9-Day Aqua Nera Amazon River Cruise & The Inca Empire Luxury Journey

Your journey begins with a warm welcome at Iquitos International Airport, where the Aqua Nera team awaits you with genuine smiles and seamless hospitality. The tropical air greets you like a soft whisper from the jungle, and soon you’re en route to a charming local restaurant for your first taste of regional Peruvian cuisine—fresh, flavorful, and deeply rooted in the Amazonian spirit.

After lunch, you'll be transferred to the river port where the Aqua Nera, your luxurious floating sanctuary, awaits. Sleek, elegant, and surrounded by the vast beauty of the river, this vessel is more than a cruise—it’s an invitation into the soul of the rainforest.

Step aboard and settle into your expansive suite, where floor-to-ceiling windows open up to breathtaking views of the Amazon. Every detail, from the décor to the textures, evokes a sense of serenity and anticipation.

As the vessel begins its gentle glide along the legendary Amazon River, gather for a welcome briefing led by the expert naturalist guides who will accompany you throughout the journey. After a brief but reassuring safety drill, it's time to truly indulge.

Dinner is served in the beautifully appointed dining room, a culinary celebration prepared by renowned consulting chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. Each dish is an edible story—crafted with Amazonian ingredients, inspired by tradition, and elevated by artistry.

As night falls and the rainforest hums outside your window, you’ll feel it: the magic of the Amazon has already begun to unfold.

As the morning sun rises over the rainforest canopy, you’ll board a comfortable skiff and glide from the mighty Amazon River into the winding waters of the Yanayacu Yacapana River. This is where the jungle comes alive—listen for the melodic calls of tropical songbirds, scan the treetops for lazy sloths, and watch black-collared hawks soar above.

Along the way, try your hand at line-fishing for one of the Amazon’s most infamous residents: the razor-toothed piranha. With every cast, your expert naturalist guides will bring the jungle to life, sharing fascinating insights into the creatures, plants, and hidden stories of Amazonia.

In the afternoon, the Aqua Nera sails onward to the Yarapa River, a mysterious blackwater tributary of the Ucayali River. As twilight falls and the jungle prepares for night, you’ll embark on an enchanting stargazing session and a skiff excursion in search of nocturnal wildlife.

Frogs croak in the dark, night birds call from the trees, and the water glistens under the moonlight. With luck, you might spot caimans, night monkeys, or even the glimmer of bioluminescent creatures—a truly unforgettable Amazonian night under the stars.

The day begins with the soft light of dawn as you board a skiff to explore the peaceful Clavero Lake, where life moves to the timeless rhythm of the river. Villagers glide silently across the water in hand-carved dugout canoes, offering a glimpse into a way of life deeply connected to the land and water.

Here, the tranquil waters invite you to take a refreshing swim surrounded by the Amazon's raw beauty, or you may choose to visit a local riverside community, where warm smiles and genuine hospitality welcome you. These are the unforgettable moments that connect us—human to human—across cultures and continents.

In the afternoon, the Aqua Nera sails along the majestic Marañón River, where the jungle thickens and wildlife thrives. This is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers—keep your eyes open for herons, monkeys, and more as your guides interpret the signs of the forest.

As evening falls, return to the ship and gather for a heartwarming moment: a chance to meet some of the dedicated crew members who’ve worked behind the scenes to make your journey seamless. Their stories, laughter, and pride in their work offer a deeper glimpse into the spirit of the Aqua Nera.

Your final day in the Amazon begins with a guided excursion to Nauta’s bustling local market, where vibrant stalls overflow with exotic fruits, herbs, and colorful spices. It’s a sensory immersion into daily life in the jungle, full of warm interactions and surprising flavors.

If you choose, you may also visit a local beekeeper in the community of San Francisco, where sustainable honey harvesting is practiced with care. It’s a peaceful, personal moment of connection with Amazonian traditions and the people who keep them alive.

