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2024 | Dive into Dutch history, culture and cuisine on a river cruise through the Netherlands.
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From a deep dive into Lima—the “City of Kings”—to the legendary Machu Picchu, this 16-day cruise/tour is an all-encompassing adventure into the marvels of Peru and the Amazon rainforest.
Journey into the Amazon Rainforest onboard the Aria Amazon, a five-star ship designed for your Peruvian adventure. Embark on river skiffs as you explore the Ucayali and Marañón Rivers. Admire the diverse flora and fauna in the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve.
Discover the beauty of the heartland of the Inka Empire, known as the Sacred Valley. Of course, no trip to Peru could truly be complete without a trek to the world-famous Machu Picchu. A must-see, this spectacular piece of history has fascinated both historians and archaeologists alike.
With no shortage of awe-inspiring beauty, this trip is sure to be an unforgettable adventure.
Note: The cruise itinerary will vary depending on water levels.
Also note: Due to cultural differences and other factors, the beverage policy for Peru programs differ from our European programs. Please see our Terms and Conditions for more details.
Optional Extension
Rio de Janeiro & Iguazu Falls Pre-Cruise Extension
Day 1
Lima
Arrive at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima. If your cruise/tour package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, a Uniworld representative will be on hand to greet you and escort you to the beautiful Country Club Lima Hotel. Its charm and comfort will offer you the perfect home for your exploration of the city.
Seasons: The Aria Amazon sails year-round, and every voyage is uniquely appealing, based on the changing seasons. During the high-water season (approximately November through May), the river and estuaries grow, allowing launch boats to venture deeper into the flooded forest. During the low water season (approximately June through October), the river recedes and beautiful sandy river beaches form. Of course, water levels do not always follow a calendar; day-by-day programs might require adjustments due to these water level fluctuations.
Day 2
Lima
Known as the “City of Kings,” Lima was founded in 1535. A melting pot of cultures, flavors, and history, this bustling metropolis has something for everyone, and today you get to discover it all.
This panoramic drive will take you around the coastline of Lima in Miraflores. You’ll stroll around the “Plaza San Martín” and “Plaza de Armas,” the main square. Afterward, your guide will take you to the San Francisco Monastery. A maze of tunnels and catacombs...
This panoramic drive will take you around the coastline of Lima in Miraflores. You’ll stroll around the “Plaza San Martín” and “Plaza de Armas,” the main square. Afterward, your guide will take you to the San Francisco Monastery. A maze of tunnels and catacombs await you here.
Later, you'll visit Casa Aliaga. Built in 1535, the “Plaza de Armas” is one of Lima’s oldest buildings. A colonial mansion of the Aliaga family, it has been passed down the family for 17 generations. You will meet a family member who will give you a tour and show you items from centuries past. Lunch will be served at the mansion.
Day 3
Lima, Fly to Iquitos (Nauta), Embark
You will be picked up at your hotel and taken to the airport for your flight to Iquitos. Upon your arrival at Iquitos International Airport, a Uniworld representative will be on hand to greet you and escort you to the Aria Amazon.
In the evening, you will be welcomed with a reception dinner by Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. Famous for his innovative take on Amazonian cuisine, this dinner will be bursting in flavors unique to the Peruvian Amazon.
Before heading to the ship to begin sailing, a local guide will take you on a captivating tour through the Belen market. This busting market is a unique and vibrant place, and our guided tour allows you to explore its lively atmosphere while interacting with locals. You'll also head to the Nanay...
Before heading to the ship to begin sailing, a local guide will take you on a captivating tour through the Belen market. This busting market is a unique and vibrant place, and our guided tour allows you to explore its lively atmosphere while interacting with locals. You'll also head to the Nanay Bridge for breathtaking views of the Nanay River, showcasing the natural beauty of the Amazon region.
