Remarkable experiences. extraordinary value.

Journey to the Panama Canal and Machu Picchu

22 Nights featuring Aruba, Cartagena, the Panama Canal, Ecuador, Machu Picchu, Cusco and Lima. Machu Picchu

Includes: International Airfare, Hotel, Tours, Transfers and More!

Land Program: Includes Full-day Guided Tours on Most Days

Start Date: Jan 7, 2025
(Sailing Jan 7, 2025)

About This Journey

Marvel at two wonders of the world in one trip, from the incredible engineering achievement of the Panama Canal to the legendary Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. From Miami, embark the Azamara Journey where you will sail south following the tropical breeze to ports in Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, and Colombia before making a full transit of the Panama Canal—one of the world’s Modern Seven Wonders. Upon arriving in Lima, Peru, your Journey continues in a city steeped in history. Start your Peruvian adventure with an exclusive shore excursion in the birthplace of Peru, once known as the “City of Kings.” After a flight to Cusco and a quick transfer to the Sacred Valley, you can immerse yourself in one of history’s best ancient tales. Explore the ancient fortresses of the Sacred Valley and take a scenic train ride to Machu Picchu, the legendary “Lost City of the Inca” and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Enjoy lunch on a ranch that is known for the Peruvian Paso horse, where a demonstration will show why it is renowned for the smoothest gait in the world. You’ll also visit the former capital of the Incan Empire, Cusco, a beautiful city nestled in the Peruvian Andes featuring a unique mix of Incan and Spanish colonial architecture. Head back to Lima where you’ll enjoy an unforgettable farewell dinner that includes live music and dances from different regions of Peru. Sway to the music of Latin beats on this incredible 22 night Journey from Miami to Lima and admire what human engineering and artistry have accomplished over the centuries with and without modern technology.

Visits: Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Cartagena, the Panama Canal, Ecuador, Machu Picchu, Cusco and Lima; North America; South America; Azamara Journey; 37031

Journey to the Panama Canal and Machu Picchu

Itinerary

Start Date: Jan 7, 2025
(Sailing Jan 7, 2025)

Day Port Arrival Departure
1 Miami Embarkation 6:00 PM
2 At Sea
3 At Sea
4 Oranjestad, Aruba 1:00 PM 10:00 PM
5 Kralendijk, Bonaire 8:00 AM 10:00 PM
6 Willemstad, Curacao 8:00 AM 10:00 PM
7 At Sea
8 Cartagena, Colombia 8:00AM
9 Cartagena, Colombia 12:00 PM
10 Panama Canal (Cruising)
11 At Sea
12 Manta, Ecuador 8:00 AM 2:00 PM
13 Guayaquil, Ecuador 8:00 AM 10:00 PM
14 At Sea
15 Salaverry (Trujillo), Peru 7:30 AM 5:00 PM
16 Lima, Peru – Afternoon City tour and Dinner (Return to Ship) 1:00 PM
17 Lima, Peru – Disembark and fly to Cusco, transfer to Sacred Valley
18 Sacred Valley – Tour to Pisac Citadel and Ollantaytambo fortress
19 Sacred Valley – Tour to Machu Picchu
20 Sacred Valley to Cusco – Visit Sacsayhuaman Fort, Quenqo Ruins, and the Red Fortress
21 Cusco – City Tour and Visit to Temple of the Sun
22 Cusco to Lima – Transfer to Lima; City Tour and Farewell Dinner
23 Lima – Hotel Check Out and Transfer to Airport

Interested in the land program without the cruise? Call us for a quote.

**Please note that this itinerary is subject to change at anytime, including port of call changes. Please call a Personal Vacation Manager with any questions.

Land Program

  • Day 1 – Miami Embarkation

For those flying into Miami with air by Enrichment Journeys, you will receive a cruise line transfer by Azamara Cruises to the port where you will board the Azamara Journey for a 16-night cruise to Callao (Lima), Peru.

  • Day 2-15 – Cruising aboard Azamara Journey (see below for cruise highlights)
  • Day 16 – Lima Shore Excursion
Lima, Peru

Lima, Peru

After breakfast and lunch onboard, enjoy an exclusive shore excursion in Lima, Peru. Embark on a personalized tour led by your knowledgeable local guide, designed to unveil the city’s most remarkable treasures. Begin with a visit to the historic San Francisco convent, a place steeped in centuries of heritage and culture. Step into the Main Square, where Lima was first founded as “The City of Kings,” in 1535, and it was already known by the name of Lima when Peru proclaimed its independence from the Spanish Crown in 1821. There you may see the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Lima Cathedral. Next, you will go to Pueblo Libre district to visit the Larco Museum, founded by Rafael Larco Hoyle en 1926. The museum, located inside a viceregal mansion built on a pre-Columbian pyramid of the 7th century, houses the most complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver artifacts as well pieces of erotic art. As the day winds down, you will enjoy delightful dinner with your fellow travelers before transferring back to the pier for one more night aboard the cruise ship. (D)

