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Machu Picchu & the Amazon with Chateau Montelena

March 5, 2027

March 13, 2027

Aqua Nera

Peru, Amazon

Machu Picchu • Sacred Valley • Amazon River

QUICK HIGHLIGHTS

· Hosted by Chateau Montelena

· Featuring Estate Director George Blanckensee

· Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley

· Private Guided Touring

· Vistadome Train to Machu Picchu

· Luxury Amazon Expedition aboard Aqua Nera

· Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

· Expert Naturalist Guides

· Special Chateau Montelena wine experiences at signature moments throughout the journey

· Limited Availability

Why This Journey is Special

This isn’t simply an Amazon cruise. It’s an immersive journey through two remarkably different sides of Peru.

Begin high in the Andes, where centuries of history unfold among Cusco’s colonial streets and the extraordinary archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley. Explore traditional communities, ancient Inca terraces, and the monumental fortress of Ollantaytambo before traveling through spectacular mountain scenery to one of the world’s most iconic destinations: Machu Picchu.

Then trade mountain peaks for rainforest as you fly to Iquitos and embark Aqua Nera, an intimate luxury expedition vessel designed specifically for exploring the Peruvian Amazon.

Days on the river bring opportunities to venture deep into the rainforest with expert naturalist guides, searching for monkeys, exotic birds, colorful frogs, and the Amazon’s famous pink river dolphins. Explore by skiff, kayak, and canoe. Walk through the jungle, meet local communities, and experience the extraordinary biodiversity of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.

Back onboard, sophisticated accommodations, exceptional cuisine, and attentive service provide a wonderfully luxurious counterpoint to the wilderness outside.

Along the way, Montelena guests will have special opportunities to experience Chateau Montelena wines through hosted tastings and gatherings that bring the winery’s history, stories and Napa Valley heritage to life.

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Meet Your Host

George Blanckensee | Estate Director, Chateau Montelena

As Estate Director at Chateau Montelena, George Blanckensee oversees the winery’s direct-to-consumer and export sales, as well as events, guest experiences, and the estate grounds.

A Bay Area native, George grew up in San Francisco before attending the University of California, Irvine, where he earned a degree in Political Science. While in college, he began working in the hotel industry, launching a hospitality career that would span more than 20 years. Much of that time was focused on food and beverage operations at resorts throughout California, Florida, and Colorado.

His passion for wine eventually led him to become the opening General Manager of Press Club, an innovative wine-tasting venue in downtown San Francisco. Chateau Montelena was one of the project’s cornerstone wineries, and George had already developed a longstanding relationship with the winery as a buyer, supporter, and friend of the Barrett family.

In 2009, he officially joined the Chateau Montelena team.

During his 17-year tenure at the winery, George has also remained active in the Napa Valley community. He founded the Napa Valley Hospitality Forum, served for more than eight years on the executive board of the Calistoga Winegrowers Association, and currently serves on the board of the Calistoga Chamber of Commerce.

George’s combination of wine knowledge, gracious hospitality, and genuine enthusiasm for bringing people together makes him an ideal host for this extraordinary exploration of Peru.


At signature moments throughout the voyage, Chateau Montelena will host special wine experiences featuring thoughtfully selected wines, bringing the stories, history and spirit of Napa Valley to this extraordinary journey.

Journey Highlights

YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

· Eight nights of accommodations throughout Peru, on land and river

· One night at Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol Lima Airport

· Three nights at Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Cusco

· Four nights aboard Aqua Nera

· Private group guided sightseeing in Cusco

· Private group full-day exploration of the Sacred Valley

· Chinchero, the Living Museum of Yucay and Ollantaytambo

· Vistadome train journey to Machu Picchu

· Private group guided visit to Machu Picchu

· Domestic flights from Lima to Cusco and Cusco to Iquitos

· Select meals throughout the land journey

· All meals aboard Aqua Nera

· Expert naturalist-led Amazon excursions

· Exploration of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

· Special Chateau Montelena wine experiences at signature moments throughout the journey

· Transfers as outlined in the itinerary

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Your Ship

AQUA NERA

Purpose-built for exploring the Peruvian Amazon, Aqua Nera pairs adventurous expedition-style discovery with the comfort and service of an intimate luxury vessel.

