All-inclusive Peruvian adventure including an LGBT+, guaranteed full ship charter Amazon River cruise and culminating with a comprehensive Machu Picchu experience.
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 popular Amazon and Machu Picchu program again in 2022. The cruise portion 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 your fellow LGBT travelers. After disembarkation, we will continue on to the Sacred Valley near the Inca capitol of Cusco. From here, we board the Sacred Valley train for a scenic journey to Machu Picchu, the mystical stone city built by the Incas in the 15th century. Afterwards return to Cusco, where you’ll enjoy two luxurious nights at the centrally- located Palacio del Inka hotel and guided tours of the most significant Inca sites 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.
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.
Dates of stay: April 17-19
Additional pre-program nights available:
$250 per room per night based on double occupancy
$238 per room per night based on single occupancy
Delfin III
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.
The ship features all suite accommodations with floor-to-ceiling windows with individual climate control, in room safes, hair dryers, generous closet and under-bed storage. Other amenities include soft, luxurious spa robes and slippers; natural, therapeutic bath amenities; and fine cotton bed lines with pillow menu.
Your be pampered by 29 crew including expert naturalists to guide you through the experience; spa services and gourmet meals prepared with fresh local ingredients. Your stay on the Delfin III includes all meals; complimentary coffe, tea, water, soft drinks, local beer and pisco-based cocktails as well as free flowing house wine at dinner.
Your expert naturalists will guide you on twice daily excursions by comfortable skiff boat or short hikes on land. Water resistant boots will be provided for they hikes as will refreshments on longer excursions.
Dates of stay: April 19-23
Tambo del Inka Luxury Hotel
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 a natural massage. Then relax in the cozy lounge, featuring a classic billiards table and variety of board games.
Dates of stay: April 23-26
Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel
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.
Dates of stay April 26-27
Palacio del Inka Luxury Collection
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 many amenities of the Palacio del Inka.
Dates of stay April 27-29
Additional post-program nights available:
$260 per room per night based on double occupancy
$240 per room per night based on single occupancy
Huayna Picchu Climb
$55 per person
****Limited availability, reserve early for your best chance of getting a spot for this adventure. Names are submitted to the government of Peru at the beginning of December 2021. Entries beyond that point will likely not be approved.
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 the 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.
DAY 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. You will be back down from the mountain by approximately 11:30am.
HIGHLIGHTS
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.
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 skiff boats during the day and evening; native village visit.
Sacred Valley: visit Ollantaytambo with its huge Incan fortress rising from the edge of town.
Machu Picchu: board the train for the scenic journey to Aguas Calientes; sightseeing of the ruins with a local guide.
Cusco: sightseeing with visits to Santo Domingo Cathedral, Sacsayhuaman fortress and the Pre-Columbian Art Museum.
INCLUSIONS
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 Amazon cruise including all meals. (Guaranteed all-LGBT+ charter.)
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.
3 nights hotel accommodations in the Sacred Valley including daily breakfast, one lunch and one dinner. Guided tours in the Sacred Valley.
Peru Rail Vista Dome Train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu with lunch upon arrival to Machu Picchu Village.
2 visits to Machu Picchu.
One night hotel accommodation in Machu Picchu village including breakfast and dinner.
Peru Rail Vista Dome train from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo and motor coach to Cusco including gourmet packed lunch.
2 nights hotel accommodation in Cusco, including breakfast, one dinner and one lunch.
Half day city tour of Cusco and half day tour of the the Sacsayhuaman fortress.
Lunches and dinners on land include: two glasses of local beer, house wine or soft drinks.
