Adventure Travel Discover Amazon & Machu Picchu Peru

Adventure Travel

Discover Amazon & Machu Picchu

Peru

Tambopata Research Center

Refugio Amazonas

Colca Lodge

Libertador Arequipa

Sonesta El Olivar

Hotel Paracas

Casa Andina Private Collection

Explore Coast, Andes & Amazon on a Grand Traverse of Peru's Varied Ecosystems

From Andean plateaus where condors soar and wild vicuna graze to tropical rain forest home to monkeys and macaws, from wildlife-rich islands off the desert coast to the shadowy recesses of the world’s deepest canyon, Peru offers a stunning variety of natural habitats. This new adventure, crafted in tandem with World Wildlife Fund, provides an unusually broad survey of Peru's natural wonders, as well as cultural highlights spanning millennia. A WWF expert joins us throughout this exclusive conservation-focused journey, as well as local researchers and scientists along the way. Learn about WWF's intensive work supporting sustainable fisheries, indigenous peoples and tropical forest management. Stay at chic hotels and remote ecolodges, including two outposts within Tambopata National Reserve, a 3.6-million-acre protected area of Amazon rain forest and tropical savanna where roads have never existed and rivers are the only means of access.

A Peerless Peru Adventure with a Distinctive WWF Conservation Focus

Peru is a popular destination for adventure travel. But what makes this meticulously crafted trip stand out is its concerted focus on conservation and exclusive access to WWF experts made possible through Nat Hab's special partnership with World Wildlife Fund. You won't find this itinerary offered by anyone else—because it's ours alone.

Travel with a WWF Conservation Expert

In addition to the naturalist expertise and impeccable service of top Nat Hab Expedition Leader Francis Casapino, a Cusco native with a vast amount of experience and knowledge of Peru, you'll also be joined by WWF's Keila Hand, for frontline insight and perspective exclusive to this one-time trip offering.

Five Percent of Your Trip Fee Goes Directly to WWF's Work in Peru

This special trip also makes a special contribution to the conservation work of WWF in Peru. Five percent of your program fee will directly benefit the programs you will observe and learn about during your trip, as well as other WWF-Peru priorities.

Explore Three Distinctly Different Natural Regions of Peru

Peru comprises some remarkably varied terrain, and few visitors sample all three of its major bio-regions on one itinerary. But you will, on this unique itinerary. We begin on the coast, travel inland to the Andean highlands, then drop down again into the upper Amazon basin, learning about WWF's priorities in each location, and the conservation challenges faced in each ecosystem.

Learn from Local WWF Representatives & Scientists

At each of our three main nature destinations we are joined by a local WWF expert or researcher who will share information about current projects. Topics we will learn about include sustainable fisheries, marine wildlife conservation, Amazon forestry practices, protecting indigenous cultures, and the impacts of climate change on tropical glaciers and mountain ecosystems.

Visit the Ballestas Islands—Peru's "Mini Galapagos"

We take a private boat cruise from Paracas to the Ballestas Islands, part of the coastal Paracas Nature Reserve. Often compared to the Galapagos for its similar wildlife, we'll expect to see sea lions, penguins and a host of other seabirds while learning about marine life conservation and efforts to promote sustainable fishing.

Visit the Ballestas Islands—Peru's "Mini Galapagos"

See Endangered Andean Condors at Colca Canyon

No better place exists to observe the legendary Andean condor than the Cruz de Condor viewpoint over Colca Canyon, where these magnificent birds soar on thermal updrafts that rise from the canyon floor far below. The condor is the focus of international conservation efforts, and we learn about efforts to protect its habitat and breeding. Colca Canyon itself is a thrill, too—more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, the river at the bottom lies two miles below the rim.

Stay at Two Different Amazon Ecolodges

We don't just skim the Amazon rain forest, we plumb its depths during stays at two ecolodges located in the vast Tambopata National Reserve: Refugio Amazonas and Tambopata Research Center. We travel first to Refugio Amazonas from Puerto Maldonado via a 2.5-hour boat ride, then continue upriver another 4.5 hours to secluded Tambopata Research Center for an even more immersive look at the natural wonders of the Amazon.