After returning to the Aqua Nera for one last breakfast on board, it’s time to disembark and begin the journey back to Iquitos. But before your farewell, you’ll make a truly memorable stop at the Manatee Rescue Center—a sanctuary where orphaned and injured Amazonian manatees are rehabilitated with compassion and scientific care.

Here, you’ll witness conservation in action as you learn about the center’s mission to return these gentle giants to their natural habitat. It’s a touching and hopeful close to your expedition—reminding you that the Amazon is not only a place of wonder, but also of deep responsibility.

Upon arrival in Cusco, you'll be warmly greeted and escorted to your hotel, where you'll have a moment to settle in and acclimate to the city's high altitude. Cusco, with its blend of ancient Inca heritage and Spanish colonial architecture, is a city brimming with history and charm.

In the afternoon, your adventure begins with an exclusive stroll through the heart of Cusco. Your first stop is Plaza de San Cristóbal, where you'll be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the city. From this vantage point, Cusco’s terracotta rooftops and narrow cobblestone streets stretch out beneath the majestic Andes, offering the perfect introduction to this historical gem.

Next, you'll immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of San Pedro Market, a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and aromas. This bustling market is the soul of Cusco, offering everything from colorful piles of Andean fruits and vegetables to aromatic spices and handmade crafts. Here, you’ll get a true taste of local life as you observe vendors and locals engaging in their daily routines. Don’t forget to try a fresh fruit juice or some Peruvian pastries as you wander through the lively aisles!

The journey continues to one of the city's most revered sites, the Qorikancha Temple, once the richest temple of the Inca Empire, its walls historically adorned with sheets of gold. As you walk through this spiritual site, now part of the Santo Domingo Convent, you’ll sense the deep reverence and power it still holds. The fusion of Inca and Spanish colonial architecture here offers a fascinating glimpse into Cusco’s layered history.

From there, you'll head to the San Blas district, known as the artisans' quarter, where the streets are lined with charming workshops and galleries. Walking down the narrow Hatun Rumiyoc Street, you'll encounter the famed Twelve Angled Stone, a marvel of Inca stonework, perfectly carved and fitted without mortar. Continuing along this historic path, you’ll reach the Archbishop’s Palace, once the residence of Inca Roca, and now a testament to the fusion of two cultures.

Your tour concludes in the heart of Cusco at the Plaza de Armas, where you’ll visit Cusco Cathedral, a colonial masterpiece housing an incredible collection of art, including Cusco School paintings, silverwork, and religious relics. As you explore its impressive chapels and altars, take a moment to appreciate the blending of indigenous and Catholic symbolism throughout the cathedral, which reflects Cusco’s complex cultural history.

By the end of the day, you'll have experienced the rich history, vibrant culture, and architectural wonders that make Cusco an unforgettable destination.

Your day begins with an early departure into the heart of the Sacred Valley, where ancient traditions still thrive amidst stunning landscapes. Our first stop is the charming village of Chinchero, widely regarded as the most traditional and colorful village in the valley. Nestled in the Andean highlands, this village is renowned for its vibrant community of master weavers. You'll have the chance to step into a local textiles center, where the women continue to preserve ancient Inca techniques for dyeing and spinning alpaca wool. Watch in awe as natural pigments from native plants and minerals are skillfully transformed into a palette of colors, while the rhythmic spinning of the wool transports you to a world where craftsmanship and culture intertwine.

After this immersion into Andean artistry, we'll visit Chinchero's Inca plaza, a space that echoes with centuries of history. The impressive ruins here blend harmoniously with the village's colonial church, adorned with exquisite frescoes. Take in the contrast of Spanish and Inca architectural styles while surrounded by panoramic views of snow-capped mountains.

Our journey continues as we head toward the mesmerizing archaeological site of Moray. Here, you’ll marvel at the series of concentric terraces that form natural amphitheaters. These unique structures are believed to have been an agricultural laboratory where the Incas experimented with recreating different microclimates to cultivate a variety of crops. As you stand at the edge of these terraces, you can almost imagine the agricultural wisdom that once thrived here—an astounding testament to the Incas' deep connection with the land.

