Arrival Transfer

Upon the arrival of your international flight, you will be met by   Aracari’s representative, who will be holding a sign with your name. He will escort you to your hotel and assist you at check-in.

The representative will hand you a travel pack, which will include a hard copy of your itinerary for your trip with local times, maps, recommended shopping and eating and background information of the sites you will visit. He will also talk you through this information and will be happy to answer any questions at all that you may have at this point.  All hotel vouchers are sent electronically prior to your check-in.  Train tickets will be given to you the day of your train journey.

Please note that if require any assistance or information during the course of your trip we are at your disposal either through or local representatives or from our Lima office. You can contact us at any time on our 24-hour mobile numbers or at our office numbers during working hours.  All numbers will appear at the end of the itinerary section in your booklet.

Overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores*****

With its stylish contemporary design, cutting-edge technology and ideal location, the flagship Casa Andina Private Collection - Miraflores hotel is the top of its class in every aspect. Once the Miraflores César's, Lima’s fondly remembered, original five-star hotel, this modern icon was dramatically transformed in 2008 into the capital’s newest luxury hotel. Its quintessential Limeño flavor reverberates in the exquisite art collection of contemporary local artists and prized colonial-era antiques, in both public spaces and accommodations.

The 17-story hotel, with views over Miraflores and the Pacific coast, offers 148 sophisticated, contemporary luxury rooms and suites, with soundproofing and LCD flat screen TVs in every room. First-class amenities include a heated, covered pool and breezy terrace, gymnasium with the latest exercise equipment, prestigious Joop salon & massage room.

http://www.aracari.com/hotels/casa-andina-private-collection-miraflores.html

Superior room

Buffet Breakfast

Day 2: Saturday

Insiders Visit of Colonial Lima and Larco Herrera Museum with Specialist Guide

Spend full day with one of our specialist guides in the area of Lima that best demonstrates its Spanish colonial roots.

Please note that our specialist guides are erudite in their area of expertise and many other aspects of art and culture. They are historians, architects, conservators, archaeologists, art and design specialists or art historians.  For them, guiding is not their primary professional activity.  They may be engaged in teaching, lecturing, in the process of writing their theses, or may be involved in specific freelance cultural projects. They guide because they like to share their knowledge with educated foreign visitors, and their   knowledge and enthusiasm for their subject takes our clients underneath the skin of the buildings themselves in a way that the professional tour guide never seems able to. The beauty of these visits is that they offer the flexibility that you require.

You will first visit the private Larco Herrera Museum. Housed in an elegant, whitewashed mansion with a lovely garden, this museum contains the largest private collection of pre-Columbian pottery in Peru, with several tens of thousands of the finest ceramics from diverse pre-Hispanic cultures. There are a couple of rooms showing an important collection of textiles, gold and silver objects. In a separate room the visitor can find the famous erotic pottery form the Moche culture (500 AD). There is a good gift shop with an array of souvenir replicas and jewelry.

Museo Larco Cafe/Restaurant

Skillfully complimenting the traditional with the contemporary in both, cuisine and decor, this charming cafe style restaurant is located in leafy courtyard of Larco Herrera Museum.

Today, the house is in superb condition, exemplifying life in the Viceregal period. Marvel at the series of salons representing décor during the 16^th, 17^th and 18^th centuries. Explore the courtyard and chapel where the walls used to be covered in silver sheets prior to the ‘sacking’ of 1826

This will be followed by a visit to the Colonial area of Lima. Amongst the main sights are the Cathedral, The Convent of San Francisco and its catacombs, and the Main Square with its beautiful baroque style buildings.

Visit to Casa Aliaga

Step back in time as you enter Casa Aliaga, reportedly the oldest home on the Continent and still family-owned after 17 generations. It was first deeded to Jerónimo de Aliaga after he became one of the 13 men who stayed with Francisco Pizarro during his grueling exploration of Peru’s coast in 1527

You will also have a chance to visit the Casona de San Marcos: the seat of the Universidad de San Marcos, the oldest University in the Americas (founded in 1558) and one of the oldest in the world.

Overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores*****

Superior room

Buffet Breakfast

Day 3: Sunday

Departure Transfer

Aracari representative, will pick you up from your hotel and escort you to the airport for your domestic flight to Arequipa. He will inform you of the necessary check-out and departure procedures, and accompany you until you are comfortable and ready for your flight.

Upon your arrival, you will be driven from the Airport to your Hotel in a private car.

Arequipa: The White City and beyond

Arequipa is Peru’s second most important city and a very pleasant one too. It is also called “the White City” owing to the color of its building stones: white volcanic stone from the five volcanoes that surround it. Arequipa has several interesting sights, but it is especially one of Arequipa’s most pleasant towns, with a dry and warm climate almost all year round, lovely buildings and plazas.

Your guide will collect you and you will start with an overview of  the highlights of Arequipa:   the Main Square, the neighboring streets and lookout points to appreciate the views of the volcanoes. You will visit the interior of the Jesuit Church of La Compania, a unique example of American baroque architecture, with a wonderfully intricate façade with local motifs, and a superb polychrome chapel cupula.  You will also visit the Casa del Moral, a good example of secular colonial architecture, built in 1730.  Visit the Convent of Santa Catalina, the city’s highlight, commonly known as the ‘pride’ of Arequipa and arguably the key highlight of Arequipa. This 29,426 square meter convent was founded in 1580 and is a masterpiece of Colonial architectural design

It is also included a visit to the “Museo Santuarios Andinos” where frozen Inca mummies from pre-Columbian times are kept. Your guide will facilitate your visit and interpret the city for you.

Arequipa offers good shopping of Alpaca garments and has other interesting convents and colonial houses to visit.

Overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection Arequipa*****

The Casa Andina Private Collection in Arequipa is a recently inaugurated 5-star hotel in Arequipa, housed in the premises of what was the Royal Mint or “Casa de la Moneda” in Colonial times.

Located 3 blocks from the Plaza de Armas, the Hotel has 41 rooms, including a presidential suite, two colonial patios, internet access, central heating and a gourmet restaurant.

http://www.aracari.com/hotels/casa-andina-private-collection-arequipa.html

Superior Room

Buffet Breakfast

Day 4: Monday

Arequipa to Colca Journey

You will depart from Arequipa and drive northbound obtaining stunning views of the volcanoes that surround the City along the way. The total drive to the Colca takes 3-4 hours non-stop or 5-6 hours with sightseeing stops en route. Total distance covered is 165km/102 miles, all on paved road.   The landscape and vegetation will change as you gradually gain altitude, transforming the land from an arid scrub with abundant cacti to the Puna highlands: a frigid, grassland dotted with snow-capped peaks and rare relict woodlands of short trees. Above 3,800m/12,467ft you enter the ecosystem generally known as the Puna highlands. The Puna is the home of condor and the vicuna.

Soon after your departure you will enter the “Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve”, one of Peru’s two protected areas devoted to preserving the vicuna, the wild and rare Andean camelid of precious fur. Here, herds of these lovely animals are easy to see.  The next attractions are the Sumbay Caves, whose impressive pre-historic petroglyphs and cave paintings are worth the short detour from the main route.

It will not be long until you reach Patapampa (4914 m/16,122ft), the highest point in this route.  Your gradual descent starts and you will come across the unique Toccra lagoons, where a variety Andean birdlife abounds. You will soon turn west and descend into the Colca Valley and first encounter its astounding landscapes. You will reach Chivay and head along the southern banks of the Colca river until you reach the village of Yanque. This tiny village has one of the most imposing Churches in the Valley.

You will have an English speaking guide and driver for the duration of your stay.

