11-day all-inclusive Peruvian adventure including an Amazon River cruise and culminating with a comprehensive Machu Picchu experience. Early booking rates available through March 31, 2018.
As the face of travel continues to evolve, so should the nature and value of enriching travel programs being offered. Peru is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world offering a unique combination of nature, wildlife, archaeology and cultural heritage.
Brand g Vacations is pleased to introduce our 2019 Amazon Cruise and Machu Picchu Expedition travel program. The cruise is operated aboard the luxurious Delfin III, which offers some of the most spacious accommodations along the Amazon River. This smartly designed, 44-passenger, colonial-style vessel, provides the ultimate in comfort, with five-star amenities.
Our custom designed land program provides authentic, educational, and culturally-enriching encounters daily. Few trips offer as rich an experience of Peru’s diverse natural and cultural treasures.
Begin in the cosmopolitan city of Lima, known for its vibrant food scene. Fly to Iquitos where you will embark a luxury riverboat that takes you deep into the rain forest within the Amazon Basin. Home to a staggering array of wildlife, the Peruvian Amazon boasts nearly a thousand species of birds alone. Enjoy fine wine and famous Peruvian cuisine while enjoying the company of other lgbt travelers. After disembarkation, we will continue on to the Sacred Valley near the Inca capitol of Cusco. From here, we board a train for a scenic journey to Machu Picchu, the mystical stone city built by the Incas in the 15th century. Afterwards return to Cusco for an overnight and guided tour before departing for your flight home.
It’s the perfect combination of inspiring places and rich history in the comfort of an all-gay environment. Virtually all-inclusive rates starting from $5,299 per person.
2 nights hotel accommodations in Lima including welcome reception and daily breakfast.
Guided tour of Lima including welcome lunch.
Domestic flight from Lima to Iquitos, the gateway to the Amazon.
4 night cruise including all meals.
Cruise includes local pisco based cocktails, local beers, and local sodas with lunch and dinner as well as house wine with dinner.
All excursions during cruise.
Domestic flights from Iquitos to Cusco.
Transfer to Sacred Valley.
Two nights hotel accommodations in the Sacred Valley including daily breakfast, one lunch and one dinner.
Full day sightseeing in the Sacred Valley.
Vista Dome train to and from Machu Picchu.
Two visits to Machu Picchu.
One night hotel accommodation in Machu Picchu village including breakfast, lunch and dinner.
One night hotel accommodation in Cusco including breakfast and farewell lunch.
Half day city tour of Cusco.
Lunches on land include two glasses of local beer, or soft drinks.
Dinners on land include two glasses of local beer, soft drinks or house wine.
Lima: sightseeing with a local guide; visit Archbishop’s Palace, Government Palace, San Francisco Monastery and Larco Herrara Museum.
Iquitos: visit the Manatee Rescue Center.
Lima: Cruise: 4-night cruise in a deluxe, outside suite cruising the Peruvian Amazon River aboard the Delphin III. Welcome cocktail & dinner; guided sightseeing each day with a local naturalist by skiffs during the day and evening; native village visit.
Sacred Valley: visit Ollantaytambo with its huge Incan fortress rising from the edge of town; visit the Pablo Seminario Ceramic workshop in Urubamba.
Lima: Machu Picchu: board the train for the scenic journey to Aguas Calientes; sightseeing of the ruins with a local guide.
Cusco: sightseeing with visit to Santo Domingo Monastery and the Cathedral; Farewell lunch.
April 7 to April 18 – $5,099.00 USD
Duration: 11 days
Start in Lima, Peru.
End in Cusco/Departure.
Brand g Vacations has chartered the 22-cabin Delfin III. While cruising the Amazon, you will explore one of the largest expanses of tropical rainforest in the world. Smartly designed, this vessel provides the ultimate in comfort, with five-star amenities.
All suite accommodations.
Floor-to-ceiling windows in every suite.
Soft, luxurious spa robes & slippers.
Natural, therapeutic bath amenities.
Fine cotton bed linens & pillow menu.
Individual climate control; in-room safe.
Makeup mirror, hair dryer, iPhone dock.
Generous closet & under-bed storage.
44 guests pampered by 29 crew.
Expert naturalists travel with the ship.
Spa services with signature treatments.
Daily enrichment & nightly entertainment.
Daily housekeeping; nightly turndown.
The services of a cruise director throughout.
Transfers to/from Iquitos Airport (IQT).
All meals included.
Welcome reception onboard the ship.
