DAY 1 • Lima
Fly to Lima. Upon a late-night arrival, meet a Knowmad representative and transfer to your accommodations in the colorful, colonial, and bohemian district of Barranco, close to restaurants, cafes, art galleries, and more.
- No Meals – Hotel B
DAY 2 • Lima
Alongside your private, local guide, delve into Peru’s rich history and its vibrant capital city on a half-day exploration. Visit the government palaces and cathedrals in the historical center, including the Catacombs of the San Francisco Church.
Add a visit to the Larco Museum, home to a fantastic collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, a culinary tour of Lima’s food scene, or a dinner reservation at one of the world’s top restaurants.
- B – Hotel B
DAY 3 • LIMA - IQUITOS
Fly to Iquitos in the Peruvian Amazon jungle and board your luxury small-ship cruise vessel. Settle into your elegant cabin and enjoy orientation and happy hour before beginning your explorations, and sitting down for an incredible and thoughtfully crafted gourmet meal.
- B, L, D – Delfin III
DAYS 4 & 5 • PACAYA SAMIRIA NATIONAL RESERVE
Each day, you will explore, alongside expert naturalist guides, the depths of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, which stretches over 5 million acres. It’s the world’s largest protected flooded forest and is bordered by two rivers that converge to create the mighty Amazon River. Explore each day by skiff, kayak, and jungle walks, searching for the abundant wildlife found in this region, from pink river dolphins to monkeys, sloths, an incredible variety of birds, and more. You will also have the unique opportunity to visit a local village and learn more about the culture of this region. In between exploring the jungle, enjoy gourmet meals and luxury accommodations with a sun deck, pool, spa, and more.
- B, L, D – Delfin III
DAY 6 • IQUITOS - SACRED VALLEY
After a final morning excursion, disembark and connect through Lima before landing in Cusco, where Andean cultures come alive. Meet your guide and descend to your oasis in the Sacred Valley, where you will be able to acclimatize. Sol y Luna is a Relais & Châteaux property with private casitas nestled among gardens, Andes mountain views, and two incredible on-site restaurants.
- B – Sol y Luna
DAY 7 • SACRED VALLEY
Go completely off the map with your guide, travel along a small winding dirt road through remote Andean villages until reaching the Amaru community. This isolated community holds strongly to their ancient customs and practices a largely subsistence lifestyle on the slopes of the Andes. The Amaru will proudly open their village to you, where you will learn about their lifestyle and traditions. Then, visit the Pisac ruins before enjoying lunch at a beautiful hacienda and ending the day with a visit to the town of Pisac.
- B, L – Sol y Luna
DAY 8 • SACRED VALLEY - MACHU PICCHU
Today, visit the massive Inca agricultural terraces of Moray, thought to have been a nursery to experiment with and modify different varieties of crops. From here, hike or go by van to the village of Maras, where pre-Columbian terraced salt pans are still being harvested in the traditional way by villagers. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the shadow of the Andes Mountains. In the afternoon, take the train that chugs along the Urubamba River to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
- B, L – Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
DAY 9 • MACHU PICCHU
This vast archaeological site—lost to the world until well into the twentieth century—is perched amidst Andean peaks and lush cloud forest, making it one of the most breathtaking sights in the world. Relish in a complete guided tour as you begin to unlock the mystery of the Inca. Add an optional hike within the site for a unique, bird’s-eye view. After fully exploring this marvel, enjoy lunch in Machu Picchu Pueblo. Soak in the wonders of the day as you take a dip in the semi-natural thermal baths at your cloud forest retreat.
B, L – Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
- B, L – Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
DAY 10 • MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
Take the train to Ollantaytambo and roam through town, taking in the ancient ruins towering above. Head to a local farm to enjoy a delicious Pachamanca experience, a traditional celebratory feast cooked in the ground under hot stones. The chef will explain this tradition as well as the dish, and you will participate in this elaborate and unique ancient preparation technique. Afterwards, continue on to Cusco to stay in a 16th-century manor turned luxury boutique surrounded by cobblestone streets in the heart of Cusco.
- B, L – La Casona
DAY 11 • CUSCO
Enjoy a half-day guided exploration of Cusco, visiting Korikancha, shopping at the Andean markets, and seeing the colonial cathedrals built atop Incan foundations around the Plaza Central. You’ll also visit the Sacsayhuaman ruins above the city, known for its megalithic stone terraces.
- B – La Casona
DAY 12 • CUSCO - LIMA - HOME
Enjoy the day at leisure, independently exploring more of Cusco, one of South America’s most dynamic cities. In the late afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima and onward overnight flight home.
