Peruvian Amazon and Machu Picchu Exploration 2026

Set on the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls, Hotel Das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel, Iguazu Falls welcomes you to one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. For two nights, you stay amongst the mist of the cascading waters and be afforded plenty of opportunities to explore the system of nearly 300 waterfalls from above and below.

Whilst Lima was founded in 1535, it has ancient roots that stretch even further. As the capital of Peru, there are key sites to discover around the city, whether that may be the UNESCO-World-Heritage historical centre and the many museums and art galleries, or the restaurants that have labelled this as the culinary capital of Latin America. On the Lima City Tour, you can discover the coast, stroll the main square and walk the maze of tunnels at the San Francisco Monastery. You will also tour one of Lima’s oldest buildings, Casa Aliaga, guided by a member of the Aliaga family. After two days in Lima, you will fly to Iquitos to board the Aria Amazon and begin your cruise.

The Ucayali is one of the key beginnings of the Amazon River, and the start of your river adventure. Here you may search for some of the Amazonian wildlife that rests here, like monkeys, hawks and parrots. You may also kayak, canoe, and swim in the black waters of Clavero Lake, or learn about the traditions of a remote village along the Ucayali River. In the evening, you can join a naturalist guide on a nocturnal Wildlife and Stargazing excursion.

Today grants the opportunity to get closer to the fauna and flora of the Amazon. Learn about the Tahuayo River through the stories shared by your naturalist guide and join a jungle walk through the San Pedro Forest.

Whilst Nauta may only be a small town, this area is vital to the Amazon River. Found where the Marañón and Ucayali rivers meet, Nauta overlooks the forming the Amazon River and is also one of the oldest inhabited areas in the Peruvian Amazon. Excursions take you to expand your palette at the town’s market, or to the river basin.

As you cruise this area of the Marañón River, make sure to search for one of the 64 rare native bird species. You may also spot sloths and Taricaya turtles in the Yanayacu Pucate River before visiting a nearby village, and later learn how to safely fish for piranhas.

Get to know the true beauty of the Amazon at every time of day. In the morning, fish with a naturalist guide in the black waters of the Samiria River. Picnic to the sound of the Amazon before exploring the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve by canoe, kayak, swim, or jungle walk. Then at dusk, enjoy a sunset cruise along the Ucayali River.

Explore the Marañón River by skiff, a small boat, as you look for pink river dolphins. Late, visit an indigenous village in Puerto Prado to learn about local life in the Amazon, and spot the giant water lilies.

As you arrive back in Nauta, you will have some more time to explore. Then you will fly to Cusco, for a transfer to The Sacred Valley.

Spend your day in The Sacred Valley at your leisure. A wealth of natural beauty and cultural treasures awaits. On your second day in The Sacred Valley, you will explore significant historic sites with a guide, learning about the Inka Empire and meeting the locals.

Spend a full day exploring this Inkan archaeological site – one of the must-see heritage sites of the world. As you discover Machu Picchu with a guide, you will learn of the mysteries still surrounding the site and the Inkan Empire, as well as stories and theories of a history that goes back thousands of years. You will then return to Cusco.

Steeped in history, Cusco was once the capital of the Inca Empire and a major hub for Spanish colonial influence. This makes for an enchanting blend of histories and cultures, all discoverable on the Cusco City Tour. On your last day in Cusco, you will have some time to uncover the city’s artistic side before returning to Lima.

Your enchanting adventure of Peru comes to an end today as you return home to the UK.