Peru: Where the Andes Meet the Amazon
From Arequipa to the Amazon Basin—Colca Canyon, the White City & Beyond
8 Days, 7 Nights
16
B&R Activity Levels
$16,495 USD
Single Supplement: $2,000 USD
View Dates
limited edition
From the depths of the Colca Canyon to the elegant colonial streets of Arequipa and deep into the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, this is the side of Peru that few ever get to see. Watch condors soar above one of the world's deepest canyons, dine privately within the candlelit cloisters of a 16th-century monastery, and spend three extraordinary nights aboard Aqua Nera—exploring remote river systems, ancient communities and the staggering biodiversity of the Amazon Basin. A limited edition journey designed to be experienced on its own or combined with the first chapter of this ultimate Peruvian grand journey.
Start from the beginning with Peru: Inca Trails, Culinary Masters & Andean Rituals.
This is Peru beyond the well-worn trails and into places most travellers never reach. The volcanic highlands of the Colca Canyon, the colonial back streets of Arequipa, and the remote river systems of the Peruvian Amazon form a journey that feels genuinely rare, even in a country as well-travelled as Peru.
From Andean condors soaring above one of the world's deepest canyons to three nights navigating the remote waterways of the Amazon Basin aboard Aqua Nera, this journey takes you into some of the most dramatic and biodiverse landscapes on Earth. The kind of places that remind you just how extraordinary this planet really is.
The flavours of this journey are as distinctive as the destinations themselves. From a traditional Arequipeñan picantería—one of the city's most treasured culinary institutions—to the Amazon-inspired cuisine of renowned chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino aboard Aqua Nera, every meal tells the story of where you are.
Day by Day
No two trips are ever the same, but this will give you a taste of what your journey will be like.
Rendezvous
Trip Start: Palacio Guaqui by Ananay
Time: 8:30 am
Nearest International Airport: Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP)
Farewell
Trip End: Iquitos Airport
Time: To be confirmed
Nearest International Airport: Coronel FAP Francisco Secada Vignetta International Airport (IQT)
* Itineraries are subject to change. Please confirm exact Rendezvous and Farewell locations upon booking.
Day 1
Whether this is the start of your Peruvian adventure or a continuation from Peru: Inca Trails, Culinary Masters & Andean Rituals, your journey begins in Arequipa before heading into the spectacular Colca Valley. Travel through volcanic landscapes and high-altitude plains to Coporaque for a privately hosted lunch, then hike ancient pre-Inca terraces to Yanque for an immersive introduction to this remarkable Andean valley.
Activity:
Coporaque to Yanque introductory hike
Day 2
An early rise brings you to Cruz del Cóndor—one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Andes, suspended above the immense depths of the Colca Canyon—just in time to watch Andean condors catch the morning thermals and soar overhead. After a hike and local canyon-side tasting, enjoy lunch at the hotel before ending the day with a private sunset soak in a secluded natural hot spring.
Activity:
Colca Canyon viewpoint and hike
Day 3
Bid farewell to the Colca Valley with an intimate stop at a traditional alpaca farm, where a local family shares 5,000 years of ancestral herding knowledge—including the ancient water conservation practice of siembra de agua. A relaxed picnic lunch in the Andean highlands leads into Arequipa, where rooftop cocktails and sweeping views over the city's volcanic skyline offer a spectacular first welcome to the White City.
Activity:
Alpaca farm visit
Day 4
Arequipa is a city that earns its reputation many times over—and today is proof. From an intimate private visit to the Mario Vargas Llosa House Museum to a revelatory lunch at one of the city's most cherished traditional picanterías, the day builds toward an unforgettable finale: exclusive after-hours access and a private candlelit dinner within the ancient cloisters of the Monastery of Santa Catalina.
Activity:
Mario Vargas Llosa House Museum
Day 5
Today the journey takes a dramatic turn—from the high volcanic peaks of the Andes to the vast expanse of the Peruvian Amazon. Arrive in Iquitos, one of the world's largest cities unreachable by road, before boarding Aqua Nera, an elegant river expedition ship where renowned chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino's Amazon-inspired cuisine sets the tone for the extraordinary days ahead on the water.
