Essential Peru with Amazon River Cruise
Overview
Experience the perfect balance of timeless culture, breathtaking landscapes and refined adventure on this unforgettable 11-day, 9-night journey, featuring three nights aboard an Amazon River cruise. Seamlessly blending comfortable accommodations and immersive experiences, this thoughtfully crafted itinerary invites you to discover the remarkable diversity of one of South America's most captivating destinations. From vibrant city life and ancient traditions to tranquil waterways and awe-inspiring mountain scenery, every day reveals a new perspective, creating a journey filled with unforgettable moments, authentic connections and memories to treasure for a lifetime.
This itinerary features More Moments activities included with your package.
If your itinerary includes domestic and/or regional flight tickets, as well as entry tickets to landmarks that require passport details, you must call Air Canada Vacations immediately upon receiving your booking confirmation. Failure to provide Air Canada Vacations with your passport details may result in the unavailability of domestic and/or regional flight tickets, and entry passes for certain landmarks included in your tour package. It is mandatory to call Air Canada Vacations at the number provided in your electronic confirmation as soon as your booking is confirmed to submit your passport details.
Format
Trip Highlights
Destinations that include planned activities and/or overnight stays.
- Peru
- Lima
- Iquitos
- Nauta
- Cusco
- Urubamba
- Chinchero
- Yucay
- Ollantaytambo
- Aguas Calientes
- Machu Picchu, Peru
Inclusions
- Round-trip flights to Lima, Peru (if the flight & hotel option is chosen)
- Round-trip domestic flight in economy class between Lima and Iquitos, and between Lima and Cusco
- Round-trip train ride between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes
- Round-trip bus ride between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- 9 nights in Superior Accommodation (2 nights in Lima, 3 nights River Cruise, 2 nights in Urubamba, 2 nights in Cusco)
- Early check-in upon arrival (not counted towards the total number of nights)
- Daily breakfast
- Other meals as per itinerary (drinks not included)
- Shared airport-hotel-airport, inter-city and sightseeing transfers.
- More moments activities included:
- Lima’s Historic Centre private tour
- Guided night boat safari
- Full-day Amazon River excursion
- Amazon wildlife & river confluence expedition
- Full-day Sacred Valley tour
- Full-day Machu Picchu tour
- Cusco half-day city tour
- Services of English-speaking tour guides and driver service fees
- Landmark entrance fees according to the itinerary, unless specified otherwise
- Hotel taxes, fees, and service charges
* Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC)
*Personal and non-transferable document that provides access to 16 important attractions in Cusco and its surroundings, such as Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. It also allows entry to various sites in the Sacred Valley Circuit, including Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Moray and Chinchero.
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada
Overnight flight to Lima.
Day 2
Welcome to Lima
Upon arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport, you will need to clear customs and immigration. Afterward, you’ll collect your luggage and proceed to the exit, where a local representative will be waiting for you, holding a sign with your name. They will assist you with your transfer to your hotel, where your early check-in is included.
This afternoon, enjoy a guided experience through Lima’s Historic Centre with a hotel pick‑up and return transfer included.
The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Lima’s Historic Centre private tour
Begin with a visit to the Aliaga House, a historic mansion with over five centuries of history and considered the oldest residence in the Americas. Continue to the UNESCO‑listed Plaza Mayor, including a visit to the impressive Lima Cathedral. Conclude at the Larco Museum in Pueblo Libre, home to an extensive collection of pre‑Hispanic gold and silver artifacts, as well as a curated selection of erotic art, offering insight into more than 5,000 years of ancient Peruvian history.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 3
Lima - Iquitos - Nauta - River Cruise
After breakfast and check-out, you will be transferred to Jorge Chávez International Airport for your flight to Iquitos, the Capital of the Peruvian Amazon.
Upon arrival at Coronel FAP Francisco Secada Vignetta International Airport, collect your luggage and proceed to the arrivals hall, where a local representative will be waiting with an Air Canada Vacations sign displaying your name. You will then be transferred to Nauta, approximately a 2-hour drive away, where your unforgettable Amazon River adventure begins.