Complimentary coffee, tea, water, soft drinks, local beer and pisco-based cocktails.
Free flow house wine at dinner.
In-suite bottled mineral water and ice.
Daily excursions led by expert naturalists.
Amiable, English-speaking local guides.
Deluxe, 15-person skiff excursion boats.
Water resistant boots for wet landings.
State-of-the-art portable listening devices.
Refreshments on longer excursions.
Post-excursion reception & services.
Aboard the Delphin III, attire is casual and comfortable during the day, with resort-style clothing, and comfortable, but sturdy, footwear for excursions. Evening wear consists of open-neck shirts, trousers, skirt, or similar attire. Footwear is always required in all public areas, and when navigating stairs on board.
Internet service is available at all land accommodations. You should check with your cell provider to determine if you have coverage in Peru or if you can add coverage for the duration of the trip. Cell service will not be available in all areas, including the Amazon.
Due to the remoteness of the Amazon, no internet service is available on board the Delfin III, and cell services is non-existent or unreliable, however the ship does have a satellite phone on board. In the event of an emergency, the reception desk can facilitate calls, and the associated costs will be billed to your onboard account. Contact information for the ship will be provided in your final travel documents.
The official currency on board is the US Dollar. All charges for services and products on board will be placed on the guest’s shipboard account to be settled at the end of the voyage. MasterCard, Visa and US dollars are also accepted for the settlement of guest accounts.
Our culinary team will make every effort to accommodate special dietary requests. Please inform our office at least 60 days prior to departure of these requests.
The electrical current on board is 220V. For those items that are dual voltage, suites are outfitted with a multi-plug configuration feature. Guests should be sure to bring the appropriate converter for devices that are not dual voltage.
Gratuities are customary expressions of appreciation for a job well done. It is our goal to ensure that the service you receive is as wonderful as the sites you visit. Gratuities for the included portions of this program have been pre-paid. At your own discretion you may choose to provide additional tips.
Laundry service is available on board the ship. Costs will be listed in each suite’s directory, and charged to the guest’s account. Self-service laundry facilities are not available on the ship. Laundry service is also available at all land properties at an additional cost.
All shore excursions during your 11-day travel program are led by expert guides, and guests are divided into three groups, guaranteeing there are never more than 15 passengers touring together. Electronic listening devices are complimentary to all guests in order to ensure that guests are able to hear their guides, without disturbing nearby wildlife.
Only guests who possess tickets for passage are allowed on board. Security services are provided on board to ensure everyone’s safety throughout the journey.
Switching off lights when leaving your suite/stateroom on board the ship will help reduce the number of insects attracted to your room. While you can expect to encounter insects during the program, most are relatively harmless. Mosquitos are not frequently seen while sailing along the Amazon, but if you plan to be outside during the morning or evening hours, especially when going ashore, it is recommended to apply insect repellent, particularly to ankles and other exposed skin. In your stateroom amenities, you will find an all-natural, non-toxic, locally produced insect repellent that will not damage the local environment. Guests may wish to bring an insect repellent with DEET for use on cruise excursions.
Please do not drink the tap water while on board or on shore, or use it for brushing your teeth. The ship’s water supply comes from the river after passing through a sterilization process. This water is suitable for showers and baths, but should not be consumed. In each stateroom and suite, your water carafe will be replenished twice daily, and on request, with fresh, mineral water. Each guest will also receive a reusable water bottle, which can be refilled at any time and carried on excursions.
There are no required vaccination requirements for citizens of most countries entering Peru. However, we suggest each guest make an appointment with a Travel Medicine Specialist to discuss your individual needs and health concerns. For more information, US citizens should consult the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) website for health and vaccination recommendations: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/peru Citizens of other countries may consult their own governments disease control agency for requirements or recommendations.
Citizens of the US and Canada are required to have a valid passport, which expires at least 6 months after their last day in Peru. Visas are not required for citizens of these countries. Citizens of all other countries should check with the Peruvian consulate in their home country to verify entry requirements.
Hilton Miraflores (Lima) Situated in the heart of Lima, Hilton Miraflores is within walking distance of Ricardo Palma Cultural Center, Kennedy Park, and Calle de las Pizzas. Also nearby are Miraflores Central Park and Larcomar. The air-conditioned guestrooms include minibars and safes. Complimentary wireless and wired high-speed Internet access is available in public areas and a computer station is located on site.