Day 4
Ucayali River, Clavero Lake, Yarapa River
Your day starts at the headstream of the Amazon River, the Ucayali. Kayak, canoe, and swim in the black waters of Clavero Lake, or learn about traditional customs of the area at a remote village along the Ucayali River. Once the sun sets, we’ll explore the Yarapa River in search of the nocturnal wildlife of the Amazon.
We start the day searching for the incredible wildlife along the Ucayali River. Parrots, egrets, hawks, and monkeys are among some of the Amazonian wildlife you may come across.
We start the day searching for the incredible wildlife along the Ucayali River. Parrots, egrets, hawks, and monkeys are among some of the Amazonian wildlife you may come across.
This afternoon, it's your choice: kayak, canoe, or swim the black waters of Clavero Lake. Alternatively, take the unique opportunity to interact with some of the native ribereños—which roughly translates to "river people," Amazonian villagers who live on the banks of the...
This afternoon, it's your choice: kayak, canoe, or swim the black waters of Clavero Lake. Alternatively, take the unique opportunity to interact with some of the native ribereños—which roughly translates to "river people," Amazonian villagers who live on the banks of the rivers—and learn about their culture.
At dusk, head out on an excursion with your naturalist guide in search of the nocturnal wildlife native to the Amazon. While cruising the Yarapa River in search of these creatures, don't forget to turn your gaze skyward for a crystal-clear view of the constellations.
At dusk, head out on an excursion with your naturalist guide in search of the nocturnal wildlife native to the Amazon. While cruising the Yarapa River in search of these creatures, don't forget to turn your gaze skyward for a crystal-clear view of the constellations.
Day 5
Amazon River, Tahuayo River, San Pedro Forest
Today we’re exploring the vibrant wildlife and lush greenery thriving in the Amazon.
Explore with your naturalist guide, who will teach you all about the diverse flora and fauna unique to the region.
Explore with your naturalist guide, who will teach you all about the diverse flora and fauna unique to the region.
Explore the Tahuayo River, a black water tributary of the Amazon River. Learn about the Tahuayo River through the stories shared by your naturalist guide.
Explore the Tahuayo River, a black water tributary of the Amazon River. Learn about the Tahuayo River through the stories shared by your naturalist guide.
Following lunch onboard, venture out on a jungle walk through the forest to explore the Amazonian flora and the fauna of Puerto Prado.
Following lunch onboard, venture out on a jungle walk through the forest to explore the Amazonian flora and the fauna of Puerto Prado.
Day 6
Nauta
One of the oldest inhabited areas in the Peruvian Amazon, Nauta is nestled between the Marañón and Ucayali Rivers. You’ll explore the town’s market, which is full of fresh fish, fruits, and vegetables. From there, it’s a short journey to the birthplace of the Amazon River.
Discover some of the exotic fruits unique to the area, such as Camu Camu or Maracuya. Meet local fishermen and see what the catch of the day is. Maybe even indulge your taste buds in an unfamiliar treat.
Discover some of the exotic fruits unique to the area, such as Camu Camu or Maracuya. Meet local fishermen and see what the catch of the day is. Maybe even indulge your taste buds in an unfamiliar treat.
Despite centuries of exploration, the Amazon River remains a fascinating destination, shrouded in mystery. Journey to where this mighty river is born, where the Ucayali and Marañón Rivers join. While all the lush greenery is breathtaking, you’ll especially be amazed at the giant ...
Despite centuries of exploration, the Amazon River remains a fascinating destination, shrouded in mystery. Journey to where this mighty river is born, where the Ucayali and Marañón Rivers join. While all the lush greenery is breathtaking, you’ll especially be amazed at the giant water lilies growing in the river basin.
Day 7
Marañón River, Yanayacu-Pucate River, Amazon River
Experience life as an Amazon River dweller as you cruise along the Marañón River. Search for Taricaya turtles and other wildlife lurking just beyond the river. Once the sun sets, we’ll take to the Amazon River, on the lookout for nocturnal beasts.
One of the most important water sources in Peru, and a main Amazon tributary, the Marañón River is abundant in animal and plant life. Be on the lookout for one of the 64 rare bird species native to the area.