At Nauta's private port, board your river cruise and settle into your cabin as the vessel sets sail along the majestic Amazon River. Take in the panoramic views from the observation deck before attending a welcome briefing with your naturalist guide, who will introduce the itinerary, route and the remarkable wildlife you may encounter during the expedition.
After dinner, embark on a guided night boat safari along the Peruvian Amazon River, immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of the rainforest's vibrant nocturnal world.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the journey!
More Moments Activities Included
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Guided night boat safari
Venture into the rainforest on this exciting adventure. Under the cover of darkness, the Amazon comes alive with a completely different cast of creatures. Guided by your expert naturalist, search for caimans resting along the riverbanks, bats in flight and other elusive nocturnal wildlife while experiencing the unique sights and sounds of the jungle after dark.
Meal(s): Breakfast and dinner
Day 3
River Cruise
After breakfast, set out on an unforgettable day of exploration through the heart of the Peruvian Amazon. Accompanied by your expert naturalist guide, navigate winding waterways and venture deep into one of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems, where every turn reveals extraordinary wildlife, lush rainforest landscapes and breathtaking scenery.
More Moments Activities Included
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Full-day Amazon River excursion
Today’s Amazon adventure begins with an exploration of the enchanting Iquitos Caño, a network of waterways surrounded by lush rainforest, where early morning brings the perfect opportunity for wildlife observation as the jungle awakens with birdsong and movement.
Continue to the Amazonas Natural Park for a guided walk through the rainforest, learning about medicinal plants traditionally used by local communities and meeting Carola, a respected spiritual healer who shares her deep connection with the jungle and its ancestral knowledge.
In the afternoon, discover the pristine Yanayacu Pucate region within the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Enjoy the opportunity to explore this protected ecosystem by kayak, admire its incredible biodiversity and keep watch for the majestic pink river dolphins that inhabit these waters.
After dinner, experience the Amazon after dark on a guided night walk through the forest, where the sounds and secrets of the nocturnal jungle come to life.
Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5
River Cruise
After breakfast, embark on the final day of your unforgettable Peruvian Amazon River cruise experience with another fascinating adventure into the heart of this extraordinary wilderness. Guided by expert naturalists, continue exploring the incredible diversity of the Amazon ecosystem, from tranquil waterways and lush rainforest landscapes to the traditions and stories of the communities that call this region home. Enjoy memorable encounters with the Amazon’s vibrant wildlife and natural wonders, as you take in the final moments of your remarkable journey through one of the world’s most captivating environments.
More Moments Activities Included
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Amazon Wildlife & River Confluence Expedition
Today’s Amazon River adventure begins with a skiff ride along Nauta Caño, where you may spot squirrel monkeys, silver-backed tamarins, sloths, colourful birds, and, with luck, the iconic pink river dolphins. Along the riverbanks, discover fascinating smaller wildlife, including caimans, insects and spiders in a remarkable variety of forms and colours.
Continue on foot through Fundo Casual, a forest trail led by a naturalist guide, where the rainforest reveals hidden treasures such as rainbow boas, tarantulas, poison dart frogs, anacondas and sloths. The trail concludes at the region’s tallest tree, a true symbol of the Amazon landscape.In the afternoon, visit a local community, including a school and artisan market showcasing handmade crafts. As the day comes to an end, sail to the confluence, where the Ucayali and Marañón rivers meet to form the headwaters of the Amazon.
Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6
River Cruise - Nauta - Iquitos - Lima - Cusco - Urubamba
After breakfast, your unforgettable Amazon River cruise experience comes to an end. Upon disembarking at Nauta Port, a local representative will greet you with a sign bearing your name and escort you to your transfer to Coronel FAP Francisco Secada Vignetta International Airport in Iquitos for your flight to Lima, the Gastronomic Capital of the Americas.
