Flavors and Secrets of the Amazon

WELCOME TO LIMA

Upon your arrival in Lima, a Peru VIP Travel host will personally greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. After a long flight, there’s no need to worry about logistics — we’ll take care of everything. You’ll be transferred directly to your accommodation, where you can relax, freshen up, and enjoy a peaceful afternoon. Get a good night’s rest, as your adventure continues tomorrow with your flight to Cusco.

FLIGHT TO CUSCO & ANDEAN COUNTRYSIDE

This morning, we’ll escort you to the airport for your flight to Cusco. Watch from your window as the landscape transforms — from Lima’s arid coast to the soaring snow-capped peaks of the Andes.

Just 15 minutes from Cusco, the Peruvian countryside reveals its charm: green fields, grazing sheep, and majestic mountains rising on the horizon. Your journey continues to a historic hacienda in the fertile valley near the town of Pisac. There, your hosts will welcome you with Andean warmth and share the region’s rich agricultural heritage, with a special focus on the giant white corn — an ancestral symbol of this land.

Enjoy a delicious multi-course lunch prepared with local ingredients, including the prized “white gold.” Then, visit the stables and admire a graceful Peruvian Paso horse show accompanied by the traditional marinera dance. If you wish, you can even ride one of these elegant horses for a short outing.

At the end of the visit, we’ll transfer you to your hotel in the Sacred Valley, where you can unwind surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes.

OLLANTAYTAMBO – ARTS OF THE SACRED VALLEY

Today, you’ll explore the majestic Sacred Valley, starting with a visit to the breathtaking Patacancha Valley. After a brief stop at the Pumamarca ruins, begin a scenic walk along an ancient pre-Columbian trail, following Inca irrigation canals that still nourish the active agricultural terraces.

After about two hours of gentle hiking, you’ll arrive in Ollantaytambo, a town where Inca heritage remains alive. Original canals still carry mountain water, and centuries-old trapezoidal walls and doorways stand proudly intact.

With your guide, ascend to the ruins of an ancient fortress that once witnessed a rare Inca victory over the conquistadors. Marvel at the precision of the carved stones and spot, in the distance, the original quarry sites. From this vantage point, enjoy sweeping views of the valley and the Urubamba River below.

After a lunch rich in local flavors, visit the studio of a renowned Peruvian ceramic artist. Enjoy a creative afternoon learning about this ancestral craft and take home a one-of-a-kind piece made by your own hands.

To end the day, we’ll return you to your hotel, where you can relax and enjoy a peaceful afternoon at your leisure.

AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU

This is the moment every traveler to Peru dreams of. Board the train in Ollantaytambo and begin your journey to the legendary Inca citadel. Through the large panoramic windows of your tourist-class train, admire how the cloud forest gradually embraces the landscape — and with a bit of luck, you might spot alpacas grazing in the valley.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, enjoy an early lunch before boarding the bus that will take you to the entrance of Machu Picchu. As you ascend, the breathtaking view of this ancient wonder slowly unveils itself — majestic, silent, and suspended between clouds.

With your expert guide, explore this astonishing archaeological site on a private tour that brings to life its history, architecture, and mysticism.

After the visit, return to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay. Enjoy a delicious dinner and rest peacefully, lulled by the soothing sounds of the cloud forest.

HUAYNA PICCHU OR MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN

Today, you’ll have the chance to choose between two spectacular hikes: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. It’s up to you how you wish to complete this unforgettable experience. If you’re seeking adventure and breathtaking views, Huayna Picchu offers a steep climb with unique panoramic perspectives of the citadel below. Please note that access is limited and requires advance reservation along with your Machu Picchu ticket.

In the afternoon, we’ll meet again in Aguas Calientes to board the train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, a Peru VIP Travel host will greet you at the station and transfer you to your hotel, where you can enjoy a well-deserved night of rest.

CITY TOUR – CUSQUEÑAN CUISINE EXPERIENCE

Get ready to fall in love with Cusco, a city that captures the heart of every traveler. A private tour is the perfect way to explore its cobbled streets and uncover its best-kept secrets.

After breakfast, meet your guide for a visit to the impressive archaeological site of Sacsayhuamán, once the stage of great Inca battles. Then, wander through the bohemian district of San Blas — a vibrant hub of art and inspiration. Continue to Qoricancha and the Santo Domingo Monastery, a colonial jewel built atop the ancient Inca Temple of the Sun.

Experience local life at the open-air San Pedro Market, where you’ll enjoy a unique shopping experience surrounded by fresh produce and traditional crafts.

At the end of the tour, your guide will suggest excellent lunch options — but be sure to save room for what’s next!

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Peruvian gastronomy with a private cooking class at one of Cusco’s top restaurants. Learn about culinary history and modern techniques alongside a renowned chef. Prepare appetizers and main dishes, sample a variety of small bites, and enjoy exotic fruits and pisco-based cocktails. Discover traditional knife skills and spend an afternoon filled with laughter, flavor, and authentic Peruvian culture.

