Wild Peru Escape: Amazon & Machu Picchu

Day 1: U.S./Lima, Peru

Arrive in Lima, Peru’s thriving capital, and transfer to the convenient Wyndham Costa del Sol Airport Hotel. You may also elect to arrive early for a Lima pre-voyage extension. Please call for details.

Day 2: Lima/Cusco/Sacred Valley

Arriving in Cusco, drive through the Sacred Valley to Chinchero, a typical Andean village where we join National Geographic Grantee Nilda Callañaupa for lunch and a demonstration of Inca weaving traditions. Continue to Ollantaytambo and board our late afternoon scenic train to Machu Picchu and checkin at our hotel. We stay for two nights at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, with Andean-style casitas set along the in a reserve with 300 species of orchids. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Machu Picchu

Take the full day to explore Machu Picchu, the Inka royal retreat introduced to the world by Hiram Bingham in the April 1913 National Geographic magazine. With both the morning and afternoon to explore, choose to hike to the Sun Gate or tackle Huayna Picchu, which towers over the sanctuary. Dinner tonight is at the hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Sacred Valley/Cusco

Return to Ollantaytambo by train and continue to Cusco, where we explore the magnificently ornate 17th-century cathedral and Plaza de Armas, the sacred Inca Temple of the Sun and other treasures. Check-in at Palacio del Inka in the historic center. Dinner on your own to relax or sample local fare. (B,L)

Day 5: Cusco/Iquitos/Embark

After breakfast, fly to Iquitos via Lima and continue overland to the riverside village of Nauta, where the Delfin II awaits. Gather for a welcome dinner of fine Peruvian cuisine. (B,L,D)

Days 6-8: Upper Amazon

Explore the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, a pristine swath of jungle stretching more than five million acres—and harboring some of the Amazon’s most fascinating flora and fauna. Bordered by the Marañón and the Ucayali, these two powerful rivers converge to create the famed Amazon, which floods annually with nutrient-rich waters, known locally as the Mirrored Forest for the reflections created by the glassy water.

Set out into this remarkable wilderness on daily excursions by skiff, kayak, and, when the water level permits, hikes on dry land. Spot sloths and monkeys, including variably colored saddleback tamarins, noisy howlers, and shaggy-tailed monk saki monkeys. Watch for an astounding variety of birds, from tanagers and hummingbirds to parrots and endangered scarlet macaws. In the river, look for massive paiche fish, the Amazon’s largest, rare pink dolphins, and the famous piranhas.

One of the unexpected joys of traveling in the region is the interaction with the local ribereños, the traditional people who live on the riverbanks. Visit a local community and see the projects that we support through the local non-profit Minga Peru, including a program of handcraft development, radio broadcasts, women’s health initiatives and efforts in sustainable farming. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Disembark/Iquitos/Lima/U.S.

Disembark in Nauta, stopping at the Amazon Rescue Center on the way to Iquitos. Fly to Lima, where we visit Museo Larco and celebrate with a farewell dinner before late-night flights home. Ask us about options to extend your stay. (B, L, D)

Included

Aboard ship

• All meals and non-alcoholic beverages*
• Your bar tab and all crew gratuities are included in the voyage price on all National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Endurance, and National Geographic Orion voyages. Please call for details.
• Your bar tab and WiFi** are included in the voyage price on all National Geographic Islander or National Geographic Endeavour II voyages. Please call for details.
• Cappuccinos, lattes & filtered water
• 24-hour coffee, tea & soda on demand (soda not included on Lord of the Glens)
• Hors d’oeuvres & snacks during Recap
• Fitness center or exercise equipment, depending on the ship
• Fully stocked library, and other gracious public spaces
• The guidance and company of our expedition staff
• The services of a physician on certain ships/destinations

Ashore

• Hotels ashore as indicated in itinerary
• Meals on land, as indicated in itinerary
• Sightseeing & entrance fees
• Special access permits, park fees, port taxes
• Transfers to and from group flights
• The expertise of our expedition staff

Activities

• All excursions
• Zodiac & kayak explorations
• Snorkeling, including wetsuits, masks, fins & snorkel where relevant
• Presentations and guest speakers in the lounge

*Alcoholic beverages are included on the National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Endurance, Sea Cloud, and Lord of the Glens; certain super-premium brands are not included.

**Travel aboard any National Geographic Islander or National Geographic Endeavour II voyage and we will cover your bar tab; certain premium brands not included. Free WiFi, up to one hour a day per person aboard any National Geographic Islander and National Geographic Endeavour II departure.

Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable.

Not Included

Airfare

• International and internal airfare

Pre- and post-expedition

• Additional hotel nights
• Private transfers
• Travel Protection Plan
• Passport, visa, and immigration fees
• Expedition extensions
• Gratuities

Aboard ship

• Alcoholic beverages (except aboard Sea Cloud, Lord of the Glens, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Islander and National Geographic Endeavour II); certain super-premium brands not included
• Spa treatments
• Gratuities (except aboard Sea Cloud, National Geographic Orion,  National Geographic Endurance & National Geographic Explorer)
• Scuba diving
• Laundry
• Internet and phone
• Gift shop items and any other items of personal nature
• Cappuccinos and lattes are not available on the Delfin II

Delfin II

The 28-passenger Delfin II is a stately riverboat, built for the express purpose of exploring deep into the Peruvian Amazon at the headwaters of this mighty river—and doing so in modern tropical style.

Delfin II Details …