Ultimate Peru by River and Rail

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 laidback by day and electric by night.

Huaca Pucllana is an ancient clay-and-adobe pyramid sprawled in the midst of Lima’s urban Miraflores District. View its ongoing excavation before joining a local chef on a visit to a popular food market. Afterward, stop for a coffee tasting before strolling the city’s colorful Barranco and visit the Osma Museum. Later, help the chef prepare your dinner.

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

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 see in the forest canopy. Later, as the equatorial sun dips behind the treetops, you may opt for night safari by skiff, watching for the glowing 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. Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner on board.

After a final breakfast onboard Pure Amazon, disembark in Nauta. Here you gain insight into the daily life in the region, beginning with a visit to the local market where you see the vibrant array of exotic fruits and vegetables on offer. Continue with a visit to the Museum of Indigenous Amazonian Cultures to explore its rich exhibits of the traditions and histories of Amazonian communities. From here, explore the local handicraft market, featuring handmade jewelry, textiles and wooden crafts that can be taken home as mementos of the journey. Afterwards, fly to Lima and check into your hotel.

The former capital of the Inca empire, Cusco is often considered the most beautiful city in Peru. Venture from here into the Sacred Valley to visit the village of Lamay.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas carves through the Peruvian Andes near Cusco. Deemed a spiritual epicenter by the Inca people, the valley is home to remote Quechua-speaking communities whose traditional way of life endures. Begin with a light trek — escorted by llamas — on a trail that overlooks a lake, and then proceed to the Village of Flowers to meet with members of the local community and learn about some of the projects sponsored there by A&K Philanthropy .

Explore the massive stone fortress of Ollantaytambo before boarding the Inca Rail First-Class Train for a journey to Machu Picchu through the verdant Peruvian countryside. Overlooking the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century at the height of the Inca Empire. Upon arrival, explore the ruins in depth with your expert guide. Return to Cusco via the Hiram Bingham train, savoring dinner en route.

Discover Cusco on a city tour that includes 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 formed today’s Peruvian culture. Later, visit Sacsayhuamán, a testament to Incan architectural skill, with a stop at Sulca workshop en route. This afternoon, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities. Visit the San Pedro Market and Inca Museum to view daily life among the locals and learn more about the Incas. Explore the Bohemian San Blas Neighborhood and visit Sapantiana, a hydraulic architecture. Stroll the Streets of Cusco with a photographer who shares tips for good shots. Tonight, eat dinner at an elegant Cusco restaurant, where the chef’s recipes carry on Peru’s culinary traditions.

Step aboard Andean Explorer, the first luxury sleeping train in South America, to begin a relaxing trek across the Andean plains backdropped by Peru’s lofty landscapes. Get comfortable in your deluxe cabin as the train rolls southeast to Tinta Station. Disembark to discover Raqch’i, an Incan archaeological site. Back on board, view the La Raya mountain range en route to Lake Titicaca.

Absorb the eclectic beauty and rich biodiversity of Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America. Ride by traditional boat to the islands of the Uros to view extraordinary floating manmade isles created from woven reeds. Eat lunch on Taquille Island, where many locals are Quechuan, followed by a visit to the sparkling sands of Collata Beach.

Step inside the Sumbay caves, home to fascinating paintings estimated to be over 8,000 years old. Return to Arequipa by train before flying to Lima.

Enjoy breakfast before your short walk to the airport to board your departing flight.