Study Rain Forest Conservation at Tambopata Research Center

Our itinerary includes a 2-night stay at this isolated research outpost located in one of the most remote jungle regions of South America. Lying within a vast tract of uninhabited forest—some 1.7 million acres—that shelters incredible amounts of wildlife, TRC is the ideal base to learn about rain forest research and the discovery of new and rare species. Few travelers ever get this far into the Amazon wilderness.

Complement Your Nature Adventure with Cultural Highlights

While our focus is Peru's natural history, we'd be remiss not to point out the extensive cultural riches our itinerary also features, including numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From pre-Incan archaeological ruins to the gilded baroque treasures of colonial Arequipa, from sophisticated Lima and its culinary renaissance to remote Amazon villages where indigenous people live traditional subsistence lifestyles, the human dimension of Peru is as interesting as its natural side.

We Make it Easy to Extend Your Trip to Machu Picchu & Cusco

No need to do your own research or wrestle with logistics in order to add Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley to your itinerary: We have a well-designed extension already set up. Fly to Cusco from Puerto Maldonado at the conclusion of your trip to continue your fully guided adventure. You'll travel down the Urubamba River Valley to Aguas Calientes and the spectacular Lost City of the Incas, enjoying an expertly guided tour of the ruins that's far better than anything you're likely to set up on your own.

Physical Requirements

Moderate to Difficult

The journey begins with exploration around Lima and Paracas at sea level. On Day 4 of the trip, we will fly from Lima to Arequipa at 7,700 feet, where will have several hours of sightseeing and spend the night as we adjust to the elevation. The Arequipa/Colca portion of this trip takes place at elevations mostly between 8,000 and 11,000 feet, and guests should be prepared for possible challenges in adjusting to high altitudes. Guests will drive over a mountain pass exceeding 16,000 feet on the way from Arequipa to Colca. The relative lack of oxygen at these elevations may manifest in altitude-sickness symptoms that can include headaches, dizziness, tiredness, nausea and vomiting during the first few hours or days of our time in the Andes. Hydration and rest usually help symptoms to resolve, though participants may wish to talk with their doctor about taking along a prescription for a medication such as Diamox to better manage potential physical reactions to high altitude.

The trip also visits Tambopata Research Center which can only be accessed by boat, requiring a 7-hour transfer on arrival (split over 2 days). While not high in elevation, the Amazon can be very hot and humid. Accommodations are quite basic given the remoteness so guests should be prepared for shared bathrooms, no air conditioning and light cane fencing between rooms. Some excursions involve walking on nature trails through the rain forest or ascending 30-foot canopy towers. Guests must be able to walk in high humidity over uneven ground with overgrown roots in order to participate in all excursions. Walking on muddy trails or through standing water may be necessary at times. While walking options of varying lengths are provided, guests should be able to comfortably walk 1-2 miles or at least one hour in such conditions. They must also be able to get in and out of vehicles with ease. We do not recommend this trip for travelers with heart or respiratory ailments or those with bad ankles, knees or hips. All activities on this trip are optional, though minimum mobility levels must be met in order to participate.

Arrival location:

Lima, Peru

Departure Location:

Lima, Peru

Included in your experience:

The tour fare for your adventure includes airport transfers; round-trip train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes; all accommodations; all meals from breakfast on Day 2 to lunch on Day 9, except dinner on Day 2; soft drinks (soda, coffee & tea) and juice with meals only; safe drinking water; beer with meals on the Delfin II; services of NHA Expedition Leader and boat crew; gratuities for all drivers, baggage porterage and meals served as part of the tour (but not on additional beverages); use of boots in the Amazon for wet/muddy conditions; and all permits, park fees and service charges (except applicable baggage fees).

