Amazon Explorer and Essence of Peru

Itinerary

Day 1 Lima

Arrive in Lima at any time.

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

Fly to the charming town of Iquitos and board the 19th century style riverboat which will be your home for the next six days. Accessible only by air or water, Iquitos, the Peruvian jungle's largest city, remains pleasantly insulated from the outside world.

Day 3 Amazon River / Marañon River (B,L,D)

Rise early to catch a glimpse of the fishermen paddling their handmade canoes and village children smiling and waving from the river banks. Heading towards the confluence of the Ucayali and Marañon Rivers, it is hard to miss the wide variety of exotic birds overhead. In the afternoon, head upstream and enjoy a sunset before heading out on a nocturnal walk.

Day 4 Amazon Natural Park / Kapok Camp (B,L,D)

Canoe through a black water lake, home to many jungle animals including capybaras, the world's largest rodent. Give back to the mighty rainforest by planting a tree on our way to our "maloka" campsite. Built exclusively for G.A.P Adventures, spend the evening in a luxurious camp with running water, raised, canvas tents with beds and traditional food from the area.

Day 5 Kapok Camp / Marañon River (B,L,D)

Today we visit the giant of the forest, the Kapok or Ceiba tree. From here, take a quick dip and then head back to the comfort of the Amazon Explorer. Our last visit in the area will be to a Jibaro-Ashual Shaman who will explain his traditional use of medicinal plants and bless your journey with a good luck ceremony.

Day 6 Marañon River / Pucate River / Ucayali River (B,L,D)

Keep your eyes open for dolphins and waterfowl as we cross the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve on the Pucate River. For lunch we will get even closer to nature as we go for a floating picnic before searching for the "Victoria amazonica" or giant water lily.

Day 7 Ucayali River (B,L,D)

Explore one of the Peruvian Amazon's best hidden secrets - the black water rivers that criss-cross the forest. Among the abundant fauna, discover a large variety of egrets, macaws, capuchins and squirrel monkeys.

Day 8 Iquitos / Lima (B)

After an early wake up call for breakfast our happy voyage comes to an end. We arrive at Iquitos approximately 6:30am for dis-embarkation. Transfer to airport is approximately 20 minutes, to board your flight to Lima. On arrival in Lima you will be picked up and a transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to spend at your leisure.

Day 9 Lima

Free day to explore Lima, "The City of Kings".

Day 10-11 Amazon Rainforest (2B,2L,2D)

Take a morning flight to Puerto Maldonado, our gateway to the Amazon. Take a motorized canoe down the Tambopata River to our rainforest lodge. Explore the rainforest by foot and dugout canoe with our expert local guides. The Amazon presents excellent wildlife-spotting opportunities. Possible visits include a parrot clay lick and oxbow lake.

Day 12-14 Cuzco (3B)

Travel out of the jungle by boat before flying to Cuzco, high in the Andes mountains. On Day 5, join our guided tour of the city to learn about its ancient, fascinating history—Cuzco is the oldest continually inhabited city on the continent. Free time on Day 6 to explore the city and visit its many local archaeological sites.

Day 15 Ollantaytambo (B)

Embark on a journey through the Inca’s Sacred Valley, including visits to the Inca ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo.

Day 16-17 Machu Picchu / Cuzco (2B)

Take a morning train through the Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu. Continue on the next morning for a guided tour of the ruins of the 'Lost City' of Machu Picchu, with an option to soak in the nearby thermal baths. Return to Cuzco by train on Day 9.

Day 18 Cuzco (B)

Visit some of Cuzco’s many museums and churches built on Inca ruins on this free day. Explore the sights and sounds of this great colonial town.

Day 19-20 Puno / Lake Titicaca (2B)

Enjoy spectacular views of the countryside on this full day of travel through the Andes from Cuzco to Puno. Take a boat ride across Lake Titicaca the next morning to visit the floating reed islands of the Uros people. Visit various islands and enjoy meeting the friendly local villagers.

Day 21 Lima (B)

We have a short drive to Juliaca before flying to Lima to enjoy one last night out on the town in the City of Kings