  • Day 17 – Disembarkation and Transfer to Sacred Valley

Meet your Tour Escort after you disembark the Azamara Journey and head to the Lima airport for your flight to Cusco and transfer to the Sacred Valley. After check-in, you’ll have time to get settled in and relax. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for welcome dinner. (D)

  • Day 18 – Sacred Valley
Ollantaytambo Village, Sacred Valley

Wayra Ranch Pachamanca

Start the day with a visit to Pisac, a town shaped as a partridge, which is known for its craft market established between colonial buildings and for housing one of the most impressive complex of agricultural terraces of the valley. The market has scores of stands that exhibit and sell products manufactured by the residents of the area. We have planned a lunch at Wayra Ranch where you will be delighted by a meal designed by the prominent Chef, Pedro Miguel Schiaffino and Nacho Solis. The ranch is also known for the Peruvian Paso horse, renowned for the smoothest gait in the world.

 

Ollantaytambo Village, Sacred Valley

Ollantaytambo Village, Sacred Valley

Stunning equestrian demonstrations and marinera music will create a memorable afternoon before we continue to Ollantaytambo, a typical example of the urban planning of the Incas, whose residents still live in accordance with the old traditions. You will find a huge archaeological complex which, although it bears the name of fortress, it was actually a tambo, a leisure city used to accommodate the delegations that traveled long distances. This evening enjoy dinner at the hotel. (B, L, D)

  • Day 19 – Sacred Valley
Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu

Today is the highlight of our trip: a visit to the “Lost City of the Inca.” Believed to have been built in the 15th century, Machu Picchu laid undiscovered by outsiders until 1911. The name roughly translates to “Old Mountain,” and is a masterpiece of engineering and architecture that is thought to have served as a sanctuary and retreat for the Inca. After breakfast, you will be driven half an hour to the Ollantaytambo train station and embark for the two-hour ride to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu pueblo. Please note: be sure to bring your passport with you as local authorities check the name on the ticket against a picture ID. Also, luggage on the train is limited to a backpack. After leaving the train, board a local bus to ascent to Machu Picchu, the most important archaeological site in Peru. The ascent takes about 20 minutes on mountainous roads – your expectations heightening with each new vista. Your local guide will talk about the site and will lead you in small groups around the site according to the level of exercise you are comfortable with. Enjoy lunch, then return by train and have the evening at leisure at the hotel. (B, L)

  • Day 20 – Sacred Valley to Cusco
Sacsayhuaman, Cusco, Peru

Sacsayhuaman, Cusco, Peru

This morning we check out of the hotel and transfer to the city of Cusco. En route, you will visit the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, one of the most emblematic buildings of the Incas (located just minutes from town center) built by the Inca Pachacutec in the fifteenth century. This is a huge fortress built with large stones whose transportation remains still a mystery. Each June 24th, during the winter solstice, the feast of Inti Raymi is recreated here, where the sun is worshipped. Continue to Quenqo, located 4 kilometers from the city of Cusco. Quenqo is an archaeological complex of mainly religious use where it is believed agricultural rituals were performed. Finally get to know Puka Pucara, located 7 kilometers from the city of Cusco. Puka Pucara, which means “Red Fortress”, was an architectural complex of alleged military use with multiple spaces, plazas, baths, aqueducts, walls and towers, and it is believed the entourage of the Inca used it while he rested in Tambomachay. This afternoon, arrive in Cusco and check in to your hotel, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. (B, L)

  • Day 21 – Cusco
Koricancha Temple

Koricancha Temple

Start your scenic tour of Cusco today at the Koricancha, also known as the “Temple of the Sun”, the construction of which was ordered by Inca Pachacútec (1438-1471) and was used as base for the construction of the Santo Domingo Convent upon the arrival of the Spaniards. This is when the Sun was worshiped during the Inca Empire and it was once filled with gold artifacts. You will then go to the Cathedral, the most important building on the Main Square and one of the most splendid Spanish colonial churches in America, which is shaped as a Latin Cross and houses about 400 colonial paintings from the Cusco art school, and impressive goldsmith, silversmith and precious stones works. Its construction lasted almost a century, it started in 1560 and ended in 1654. The Ecclesiastical Chapter ordered to extract and transport hundreds of stones from the Sacsayhuamán fortress for this purpose. Return to the Hotel and have the evening at leisure. (B, L)

  • Day 22 – Cusco to Lima
Peruvian performers

Peruvian performers

Have breakfast this morning before checking out and then we will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Lima. Enjoy some time at leisure once you check into your hotel. This evening you’ll enjoy a special farewell dinner while enjoying a live performance of the principal dances from the different regions of Peru. (B, D)

  • Day 23 – Lima

Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before check-out and say farewell to Peru. Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

For meals not included in your land programs, all hotels chosen include a restaurant on property where you may relax and enjoy a meal. In addition, your guide is available to make suggestions on nearby dining, shopping or sightseeing.

