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Luxury Cruise and Andes:
10 Days - Lima, Amazon Cruise and Machu Picchu

Arrival in Lima

DAY 1

Upon arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, you’ll be warmly welcomed by a Luxe Andes Peru representative, who will assist with VIP transfer to your luxury hotel in the exclusive Miraflores district. Once at the hotel, you’ll receive all necessary travel information and personalized assistance with the check-in process. Use this day to acclimatize and enjoy your boutique hotel’s amenities. If your arrival is early, we recommend exploring the vibrant Miraflores district, visiting the romantic Love Park with its spectacular Pacific Ocean views, or enjoying a welcome dinner at one of the city’s award-winning restaurants. The afternoon is perfect for last-minute shopping or simply relaxing at the hotel spa before your Amazon adventure.

Flight to Iquitos - Cruise Embarkation

DAY 2

Early morning transfer to Jorge Chávez Airport for your flight to Iquitos, the world’s Amazon capital and gateway to the planet’s most extensive rainforest. Flights and schedules may vary depending on available cruise, but generally depart in the morning to allow midday embarkation. Upon arrival at Iquitos airport, you’ll be welcomed by the cruise team and transferred directly to the port where you’ll board your luxury vessel. After the welcome ceremony with an Amazon cocktail, receive safety orientation and settle into your elegant suite with panoramic river windows. Your Amazon adventure begins immediately with navigation toward the rainforest depths, while enjoying your first gourmet dinner onboard watching the sunset over Amazon waters.

Amazon Cruise

DAY 3

Wake to Amazon rainforest sounds while navigating the world’s mightiest river. Your day begins with a morning expedition in smaller boats to explore tributaries and observe wildlife in their natural habitat. You can spot pink dolphins, sloths, various monkey species, and an incredible variety of tropical birds. Activities may include: primary rainforest trail walks with expert naturalist guides, piranha fishing, narrow channel canoe navigation, and encounters with riverside communities where you’ll learn about their ancestral traditions and symbiotic relationship with the river. Each excursion returns to the cruise for gourmet meals prepared by chefs specializing in Amazon cuisine fused with international techniques. The afternoon may include biodiversity lectures and nightlife observation from the upper deck.

Amazon Cruise

DAY 4

Your second full day in the Amazon heart will allow you to deepen exploration of this unique ecosystem. Depending on the cruise route, activities may include expeditions to oxbow lakes to observe giant otters, caimans, and an impressive diversity of aquatic birds, or visits to special reserves where you’ll participate in conservation programs. Experiences may include: observation tower ascents for a unique forest canopy perspective, medicinal plant workshops with local shamans, bird watching from specialized hides, and night navigation to spot caimans and nocturnal wildlife. Each activity is accompanied by expert naturalists who help you understand complex Amazon ecology. Onboard meals include local ingredients like Amazon fish, exotic fruits, and regional specialties prepared to international standards.

Flight to Cusco with Lima Stopover - Transfer to Hotel

DAY 5

After farewell breakfast onboard, disembark in Iquitos and transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco with technical stopover in Lima. This day involves a dramatic transition from tropical rainforest at sea level to the Andes at 3,400 meters altitude. Upon arrival at Cusco airport, you’ll be welcomed by your specialized guide who will offer comforting coca tea to facilitate altitude acclimatization. Transfer to your luxury hotel in Cusco’s historic center, where you’ll have the rest of the day free to gradually acclimatize. We recommend resting, adequate hydration, and avoiding intense physical efforts. If you feel comfortable, take a light walk through the historic center’s cobblestone streets to begin familiarizing yourself with colonial and Inca architecture.

