Peru: Amazon Gay Cruise & Machu Picchu

¡Hola! Welcome to Lima. Our adventure kicks off at 2PM with an important Group Meeting. You’ll meet your Group Leader and fellow travellers to talk about our upcoming adventure. We’ll then head for the trendy historic neighbourhood of Barranco for a walking tour that explores the streets lined with traditional casonas (colonial-style houses). This charming area is also home to many artists, musicians, and writers. We’ll also make some stops in trendy Miraflores, taking in the seaside views along the “Malecon”, a six-mile strip of parks, gardens and green space along the cliffs overlooking the sea. Later in the evening we’ll reconvene for our included Welcome Dinner to sample the finest delicacies of this foodie capital.

Today begins with an included breakfast and a transfer to the airport for our included flight to Iquitos in the Amazon Rainforest. Upon landing, we’ll transfer to the river port of Nauta with an included box lunch along the way. Once on board the Zafiro, we’ll be ushered to our suites and welcomed with a Peruvian cocktail before receiving an overview from our naturalist guides on the ship, route, activities, and history of the area. As we set sail down the scenic Marañon River, we’ll have free time to relax and explore the vessel. This evening, we’ll board skiffs for a night excursion to Nauta Caño in hopes of spying nocturnal wildlife. Afterwards, we’ll be treated to a distinctly Peruvian dinner with an Amazonian influence. 

Early risers might be in for a treat, as it’s possible we’ll be able to view the transit of migratory birds from the observation deck! Today’s excursion begins before breakfast as we journey to the Yanayacu de Pucate area of the Pacaya Samiria reserve. Here, we’ll enjoy a special breakfast surrounded by nature, then have the option to kayak or swim in the river. Back on board, the bartender will demonstrate how to make Peruvian cocktails before a scrumptious lunch. After some free time, we’ll visit the native community of San Regis to learn about their traditions and way of life. We’ll also have an opportunity to interact with their shaman, browse hand-made crafts, and give back to the environment by planting a tree. This evening, we’ll enjoy live music on the ship before another fantastic dinner.

Rise and shine! After a hearty breakfast, we’re off to explore the lush Amazonia Natural Park. Keep an eye out for parrots, macaws, monkeys, and jaguars as we traipse through the tropical understory. To gain a bird’s eye view, we’ll indulge in a canopy walk along suspended rope bridges through verdant tree tops. After returning to the ship for lunch, we’ll learn about local endangered species and the efforts being made to protect them. This afternoon’s activity has a bit more teeth to it, as we’ll fish for piranha on the Nahuapa River using native techniques. Our evening excursion will bring us closer to the singing frogs and lurking alligators before a wonderful dinner accompanied by live music.

After breakfast, we’ll begin the day with a wildlife walk. Be on the lookout for poisonous frogs amongst other exotic species. Marvel at humongous Avatar trees and massive Victoria Regia, water lilies known for being the largest aquatic plant on Earth. We’ll wrap up the excursion by stopping into a local market to browse handicrafts created by native women artisans. Around lunchtime, we’ll return to the ship for a cooking demonstration by the Executive Chef followed by a meal and a presentation from the naturalist on the origin of the Amazon. This afternoon, we reach the confluence of the Ucayali and Marañón rivers, also known as the origin of the Amazon River, where we’re likely to spot pink river dolphins in their natural habitat. We’ll have this evening at our leisure before a final amazing dinner on board.

After breakfast, we’ll wave goodbye to the captain and crew and board our transfer to the airport for our included flight to Cusco, South America’s oldest continually inhabited city. In order to adjust to the altitude (3,400m/11,200m), we’ll take it easy this afternoon with a 90-minute transfer to our hotel in the Sacred Valley. This evening, we’re free to explore and take advantage of the hotel’s amenities before we gather for an included dinner. Please review our important information page for our note on altitude sickness. 

Fuel up on an included breakfast, because we’re off to explore the Sacred Valley! Beginning at the ruins of Pisac, we’ll gain insight to the Inca culture, including their stone works and agricultural terraces, before browsing a local market known for its textiles. Later, we’ll arrive at Hacienda Sarapampa, a farm that produces giant white corn, to learn about agriculture during pre-Columbian and colonial times. During our included lunch at the hacienda, we’ll be treated to traditional Andean music by a harpist. This afternoon, we’ll drive to Ollantaytambo, a magnificent example of Incan urban planning, to explore its distinctive ruins and engage with its fascinating history. This evening, we’ll return to our hotel for an included dinner.

After an included breakfast, we’ll board the charming Peru Rail Vistadome Train, which features panoramic glass panels in the ceiling to ensure you soak in as much of the view as possible. Venturing through the Urubamba Valley, we’ll eventually arrive in the town of Aguas Calientes, which is the closest civilization to Machu Picchu. You could take this afternoon to rest up, as tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu will be a long day, or you could treat yourself to a sneak peek of the ancient citadel (not included) before our guided tour tomorrow. Tonight, we are free to dine at our leisure.

After an included breakfast, we’ll depart by bus to make our way along the notoriously windy road to Machu Picchu. Our private guide will tour us through the UNESCO World Heritage Site itself, providing fascinating insights into the history of the world-famous Incan citadel. Later, we’ll refuel with an included lunch before taking the Hiram Bingham Luxury Train back to Cusco, allowing us time to relax and share our thoughts over an included gourmet dinner on board. Once we’ve arrived in Cusco, we’ll have the rest of the night to enjoy our luxe accommodations.

It’s the final morning of our tour, and after an included breakfast, we’ll visit the Inca Ceremonial Center of Sacsayhuaman, an enormous structure overlooking the city. From there, we’ll head to the Temple of Qoricancha, an important Incan temple that was once home to over 1,000 priests and attendants. Later, we’ll head to the heart of the city and have free time for lunch at “the Plaza de Armas”, recognizable for its colonial arcades and surrounding churches. This evening, we’ll gather one last time, at a gay-welcoming restaurant, to share fond memories over our Farewell Dinner with included wine.

There are no activities planned today. Enjoy a complimentary departure transfer and safe travels home!