Overnight at Las Casitas del Colca

This wonderful Orient Express lodge consists of 20 detached and spacious cottages or "casitas" offering the highest standard of comfort. Each double or twin cottage has central and floor heating, fireplace, outdoor hot tub and indoor bathtub,  indoor and outdoor shower.  Each cottage or casita is strategically built within the property to maintain privacy and to maximize the views and to be sheltered from the wind.  Highly recommended Spa with outdoor heated pool offering a wide range of massage therapies and beauty treatments. There is a lounge, dining and reception area in a detached structure commanding fantastic views.  Activities such as horse riding, walks, fishing in the lodge's pond, visiting the eco vegetable garden and feeding baby alpacas are  included as well as all meals.

http://www.aracari.com/hotels/las-casitas-del-colca-colca-valley-arequipa-area.html

Standard Bungalow

Buffet breakfast

Day 5: Tuesday

Early in the morning you will drive down the valley toward the Condor Cross, the best lookout point for Condors, about an hour and a half from your lodge.

As you drive along the Valley narrows and forms the impressive Canyon. The lookout point for condors stands a 1000m/ 3281ft above the river, and 2,400m/7874ft below the top of the cliff faces. Although the condor is present throughout the Andes, there are only a few places, like the Colca, where it is regularly observed, and fewer still where it can be seen from above to appreciate the white plumage of its wings and flanks.

At the Condor Cross you will probably see several soaring below you with the first thermals of the morning. Once the thermals have taken the condors past you and out of sight you will continue down the road to the village of Cabanoconde.  The inhabitants of the Colca Valley come from two ethnic groups: The Cabanas and the Collaguas. The Cabanas, who live in Cabanoconde and the lower part of the valley are the smaller group and have ancient Quechua roots dating to 1400 BC. They identify their ethnic origin by the hat on their head: The Cabanas use beautifully embroidered felt hats.  After Cabanaconde, you will return to the lodge for lunch.

For the rest of your time in Colca you may rest and relax at your Lodge, or if colonial art is of interest to you, visit to one of the best preserved colonial churches such as Maca, Coporaque or Lari. Alternatively you can go on a two hour hike to the nearby pre-Inca ruins of Uyo-Uyo, visit the thermal baths at the Colca Lodge, or go horse riding.

Overnight at Las Casitas del Colca

Standard Bungalow

Buffet breakfast

Day 6: Wednesday

You will be collected from your Hotel and driven in a private car to the Airport.

Assistance between Flights

Aracari representative,  will be expecting you from you domestic and expertly handle your boarding passes and travel documents, brief you about your trip, and whisk you off to the departure lounge

for your flight to Iquitos.

Discovering the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve on the Delfin II: Five Days and Four Nights

Visit one of the Earth’s most precious assets, the Amazon Basin. This area of the planet plays an unique role in its well-being. It covers an area larger than the entire continental United States and contains the largest tropical forest in the world. The Basin harbors nearly one-third of the world’s species and contains nearly one-quarter of the earth’s fresh water.

The statistics are incredible, but nothing compares to seeing the wealth of flora and fauna and meeting the indigenous people of this beautiful part of the world. During this trip you will spend three days exploring the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, part of the ‘flooded forest’. For nearly six months of the year, waters from the mighty Amazon River and other tributaries rise as much as 40 feet to inundate an area greater in size than the state of Florida. During your five day trip you will have the chance to spot over 132 species of mammal, including 13 primates and over 300 species of birds.

The Delfin, a beautiful luxury cabin boat with a polished wood interior, is your home for the next five days.

05:00 pm. Arrive Iquitos

After arriving at Iquitos International Airport, you will be assisted by our guides and transported by bus for about 1 ½ hours, heading northwest toward Nauta (the oldest city in the department of Loreto). Nauta lies between Iquitos and the Marañon River, where the DELFIN is waiting for you.

07:30 pm. Arrive Nauta and board the DELFIN

Upon arriving at the port of Nauta, you will board the DELFIN, assisted by our experienced crew. They will help you settle into your wood-paneled, comfortable twin-bedded cabin provided with orthopedic mattresses and natural cotton sheets and towels, silent A/C units and private bathrooms with fine wooden furnishings, hot showers and a variety of environmentally friendly amenities for your ultimate indulgence.