Arrive in Lima at the Jorge Chavez International Airport, where you will be greeted by a Brand g Vacations representative and transferred to the centrally located Hilton Miraflores where an evening welcome reception will be held. (WR)
After breakfast, depart to the historic center of Lima, a UNESCO world heritage site. Visit the Church, Convent and Catacombs of the San Francisco Monastery, the most significant religious site in Lima, providing insight into life during Spanish colonial times. Continue to Lima Cathedral housing the remains of Francisco Pizarro, the founder of Lima. Afterwards, we will head to Pueblo Libre District to visit the Larco Museum, situated in a former mansion. Built on the site of a pre-Columbian temple, it is home to a collection of 3,000 years of ceramic, textile, precious metal artifacts. and mummies that show off the different way’s ancient cultures, including the Incas, preserved their dead. Lunch is included at Café del Museo. Finally, return to your hotel, en- route enjoy a panoramic drive through Miraflores and San Isidro and to see the sites of “Parque de los Enamorados” (Lover’s Park), and enjoy a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. (B/L)
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly from Lima to Iquitos. Upon arrival you’ll be greeted by a member of the Delfin III team and given a lunchbox to eat as we travel 95 km to Nauta to embark. Along the way, you will see vibrant “terra firma” (non-flooded forest) and various aspects of daily jungle life. Nauta, a small riverside town on the banks of the Marañon River and was the first city founded in the department of Loreto. After your VIP welcome aboard the Delfin III, enjoy sailing along the Ucayali River where you will have the opportunity to spend some time in search of birds and playful monkeys. As your naturalist guide spots various creatures for you, the landscape adorned by the usual colors of the sun’s reflections is a great photo opportunity as you witness your first Amazon Rainforest Sunset. Later we gather for cocktails and a celebratory welcome dinner as we make our way towards the Amazon River. (B/Lunchbox/D)
Here in the Amazon Rainforest, we can have dry mornings with beautiful sunrises. This is all we need to have a successful pre-breakfast exploration of the forest! The early morning hours are the best time of day to watch birds, observe their special displays and listen to their songs. We will jump on the skiffs and head to the shores of the Ucayali River. This area is green with large trees and old palm trees as well, and these components favor the presence of several parrot species. This particular spot also has a great number of other birds of different species. Perhaps spot a large flock of red-bellied macaws, as well different types of raptors, woodpeckers and swallows. If you are very lucky you will hear loud and distinctive sounds of blue and yellow macaws! Following our morning exploration, we return to the boat for a nourishing breakfast and time to relax.
This afternoon, after lunch take time to enjoy the boat. Later, we board our skiffs to look for the famous hoatzins nesting a few feet above water, and perhaps a sloth or two of the three toed kind. The Dorado River can also be home to troops of brown capuchin monkeys mixed up with squirrel monkeys. As the sun sets, our aim will be finding black and white caiman, fishing bats, and Noisy Nights Monkeys. In the evening you will encounter a whole new world of adventure, after which we return to the Delfin for another satisfying dinner. (B/L/D)
This morning, we cruise through the Pacaya River, which is at the very heart of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, Peru’s largest protected area with a mean annual rainfall of nearly 3,000 millimeters, by far the largest protected wetland reserve in the world. Filled with lakes, palm swamps, and streams, the reserve becomes a flooded forest in the rainy season and is sure to be one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever visit. You will also have the chance to explore one of the pristine Amazon lagoons in this wonderful region!
Following lunch and a relaxing afternoon on board, we board our skiffs and speed along the main river to reach the narrower channels where we will explore the thick rainforest adjacent to the water. During our explorations we will look for some of the more typical and iconic birds of the New World tropics, such as the lettered Aracari Toucan, the Straightbilled Woodcreeper and the White-eared Jacamar. Later on, travel near Flor de Castaña, for an opportunity to swim among Pink Dolphins. If you are thinking Piranhas, as many people have in their minds, when they think about the Amazon River! Don’t worry; the aggressiveness of this characteristic fish of the Amazon is really extremely overrated. (B/L/D)
This morning along the Yarapa River, you will get to explore this tributary intimately. Listen closely for the sounds from within the mysterious jungle as we travel down river to this wide creek that leads to an attractive hidden lagoon. As we absorb the beauty of the landscape, we will have the chance to reflect on the wildlife. Hawks, terns, herons and monkeys which are part of our everyday excursions are readily close by. We will notice many more inhabitants of the Amazon, the Rivereños people being an important part of this complex bionetwork, only reinforce the fact that we are part of their lives and how our presence here and now could make a difference to the future of this magical land of the Incas. Look out for specific types of monkeys like the Pygmy Marmoset, Squirrel Monkey, and our first Monk Saki. This medium-sized monkey with the thick fur and bushy tail looks more like he is dressed for the Arctic than the Amazon. After, enjoy a delicious breakfast and some time at leisure.