Port Highlights

  • Oranjestad, Aruba:
Oranjestad,

Oranjestad, Aruba

Given the beautiful climate and myriad of pristine white beaches, it’s no wonder that some of Oranjestad’s most popular activities to do are soaking in the sun, snorkeling, sailing, fishing and boat rides.

  • Kralendijk, Bonaire:
Bonaire

Kralendijk, Bonaire

Bonaire, and its tropical capital Kralendijk, is a haven for those looking to explore the world beneath the waves. Located in the Caribbean Netherlands, Bonaire is considered one of the best diving destinations in the world.

  • Willemstad, Curacao:
George Town, Grand Cayman

George Town, Grand Cayman

In Willemstad, each day is a vibrant blend of history, relaxation, and seaside beauty. This color gem is famous for its well-preserved colonial buildings, characterized by their unique Dutch and Caribbean architectural styles.

  • Cartagena, Colombia:
Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena, Colombia

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cartagena is an historic walled city filled with legends, romance and splendor, Spanish colonial architecture and cobblestone streets, as well as national parks and beaches.

  • Panama Canal (Cruising):
Panama Canal, Panama

Panama Canal, Panama

Completed in 1914 through the efforts of over 80,000 workers, and one of the seven wonders of the modern world, the Panama Canal is one of mankind’s greatest accomplishments and a must-see for world travelers.

  • Manta, Ecuador :
Manta, Ecuador

Ecuadorian fruit

A bustling port in Ecuador where some of the country’s most breathtaking beaches reside, powerful waves crash along the coastline, and tuna is king.

  • Guayaquil, Ecuador :
Guayaquil, Ecuador

Guayaquil, Ecuador

Culture is alive in Guayaquil, complete with hillsides dotted with colorful favelas, neoclassical architecture, and world-renowned museums.

  • Trujillo, Peru :
Trujillo, Peru

Trujillo, Peru

Trujillo is a beautiful example of modern touches seamlessly blending with colonial-era architecture.

  • Lima, Peru – Exclusive Shore Excursion:
Lima, Peru

Lima, Peru

Your Enrichment Journey package includes an exclusive shore excursion in Lima. For a full description, see the “Land Program Details” section above.

Journey to the Panama Canal and Machu Picchu

Included Features

  • International airfare Lima to Miami, transfer and baggage handling
  • Roundtrip airfare from Lima to Cusco, including transfers and baggage handling
  • 6-night post-cruise land program in Peru
    • Sacred Valley, Peru: 3-night hotel stay
      • Full-day tour of Pisac and Ollantaytambo
      • Full-day tour of Machu Picchu
    • Cusco, Peru: 2-night hotel stay
      • Full-day tour of Sacsayhuaman, Quengo, and the “Red Fortress”
      • City Tour and Visit to Temple of the Sun
    • Lima, Peru: 1-night hotel stay
      • Farewell Dinner Show
  • Tour Leader throughout Peru land program and Local Tour Hosts during included tours
  • Most meals while on tour (see itinerary highlights) and all meals while onboard
  • 16-night sailing aboard Azamara Journey
    • Exclusive full-day guided shore excursion in Lima, specially created for Enrichment Journeys guests
    • 10% off shore excursions (see “special offers”)
    • Amenities included during your Azamara cruise:
      • AzAmazing Celebrations event
      • Select standard spirits, international beers and wines
      • Gratuities
      • Bottle water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas
      • Self-service laundry
      • Shuttle service to and from port communities, where available
      • Concierge services for personal guidance and reservations
      • Much more!
      • Special Offer—Ends 10/31: Receive $500 Onboard Credit, choice of Wi-Fi or Premium Beverages while sailing and up to a $450 Gift Card of Your Choice per stateroom, including a $200 Limited Time Bonus shown in total Exclusively from Us. Call for details!

Journey to the Panama Canal and Machu Picchu

What to Expect on Your Trip

Pacing
Pacing 5 Out of 5

 

5 out of 5 – Land program Includes Full-day Guided Tours on Most Days

The overall pace is active, as most days include a full-day tour. Guests should be prepared to walk a couple miles per day while on full-day tours. Breakfast is always included at the hotel. Some additional meals will be included, while other meals may be at your leisure. All hotels will have a restaurant on property where you may dine. If you wish to go out, your guide is available to make suggestions for nearby dining.

During the cruise you will have a mix of relaxing days at sea and exciting days on land to explore the port cities. You may choose from optional shore excursions, which will allow for cultural immersion, exotic meals and numerous activities.

Physical Activity

Please note that this itinerary includes locations at a significant altitude above sea level; shortness of breath and fatigue may occur. Please see below for elevation levels during the tour. As a comparison, Denver, Colorado has an elevation of 5,280 feet and some towns in the Colorado Rockies have elevations over 10,000 feet. Guests unfamiliar with the effects of high altitude should consult their personal physician.

