Amazon Explorer and The Inca's Sacred Empire

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Lima

Upon arrival from your international flight, you will be transferred to your hotel and overnight in Lima, the nation's capital and largest city.

Day 2-3 Lima / Iquitos / Amazon River (B,L,D)

Enjoy a free morning in Lima to take an optional city tour, to walk through the Miraflores district or to catch your breath after your flight in. In the afternoon you will be transferred to the airport and will board your flight to Iquitos. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for the evening and try some of the local specialties such as paiche, one of the Amazon's many fish offerings. The following morning receive a short tour of the city en-route to the to the ship. Embarkation is in the morning and lunch will be served onboard. You will be lodged in first class accommodations for seven days. Once boarded, we weigh anchor immediately for the most incredible navigational experience in natural history. As we navigate that day along the Amazon River, the breeze and sky beckon as we begin our adventure.

Day 4 Amazon River / Marañon (B,L,D)

An early awakening on the majestic Amazon River heightens our perception of the tropical rain forest. Occasionally, fisherman paddling canoes made of hollow tree trunks and children living in villages along the bank will greet us with a smile and a wide variety of birds can be spotted in the trees and overhead. These include the South American Oriole, rails or jacanas, egrets and carrion birds.This morning we will reach the confluence of the Ucayali and Maranon Rivers, located 2,400 miles west of the Atlantic Ocean, the place where the Amazon River takes its name. We continue cruising the right branch of the Ucayali River. One of the characteristic features of this river are the abundant gray and pink dolphins, frequently seen swimming near our boat. After a comprehensive lecture with our guides about the vast Amazon culture we visit a town of Riberenos, where a small group of people live in the river banks.

Day 5 Amazon Natural Park / Kapok Camp (B,L,D)

We start the morning with a canoe ride through a small black water lake where if we are lucky we will get the chance to see capybaras, the world's largest rodent. We then walk along the Ceiba path to find the perfect location for a tree-planting ceremony. What better way to pay homage to the rain forest then by adding our own tree for generations to come! After the ceremony we return to boat for lunch before packing a day packs for our night of jungle accommodation. This excursion starts with a short 30 minute paddle across another black water lake and short walk to this evening's superior class permanent camp. Tonight we will sleep in large canvas tents built on platforms with two comfortable beds and full bedding. There are bathrooms with toilets and sinks with running water to be shared between every two tents. There is also a central Maloka which is an open structure with a traditional woven palm frond roof. Here we will learn about traditional cooking methods as we help to prepare a local dish for dinner. We will also be treated to stories of local myths and folklore after dinner as we sit around the bonfire. NB. If you are not interested in this option you can stay on-board and enjoy the amenities or can participate in some short walks. Please advise at time of booking if this is your preference.

Day 6 Amazon Natural Park / Marañon River (B,L,D)

Today we pack up and return to the boat but not before a visit to see a Kapok tree, the largest tree in the rain forest and the origins of the Amazon according to certain local folklore. We then return to the boat for lunch and a little bit of rest before we head out on a pirahna fishing trip. The highlight of the afternoon is still yet to come as we return to the boat and then head back out to meet a Jibarao-Ashual Shaman, who will explain to us the use of his medicinal plants and perform a health and good luck ceremony with us before we set sail for the evening.

Day 7 Marañon River / Pucate River / Ucayali River (B,L,D)

Today we will take the skiffs down the Pucate River and into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve in search of wildlife. The Pacaya Samiria Reserve is the largest protected area in the country with an area of 2 080 000 hectares of inundated rain forest and is home to many species including; toucans, grey and pink dolphins and Saddleback Tamarind Monkeys. We will use this as a back-drop for a picnic lunch in our skiffs before returning to the boat. No visit to this region would be complete without seeing the magestic Victoria amazonica, or giant water which we do in the afternoon. Tonight we can enjoy "happy hour" on the boat and some rest and relaxation.

Day 8 Ucayali River / Amazon River (B,L,D)

Today after breakfast we will explore a black water tributary of the Ucayali River in search of more wildlife. This afternoon we will begin our return to Iquitos navigating once again through the Majestic Amazon River. Tonight we gather to watch our last Amazon sunset with a Pisco Sour in hand and live music while our crew treats us to an unforgettable farewell dinner.

