Essence of Peru

(11 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Lima, Cusco & Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Amazon

This private, luxurious tour is an ideal introduction to Peru. It includes Lima, the cultural, natural, and archaeological highlights of Cusco and the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and a luxury cruise on the Amazon.

Begin with a day of sophisticated private touring in Lima. This cosmopolitan city is well worth a visit for the opportunity to experience its history as well as Peru’s best museums, shopping and restaurants. Enjoy personalized touring according to your interests, such as an insider tour of the old colonial quarter, a viewing of spectacular pre-Colombian art collections, time for browsing high-quality boutiques and art galleries, or exploring the city’s food markets (including tastings of local specialties).

Next, fly to Cusco, a charming city high in the Andes Mountains. Stay at the Cusco’s most historic and distinguished 5-star hotel, where an oxygenated room will be arranged to help you acclimate to the high altitude.
One day, take an excursion to the lower elevation of the Sacred Valley of the Incas (Urubamba Valley). Your private guide will ensure you experience the best of the local culture during visits to indigenous markets and villages, gentle walks or hikes to important Inca and pre-Inca sites, and meetings with renowned local weavers. Active pursuits can also be incorporated, if desired, such as day treks, rafting, horse-back riding or mountain biking. A private Nuevo Andean cooking lesson can also be arranged, upon request.

Next, board the luxurious Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu and spend one night near the ruins. Your private guide will teach you about the fascinating history of the site and ensure that you have the opportunity to explore the grounds after most tourists have left. Spend the following day exploring the ruins with the option to hike trails to stunning viewpoints around the site before returning to Cusco for two nights. One day, your guide will lead you through the narrow cobblestone streets of Cusco as you learn about the fascinating Incan and Spanish history in the city. During your tour, visit markets, galleries, boutiques and the best artisan workshops. Also opt to see important archaeological sites just outside of the city. Additional activities can also be arranged, upon request, such as a meeting with a local art expert or an evening cultural performance.

Next, fly to Iquitos for a three-night luxury expedition cruise in the Amazon River Basin. While on board, enjoy gourmet meals created by one of Peru’s top chefs, observe wildlife along the waterways from the observation deck, and choose from a variety of wildlife and nature excursions led by expert naturalists. You might like to visit at a local Amazon village, go piranha fishing or on a night excursion to see nocturnal wildlife, visit a manatee rescue center, or board a skiff to explore narrow waterways and spot monkeys and pink dolphin.

On the final day, fly back to Lima where you will be assisted to the international terminal for your onward flight.