Ground Transportation, Airport transfers, English Speaking Guide, Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), Pool

Not included in your experience:

The tour fare does not include round-trip transportation from your home city to Lima, Peru; internal flights within Peru (these have been added to your invoice and will be handled by NHA); dinner on Day 2; alcoholic beverages (except those described above); items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, etc.); gratuities for NHA Expedition Leader, local guides and boat crew; passport and visa fees; optional activities; airline baggage fees, and optional travel insurance.

None Available for this package

Day1 - 2

Lima, Peru Our adventure begins on arrival in Peru's capital of Lima, where you are met at the airport and escorted to our evening's accommodations. Dinner this evening is on your own.

Wyndham Costa del Sol
Day2 - 3

Cusco Fly to Cusco this morning and enjoy lunch on arrival and an afternoon city tour with our Expedition Leader. Nestled in a high valley in the Andes, Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire until Spanish conquistadors destroyed the civilization during their 16th-century colonial quest. We stroll the narrow cobbled streets, steeped in history and intrigue, stopping to admire the remnants of the Inca Wall, the Plaza de Armas, and scores of ornately gilded colonial churches. At the ruins of Sacsayhuaman outside town, a mosaic of enormous granite stonework offers the most vivid example of Inca walls in the Cusco area. Due to the exceptionally advanced building techniques of the Incas, the walls have survived earthquakes that devastated the city of Cusco in the valley just below.After breakfast we drive to Paracas, stopping en route at Pachacamac, a pre-Incan archaeological site on the coast. Lying in the valley of the Lurín River, remnants of the ancient city span centuries, with most of the buildings, temples and pyramids dating from 800 BC to 1450 AD, shortly before the conquest by the Inca Empire. Continuing south, learn about coastal geomorphology and Pacific marine life on the way to the colonial town of Pucusana, rich in Afro-Peruvian culture. We stop for a historical immersion along with a traditional Peruvian lunch at Hacienda San Jose, the centerpiece of a 17th-century cotton and sugar plantation that relied upon slave labor. If time permits, we may have a chance to visit a winery or Pisco distillery to learn how Peru’s national spirit is made. Late this afternoon we arrive at our hotel in Paracas.

Hotel Libertador
Day3 - 4

The Sacred Valley of the Incas Today we imagine what it was like to live as the Incas did. Walking among centuries-old ruins in the Sacred Valley, we marvel at the massive granite stones so perfectly joined together that even a pocketknife blade cannot fit between them. This full-day guided excursion takes us along the rushing Urubamba River past tawny hillsides dotted with traditional villages and backdropped by the knife-edged peaks of the Andes. We stop to see the magnificent Inca ruins at Pisac, where we may have time to visit the colorful Quechua Indian market in town. At Awana Kancha, a cultural exhibition center, we'll witness traditional textile weaving and meet llamas, alpacas and guanacos, the iconic animals of the Andes whose wool is used in a multitude of garments and blankets. After lunch in Urubamba, we explore Ollantaytambo, a small town surrounded by steep terraced mountainsides. Ollantaytambo rests on traditional Inca foundations and is one of the best surviving examples of Inca city planning. En route to the islands we’ll observe the Candelabra, an enigmatic design sculpted from the side of a sand hill overlooking the ocean. The origins of the famous three-pronged geoglyph remain a mystery, but some theories connect the huge figure—500 feet high and more than 150 feet wide—to the Nazca Lines, while others speculate that it served as a navigational guide for ancient sailors that was based on the Southern Cross constellation. We'll also stop at a seafood production center where scallops are cultivated using traditional methods. Marine biologists are often on the scene conducting research on the various shellfish, snails and fish, and we learn about Peru's efforts to ensure sustainable fisheries during our visit.

Sol y Luna
Day4 - 5

Maras, Moray & Chinchero / Sacred Valley Today we visit the salt mines of Maras, 3,000 small pools mined by the Incas centuries ago and still worked by locals today. We also visit Moray, an Inca site more than 500 years old where giant natural sinkholes have been converted into terraced farming areas. Some archaeologists believe these served as an agricultural experiment where Inca cultivators took advantage of microclimates provided by different elevations. Our exploration of the region is complete with a stop at Chinchero, a small Andean Indian village located high on the windswept plains of Anta. From here there are beautiful views overlooking the Sacred Valley with the Cordillera Vilcabamba and the snowcapped peak of Salcantay dominating the western horizon. In Inca legend, Chinchero is the mythical birthplace of the rainbow.

