Amazon River Luxury All-Gay Cruise
& Machu Picchu Expedition 2021

November 07–19, 2021
Delfin Amazon Cruises Delfin III

13-day all-inclusive luxury all-gay Peruvian adventure including an Amazon River full ship charter cruise and culminating with a comprehensive Machu Picchu experience. It's the perfect combination of inspiring places and rich history in the comfort of an all-gay environment

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 2021 Amazon River Cruise and Machu Picchu Discovery travel program. The cruise 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 other lgbt travelers. After disembarkation, we will continue on to the Sacred Valley near the Inca capitol of Cusco. From here, we board a train for a scenic journey to Machu Picchu, the mystical stone city built by the Incas in the 15th century. Afterwards return to Cusco for an overnight and guided tour 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. Virtually all-inclusive rates starting from $5,799 per person.

The Ship

Brand g Vacations has chartered the Amazon Delfin Cruises 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.

Relax
• All suite accommodations • Floor-to-ceiling windows in every suite • Soft, luxurious spa robes & slippers • Natural, therapeutic bath amenities • Fine cotton bed linens & pillow menu • Individual climate control; in-room safe • Makeup mirror, hair dryer, iPhone dock • Generous closet & under-bed storage

Indulge
• 44 guests pampered by 29 crew • Expert naturalists travel with the ship • Spa services with signature treatments • Daily enrichment & nightly entertainment • Daily housekeeping; nightly turndown • The services of a cruise director throughout • Transfers to/from Iquitos Airport (IQT)

Refresh
• All meals included • Welcome reception onboard the ship • Complimentary coffee, tea, water, soft drinks, local beer and pisco-based cocktails • Free flow house wine at dinner • In-suite bottled mineral water and ice

Explore
• Daily excursions led by expert naturalists • Amiable, English-speaking local guides • Deluxe, 15-person skiff excursion boats • Water resistant boots for wet landings • State-of-the-art portable listening devices • Refreshments on longer excursions • Post-excursion reception & services

Travel Itinerary

Day 1 - Sunday, November 07, 2021
Arrive in Lima, Peru
Arrive the Jorge Chavez International Airport, where you will be greeted by a Brand g's local representative and transferred to the centrally located Hilton Lima Miraflores Hotel. The first scheduled activity will be a welcome reception at approximately 5:30pm.

Day 2 - Monday, November 08, 2021
Lima, Peru
After a morning briefing, depart the hotel to the historic center of Lima, a UNESCO world heritage site, where you will see the Cathedral, the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, and City Hall. Visit the Convent of the San Francisco Monastery, the most significant religious site in Lima, which provides insight into life during Spanish colonial times, and the catacombs, which served as a burial ground until 1808. Continue to the Cathedral which houses the remains of Francisco Pizarro, the founder of Lima.

After, we proceed to the Pueblo Libre District, for an included lunch at the Cafe del Museo, hosed within the Larco Museum complex in a former mansion, itself built on the site of a pre-Columbian temple. Following lunch, enjoy a guided tour of the museum, which offers a vast collection of ceramic, textile and precious metal artifacts. There are also mummies that show off the different ways ancient cultures, including the Incas, preserved their dead.

After the museum visit, enjoy a panoramic drive back to Miraflores through San Isidro 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.

Meals included: B, L

Day 3 - Tuesday, November 09, 2021
Lima / Iquitos / Embark Ship
After breakfast, fly from Lima to Iquitos. Upon arrival in Iquitos, you’ll be greeted by members of the ship's team.

We will start off with a lunchbox as we travel to the city of Nauta, 60 miles away. Nauta is literally the “end of the road” where you will embark on the ship. Once we reach Nauta, you will enjoy a VIP greeting at Delfin’s private port along the shores of the Marañon River where the vessel awaits you.

Later we gather for cocktails and a celebratory welcome dinner as we make our way out of port and into the Amazon River.

Meals included: B, L, D, Welcome Reception

Day 4 - Wednesday, November 10, 2021
Samiria River / Yanayucu River
This morning, our skiffs skim the Samiria River and its tributaries, where an abundance of wildlife hides in the deep rainforest, such as blue and yellow macaws, scarlet macaws, toucans, umbrella birds, monkeys, and river others, capybaras and more. Our naturalists and his expert eye pinpoint all the biodiversity of this region. This is also a popular dolphin feeding spot so we won´t be the only one enjoying the plethora of fish below.

After a delicious lunch you will start cruising through the creeks of Yanayaquillo, peeking into different creeks and lagoons. If you want to interact directly with the waters of the Amazon, go out on one of our kayaks. You will even have the opportunity to swim in the jungle river along with the famous pink dolphins!

Meals included: B, L, D

Day 5 - Thursday, November 11, 2021
Pucate River / Nauta Caño
This morning, cruise through the Yanayacu and Pucate Rivers, one of the best preserved and protected zones of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.

