and worked well within my budget constraints to create this wonderful and most memorable travel experience. I recommend Yampu highly for S. American travel.

Traveled To



A-J

Traveled April, 2014

What an experience!!!

I thought it only fair to let you know that all the planning you did for our time in Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu worked beautifully. I would give full marks to the staff. Everywhere we went we were treated like the very best of guests. The guides were excellent, the transfers went smoothly and the hotel was lovely. Thank you so much. The highlight of our trip was truly enhanced by Yampu Travel. We had one guide for just the two of us everywhere we went and my husband was able to hear and understand much better than in a group situation. What an experience!!!

Traveled To

Robert and Tara

Traveled October, 2007

We look forward to traveling to south-american with you again!

Thank you very much for all of your assistance in arranging our recent trip to Peru and Chile. We had a fantastic time! The guides you arranged were all fabulous (Roberto and Ruth in Lima, Milena in Cusco, Darwin at Machu Picchu, and Ricardo in Santiago). Again, thank you very much for your assistance! We look forward to traveling to south-american with you again!

Traveled To


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