Peruvian Amazon & Machu Picchu Exploration (2026)
From a deep dive into Lima—the “City of Kings”—to the legendary Machu Picchu, this 16-day cruise/tour is an all-encompassing adventure into the marvels of Peru and the Amazon rainforest.From a deep dive into Lima—the “City of Kings”—to the legendary Machu Picchu, this 16-day cruise/tour is an all-encompassing adventure into the marvels of Peru and the Amazon rainforest.
Journey into the Amazon Rainforest onboard the Aria Amazon, a five-star ship designed for your Peruvian adventure. Embark on river skiffs as you explore the Ucayali and Marañón Rivers. Admire the diverse flora and fauna in the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve.
Discover the beauty of the heartland of the Inka Empire, known as the Sacred Valley. Of course, no trip to Peru could truly be complete without a trek to the world-famous Machu Picchu. A must-see, this spectacular piece of history has fascinated both historians and archaeologists alike.
With no shortage of awe-inspiring beauty, this trip is sure to be an unforgettable adventure.
We facilitate donations on this itinerary to give guests like you the opportunity to gift local communities with much-needed supplies. Visit our Donations page to learn how you can participate.
Note: The cruise itinerary will vary depending on water levels.
Also note: Due to cultural differences and other factors, the beverage policy for Peru programs differ from our European programs. Please see our Terms and Conditions for more details.
Seasons: The Aria Amazon sails year-round, and every voyage is uniquely appealing, based on the changing seasons. During the high-water season (approximately November through May), the river and estuaries grow, allowing launch boats to venture deeper into the flooded forest. During the low water season (approximately June through October), the river recedes and beautiful sandy river beaches form. Of course, water levels do not always follow a calendar; day-by-day programs might require adjustments due to these water level fluctuations.
Featured Excursion:
- Lima City Tour
This panoramic drive will take you around the coastline of Lima in Miraflores. You’ll stroll around the “Plaza San Martín” and “Plaza de Armas,” the main square. Afterward, your guide will take you to the San Francisco Monastery. A maze of tunnels and catacombs await you here.
Later, you'll visit Casa Aliaga. Built in 1535, the “Plaza de Armas” is one of Lima’s oldest buildings. A colonial mansion of the Aliaga family, it has been passed down the family for 17 generations. You will meet a family member who will give you a tour and show you items from centuries past. Lunch will be served at the mansion.
Featured Excursion:
- Iquitos Panoramic City Tour
Before heading to the ship to begin sailing, a local guide will take you on a captivating tour through the Belen market. This busting market is a unique and vibrant place, and our guided tour allows you to explore its lively atmosphere while interacting with locals. You'll also head to the Nanay Bridge for breathtaking views of the Nanay River, showcasing the natural beauty of the Amazon region.
In the evening, you will be welcomed with a reception dinner by Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. Famous for his innovative take on Amazonian cuisine, this dinner will be bursting in flavors unique to the Peruvian Amazon.
- Ucayali River Wildlife Exploration
We start the day searching for the incredible wildlife along the Ucayali River. Parrots, egrets, hawks, and monkeys are among some of the Amazonian wildlife you may come across.
- Clavero Lake Excursion
This afternoon, it's your choice: kayak, canoe, or swim the black waters of Clavero Lake. Alternatively, take the unique opportunity to interact with some of the native ribereños—which roughly translates to "river people," Amazonian villagers who live on the banks of the rivers—and learn about their culture.
- Wildlife & Stargazing on the Yarapa River
At dusk, head out on an excursion with your naturalist guide in search of the nocturnal wildlife native to the Amazon. While cruising the Yarapa River in search of these creatures, don't forget to turn your gaze skyward for a crystal-clear view of the constellations.
- Amazon River Wildlife Exploration
Explore with your naturalist guide, who will teach you all about the diverse flora and fauna unique to the region.
- Tahuayo River Exploration
Explore the Tahuayo River, a black water tributary of the Amazon River. Learn about the Tahuayo River through the stories shared by your naturalist guide.