Designed to showcase a centuries-old, magical blend of pre-Columbian, Inkan, Spaniard, Colonial, and modern cultures—Palacio del Inka presents a captivating variety of rare opportunities and state-of-the-art amenities that guarantee an enriching and memorable stay in Cusco.
Presently, avenues, centuries-old passageways, cobblestone side streets, and alleys traverse the city, each leading to the Palacio del Inka. Situated in the center of the city, the hotel is encircled by Inka foundations topped with colonial constructions, museums, storied archeological sites, premier restaurants, and vibrant local markets.
Free Wi-Fi in public areas, full service spa and a business center are among the amenities of the Palacio del Inka.
The luxurious Tambo del Inka has one of the top-rated locations in Urubamba. The elegant rooms feature native fabrics and local design, and have private balconies with views of the natural surroundings. All feature an LCD TV, iPod docking station, and exclusive marble bathrooms.
Hawa restaurant serves delicious new Andean cuisine made with organic, homegrown ingredients. Kiri bar and terrace serves light snacks and cocktails, and guests can enjoy a daily breakfast buffet.
Enjoy the pool or get in a workout in the modern gym, and unwind afterwards with natural massage. Then relax in the cozy lounge, featuring a classic billiards table and variety of board games.
Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel is a family-owned, luxury hotel. Sumaq’s exclusive service is dedicated entirely to allowing its guests to forget all their worries while concentrating on the beautiful landscapes, with lush vegetation, soaring mountains, descending valleys, ancient trails, and an amazing waterfall. In a privileged location in the Machu Picchu historic sanctuary, and on the banks of the Vilcanota River, Sumaq is a 10-minute walk to the Aguas Calientes Train Station.
$1,499 per person double occupancy
$1,899 single occupancy
Cap off your journey with a second night in Cusco, followed by two nights on the shores of Lake Titicaca, yet another of Peru’s natural wonders.
Day One – Cusco:
Visit Sacsayhuaman fortress, one of the emblematic Inca constructions, built by Inca Pachacútec in the 15th century. It is a huge fortress made of very large stones, and the manner in which they were transported and cut is still a mystery. Then visit the Pre-Columbian Art Museum, which contains a large collection of pieces from different cultures that inhabited the Peruvian territory. From the coast to the mountains, the MAP exhibits works in wood, shell, bone, silver and gold, rescuing the beauty and skill of the anonymous pre-Columbian craftsman.
Day Two – Cusco/Puno:
Fly from Cusco to Julica and transfer by land to Puno. Enjoy dinner as a group tonight at the hotel. Overnight at Hotel Libertador Lago Titicaca. (B/D)
Day Three – Puno:
Upon your arrival at Puno’s lake port, a vessel will take you to the floating islands of the Uros. Uros are an ancestral society that inhabits a series of artificial islands built with totora, a reed that grows in the lake. The islands are built by weaving this reed in the places where they grow the thickest and form a natural layer. They build their totora houses over it and cook in the open air to prevent possible fires.
You will continue your trip to the Taquile Island. Unlike other islands, inhabited by Aymara-speaking people in the lake, its residents speak Quechua. It was part of the Inca Empire and it is possible to note vestiges of said culture in their buildings. Nevertheless, when the Spaniards arrived, they forced its residents to get rid of their typical clothes and forced them to wear traditional farmers’ clothes. Upon your arrival, you will receive a brief explanation on the island and will attend a cultural activity. You will return to Puno after lunch. Overnight at Hotel Libertador Lago Titicaca. (B/L)
Day Four – Puno/Juliaca/Lima
This morning you will be picked up at the hotel and transferred to Juliaca airport for a mid-day flight to Lima. Along the route you’ll stop to visit the Sillustani Tombs, a pre-Incan burial ground on the shores of Lake Umayo near Puno in Peru. The tombs, which are built above ground in tower-like structures called chullpas, are the vestiges of the Colla people, Aymara who were conquered by the Inca in the 15th century. The structures housed the remains of complete family groups, although they were probably limited to nobility.
Upon arrival to Lima’s airport you will collect your luggage, exit the terminal and walk across the road to the Wyndham Costa del Sol, where you can refresh and rest until your international flight home later tonight.(B)
Includes:
One additional night in Cusco at the Palacio del Inka Luxury Collection Hotel
Flight from Cusco to Juliaca and transfer by land to Puno
Two nights’ accommodation on the shores of Lake Titicaca at Hotel Libertador Lago Titicaca
Land transfer from Puno to Juliaca and flight from Juliaca to Lima
Domestic flight from Juliaca airport to Lima – arrives Lima approximately 3:20pm on April 21st.