One of the most important water sources in Peru, and a main Amazon tributary, the Marañón River is abundant in animal and plant life. Be on the lookout for one of the 64 rare bird species native to the area.
Explore the black waters of the Yanayacu Pucate River, keep an eye out for sloths, egrets, parrots, and the Taricaya turtles. After your skiff ride, visit an Amazon village to witness a demonstration of Aguaje palm harvesting.
Explore the black waters of the Yanayacu Pucate River, keep an eye out for sloths, egrets, parrots, and the Taricaya turtles. After your skiff ride, visit an Amazon village to witness a demonstration of Aguaje palm harvesting.
After lunch, embark on a top bucket-list adventure for your Amazonian trip, piranha fishing. Your guide will show you how to safely hunt for the notorious fish from the safety of our comfortable river skiffs.
After lunch, embark on a top bucket-list adventure for your Amazonian trip, piranha fishing. Your guide will show you how to safely hunt for the notorious fish from the safety of our comfortable river skiffs.
Set out at dusk with your naturalist guide in search of the exotic nocturnal wildlife of the Amazon.
Set out at dusk with your naturalist guide in search of the exotic nocturnal wildlife of the Amazon.
Day 8
Samiria River, Ucayali River
The rewards of our early start today are plentiful, including a picnic lunch under the Amazonian shade, orchestrated to the sound of the jungle symphony. Go fishing along the black waters of Samiria River and choose to go on a jungle walk, canoeing, kayaking, or swimming inside the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Later, cruise along the Ucayali River and enjoy the sunset.
Today, your naturalist will guide you on a fishing expedition along the black waters of the Samiria River.
Today, your naturalist will guide you on a fishing expedition along the black waters of the Samiria River.
At dusk, enjoy a sunset cruise along the Ucayali River, while keeping an eye out for pink river dolphins.
At dusk, enjoy a sunset cruise along the Ucayali River, while keeping an eye out for pink river dolphins.
This afternoon, choose to explore the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve one of four ways: by canoeing, kayaking, swimming, or on a jungle walk.
This afternoon, choose to explore the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve one of four ways: by canoeing, kayaking, swimming, or on a jungle walk.
Day 9
Puerto Prado Forest, Amazon River
Spend the morning jungle walking, canoeing, kayaking, or swimming before a visit to Puerto Prado Forest.
Today, you'll be exploring the Amazon rainforest by skiff as you cruise the Marañón River. If you're lucky, you may spot some pink river dolphins.
Today, you'll be exploring the Amazon rainforest by skiff as you cruise the Marañón River. If you're lucky, you may spot some pink river dolphins.
Visit an indigenous village to learn about local life in the Amazon, and take the opportunity to view the giant water lilies that can be found here. These lily pads are known to grow up to 10 ft. in diameter and have been recorded being able to hold hundreds of pounds without sinking under the...
Visit an indigenous village to learn about local life in the Amazon, and take the opportunity to view the giant water lilies that can be found here. These lily pads are known to grow up to 10 ft. in diameter and have been recorded being able to hold hundreds of pounds without sinking under the water.
Day 10
Nauta (Iquitos), Disembark, Fly to Cusco, Urubamba (The Sacred Valley)
Take a morning walk through the town of Nauta before disembarking the Aria Amazon. Your guide will take you on a few excursions on your way to the Iquitos airport for your flight to Cusco.
Once you’ve landed in Cusco, you will be taken to the Tambo del Inka hotel in the Sacred Valley.
Founded in 1930, Nauta is a central gathering place for Amazonian villagers to buy and trade their local harvest. Your guide will show you the town and give you insight into the daily life of these remote people.
Founded in 1930, Nauta is a central gathering place for Amazonian villagers to buy and trade their local harvest. Your guide will show you the town and give you insight into the daily life of these remote people.