Location           Elevation          Time Spent in Location

Machu Picchu   7,972 feet         Several hours

Cusco               11,152 feet        Overnight

 

The land portion of the trip should be considered active and includes a considerable amount of walking. Walking on different types of land, roads and landmarks will be part of the trip, especially at Machu Picchu. Enrichment Journeys will do everything in our power to ensure comfort through our third-party providers, including air-conditioned buses and comfortable accommodations where applicable. However, some areas cannot be accessed by coach, so our drivers will get you as close to sites as is legally allowed. Sensible, rubber-soled walking shoes are strongly recommended. Historical sites often do not have elevators, escalators or ramps due to the age of the building/structure. Wheelchair access at many sites is limited to extremely limited. Based on crowds and traffic, order of visits may be changed. A fold-up wheelchair may be able to be stored on the bus but requires prior arrangements. Motorized wheelchairs and scooters cannot be accommodated on this group program. Guests must be able to transfer from their chair to the transportation. Guides/drivers are not allowed to lift or push wheelchairs, so guests requiring physical assistance must travel with a companion who can assist.

For the cruise portion of the trip, passengers will board and leave the ship up stairways and gangways, and you may have to walk a moderate distance to transfer to train, bus and car stations. Time spent on the road and traveling can be long, so you will need to be prepared for stretches of down time in between destinations.

Cultural Focus

Ancient history blends together with modern appeal in the heart of the former Inca Empire. Influences from this civilization are present alongside traces of Spanish colonization that later brought its own cultural stamp. Immerse yourself in the South American style while surrounded by staggering mountains and green valleys. A trip of a lifetime through South America will provide unforgettable experiences that will be very different than that you might be used to at home. South American culture is passionate and diverse. You will have the chance to hear many forms of Spanish dialects and interact with a wide range of people. Keep in mind that some hand gestures have different meanings than they do in the U.S., so it’s customary to simply smile, say “hola” (hello) and “gracias” (thank you) when addressed by locals.

You will encounter dishes and ingredients typical to the region that you may not have encountered before, and you will be introduced to local artistry of the region. Enrichment Journeys encourages an open mind when in unique situations and meeting people abroad. Sometimes the attractions, beaches and cities themselves can be crowded, especially while on the cruise.

Unique Factors

South America has warm and rainy weather in January (Summer), so having the appropriate gear for this type of climate and rain is advisable. Sturdy shoes will be needed during city walks and when exploring Machu Picchu. If you have special needs or physical limitations, you will need to check in with your personal vacation manager before booking the trip. The temperature can vary between day and night, so pack accordingly with items that can be layered. Some guests may wish to have a light sweater or windbreaker with them.

Transportation

Included airfare is from select airports only. To inquire about a different airport, please contact your Personal Vacation Manager.

Enrichment Journeys is committed to providing remarkable experiences at extraordinary value. As a result, airlines and routes are selected to maximize that value and may involve multiple stops and extended layovers versus non-stop or direct flights. Passengers wishing to utilize specific carriers, direct/non-stop flights, Business Class upgrades, or to extend their time in any of our beginning or ending destination cities may do so by contacting Enrichment Journeys and inquiring about the Custom Airfare Program. There is a $100 per person charge for this service, however this charge will be applied toward any flights or upgrades you choose to purchase. The $100 charge must be paid prior to receiving a custom air quote.

Transportation while on tour:

Lima to Cusco: 1.5-hour flight

Cusco to Sacred Valley: 1.5-hour coach transfer

Please note that these times are approximate and only reflect the transportation time. Our trip may be longer due to stops for sightseeing along the way.

Journey to the Panama Canal and Machu Picchu

Book by 10/31 for $500 Onboard Credit, choice of Wi-Fi or Premium Beverages while sailing and up to a $450 Gift Card of Your Choice per stateroom, including a $200 Limited Time Bonus shown in total Exclusively from Us. Call for details!

Ask about receiving 10% off all shore excursions from Shore Excursions Group!

Journey to the Panama Canal and Machu Picchu

Adding an Extension to your Enrichment Journey will allow for free time in your departure or return city. It may also give you time to adjust to a new time zone before the Journey begins or provide a buffer in case of a flight delay. If you are interested in adding additional hotel nights or custom tours to the beginning or end of your Journey, call 888-686-0532 and ask to speak to a Personal Vacation Manager.

Journey to the Panama Canal and Machu Picchu

Dates & Prices

1/7/2025 Retail Value EJ Price Savings Per Person Single Rates
Club Oceanview (8) SOLD OUT SOLD OUT SOLD OUT CALL FOR DETAILS
Club Veranda (V2) SOLD OUT SOLD OUT SOLD OUT CALL FOR DETAILS
Club Veranda Plus (P1) SOLD OUT SOLD OUT SOLD OUT CALL FOR DETAILS
Suite CALL TODAY TO REQUEST A QUOTE

Prices are in USD and are based on double occupancy.

