Peru Tour for Couples: Amazon, Cusco & Machu Picchu

Lima, Peru is known as the City of Kings, with neighborhoods that give a vibrant swirl to the essence of the city and the country. The flavors are rich and the aromas are tempting, from ceviche to rotisserie, ocean mist to arid hills. Along the bohemian seaside neighborhood of Miraflores you can hear the crashing waves of the Pacific.  The zesty citrus of the fresh ceviche drifts along the walkways where vibrant textile benches have a background along the alluring horizon. The lighthouse rotates in black and white stripes, illuminating the dark night sea and the boardwalk. The statue of El Baso, which means “The Kiss,” shows two lovers embraced in one eternal kiss hovering over the shore.

Within the Andes is the famous Inca capital of Cusco, where the cobblestone streets add an air of romance to the blend of Spanish architecture built over Inca foundations. As the streets rise and fall along the hills you will come to the open beauty of the Plaza de Armas. What was the heart of the Inca capital continues to shimmer with importance, not just from the adorned fountain at the square’s center, but also because of the grandeur of the surrounding buildings that enclose the plaza. Arched colonnades give shade and comfort to the surrounding cafes as the cathedral rises over the cobblestones almost looking like it will climb into the hills.

Along the looming hills of the city you can see Sacsayhuaman, the old Inca fort, overlooking the valley and on guard for centuries. The massive stones display the impressing feat of engineering; the boulders having been cut and pressed together like a puzzle, without mortar, and sustaining their shape and structural integrity ever since. It is rumored that you wouldn’t be able to fit a blade of grass within the space between the stones. Within the walls of the fortress you can see the sensational panorama of Cusco below, spread out and over the undulating hills dotted with vibrant rooftops. Within the frames that separate halls you can notice the trapezoidal arches that helped relieve pressure during earthquakes. The large stones never seem to lessen as they terrace over the city below. As the sun begins to fade along the horizon a golden hue drapes across Cusco making it look like a city laden with treasure.

The Sacred Valley runs along the foothills of the Andes where the lush green seems to roll into the snowcapped peaks of the longest mountain range in the world. Whether standing along the edges of the sensational village of Pisac in seclusion, soaking in the vast surroundings, or venturing through the famous market place, it feels like the wonder of the valley has been displayed just for you. Pisac sits beneath Inca ruins that stand on the mountaintops and overlook the valley; temples that once proudly captured the sunlight on their bricks now sit in grand ruin, set within the rocks. Within the village you catch the sensual aroma of pumpkin. The jovial sounds of the village pass through the aisles of the market place beside the spectacular colors of woven textiles. A sea of blues, greens, yellows, and reds sweep through Pisac, enchanting everyone from its locals to its visitors who come from near and far to witness the sensational village.

Continue on to Ollantaytambo, a village almost unchanged for centuries and where long ago it was inhabited by the Incas. Each home displays a trapezoidal archway, like the aches at the fort on the hills of Cusco, to help keep the homes cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and protected from the shakes of quakes. However, when you look beyond the village you will find the foothills layered in grandiose stone. The agricultural terraces climb to the mountaintop cut by a single stairway for you to follow. The Wall of Six Monoliths shines with a deep pink color from the age and oxidization of the stones that stand proud against the framework the sky. A grand temple once encompassed the mountainside, used as a place of retreat against the Spanish invasion. The breeze is cool as it rushes along the terraces. A soft dribble of water rises from the Bath of the Princess, a lovely fountain that was cut from a single stone; the ornate design almost imitates the trapezoidal arches, making you want to reach into the fountain to see what private paradise it may lead you to. In the evening you will return to Cusco with the lingering majesty of the Sacred Valley echoing on your fingertips.

Today you will board a train that will take you through the unforeseen beauty of the Sacred Valley. You can watch through the glass dome train car that gives you access to the thriving and supple landscapes of the Andes. Mountaintops roll through the sky, their snowy peaks mimicking clouds. Mist rises from the Urubamba River which rushes along the valley basin. The rich perfume of Peruvian coffee drifts through the car and the vibrant green of the plains fades behind the swaying leaves of the jungle. The immaculate white of orchids is interspersed between the deep jade of the trees. Arrive at the base of Machu Picchu where the magnificence of the once lost city is just a stair climb away.

Rising 1,000 feet above the lowest depths of the valley, and almost 8,000 feet above sea level, are the grand ruins of Machu Picchu. The stairway opens up to vast terraces that climb down to the valley giving the mountainside a textured swell. It is easy to find private niches of fantasy along the citadel where cool stones of history continue to capture people’s imaginations. Llamas graze through the vegetation keeping the grounds immaculate and eco-friendly. Exploring the ancient city gives you plenty of temples and residences to see, set within the clouds and surrounding mountain peaks. At the highest point of the city is the House of the Priest where you have a view of the labyrinthine complexes made of a collection of cells, niches, and passageways in the lower corner. The “Hitching Post of the Sun” looks like a large sundial and continues to capture the light and cast a shadow over the large rock formation; the only full structured one of its kind, and is where the city offers more than just a view of the sky but the overwhelming passion of history.

The morning rises over the mountaintops giving a shimmer to the ruins above. Rich Peruvian coffee is freshly brewed and rising you from the comforts of bed. This morning gives you the chance to once again explore the surroundings of the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu where the isolated pathways are always looking to be found. Overlooking the citadel of the city is Huayna Picchu, the looming peak that sometimes casts an actual shadow over the ruins. With only the first 200 people at the checkpoint allowed to climb the fascinating slope per day, the peak gives you not just a view but an unique moment with one another that can never be replicated. The scent of lavish earth emanates from the path. Pass through the Inca Tunnel and begin your ascent up the sheer staircase that climbs the mountainside. Hold onto the rope rail that is cool and coarse on your hand guiding you step by step higher into the sky. On the top of Huayna Picchu you can look down over the citadel of the city and see the entirety of the mountain, the ruins, and feel like you could even see into the depths of the sky. Hold hands, dance, snuggle, and let the morning pass you by as the stones begin to shine like gemstones. Eventually you will descend the mountain, board your train, and return to Cusco, but for now you can watch as the clouds pass by below you with romance in the sky, and enjoy the moment.