- Flora & Fauna of the Amazon
Following lunch onboard, venture out on a jungle walk through the forest to explore the Amazonian flora and the fauna of Puerto Prado.
Featured Excursions:
- Nauta Market Visit
Discover some of the exotic fruits unique to the area, such as Camu Camu or Maracuya. Meet local fishermen and see what the catch of the day is. Maybe even indulge your taste buds in an unfamiliar treat.
- Birthplace of the Amazon
Despite centuries of exploration, the Amazon River remains a fascinating destination, shrouded in mystery. Journey to where this mighty river is born, where the Ucayali and Marañón Rivers join. While all the lush greenery is breathtaking, you’ll especially be amazed at the giant water lilies growing in the river basin.
- Marañón River Bird Watching & Jungle Walk
One of the most important water sources in Peru, and a main Amazon tributary, the Marañón River is abundant in animal and plant life. Be on the lookout for one of the 64 rare bird species native to the area.
- Yanayacu Pucate River Skiff Ride & Village Visit
Explore the black waters of the Yanayacu Pucate River, keep an eye out for sloths, egrets, parrots, and the Taricaya turtles. After your skiff ride, visit an Amazon village to witness a demonstration of Aguaje palm harvesting.
- Piranha Fishing on the Amazon River
After lunch, embark on a top bucket-list adventure for your Amazonian trip, piranha fishing. Your guide will show you how to safely hunt for the notorious fish from the safety of our comfortable river skiffs.
- Nocturnal Wildlife Exploration along the Amazon River
Set out at dusk with your naturalist guide in search of the exotic nocturnal wildlife of the Amazon.
- Fishing along the Samiria River
Today, your naturalist will guide you on a fishing expedition along the black waters of the Samiria River.
- Night Sailing on the Ucayali River
At dusk, enjoy a sunset cruise along the Ucayali River, while keeping an eye out for pink river dolphins.
- Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Exploration
This afternoon, choose to explore the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve one of four ways: by canoeing, kayaking, swimming, or on a jungle walk.
Featured Excursions:
- Marañón River Skiff Tour
Today, you'll be exploring the Amazon rainforest by skiff as you cruise the Marañón River. If you're lucky, you may spot some pink river dolphins.
- Puerto Prado Village Visit
Visit an indigenous village to learn about local life in the Amazon, and take the opportunity to view the giant water lilies that can be found here. These lily pads are known to grow up to 10 ft. in diameter and have been recorded being able to hold hundreds of pounds without sinking under the water.
Featured Excursions:
- Nauta Town Visit
Founded in 1930, Nauta is a central gathering place for Amazonian villagers to buy and trade their local harvest. Your guide will show you the town and give you insight into the daily life of these remote people.
- Manatee Rescue Center
Manatees in the Amazon face multiple threats, from habitat destruction to hunting. The Amazon Rescue Center, funded by the Dallas World Aquarium Zoo, takes in orphaned calves, rehabilitates them, and releases them back into the wild. Since their founding, they’ve rescued over 40 orphaned baby manatees. During this visit, you’ll have a chance to get up close to these majestic creatures.
Featured Excursions:
- Moray–Agricultural Terraces & Weaving
A pre-Inkan site, Moray is considered to be a significant Inka agricultural research center. Your guide will give you a tour of the round, agricultural terraces. Afterward, you will meet with local women who will show you traditional Peruvian weaving techniques.
- Ollantaytambo Family Home Tour with Picnic Lunch
One of the few battles where the Spaniards lost to the Inkas took place at Ollantaytambo, an impressive fortress that overlooks one of the oldest villages in Cusco. After your tour of the fortress, you will walk to the “last living Inka village of Peru,” which sits under Ollantaytambo. Experience the fascinating way of living in the Sacred Valley at a family home visit. Afterward, enjoy a picnic to the sounds of traditional local Inkan instruments before making your own panpipe.
