Itinerary

Fly to Iquitos situated on the banks of the Amazon River in the heart of the northern Peruvian Amazon region. Transfer to Iquitos’ Main Wharf where the M/V Aria awaits you. Once onboard, you will appreciate the low-key luxury atmosphere of the M/V Aria. Enjoy the view from the Upper Deck as we leave Iquitos behind.

Over the next three days, you will also sail along some of the largest tributaries of the Amazon, as well as the mighty Amazon itself. You are embarking on a magnificent adventure to places visited by only a very few.
 
Amazon River Cruise, Peru
The 130-foot, M/V Aria is the ultimate luxury cruise ship on the northern Amazon River in Peru. Built in 2011 to the highest standards of modern small ship cruise lines, it is fully air conditioned throughout and all the suites on the Aria Amazon are comparable to a 5-star hotel with private baths, luxury toiletries and fine linen bedding to lull you to sleep under the stars of the Amazon.

From the gourmet Peruvian cuisine to the crystal and china service at dinner, the amenities onboard the Aria Amazon will treat you to an intimate but luxurious Amazon River cruise.

Three highly trained interpreter Amazon River guides will take you on as many as three expeditions a day, aboard comfortable motorized skiffs. They will give you both the big picture of life on the Amazon, and will point out the multitude of small details that make the region special - a howler monkey hidden in a tree, a vivid butterfly resting on a leaf, a bird, such as the endangered harpy eagle, enjoying the tranquility of the Amazon basin.

Includes all meals while onboard, all excursions and all beverages (alcoholic & non-alcoholic except premium brands).

This morning board the skiffs to explore a fascinating black water stream, part of the vast Amazon flooded forest within the Payaya-Samiria National Reserve.
 
Your guides will tell you about the jungle as you explore what scientists call a ‘gallery forest’, because of its dense vegetation that creates a tunnel of leaves. As you explore this type of riparian vegetation, watch above for parrots, macaws, and fluffy monk saki monkeys.
 
In the late afternoon you will take a magical journey through the ‘Jungle of the Mirrors’, where towering trees are reflected in the dark river. Move on to Dorado River where you may observe enchanting parrots, macaws and a variety of primates, unperturbed by our presence. As you make your way back to the Aria Amazon, you may see alligators, frogs and fishing bats.

There will be an early morning departure to board the Orient Express Luxury train “Hiram Bingham” for our visit to Machu Picchu. View spectacular scenery while you enjoy a delicious Brunch onboard. You will arrive at the Lost Citadel of the Incas where you will be able to visit this stunning place.

Take a guided tour of the citadel, stroll by the archeological site before enjoying an afternoon tea at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge Hotel. As the sun goes down, you will return back to the station to board the train. Sit back and relax the VIP treatment followed by cocktails and live entertainment. Afterwards, you will be escorted to the dining car for a four-course gourmet dinner making your trip to Machu Picchu an unforgettable experience.

Fly to Uyuni.

The Palacio de Sal is extraordinary because it is entirely made out of salt from Bolivia offering guests the essence of the Andes, on the edge of the world’s largest salt flats. Step out onto the white salt pans to a vast expanse of white as far as the eye can see.

Fly to Calama, located 60 miles northwest of San Pedro de Atacama, an oasis in the desert, Valley of the Moon. Upon arrival, we will transfer to Explora Atacama, a deluxe hotel near San Pedro de Atacama, to enjoy excursions which will capture profound landscapes, natural events and inhabited places that bare the ingredients and surprises that make the experience unforgettable.

Enjoy a casual and friendly ambiance at the hotel such as a seat in a private corner by one of the terrace fire pits, lounge next to the pool or relax on one of the shady outdoor decks. When night falls, take in the brilliant stars, bask in the peace and wonder that is the Atacama Desert.

Your tour guide will be available to help you select from numerous tours available including hiking, trekking or biking. Over the Quitor hill, a short distance from San Pedro are the ruins of the Pukar (fortress), constructed by the atacame os to defend themselves from other inhabitants of South America.