En route to the airport, visit the Amazon Forever Rehabilitation Center before continuing to Iquitos Airport for your flight to Lima.
Upon arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport, collect your luggage and connect with your flight to Cusco, the Imperial City of the Incas. Upon arrival, a local representative will welcome you and escort you to your transfer to Urubamba, located in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Amazon Forever tour
This meaningful visit offers a unique opportunity to learn about the important work being done to protect and rehabilitate Amazonian wildlife. Discover the center’s conservation efforts while observing rescued animals up close, including baby manatees and other protected species cared for by the facility. This inspiring experience provides a deeper connection to the Amazon and highlights the dedicated efforts helping to preserve the region’s incredible biodiversity for future generations
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 7
Urubamba - Chinchero - Yucay - Ollantaytambo - Urubamba
After breakfast, your tour guide will take you on a full-day Sacred Valley tour. This region is renowned for its stunning Andean landscapes, rich Inca heritage and traditional local culture. As you journey through this fertile valley, you will encounter a series of remarkable archaeological sites, picturesque villages and vibrant artisan communities that bring ancient history to life. Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and terraced hillsides, each stop offers a deeper insight into the ingenuity and legacy of the Inca civilization, while also showcasing the enduring traditions of the region’s inhabitants.
Afterwards, you will be transferred back to your hotel to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Full-day Sacred Valley tour
Your adventure begins with a visit to the picturesque town of Chinchero, where you will explore its agricultural terraces and a 17th-century church built atop an ancient Inca palace. Continue to a scenic viewpoint to admire the breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Next, visit the Yucay Living Museum, where traditional textiles, pottery and silverwork are demonstrated using ancient Inca techniques. After lunch, continue to the impressive Ollantaytambo Fortress, a remarkable ceremonial site with vast stone terraces rising into the mountains.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 8
Urubamba - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
After breakfast and check‑out, your local guide will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to Ollantaytambo, where you board your scenic train journey toward Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, exit the train station where a local representative will greet you with a sign bearing your name. You will then be escorted to the bus stop for the scenic, winding ascent to Machu Picchu, marking the beginning of a once‑in‑a‑lifetime Inca experience and the crown jewel of your Peruvian journey.
Notes:
-Your journey to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, will be aboard the Voyager or Expedition train.
-The train policies allow each passenger to carry only one small backpack weighing up to 5 kg (11lbs) during the stay at Machu Picchu. We recommend packing light and bringing just the essentials. Items such as sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent will help ensure your comfort throughout the excursion. The rest of your luggage will be transferred from your hotel in Urubamba to Cusco.
Following your visit to Machu Picchu, your tour guide will take you back to Aguas Calientes to board your train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, a local representative will be waiting to greet you and assist with your transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
Once at the hotel, proceed with check‑in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Full-day Machu Picchu tour
Discover Machu Picchu, an extraordinary masterpiece of Inca engineering and architecture, believed to have served as a sacred sanctuary and royal retreat for the Inca ruler Pachacútec. Perched dramatically amid mist‑covered peaks, this UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World captivates visitors with its harmonious blend of history and natural beauty. Known as the “Old Mountain,” Machu Picchu stands as a timeless symbol of ingenuity, mystery and awe—offering a truly unforgettable journey into the heart of the ancient Andes.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 9
Cusco
After a leisurely breakfast and a relaxing morning at your own pace, meet your local guide this afternoon for an unforgettable half-day tour of Cusco, where you'll uncover the rich history, vibrant culture and timeless beauty of the former capital of the Inca Empire.
After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Half-day City tour
Begin this afternoon’s journey with a visit to the Santo Domingo Convent, built atop the legendary Coricancha Temple, once considered the most important sacred site of the Inca Empire. Continue to Cusco’s historic heart to explore the magnificent Cathedral Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption, a true architectural treasure filled with history and artistry. Later, head into the surrounding hills to discover the impressive Sacsayhuaman Fortress, followed by the intriguing Q’enqo archaeological complex. Your exploration continues with a walk through the Puca Pucara military ruins and the serene site of Tambomachay, often referred to as the “Inca spa” for its sacred fountains and waterways.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 10
Cusco - Lima
After breakfast and checkout, a local representative will take you to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport for your flight to “Peru’s capital,” Lima.
