From the Inca Empire to the Peruvian Amazon with the Nazca Lines

13 days
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River Cruise
Experience the fascinating Nazca Lines, archaeological treasures, and gastronomic delights of Peru, with the untamed rainforest of the Amazon, on this thrilling river cruise adventure that offers a little something for everyone! Begin in the cosmopolitan city of Lima with a guided sightseeing tour, a visit to the Larco Herrera Museum, and a special welcome d...
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Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Welcome to Lima
    • Flight over the Nazca Lines with guaranteed window seat.
    • Cruise to the Ballestas Islands; Return to Lima.
    • Walking tour, visit San Francisco Monastery and Larco Herrera Museum; welcome dinner at Casa Garcia Alvarado.
    • Visit the ruins of Sacsayhuaman and Kenko, visit Awanakancha to see various camelids from the region, and explore Pisac Market.
    • Visit the Ollantaytambo ruins; take the 360°Train to Machu Picchu; walking tour of Machu Picchu.
    • Enjoy a second included entrance to Machu Picchu; return on the 360°Train to the Sacred Valley and continue to Cusco.
    • Walking tour of Cusco, visit Santo Domingo Monastery and the Cathedral.
    • Fly to Iquitos via Lima; board the Delfin III; onboard welcome reception; wildlife viewing excursions during the afternoon and evening
    • Wildlife viewing excursions during the morning and afternoon; cooking demonstration and Pisco Sour-making lesson

What's this trip about?

    Experience the fascinating Nazca Lines, archaeological treasures, and gastronomic delights of Peru, with the untamed rainforest of the Amazon, on this thrilling river cruise adventure that offers a little something for everyone! Begin in the cosmopolitan city of Lima with a guided sightseeing tour, a visit to the Larco Herrera Museum, and a special welcome dinner in an ornate family-owned mansion. Fly to Cusco and descend into the Sacred Valley of the Incas for guided tours of the ceremonial site of Kenko, where ancient rituals were performed, and the Temple of Sacsayhuaman. Of course, no vacation to Peru is complete without visiting astonishing Machu Picchu, built around 1450, and sitting majestically above the Sacred Valley. Stand in awe as you witness one of the most majestic images in South America, if not the entire world! Next, you’ll embark on a journey to one of the world’s vastly unexplored regions where biodiversity is at its greatest—the mighty Amazon. Board one of the world’s most luxurious small ships, the Delfin III, and enjoy fine wine, famous Peruvian cuisine, and all-inclusive comfort while venturing deep into the Amazon jungle in search of elusive wildlife. Take naturalist-guided panga rides through the river tributaries, swim with pink dolphins, and visit native communities—all while returning to your plush five-star yacht. Your unforgettable trip to Peru is not complete without seeing the Nazca Lines. When seen from the air, the lines form precise geometric shapes that number in the hundreds, as well as 70 figures, which include a monkey, whale, hummingbird, shark, spiders, and plants. Archaeologists remain puzzled about why the ancient Nazca people, who thrived here from 200 BC to 500 AD, created illustrations that could only be seen from far above the earth. Wonderful scenery, historical treasures, learning opportunities, and so much more—all are available on this thrilling river cruise vacation to Peru and the Amazon!

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transport
Start City LIMA, PERU
End CityLIMA

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • 50 Plus
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Attractions

  • Amazon River
  • Cusco
  • Iquitos
  • Lima
  • Machu Picchu
  • Sacred Valley

Activities

  • Culture
  • River Cruise

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: ARRIVE IN LIMA, PERU

Welcome to Peru!

Meet your Local Guide.

Day 2: LIMA–PISCO–PARACAS & NAZCA LINES

Mysterious Signs

Drive south along the scenic Pan-American Highway to Pisco, the wine capital of Peru, and take a guided two-hour flight over the Nazca Lines—a series of drawings of animals and geometric figures etched into the parched soil—some up to 1,000 feet long—believed by some to be the astronomical calendar of the ancient Peruvians.

(Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 3: PARACAS–BALLESTAS ISLAND CRUISE–LIMA

Exotic Life

This morning, head to the Bay of Paracas and take a cruise to the Ballestas Islands—home to a wide variety of sea mammals and exotic birds. See the huge Candelabro, a candelabra-shaped etching on the Paracas cliffside. Later, return to Lima where yo...

Day 4: LIMA

Peruvian Treasures, Presidential Palaces, and Pizarro’s Conquests

CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Lima to see the colonial Old Quarter, Plaza de Armas, the presidential Government Palace, and the Lima Cathedral. Visit San Francisco Monastery to see the fam...

Day 5: SACRED VALLEY

Alpacas, Llamas, and Ancient Rituals of the Andes

CLASSIC Fly to Cusco, the ancient Andean city and former capital of the Inca Empire. A Guided Excursion into the Sacred Valley reveals the hillside Temple of Sacsayhuaman. Marvel at the remarkable Inca stonework ...

Day 6: SACRED VALLEY

Stone Temples and Formidable Fortresses

CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of the adobe village of Ollantaytambo this morning to visit the ruins of an Inca fortress. See the massive stones and amazing engineering design, including the Sun Temple and Princess Baths fount...

