Best Amazon River Cruise Tours Nazca Lines & Machu Picchu

Amazon River Cruise Luxury

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!

Luxury Cruise to Amazon Map 13 Days

Highlights

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DELUXE VESSEL

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SMALL GROUPS

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BEST GUIDE

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EXPERINCES

The Most Deluxe Vessel on the River
You won’t find a riverboat of higher quality. This ship is custom-designed for navigating the Amazon. Built in a classic distinctive style and finished with contemporary comforts, this small ship features generous cabins with panoramic windows.

While some Amazon ships carry 100 passengers or more, the ships we work with prefer smaller groups for a more authentic experience. Its compact size means we can tie up at the bank to easily embark and go on excursions.

The Amazon guides average at least 10 years of experience in the region. What’s more, your Expedition Leaders provide an added level of service and personalized attention giving you a more intimate experience onboard.

Cruise to the Amazon Headwaters
The main destination is the largest protected realm in Peru, the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. This vast 5-million-acre wetland at the headwaters is replete with wildlife—you won’t find a richer experience of rainforest biodiversity.

13 DAYS AMAZON CRUISE INCLUDING NAZCA LINES AND MACHU PICCHU

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Amazon River Cruises

The world’s most rewarding wildlife expeditions.

Why Cruise the Amazon?

Journey deep into the heart of the largest rainforest on Earth on a boat trip down the Amazon, a mystical realm of boundless biodiversity where physical and spiritual worlds entwine, a primeval domain still ruled by the jaguar, home to giant snakes, towering trees, and uncontacted tribes hiding in plain sight.

The best Amazon cruises explore the remote reaches of this fairytale forest. Witness the playful pink river dolphins in the headwaters of the Amazon in Peru‘s Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve aboard some of the most luxurious Amazon cruises available, or see the kaleidoscopic colors of the clay licks in the Ecuadorian Oriente. Why not try boating the Amazon River’s lesser-traveled backwaters in Bolivia and explore three kinds of tropical forest, or maybe catch a rare glimpse of the Amazonian manatee in the Anavilhanas National Park of the Brazilian Amazon. What will you discover on your Amazon River tour?

Learn why our travel experts are the ultimate source on all things Peru and the Amazon. Browse the exclusive packages and request more information from our travel specialists.

Natalie, Owner of Blissful Travel Escapes

DAY 1 - ARRIVE IN LIMA, PERU

Arrive in Lima where you will be met by your Local Guide.

BREAKFAST – DINNER

DAY 2 - LIMA–PISCO–PARACAS & NAZCA LINES

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.

Day 3 - PARACAS–BALLESTAS ISLAND CRUISE–LIMA

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 you will have free time to explore the fascinating Peruvian capital – where high rises tower above ancient temples and colorful colonial architecture.

Day 4 - LIMA CAPITAL OF PERU

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 famous catacombs followed by the Larco Herrera Museum—with the world’s largest private collection of pre-Columbian Peruvian art.

Discovery

Later, enjoy a Culinary Experience with an authentic Peruvian welcome dinner in the exquisite, historic mansion—Casa Garcia Alvarado.

BREAKFAST
DINNER

Day 5 - SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS

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 of this 15th-century fortress that was once the site of the largest battle between the Incas and the Spanish. The Spanish were ultimately victorious in 1536, disassembling part of the site to build homes in Cusco and leaving behind the ruins we find today. You will also see the Inca military post of Puca Pucara and visit the ceremonial site of Kenko where ancient Peruvian rituals and sacrifices were performed.

Discovery

Take a Guided Tour of Awanakancha to encounter llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos and learn about their vital role in Peruvian culture. Continue to the old mountain village of Pisac. Take time to shop in Pisac’s large Indian market for treasures such as alpaca sweaters, woven blankets, and
handmade jewelry.

This evening, enjoy dinner featuring Andean and Western dishes with wine.

BREAKFAST
LUNCH
DINNER

Day 6 - SACRED VALLEY - MACHU PICCHU

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 fountain.

Discovery

Join an Escorted Visit to a native Incan home to experience the way of life that has endured since the 13th century.

MACHU PICCHU

Andean Heights and Hidden Secrets of the Inca’s Lost City

Classic

Join a Guided Excursion aboard the 360° Machu Picchu Train boasting spectacular panoramic views of the lush countryside of Urubamba Valley from its panoramic windows and an observation outdoor carriage. Travel by rail to Aguas Calientes to take the winding road to legendary Machu Picchu.

