+44 (0)20 8741 7390 From the towering heights of the Andes to the steaming jungles of the Amazonian rainforest, this incredible journey spans Peru s remarkable mix of scenic and cultural highlights. Beginning in the country s historic capital you ll have an opportunity to visit the remarkable Larco Herrara Museum, before flying on to enjoy the colonial charms of Cuzco and the archaeological treasures of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Travelling in style, you then board the luxurious Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu, to pay a visit to one of South America s most spectacular Incan sites, before returning to Cuzco to the accompaniment of a traditional musical performance and an excellent on-board 4-course dinner. Flying onto the Amazon Basin, you then spend the next few days enjoying one of the most remarkable natural settings on earth, where you will travel by luxury cruise and spend time passing through the wilderness in search of pink river dolphins, caimans and howler monkeys, before returning to Lima. HIGHLIGHTS: Explore the compelling cities of Lima and Cuzco Immerse yourself in traditional Incan culture Take the most exclusive route to Machu Picchu Enjoy a relaxing and captivating Amazon cruise TOUR INCLUDES: 8 nights in luxury boutique accommodation, 3 nights aboard lavish cruise ship Four domestic flights in economy class 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners Accompanied by an experienced English speaking local guide. Private basis Private driver and vehicle Sightseeing programme including all entrance fees Private guided transfers to and from all airports *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
ITINERARY DAY 1: LIMA Upon your arrival in Lima you will be welcomed at the airport and escorted to your hotel. DAY 2: LIMA - CUZCO Your panoramic sightseeing tour explores Miraflores and San Isidro, the modern districts of Lima and its historic center, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Next enjoy a guided tour of Larco Herrera which is Lima's most important archeological museum. This will give you an initial insight into the Inca Empire that flourished in Peru for so many years. Although this is the most celebrated culture in the country, many peoples preceded the Incas and their creations are exhibited across 3000 years of pre-columbian history. The artefacts here are world renowned and the museum is an attraction in itself, since the colonial mansion housing the exhibition was built on top of a pre-inca pyramid from the 7th century. At the end of your museum visit, you will be transferred to the airport for your short flight to Cuzco. You will have the rest of the day to acclimatize and explore the colonial quarter at your leisure. (B) DAY 3: CUZCO - SACRED VALLEY Today you will set off on the short pleasant drive to the Sacred Valley. Your first stop en route is at a hilltop fortress that overlooks the city of Cuzco before moving on to a former temple, both of which are feats of Incan engineering. Later you will arrive at Pisac which is home to magnificent ruins rimmed by patterned fields and vast terracing. Your private guide will explain the significance of these sanctuaries which represent the different levels of existence. Finally there is the opportunity to peruse Pisac market which is one of the best places in the country to pick up souvenirs. Hidden away from the outside world, 'El Jardin' restaurant is the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious lunch surrounded by the great outdoors. Select a table in the restaurant's terrace overlooking the Urubamba River or the cool leafy shade to enjoy a 3-course lunch prepared with the best locally-sourced ingredients. Transfer to your hotel in the Sacred Valley to relax and settle in. (B,L)
DAY 4: SACRED VALLEY Your full day tour of the Sacred Valley starts at the circular terraces of Moray which were used as an open-air agricultural lab for adapting crops to different environmental conditions. Marvel at the impressive backdrop of snow covered peaks as you explore the area. In the dry season (April-December) you will also visit the salt mines of Maras where an intense white shines like snow on a sunny day - an impressive sight for any visitor. Salt was extracted from these mines from Inca times and the same method has been used ever since. Following a delicious buffet lunch, visit the fortress of Ollantaytambo where temples formed from gigantic monoliths adorn the landscape. This was once an important Inca administrative centre which exhibits the scale of the culture's architectural creations. (B,L) DAY 5: SACRED VALLEY Today visit the town of Chinchero to join a local family in their courtyard for an overview of