Interested in the land program without the cruise? Call us for a quote.

Air Add-Ons
City Add-On City Add-On City Add-On
Atlanta $450 Houston Intercontinental $450 Philadelphia $450
Boston $500 John F. Kennedy $400 Phoenix $500
Denver $500 Los Angeles $450 San Diego $450
Dallas-Ft. Worth $450 Orlando $350 Seattle $500
Newark $500 Miami $0 San Francisco $500
Washington – Dulles $500 Chicago $500
– Business Class Air Available on Request
– Additional Gateways Available on Request
– Air Add-On Rates are subject to change without notice. While we try to include the most common airports by default, we have many clients coming from different parts of the country. If you desire air from an unlisted airport, you must first reserve your Enrichment Journey with one of the listed airports as your default gateway and then ask, or have your Travel Agent ask, Enrichment Journeys to provide a quote for your preferred gateway.

All prices on our website and e-Journey Travel Guide are subject to change without notice. While we make every effort to provide you the most accurate and up-to-date information, occasionally, a trip or pricing category may be misprinted or unavailable at the time of booking. In the event of an incorrect price due to typographical, photographic, or technical error, or error in pricing information received from our suppliers, we retain the right to correct the price and to refuse or cancel any bookings placed at the incorrect price. In addition, all offers, prices, and conditions of sale may be subject to change without notice including tours, included features, highlights, minimum or maximum stays, itinerary, times in port, and/or other conditions/restrictions.

Journey to the Panama Canal and Machu Picchu

The following hotel list is preliminary and subject to change. Although we contract for hotels a year or more in advance, unforeseen circumstances do occasionally require a change of hotel. Should it be necessary to change a hotel, one of equal quality or value will be substituted and you will receive confirmed hotel information with your final itinerary.

Accommodations
Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel

Antigua Hacienda Yaravilca  Huayllabamba,
Urubamba 084, Peru

Phone : +5184581900

E-mail: info@aranwahotels.com

Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness is built on a seventeenth century colonial hacienda by the Vilcanota River, just one hour away from the city of Cusco and on the route to Machu Picchu. The hotel offers rooms decorated in colonial style as well as other modern minimalist decor. Enjoy unforgettable days in Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness and let yourself be carried away by its mystical atmosphere in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It is the magical meeting of two eras: ancients Inca culture and colonial sumptuousness in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.

Monasterio a Belmond Hotel Cusco

Calle Palacio 140, Plazoleta Nazarenas, Cusco, Perú

Telephone: +51 84 604 000

E-mail: concierge.mon@belmond.com

Welcome to Monasterio, a retreat where opulent design and spiritual energy beckons you in. A sense of peace prevails in our Cusco haven, where soft-toned woodwind instruments soothe and serenade while you explore the hotel’s gilded corridors, resplendent with historic artwork. In our main courtyard, gather by our 300-year-old Andean Cedar tree and watch as weavers in traditional dress work skilled fingers over colourful yarn. Converse with fellow travelers as a cup of restorative Coca tea or a punchy Pisco sour makes its way to you. With stunning Baroque architecture, peerless Peruvian dining, and a prized location, make Monasterio your base in Cusco

Pullman Miraflores Hotel

Juan Fanning 515 – 525
Lima 15074, Peru

Phone : +5113131430

E-mail: info@aranwahotels.com

Located in the exclusive district of Miraflores, close to the Pacific Ocean, archaeological sites and a privileged boardwalk on the Costa Verde, a few blocks from Larcomar shopping center. Just 25 minutes from Jorge Chavez airport. Pullman Lima Miraflores is synonymous of vibrant, cosmopolitan and stylish. A place where business, pleasure, technology, comfort are not contradictory terms. This hotel offers 237 rooms and suites, 6 meeting rooms, a restaurant that offers breakfast buffet, 2 bars, a gym and a swimming pool located on our 16th floor, next to the rooftop with ocean views. It is an aesthetically beautiful and properly designed space where art stands out, especially the one of local artists. It has a 100% sustainable infrastructure.

Azamara Journey

Cruise Line: Azamara Cruises

Azamara Cruises provides guests with unparalleled service: the finest dining at sea, a glorious spa and wellness experience, and innovations such as Destination Immersion®, making it one of the world’s top up-market cruise lines. With our hallmark of longer stays, more overnights and night touringSM, we’ll not only take you to awe-inspiring destinations, but also give you more time to fall in love with them.

