Below Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica.InkaterraMV AQUAINKATERRA.LimaCusco.Machu Picchu.PERUBOLIVIALake TiticacaPuerto Maldonado.Cusco..JuliacaPeru 127For a jungle experience with more comfort and privacy the Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica has superior thatched cabins and superb views from its setting on the banks of the River Madre de Dios. Alternatively, float down the Amazon River by boat, in harmony with the speed of the waters and the changing riverside landscapes. There are a number of craft plying the route, including the romantic, retro Amazon riverboat Delfin; and the newest luxury craft, choc-a-bloc with contemporary features yet with a design that also pays homage to the old-style three-storeyed vessels, MV Aqua (below). A sister ship, MV Aria, equally luxurious, will be launched in April 2011. manú wildlife centre If you want to explore deeper into the rainforest, venture to the remote Manú Biosphere, half the size of Switzerland and a jealously protected reserve of untouched wilderness. Only a tiny area is accessible to visitors but you can stay at the Manú Wildlife Centre where the mammal, bird and reptile population is staggeringly prolific. You may see a stunning display of macaws feeding on a nearby clay lick and giant otters gliding through the waters of Blanco oxbow lake. It's a long but outstanding drive down from the mountains, followed by a boat trip, to get there (you return to Cusco by light aircraft) but it's universally agreed to be well worth the effort. The waters of the Amazon and Lake Titicaca 15 days, 13 nightsLima 2 nights, Amazon 3n, Cusco 3n, Machu Picchu 1n, Cusco 1n, Lake Titicaca 2n, Lima 1n.Day 1 Fly to Lima, arriving the same evening. Transfer to Orient Express's luxurious hotel, Miraflores Park, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Day 2 Private city tour of colonial Lima. Days 3-5 Fly to Puerto Maldonado in the Amazon basin. Transfer by boat to Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica for 3 nights. All meals and excursions are included. Days 6-8 Fly to Cusco, stay at the prestigious Hotel Monasterio for 3 nights. There's a private tour of Cusco and nearby Inca ruins, and a full day trip to the Sacred Valley of the Incas including visits to the ruined cities and temples at Pisac and Ollantaytambo. You still have time to explore the many other attractions at leisure. Day 9 Full-day excursion to Machu Picchu, travelling by train through an effervescent river gorge en route to the jungle, to arrive at the so-called 'Lost City', which sits astride a mountain saddle blanketed by tropical vegetation. Overnight at the riverside Inkaterra Machu Picchu, in gardens festooned with orchids and alive with hummingbirds. Day 10 return to Cusco. Days 11,12 First class full-day train journey to Puno on Lake Titicaca. Transfer to the unique Hotel Titilaka (see pp124-125) for 2 nights. All top-quality meals and a choice of excursions on and around the lake included. Day 13 Fly from Juliaca to Lima and return to hotel Miraflores Park. Day 14 Fly to the UK arriving day 15. Prices from £4,172pp for the deluxe option above (standard itinerary available from £1,677) based on two sharing, excluding transatlantic flights. Regular departures from the UK

Land-locked between Peru, Chile, Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, this quintessentially South American country is often visited in conjunction with its neighbours: however it is a fascinating and rewarding destination in its own right. Physically, it is a country of extremes, from the snow-mantled, skeletal Andean peaks to the deserts of the high-altitude altiplano and its blanket of virgin jungle. These thrilling landscapes are peopled by communities whose lifestyle has changed little since the Spanish conquest: their haunting music, bright costumes and exotic traditions come together to provide a unique holiday experience.The nature of the topography has meant that many roads remain unpaved but a slower pace of travel only enhances a visit to this adventurous destination. That said, the infrastructure is constantly being upgraded, more isolated attractions becoming more accessible, and a range of comfortable hotels established.128