The Discovery Journey to
Peru
The Mighty Amazon & Incan Empire
This is a rare opportunity in one of the most exotic destinations on the planet. Go deep into the Amazon on an exclusive river cruise through the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve, which very few tourists have the chance to see. The largest protected wetland in the world, the reserve is home to unusual flora and some of the largest populations of wildlife in the entire Amazon. Visit Paracas, an important marine conservation center, and the ancient city of Lima. Fascinating archaeological sites and monumental works of art from long-lost tribes complete this unique journey, guaranteed to be not only an adventurous vacation, but an enriching learning experience, as well.
Days 1/2 – Miami/Lima
Board your flight to Lima, where you will be escorted to your hotel, known for its understated elegance. Next day, enjoy a guided tour of Peru’s ancient capital. Visit the Plaza de Armas, a UNESCO World Heritage site; stop by the Archaeo-logical Museum; and take in the spectacular ocean views. Optional trips to the Gold Museum or ancient pueblos can also be arranged. Enjoy a traditional dinner in a pre-Columbian temple. SONESTA EL OLIVAR HOTEL. (Meals Aloft; B, D)
Day 3 – Lima/Nazca Lines/Paracas
Drive south to Ica and then board a plane for one of the great mysteries of South America: the Nazca Lines, visible only from air. Over 2,000 years ago, massive line drawings were etched into the Pampa Coloradan plateau. Natural forces have preserved the images, believed to have been created for the gods. After lunch, visit the Regional Museum for a close look at well-preserved mummies that reveal the Nazca’s practice of surgery. In the evening, relax at your hotel, renowned for exceptional service and numerous activities. HOTEL LIBERTADOR PARACAS. (B,L,D)
Day 4 – Paracas/Ballestas Islands
Explore Paracas National Reserve, one of the top marine conservation centers in the world. Visit the renowned archaeological museum and drive along the peninsula to see its diverse inhabitants: whales, sea lions, otters, the Humboldt Penguin, Peruvian Diving Petrel and Blue-footed Boobies. Continue on a short boat trip past the famed “Candelabra” petroglyph to the Ballestas Islands, known as the Galapagos of Peru because of their impressive marine life. HOTEL LIBERTADOR PARACAS. (B,L,D)
Day 4 – Paracas/Pachcamac/Lima
Enjoy the morning in Paracas before departing for the pre-Inca ruins of Pachacamac, once one of the holiest shrines in the central Andes. “The Earth’s Creator” is noted for its great pyramidal temples and the frescoes adorning its walls. An on-site museum features ceramics, textiles and idols found in the complex. SONESTA EL OLIVAR HOTEL. (B)
Day 6 – Iquitos/Nauta/Amazon River
Catch a glimpse of the Amazon as you fly to the rainforest city of Iquitos and board a bus to Nauta, where your luxury vessel awaits. The M/V Delfin II comprises fourteen suites with fine wood furnish-ings and exquisite views. On board, enjoy gourmet cuisine and highly skilled naturalists. Sunset is a kaleidoscope of colors and at night, the dark sky lights up with shooting stars. DELFIN II. (B,D)
Day 7 – Belluda Cano/El Dorado River
Rise early to catch the ever-changing scenery along El Dorado River: small villages, islands and channels with vibrant wildlife and birds, including Oriole Blackbird, Purple Gallinule and Yellow-headed Caracara. Dock at Belluda Cano for a morning hike, keeping your eyes out for transitional species like the Snail Kite, Black-tailed Antbird, manikins and tanagers. From a dugout canoe, explore a secluded lagoon filled with unusual freshwater fish like the paiche, which can weigh over 170 pounds. Back on the Delfin II, continue upstream for an unforgettable encounter with gray and pink river dolphins. DELFIN II. (All Meals)
Day 8 – Atun Poza Lake/Rio Pacaya
The day starts with a hike at Atun Poza, a unique eco-system with many rare species of trees. Continue by boat towards the Pacaya River at the heart of the Reserve and unlike any other place in the world. As you navigate the forest aboard comfortable skiffs, pass huge lagoons teeming with colorful fish, troops of red howler monkeys, hordes of river dolphins, massive flocks of macaws and hundreds of snow-white egrets. See how the rainforest reflects off the black water, earning the name “Mirror Forest.” After a spectacular sunset, your guides will lead a nighttime safari: armed with powerful spotlights, go in search of herons, tree boas and fish bats that scoop their dinner right out of the water. DELFIN II. (All Meals)
Day 9 – Caro Curahuayte
Early this morning, set out for the sandy beaches and islands that form during the dry season. This temporary ecosystem harbors sandpipers, Black Skimmers, egrets, jabirus, woodstocks and more. In the afternoon, visit a native community and learn first-hand about their culture, traditions and folklore. This evening, celebrate with a special farewell party on the ship’s upper deck. DELFIN II. (All Meals)
Day 10 – Yarapa River Exploration ~ Puerto Miguel Village/Iquitos/Lima/En Route
Visit the village of Puerto Miguel, where a Jibaro-Ashual Shaman will perform a health and good luck ceremony for you. Learn how the people have adapted to their environment and barter for local handicrafts. Arrive in Nauta in the afternoon and drive to Iquitos. Take a brief city tour, visit the Iquitos museum or shop; then fly to Lima where you’ll enjoy dinner before boarding your flight home. (B,L)
Day 11 - Miami
Arrive in Miami this morning, having discovered the mysteries of the mighty Amazon.
Post-Extension to Cusco & Machu Picchu
Fly to Cusco, once the capital of the Incan Empire a lovely city with colorful indigenous culture. Visit the Incan ruins at Ollantaytambo and the town of Pisac with its bustling market and magnificent citadel. Then it’s off by rail to legendary Machu Picchu – the ‘lost’ city of the Incas. Hike into a mystical past marked by the remains of temples, houses, terraces, gardens and the stunning Sun Gate. Return to Cusco and explore the nearby temples of the Sun and the Moon, as well as the fortress of Sacsayhuaman.
Your Journey Includes:
- Superior and best available accommodations at hotels and on Amazon riverboat.
- 5-Days/4-Nights Cruise on DELFIN II with all meals included. Naturalist guide provided aboard the ship. Accommodations are in double cabins with private facilities.
- Continental or buffet breakfasts daily. All other meals as specified.
- Gratuities for baggage handling, hotel tips and taxes.
- All entrance fees to places of interest visited and on sightseeing tours indicated in the itinerary.
- Complimentary passport wallet and baggage tags.
2010 & 2011 Dates |
Main Trip |
SRS |
Airfare |
Extension |
SRS |
Jul 30 |
$5,995 |
$1,995 |
$1,700 |
$2,595 |
$795 |
Sep 24 |
$5,995 |
$1,995 |
$1,600 |
$2,595 |
$795 |
Nov |
$5,995 |
$1,995 |
$1,600 |
$2,595 |
$795 |
Jan |
$6,595 |
$2,295 |
$1,700 |
$2,895 |
$895 |
Mar |
$6,595 |
$2,295 |
$1,700 |
$2,895 |
$895 |
May |
$6,595 |
$2,295 |
$1,700 |
$2,895 |
$895 |
Aug |
$6,595 |
$2,295 |
$1,800 |
$2,895 |
$895 |
Oct 28 |
$6,595 |
$2,295 |
$1,700 |
$2,895 |
$895 |
For reservations or more information, please contact:
Classic Escapes at (800) 627-1244