Manatees in the Amazon face multiple threats, from habitat destruction to hunting. The Amazon Rescue Center, funded by the Dallas World Aquarium Zoo, takes in orphaned calves, rehabilitates them, and releases them back into the wild. Since their founding, they’ve rescued over 40 orphaned baby ...
Manatees in the Amazon face multiple threats, from habitat destruction to hunting. The Amazon Rescue Center, funded by the Dallas World Aquarium Zoo, takes in orphaned calves, rehabilitates them, and releases them back into the wild. Since their founding, they’ve rescued over 40 orphaned baby manatees. During this visit, you’ll have a chance to get up close to these majestic creatures.
Day 11
Urubamba (The Sacred Valley)
Enjoy this day of leisure to get the most out of your stay at the wonderful Tambo del Inka. Treat yourself to a relaxing service at their Kallpa Spa, considered one of the best in the country, take a dip in the heated pool, or savor delicious Andean cuisine. Situated in the heart of the Sacred Valley, the Tambo del Inka is also the perfect location from which to head out on your own to explore the incredible nature, cities, and historical sites available nearby.
Visit The Art Gallery, a creative space owned by famous Peruvian artist Pablo Seminario. Join a workshop on painting, during which you’ll make your a tile that will be dried and burned in the oven for you, and later delivered to your hotel in Cusco to take home as a souvenir. The Art Gallery is also an excellent place to shop for nice creative pieces to bring a piece of Peru back from your trip with you
*Masterpiece Collection are optional experiences that go above and beyond our daily selection of included excursions and can be booked for an additional fee. Select Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences can be pre-booked. Please note that requests to pre-book must be made by calling our Reservations Team no later than 6 days prior to departure and are subject to availability. Some venues are limited in the number of guests they can accommodate. Guests can book onboard (space permitting) and pay in USD. Pre-booked Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences are refundable up to 48 hours prior to the cruise/tour start date; if inside of 48 hours they are non-refundable. Select Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences require a minimum number of participants and are subject to cancellation (with full refund) if minimum is not met. Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences are non-commissionable. Prices are subject to change. Masterpiece Collection excursions may not operate if they occur on a holiday or if they require a minimum number of participants and that minimum is not met.
Day 12
Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu)
Today you will explore the heartland of the Inka Empire, known as the Sacred Valley. Your guide will take you to Moray and Ollantaytambo, two historic sights of significant importance. You’ll experience the unique way of living in the Sacred Valley as you meet locals. We finish the day with a train ride to Aguas Calientes, the small villages nestled at the bottom of Machu Picchu.
Please note: You are only allowed one 11 lb piece of luggage on the train to Aguas Calientes. All other luggage will be taken to your hotel in Cusco.
A pre-Inkan site, Moray is considered to be a significant Inka agricultural research center. Your guide will give you a tour of the round, agricultural terraces. Afterward, you will meet with local women who will show you traditional Peruvian weaving techniques.
A pre-Inkan site, Moray is considered to be a significant Inka agricultural research center. Your guide will give you a tour of the round, agricultural terraces. Afterward, you will meet with local women who will show you traditional Peruvian weaving techniques.
One of the few battles where the Spaniards lost to the Inkas took place at Ollantaytambo, an impressive fortress that overlooks one of the oldest villages in Cusco. After your tour of the fortress, you will walk to the “last living Inka village of Peru,” which sits under Ollantaytambo....
One of the few battles where the Spaniards lost to the Inkas took place at Ollantaytambo, an impressive fortress that overlooks one of the oldest villages in Cusco. After your tour of the fortress, you will walk to the “last living Inka village of Peru,” which sits under Ollantaytambo. Experience the fascinating way of living in the Sacred Valley at a family home visit. Afterward, enjoy a picnic to the sounds of traditional local Inkan instruments before making your own panpipe.