Activity:
Embark the Aqua Nera
Day 6
The Amazon reveals itself in full today. From a private skiff exploration of the remote Yanayacu Yacapana River system, where sloths, black-collared hawks, and colourful birdlife fill the canopy, to piranha fishing on the river and an afternoon cruise along the serene black waters of the Yarapa River. After dark, the jungle transforms completely—a stargazing session and nocturnal wildlife excursion close out an utterly unforgettable day.
Activity:
Yanayacu Yacapana River skiff expedition
Day 7
A misty morning skiff to the serene waters of Clavero Lake offers a rare and unhurried encounter with Amazonian community life—where dugout canoes remain the transport of choice and traditions run deep. An afternoon wildlife cruise along the majestic Marañón River brings sightings of monkeys, exotic birds, and reptiles in the golden late afternoon light, before an intimate evening getting to know the remarkable crew behind the Aqua Nera experience.
Activity:
Wildlife cruise on the Marañón River
Day 8
The Amazon gives generously right to the very last moment—a vibrant local market visit, an optional stop with a community beekeeper, and a deeply moving encounter at the Manatee Rescue Centre, where orphaned Amazonian manatees are nursed back to life before returning to the wild. From Iquitos, fly to Lima for your international connection—carrying with you the landscapes, cultures, and extraordinary spirit of this once-in-a-lifetime Peruvian journey.
Dates & availability
Can't find your dates?
Get in touch to craft a Bespoke itinerary or request an additional date to privatize.
Featured stays
Las Casitas, A Belmond Hotel, Colca Canyon
Location: Yanque, Peru
CIRQA by Andean
Location: Arequipa, Peru
Aqua Nera
What's included
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners as indicated on the itinerary.
All accommodation as indicated on the itinerary.
Thoughtfully selected local wines, beers, cocktails or non-alcoholic beverages with all meals.
Use of two lightweight, telescoping walking sticks and a backpack.
A reusable B&R water bottle.
Services of B&R guide(s).
All special events, private tours, guest experts, permits and trail fees. For this we need your passports at the time of booking.
All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel services.
Flights from Arequipa to Iquitos.
Transportation (including baggage) from pick up to drop off, no matter which portion of the trip you join.
Van support where trails permit.
What's Not Included: International flights, travel protection, gratuity for your B&R guides.
This trip is carbon neutral. Learn more about our Sustainability commitment.
Good to know
The Full Grand Journey
Both parts of this itinerary have been designed to work seamlessly together as the ultimate Peruvian grand journey. For those doing both, all domestic flights within Peru are included, your journey begins and ends in Lima, and every logistical detail is taken care of so you can focus entirely on the experience.
An Expedition by Nature
This is a true grand journey—moving through Peru by plane, buses and boat to reach places that simply can't be experienced any other way. Come prepared for an adventure.
Altitude
It is important to be aware that we do spend time at high altitude. The highest altitude that we will sleep at during the trip is in Colca Canyon at 10,695ft / 3,260m.
Why choose a Small Group trip?
An Effortless Journey
Our expert Experience Designers are perfectionists, using first-hand knowledge of routes, restaurants and hotels to create an unforgettable experience. This means all the planning is taken care of for you. All you need to do is enjoy.
Active Exploration
From emerging destinations to iconic sights, B&R trips show you the world in a new way on our expertly developed cycling, walking and hiking routes. Travelling through historic villages and romantic vineyards and up to striking viewpoints, our routes offer a variety of challenges for every activity level.
Friends for Life
Your fellow travellers are as passionate and curious about the world as you are, which means the conversations and laughs will be as free flowing as your drink of choice. Don't be surprised if your group starts planning a reunion before the trip is done.
Room for Surprises
We love a plan, but we adore a spontaneous moment even more. Whether it's an impromptu al fresco meal or a moon-lit musical performance, our advice is to expect the unexpected.
The Amazon is the perfect final chapter to this journey
The second part of this grand adventure goes deeper and wilder. The Colca Canyon hits you with the wild, overwhelming scale of the Andes, Arequipa completes Peru's history where Cusco left off, and the descent to the Amazon feels like stepping into an entirely different world. It's the perfect final chapter to one of the great travel experiences on Earth.
Stephanie Gulledge; Experience Designer