Sol y Luna
Day5 - 6

Chivay—Colca Canyon Leaving early this morning, we drive northeast, gradually ascending behind Mt. Chachani into the high montane grasslands of the Central Andes known as the puna. As we enter Aguada Blanca National Reserve and cross Pampa Canahuas, we’ll see grazing vicunas—the wild ancestors of the alpaca—and possibly other wildlife native to this dry savanna such as vizcacha, a rabbit-sized relative of the chinchilla, deer and fox. Continuing our drive, we marvel at views of Sabancaya Volcano and the snow-capped peaks rising above the Colca Valley. The Colca region, rich in pre-Incan history and culture, derives its name from the ancient Colca people who stored large amounts of grain in mud and straw warehouses known as colcas. Machu Picchu After an early breakfast, return to Ollantaytambo to embark on the famous train to Machu Picchu. The 1½-hour journey winds through verdant mountains, snaking through an ever-narrowing gorge to finally reach the village of Aguas Calientes, where a bus awaits to take us on the final stretch to the ancient "Lost City of the Incas." The magnificent ruins are soon in view as Machu Picchu rises above the jungle-cloaked forest like a vision in the sky. Although Machu Picchu is undoubtedly the best-known archaeological site on the continent, it has managed to retain an air of mystery. Our Expedition Leader interprets it all as we explore the vast labyrinth of ruins, full of complex passageways, steep staircases and hidden niches. We begin to picture life here in the 15th century, when 1,200 people lived within this maze of granite walls and temples. Tonight we stay at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, an Andean-style luxury retreat on the river with 300 species of orchids on the grounds. Beautifully nestled into a forested hillside in the town of Aguas Calientes, this stunning property was named one of Travel + Leisure's top 100 hotels. Constructed from eucalyptus wood and stone, each of the 40 colonial-style private casitas is furnished with traditional handicrafts, tile floors and cedar furniture. Enjoy the many gardens and terraces, as well as the hotel's main house, which offers a spacious lounge, cozy fireplace and books on the area and its history.

Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Day6 - 7

Machu Picchu / Cusco After breakfast, we return to the ruins at Machu Picchu to explore further with our Expedition Leader. Or, you may prefer to spend time in Aguas Calientes, soaking in the hot springs for which the town is named, or enjoying a walk on one of the many well-maintained trails surrounding our hotel. For those who wish, hike to the top of Wayna Picchu, the imposing mountain that provides the famous backdrop for the ruins in classic photos. The Incas built the original trail to the top, where they built temples and farming terraces. Local myth holds that the summit of Wayna Picchu was the residence for the high priest of the ancient city. This challenging hike takes 2-3 hours and climbs approximately 1,200 feet from the base at Machu Picchu, ascending a steep face using stairs and cables for support. This hike is not recommended for guests with physical limitations. Should entrances for Wayna Picchu be sold out, an equally challenging hike to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain will be available. Cusco / Lima / Iquitos / Nauta—Embark This morning we fly to Lima, where we'll have lunch before flying on to Iquitos. Crossing the spine of the Andes, we arrive at this remote urban outpost by early evening. Iquitos, once a booming rubber town, is isolated in a vast tract of jungle and can only be reached by air or water. On arrival we transfer in a comfortable private vehicle over paved roads to Nauta, about 60 miles away. Passing scenes of daily life in the jungle, we reach this small riverside town on the banks of the Maranon River that is literally the "end of the road," and where we will embark the Delfin II. Machu Picchu / Cusco After breakfast, we return to the ruins at Machu Picchu to explore further with our Expedition Leader. Or, you may prefer to spend time in Aguas Calientes, soaking in the hot springs for which the town is named, or enjoying a walk on one of the many well-maintained trails surrounding our hotel. For those who wish, hike to the top of Wayna Picchu, the imposing mountain that provides the famous backdrop for the ruins in classic photos. The Incas built the original trail to the top, where they built temples and farming terraces. Local myth holds that the summit of Wayna Picchu was the residence for the high priest of the ancient city. This challenging hike takes 2-3 hours and climbs approximately 1,200 feet from the base at Machu Picchu, ascending a steep face using stairs and cables for support. This hike is not recommended for guests with physical limitations. Should entrances for Wayna Picchu be sold out, an equally challenging hike to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain will be available. This afternoon, we catch the return train to Ollantaytambo and transfer by road the remainder of the way to Cusco. Upon arrival, check in once more to the Hotel Libertador before heading out for dinner in the San Blas art district of the city.