Day 7: MACHU PICCHU

A Miraculous Sanctuary in a Tropical Mountain Cloud Forest

CLASSIC Take a second included Guided Excursion to Machu Picchu. Set out early to see the sunrise over the ruins, explore the terraces or perhaps venture up to see the Sun Gate, once used as the ancient...

Day 8: CUSCO

Conquistadors, Churches, and the Colorful Culture of Peru

CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Cusco and learn about the Inca culture and the Spanish invasion that threatened their way of life and very existence. Visit Santo Domingo Monastery, originally calle...

Day 9: CUSCO–LIMA–IQUITOS–NAUTA–PERUVIAN AMAZON RIVER (EMBARKATION)

Your Amazon Adventure Begins

CLASSIC Today, you’ll travel by air to Lima and then on to Iquitos to begin your Amazon journey. Travel to Nauta and embark the luxurious vessel, the Delfin III, to cruise the Peruvian Amazon in comfort and convenience. Settle in t...

Day 10: PERUVIAN AMAZON

Spider Monkeys, Pink Dolphins, and Peru’s Favorite Cocktail

CLASSIC Rise early this morning for your first glimpse of the majestic Amazon at sunrise to experience the sights and sounds. After breakfast, take a Guided Panga Ride down one of the Amazon’s tributar...

Day 11: PERUVIAN AMAZON

Exotic Birds, Night Creatures, and Natural Remedies

ACTIVE Join a morning Naturalist Guided Walk to explore tropical flora, including epiphytes, orchids, and indigenous jungle vegetation below the rainforest’s canopy. DISCOVERY Attend an onboard Nature Presenta...

Day 12: IQUITOS (DISEMBARKATION)

A Manatee Introduction and an Amazon Farewell

DISCOVERY This morning, disembark and bid your ship’s crew farewell. On the way to Iquitos, join an Escorted Visit to the Manatee Rescue Center to learn about these endangered Amazon species and the conservation efforts to save these gentle giants before flying to Lima. (Breakfast)

Day 13: LIMA

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(Breakfast)

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Dates & Availability

Price From $7,079
Price per day$545
Last Updated: 3/5/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
11 Apr 2025
23 Apr 2025
$7,079
09 May 2025
21 May 2025
$7,079
23 May 2025
04 Jun 2025
$6,999
06 Jun 2025
18 Jun 2025
$6,999
04 Jul 2025
16 Jul 2025
$6,999
12 Sep 2025
24 Sep 2025
$7,079
26 Sep 2025
08 Oct 2025
$7,079
10 Oct 2025
22 Oct 2025
$7,079
24 Oct 2025
05 Nov 2025
$7,079
07 Nov 2025
19 Nov 2025
$6,909

Price is per person based on double room occupancy. Gratuities to Local Guides & drivers are included. Call for single accommodation details and prices. Triple rooms are not available.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Avalon Waterways.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Hilton Lima Miraflores

Hilton Lima Miraflores features a rooftop terrace and puts you within a 10-minute walk of Larcomar Shopping Center. The outdoor pool is a great spot to take a dip, and guests can grab a bite to eat at Social, which serves Fusion cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A poolside bar, a 24-hour fitness center, are other highlights at this luxurious hotel.

Lima

Peru

Avenida La Paz 1099

The Legend Paracas Resort

The Legend Paracas Resort is ideally located along beautiful Paracas beach and offers guests a modern facility with a wide range of on-site amenities. This includes two restaurants, snack bar, private beach, fitness center, spa, pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, and business center. The resort also offers a wide array of leisure activities such as aerobics, dance lessons, volleyball, tennis, kayaking, or simply lounging and relaxing to the sound of waves on the beach.

Paracas

Peru

Lote 30-34 Urb. Santo Domingo

Hotel Aranwa Sacred Valley

The riverside lands of an 18-century colonial hacienda have been restored into an exclusive 115-room hotel, comprising rural elegance within the hacienda and minimalist design in modern deluxe rooms. Complete with two restaurants, a 2,500 sq meter spa & wellness center with three hydrotherapy pools, art gallery, on-site museum, orchid pyramid and movie room, this hotel offers superior service and comfort, both inside your room and out of it - the perfect way to spend your time in this mystical part of the world.

Urubamba Valley

Peru

Antigua Hacienda Yaravilca

Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel

The Sumaq Hotel is located at the foot of the Machu Picchu ruins and boasts an Andean health spa, bar, restaurant, gift shop, and business center.

Machu Picchu

Peru

Av Hermanos Ayar Mz 1 Lote 3

Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel

The Palacio del Inka is located opposite the Temple of the Sun. Enjoy excellent local and international cuisine in the Inti Raymi restaurant while watching spectacular Andean dances.

Cusco

Peru

Plaza Santo Domingo 259

Transportation & Flights

Participation in this tour requires a purchase of additional local flights. ,
Travel Insurance
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Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
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Trip ID
AVALON-WAMQ

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