Amenities Included

  • AzAmazing CelebrationsSM event on most voyages
  • Select standard spirits, international beers and wines
  • Gratuities
  • Bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas
  • Self-service laundry
  • Shuttle service to and from port communities where available
  • Concierge services for personal guidance and reservations

Ship: Journey

Like her sister ship, the sturdy Azamara Journey is a mid-sized beauty with a deck plan well-suited to the needs of modern voyagers. You’ll never feel crowded in the comfortable social spaces of our bars, restaurants, lounges, casinos and Cabaret. Nor will you feel like a sardine jammed in around the pool, where our attentive staff is always ready to offer complimentary bottled water, soft drink or fresh towel. Staterooms feature modern amenities, furnishings, and European linens. And one of the greatest features of this ship is the high percentage of staterooms with verandas. There’s nothing better than opening your door to the fresh sea air and views. Azamara’s friendly ships are an altogether wonderful place to call your home away from home!

Journey to the Panama Canal and Machu Picchu

Before You Go

Money Matters

How you handle your currency and financials while on the trip is up to you. Some people prefer to exchange all their money in advance, while others will rely solely on credit cards. Consider calling your bank ahead of time to make them aware of your international travel, especially when using cards or withdrawing money.

ATM Machines

These are often readily available, especially in major cities. Some will charge fees on top of what your hometown bank may charge for using ATMs abroad. Look for well-marked machines that have the Visa or MasterCard symbols.

Foreign Banks

Currency can be exchanged at most banks, if needed. Ask a local host or tour manager if there is a nearby bank that is open.

Credit Cards

During your trip, you’ll find that most major credit cards are accepted. Call your specific card issuer ahead of time to find out its limitations and benefits overseas.

Incidentals

Do be aware that some additional charges for mini-bars, laundry and room service will not be included in the tour package. Plan accordingly for these extra charges.

Packing Guidelines

Pack as simply as possible for easy transfers and customs screenings. Check with your domestic and international carriers regarding baggage guidelines, allowances, and check for additional fees. All bags will be screened before boarding flights and the cruise ship.

What to pack

Basics and layers are key to a comfortable Journey. Be sure to check the weather in the destinations you will visit, and pack accordingly. There are always unpredictable variables as well, so make sure you have one sturdy jacket and an outfit for a formal occasion too, just in case.

Here are a few key items to take on your trip:

  • Raincoat/poncho
  • Hooded jacket/fleece pullover
  • Pants with pockets
  • Skirt with pockets
  • Hat with visor & sunscreen/bug spray
  • Warm socks
  • Sturdy sandals
  • Practical shoes for walking/easy hiking
  • Extra pair of prescription sunglasses and/or glasses (if needed)
  • Camera(s)

Have back-ups for everything to avoid disappointment. Charge batteries in advance and bring extra film or digital memory cards. If bringing a high-end camera, consider investing in insurance to protect your asset.

Luggage Screening Process

To pass through screening, have liquids either in small containers and bagged, or in checked luggage. All valuables necessary for the trip should be on your person at all times, if possible. This includes medications and documentation. We recommend one main bag and a carry-on, per airline guidelines for weight and size.

Labeling

Have all your bags labeled with your name and address clearly marked. Add something to you luggage that is recognizable in the event your bags are misplaced. You may also consider marking your bags with “Enrichment Journeys” for efficiency.

Carry-on items

In many countries, including the US, large liquid containers are not allowed in carry-ons. On the way back into The States, food or agriculture items are prohibited. If you have questions about a certain item, visit www.tsa.gov for a list of items that cannot be packed.

Airport transfers

Airport transfers are included as part of your Enrichment Journey. Local representatives will advise you of the departure time from your hotel the night before departure. Generally speaking, arrangements have been made to have you at the airport approximately three hours in advance of departure, though this may vary depending on local circumstances. At the end of the cruise, an airport transfer will also be provided. Please advise your Personal Vacation Manager if you do not require transfer arrangements at the time of booking your Journey.

Cell phones

Some cell phones will work overseas, but incur additional charges for the use. Choose whether you would like to add an international plan by calling your carrier, or consider purchasing a pay-as-you-go phone overseas. However, in some destinations, many smartphones and tablets can pick up wireless Internet for free.

Protecting the Value of Your Travel Investment

Enrichment Journeys offers a comprehensive travel insurance package you can purchase alongside your trip. It eases the mind and lets you cancel your trip for a covered reason up until the departure date with a full refund of the Journey.

The insurance covers a wide variety of incidents, including travel delay, emergency medical services, and even baggage delay. You will also receive a pre-existing medical conditions waiver if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of your initial deposit. For a full list of coverage provided, visit the FAQ section of the website.

Medical Issues and Handicaps

As with any extensive trip abroad, our excursions with Enrichment Journeys will require some physical capabilities, including transfers from cruise ships, walking on cobblestone streets and navigating through some busy cities with guides. Although we encourage all types of travelers to join us, we do ask you are aware of your own physical limitations. Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual care to those who may have walkers, wheelchairs or other aids. Enrichment Journeys also cannot accommodate pregnant women past their six month gestation period. Please speak with one of our Personal Vacation Managers to see if certain itineraries are suitable for you and your needs. We are happy to suggest other viable options for you that are more accessible.