Featured Excursion:
- Machu Picchu
Your day starts early with a shuttle bus up to the ancient citadel. Your guide will share stories about the Inka civilization, the site’s discovery, and all the theories surrounding this spectacular piece of history. Enjoy lunch at the famous Sanctuary Lodge before heading back down to Aguas Calientes.
Featured Excursion:
- Cusco City Tour
Start your morning off at Sacsayhuamán, the Inkan ceremonial fortress dedicated to the sun. Indulge your senses at the San Pedro market as you wander through the colorful stands overflowing with fruits, vegetables, spices, and local products. Your tour continues after lunch with visits to the renaissance-style Cathedral and Koricancha, the temple dedicated to the sun “Inti.” Finally, your day ends with a dining experience inside the San Francisco Monastery of Cusco.
Featured Excursion:
- San Blas Walking Tour
Abundant in beautiful handicrafts and antique stores, San Blas is a vibrant neighborhood. You’ll visit the Hilario Mendivil Museum, showcasing the work of Mendivil, an artist famous for statues of saints with notoriously long necks. Wander down small alleys with your guide before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.
| Cruise Departure | Double Occupancy Pricing | Ship | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Wed, 14 Jan 2026
(Lima to Lima) |
$13,049.00 |
Aria Amazon |
Select this date | |
|
Wed, 11 Feb 2026
(Lima to Lima) |
$13,049.00 |
Aria Amazon |
Select this date | |
|
Wed, 11 Mar 2026
(Lima to Lima) |
$13,049.00 |
Aria Amazon |
Select this date | |
|
Wed, 15 Apr 2026
(Lima to Lima) |
$13,049.00 |
Aria Amazon |
Select this date | |
|
Wed, 13 May 2026
(Lima to Lima) |
$13,049.00 |
Aria Amazon |
Select this date | |
|
Wed, 10 Jun 2026
(Lima to Lima) |
$13,049.00 |
Aria Amazon |
Select this date | |
|
Wed, 09 Sep 2026
(Lima to Lima) |
$13,049.00 |
Aria Amazon |
Select this date | |
|
Wed, 07 Oct 2026
(Lima to Lima) |
$13,049.00 |
Aria Amazon |
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|
Wed, 04 Nov 2026
(Lima to Lima) |
$13,049.00 |
Aria Amazon |
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|
Wed, 02 Dec 2026
(Lima to Lima) |
$13,049.00 |
Aria Amazon |
Select this date | |
- All fares are per guest in US Dollars based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted.
- Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice.
- Availability of all stateroom categories cannot be guaranteed.
- Single Supplement applies for single accommodation.
- Itineraries, hotels, and vessels may change, and substitute visits to other sites may occur during your trip due to water level fluctuations and other uncontrollable factors.
- The order of sightseeing and docking ports are subject to change according to port authority assignments.
Dining
- Meals onboard prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
- Five-star cuisine with menu by top chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino
- 14 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 10 dinners
- Complimentary house wine and beer, spirits, soft drinks, tea, and coffee will be served on the Aria Amazon, between 6am and 11pm throughout the cruise. Onboard lunches and dinners include complimentary house wine and beer, soft drinks, coffee, and tea. Onshore lunches and dinners include complimentary soft drinks, coffee, and tea
Excursions
- 13 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts and naturalist guides
Accommodations
- 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the luxurious Aria Amazon
- Lavishly appointed riverview suites with floor-to-ceiling windows
- 2 nights in Lima at the Country Club Lima Hotel (or similar)
- 2 nights in Urubamba at the Tambo del Inka hotel (or similar)
- 1 night in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) at The Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel (or similar)
- 2 nights in Cusco at the Palacio del Inka hotel (or similar)
- 1 night in Lima at the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport hotel at the Lima International Airport (or similar)
Experiences
- 1 country: Peru
- 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
- Cultural enrichment
- Flights included between Lima & Iquitos, Iquitos & Cusco, and Cusco & Lima
- Gratuities for onboard and onshore personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager, local experts, drivers) are included both during the cruise/tour as well as on any pre- or post-cruise land extensions
