THE NATURE CONSERVANCY - PERU ITINERARY:
Saturday, October 11: USA or Canada/Lima
Board a flight for Lima, a city founded by the Spanish
conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535 and the modern capital of
Peru. On arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel. Lima
is an intriguing combination of timeworn colonial splendors and
teeming modern vitality. JW Marriott Hotel
Sunday, October 12: Lima/Iquitos/Amazon Cruise
Transfer to the airport to board a flight for Iquitos,
Peru's major port on the Amazon. On arrival, you board 'La
Turquesa,' a luxury vessel built in classic 19th-century style.
A firstclass stateroom awaits you for your seven nights on
board. As you settle in and explore the ship, the crew weighs
anchor to begin an incredible experience on the Amazon. MV 'La
Turquesa' B, L, D
Monday, October 13: Amazon River/Ucayali River/Pacaya Samiria
National Reserve
Early morning on the Amazon River brings the sights and
sounds of the tropical rainforest into focus. Today's
destination is the confluence of the Ucayali and Marañon Rivers,
2,400 miles west of the Atlantic Ocean, where the Amazon River
becomes "the Amazon." The Ucayali flows through the Pacaya
Samiria National Reserve, twice the size of Yellowstone National
Park. Keep your eyes open for gray and pink river dolphins and
manatees, frequently seen in the waters around the ship. MV 'La
Turquesa' B, L, D
Tuesday, October 14: Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
Today's explorations center on the blackwater streams of
Pacaya Samiria. Wildlife spotting from the launches is a treat;
the dense rainforest canopy that reaches down to the banks is
filled with howler and spider monkeys, sloths and dozens of
species of exotic birds. After dinner, set out on a nighttime
excursion in search of capybara, black caiman, poison frog and
any number of other nocturnal species. MV 'La Turquesa' B, L, D
Wednesday, October 15: Pacaya Samiria National Reserve/
Ucayali River
Wake up in the largest and wildest of Pacaya Samiria's flood
forests, a place of abundant and diverse life. Step on deck and
the show begins: cocoi and hatted heron and jacana in the
shallows, scarlet macaw flying in pairs and groups of playful
squirrel monkey in the trees. On today's excursions you may see
more than 200 species of birds, 10 primate species and many
other mammals. Lunch at the park rangers' station before
returning to the ship, which departs late today for the Ucayali
River. MV 'La Turquesa' B, L, D
Thursday, October 16: Ucayali River/ Marañon River
Dock at one of the waterside ribereños (river people
villages) this morning for a chance to bargain for crafts made
of local forest products. This afternoon's destination is very
different - a launch excursion in search of the gigantic
Victoria regina water lily - followed by an evening spent on
shore at a riverside lodge. MV 'La Turquesa' B, L, D
Friday, October 17: Marañon River/Iquitos
A morning stroll along a winding path leads you to a hanging
walkway, designed to take you into the trees to catch a glimpse
of the animal life that inhabits the upper canopy of the
tropical jungle. Later, there's an opportunity to swim or paddle
local dugout canoes in a lake near the lodge. This afternoon,
rejoin your ship to begin the river journey back to Iquitos. MV
'La Turquesa' B, L, D
Saturday, October 18: Iquitos/Lima
Today disembark at Iquitos and transfer to the airport for
your flight to Lima, with a brief city tour and craft-market
stop en route. On arrival in the capital, transfer to your hotel
with the rest of the day to explore or relax as you wish. JW
Marriott Hotel B
Sunday, October 19: Lima/Cusco
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your
flight to Cusco. Check in to your hotel, have a leisurely lunch
and take some time to acclimatize to the altitude before this
afternoon's tour of Incan Cusco. Visit the ruins of the fortress
of Sacsayhuaman, a testimonial to Incan stonemasonry.
Its massive unmortared stones were cut and laid together so
precisely that it's impossible to slip even a piece of paper
between them. Your tour ends at the city's Pre-Columbian Art
Museum, where you dine in the renowned restaurant. Monasterio
Hotel B, L, D
Monday, October 20: Cusco/Machu Picchu
Begin your day early as you board the Vistadome train bound
for Machu Picchu. Overlooking the raging Urubamba River,
mysterious Machu Picchu is undoubtedly one of the world's great
places. A late morning arrival gives you plenty of time to
explore with your escort, walking the terraces and stepped paths
of this seemingly uninhabitable citadel. Rooms have been
reserved at the only hotel within the Machu Picchu complex;
lunch there at midday before returning to the ruins on your own.
Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel B, L, D
Tuesday, October 21: Machu Picchu/Cusco
This morning, take an optional hike to the Inti Punku, the
entry point to Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail, or up the Huayna
Picchu, the highest mountain within the ruins. Of course, you
may also choose to explore the ruins further, or simply relax at
your hotel. In the afternoon, ride the train to Cusco and
transfer to your hotel. Monasterio Hotel B, L, D
Wednesday, October 22: Cusco/Lima
Transfer to the Cusco airport and board your flight back to
Lima. Embark on a city tour beginning with a visit to Plaza
Mayor, the official center of the city and the original site on
which Lima was founded. End at your hotel for a relaxing lunch.
The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. This evening enjoy
a private farewell dinner at the Casa Garcia-Alvarado, hosted by
the owner Ana Maria Garcia. JW Marriott Hotel B, L, D
Thursday, October 23: Lima/USA or Canada
Your adventure ends today as you are transferred to the
airport to board your homebound flight, taking with you memories
of the many wonders of Peru. B
Note: Sequence of daily sightseeing may vary due to local
conditions or navigational consideration. Your local Abercrombie
& Kent staff will advise you of any itinerary changes if/as they
occur. Please also be aware that some flights within Peru depart
early in the morning.
Back to
A&K SOUTH AMERICA & THE GALAPAGOS- Menu
Page
Click Here to View Our Selection of
South America Tours