Per the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, travelers have the right to be reasonably accommodated in terms of tours in public situations. However, the laws do not apply for trips and outside the United States. So you must let Enrichment Journeys know ahead of time of any physical limitations, including information added to our questionnaire that needs to be filled out by all passengers. Failure to inform Enrichment Journeys of these limitations could result in refusal to participate, whether it be at the airport through the airline, on board the ship or at the accommodations booked.

If you have any sort of prescription medication, this should be a number one priority in packing. Bring extra, just in case. A small medical kit is also advisable for quick access to remedy minor aches and pains.

Briefing sessions

A local host or tour manager will be happy to guide you through the trip and answer all of your questions. Upon arrival to your destination, an Enrichment Journeys representative will meet with the group and go over items such as the daily schedule, weather and local customs.

Hotels

All hotels booked by Enrichment Journeys are held to a high standard of comfort and quality, in accordance to international accommodation standards and rating systems. However, each accommodation varies so you may experience various types of properties throughout your excursions.

Journey to the Panama Canal and Machu Picchu

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Journey to the Panama Canal and Machu Picchu

Regional Information

Travel Documentation

Have your passport and visas ready and available at all checkpoints. Scan and copy these documents to print out. It is recommended that you e-mail a copy to yourself and someone back home in the event these documents are misplaced. Also, it may be worth bringing an international ID or license.

Passport and Visa

To travel internationally, you must have a passport in good condition, and it must be valid for at least 6 months after the last day of your trip. Visa requirements change frequently and for various reasons. As a result, our Personal Vacation Managers are not always able to provide visa information. The best way to obtain up-to-date information regarding visa requirements is to visit the official US government website for Americans traveling abroad Travel.State.Gov, (Canadian citizens should visit https://travel.gc.ca/, for all other countries please visit your government website or local embassy), which details specific information on the countries you would like to visit, including visa requirements.

You may also use a third-party visa service, such as Expedited Travel. These services require an additional service fee but make the process of applying for a visa much simpler.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are recommended to protect one’s health from preventable diseases abroad. It is always good to have routine vaccinations up to date when traveling for ailments such as chickenpox, measles, and the flu shot. Use your own discretion when deciding on what vaccinations to have based on your preferences and personal medical history. During your Enrichment Journeys tour, the utmost care will be taken with prepared food, atmosphere and other elements, so the likelihood of contracting diseases is scarce.

For a list of recommended vaccinations based on destination, visit https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel or feel free to contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention directly at 1-800-232-4636.

Electric Current

You will need an adaptor for some parts of your trip.  To see what the plugs will look like at your destination, visit https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/ and click on each country from the right menu.

You may also need to use a converter. Most countries outside of North and Central America use 220-240 V, whereas the U.S. and Canada use 110 V. However, most chargers these days have a box which will act as a converter so that it can be used in all countries around the world. If your charger box says “Input: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz” then you do NOT need to use a converter (but you may still need an adaptor so that the plugs fit in the socket).

Some hotels may have two and three pronged outlets to use for various appliances. Ship cabins also have outlets for you to use with their converter. However, we recommend having at least one or two adaptors with you, as we cannot guarantee that all hotels will be able to accommodate this.

Local Currency

Aruba uses the Aruban Florin (Afl), currency code AWG.

Curacao uses the Antillean Guilder (NAf), currency code ANG.

Colombia uses the Colombian Peso ($), currency code COP

Ecuador uses the U.S. Dollar ($), currency code (USD)

Peru uses the Peruvian Nuevo Sol (S/), currency code PEN

Please visit https://www.oanda.com/currency/converter/  for the current exchange rate.

How you handle your currency and financials while on the trip is up to you. Some people prefer to exchange all their money in advance, while others will rely solely on credit cards. We suggest having at least some local currency with you during the trip, at least enough to take a taxi if needed. Consider calling your bank ahead of time to make them aware of your international travel, especially when using cards or withdrawing money.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is always appreciated but not always required. Expect several instances throughout the hospitality industry that allow for tipping. Have small bills ready for hotel staff, boat crew, restaurant servers, drivers, guides, and baggage handlers. If you have a meal outside the itinerary or hire a resident driver, a few dollars in the local currency is customary.

Gratuities are included for group meals, at hotels, and at airports. The host, guide, or tour manager can be tipped roughly $8.00-$12.00 USD per person, per day. Drivers can be tipped $5 USD per person, per day. Onboard the ship, gratuities are already included when sailing with Azamara Cruises.

For more information about when and how much to tip in each country, feel free to speak with your tour guide at the start of your Journey. A good reference for international tipping is https://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2008-11-11/etiquette-101-tipping-guide.

Time Differences

Please be aware that you may be crossing through several time zones throughout your Journey. To view a time zone map, visit https://m.worldtimezone.com/m-index12.php.

Climate

With the tour covering various regions, you will most likely come in contact with warm and/or cool weather, occasional rain, wind and/or damp environments. Check the weather online before departing for an up-to-date look at the conditions in major destinations.