It will become clear that you are traveling where few have gone before. In fact, you are part of a select group of seasoned world travelers who visit remote Pacaya-Samiria Reserve, five million acres of protected, flooded forest, roughly the size of a small Central American country. A world of flora and fauna awaits you.

08:00 pm. Happy hour

Just before dusk, as the DELFIN starts its journey into the rainforest, our barman and staff will provide you with a wide variety of drinks and cocktails including Peru’s finest and most famous cocktail, the pisco sour, made of Pisco, a Peruvian grape brandy. Fine regional cigars will also be available.

08:30 pm. Dinner

Dinner is served in our cozy dining room located at the back of the ship’s second deck.

Because of its cultural diversity, Peruvian cuisine is considered one of the world’s finest, making the country an attractive culinary destination. Aside from providing you with your first rainforest adventure, the DELFIN is also a unique culinary experience, offering the best of Amazonian-Peruvian cuisine in a cosmopolitan gourmet setting. Our chef prides himself in serving dishes in different styles and seasoned with a wide variety of herbs and spices, as well as exotic fruits,

09:30 pm. Briefing and time to relax

On the top observation deck, our guides will use charts and short videos displayed on our flat LCD screen to conduct a brief orientation, outlining details of your journey, including the places you will visit, the wildlife you will see, as well as a summary of the history and geography of the Amazon basin.

Finally, under the beauty of an Amazonian night filled with hundreds of stars or perhaps a full moon, and wafted by the gentle breeze of the rainforest, our multitalented staff will briefly entertain you with a little live music, while you enjoy an after dinner drink and a fine Amazonian cigar.

Day 7: Thursday

Belluda Caño – Dorado River

06:00 am. Breakfast – Buffet

Dawn and dusk are ideal times for nature observation, and an early rise is therefore highly recommended. On your first morning, coffee will wake us up, and pancakes will be a delicious choice for this new morning of adventure and new surprises.

Belluda Stream exploration

Aboard the skiffs, we will explore this black water stream and start learning about the rainforest. You are now in Pacaya Samiria national reserve, where you will have the chance to see its amazing wildlife. From the skiff you can easily spot parrots, macaws and monkeys, such as the monk Saki monkey with its gray and black body, naked face and long shaggy tail. You might also see the saddle back tamarin monkey, whose high chirping notes can easily be confused with those of a flock of birds.

It’s also a good spot to see the beautiful morpho butterfly that flaps lazily along open corridors through forest or along river edges of lowland forest on sunny days. Different species of hawks will also be found and if we are lucky we’ll see the noisy “laughing falcon,” named after its loud falsetto call while sitting solitary in secondary forest and plantations.

11:00 am. Back to the boat

We will continue upstream towards our next destination.

12:30 pm. Lunch

After emerging from the depths of the forest, you’ll be treated to a world-class gourmet meal.

Our young and innovative chef will surprise your sophisticated palates, while introducing you to the pleasures of Peru´s haute cuisine. Our gourmet menu has been designed especially to please you. The menu features glorious fresh fish and other local delicacies, all prepared with an Amazonian flair and our personal touch.

03:30 pm. El Dorado River exploration

We will head for this spectacular spot within the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve In the skiffs, where you will also experience an unforgettable encounter with gray and pink river dolphins. Enjoy a unique opportunity to swim among the dolphins.

On the river you will experience abundant wildlife and nature in all its exuberance while we search for the Amazon River’s transitional forest specialties such as snail kites, festive parrots, endangered scarlet macaws, olive spotted hummingbirds, Amazonian parrot lets, wood creepers, among others.

Prehistoric looking iguanas laze in the sun while we travel along the shoreline searching for whatever the jungle has to offer us. Squirrel Monkeys are very active at this time of the day, when they move in large noisy troops at mid- to upper-levels of primary and secondary lowland forest.

06:30 pm. Back to the boat

We will continue sailing towards our next destination.

07:00 pm. Happy Hour

Our bar is open and our barman is waiting to serve you new combinations of regional fruits and drinks, while you relax aboard the Delfin as we continue our journey up the Ucayali River towards the Puinahua River.