Day 9 Iquitos / Lima (B)

After an early wake up call for breakfast our happy voyage comes to an end. We arrive at Iquitos at approximately 6:00am for dis-embarkation. Transfer to airport to board our flight to Lima. We will be transferred back to the hotel from the airport where we will spend our last night in the City of Kings.

Day 10 Lima / Cuzco (B)

After breakfast, you will be transfered to the Lima airport and board your flight to Cuzco and spend the afternoon or evening of leisure before your next journey begins.

Day 11 Cuzco (B)

Free day to explore this delightful town or visit nearby ruins. This ancient city considered to be the mecca of Peru. With a friendly, colonial atmosphere, Cuzco offers much to the visitor: nearby Inca ruins, cobblestone streets, museums, markets and churches.

Day 12 Ollantaytambo (B,L)

Travel through the Sacred Valley on an expert guided tour that includes lunch and a stop at the Pisac market. We spend a night in the valley to get a real taste of village life in the Andes.

Day 13 Aguas Calientas (B)

Ride an early morning train and wind through the Urubamba Valley towards Aguas Calientes. Enjoy the local scenery or the bustling activity along the railway tracks. Archaeolgy buffs can visit Machu Picchu independently before the guided tour the following morning.

Day 14 Machu Picchu / Cuzco (B)

Rise early to take advantage of viewing Machu Picchu in the early morning light. This is the best time to view the "Lost City of the Incas". Our local guide will provide a detailed interpretation of the Inca history before other tour groups arrive at midday. Leave Cuzco by train in the afternoon.Machu Picchu is both the best and the least known of the Inca ruins. It is not mentioned in any of the chronicles of the Spanish conquistadors and archaeologists today can do no more than speculate on its function. The local Quechua farmers in the area knew of Machu Picchu for centuries, but it was not until an 11 year old boy led the American historian Hiram Bingham (who was in search of Vilcaba) to the site on July 24, 1911, that the rest of the world became aware of its existence. At that time the site was covered in thick vegetation, and Bingham and his team returned in 1912 and 1915 to clear the growth. Over the years, much work has been done on excavating and studying the site. Despite these efforts, many unanswered questions remain.

Day 15 Depart Cuzco (B)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport and board your flight to Lima and enjoy a final night out on the town.

Day 16 Depart Lima (B)

After breakfast, depart Lima at any time.

Please Note

The itinerary may vary slightly depending on the weather and water levels which affect our ability to enter areas. It may also be run in reverse to minimize the number of people from different boats visiting areas at one time.

Trip Details

Accommodation	Amazon riverboat (5 nts), Comfortable hotels (9 nts), Superior Class permanent camp (1 nt).
Brochure Notes	1. Please advise at time of booking if you do not wish to participate in the excursion to the permanent camp. If you do not wish to camp you will stay onboard the Amazon Explorer.
Departure	Departs Jan-May / Sep-Dec
Group Size	Riverboat: 30 passengersLand portion: 15 passengers
Meals Included	All meals on board the Amazon Explorer and Continental breakfast throughout.
StartFinish	ex Lima
Testimonial	"An amazing adventure - first class!" - Dave Mclaughlin travelled on Amazon Explorer
Transport	Amazon Explorer, Local flights, Train, Private bus.

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2009-01-23	2009-02-07	4
2009-02-06	2009-02-21	4
2009-04-03	2009-04-18	7+
2009-04-24	2009-05-09	2
2009-06-05	2009-06-20	6
2009-06-12	2009-06-27	7+
2009-07-10	2009-07-25	7+
2009-07-17	2009-08-01	7+
2009-08-07	2009-08-22	7+
2009-08-14	2009-08-29	6
2009-09-04	2009-09-19	4
2009-09-11	2009-09-26	7+
2009-09-25	2009-10-10	7+
2009-10-02	2009-10-17	7+
2009-10-16	2009-10-31	6
2009-10-23	2009-11-07	7+
2009-10-30	2009-11-14	6
2009-11-06	2009-11-21	6
2009-11-20	2009-12-05	7+
2009-12-18	2010-01-02	7+

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