Costa Rica, Panama Canal & Machu Picchu Cruise Tour

Lima, Peru, the vibrant capital, blends colonial charm with modern dynamism. Known for its rich history, the city showcases splendid architecture in the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nestled along the Pacific coast, Lima boasts scenic ocean views, exquisite cuisine, and lively cultural scenes. Its diverse neighborhoods, from Miraflores' upscale vibe to Barranco's bohemian allure, offer unique experiences. Renowned museums, bustling markets, and the iconic Huaca Pucllana ruins highlight its heritage. Lima's bustling streets and warm, welcoming atmosphere make it a captivating destination for travelers.

Welcome to Lima, the capital of Peru, a city filled with colonial riches, Incan history, and gastronomic delights. Your representative will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the Pullman Lima Miraflores, a 5-star boutique hotel located just steps from the spectacular Pacific Ocean. (Includes transfer from the airport and overnight at Pullman Lima Miraflores or similar)

Lima, Peru, the vibrant capital, blends colonial charm with modern dynamism. Known for its rich history, the city showcases splendid architecture in the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nestled along the Pacific coast, Lima boasts scenic ocean views, exquisite cuisine, and lively cultural scenes. Its diverse neighborhoods, from Miraflores' upscale vibe to Barranco's bohemian allure, offer unique experiences. Renowned museums, bustling markets, and the iconic Huaca Pucllana ruins highlight its heritage. Lima's bustling streets and warm, welcoming atmosphere make it a captivating destination for travelers.

This morning, transfer to the airport and board your flight to Cusco, where you'll meet your guide for the drive to the Sacred Valley. The drive alone is stupendous, with views of the Andean mountains, the valley surrounding the Urubamba River, rural villages, and roaming llamas and alpacas. But this valley also once formed the epicenter of the Inca Empire. The rich and fertile agricultural land allowed the Incas to grow essential crops like corn, potatoes, olluco, quinoa and coca leaf, considered a sacred plant. Visits to a local farm and an agricultural museum give you insights into the Inca's sophisticated farming techniques and crop genetics, such as the development of Giant White Corn, an ancient crop that grows only here in this valley. Enjoy a four-course lunch at the hacienda before boarding your bus for a quick drive to a local museum for demonstrations of chicha brewing (a non-alcoholic beer), traditional textile techniques and to learn about Andean culture. You'll even have the opportunity to see alpacas! Afterwards, proceed to the 5-star Tambo del Inka Resort & Spa, your accommodations for the night, and dine at the on-site Hawa Restaurant, which features organic ingredients and local products from Peru. (Includes transfers, lunch, dinner, flight from Lima to Cusco, and overnight at Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa or similar, in Sacred Valley.)

Lima, Peru, the vibrant capital, blends colonial charm with modern dynamism. Known for its rich history, the city showcases splendid architecture in the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nestled along the Pacific coast, Lima boasts scenic ocean views, exquisite cuisine, and lively cultural scenes. Its diverse neighborhoods, from Miraflores' upscale vibe to Barranco's bohemian allure, offer unique experiences. Renowned museums, bustling markets, and the iconic Huaca Pucllana ruins highlight its heritage. Lima's bustling streets and warm, welcoming atmosphere make it a captivating destination for travelers.

Board the aptly named Vistadome train (Comfort class) bound for Machu Picchu this morning, its panoramic windows and skylights immersing you in the Andean landscape. Machu Picchu was lost to the world until it was rediscovered by adventurer Hiram Bingham more than a century ago. The 15th-century Inca citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Perched nearly 8,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains, the city (likely a royal retreat) was never discovered by the Spanish and is marvelously well preserved. Explore the wondrous city with your guide, appreciating the awe-inspiring views and learning about the amazing culture, architecture, and feats of engineering the Incas were known for. After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant nearby, take the Vistadome train and private transfer back to your hotel. This evening, dine once again at the Hawa Restaurant with a newfound appreciation for their cuisine infused with indigenous flavors. (Includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, transfer, roundtrip Vistadome train (Comfort Class) to Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu site admission, private transfers to/from the train station, and overnight at Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, in Sacred Valley.)

