Two Worlds of Peru: The Inca Highlands & the Amazon

Meet and Greet and transfer to the Hotel for participants who have purchased/used the international air segment to Road Scholar (FREE AIR). They will have the room ready for check in at arrival to the hotel. Get some rest before the official start of the program with the orientation meeting.

After our Orientation meeting we will have our first field trip. Start the program at a leisurely pace, savoring Lima, a capital city that stands alone in the Americas with an uninterrupted architectural legacy spanning 4,000 years. It belongs to an exclusive group of just six capital cities worldwide that share this extraordinary heritage. We will start our exploration at "Huaca Pucllana", an ancient pre-Inca archaeological marvel distinguished by its striking adobe pyramid and a captivating history that stretches back over 1,500 years. Then, we will continue to Museo Larco the nation's most significant compilation of Pre-Columbian artifacts. With its origins dating back nearly a century, the museum was established by Rafael Larco Hoyle, a trailblazer in Peruvian archaeology. Embark on a captivating exploration spanning over 5,000 years of ancient Peruvian history. Delve into the profound connection between pre-Columbian societies and the natural world, all expertly illuminated through an engaging guided tour led by the museum's curator.

To wrap up our first day in Peru, relish a splendid lunch at Café del Museo. With its charming ambiance, the café offers picturesque views of the museum's enchanting gardens and the majestic viceroyal mansion, which serves as the museum's backdrop. This setting creates the perfect atmosphere for an evening of culinary delight and cultural immersion.

At the hotel, choose what you like from the buffet with beverage choices of coffee, tea, water.

Our journey this morning leads us through the storied streets of downtown Lima, a city that once stood as the capital of the viceroyalty Spain established in 1532. Our first pause takes us to the venerable Plaza de Armas, the beating heart of the city. Here, you'll traverse the square on foot, soaking in the rich history that surrounds you. As you explore, marvel at the magnificent exteriors of the Government Palace, the City Hall and the surrounding buildings, all resplendent exemplars of the enduring colonial architectural opulence that graces Lima to this day. Continuing this immersive journey, we'll explore the sacred halls of the Cathedral, an emblem of the city, boasting a rich history and intricate craftsmanship that speaks volumes of the era's devotion and artistry. Moving forward, we'll head to La Casa Aliaga. For over 480 years and across 17 generations, no other dwelling in the Americas has been home to a family as consistently as the De Aliaga residence in Lima. Erected adjacent to the Government Palace in 1535 by Jerónimo De Aliaga y Ramírez, trusted captain of Pizarro, this dwelling stands as a gem of colonial and republican architecture. We´ll explore its chambers, corridors, and courtyards, a harmonious fusion of styles spanning Renaissance, Cusco baroque, and Iberian Moorish, among others, owing to renovations over the years. Amidst this ambience, we'll unravel the stories behind the array of paintings, silverware, furniture, and precious artifacts. A visit to the chapel, a space graced by Peruvian luminaries such as Saint Rose of Lima, the Americas' first saint and a family friend, will conclude our journey through history.

Following our exploration of colonial Lima's most iconic buildings and plazas, we'll make our way to Barranco, a vibrant neighborhood known for its artistic spirit. Here, we'll participate in a hands-on Peruvian gastronomy class, where we'll master the art of crafting their iconic dishes.

We will explore Barranco's charming streets, a haven for artists, photographers, and writers. We'll meander through quaint, tree-lined avenues flanked by historic Republican-era houses, taking in breathtaking views and visiting the iconic Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs). To delve deeper into the artistic heritage of Peru, we'll venture into a couple or more of the neighborhood's art galleries and concept stores, discreetly nestled along Barranco's unassuming streets, gaining insights into the creative minds of our renowned Peruvian artists in the realms of plastic arts and design. we will have some free time before returning to the hotel to explore Barranco.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At leisure. You might like to take a walk along the ocean boardwalk. Prepare for check-out and our flight to Iquitos in the morning.

Hotel buffet.

We will check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for our morning flight to Iquitos, situated in the heart of the Peruvian rainforest. Upon arrival, our naturalist expert will be waiting for us to take us for an overview of this interesting place called Iquitos, the largest city in the world inaccessible by road. We’ll then ride to lunch.

At a local restaurant, we’ll have a plated meal with water or local fresh juices; other beverages available for purchase.

We’ll begin our transfer to Nauta where the boat is docked. En route, we’ll learn about the places we are going trough, how the local people organize themselves and how is their life between Iquitos and Nauta, the two most important cities in the region. We expect to arrive in Nauta mid- to late afternoon and board the M/V La Perla. After getting your cabin, take some time to freshen up and relax, then start getting familiar with the boat. When announced, we will participate with everyone on board in the boat’s safety drill.

