Experience the fascinating Nazca Lines, archaeological treasures, and gastronomic delights of Peru, with the untamed rainforest of the Amazon, on this thrilling river cruise adventure that offers a little something for everyone!Begin in the cosmopolitan city of Lima with a guided sightseeing tour, a visit to the Larco Herrera Museum, and a special welcome dinner in an ornate family-owned mansion. Fly to Cusco and descend into the Sacred Valley of the Incas for guided tours of the ceremonial site of Kenko, where ancient rituals were performed, and the Temple of Sacsayhuaman. Of course, no vacation to Peru is complete without visiting astonishing Machu Picchu, built around 1450, and sitting majestically above the Sacred Valley. Stand in awe as you witness one of the most majestic images in South America, if not the entire world! Next, you’ll embark on a journey to one of the world’s vastly unexplored regions where biodiversity is at its greatest—the mighty Amazon. Board one of the world’s most luxurious small ships, the Delfin III, and enjoy fine wine, famous Peruvian cuisine, and all-inclusive comfort while venturing deep into the Amazon jungle in search of elusive wildlife. Take naturalist-guided panga rides through the river tributaries, swim with pink dolphins, and visit native communities—all while returning to your plush five-star yacht.Your unforgettable trip to Peru is not complete without seeing the Nazca Lines. When seen from the air, the lines form precise geometric shapes that number in the hundreds, as well as 70 figures, which include a monkey, whale, hummingbird, shark, spiders, and plants. Archaeologists remain puzzled about why the ancient Nazca people, who thrived here from 200 BC to 500 AD, created illustrations that could only be seen from far above the earth. Wonderful scenery, historical treasures, learning opportunities, and so much more—all are available on this thrilling river cruise vacation to Peru and the Amazon!
City Highlights
Day 1 Arrive Lima, Peru: welcome to LimaDay 2 Lima–Paracas: cruise to the Ballestas Islands; Flight over the Nazca Lines with guaranteed window seatDay 3 Paracas–Lima: return to LimaDay 4 Lima: walking tour, visit San Francisco Monastery and Larco Herrera Museum; welcome dinner at Casa Garcia AlvaradoDay 5 Lima–Cusco–Sacred Valley: visit the ruins of Sacsayhuaman and Kenko, visit Awanakancha to see various camelids from the region, and explore Pisac MarketDay 6 Sacred Valley–Machu Picchu: visit the Ollantaytambo ruins; Take the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu; walking tour of Machu PicchuDay 7 Machu Picchu–Cusco: enjoy a second included entrance to Machu Picchu; return on the Vistadome train to the Sacred Valley and continue to CuscoDay 8 Cusco: walking tour of Cusco, visit Santo Domingo Monastery and the CathedralDay 9 Cusco–Lima–Iquitos–Nauta (Embarkation)–Cruising Peruvian Amazon: fly to Iquitos via Lima; Iquitos orientation tour; board the Delfin III; onboard welcome reception; wildlife viewing excursions during the afternoon and eveningDay 10 Cruising Peruvian Amazon: wildlife viewing excursions during the morning and afternoon; cooking demonstration and Pisco Sour making lessonDay 11 Cruising Peruvian Amazon: wildlife viewing excursions during the morning, afternoon, and evening; visit Pacaya Samiria National Reserve; endemic fruit presentation; kayaking; piranha fishing; special farewell dinnerDay 12 Cruising Peruvian Amazon–Nauta (Disembarkation)–Iquitos–Lima: disembark the Delfin III; visit the Manatee Rescue Center; fly to LimaDay 13 Lima–Quito: welcome to QuitoDay 14 Quito: walking tour, visit San Francisco Monastery, La Compania Church, La Ronda Street, a Chocolate factory, and the Equatorial Monument; welcome dinnerDay 15 Quito–Baltra–Galápagos Islands (Embarkation) –Santa Cruz Island: fly to the Galápagos Islands; embark Treasure of Galápagos; visit Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz IslandDay 16 Galápagos Islands Cruising: Santiago & Bartolomé Islands: Naturalist-guided walks on each island; snorkelingDay 17 Galápagos Islands Cruising: North Seymour Island & Mosquera Islet: Naturalist-guided walks on each island; snorkelingDay 18 Galápagos Islands Cruising: South Plaza & San Cristobal Islands: Naturalist-guided walks on each island; snorkelingDay 19 Galápagos Islands (Disembarkation) –San Cristobal Island–Quito: disembark Treasure of Galápagos; visit San Cristobal Interpretation Center; fly to QuitoDay 20 Quito: your vacation ends this morning
Meals
American breakfast daily10 lunches 13 three-course dinners including a welcome dinner in Lima and farewell dinner in the Galápagos Complimentary wine with dinners on boardComplimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks, local beer, and pisco-based cocktails on board throughout the day in the Amazon and complimentary coffee, tea, and water on board throughout the day in the Galápagos
Notes
Maximum elevation on tour: 11,200 ft.
PRODUCT_LINE: AVALON-WAMY-2018