Lima, Peru, the vibrant capital, blends colonial charm with modern dynamism. Known for its rich history, the city showcases splendid architecture in the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nestled along the Pacific coast, Lima boasts scenic ocean views, exquisite cuisine, and lively cultural scenes. Its diverse neighborhoods, from Miraflores' upscale vibe to Barranco's bohemian allure, offer unique experiences. Renowned museums, bustling markets, and the iconic Huaca Pucllana ruins highlight its heritage. Lima's bustling streets and warm, welcoming atmosphere make it a captivating destination for travelers.

Get unique insights into local culture and flavors this morning as we tour the Urubamba market, an authentic food market where locals buy their daily goods, from colorful fruits and vegetables to Andean herbs, grains, meat, flowers, and household goods. After, we'll visit an artist studio and gallery where the artist revives ancient Peruvian techniques and designs, then make our way to the gardens of the Palacio Manco Capac boutique hotel in Cusco, a picturesque 17th-century colonial home, where we'll enjoy a picnic lunch. Our exploration continues in the afternoon with a stroll through the historic center of Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Colonial sights like the Plaza de Armas (Main Square) and the magnificent Cusco Cathedral are built over what used to be Inca landmarks - respectively Warrior's Square, and an Inca temple later rebuilt as an Inca palace. Tonight, you overnight at Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel. This boutique property in Cusco was formerly a 500-year-old mansion, and its design and décor embrace Peruvian culture with features such as stone archways, Hispanic art, and ornate gilded antiques. Dine at Inti Raymi, the on-site restaurant, serving traditional Peruvian cuisine made from local Andean ingredients. (Includes lunch, dinner, overnight at Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel, in Cusco.)

Lima, Peru, the vibrant capital, blends colonial charm with modern dynamism. Known for its rich history, the city showcases splendid architecture in the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nestled along the Pacific coast, Lima boasts scenic ocean views, exquisite cuisine, and lively cultural scenes. Its diverse neighborhoods, from Miraflores' upscale vibe to Barranco's bohemian allure, offer unique experiences. Renowned museums, bustling markets, and the iconic Huaca Pucllana ruins highlight its heritage. Lima's bustling streets and warm, welcoming atmosphere make it a captivating destination for travelers.

Early in the morning, transfer to Cusco airport for your flight back to Lima. Upon arrival, head to Barranco, Lima's most artistic and bohemian district, known for its vibrant murals, charming architecture, and iconic landmarks like the Bridge of Sighs. After exploring its colorful streets, visit the renowned Hotel B for a private cooking demonstration led by expert chefs, where you will learn to prepare traditional Peruvian ceviche, followed by a delightful lunch in the hotel's elegant, art-filled dining space. After some rest at your hotel, spend the evening at Plaza Mayor de Lima, the city's historic heart, admiring its grand colonial architecture before enjoying an exclusive dinner at Casa De Aliaga, one of the oldest continuously inhabited colonial mansions in the Americas, where history and fine cuisine come together in an unforgettable setting. (Includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight at Lima hotel

The provincial capital of Colón, beside the canal's Atlantic entrance, is named for the Spanish-language surname of Christopher Columbus, though the Americans called it Aspinwall in the 19th century.. The city was founded in 1850 by Americans working on the Panama railroad and named Aspinwall for one of the railway engineers. Following completion in 1855, Colon gained in importance, which was furthered by the plans for an isthmian canal. During the time of the French canal attempt, a fire in 1885 burned the city nearly to the ground and left thousands of people homeless. Colon was rebuilt in the architectural style then popular in France. Buildings from that era plus the ones constructed by Americans between 1904 and 1914 are still in use today, although the majority is on the verge of collapse. In addition to its importance as a port, Colon boasts the world’s second largest duty-free zone, known as Zona Libre, which is contained in a huge fortress like, walled-off area with giant international stores. However, most of the merchandise is sold in bulk to commercial businesses throughout the country.