With just 20 spacious Design Suites, the atmosphere aboard is wonderfully personal. Floor-to-ceiling windows keep the river and rainforest constantly in view, while sophisticated interiors offer an elegant sanctuary after each day’s exploration.

Between excursions, relax beside the plunge pool, enjoy the observation deck, visit the spa or simply settle in with a glass of wine and watch the Amazon drift past.

Dining is another highlight. Menus overseen by renowned consulting chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino showcase Peruvian ingredients and the flavors of the Amazon, creating an especially memorable setting for sharing Chateau Montelena wines.

Two Extraordinary Worlds. One Unforgettable Peru.

Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley

Your journey begins amid the history and dramatic landscapes of the Andes.

Explore Cusco’s remarkable combination of Inca and Spanish colonial heritage before venturing into the Sacred Valley. Visit traditional communities, see artisans practicing centuries-old techniques, and stand among the extraordinary stonework and terraces of Ollantaytambo.

Then comes the moment many travelers have dreamed about for years: travel aboard the panoramic Vistadome train through spectacular Andean scenery to Machu Picchu.

With your private guide, discover the history, engineering, and mysteries of this legendary Inca citadel—one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

The Amazon

From Cusco, fly north to Iquitos and enter an entirely different world.

Aboard Aqua Nera, journey through the waterways of the Peruvian Amazon and the vast Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, where flooded forests, blackwater rivers, and pristine rainforest support an astonishing diversity of wildlife.

Small-group excursions led by expert naturalists take you well beyond the ship. Search for pink river dolphins, monkeys, and tropical birds; explore quiet tributaries by skiff and kayak; walk through the rainforest; visit local communities and experience the Amazon from perspectives few travelers ever see.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