Active

Take a Guided Walk to explore the “Lost City of the Incas” high atop the Andes once overlaid with dense forest. Learn about the lives and mysteries still hidden in this ancient citadel and the amazing structures built by the pre-Columbian masters of this sacred land.

Discovery

Enjoy your overnight stay at the foot of the mountain where Machu Picchu is found with a gourmet Peruvian dinner.

BREAKFAST
DINNER

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 entrance to the Sanctuary.
After lunch, return to the Sacred Valley by train and then continue on to Cusco.

BREAKFAST
LUNCH

Day 8 - CUSCO CITY TOUR

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 called Koricancha and built by the Incas as a Temple of the Sun with extraordinary engineering and masonry design. Continue to the Plaza de Armas to visit the Cusco Cathedral.
Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore Cusco’s colorful culture.

Discovery

Tonight, an elegant dinner includes wine and a menu inspired by Peru’s eclectic mix of cultures.

BREAKFAST
DINNER

Day 9 - IQUITOS - NAUTA–PERUVIAN AMAZON RIVER (EMBARKATION)

Turn-of-the-Century Barons and the House that Eiffel Built

Classic

Today, you’ll travel by air to Lima and then onto Iquitos where you take a Guided Orientation of this 19th-century boom town with ornate homes built by the “rubber barons” of the day, such as La Casa de Fierro (The Iron House) designed by architect Gustave Eiffel.

NAUTA–PERUVIAN AMAZON RIVER (EMBARKATION)

Travel to Nauta and embark the luxurious vessel, the Delfin III, to cruise the Peruvian Amazon in comfort and convenience. Settle in to your spacious suite before meeting your onboard Naturalist and Cruise Director.

Discovery

Attend an onboard Welcome Reception to gain an overview of your upcoming Amazon experience. Your Naturalist Guide will offer information about the animal species of the Amazon ecosystem, the native villagers you’ll meet, and the spectacular plant life that thrives in this astonishing environment. See the two powerful Amazon tributaries—the Ucayali and Marañon Rivers—which converge to create the mighty Peruvian

Amazon.

Later, on board, enjoy an unforgettable dinner featuring Peruvian cuisine with the freshest local ingredients.

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 tributaries in search of the incredible wildlife. Your Naturalist Guide helps to spot capuchin, howler, tamarin, and spider monkeys, as well as iguanas, sloths, freshwater pink dolphins, and a stunning array of birdlife. Watch for the extraordinary giant Amazonian water lily.

This afternoon, a Guided Excursion to Pacaya Samiria National Reserve allows you to witness the activity of exotic birds, including trogons, macaws, parrots, falcons, and jacamars.
Active
Take a refreshing Swim in this unique area of the Amazon—with the chance to encounter the Amazon’s amazing pink dolphins.

Discovery

Join in an onboard Cooking Class to learn about native fruits, vegetables, and fish. You’ll learn about local ingredients for delicious recipes. In the evening, enjoy a Mixology Lesson to create Peru’s famous cocktail, the Pisco Sour.

BREAKFAST
LUNCH
DINNER

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 Presentation about indigenous and medicinal plants, fruits, and vegetation used in the Amazonian culture for centuries.

Classic

This afternoon, a Guided Excursion to the Amazon community of San Francisco introduces you local villagers who have called Amazonia their home for generations.

Active

Join a Night Safari Excursion to spot nocturnal creatures, including caiman, frogs, bats, and boa constrictors. You will also have the chance to try fishing for piranhas!

Discovery

Later tonight, enjoy Live Entertainment by the Delfin III crew of local performers to celebrate your Amazon adventure with music and dance.

BREAKFAST
LUNCH
DINNER

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

BREAKFST

Day 13 - LIMA

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

BREAKFAST

NOTES

Maximum elevation on tour: 11,200 ft.
The ship’s itinerary may vary according to water levels, National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, and seasonal changes to create the perfect cross-section of sites visited.
Small Group Discovery – We never allow more than 24 passengers on our Small Group Discovery vacations, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the destination and local culture.

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Amazon Cruises & Tours

Our hand-picked portfolio of traditional Amazon River boats and small Amazon river cruise ships has been carefully chosen to include remarkable vessels operated by only the most trusted of partners, preeminent pioneers of the region who offer exceptional itineraries, unrivaled knowledge and utmost levels of service.