Built on the summit of a hill overlooking the San Pedro River, Pukara de Quitor is an ancient Indian fortress whose construction dates back to the XII century. It was declared a national monument in 1982.

On our tour this morning we will discover the highlights of Chile’s capital. Visit landmarks such as Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, Cerro Santa Lucia and La Moneda palace. Absorb the bohemian charm of Bellavista neighborhood. The afternoon is free for shopping or to relax at the hotel.

Today we will explore Easter Island, one of the most isolated islands in the world but 1,200 years ago a double - hulled canoe filled with seafarers from a distant culture landed upon its shores.

Over the centuries that followed a remarkable society developed in isolation on the island. For reasons still unknown they began carving giant statues out of volcanic rock. These monuments, known as ‘moai’, are some of the most incredible ancient relics ever discovered.

The people of Easter Island called themselves the Rapa Nui. Where did they come from and why did they disappear? Science has learned much about the enigma of Easter Island but questions and controversies remain.

Today, we will take a commercial flight back to Santiago (cost of round trip ticket not included). Afterwards, we will transfer to Mandarin Oriental where we will enjoy an overnight stay to prepare ourselves for our flight for tomorrow.

Today a choice of selected tours will be available to either explore the lakes and glaciers, enjoy several waterfalls, or hike on one of the many tranquil trails. Excursion options include : hiking, trekking, horseback riding, bicycle riding and scenic tours.

You will consult with the head guide at the beginning of your stay to select the best excursions for you, taking into account individual interests and fitness levels process of wine making. We’ll end our visit with a wine tasting.

After a technical stop at Punta Arenas, Chile, fly to San Carlos de Bariloche, a city that stands out for its architectural features and for being located in a privileged region due to the beauty of its landscapes made up of mountains, woods, lakes, glaciers and an exuberant flora.

An ecologic paradise, the Llao Llao Hotel and Resort is situated on a small hill within the Nahuel Huapi National Park. Enjoy exquisite panoramic views of the wonderful Patagonia landscape – limpid lakes, majestic Andean peaks, and colorful larch and cypress forestsafternoon is at leisure.

Fly to the beautiful city of Buenos Aires - capital of Argentina. Transfer to the Four Seasons hotel for our three - night stay. This is an ideal location to relax and enjoy great shopping.

Today is free to explore this beautiful city on your own. The hotel is located in the distinguished neighborhood of Recoleta, just minutes from the thriving city center and home to some of Buenos Aires most beautiful European-style architecture.

We’ll take a boat tour up-river through the canyon to the base of the falls to see the great horseshoe known as “Devil’s Throat”.

Rainbows, blue sky, mist and profuse water punctuate this natural spectacle. View “The Three Musketeers” – the three main streams of the lower falls. You’ll get close enough for a quick and refresing shower! The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.

A full- day tour will show us the highlights of the city including a cable car ride to the top of Sugar Loaf, a climb to the foot of the Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) and to Ipanema, Copacabana and many other historical sights.

Today we will venture out a city tour to discover the highlights of this beautiful city!

The town’s historical Pelourinho district has UNESCO Cultural Heritage status and is a fascinating mix of colonial grandeur and African vibrancy.

After breakfast, we will continue to Canouan, located in St. Vincent & The Grenadines. Canouan Island is a remote island hideaway that is fast becoming one of the most sought-after luxury destinations in the world.

Upon arrival, we will transfer to the new Mandarin Oriental, Canouan. Boasting a dreamy setting of glass-clear seas, powdery sand beaches and vibrant greenery, Mandarin Oriental, Canouan is an island gem with elegant colonial - style suites, Lagoon Villas and Italian - design Patio Villas.

Today is at leisure to relax on the beach or hop into a golf buggy or on a bicycle (available on rent) -navigate around the native tortoise species and see if you can find the old Anglican Church that was transported to the island centuries ago.

We will gather this evening for our pilot briefing followed by dinner.