the Andean weaving process. This village is renowned for its textile production and you can observe the techniques used to make belts, ponchos and shawls. Return transfer to your hotel at the end of the excursion. (B) DAY 6: SACRED VALLEY - MACHU PICCHU Today you will board the luxurious Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu, travelling in 1920s style elegance. Enjoy a gourmet brunch as the railway travels through the majestic Sacred Valley and finishes at the foot of the citadel. Your guide takes you on a comprehensive tour of this archaeological wonder before stopping for afternoon tea at the superbly situated Sanctuary Lodge. In the evening, transfer down the mountain to your hotel surrounded by beautiful gardens. (B,L,D) DAY 7: MACHU PICCHU - CUZCO After breakfast you have the option to visit Machu Picchu again or climb Wayna Picchu which is the mountain overlooking the ruins. A permit is required in advance so this hike needs to be pre-booked but it is well worth the panoramic views at the summit. Should you wish to have the morning at leisure, there are some hot springs in town which you can visit. In the afternoon, journey back to Cuzco aboard the Hiram Bingham where pre-dinner cocktails and a sophisticated four course dinner are served. Furthermore, a traditional musical performance awaits you in the bar carriage. Upon arrival at the train station, transfer to your hotel in Cuzco. (B,D)
DAY 8: CUZCO - AMAZON Fly via Lima to Iquitos in the northern Peruvian Amazon where your rainforest adventure begins. After arriving at Iquitos airport, you will be transferred by bus, escorted by a guide for about 1 ½ hours, heading northwest towards Nauta. The newly refurbished river cruiser, Delfin II, awaits you there to start your journey to the remote Pacaya Samiria Reserve, a flooded forest with roughly the size of a small Central American country. Enjoy your first dinner on board in the cozy dining room. The Delfin II offers a unique culinary experience, offering the best of Amazonian- Peruvian cuisine in a cosmopolitan gourmet setting. Before relaxing with after dinner drinks your guide holds a short briefing outlining details of your journey. (B,D) DAY 9: AMAZON After breakfast and a first glimpse of the majestic river, you will board the comfortable excursion skiffs for your first adventure towards 'the Isle of the Iguana' to view reptiles. Passing close to the island, you have the opportunity to take photos of the beautiful flora and fauna. Afterwards we will go fishing and have the chance to catch piranhas. After returning to the boat and free time after lunch, you will start the second part of today's adventures. During high water season (Dec- May) you can swim at Lake Clavero, where villagers paddle in their traditional dugout canoes. You may visit the community to see how people live along the Amazon. From June to November (low water season) you head to Yarapa River and explore the waterways by skiff, to where grey and pink freshwater dolphins swim and play around. Regardless of the season once the sun sets and the jungle is dark, the search for caiman and frogs begins. (B,L,D) DAY 10: AMAZON Today your naturalist guide takes you on foot into the Amazon jungle to encounter wildlife. During the high water season (from December to May) you head off in search of freshwater pink dolphins on the Ucayali River. From June to November (low water season) you visit the 'Jungle of the Mirrors' where towering trees are reflected in the dark river. Regardless of the season you head later on to Dorado River where you may observe parrots, a variety of primates, frogs and bats. (B,L,D)
DAY 11: AMAZON - LIMA Today you visit the birthplace of the Amazon! The landscape here is especially dramatic as it is where the Ucayali and the Marañon Rivers converge to form the Amazon. You will then visit a native village, depending on the season, Puerto Prado or Puerto Miguel, where the locals will share their culture and traditions with you. After sharing a last lunch you disembark the cruise and head towards the airport. Visit the Manatee Rescue Center, where biologists and volunteers care for endangered Amazon manatees that conservation authorities have seized from local people and fishermen. After this last excursion and the arrival at the airport you will be assisted with the check-in for your flight back to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. (B,L) DAY 12: LIMA Take a fancy art and shopping tour in the heart of Barranco, Lima's bohemian quarter. You start in Las Pallas, a gallery owned by a British lady who collects and sells fine traditional folk art from all over the country. Afterwards you head to a mansion housing a National Heritage gallery, exhibiting jewelry, textiles, furniture and paintings before finishing the tour at Dedalo where local artists ply their trade. Afterwards return to your hotel and transfer to the airport for your international flight. (B)