Sacred Valley - Pisaq Market, Pisaq Ruins, Ollantaytambo and Hotel in Urubamba

DAY 6

Early morning, head to Sacred Valley, descending to a more comfortable altitude (2,874 meters) to continue your acclimatization. Begin visiting vibrant Pisaq market, considered one of Sacred Valley’s most authentic artisan markets, where you can admire and acquire traditional textiles, ceramics, silver jewelry, and handicrafts made by local communities. Continue to impressive Pisaq ruins, a ceremonial and military complex crowning a mountain with perfectly preserved agricultural terraces and spectacular panoramic valley views. After a gourmet buffet lunch with local organic products, head to Ollantaytambo, the last living Inca town, where you’ll explore its imposing fortress and walk through its original cobblestone streets. At day’s end, settle into your boutique hotel in Urubamba, strategically located in Sacred Valley’s heart to facilitate acclimatization and serve as base for your Andean explorations.

Maras, Moray, Salt Terraces, Chincheros - Train to Aguas Calientes

DAY 7

After breakfast, begin a full day exploring Sacred Valley’s most emblematic wonders. Start visiting fascinating Maras salt terraces, where thousands of salt terraces have been exploited since Inca times, creating a surrealistic landscape of white mirrors dramatically contrasting with surrounding mountains. Continue to Moray, the enigmatic Inca agricultural laboratory with its concentric circular terraces used to experiment with different crops at various altitudes. After a buffet lunch with Andean specialties, visit picturesque Chincheros town, famous for its traditional textiles and colonial church built on Inca foundations. Late afternoon, transfer to Ollantaytambo station to board the luxury train to Aguas Calientes. During the journey, enjoy panoramic windows offering spectacular views of the Urubamba River and transition to cloud forest. Arrival and accommodation at your boutique hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Machu Picchu - Train to Ollantaytambo - Transfer to Cusco

DAY 8

This is your trip’s most anticipated day. Very early morning, board one of the first buses to Machu Picchu citadel to enjoy sunrise over this world wonder. Your specialized guide will lead you through the chosen available circuit, revealing the architectural, astronomical, and ceremonial secrets of this archaeological jewel. Explore the most important sectors according to the selected circuit, which may include the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Residence, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Intihuatana, and other ceremonial sites, while learning about the fascinating history and mysteries still surrounding this sacred citadel. After a deep and contemplative experience, descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch. In the afternoon, board the return train to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll be welcomed by your private driver for transfer to Cusco via Sacred Valley’s scenic route. Arrival and accommodation at your luxury hotel in Cusco’s historic center.

Free Day in Cusco

DAY 9

After breakfast, enjoy a complete free day to explore Cusco at your own pace or relax after the previous days’ intense adventures. You may choose to explore the historic center visiting the Cathedral, Qorikancha (Sun Temple), or the artisan neighborhood of San Blas with its local artisan workshops. Optional activities include: spa treatments and relaxation at your hotel, shopping at artisan markets like San Pedro Market, museum visits such as the Pre-Columbian Art Museum, or simply enjoying Cusco gastronomy at local restaurants. You may also choose a light walk to nearby archaeological sites like Sacsayhuamán or simply rest at your hotel. This free day allows you to process lived experiences and prepare for your departure, plus make last-minute purchases.

Transfer to Airport

DAY 10

After a final breakfast at your hotel, and depending on your flight schedule, you’ll have free time for farewell activities. You can make final purchases at Cusco’s artisan markets, visit the famous Hatunrumiyoc street with the twelve-angled stone, or simply relax at your hotel enjoying historic center views. Your Luxe Andes Peru representative will accompany you to Cusco airport for your return flight, ensuring your departure is as comfortable as your arrival. We bid farewell with the certainty that you carry indelible memories of a unique experience combining the Amazon’s navigable majesty with Andean archaeological grandeur, living two of Peru’s most impressive ecosystems in a luxury adventure that will remain in your memory forever.