Aboard the boat in the dining room, choose what you like from the dinner buffet offering dishes inspired by tropical flavors and prepared with fresh local ingredients. All meals include salads, fruits, and breads with beverage choices of coffee, tea, water; other beverages included bottled drinks available for purchase.

We will gather to have our first lecture "Introduction to the Rain Forest"

Aboard the boat in the dining room, choose what you like from the breakfast buffet offering dishes inspired by tropical flavors and prepared with fresh local ingredients. All meals include salads, fruits, and breads with beverage choices of coffee, tea, water.

We will board motorized skiffs to explore “Yanayacu de Pucate” , one of the best preserved and protected areas of Pacaya Samiria National Park. This area is famous to spot pink Dolphins and resident birds such as the horned screamer, capped heron, vermillion flycatcher, dusky headed parakeet, great black hawk, and great egrets. The initial morning hours present great viewing opportunities as birds tend to be most active during the early hours of the day and at sundown. We’ll also keep an eye out for sloths and a variety of monkeys. Also we will have the opportunity to see the local handicraft made of “vegetable ivory” that comes from the palm tree. After returning to the ship we will put swimsuit, have the first plunge into the Yanayacu River, and swim in its black waters.

Aboard the boat in the dining room, choose what you like from the lunch buffet offering dishes inspired by tropical flavors and prepared with fresh local ingredients. All meals include salads, fruits, and breads with beverage choices of coffee, tea, water.

This afternoon river exploration will be in San Regis where we will climb into dugout canoes (local wood made canoes) to explore the area with locals. We’ll return to the boat to freshen up and relax before going to the lounge in the Observation Deck to listen some local music.

Buffet abord the boat.

At leisure. You might like to sit out on the observation deck or inside in the reading lounge.

Buffet breakfast aboard the boat.

After a quick coffee or tea we will have our first early walk in the jungle to admire how wildlife awakes. We will walk 1 hour by the Marañon shorese to discover the sounds and colours of the rain forest.

We will share the lunch with the locals “Kukama Community” in family style, with a long table and local wood made small chairs.

After time to rest and relax we will have an interactive lecture where we will learn about the "Amazonian Culture" and will have the opportunity to make questions about todays' experiences/

Aboard the boat

We’ll go on another boat ride to observe the profusion of nocturnal species that may be present such as bats, capybaras, black caimans, and many more. A spotlight will help us see and identify wildlife in Rio Tigre - Nahuapa.

Aboard the boat

Early weak up call and after a quick coffee we will have a jungle walk looking for wildlife such as the “poisonous frog” among others jungle inhabitants. We will spot the giant trees and the most famous ones called “avatar” or “tree of life” where the ancient and current inhabitants of the jungle left their offerings as a sign of gratitude to “Yara” or Mother Earth. We also will see how the local women of the community offer some handicraft made locally

Lunch aboard the boat. Let's taste what you brought aboard!

After a time to relax we will have a lecture about "Challenges of the Amazon region" What is changing? Why? How the changes affect the locals and what is being doing to face those challenges. It will be a nice moment to discuss and learn.

Buffet aboard the boat

Aboard the boat

Early rise for a field trip via skiff to watch where the origin of the Amazon River, the largest river in South America by discharge volume of water in the world, and the disputed longest river system in the world in comparison to the Nile. We’ll then return to the boat.

Aboard the boat.

after a deserved rest, we will visit the Kukama Community. The Kukama are an original culture of the Amazon Rainforest. They thrived in the rainforest for hundreds of years before the Spanish explorers arrived. Today, the Kukamas, are based in the flood zone of the Ucayali river basin where their house coexist with the water.

Aboard the boat

Aboard the boat.

We’ll set out again by skiff to sail the Yacapana area to keep looking for the thounsand of species that, some of them, have not being named yet.

Aboard the boat.

We will gather to recap all what we have seen, learned and felt. We will exchange opinions with our Local Naturalist and our Group Leader will inform about the next steps for the following chapter of our adventure. We will have our last skiff boat ride to say goodbye to the Rain Forest, its magical ambiance with a strong commitment of protect nature from the place we live.

Aboard the boat. Enjoy our last evening aboard the boat .

Packing for tomorrow journey to reach the top of the Andes : Cuzco

Early aboard the boat.

We will transfer via bus to the airport in Iquitos for our flight to Lima that will continue to Cusco. Upon arrival, we will ride to have a glimpse of Pisaq Ruines.