08:00 pm. Dinner

The service continues. Wine pairings will includes some of the best South American vintages.  Desserts are also a wonderful treat on our menu.

09:30 pm. Relaxation on board

Our staff and guides will be there to answer any question about what we have already seen and visited. While feeling the warm breeze of the Amazon night, fine cigars and after dinner drinks will be available before you fall asleep to the musical sounds of the jungle. Don´t forget to look up at the sky, where the feast continues, with millions of sparkling stars set against the deep black night or perhaps a full moon that lights up the entire river.

Day 8: Friday

Atun Poza Lake – Rio Pacaya

07:00 am. Breakfast – Buffet

As usual, our dining room and kitchen staff are waiting for you; fresh ground coffee grown in the highlands of the Amazon and local fruits await you as you continue your jungle experience.

08:00 am. Atun Poza expedition

Atun Poza by skiff: This morning we will cruise in our skiffs along a lake called Atun Poza, where we will surprise several species of egrets, herons, hawks, long-legged neotropical cormorants fishing for their dinner, and unusual and loud horned screamers. We will also have a chance to explore other black water lagoons linked to this huge lake, were wattled jacanas compete with a wide variety of spiders, grasshoppers, dragonflies, butterflies, moths, beetles, etc. living along the grassy edges and lily pads of freshwater swamps and marshes. We will have an excellent opportunity of seeing social spiders and how their webs embrace huge parts of a tree.

11:00 am. Back to the vessel

We will continue up the Puinahua River towards the Pacaya River, our destination at the very heart of the Pacaya Samiria Reserve, for further exploration of the largest wetland reserve in the world.

12:30 pm. Lunch

More delicious combinations are in store for you today. Our chef has selected the best ingredients, preparing a unique meal, so just relax and enjoy and let yourself be pampered by our staff.

04:00 pm. Pacaya River expedition

We have reached our main goal, the Pacaya River, at the very heart of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, Peru’s largest protected area with a mean annual rainfall of nearly 3,000mm, by far the largest protected wetland reserve in the world. Filled with lakes, palm swamps and streams, the reserve becomes a flooded forest in the rainy season and is one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever visit.

Aboard our comfortable skiffs, we will explore magnificent views and wildlife opportunities, experiencing spectacular rainforest wilderness, while searching for different species of monkeys, such as small family groups of red howler monkeys, the largest in the Amazon basin, with its bright rust-colored fur and long prehensile tail.

At sunset, you’ll be will be astonished by the beautiful colors of the sky and the reflection of the jungle in the black water of the Pacaya River, which is why it has been called the forest of reflections: it’s hard to know where the jungle begins and the water ends. Once it is dark, you’ll hear the second installment of the jungle symphony. Armed with powerful spot lights, we’ll start our night safari in search of night herons, pauraques, spectacled owls, up to a dozen species of croaking from the river’s edge, and fish bats flying over the water scooping up fish.

Spectacled and black caimans are found in these pristine waters, and our guides will point them out to you. Stargazing at this time is unique while fireflies light up the jungle around us.

08:00 pm. Back to the boat

We will spend the night in front of a ranger station on the Puinahua River.

08:30 pm. Dinner

After our night safari, we will calm your appetite with wonderful dishes, so let the heart of the jungle captivate yours. Our first class service continues while you enjoy the wonders of your surroundings.

Day 9: Saturday

Caro Curahuayte Lagoon – Jungle Hick

07:00 am. Wake up call

This morning we will start very early and breakfast will be ready for you, in order to see as much wildlife as possible, in one of the earth´s greatest wilderness.

08:00 am. Fishing at Caro Curahuayte Lake or Exploring the Shores of emergent Islands

Fishing at Caro Curahuayte

On board our excursion skiffs, we will head for a beautiful lake to a spectacular spot, where we expect to catch some fish, mainly piranhas. During the rainy season, the forest is flooded and many trees flower and bear fruit in conjunction with the flooding. Many fish, including piranhas, swim among the flooded tree trunks devouring the fruit or chewing at their skins. Obviously, the piranhas’ reputation as super-carnivores is an exaggeration! There are 25 different species of piranha in the Amazon basin, including black, white and red bellied.