ACCOMMODATION AGUAS CALIENTES INKATERRA MACHU PICCHU PUEBLO The Inkaterra Machu Picchu hotel is a sprawling village of Andean casitas on the edge of Aguas Calientes with its own entrance over a small bridge from the main town. The hotel has 85 casitas and 2 villas, all beautifully decorated with traditional and tasteful furnishings. One of the highlights of the hotels is the complimentary excursions offered within in the grounds, such as bird watching, nature walks, a twilight walk and a visit to the famous orchid garden which is known to have the largest species collection in the world. The hotel also has a spectacled bear rescue centre on the grounds and so guests are able to visit the bears, which are hard to see in the wild. The hotel has two restaurants, the café Inkaterra which is down by the river at the entrance to the hotel, across the train tracks, and the main dining room in the central area. Breakfast and dinner is included and the food is surprisingly fantastic given how isolated the town is. The hotel also has a fantastic spa and ponds in the gardens, which are essentially small plunge pools. CUZCO MONASTERIO HOTEL The Monasterio is a beautiful monastery that has been converted into a hotel with just over 120 rooms and suites, all set around two central courtyards and cloisters. All of the rooms are traditionally and tastefully decorated with marble bathrooms and all the amenities you would expect from a 5 star hotel. Check in is made in the lobby area while enjoying a welcome drink, and the hotel has a beautiful restaurant serving a fusion of Andean and Japanese food as well as regional dishes, which is in the cloisters and a breakfast room in between the two courtyards. This is an Orient Express property just two blocks from the Plaza de Armas. In the main courtyard shade is offered by an old mahogany tree. The hotel also has its own chapel where they often arrange weddings and services. Due to its location the hotel offers a haven of tranquillity in the bustling colonial centre of Cusco; a first class hotel in a beautiful building. IQUITOS
DELFIN II The Delfin II is built in the style of a classic Amazon River vessel. The vessel is purpose built for cruising the Amazon and on its four or five day itineraries, visits the pristine Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve which is one of the best areas for wildlife viewing in Peru's northern Amazon region. There are fourteen suite cabins in total spread over two decks, each with private bathroom, wood panelling, shower, two open closets and air-conditioning units with remote control. Six standard suites are twin bedded and four have king size beds. The standard suites are side facing with panoramic windows. At the front of each deck there are two Master Suites with king size beds and panoramic windows affording side and forward views from the boat. The observation deck and lounge is very spacious with a wooden floor, comfortable reclining chairs, a fully stocked bar and TV with DVD and video. The cosy dining room is air-conditioned with large panoramic windows and a window through to the kitchen so you can watch the chef in action. The Delfin II has two aluminium skiffs for excursions, flashlights for night excursions and ponchos with hoods and rubber boots in case of rain. LIMA HOTEL B Hotel B is the only true boutique four star hotel option in Lima. Situated in Barranco the beating heart of the city s art scene modern art adorns the walls of this stylish property. Formerly a colonial home, the building has been elegantly refurbished with contemporary rooms either side of a pleasant courtyard, where breakfast is served. There is a bar and superb restaurant which blends traditional Peruvian ingredients with Mediterranean flavours. There are plenty of galleries and shopping opportunities nearby. SACRED VALLEY RIO SAGRADO Set on the banks of the wild Urubamba river, this luxurious five star hotel affords a beautiful exclusive location in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The 21 rooms and suites are furnished in a contemporary style and all have river views. The service and facilities reflect the standard expected of an Orient Express property and the upmarket chain have created a gorgeous place to stay that blends in well with its natural surroundings. There is an outdoor pool and also a fantastic spa offering a wide range of treatments. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Fax +44 (0) 20 8741 3610 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com