We have excluded this lunch from the program. We will have the oppourtinty to have somethign to eat either at Lima Airport during layover or at arrival to Cuzco.

After check in and freshen up, we will have a lecture delivered by an expert which will be important to understand what we will see the next days : "Rise and fall of the Inca Empire"

At the hotel, we’ll have a plated meal with beverage choices including coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

At the hotel, choose what you like from the buffet with beverage choices of coffee, tea, water.

Our day commences with a vibrant visit to Urubamba's bustling farmers market, an energetic hub where local produce and traditions shine. Here, the valley's spirit thrives as farmers and artisans proudly exhibit their wares, fostering a tight-knit sense of community and heritage. Then we will be exploring Ollantaytambo, a living testament to the Inca culture's legacy, safeguarded by an imposing fortress. Here, we unveil an expansive archaeological marvel - once a tambo, a haven for royal entourages on arduous voyages. Remnants of its past stand strong: resilient walls and vigilant towers that once shielded it from threats. Ollantaytambo echoes the essence of an authentic Inca village, mirroring a meticulously planned grid layout. Its cobbled pathways intersect, accompanied by meandering water channels that have quenched the land's thirst for centuries. Historic records from the royal archives affirm its purpose as a haven for Inca nobility. Evident in the precision of its urban design and the intricate artistry etched into its stone facades.

We will have a meal with water included while visiting the Sacred Valley Project.

We will head to the Sacred Valley Project, an educational initiative that provides local female students from low income families with board and opportunities to further their schooling. While here, we will visit with the dorm mother and director of the project to learn about the work they are doing. Our next stop will be Urubamba Market Colourful fruit and vegetables line up alongside large sacks of flour and gran which teeter beside rows of slaughtered guinea pig, chicken and beef ready for cooking. Household goods also make an appearance in the forms of lengths of rope, plastic buckets, sweeping brushes and various paraphernalia.. We will afterward return to the hotel.

Dinner at Estancia Huayoccari In the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Hotel buffet.

Once checked out of the hotel, we will transfer by motor-coach to the train station for our railway ride to Aguas Calientes where we will check in to our hotel upon arrival. We will then complete our journey and enjoy a field trip at Machu Picchu, perhaps the most iconic site of the Inca World, and a great renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site. With our local expert, visit this ancient ceremonial city, explore the agricultural and urban sides of Machu Picchu, and learn about the history of the Incan abandonment of the city as well as its construction during Spanish conquest in the 16th century.

At Sanctuary Lodge, enjoy a tasty buffet meal with coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase. Refill your water bottle before leaving the Restaurant.

We will board a shared shuttle from Machu Picchu and return to the hotel in Aguas Calientes. The remainder of the afternoon will be free for independent exploration.

On your own to explore the regional cuisine in the center of Aguas Calientes, which has many eateries to choose from

At leisure. Get a good night’s rest.

Early hotel buffet.

Upon checking out of the hotel, we will walk a short distance to board the train for transfer from Aguas Calientes Station to Ollantaytambo where we will connect with our motor-coach for the remainder of the ride to Cuzco. We will then make a visit to Traditional Textiles region where we will learn from a member of the community who will introduce us to this time-honored cultural art form, and provide a demonstration. The arts of dying, spinning and weaving are a means of interpreting Incan culture through traditional customs. Techniques, designs, and quality, which were once taught to every female child. After a short ride we will make stop in Moray, a remarkable archaeological site with stepped circular terraces believed to have been used for experimental agricultural purposes by the Incas

Special gourmet pic nic lunch in sacred Valley

We will then transfer to the hotel for check-in in Cuzco.

On your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

With our local expert we will visit the cathedral which contains some of the best manifestations of colonial goldsmithing and wood carving, as well as a valuable collection of canvases from the Escuela Cusqueña (Academy of Cusco). Afterwards, we will visit the Qoricancha Palace, which was the most important temple in the Inca Empire. Dedicated to Inti, the Sun God, the walls and floors were once covered in sheets of solid gold. We will have some time to take a look around the market with our local expert and Group Leader before exploring the temple and learning about its history. Next, transfer by bus for an independent walking exploration of the ruins of Sacsayhuaman where extremely large stones are seamlessly built into walls and terraces providing views of the valley to the southeast, and were once used as a protective fortress guarding the city.

On your own to enjoy what you like

Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure tomorrow.

Hotel buffet.

Free time. Check out at 11 AM. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most.

On your own to enjoy what you like.

Transfers to the Cuzco airport. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!