Day room use, or overnight accommodation at the Wyndham Costa del Sol airport hotel in Lima (depending on the timing of your international flight)
All touring and meals mentioned in itinerary above
$50 per person
For many trekkers, climbing Huayna Picchu is one of the highlights of a visit to Machu Picchu. The views of the Citadel and surrounding landscape are extraordinary from the top and well worth the climbing effort.
From a distance Huayna Picchu looks like a technical climbing endeavor, but is in fact just a steep hike with some sections that will require the use of both hands and feet to scramble upwards, but no technical skills or climbing tools. There are sections that include railings and cables for support.
Anyone with a decent level of fitness and moderate constitution for heights can climb Huayna Picchu (if you are afraid of heights or susceptible to vertigo then this climb is probably not for you). There are areas that are exposed to steep drops, so caution should be taken throughout the climb, keeping a good distance between climbers in front and behind you. This is particularly true if the trail is wet.
The total ascent is just over 1,000 feet (360m) with the summit at a steep angle above the city. As Huayna Picchu is so close to the city complex it provides a fantastic birds-eye view, and the climb itself provides brilliant vistas of the city from various angles. This perspective is very difficult to appreciate whilst walking within the Citadel.
From summit the scale and ingenuity of Machu Picchu and its various structures and terraces is fully revealed. The sheer magnitude and complexity of the site provides for a humbling view. There are also terraces and temple remnants that crown the mountain’s summit, and will leave you questioning how the Inca managed to build these structures.
You have an opportunity to participate in this unique once in a lifetime experience on the morning of your second day at Machu Picchu. Only a certain number of permits are issued for this excursion and they fill quickly. Therefore, we cannot guarantee any space until it is officially reserved. If you are interested, we encourage you to sign up early.
DATE AND TIME OF EXCURSION: Your day begins with departure from the hotel at 5:30am and the actual climb will begin at 7:00am, on your second day at Machu Picchu, April 17th. You will be back down from the mountain by approximately 11:30am.
This morning, our skiffs skim the Samiria River and its tributaries, where an abundance of wildlife hides in the deep rainforest, such as blue and yellow macaws, scarlet macaws, toucans, umbrella birds, monkeys, and river others, capybaras and more. Our naturalists and his expert eye pinpoint all the biodiversity of this region. This is also a popular dolphin feeding spot so we won´t be the only one enjoying the plethora of fish below.
After a delicious lunch you will start cruising through the creeks of Yanayaquillo, peeking into different creeks and lagoons. This is one of the best preserved and protected zones of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
Later, we start cruising through the Yanayacu River, peeking into different creeks and lagoons. If you want to interact directly with the waters of the Amazon, go out on one of our paddle boards. You will even have the opportunity to swim in the jungle river along with the famous pink dolphins! (B/L/D)
A morning walk at Fundo Casual jungle trail will take you deep into the rainforest on terra firme (non-flooded forest) where your guide will point out the dynamic creatures and vegetation of the Amazon. Be sure to keep an attentive eye open for spotting surprises!
Next we will visit the community of San Francisco will include a short skiff ride and jungle walk to meet local villagers who have called Amazonia their home for generations. Here we will visit a market featuring amazing arts and crafts from the local women. (B/L/D)
After breakfast, board the train in Ollantaytambo for the scenic journey to Aguas Calientes, the starting point for the tour of Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas.” A local expert will guide you through the marvelous citadel, the main plaza, the royal quarters, and the Temple of Three Windows before checking into the Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel. (B/L/D)
This morning the choice is yours to make a second visit to Machu Picchu mountain in the early morning, or you could opt to climb Huaynapicchu (limited based on availability). Otherwise, the morning is yours to explore Machu Picchu Village on your own. This afternoon, return to Ollantaytambo by train, and transfer to Cusco. Upon arrival, check-in to the Palacio del Inka Luxury Collection Hotel in Cusco and enjoy your evening at leisure. (B/L)
This mornings tour takes us to Cusco’s Plaza de Armas central square for a visit to the Cathedral, one of the most imposing structures in the city. The Cathedral houses an important collection of gold and silver work from the colonial period as well as a beautiful collection of oil on canvas. Continue with a visit to the Koricancha and the Convent of Santo Domingo. The Convent was built on the Koricancha (site of gold) the most important temple dedicated to the worship of the sun by the ancient Incans. Enjoy a Farewell Lunch before your return flights home. (B/L)