On a private terrace at the foot of Machu Picchu, sit for a fine-dining experience that fuses ancient Andean flavors with contemporary culinary techniques. Chefs Carlos Pardo Figueroa and Ribelino Alegri´a are dedicated to restoring crops in high-altitude Andean communities, bringing back ingredients that have been forgotten by Peruvian menus for centuries. The result is an outstanding tasting menu, “Flavors of the Andes: Apucc Mikhuna,” which translates to “the food that the mountains bring us.” Every ingredient of your meal tonight will have been sustainably sourced from communities within 31 miles of the restaurant.
*Masterpiece Collection are optional experiences that go above and beyond our daily selection of included excursions and can be booked for an additional fee. Select Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences can be pre-booked. Please note that requests to pre-book must be made by calling our Reservations Team no later than 6 days prior to departure and are subject to availability. Some venues are limited in the number of guests they can accommodate. Guests can book onboard (space permitting) and pay in USD. Pre-booked Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences are refundable up to 48 hours prior to the cruise/tour start date; if inside of 48 hours they are non-refundable. Select Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences require a minimum number of participants and are subject to cancellation (with full refund) if minimum is not met. Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences are non-commissionable. Prices are subject to change. Masterpiece Collection excursions may not operate if they occur on a holiday or if they require a minimum number of participants and that minimum is not met.
Day 13
Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu), Cusco
A breathtaking, historical sight, Machu Picchu is one of the “must-see” archeological sites in the world. This remarkable Inkan Empire site was never found by the Spaniards and was rediscovered during the 20th century. Today, archeologists continue to excavate this ancient city. While many mysteries still surround it, Machu Picchu tells a story of a history that goes back thousands of years. Following your day at Machu Picchu, you will take a train to Ollantaytambo and then a motor coach will take you to the Palacio del Inka hotel in Cusco.
Your day starts early with a shuttle bus up to the ancient citadel. Your guide will share stories about the Inka civilization, the site’s discovery, and all the theories surrounding this spectacular piece of history. Enjoy lunch at the famous Sanctuary Lodge before heading back down to Aguas...
Your day starts early with a shuttle bus up to the ancient citadel. Your guide will share stories about the Inka civilization, the site’s discovery, and all the theories surrounding this spectacular piece of history. Enjoy lunch at the famous Sanctuary Lodge before heading back down to Aguas Calientes.
Day 14
Cusco
Located in the Andes Mountains, Cusco was the heartland of the Inkan Empire. Today, you will explore all the wonders of this city as you admire the cobblestone streets, colorful textiles, and art galleries. A perfect blend of ancient Andean cultures with Spanish colonial influence, Cusco is not to be missed. Overnight, you will stay in the Palacio del Inka hotel.
Start your morning off at Sacsayhuamán, the Inkan ceremonial fortress dedicated to the sun. Indulge your senses at the San Pedro market as you wander through the colorful stands overflowing with fruits, vegetables, spices, and local products. Your tour continues after lunch with visits to...
Start your morning off at Sacsayhuamán, the Inkan ceremonial fortress dedicated to the sun. Indulge your senses at the San Pedro market as you wander through the colorful stands overflowing with fruits, vegetables, spices, and local products. Your tour continues after lunch with visits to the renaissance-style Cathedral and Koricancha, the temple dedicated to the sun “Inti.” Finally, your day ends with a dining experience inside the San Francisco Monastery of Cusco.
Day 15
Cusco, Fly to Lima
We’re headed back to Lima today. After a brief walk around town, you’ll head to the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport hotel.
Abundant in beautiful handicrafts and antique stores, San Blas is a vibrant neighborhood. You’ll visit the Hilario Mendivil Museum, showcasing the work of Mendivil, an artist famous for statues of saints with notoriously long necks. Wander down small alleys with your guide before enjoying...
Abundant in beautiful handicrafts and antique stores, San Blas is a vibrant neighborhood. You’ll visit the Hilario Mendivil Museum, showcasing the work of Mendivil, an artist famous for statues of saints with notoriously long necks. Wander down small alleys with your guide before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.
Day 16
Lima
Your majestic Peru adventure ends this morning. Your guide will walk you from the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport hotel to the Lima International Airport check-in.
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