11:30 am. Back to the Boat

We will start navigating back down the Puinahua River towards Iquitos.

12:30 pm. Lunch

By now, you’ll know the routine, our kitchen staff welcomes you again, surprising you with a very sophisticated meal and a well balanced menu. There’s also time for dessert. Coffee will be served at the bar on the Observation deck.

03:30 pm. Visit the Yanallpa Community

This afternoon you will have the opportunity to visit this riverside community, this will be your first interaction with local villagers and to meet their unique way of life. This is time to bring along any presents you have and will like to give out to the people and children’s, (papers, books, pencils, colors, T-shirts) they will really appreciate them and will be very pleased. You will learn about all fruit trees and how they harvest them.

05:30 pm. Back to the vessel

We will continue down the Puinahua River towards the Ucayali River.

06:30 pm. Briefing and Slide Show

At this time our guides will review all that we have seen and learned, with the help of videos and a slide show on our flat-screen TV. This will give you the chance to see up close the birds, monkeys, reptiles, etc. This is the time to clear up any doubts. We will sail all night long as the Delfin continues its smooth journey downstream. Our barman is ready to offer you a wide choice of drinks. Coffee and tea are always available.

08:00 pm. Farewell Dinner

Leaving behind the wildlife, you will continue enjoying our service, as a world class traveler deserves. Tonight our chef and kitchen staff will treat you to a grilled dinner, including fresh salads, grilled vegetables, magical sauces, and wonderful combinations of different types of meat. Our talented staff will delight you with some live music before you retire.

Day 10: Sunday

Amazon River – Yarapa River – Puerto Miguel Community

07:30 am: Breakfast – Buffet

This will be your last breakfast with us, so dare to try all the things you resisted: natural, fresh fruit juices, fresh fruit, cereals, fresh ground coffee.

08:00 am. Yarapa River Exploration and Puerto Miguel Village Visit

On board our skiffs we will stop at the village of Puerto Miguel to meet local villagers. You will have the chance to learn about their culture, traditions and folklore. You may also visit one of the villager’s homes, to see how they live and the simplicity of their lifestyle and purchase some of the handcrafts they make.

10:30 am. Back to the vessel

We will continue sailing down the Amazon River.

This is also the time to gather all of your things, pack your bags and check out.

12:30 pm. Lunch

AS usual, you’ll enjoy the diversity of our culinary choices. Our kitchen staff will be there for any special requests.

13:30 pm. Disembark at Nauta

We will disembark at our port in Nauta, where a bus will be waiting to take you back to Iquitos.

03:30 pm. Arrive at Iquitos Airport

Our personnel will help you check in, and say goodbye.

05:30 pm. Flight departs for Lima

All activities are subject to change due to weather conditions and time of year. River and tributaries level may vary and thus navigation times and excursions may need to be modified at the captain´s discretion.

Arrival Transfer

Upon the arrival of your domestic flight, you will be met by   Aracari’s representative, who will be holding a sign with your name. He will escort you to your hotel and assist you at check-in.

Overnight at Country Club Lima Hotel*****

This 76 room hotel is located in the residential and commercial district of San Isidro, right in front of the Lima Golf Club – guests can play at the Golf Club for a modest green fee. Please request to play in advance. The hotel is housed in an elegant old mansion that was the most exclusive club and hotel of the Lima elite in the 30´s. It has a pool, spa, beauty parlor, two bars and a restaurant.

http://www.aracari.com/hotels/country-club-lima-hotel-lima-lima-area.html

Gran Class

Buffet Breakfast

Massage at Yaku Spa

Day 11: Monday

Departure Transfer

Aracari representative, will pick you up from your hotel and escort you to the airport for your international flight. He will inform you of the necessary check-out and departure procedures, and accompany you until you are comfortable and ready for your flight.

END OF OUR SERVICES