Skip link for screen readers

Multi-Country Landmark Tours Holidays

Amazon Expedition Cruise, Colonial Cities & Inca Empire Heritage

15 Night Itinerary from  £7,218

Yasuni Tour

Combine an expedition cruise in the lush rainforest of the Ecuadorian Amazon with the colonial splendour of Andean cities and magnificent Inca history, monuments and citadel of Machu Picchu.

Select your preferred departure date

Download Itinerary Request Quotation

Tour Route

Travel Highlights

  • The wonders of the rainforest, magnificent colonial churches, local markets & hilltop Inca ruins
  • Begin in the colonial city of Quito, exploring the wonderful UNESCO centre
  • Venture deep into pristine rainforest on a seven night Amazon Expedition Cruise
  • Enjoy daily excursions, spot exotic wildlife, admire rare trees and meet remote communities
  • Continue to Cusco, where Inca and Spanish heritage blends in a fascinating city
  • Visit the Inca citadels, colourful markets and ancient salt mines of the Sacred Valley
  • Finish at Machu Picchu, the wonder of the Inca world, perched high in cloud forest

This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of route, duration, flights, hotels, transport and excursions.

Tour Itinerary

Quito

Quito - 2 Nights

Day 1 - Departure from UK

Day 2 - City tour of Quito

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Friday, 09 June 2023

Departure from UK

Take a daytime flight to Quito, arriving the same evening, where you will be met by our representative and taken to your hotel for two nights. This is also the opportunity for our guide to provide you advice, explain your programme and answer any questions you may have. 


Saturday, 10 June 2023

City tour of Quito

Enjoy an afternoon tour of central Quito, including the beautiful old part of the city, San Francisco main square and the Presidential Palace. Visit some of South America's most impressive churches and colonial architecture and pay a visit to the renowned Gold Museum.

Casa San Marcos

Quito - First Boutique

Almost hidden away in the Old Town of Quito, this restored mansion houses a hotel which is part art gallery, part antiquarian, part restaurant. Its spacious gallery has many pieces by national and international artists. The six rooms are comfortably and stylishly furnished, all with private bathroom. the hotel also commands excellent views of the "Panecillo" one of Quito's great landmarks. The hotel restaurant serves Ecuadorean delights as well as Mediterranean cuisine.

1873 Casa San Marcos

Casa Gangotena

Quito - Deluxe Hotel

Situated in a newly-restored historic mansion overlooking Plaza San Francisco in the heart of the Old Town, the three-story Casa Gangotena has 31 luxury rooms: a showcase of eye catching style, contemporary design, antiques, furnishings, fine dining, modern technologies and quintessential comforts. Beautifully and eclectically appointed, the hotel invites its guests to explore and to relax, whether in the dining room, glassed-in patio, garden redolent with the perfume of native flowers, wood-panelled library, or else atop its panoramic third-floor terrace. Sophisticated and eclectic, historic yet contemporary, at Casa Gangotena style, passion and service blend seamlessly and delightfully.

The hotel includes several 'experiences' for its guests at no extra cost, including San Francisco’s courtyards & Brewery, Museo del Carmen Alto, San Fransisco Choir & Bell Tower and Chocolate Quiteno tasting.

Rates are on a room and breakfast basis.

Casa Gangotena Hotel Quito

Manatee Amazon Cruise - 7 Nights

Days 3 - 9 - Manatee Amazon Explorer Cruise

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Sunday, 11 June 2023

Fly to Coca and embark

Fly to Coca and transfer on the river to join the Manatee Amazon Explorer for your 7-night cruise on a full board basis including daily excursions. After dinner, we experience the thrill of a night-time walk in the forest. 


Monday, 12 June 2023

Napo River

Sail downstream on the Napo River, where we have the chance to observe pink river dolphins, black caiman and anakonda. We may also spot the primitive hoatzin. Afternoon explore the rainforest by canoe. 


Tuesday, 13 June 2023

Canoeing, wildlife and a local village

Today we explore the Panayacu River Delta, where we take a canoe trip on the flooded backwaters and lake. This area is home to nine species of primates, 500 species of birds and is the perfect habitat for piranhas, water monkey fish and the white caiman. We also visit a local village. 


Wednesday, 14 June 2023

Clay licks and local community

A fascinating morning spent at a parrot clay licks, one of the most fascinating sights in the Western Amazon. You will see large numbers of parrots, parakeets and macaws. Later, we visit a local community of the Napo River. 


Thursday, 15 June 2023

Rainforest trails

Explore the Yasuni National Park to walk a trail in virgin rainforest, with a dense tree canopy. 

 


Friday, 16 June 2023

Local family visit and canoeing

Visit a local family to discover their way of life on the river. Afternoon exploring a blackwater lake by canoe, home to giant otters. 


Saturday, 17 June 2023

Rainforest observation tower

Morning to enjoy the passing pristine rainforest scenery of Yasuni National Park from the Manatee Explorer's observation deck as the ship cruises on the mighty Napo River. We go ashore after lunch and visit an observation tower, where you will gain an extra-ordinary 360-degree view high in the rainforest canopy. 

