Compare Peru by Land and Water by Lost World Adventures - CAUTION vs Peru: Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca - 2022 by Collette

Day 1: Lima

Upon arrival in Lima, You will spend the night in the Wyndham Costa del Sol Airport Hotel, located just outside the terminal.

Day 2: Lima- Cusco- Sacred Valley

In the morning, a short flight takes you to Cuzco, where You will be picked up and shuttled to scenic Urubamba, in Peru’s Sacred Valley. This gorgeous landscape was the Inca heartland, and your hotel, the Hotel Sol y Luna, will let you acclimate to the region’s altitude in comfort and style.

Day 3: Sacred Valley- Pisac Ruins / Market- Ollantaytambo

After a hearty Peruvian breakfast, You will spend a full day at two royal ruins in the valley around Urubamba—both built by the emperor Pachacutec. The first, Pisac, is a vast residential and military complex, built amid sweeping agricultural terraces and overlooking a quaint market town selling alpaca sweaters and handicrafts.

The second, the fortress of Ollantaytambo, terrified the Spanish with its gargantuan parapets, and is set in the only surviving Inca village in the Andes. Afterward, You will be brought back to your hotel to rest.

Day 4: Urubamba- Machu Picchu- Cusco

However many selfies you’ve seen of that iconic sugarloaf backdrop, nothing can prepare you for the moment when you get to the top of the ridge and actually see Machu Picchu for yourself. With its sun temple, royal quarters, and purling fountains, this New World Wonder dazzles with its imperial stonework.

On this day, You will take a luxury train from Ollantaytambo, after which you can climb to the sun gate and cross an Inca bridge. You will overnight at El Mapi Hotel in Aguas Calientes, huddled beneath Machu Picchu Mountain.

Day 5: Machu Picchu- Cusco

Most visitors feel one day at Machu Picchu is too short. So the next morning, you can hike up to the Sun Gate or climb Huayna Picchu, the sacred mountain containing hidden Inca shrines. From there, it’s back by train to Cuzco, where You will rest in Aranwa Boutique Hotel, just steps from the main square.

Day 6: Cusco

Inca walls on every corner; three-tiered fortresses; Quechua women in colorful traditional garb: this is Cuzco, which the Incas considered the spiritual center of the universe. Even today, the city’s energy is unmistakable, as you wander through echoing churches and the most sacred Inca temple of them all, the Qorikancha.

You will also visit several Inca ruins just outside the city, including Sacsayhuaman, the citadel where the Incas nearly defeated the Spanish in battle—and which is carved from some of the most massive stones on the planet.

Day 7: Cusco- Lima

After a half day to wander Cuzco at your leisure, You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima. There You will overnight at the San Augustin Exclusive Hotel, in the seaside district of Miraflores.

Day 8: Lima- Iquitos

In the morning, a short flight takes you to Iquitos, the largest city on Earth inaccessible by road. There, prepare to be thrilled by the exotic sights of the jungle, including an iron house built by Gustave Eiffel, a floating market, a manatee rescue center, and more.

Next up: transfer to the Amatista, the air-conditioned wooden riverboat that takes you to heart of the Amazon. On board, You will be on the lookout for jungle birds, iguanas, and the magical pink dolphins that, legend says, use their charms to hypnotize unsuspecting women.

Day 9: Marañon and Ucayali rivers

After breakfast, a boat excursion brings you to the meeting of the Marañon and Ucayali Rivers, which together give birth to the mighty Amazon. Macaws, three-toe sloths, and monkeys frolic on shore as you pass.

After lunch, You will stroll along the banks of the Ucayali to experience its exotic flora and fauna, such as the ten-foot Victoria Regia water lily, the giant otter, and the Amazonian manatee. In the afternoon, it’s back to the ship, for an evening of socializing with your fellow passengers and a dinner of gourmet jungle cuisine.

Day 10: Rio Ucayali / Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

Pacaya Samiria Reserve is Peru's largest national park, and home to more than 200 avian and 10 primate species. Here, on an early-morning outing, You will encounter rare specimens such as cocoi, striated herons, macaws, squirrel monkeys, caimans, and sloths. Back on board for breakfast, You will enjoy a fascinating presentation on the history and culture of the Amazon's main tribes.

In the afternoon, You will have a rare opportunity to meet a key figure in the Amazon: a practicing shaman. Entering an out-of-body trance, this traditional religious healer enlists the denizens of the spirit world to cure the sick—and bring the deceased down to their final rest. When you talk to him, You will learn about both his spiritual craft and the rainforest plants that, for centuries, have been treasured for their curative properties.

Day 11: Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

The jungle is especially luminous in the early morning. To immerse yourself in its beauty, You will head out on a pre-breakfast excursion, to watch the river turtles, cormorants, and wattled jacana wake up and start their day. Later, You will stop in at the home of an indigenous family, to learn about their ancestral way of life while sharing a midday meal.

The afternoon is your free time to relax. After dinner, You will take a night time boat ride into the wild, where bats, capybaras, and poison frogs reveal another side of the Amazon. Your flashlight may catch the red gaze of a black caiman, or reveal the glowing yellow eyes of a jaguar!

Day 12: Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

Picnic breakfast in the jungle, piranha fishing, travel in a dugout canoe: such is the agenda for your last full day up into the Amazon, as you explore the Nahuapa River and its tributary, Choroyacu Creek. The impressively bio-diverse ecosystem here is famous for its fish-among them, the fearsome piranha.

