16 Day Uniworld River Cruise from Lima to Lima 2024

Day 1 Lima

Arrive at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima. If your cruise/tour package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, a Uniworld representative will be on hand to greet you and escort you to the beautiful Country Club Lima Hotel. Its charm and comfort will offer you the perfect home for your exploration of the city.

Day 2 Lima

Known as the “City of Kings,” Lima was founded in 1535. A melting pot of cultures, flavors and history, this bustling metropolis has something for everyone, and today you get to discover it all.

Day 3 Lima, Fly to Iquitos (Nauta), Embark

You will be picked up at your hotel and taken to the airport for your flight to Iquitos. Upon your arrival at Iquitos International Airport, a Uniworld representative will be on hand to greet you and escort you to the Aria Amazon.

Day 4 Yanayacu-Pucate River, Marañón River

Your day starts at the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, the second largest protected natural area in Peru. Kayak, canoe and swim in the black waters of the Yanayacu-Pucate River. In the afternoon, learn about traditional customs of the area at a remote village along the Marañón River. Once the sun sets, we’ll gaze at the night sky, where you’ll have a crystal-clear view of planets and constellations.

Day 5 Samiria River, Nauta Caño (Amazonian Natural Park)

Today we’re exploring the vibrant wildlife and lush greenery thriving in the Amazon. Your naturalist guide will teach you all about the diverse flora and fauna unique to the region before setting off on a guided jungle walk. You’ll finish the day stargazing on the “Enchanted Lake.”

Day 6 Nauta

One of the oldest inhabited areas in the Peruvian Amazon, Nauta is nestled between the Marañón and Ucayali Rivers. You’ll explore the town’s market, which is full of fresh fish, fruits and vegetables. From there, it’s a short journey to the birthplace of the Amazon River.

Day 7 Ucayali River, Pacaya River

Experience life as an Amazon River dweller as you cruise along the Ucayali River. Search for the famous pink dolphins and other wildlife lurking just beyond the river. Once the sun sets, we’ll take to the Pacaya River, on the lookout for nocturnal beasts.

Day 8 Pacaya River, Ucayali River, Tapiche River

Your day starts early today with a skiff excursion along the Pacaya River, where you’ll venture into the rainforest to see some wildlife. Following lunch, you’ll participate in a paiche fishing demonstration. The paiche is the second largest fish in the world. We’ll end the day watching for the pink river dolphins on the Ucayali River.

Day 9 Clavero Lake, San Jose de Sarapanga Forest

Spend the morning jungle walking, canoeing, kayaking or swimming on the black water Yarapa River or Clavero Lake. In the afternoon, see the unbelievable giant water lilies of the San Jose de Sarapanga forest.

Day 10 Nauta (Iquitos), Disembark, Fly to Cusco, Urubamba (The Sacred Valley)

Take a morning walk through the town of Nauta before disembarking the Aria Amazon. Your guide will take you on a few excursions on your way to the Iquitos airport for your flight to Cusco. Once you’ve landed in Cusco, you will be taken to the Tambo del Inka hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Day 11 Urubamba (The Sacred Valley)

Enjoy this day of leisure to get the most out of your stay at the wonderful Tambo del Inka. Treat yourself to a relaxing service at their Kallpa Spa, considered one of the best in the country, take a dip in the heated pool or savor delicious Andean cuisine. Situated in the heart of the Sacred Valley, the Tambo del Inka is also the perfect location from which to head out on your own to explore the incredible nature, cities and historical sites available nearby.

Day 12 Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu)

Today you will explore the heartland of the Inka Empire, known as the Sacred Valley. Your guide will take you to Moray and Ollantaytambo, two historic sights of significant importance. You’ll experience the unique way of living in the Sacred Valley as you meet locals. We finish the day with a train ride to Aguas Calientes, the small villages nestled at the bottom of Machu Picchu.  Please note: You are only allowed one 11 lb piece of luggage on the train to Aguas Calientes. All other luggage will be taken to your hotel in Cusco.

Day 13 Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu), Cusco

A breathtaking, historical sight, Machu Picchu is one of the “must-see” archeological sites in the world. This remarkable Inkan Empire site was never found by the Spaniards and was rediscovered during the 20th century. Today, archeologists continue to excavate this ancient city. While many mysteries still surround it, Machu Picchu tells a story of a history that goes back thousands of years. Following your day at Machu Picchu, you will take a train to Ollantaytambo and then a motor coach will take you to the Belmond Monasterio hotel in Cusco.

Day 14 Cusco

Located in the Andes Mountains, Cusco was the heartland of the Inkan Empire. Today, you will explore all the wonders of this city as you admire the cobblestone streets, colorful textiles and art galleries. A perfect blend of ancient Andean cultures with Spanish colonial influence, Cusco is not to be missed. Overnight, you will stay in the Belmond Monasterio hotel.

Day 15 Cusco, Fly to Lima

We’re headed back to Lima today. After a brief walk around town, you’ll head to the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport hotel.

Day 16 Lima

Your majestic Peru adventure ends this morning. Your guide will walk you from the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport hotel to the Lima International Airport check-in.