Manatee

Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador - Tourist Amazon Riverboat

The Manatee Amazon Explorer reaches deep into areas of pristine Amazon Rainforest, bringing intrepid travellers into close contact with the extraordinary landscapes of the jungle, exotic plants and towering trees, remote communities and colourful wildlife. Guests stay in recently refurbished and comfortable air conditioned staterooms, stylishly decorated with panoramic jungle views from the balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows. There is an on-board hot tub and observation deck area - perfect for soaking in the vistas in comfort.

Expert multilingual naturalist guides lead a wide range of revealing excursions on land, whilst the small fleet of motorised canoes provide unlimited mobility and allow for the extensive exploration of the most remote areas and inaccessible shores. More adventurous guests can even venture out after dark to look for caiman and the other secretive nocturnal creatures found in the heart of the rainforest.

For a supplement, it is also possible to spend a night glamping in the jungle - a unique and exciting experience.

The Manatee Amazon Explorer sailing on the Napo River
Plaza de Armas, Lima

Lima - 1 Night

Day 10 - Overnight in Lima

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Sunday, 18 June 2023

Overnight in Lima

Disembark after breakfast and transfer by river to Coca from where we fly to Lima via Quito. On arrival you will be met be a Veloso Tours representative and transferred to your hotel near the airport, staying overnight.

You may wish to stay an extra night, allowing you time to enjoy a tour of Lima and sample some of its world class restaurant scene. Please indicate to your Travel Consultant should you wish to do so.

Casa Andina Select Miraflores

Lima - First Hotel

The 4* Casa Andina Select Miraflores Hotel is located near the Kennedy Park and a few minutes away from the main shopping centres and restaurants of Miraflores. It’s a hotel that combines a contemporary Andean design.

The air-conditioned superior rooms are well-appointed with private bathroom, hair dryer, coffee making facilities, safe, iron and other facilities. The hotel also offers room service, FREE Wi-Fi, sauna, Jacuzzi, lounge, bar and gym. The La Plaza & Grill restaurant offers a breakfast buffet and also a variety of dishes.

3000X2000 Habitacionsuperiordobleselectmirafloresroomserviceconvistaciudad

Miraflores Park Plaza

Lima - Deluxe Hotel

The Belmond Miraflores Park Plaza is a deluxe oceanfront boutique hotel surrounded by a lush gardens, located in Miraflores, one of Limas most exclusive residential districts.

A modern exterior hides a touch of finesse throughout the hotel, whose 81 rooms and suites are luxuriously decorated with marble and granite bathrooms and king size beds. The observatory Restaurant on the 11th floor offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, while the more formal Traguluz restaurant is the jewel of crown in Lima's dining scene. The Belo Bar is a favourite place to relax and afternoon tea is now available in the lounge. The hotel also has a fitness centre, squash court, sauna, massage centre and business centre.

Accommodation is based on room and breakfast.

Miraflores Park Plaza
DSC 3046

Cusco - 3 Nights

Day 11 - Fly to Cusco

Day 12 - Sacred Valley of the Incas

Day 13 - Cusco and Inca Ruins Tour

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Monday, 19 June 2023

Fly to Cusco

Board a morning flight to Cusco, where you will be met on arrival by our guide - your host for the next few days. We will take a short introductory walk to get you orientated in the city. We stay in Cusco for 3 nights.


Tuesday, 20 June 2023

Sacred Valley of the Incas

Enjoy a full day tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop is at Chinchero to visit the local colourful and authentic market where indigenous people from the surrounding communities congregate to trade their goods, not only trading in money, but in goods as well. The Chinchero Market is also well-known for its woven handcrafts typical of the region. You will also visit a workshop where you can see the artisans of the region working in their place. From here we drive to the Moray ruins, used by the Incas as a type of open-air crop laboratory.

Our next stop is Maras pre-Inca salt mines located on a wide-open hill above the Urubamba Valley. From here we will continue down to the Urubamba River and stop to admire the beautiful views of the valley. Lunch. We cross a small bridge and arrive at a beautiful Spanish Hacienda, overlooking the Urubamba River.

We visit the huge fortress of Ollantaytambo, the archaeological complex believed to have been a gigantic agricultural, administrative, social, religious and military centre. The town itself is geometrically perfect; with straight streets, trapezoidal doors, and Inca drainage systems.

We continue to Pisac a small colonial village built by Viceroy Francisco de Toledo on the ruins of an Inca citadel, standing at the entrance to the immensely fertile Urubamba River valley which was called the "Sacred Valley of the Incas" for the agricultural produce and wealth it brought as the base of the Inca Empire. There is a tourist market with numerous shops full of handicrafts and weaving and also a food market for local people, particularly on Sunday when some women and children dress in their traditional costumes. We drive up the mountain above the town for a short to visit to the Pisac ruins. Entrance fees and lunch are included.


