Peru: Machu Picchu and Amazon Cruise

The capital of Peru and world-renowned culinary epicenter, Lima is a delightful mix of indigenous and colonial history, natural beauty and a Pacific-Coast vibe that’s laid back by day and electric by night.

Stroll among the locals at a bustling food market, and then bike ride through city streets, building an appetite for lunch at a fun restaurant. Then embark on a colonial city tour, finishing at a chocolate shop for a brief talk and a scrumptious tasting.

The former capital of the Inca empire, Cusco is often considered the most beautiful city in Peru. Inca temples, churches, museums and picturesque colonial palaces. Head out to your resort in the Sacred Valley, stopping at a town en route to meet locals.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas carves through the green peaks of the Peruvian Andes near Cusco. Deemed a spiritual epicenter by the Inca people, the valley has a kinship with the nearby ancient citadel of Machu Picchu as well as remote Quechua-speaking communities whose traditional way of life endures. Begin with a refreshing light trek — escorted by llamas — on a trail that overlooks a lakea village, where a project is supported by A&K Philanthropy, to meet with members of the community.

Explore Ollantaytambo, a fortress of massive stone terraces that hug the mountain slopes before boarding a train to Machu Picchu, the Incas’ mighty mountain citadel. The journey can unfold as you prefer: by rail all the way, getting in your first visit to the ruins this afternoon or, alternatively, by disembarking en route at KM 104 to hike the Inca Trail to the Sun Gate overlooking the ruins.

Rise with the sun to walk through Machu Picchu in the early morning mist, an experience some consider a spiritual highlight. Built in the 15th century at the height of the Inca Empire, this “Lost City” was revealed to the rest of the world by American Hiram Bingham in 1911, although its location was long known to locals. Return to Ollantaytambo by train, and proceed to Cusco.

Admire city highlights such as the remnants of Korikancha, once a major Incan religious center; the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas; and the Santo Domingo Temple. Listen as a local expert explains how clashes between the Incas and the Spanish helped form today’s Peruvian culture. Visit Sacsayhuamán, an imposing Inca fortress compiled from colossal stones. Dine at a Cusco restaurant, where innovative recipes honor Peru’s culinary traditions.

Experience Cusco your way, enjoying one of these Design Your Day activities.Visit the San Blas Neighborhood, a unique, bohemian enclave where you visit the workshops of artisans.Stroll San Pedro Market and Visit the Inca Museum, first glimpsing daily life, and then looking back into Peru’s rich history.Explore with an Expert Photographer who helps you refine your skills and capture Cusco as a local sees it.This afternoon, depart for Lima.

The Amazon Basin is one of the greatest remaining wildernesses on earth and there’s only one best way to explore it: aboard A&K Sanctuary’s boutique riverboat, Pure Amazon. Starting at remote Nauta, on the banks of the Marañón River, embark on a four-night river adventure in state-of-the-art comfort, with a staff-to-guest ratio of over 1:1, ensuring exceptional, personalized service.

In this paradise for birders, where vividly colored macaws may be seen gliding over the river, set out on an expert-led birding excursion at dawn’s first light. Don’t miss the long-limbed spider monkey or an endearingly slow-moving sloth that may be peering back at you from the forest canopy. As the equatorial sun dips behind the treetops, you may opt for night safari by skiff, watching for the glowing yellow eyes of caimans.

Each day along the ever-changing river brings with it new possibilities. You may spot the Amazon’s fabled pink dolphins or go ashore to visit a local village to learn about daily life deep in the Amazon. Then relax or go for a swim and enjoy another river foray.

A final day on board finds you once again with a choice of exciting options for exploration. Gather for a chat with your vessel’s expert guides, who recount stories of life in the Amazon, followed by a farewell dinner on board.

After a final breakfast onboard Pure Amazon as it returns to Nauta, disembark and relax in a comfortable vehicle en route to Formabiap, an educational project supported by A&K Philanthropy. There, around 200 young people from indigenous communities’ study to become teachers – honing their skills in both Spanish and their local language. After a musical welcome, learn about longhouse-building and participate in a spiritual cleansing session with an elder, then listen to a presentation on the use of medicinal plants. Afterwards fly to Lima, where you enjoy the use of a dayroom until your departing flight.