FLIGHT FROM LIMA TO IQUITOS – LUXURY AMAZON CRUISE

After breakfast at your hotel, we’ll escort you to the airport for your flight to Iquitos, where your Amazon adventure aboard the exclusive Delfin II begins. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your expert guide and enjoy a scenic 90-minute drive to the charming riverside town of Nauta, where your luxury vessel awaits.

Once on board the Delfin II, settle into your five-star suite. After a brief safety drill and introduction to the journey, savor a gourmet welcome dinner and raise a glass of fine South American wine to toast the beginning of this unforgettable experience.

FIRST DAY ABOARD THE DELFIN LUXURY CRUISE

We recommend waking up early to make the most of this experience, as wildlife is most active at dawn—and nature will be your constant companion.

During the dry season (June to November), you’ll explore the Belluda Caño trail on foot, discovering two distinct ecosystems: the flooded forest and the terra firme (non-flooded) forest. Look out for snail kites, black-tailed antbirds, manakins, tanagers, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, nunbirds, orioles, blackbirds, and pygmy marmosets. The hike ends at a remote lagoon filled with rare and endangered freshwater fish, which you’ll explore by canoe.

In the rainy season (December to May), you’ll navigate the Belluda Caño stream by boat—ideal for spotting parrots, macaws, monkeys, and striking blue Morpho butterflies. You might also see different species of hawks, including the “laughing hawk,” known for its unique falsetto call.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to the Dorado River for an unforgettable adventure—piranha fishing! For those feeling bold, take a dip alongside the legendary pink river dolphins, mystical and friendly creatures that, according to local lore, can shape-shift into humans. Be sure to bring your swimsuit and a waterproof camera.

As night falls, prepare for a nighttime safari in search of caimans, nocturnal birds, and other fascinating creatures that awaken under the jungle’s starry sky.

PACAYA SAMIRIA NATIONAL RESERVE

The morning is ideal for kayaking along the calm, enchanting waters of the Zapote River. Guided by local experts, you’ll paddle upstream while spotting sunbathing iguanas with their prehistoric appearance. As you glide past the lush riverbanks, be prepared for a lively spectacle—squirrel monkeys moving noisily in large troops through the treetops.

In the afternoon, you’ll reach the Pacaya River, deep in the heart of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve — the largest protected area in Peru and one of the largest wetland reserves in the world. Filled with lakes, palm forests, and winding creeks, this reserve becomes a vast flooded forest during the rainy season, offering one of the most unique landscapes in the Amazon.

Here, you’ll have the chance to swim in a pristine lagoon — a refreshing and unforgettable moment in the middle of this natural paradise.

AMAZON RAINFOREST ADVENTURE

After breakfast, board an aluminum skiff to explore the tranquil waters of Lake Clavero — a magical hideaway deep in the Amazon jungle. As you journey into this lush environment, you’ll witness a fascinating array of Amazonian flora and fauna: colorful birds, medicinal plants, and ancient trees that form part of the planet’s green lungs. Along the way, you’ll see local villagers paddling their traditional canoes — a living image of life in harmony with nature.

In the afternoon, prepare for a more active experience. You’ll cruise by motorboat to the serene Yarapa River, an ideal setting for exploration. There, you’ll switch to your own kayak and paddle gently through narrow channels and dense jungle. With each stroke, you’ll uncover new sounds, subtle movements, and the vibrant life of the forest — howler monkeys in the canopy, birds hidden in the foliage, and the constant whisper of the wild.

Later, visit the community of Puerto Miguel, where you’ll meet its residents — guardians of this ecosystem for generations. Guided by local naturalists, you’ll learn about traditional knowledge, the uses of native plants, and the deep connection between daily life and the rich biodiversity of the Amazon.

As night falls, let the sounds of the jungle lull you to sleep on your final night aboard the Delfin. Beneath the starry sky, your vessel will glide silently toward Iquitos — bringing to a close a deep and transformative experience in one of the world’s most awe-inspiring ecosystems.

RESCUE CENTER – FLIGHT TO LIMA – INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE

After a final breakfast aboard the Delfin, you’ll disembark at the port of Nauta, where the Peru VIP Travel ground team will be waiting for you. A private vehicle will take you on the journey back to the city of Iquitos.

On the way, you’ll make a special stop at the Amazon Rescue and Rehabilitation Center for River Mammals (ACOBIA). Here, you’ll have the chance to meet baby Amazonian manatees — a critically endangered species. This visit is not only moving but also deeply educational, as you’ll learn about ongoing conservation efforts to protect these gentle and vulnerable creatures, emblematic of the rainforest’s delicate balance.

Upon arrival in Iquitos, your guide will accompany you to the airport for your return flight to Lima. Once in the capital, a Peru VIP Travel host will welcome you and escort you to Costa del Sol Airport Hotel, conveniently located at the terminal, where you can relax before your international flight.

That evening, enjoy a final dinner in Peru, fulfilled by the memories of a journey filled with connection, discovery, and the very best this extraordinary country has to offer.