Wednesday, 21 June 2023

Cusco & Inca Ruins Tour

Departure from your hotel for a visit to the cathedral in the main square of Cusco and the Koricancha, the Spanish church built on Inca stone foundations. The Cathedral, believed to be built on the foundations of the Palace of Viracocha, stands proudly in the main square and houses an interesting picture of the last supper where Jesus and his disciples are about to tuck into a guinea pig, a Peruvian delicacy.

We drive to the mountains above Cusco to visit the archaeological sites of Sacsayhuaman and Kenko. The largest complex and most famous of the ruins surrounding Cusco is Sacsayhuaman, a mighty fortress, built using massive stones some of which weigh over 100 tons, and somehow fitted together so neatly that even now, after so many years and earthquakes, one can still not slip a knife blade between the pieces of this huge jigsaw puzzle.

We will also explore Tambomachay ruins, which may have served as a military outpost or a spa resort for the Incan political elite; as well as the Puca Pucara site, a red granite huge fortress. On the return we stop at a vantage point above Cusco for a superb view of the city and the surrounding mountains, before returning to your hotel. Entrance fees are included.

Costa Del Sol Picoaga

Cusco - First Hotel

The Costa Del Sol Picoaga Hotel occupies an original Colonial mansion built for a Spanish nobleman, shown in its stonework arches and large courtyard. Located just 2 minutes from the main square, the hotel is an ideal base from which to explore the city. The 70 rooms are well decorated, comfortable and modern, all with private facilities.

Accommodation is on a room and breakfast basis.

 

Costa Del Sol Picoaga

Belmond Monasterio de Cusco

Cusco - Luxury Hotel

Built 300 years ago atop Inca foundations, the building was originally the Seminary of San Antonio Abad. In 1995, the seminary was tastefully converted into a luxury hotel while still preserving its original architecture of arched galleries surrounding two elegant colonial style courtyards. The Belmond Monasterio de Cusco is  Cuzco's premier hotel, providing its guests with a museum setting of Inca and Spanish traditions. The hotel is conveniently situated very close to the city's central square, the Plaza de Armas, where the Cathedral and museums are located.

All of the 122 air-conditioned rooms have en-suite bathrooms, telephone, mini-bar and cable TV and many of them are oxygen-enriched. The hotel also has a lobby bar, two restaurants and deli/café.

Several activities are available including art tours, cooking classes and pisco lessons.

The rooms and on a bed and breakfast basis.

Belmond Monasterio
Plaza de Armas, Lima

Machu Picchu - 1 Night

Day 14 - Vistadome train to Machu Picchu

  • Full Description

Thursday, 22 June 2023

Vistadome train to Machu Picchu

Depart on the Vistadome train along the banks of the Urubamba River, leading to Machu Picchu, dubbed the 'Lost City of the Incas' when it was re-discovered in 1911. We take a guided tour of the archaeological site, a city of aqueducts with crystal clear waters, of liturgical fountains and of walkways once home to priests, craftsmen, peasants and servants. Lunch and afternoon to explore. We overnight at a hotel in town.

DSC 3046

Return to Cusco - 1 Night

Day 15 - Return to Cusco

Day 16 - Fly back to the UK, via Lima

Day 17 - Arrive in the UK

  • Full Description

Friday, 23 June 2023

Return to Cusco

The morning is free to explore. You may wish to climb Huayna Picchu, a steep climb but well worth it for the fantastic views of the valley and a different perspective of Machu Picchu. Alternatively, there is a gentle climb, back along the Inca Trail, to Intipunku: the Gate of the Sun, and the first sight one has of the complex if walking the Inca Trail. In the afternoon, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes and then return on the Vistadome train to Cusco, where we stay overnight.


Saturday, 24 June 2023

Fly back to the UK

Transfer to the airport for flight to Lima, connecting with your overnight flight back to the UK.


Sunday, 25 June 2023

Arrive in the UK

Arrive in the UK in the morning.

Price Guidelines

Season Low Season High Season
Travel Dates Rest of the Year 1 Jul-31 Aug, 15-31 Dec
Room Arrangement First First
Multiple Travellers - Twin Room £7,218 £8,082

Prices are a guideline and per person. Please request a quote for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.


What's Included

  • 17 days / 15 nights
  • 7-night Manatee Amazon Cruise
  • International flights (1 overnight)
  • Internal flights
  • Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
  • 15 breakfasts, 7 lunches & 7 dinners
  • Transfers to and from airports
  • Transport throughout the itinerary
  • Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides
  • Prices are per person
  • Prices for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Easter on request

Client Testimonials

AITO Widget

Speak with a Specialist
Travel Enquiries

Contact an Advisor

Please be a descriptive as possible





X

READY - 2 June 2023

MEXICO FOCUS: Tour Itineraries, Hotels, Culture

LANDMARK TOURS Multi-Country & Cross Continent

FAMILY HOLIDAYS: Multi Generation Quality Time

COSTA RICA LODGES: Rainforest & Costal Habitats

CHINAINDIA: Open for travel, no PCR/Quarantine

ANTARCTICA: Fly-Cruise, Sea Spirit, Aurora Cruise

GUIDES by Veloso Tours, are the best Local Hosts

TRAVEL INSURANCE with extensive COVID-19 cover