Explore the inner workings of the Panama Canal, head into the jungle to meet with Embera Indians, or take an aerial tram ride through the rainforest canopy.

Lima, Peru, the vibrant capital, blends colonial charm with modern dynamism. Known for its rich history, the city showcases splendid architecture in the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nestled along the Pacific coast, Lima boasts scenic ocean views, exquisite cuisine, and lively cultural scenes. Its diverse neighborhoods, from Miraflores' upscale vibe to Barranco's bohemian allure, offer unique experiences. Renowned museums, bustling markets, and the iconic Huaca Pucllana ruins highlight its heritage. Lima's bustling streets and warm, welcoming atmosphere make it a captivating destination for travelers.

After breakfast, board your transfer to Lima airport for your flight to Panama. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to the pier, where your awaiting ship marks the beginning of your next adventure. (Includes breakfast, flight to Panama, and all transfers)

Wild, scenic and incredibly bio-diverse, Golfo Dulce is not on most tourists itineraries. The name, says it all, Golfo Dulce or sweet gulf, in English. After a well justified visit to the Golfo Dulce, located in the South Pacific region of Costa Rica, and adjacent to the Osa Peninsula, visitors will be delighted and perplexed, wondering why they would ever leave this wonderland. Several coastal hamlets reside along this enchanting gulf, namely Puerto Jiménez, Golfito, Zancudo and Pavones, as well as the Piedras Blancas National Park. This is one stop on the itinerary that won’t soon be forgotten. Easily one of the wettest and most humid sections in the country, Golfo Dulce and the southwest can receive more than 200 inches (500 cm) of rainfall per year. This assures the surrounding area will be thriving with wild and plant life, perfect for aspiring adventurers. Surrounded by Corcovado National Park to the southwest, and Costa Rica’s mainland to the northeast, Golfo Dulce serves up a large platter of entertainment for all who visit. Sprouting along the edges of the Golfo Dulce are mangroves and estuaries full of wildlife. Explore these ecosystems crowded with crocodiles, river otters, waterfowl, monkeys and much more. Fed by the Coto Colorado River, the Coto River Swamps are an excellent choice for discovering these uncanny wetlands and the secrets that lay within.

Picture Jurassic foliage growing down steep hillsides all the way to the waterline, the hoots of monkeys echoing through trees choked by orchids. Golfo Dulce is one of Costa Rica's most biodiverse areas, where both the jungle and the sea brim with life. Explore the canals by kayak in search of javelinas, butterflies, and more bird species than in all of North America.This port is accessed with a wet landing.

Quepos allows tourists to experience a once in a lifetime nature experience in Manuel Antonio National Park without leaving any of the familiar amenities behind. The close proximity of the park, located just 4.3 miles (7 km) to the south, and a wide array of services makes Quepos the perfect place to visit for those who wish to explore this enchanting area. The amenities available include everything from banks, restaurants, hotels, gift shops, bakeries, bars, a hospital, supermarket and even a post office. The area was once dependent on banana plantations which used to line the surrounding area. After disease infiltrated the harvest, interest transferred to African Palms as the prominent crop. Now, tourism has deemed itself the major economic factor, contributing to just about everything in the area. Quepos lures in many tourists for its fantastic sport fishing. In fact, some have come solely to participate in this world class experience and have never left, but besides sport fishing, many other activities are available. Exploring this maze of wetlands by boat is amazing but not the only way to see crocodiles, monkeys, herons, raccoons and more. This small paradise has the perfect balance between nature and the comfort and facilities someone might need.

The former banana-exporting town of Quepos is your basecamp for a day of rainforest adventure. Take a walk along trails that weave up to waterfalls, or ride horseback to a beautiful jungle pool. A float trip through a mangrove swamp populated by monkeys, crocodiles, egrets, and herons is also available. Or you may choose a nature walk through Manuel Antonio National Park, with its lovely beaches, easy trails, and abundant animal life.