What’s Included

  • Personalized VIP airport assistance and throughout your stay with dedicated representative.
  • Accommodation in carefully selected luxury hotels: boutique hotel in Miraflores (Lima), luxury Amazon cruise, luxury hotel in Cusco’s historic center, boutique hotel in Urubamba (Sacred Valley), and boutique hotel in Aguas Calientes.
  • 4-day/3-night luxury cruise accommodation according to availability and category.
  • All meals during cruise (breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks and selected beverages).
  • All cruise activities with expert naturalist guides (expeditions, hikes, fishing, wildlife observation, cultural visits).
  • Domestic flights Lima-Iquitos and Iquitos-Cusco via Lima.
  • Premium private transportation during all terrestrial itinerary.
  • Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back.
  • Complete entrance tickets and permits: Machu Picchu (chosen circuit), Pisaq (ruins and market), Ollantaytambo, Maras Salt Terraces, Moray, and Chincheros.
  • Specialized bilingual private guides for each destination.
  • Daily breakfasts at all hotels.
  • Gourmet buffet lunches in Sacred Valley (days 6 and 7).
  • 24/7 support with direct emergency line.
  • Welcome kit with detailed information, exclusive maps, and local gifts.

 

What’s Not Included

  • International flights to and from Peru.
  • Domestic flight from Cusco to Lima (quotation available upon request).
  • Travel insurance (mandatory for Amazon cruise and altitude activities).
  • Tips for guides, drivers, and cruise crew (we suggest 15-20% of total cost).
  • Dinners in Lima and Cusco (except those included in cruise).
  • Alcoholic beverages in hotels and terrestrial activities (included in cruise).
  • Optional activities such as Huayna Picchu ascent, spa treatments, additional Cusco tours, or premium cruise activities.
  • Personal expenses including shopping, extra hotel services, phone calls, laundry, and additional tips.
  • Required vaccinations for Amazon navigation (consult your doctor).
  • Specialized equipment such as binoculars, insect repellent, or technical clothing.

 

Essential Recommendations

  1. Vaccinations and Tropical Health: Consult your doctor about recommended vaccinations for Amazon region (yellow fever, tetanus, hepatitis A/B) at least 4-6 weeks before the trip. Although the cruise maintains high sanitary standards, prevention is important.
  2. Cruise Equipment: The cruise has luggage limits and laundry services. Pack comfortable casual clothing, swimsuit, closed shoes for excursions, hat, and long-sleeved clothing for sun and insect protection. Avoid bright colors that may attract insects.
  3. Extreme Climate Transition: This itinerary combines humid tropical climate (Amazon cruise) with Andean altitude (Cusco 3,400m). Prepare light, breathable clothing for the cruise, and thermal clothing for the Andes. Adaptation can be challenging.
  4. Specialized Travel Insurance: Acquire coverage including cruises, tropical rainforest activities, medical emergencies at altitude, medical evacuation from remote areas, and trip cancellation. Verify specific coverage for Amazon navigation.
  5. Post-Cruise Acclimatization: The transition from rainforest to Cusco altitude can be intense. Rest completely on day 5, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and heavy meals, and consume coca tea regularly.
  6. Cruise Reservations: Amazon cruises have specific departures and limited capacity. Dates may vary according to availability and weather conditions. Confirm exact dates in advance.
  7. Sun and Insect Protection: On the cruise, use SPF 50+ sunscreen constantly and insect repellent. Water amplifies solar radiation. Keep long-sleeved clothing available for land excursions.
  8. Physical Condition: Cruise activities include hikes on irregular terrain, boarding smaller boats, and navigation. At Machu Picchu, prepare for walks on stone steps. Basic physical fitness level is recommended.
  9. Documentation: Carry copies of passport, vaccination certificates, and travel insurance. Keep original documents in a safe place. Some cruises require specific documentation.
  10. Itinerary Flexibility: Cruise activities may change according to weather conditions, water levels, and wildlife. In the Andes, weather may affect activities. Maintain flexibility and confidence in your guides.
  11. Strategic Luggage: Consider two suitcases: one small for the cruise and another for Andean activities. Many hotels can store luggage during the cruise.
  12. Mental Preparation: This itinerary offers extreme contrasts from Amazon immensity to Inca architectural precision. Prepare for a transformative experience combining natural adventure with cultural heritage in a unique journey few have the opportunity to experience.