Hotel Libertador
Day7 - 8

Cusco / Lima / Iquitos / Nauta—Embark This morning we fly to Lima, where we'll have lunch before flying on to Iquitos. Crossing the spine of the Andes, we arrive at this remote urban outpost by early evening. Iquitos, once a booming rubber town, is isolated in a vast tract of jungle and can only be reached by air or water. On arrival we transfer in a comfortable private vehicle over paved roads to Nauta, about 60 miles away. Passing scenes of daily life in the jungle, we reach this small riverside town on the banks of the Maranon River that is literally the "end of the road," and where we will embark the Delfin II. Once we've settled into our oversized suites, the ship is soon gliding into the broad expanse of one of the Amazon's two largest tributaries, turbid with silt and the color of milk chocolate. During the days ahead we'll sail up the Marañon River, as well as various smaller side rivers and creeks. On the top observation deck, our guides will conduct a brief orientation using videos and maps, outlining details of our journey including the places we will visit, the wildlife we're likely to see, as well as a summary of the history and geography of the Amazon Basin. As dusk falls, enjoy a gourmet dinner with the river in view outside the picture windows. The ship's chef is schooled in the creative preparation of Peruvian cuisine accented with an international touch, and each meal is a memorable new discovery. Finally, under the cloak of an Amazonian night sky filled with hundreds of stars or perhaps a bright moon, the ship's multitalented staff welcomes you on board with a little live music.

Delfin II
Day8 - 9

Pacaya Samiria National Reserve—Dorado River As day breaks, we awaken in the heart of the vast Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, a flooded forest covering 5 million acres—nearly 10,000 square miles—at the headwaters of the Amazon. It's worth waking early to view the spectacle of the sun rising over the rain forest canopy near the genesis of the world's greatest water artery. Wildlife is also most active at dawn, another reward for early risers. We go ashore this morning to reach the Fundo Casual jungle trail, which takes us deep into the rain forest on terra firma (non-flooded terrain). As we walk we are accompanied by abundant bird song, keeping an eye out for laughing falcons, gray tanagers, sandpipers, short-tailed parrots, five kinds of parakeets and a host of other birds. This afternoon we explore the Dorado River by skiff. As we cruise at a lazy pace, search for the Amazon's transitional forest specialties such as snail kites, brilliant parrots, endangered scarlet macaws, olive-spotted hummingbirds, Amazonian parrotlets and wood creepers, among others. Later, as night falls, our environs are transformed. An orchestra of sounds evolves as nocturnal creatures awaken, with crickets and night birds providing a percussive song. In the darkness, our guides use spotlights to search for wildlife: frogs, opossums, nighthawks and caimans are frequently spotted along the narrow river's banks. The biodiversity, masked by the cloak of the night sky, is amazing. Back aboard ship we return to a more refined world, in time to enjoy a cocktail beneath the stars on the upper deck before dinner is served.