The snow white peaks of the Andes become a loveable memory as you watch the mountain range fade from view, replaced by the spectacular verdant green of the Amazon canopy. Welcome to Iquitos where you can see and feel the difference from Andean grandeur to Amazonian passion immediately. The air is thick and warm, while the mountain quiet has been transformed into a rush from the river and a round of bird calls in the distance. Iquitos shines with the forgotten beauty of its heyday as the central city during the Rubber Boom. The Victorian buildings are gilded with immaculate borders that bring to your mind a cool drink brought to your lips on a balcony that overlooks the bustle of the city, all set over the sleek portico of your luxurious hotel. The scent of sugar cane continues to brush along the city streets as the delicate and rich history of the city mixes with its functioning present.

Your luxury river cruise beings as you board the spectacular boat with opulent views of the water and shoreline from any direction. Open cabanas are set along the deck and vistas allow for an expansive panorama throughout the dining room; there is always something wondrous happening in the Amazon and your cruise ensures that you have the best view of the river, its banks, and the magnificent skyline. The sensual fragrance of Peruvian cuisine blends perfectly with European lavishness, such as a grand meal featuring large kernelled corn rubbed with specific spices and the splendor of fresh fish grilled to perfection. The boat begins to drift along the rushing waters of the Amazon and you can barely contain your excitement. The private luxuries of the ship offer nothing less than a chance for perfect romance.

The aroma of fresh pineapple beckons you awake giving you a chance to relish the sweet and citrusy flavor as the sun casts a golden orange over the sky. The boat docks beside the lowlands of the Amazonian basin where you can venture into the marshlands of Yanallpa Lake. You can look out into the marsh and it seems as though you can see forever, until the tree line, way into the distance. The air is warm and the sky is bright. The water lilies have colorful, large petals that look as though they could embrace the entirety of the water. Your guide points into the distance where you can hear an awkward grunt and a heavy wheeze. You wonder if it’s someone with you, which makes your guide laugh. He points and you can see a colorful bird that looks to have a Mohawk. The bird is known as a hoatzin; they are the size of a chicken with vibrant plumage and a lively disposition. They run and jump, flapping their wings and calling to one another against the backdrop of the marsh. A welcomed breeze sweeps along the grass. You return to the ship with plenty more to see and the fantasy of what’s to come pulsating in your thoughts.

Relax beneath the deluxe canopies of the ship and watch the river float past. Fisherman pass in shallow bottomed boats, their nets and lines dangling in the river; they are hoping to haul in the next big catch home or to the market. The sailors look to you with grand smiles as they venture past. The cool breeze floats across the boat and brushes the riverbank. The water twists and curves through the jungle adding to the majesty of the river which never seems to end. It is impossible not to feel a touch of the romance from the secluded journey and fabulous comforts that surround you as night begins to roll in.

The grand aroma of rich Peruvian coffee rouses you from bed. Another blessed sunrise over the Amazon brings the colors of pink and a wash of bright blue above the canopy. Today you can follow your guide off of the ship and into the depths of the jungle for a trek to a local village. You expect the trees to be as green on the inside as they are on the outside, but within the canopy the jade color is interspersed with the vibrant hue of flowers, blossoming and showcased along branches and the jungle floor. Birds are active in the morning calling out through the trees, their wings fluttering in the distance. Monkeys hoot and scramble along branches. The morning wild has come to life. At an opening in the forest you see the native people farming, cultivating wild plants and trees. Your guide explains that they have learned to substance farm and earn an income from the abundance of fruit trees and medicinal plants hidden to most within the jungle, but not hidden to them. The tart and sweet scent of acai berry lingers in the air and on your tongue. You welcome the pleasant and candied air of the jungle. Return to the secluded comforts of the cruise ship and you can once again watch the beauty of the Amazon float by.

You can never have enough sunrises; as the glistening light of the morning drapes over the canopy, you can watch the dew of the trees glisten like crowned jewels along the canopy. The fresh hues of daylight give a lively beat to the jungle where the birds call, the monkeys run, and the river continues to rush along the banks. You notice that a ripple begins to form in the water. A familiar muzzle rises from the depths, bobbing and clicking; the pink dolphin is a protected and endangered animal that has swum and fished with the local fisherman for millennia. Their playful nature has kept them peaceful and has maintained a jovial comradeship with locals and visitors alike. Their snouts are long and thin; their skin is pink and slick. Dolphins dive into the water and jump beside the boat; you can see the red and yellow feathers of macaws sweeping over the river. The elegant glide and colorful feathers remind you of the sunrises you have witnessed or the sunset to come, where the brilliant sky comes to rest over the majesty of the rainforest.

Today you will return to the shores of Iquitos where the decadent past continues to shimmer in the morning light. Traveling through the city brings you to the magnificent iron building designed by Gustave Eiffel, the same Eiffel that designed the Eiffel Tower. The structure is a proud testament to the city’s history. La Casa de Fierro is said to be the first prefabricated house in the Americas and offers a view into the opulent past of the city, the country, and those who were able to take part in the rubber boom. After your journey through the city you will board your flight and begin your venture home. The canopy fades beneath you and, eventually, the familiar signs of home will make their way into view. Although Peru may be far behind, the romance of your holiday will always be close at hand.