Many countries outside of North America use Celsius. Here is a °C to °F quick reference guide:

-5° C = 23° F 5° C = 41° F 15° C = 59° F 25° C = 77° F 35° C = 95° F
0° C = 32° F 10° C = 50° F 20° C = 68° F 30° C = 86° F 40° C = 104° F

High/Low Temperatures in Fahrenheit:

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Cartagena 86/75 88/75 88/77 88/79 88/79 90/79 90/79 90/79 90/79 88/79 88/79 88/77
Lima 79/64 80/69 80/69 76/66 72/63 69/61 67/60 66/60 67/59 69/61 72/63 76/66
Cusco 63/39 63/39 63/39 64/37 64/32 64/28 63/27 64/30 64/34 66/37 66/37 64/39

Practice the Local Language

Knowing a few phrases in the local vernacular can be a wonderful way to connect with people and feel immersed in the culture. Here are some fun phrases:

Aruba and Curacao: Dutch

  • Hallo (HAH-low): Hello
  • Vaarwel: Goodbye
  • Alstublieft (AHL-stuu-BLEEFT): Please
  • Dank je (DAHNK yuh): Thank you
  • Ja (YAH): Yes
  • Nee (NAY): No

https://www.17-minute-world-languages.com/en/dutch/

South America: Spanish

  • Hola (OH-lah): Hello
  • Adiós (ad-ee-OHS): Goodbye
  • Si (see): Yes
  • No (noh): No
  • Por favor (PAWR-fah-VAWR): Please
  • Gracias (GRAH-syahs): Thank you
  • Baño (BAH-nyoh): Bathroom

https://www.17-minute-world-languages.com/en/spanish/ 

Fun Facts

Check out these interesting facts about the destinations you will visit on your Journey.

Aruba

  • Aruba is known for its stunning white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a popular destination for beach lovers.
  • The island of Aruba is located in the southern Caribbean Sea, just off the coast of Venezuela.
  • Aruba is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Dutch is one of its official languages.

Curacao

  • Curacao is famous for its colorful capital city, Willemstad, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved Dutch colonial architecture.
  • The island of Curacao is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities.
  • Curacao is also a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and its official languages include Dutch, Papiamento, and English.

Colombia

  • Bogotá is one of the highest capital cities in the world at an altitude of 8,661 ft.
  • Colombia is the world’s largest producer of emeralds and the third largest exporter of coffee.
  • One third of the country is covered by the Amazon rainforest.

Ecuador

  • Since 2000 the official currency of Ecuador has been the US dollar, and the gold Sacagawea dollar coin is widely used across the country.
  • Ecuador is home to the most species of orchids in the world! There are over 4,000 species, with 1,300 of them being endemic.
  • When UNESCO held their first World Heritage conference in 1978, the Galapagos became the first UNESECO World Heritage Site on the list (and the nation’s capital, Quito, was number two).

Peru

  • One of the most important Peruvian cultures was the Inca, who lived in Peru around 600 years ago. Their capital, Cusco, is still a major city today. The Incas also built Machu Picchu, Peru’s famous ancient city in the Andes.
  • Peru is the third largest country in South America after Brazil and Argentina and ranks among the 20 largest countries in the world.
  • Nearly half of Peru is covered by the world’s largest rainforest – the Amazon.
  • The New York Times calls Peruvian cuisine the best kept secret in South America. Lima has over twenty cooking schools.

Recommended Reading List

Vacation should be easy, peaceful and, most of all, completely stress-free. Let us handle the details, so you can sit back, relax and curl up with a good book as you count down the days to your next Journey! We’ve compiled the following list of books and movies to introduce you to the destinations you are about to visit

Books

  • Panama Canal: The Path Between the Seas by David McCullough
  • Peru: The Conquest of the Incas by John Hemming
  • Peru: The Peru Reader: History, Culture, Politics by Orin Starn
  • Peru: Exploring Cusco by Peter Frost
  • Peru: fiction novels by Mario Vargas Llosa, such as Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter and The Real Life of Alejandro Mayta

Travel Guides

Films

  • Peru: The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)
  • Peru: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)

Journey to the Panama Canal and Machu Picchu

eJourney Guide

Receive your personalized eJourney Guide today!
Simply fill out the form below and your eJourney Guide will be on its way via email.
Your easy-to-read, printable PDF-formatted eJourney Guide makes it convenient to review and plan your next world-class Journey with us!

It contains a wealth of valuable travel information including:
  • Detailed Destination Information
  • Day-by-Day Itinerary
  • Preparing for Your Trip
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Local Cultural Information
  • Recommended Readings
  • And so much more!
Don’t delay! Your Journey’s availability may be limited.

As always, our friendly and dependable Personal Vacation Managers are committed to assisting you every step of the way.

Feel free to call us at:
888-546-8617

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