Carnival the Andes & the Amazon

Following breakfast at our hotel, we head out to explore. A cultural cauldron is evident as we take in the Indian and Witches markets. From here, we travel to Moon Valley, whose colossal clay and sandstone formations, formed over millions of years, mesmerise us. We stop for lunch at El Vagon del Sur, the Southern Wagon. This afternoon, we wander along Calle Jaén, the city’s Spanish-colonial thoroughfare, absorbing the brilliant hues of its building’s facades. Stop in at each of the street’s four museums: the Museum of Musical Instruments, the Pre-Columbian Precious Metals Museum, Murillo House, and the Costumbrista Museum. Choose to dine this evening at either the renowned restaurant, Gustu, or at our hotel.

We set out for Lake Titicaca this morning, our ultimate destination the Peruvian city of Puno. Along the way, we stop for several cultural encounters, including at the Andean Roots Eco Village, the Altiplano Museum, and the Handicrafts Village. See the mud igloos and mortuary towers of the indigenous Uru-Chipaya people. We then meet members of the Limachi family, who built two vessels for the renowned adventurer Thor Heyerdahl in the 1970s. The specially constructed boats, RA II and Tigris, were fashioned from reeds and took the Norwegian on his respective expeditions across the Atlantic Ocean and the Arabian Sea. 

We then board a hydrofoil for the short cruise to Moon Island. Here we see the ancient, well-preserved Virgins of the Sun Temple. On neighbouring Sun Island, we also admire the Inca Grand Stairs and the Sacred Fountain. Extraordinary lake views are enjoyed during our clifftop al fresco lunch at Uma Kollu Archaeological Restaurant. After visiting a couple of local markets and a shrine, we make the return trip by hydrofoil. 

Crossing the border by road into Peru, we soon arrive at our waterfront lodge, Titilaka Hotel, which hosts us for dinner tonight.

After breakfast, we witness the floating homes of the Uros Islands. Occupied by a small tribe, these compact dwellings are built from the reeds of the totora plant. We return to our hotel for lunch, before departing Puno aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer. Welcomed on board with cocktails and canapes, we acquaint ourselves with the train and its amenities before gathering for dinner. We then bed down in comfortable cabins, decorated with Peruvian-styled furnishings.

Alight the train to visit the archaeological site of Raqchi, dedicated to the Inca god Wiracocha. The extensive walls and temples here were composed of stone and mud brick during the 15th century. We return to the train and continue to Cusco, enjoying brunch on board. On arrival in Cusco, we set out on foot to explore its legendary ruins. Begin at the city’s cathedral, with art by Quechua artists of the 17th-century Cusco Painting School. From here, we continue to Koricancha, an ancient Inca shrine dedicated to the worship of the sun. During the first evening of our three-night stay at Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, we enjoy the creations of its fine-dining restaurant.

Leave the city centre for an exploration of Sacsayhuaman, a hilltop fortress overlooking Cusco. Like Machu Picchu, it was built of stone blocks, though much bigger ones than those used there. The scene of today’s lunch is Hacienda Sarapampa. The ancient Peruvians held the distinction of developing the largest corn the world had ever known. Our hosts convey the importance of this staple to the local economy and invite us to enjoy a nourishing lunch of organic produce grown right on the property. Our afternoon is dedicated to discoveries of Peruvian pastimes. Enjoy close-up encounters with Peruvian paso horses, celebrated for their smooth gait and elegant features. We then savour the pleasures of pisco. A tasting of Peru’s national spirit reveals a range of diverse flavours and aromas. Dinner is served at one of Cusco’s remarkable restaurants.

Today, we prepare for our arrival at Machu Picchu. As is custom, we travel there in style, aboard the opulent Hiram Bingham train. Relax and enjoy lunch on board. The ancient ruins of Machu Picchu were constructed from hand-cut stones, each a perfect fit with its adjoining counterpart without the need for mortar. During our time at this extraordinary site, we observe its various components, including the Citadel, Main Plaza, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the Royal Tomb. The Hiram Bingham train transports us back to Cusco while we enjoy some exemplary local dishes in the elegant dining car. 

From Cusco’s airport, we join a short flight to Puerto Maldonado. It is from here that we begin our Amazon adventure. Carried along the waters of the Madre de Dios River by motorboat, we soon reach our luxury eco-lodge, the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica. We’re shown to our comfortable cabins, the flourishing rainforest practically within reach. Following lunch, we join our chosen afternoon activity. Explore the biodiversity of the Amazon basin, walking beneath a canopy of towering trees while listening for bird calls. You may even catch sight of the odd monkey or sloth in the trees above. During a twilight river cruise, attune your eyes to a world of owls and nightjars. Capybaras and caimans may also be seen lying low along the banks of the river. 

Our lodge hosts us for dinner, with Amazon-inspired dishes accompanied by cocktails. We drift off to sleep, soothed by the sounds of the rainforest.

With a full day in the Amazon to take advantage of, perhaps rise with the sun for an early breakfast. Lake Sandoval, within the protected Tambopata National Reserve, invites us to discover its resident wildlife. Aboard a dugout canoe, we glide along serene waters, keeping watch for endangered giant river otters, red howler monkeys, side-neck turtles, and red-bellied macaws. We refuel during lunch at our lodge, before heading off on another thrilling nature activity. Walk among the treetops as you traverse the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway. Toucans, monkeys, woodpeckers, and multi-coloured trogons make their homes here. After making our descent, we continue along a wooden platform that crosses a swamp. This particular ecosystem may exhibit further fauna, including amphibians, bird species, and even anacondas. 

Learn more about the local ecology during a nature presentation at our lodge’s Eco Centre. You may prefer to indulge in one of the many treatments available at the lodge’s spa. We reassemble for our final dinner at our rainforest lodge.

Make the most of our remaining time in this spectacular setting, delighting in the sights and sounds of native wildlife. Transferring back to Puerto Maldonado, we then join a flight to Lima. On arrival, we head to the Larco Museum. The venue’s Museo Larco Café Restaurant provides a relaxing atmosphere during lunch, with views of lush gardens. A tour of the museum takes us through 3,000 years of Pre-Columbian Peruvian history. After checking into our waterfront residence, the Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel, we take the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Our Farewell Dinner celebrates our grand journey and all that we have experienced during our time together.

Following breakfast at our hotel, we are transferred to Lima’s airport, where our grand journey concludes.