For our afternoon excursion we take a walk at Fundo Casual jungle trail, taking you deep into the rainforest on terra firme (nonflooded 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! It’s almost unbelievable how with every step you find something along the way. Almost definitely Anaconda, Rainbow Boas, Tarantulas, Poison Frogs, and most recently porcupines have been spotted. This is one of the very few places in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Amazon Rainforest where you will spot the ever so elusive 2-toed sloth. This evening, back on board, enjoy a festive farewell dinner. (B/L/D)
This morning, we’ll disembark the Delfin III. On our way back to the Iquitos airport, we’ll visit the rescue camp, Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals (ACOBIA) where you will have the chance to meet baby manatees and learn about these wonderful and docile creatures and why they are on the endangered species list. You will also have the chance to pet and feed these kind manatees. As well, there are also some other animals cared for by the center that have been rescued from capture for the intention of being turned into pets and other threatening conditions. We welcome you to donate to this ambitious organization and education center as you wish. Our land personnel will wait for you at the airport and give your boarding passes, provide you with a box lunch courtesy of the Delfin III and help you check in. Should you wish, you may also purchase a snack at the Iquitos airport, and/or something more substantial upon arrival to the Lima airport.
After a connecting flight through Lima, we will arrive in Cusco, and transfer to the Tambo del Inka Hotel. A light snack will be served on the way to the hotel. Tonight’s dinner is on your own at the hotel. We suggest you eat light on your first night at altitude. (B/Lunch Box/Snack)
Urubamba Valley is located in the Andes close to the Inca capital of Cusco, and below the ancient sacred city of Machu Picchu. This morning we take a scenic drive into the mountains to the incredible Saltpans of Maras, which have existed since Pre-Incan times, and the mind boggling archaeological Incan crop research site of Moray. We return to the hotel around 1pm for lunch on your own and some time to relax. Tonight, we enjoy dinner as a group at the Tambo del Inka hotel. (B/D)
This morning, we explore Ollantaytambo, the predecessor to Machu Picchu, with its huge Incan fortress rising from the edge of town. Once a stronghold of Inca resistance to Spanish colonization, it is remarkably well-preserved. Following the tour, we enjoy a sumptuous, included buffet lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, you have the option to visit the Pablo Seminario Ceramic Workshop and store (directly across from the Tambo del Inka hotel) or return to the hotel to relax. Dinner tonight is on your own. (B/L)
After breakfast, board the train in Ollantaytambo for the scenic journey to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll enjoy a fortifying lunch prior to venturing to the summit to start our 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. This evening, we enjoy dinner together at the 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-advance sign up required). Otherwise, the morning is yours to explore Machu Picchu Village on your own.
This afternoon return to Ollantaytambo by train, and transfer to Cusco by motor coach. Upon arrival, check-in to the historic Palacio del Inka Luxury Collection Hotel in Cusco and enjoy dinner on your own and an evening at leisure. (B/L)
After your included breakfast, this morning is free to relax on your own to enjoy the hotel, or take a stroll in the city. Following lunch on your own, we set off on foot for a guided tour including 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. We continue 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. This evening, we gather for a pisco tasting and a festive dinner at Republica del Pisco. (B/D)
Following breakfast at the hotel, visit the 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 Qenqo, one of the largest huacas (holy places) in the Cusco Region. Many huacas were based on naturally occurring rock formations. It was believed to be a place where sacrifices and mummification took place.
Following our morning tour, we’ll have a special farewell lunch before your transfer to the Cusco airport for your departure flight. (B/L)
Rooms starting at $6,499.