You can relax, though: these ferocious biters are more eaten than eaters, being a dietary staple for many of the rainforest’s indigenous tribes. Afterwards, You will have time to swim with the river dolphins before heading back to the riverboat for a leisurely afternoon-and final night time excursion.

Day 13: Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

On the return trip to Iquitos, You will stop at the Sapisapi River and the jungle port town of Nauta, near the meeting of the Ucayali and Marañon. Here You will have a chance to browse the local market before celebrating with a farewell dinner and party.

Day 14: Iquitos- Lima- Home

After breakfast on board your ship, You will disembark in Iquitos for your flight to Lima. Connect with your international departure.

Day 1 Lima, Peru - Tour Begins

Welcome to Peru, one of the treasures of South America. Travel through this intriguing land visiting some of the world’s most legendary sites, including Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas." Arrive late this evening in Lima, the "City of Kings."

Day 2 Lima

Discover Lima’s fascinating history during a colonial tour through the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the artwork at San Francisco Monastery and enter the catacombs. View the elegant Cathedral at Plaza de Armas and visit the Casa de Aliaga – former house of the conquistador Jeronimo de Aliaga y Ramirez – where the energy of colonial and republican Lima comes to life. Get to know your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner featuring artfully crafted Peruvian dishes.

Day 3 Lima - Cuzco - Sacred Valley

Fly to Cuzco, in the heart of the Inca civilization. Journey through the Andes to the majestic Sacred Valley of the Incas, the agricultural center of their grand empire. While en route to your hotel, explore different towns in the valley, each a representation of the region’s unique culture. After a short lesson on the local language, stop in Pisac village to browse the colorful handicraft market. Settle into your hotel nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley.

Day 4 Sacred Valley - Ollantaytambo - Sacred Valley

This morning, visit the spectacular Ollantaytambo ruins, the only Incan settlement that has been continually inhabited since its inception. A uniquely terraced complex topped with carved stone panels, these ruins reflect ancient Incan architecture and heritage. Then, head to the Pablo Seminario Ceramic Studio where you’ll get first-hand knowledge of this internationally renowned artist's techniques and designs, inspired by ancient Peruvian cultures. Experience the lifestyle of the modern Andean people and delve into their culture when you travel to a nearby Quechua community and interact with the locals. You’ll get a true taste of their daily life when participating in small group workshops that teach you traditional methods of growing, harvesting and weaving. Celebrate their culture as you learn their dances and listen to their musical instruments before enjoying a home-hosted farm-to-table lunch featuring local specialties.

Day 5 Sacred Valley of the Incas - Machu Picchu

Climb aboard your train to Machu Picchu for breathtaking views through panoramic windows as you ride through the Andes to the “Lost City of the Incas.” Hidden by mountains and semi-tropical jungle, Machu Picchu is considered the most spectacular sight in South America. Spend the afternoon with your guide uncovering the mysteries of these majestic ruins. Tonight, stay at the base of Machu Picchu for a chance to further soak up its atmosphere. Enjoy an exclusive culinary demonstration and learn how to craft the perfect ceviche and pisco sour before your dinner featuring a Peruvian menu.

Day 6 Machu Picchu - Cuzco

This morning, take advantage of free time and explore the local markets in Aguas Calientes on your own, or you may choose to visit Machu Picchu at sunrise. Return to the Sacred Valley by train. Upon arriving in Cuzco, take time to explore the captivating city at your leisure.

Day 7 Cuzco

Start your morning with a local guide on a tour of Cuzco, visiting the San Pedro Market, the Koricancha temple, the central Plaza de Armas, and the Cuzco Cathedral. Later, it’s your choice! Travel above the city to discover the important sacred Incan ruins of Sacsayhuaman Fortress -OR- embark on a walking tour of San Blas, the traditional old quarter of Cuzco, lined with restaurants and artisan shops. The rest of the afternoon is yours. This evening, dine at your leisure at a local restaurant featuring the local flavors of Cuzco.

Day 8 Cuzco - Puno

This morning, fly to Puno, hugging the shores of Lake Titicaca. Known as the birthplace of the Inca Empire, ancient legends say that life began here. Have time to meet the locals and discover the history of this region as you explore the village center before checking into your lakeside hotel. Tonight, enjoy an evening at leisure.

Day 9 Puno-Uros Floating Islands-Lake Titicaca-Chullpas de Sillustan-Puno

The Titicaca area, steeped in tradition and folklore, is the center of Incan legends. Enjoy a morning cruise to the floating islands of the Uros people of Lake Titicaca; experience walking on the island’s spongy surface made from compacted beds of tortora reeds and meet the locals, learning about their history and lifestyle. Later, cruise to a local rustic village for a home-hosted meal and swap stories with Peruvian families before visiting the mystical Chullpas de Sillustani – an archaeological area boasting 13th-century funerary monuments.

Day 10 Puno - Lima

Spend the morning relaxing on the shores of Lake Titicaca before flying to Lima. Upon arrival, head to the Larco Museum, a former mansion built on the site of a pre-Columbian temple. The museum offers a collection of over 3,000 years of ceramic, textile, and precious metal artifacts. After this incredible trip through history, your tour concludes with a farewell dinner on the grounds of the museum.