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Day 1 – Arrive Lima Friday, March 5 Arrive at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, where a representative will assist you upon arrival. Tonight’s conveniently located hotel allows you to relax after your international flight before beginning your exploration of Peru the following morning. Overnight: Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol Lima Airport Meals: On your own A Taste of Napa in Peru At select moments throughout the journey, gather with George and fellow Montelena guests for specially hosted wine experiences featuring a curated selection of Chateau Montelena wines.
Day 2 – Lima to Cusco Saturday, March 6 Fly from Lima to Cusco, where you’ll be met and transferred to the beautiful Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Later, set out with your private guide on a walking exploration of this fascinating city. Visit Coricancha, one of the most important temples of the Inca Empire, followed by Cusco Cathedral and its impressive collection of colonial art and architecture. Your final visit may be either the lively San Pedro Market, filled with local products and crafts, or Casa Concha, a colonial mansion housing a collection of Inca artifacts from Machu Picchu. Overnight: Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 – The Sacred Valley Sunday, March 7 Spend the day privately exploring the magnificent Sacred Valley. Begin in picturesque Chinchero, known for its remarkable agricultural terraces and Inca foundations. Because today is Sunday, you’ll also have an opportunity to experience Chinchero’s traditional market. Continue through spectacular mountain scenery to the Living Museum of Yucay, where artisans demonstrate ancient techniques used to create textiles, ceramics, adobe crafts, and silverwork. After lunch, visit the impressive fortress of Ollantaytambo, an important Inca ceremonial center known for its monumental stonework and dramatic agricultural terraces climbing the surrounding mountains. Return to Cusco this evening. Overnight: Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 4 – Machu Picchu Monday, March 8 Today brings one of the great highlights of the journey. Travel by private transportation to Ollantaytambo and board the Vistadome train for a scenic journey through the Andes to Aguas Calientes. From here, continue to legendary Machu Picchu, recognized as both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Your private guide will lead you through this extraordinary Inca citadel, bringing its history, architecture, and mysteries to life against one of the most spectacular mountain backdrops imaginable. Following your visit, enjoy lunch at Café Inkaterra, overlooking the Vilcanota River. Return aboard the Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo, where private transportation will take you back to Cusco. Overnight: Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 5 – Cusco to Iquitos | Embark Aqua Nera Tuesday, March 9 After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your included flight from Cusco to Iquitos, gateway to the Peruvian Amazon. Upon arrival, receive a warm welcome from the Aqua Expeditions team and travel by private transfer toward Nauta, enjoying a light lunch along the way. Board the elegant Aqua Nera and settle into your spacious suite as an entirely new chapter of the journey begins. Following an introduction from the ship’s expert naturalist guides and a routine safety briefing, gather for dinner and your first experience of Aqua Nera’s Amazonian-inspired cuisine. Overnight: Aqua Nera Meals: Breakfast, Light Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 – Marañón River & Yanayacu-Pucate River Wednesday, March 10 Rise with the sun for an early morning birdwatching excursion along the Marañón River, followed by breakfast surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jungle. Later, visit an Amazonian village, where you’ll have an opportunity to meet local ribereños and learn more about life along the river, including a demonstration of traditional Aguaje palm harvesting. This afternoon, explore the beautiful Yanayacu-Pucate River, with opportunities to swim, kayak or canoe. Keep watch for one of the Amazon’s most famous residents—the remarkable pink river dolphin. As daylight fades, venture out again by skiff along the Yanaquillo River in search of nocturnal wildlife. Overnight: Aqua Nera Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 – Samiria River & Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Thursday, March 11 Today offers a full immersion into the extraordinary Amazon wilderness. Set out early for a full-day exploration of the Samiria River within the spectacular Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Fish the river’s black waters and choose from opportunities to canoe, kayak, swim or explore the rainforest on foot. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the sounds of the jungle before continuing deeper into this remarkable ecosystem. On the return toward the Marañón River, travel by skiff while keeping watch for monkeys, colorful birdlife, and another opportunity to spot pink river dolphins. Overnight: Aqua Nera Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Day 8 – Nauta Caño River & Rainforest Walk Friday, March 12 Begin the morning exploring the extraordinary black waters of the Nauta Caño River, watching for wildlife as the rainforest awakens. Those looking for a more active adventure may opt for a bicycle ride along the riverbank between Puerto Prado and Santa Cruz villages. This afternoon, venture into the rainforest on foot with your naturalist guide. Discover the many layers of the Amazon ecosystem while searching for medicinal trees, fascinating insects, poison dart frogs and other flora and fauna hidden throughout the jungle. Before dinner, meet the Aqua Nera crew members whose behind-the-scenes work has made your Amazon experience so memorable. Overnight: Aqua Nera Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9 – Iquitos & Manatee Rescue Center | Departure Saturday, March 13 Your final morning begins with a guided visit to a local Amazonian market, where you’ll discover the fascinating fruits, produce and flavors of the region—and perhaps sample something you’ve never encountered before. Return to Aqua Nera for breakfast before saying farewell to the ship and crew. En route to the airport, make one final special stop at the Manatee Rescue Center, which cares for orphaned Amazonian manatees and rehabilitates them for eventual release back into the wild. Continue to Iquitos International Airport for your onward journey, bringing home memories of two of South America’s most extraordinary landscapes—the magnificent Andes and the wild Amazon. Meals: Breakfast
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Accommodations

Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol Lima Airport (or similar)| 1 Night

Conveniently located at Lima's international airport, the Wyndham Grand provides an easy and comfortable place to rest and recharge after your international flights before continuing to Cusco the following morning.

Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel (or similar)| Cusco | 3 Nights

Set in the heart of historic Cusco, Palacio del Inka combines centuries of history with the comforts of a luxury hotel. Its exceptional location provides an atmospheric home base for exploring Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

Aqua Nera | Peruvian Amazon | 4 Nights

Designed specifically for exploring the Peruvian Amazon in style, award-winning Aqua Nera pairs contemporary luxury with local heritage. Just 20 spacious, river-view suites create an intimate onboard experience, complemented by inviting indoor and outdoor lounges, exceptional dining, a plunge pool, spa, gym and observation deck.


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