A break for lunch follows, where you'll indulge in local Andean flavors, perhaps savoring dishes made with quinoa, corn, and fresh trout from the region's rivers, while gazing at the valley's serene beauty.

In the afternoon, we reach the last living Inca village, Ollantaytambo, where history is woven into the very streets. As you wander through the ancient pathways, you’ll step back in time, exploring the remnants of Inca civilization still vibrant in the community. The grandeur of the Temple of the Ten Windows awaits, along with the Bath of the Princess, where ancient stones seem to hum with stories of past royalty. The crowning jewel of the day is the Sun Temple, its colossal stone walls meticulously carved and aligned with astronomical precision.

For the perfect close to this magical day, we'll ascend the terraces of Ollantaytambo, offering you postcard-worthy views of the valley below. The setting sun will cast a golden glow over the stone structures, creating a picture-perfect memory that captures the essence of the Sacred Valley.

Afterward, you'll settle into your accommodations in the area, where the crisp Andean air and quietude of the mountains will prepare you for a restful evening amidst the valley’s timeless beauty.

По желанию возможно проведение различных треккингов, экскурсий на лошадях, горных велосипедах или квадроциклах.

Your day begins at the heart of the Sacred Valley, the station in Urubamba. Here, you’ll embark on a truly remarkable journey aboard the legendary Hiram Bingham luxury train, one of the most exclusive travel experiences in the world. As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by the elegance of its vintage, 1920s-inspired carriages. Plush interiors, gleaming wood panels, and large windows frame the surrounding Andean landscape. A sense of anticipation builds as you settle into the first-class atmosphere, where every detail has been carefully curated to evoke a sense of timeless travel.

The dining car is a highlight, designed to blend the sophistication of yesteryear with modern comfort. As the train chugs along, you’ll be served a series of finely crafted dishes—each plate a reflection of Peru’s rich culinary heritage. Imagine tasting a delicate ceviche of river trout or a velvety quinoa risotto, all while the scenic beauty outside seems to flow past like a vivid dream.

The route follows the winding course of the Urubamba River, cutting deeper into the towering canyon. As the train glides forward, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic: steep cliffs covered in lush, verdant foliage, narrow valleys carved by ancient forces, and glimpses of distant snow-capped peaks. The sheer scale of nature surrounding you is awe-inspiring, yet the ride remains serene and intimate, a perfect contrast to the raw power of the landscape.

Finally, you’ll reach Aguas Calientes, the gateway village to Machu Picchu. From here, minibuses will take you on a winding ascent to the Sacred Citadel itself, climbing higher into the mist-shrouded mountains. As you approach, the ancient stones of Machu Picchu begin to appear, like something from a dream. Upon arrival, you’ll immediately feel the pulse of history and the deep spiritual energy that envelops this revered Inca site.

With an expert guide at your side, you’ll explore the intricacies of the Citadel. Walk along its carefully constructed terraces, touch the cool, time-worn stones, and marvel at the sophisticated engineering of this once-great city. You’ll stand before the Intihuatana, the mystical solar clock, still imbued with the reverence of centuries past. From the Temple of the Sun to the Room of the Three Windows, each space tells the story of an ancient civilization in perfect harmony with the natural world.

After this profound experience, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved break at the Sanctuary Lodge, sipping tea while overlooking the breathtaking landscape, letting the day's adventures sink in. But the journey doesn’t end here. As you descend back to Aguas Calientes, the Hiram Bingham train awaits to whisk you back to Cusco in style. Onboard, you’ll be treated to live entertainment and a sophisticated gourmet dinner, the perfect way to unwind after a day spent at one of the world's most iconic landmarks.

Arriving in Cusco, your day ends with a smooth transfer to your hotel, where the warmth of local hospitality and the memories of Machu Picchu will lull you into a peaceful night’s rest. Lodging in Cusco ensures your comfort after an extraordinary day.

At the designated time, transfer to Juliaca Airport for the flight to Lima.

The assistance will be provided for the connection to the international flight.