Peru & Amazon Experience: 15 days Lima to Cuzco

Welcome to Lima, Peru’s dynamic capital city. Enjoy a convenient and comfortable overnight stay at the Wyndham Grand Costa Del Sol located at Lima Airport. An ideal option to rest, recharge, and avoid the stress of city traffic before your next flight.

Set off this morning for the heart of the rainforest. Fly to Iquitos, a relaxed port city on the banks of the Amazon River, and board your boutique river cruise vessel. Over the next four nights, this elegant ship will be your sanctuary, with suites featuring panoramic windows that frame the calm river, as you ease into the rhythms and natural beauty of the Amazon.

Embark on a series of intimate excursions that will take you deep into the heart of the Amazon rainforest. You will explore remote tributaries of the Amazon River, trek along jungle trails teeming with life, visit Indigenous communities living as they have for centuries, and spot exotic wildlife hiding amongst the lush greenery. Whether cruising along the waterways or venturing into the lush wilderness with expert naturalist guides, every moment promises new experiences.

Continue your exploration of the Amazon, discovering its hidden treasures and untamed beauty. Glide silently along narrow tributaries, guided by experts sharing fascinating river tales. Explore pristine habitats, from mangrove swamps to bamboo stands, uncovering nature's delicate balance. Each day offers new discoveries and moments of wonder in this extraordinary wilderness.

Awaken to the rainforest's symphony. Be immersed in its natural rhythms, tracking wildlife or simply basking in the serenity. Activities vary each day so you could be kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding along the glassy river, fishing for gigantic Amazon catfish, listening to the calls of more than 1,500 species of bird, and scanning the water for the elusive pink dolphin. As night falls, retreat to your floating sanctuary, lulled by the river's gentle embrace. Reflect on the day's profound beauty as the sun dips below the horizon.

Take a flight to Lima, the vibrant capital of Peru. This cosmopolitan city is home to an incredible food scene and some of the world’s finest restaurants, as well as compelling museums and contemporary galleries. Check in to your stylish, contemporary hotel beside the beach for a two-night stay.

Embark on a city tour with an expert local guide who will reveal the city's rich tapestry of culture and heritage. Discover the charms of colonial and modern Lima, admire cathedrals and convents, visit San Isidro financial district, and tour the famed Larco Museum.  Afterwards, relax and enjoy a delicious lunch.

Today join your flight to Cuzco, the gateway to the Sacred Valley. Travel through breathtaking landscapes to the Tambo Del Inka Resort & Spa, enjoy a three-night Scenic Special Stay at this luxurious sanctuary set beside the Urubamba River amidst the majestic Andes. Your relaxing stay in the Sacred Valley allows you to experience the history, unique lifestyle, culture and majestic scenery of this heartland of the former Inca empire.

Tonight, delight in an unforgettable culinary experience with a tapas dinner accompanied by local performances.

Join your expert local guide for a walking tour of Ollantaytambo, the site where Manco Inca defeated the Spanish conquistadors in 1537.

Scenic Enrich
Indulge in an authentic Andean feast at a local hacienda, where tradition comes to life through vibrant weaving demonstrations and stories of local customs and life.

The afternoon invites you to wander the charming village of Urubamba at your leisure.

With another full day in the Sacred Valley, discover more of its distinctive heritage and culture.

Scenic Freechoice:
Tailor your day to your tastes and pace with one of these excursions:

Pisac Ruins and Markets: Explore the ruins of Pisac, built by the Incas in the 15th century, and its vibrant markets. Peruvians from surrounding villages come to purchase their fruit, vegetables and meat, and you can find authentic crafts and clothing.

Maras and Moray: Discover the agricultural and engineering wonders of the mountains. Explore the mysterious circular terraces of Moray and the mesmerising Incan salt pans of Maras, where thousands of pools are dug into the mountainside.

Later, indulge in a culinary extravaganza featuring five tantalising meats, each prepared in a unique style using ingredients sourced from the hotel’s own organic garden.

This morning, embark on one of the world's most spectacular rail journeys on a Vistadome train that climbs through breathtaking landscapes to the legendary Machu Picchu. The most famous archaeological site in South America, this mountaintop citadel was built by the Incas in the 15th century but remained lost to history until it was rediscovered in the early 1900s. Explore the enigmatic ruins with expert guides, delving into the mysteries of this timeless site.

As night falls, retreat to your comfortable hotel in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes.

Continue your journey by train to the charming city of Cuzco, the imperial capital of the Incas. The oldest continually occupied city on the continent, it sits at a soaring 3,399 metres above sea level, making it one of the highest settlements in the world.  You will be welcomed to the luxurious Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Set inside a 500-year-old mansion, enjoy a three-night Scenic Special Stay ensconced in the heart of this storied city, surrounded by opulence and history.

Scenic Freechoice Dining:
Tonight choose to dine a la carte at the elegant Inti Raymi or dine on a menu showcasing delicious fusion cuisine at Cicciolina restaurant.

Unravel the secrets of Cuzco as you wander through its cobblestone streets and past grand architecture. On your walking tour, you will uncover the history of this World Heritage-listed site where ancient Incan ruins sit alongside colonial whitewashed houses and Baroque palaces. Your final stop will be the imposing ruins of Sacsayhuamán fortress, where the carved stone blocks form the shape of a puma’s head.

Experience vibrant local culture as you explore the bustling San Pedro Market, where traditions, aromas and flavours create an authentic cultural encounter at every turn.

Scenic Freechoice:
Tailor your day to your tastes and pace with one of the following excursions.

Join an immersive culinary experience offering a hands-on introduction to Peruvian cuisine. Including a guided visit to a local market (typically San Pedro), a pisco sour–making session, and a cooking class led by a professional chef. 

Alternatively, join a walking tour of Cusco's San Blas neighbourhood and discover charming cobblestone streets, artisan crafts, and Inca masterpieces. 

Later, this evening join your fellow travellers for a sumptuous dinner.

Bid farewell to Peru and its rich Incan heritage as you transfer to the airport.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the journey will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. Hotels are indicative and subject to change.