Delfin II
Day9 - 10

Fly over the spine of the Andes this morning into Peru's Amazon Basin, landing in Puerto Maldonado. The city lies at the confluence of two upper Amazon tributaries, the Tambopata and Madre de Dios rivers. The surrounding environment comprises some of the most pristine primary rain forest in the world, which we begin to explore this afternoon once we transfer to our embarkation point on the Tambopata River at the indigenous community of Infierno. From here it's a 2-1/2 hour boat ride upriver to Refugio Amazonas within the Tambopata National Reserve, a 3.6-million-acre conservation area established in 1990 to protect this vast expanse of critical forest habitat. The reserve is home to 103 species of mammals, 1,300 butterfly species and 90 species of amphibians. Zapote River / Supay Lake Morning is a perfect time for kayaking the calm waters of the Zapote River through the tranquil rain forest. As we make our way upstream with our guides, they help us spot iguanas lazing in the sun while we paddle slowly along the shoreline searching for whatever wildlife may be on display. Squirrel monkeys are very active at this time of the day, rattling the trees as they move in large groups up to higher levels of the primary and secondary lowland forest that surrounds us. If we look closely, we may even see a sloth hanging there. Birds squawk and swoop overhead, and we may see terns, orioles and black-collared hawks At every turn, our guides reveal the secrets of the rain forest. After lunch, we board the skiffs to explore Supay Lake. Tremendously rich in biodiversity, this region offers a chance to more exciting wildlife encounters including noisy monkey troops, colorful butterflies and myriad birds like the tiger heron, snowy egret and horned screamer. If you didn't get a chance to kayak this morning, another chance awaits this afternoon.

Delfin II
Day10 - 11

Puerto Miguel / Nauta—Disembark / Iquitos / Lima / Depart We make a skiff journey this morning to the indigenous community of Puerto Miguel where. We'll meet local villagers who have lived in Amazonia for generations, and learn about their culture and customs. We may visit a typical schoolhouse where the children are always very happy to have visitors, then stop by the local women's arts and crafts market to admire and purchase handicrafts. Returning to the Delfin II by skiff, keep an eye out for freshwater dolphins in the river, including the distinctive pink ones frequently seen in this region. Alligators are often visible along the banks, too. Then, we return our gaze high into the treetops, looking for more of the 13 species of monkeys that reside in the reserve. We might glimpse tamarins, dusky titis, pygmy marmosets and howler monkeys, whose eerie wail resounds through the forest like a gale wind. A frenzy of tropical birds also camps among the canopy—more than 200 species in all—be sure to keep binoculars close at hand. It's time to disembark this afternoon as we return to the port of Nauta where our ground crew awaits to drive us back to Iquitos. En route to the airport, we visit the Rescue & Rehabilitation Center for River Mammals. Here, biologists and volunteers care primarily for endangered Amazon manatees that conservation authorities have seized from fishermen and locals who have captured them illegally. Scientists will discuss efforts to help these vulnerable mammals, including how they are prepared for re-introduction into their natural habitat. We'll have the chance to see baby manatees and interact with charming, docile adults, maybe even helping feed them. Other animals are also cared for at the center, often rescued from capture with the intention of being held as pets. Late this afternoon, our Amazon adventure comes to a close as we check in for our return flight to Lima, where we connect with late-night flights home. VIP Lounge passes are provided for the Lima airport. This afternoon, transfer by boat to Tambopata Research Center in the pristine heart of the reserve. Ninety minutes into the 4-1/2-hour journey, we cross the confluence with the Malinowski River and leave all traces of human habitation behind. Within the untouched 1.7-million-acre nucleus of the reserve, we find some of the greatest biodiversity on the continent, with more frequent sightings of larger mammals such as capybara and possibly tapir. We’ll stop at Chuncho clay lick to observe the lively spectacle of dozens of scarlet macaws feeding on the sodium-rich clay along the riverbank. The site attracts more macaws than any other clay lick in the world, and the opportunity to witness them take flight en masse is a wonder to behold. (This stop is weather-dependent, as the birds do not visit when it is raining, though our trip is timed during the dry season.) From the research center, we set out on a short hike leading to commanding views over the clear waters of the Upper Tambopata River. The bamboo forest is good habitat for howler and dusky titi monkeys. After dinner, a scientist at the center presents an in-depth program on macaws, which are the primary focus of study here.

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