Upon arrival, collect your luggage and exit the hall, where a local representative will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign bearing your name. They will transfer you to your hotel to check in.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 11
Lima - Canada
After checking out, meet your local representative in the lobby of your hotel. They will transfer you to Jorge Chávez International Airport for your return flight to Canada.
Meal(s): Boxed continental breakfast
Accommodations
Where you'll stay
Superior Accommodation
Location
Hotel
Room details
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Accommodation during your Amazon River Cruise will be aboard the Delfin III, with your cabin located on the First Deck.
Bed size(s): 1 king or 2 double beds (bed type available upon request, not guaranteed)
Superior room occupancy: Minimum/maximum 2 adults
Vessel: DELFÍN III
Guest Capacity: Accommodates up to 44 guests
Accommodation: 22 spacious cabins, each featuring a king-size bed
Onboard Facilities: Dining room, bar, spa, swimming pool, and comfortable indoor and outdoor lounge areas
Ideal for
Premium tours
Immerse yourself in an elevated experience with upgraded accommodations and services. Tour packages include:
- Round-trip flight with Air Canada
- Private transfers from the airport and between cities
- 5-star hotel accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Private driver or tour guide (select packages)
- Car rental (select packages)
- Train transfers in higher class of service (select packages)
- More Moments activities or excursions as private or semi-private (select packages)
- Aeroplan® points
Earn more with Aeroplan
In addition to accumulating points on the flight portion of your trip, you’ll earn up to 4,000 extra Aeroplan points on select tour packages.
- Members ages 2 to 12 will receive extra points equivalent to 50% of the points granted to members ages 13 and up.
- Travel completion by December 31, 2026.
Important Information
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2026: November 5, November 12 & November 26
2027: January 7, January 21, January 28, February 4, March 11 and March 18 -
Not included
- Meals outside of the ones mentioned within the itinerary.
- Transfers for the optional activities, and any other transfer services required outside of the itinerary.
- Entrance to other landmarks not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Additional activities and excursions
- Visa fee (where applicable)
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
- Early check-in, late check-out not mentioned in the itinerary
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Car for all airport transfers, hotel transfers, inter-city travel, and sightseeing excursions.
Domestic flights between Lima and Iquitos, and between Lima and Cusco.
Boat transportation for all shore excursions and sightseeing activities including during the river cruise. -
- The More Moments activities/excursions mentioned in the itinerary are all included in the package but may be rescheduled to take place on an earlier or later day, depending on availability and operational day, or cancelled due to weather-related conditions.
- Driving times indicated in your itinerary are approximate and may vary due to traffic and road conditions.
- Please note that some areas of this tour may present challenges for travellers with limited mobility. While all locations included are accessible, the itinerary covers a variety of regions, towns and historic and archaeological sites where uneven surfaces and steps may be encountered. Customers should be fully aware of this before booking to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience throughout the tour.
- This itinerary includes travel through high‑altitude regions in the Andes, where thinner air may affect comfort and energy levels. To help you feel your best, we recommend planning ahead: arrive well‑rested, stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals and alcohol on arrival day and take it easy for the first 24–48 hours while your body acclimatizes.
- For all train services to and/or from Machu Picchu, passengers are allowed to carry only one piece of hand luggage (backpack, handbag or briefcase) weighing less than 11 pounds or 5 kilograms. Any other luggage that does not meet these requirements cannot be transported to Machu Picchu and should be left at the hotel for transfer to your next stop.
- Excursions could be replaced with alternate options or operate on altenate days. Due to operational reasons, weather, seasonal changes, civil interruptions, the sequence of the itinerary may be altered for reasons beyond the supplier’s control, such as accommodation availability, weather, national events, strikes, etc.