After lunch explore Nauta Caño Creek, known for squirrel and silver back tamarillo monkeys, birds, dolphins, and even sloths! We will skim the riverbanks for small caimans and spiders, as well as insects of all colors, shapes and sizes.

Meals included: B, L, D

Day 6 - Friday, November 12, 2021
Fundo Casual / San Francisco
A morning walk at Fundo Casual jungle trail will take you deep into the rainforest on terra firme (non-flooded 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!

Next we will visit the community of San Francisco. We will include a short skiff ride and jungle walk to. Here we will meet local villagers who have called Amazonia their home for generations.

Meals included: B, L, D

Day 7 - Saturday, November 13, 2021
Disembark / Nauta / Cusco
This morning, we’ll disembark the ship. On our way back to the Iquitos airport, we’ll visit the Rescue and 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.

Our land personnel will wait for you at the airport and give your boarding passes and help you check in. After a connecting flight through Lima, we will arrive in Cusco and transfer to the Tambo del Inka Luxury Hotel in the Sacred Valley..

Meals included: Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, Snack

Day 8 - Sunday, November 14, 2021
Sacred Valley / Urubamba
Urubamba Valley is located in the Andes close to the Inca capital of Cusco, and below the ancient sacred city of Machu Picchu. Enjoy the morning at leisure – sleep in, visit the spa, get in a work-out.

This afternoon takes us on 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.

Tonight we enjoy dinner as a group at the Tambo del Inka hotel.

Meals included: B, D

Day 9 - Monday, November 15, 2021
Sacred Valley
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’s remarkably well-preserved. Following the tour we enjoy a sumptuous included buffet lunch.

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.

Meals included: B, L

Day 10 - Tuesday, November 16, 2021
Sacred Valley / Machu Picchu
After breakfast, board the Sacred Valley train directly from the Tambo del Inca Hotel for the scenic journey to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll enjoy a lunch on board.

Upon arrival we’ll venture direclty 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.

Meals included: B, L, D

Day 11 - Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Machu Picchu / Cusco
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 the remainder of the way 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.

Meals included: B, L

Day 12 - Thursday, November 18, 2021
Cusco
This morning is free to relax on your own to enjoy the hotel, or take a stroll in the city. Your breakfast is included at the hotel and lunch is on your own.

Following lunch 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.

Meals included: B, D

Day 13 - Friday, November 19, 2021
Cusco / Departure
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.

Meals included: B, L

Add-Ons

Huayna Picchu Climb
Optional tour, November 17, 2021

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 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.

DATE 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, November 17th. You will be back down from the mountain by approximately 11:30am.

Price: $50 per person

Highlights and Sightseeing

• 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 skiffs during the day and evening; native village visit.

• Sacred Valley: visit Ollantaytambo with its huge Incan fortress rising from the edge of town; visit the Pablo Seminario Ceramic workshop in Urubamba.

• 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 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.

• Three nights hotel accommodations in the Sacred Valley including daily breakfast, one lunch and one dinner.

• Guided tours in the Sacred Valley.

• Peru Rail Sacred Valley train to Machu Picchu including lunch.

• Two 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

• Two 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.

FAQ - Preparations for the trip

How can I communicate with home while in Peru?
Internet service is available at all land accommodations. You should check with your cell provider to determine if you have coverage in Peru or if you can add coverage for the duration of the trip. Cell service will not be available in all areas, including the Amazon.
Due to the remoteness of the Amazon, no internet service is available on board the Delfin III, and cell services is non-existent or unreliable, however the ship does have a satellite phone on board. In the event of an emergency, the reception desk can facilitate calls, and the associated costs will be billed to your onboard account. Contact information for the ship will be provided in your final travel documents.

What is the local & on board currency?
The currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol. Some vendors accept US dollars but may return change in Sols. It will be useful to have small amounts of local currency while touring.
The official currency onboard the Delfin III is the US Dollar. All charges for services and products on board will be placed on the guest’s shipboard account to be settled at the end of the voyage. MasterCard, Visa and US dollars are also accepted for the settlement of guest accounts.

What are the passport or visa requirements?
Citizens of the US and Canada are required to have a valid passport, which expires at least 6 months after their last day in Peru. Visas are not required for citizens of these countries. Citizens of all other countries should check with the Peruvian consulate in their home country to verify entry requirements.

What if I have dietary requirements?
We will make every effort to accommodate special dietary requests. Please inform our office at least 45 days prior to departure of these requests.

How do I power and charge my devices?
The electrical current on board is 220V. For those items that are dual voltage, suites are outfitted with a multi-plug configuration feature. Guests should be sure to bring the appropriate converter for devices that are not dual voltage.

What are pre-paid gratuities?
Gratuities are customary expressions of appreciation for a job well done. It is our goal to ensure that the service you receive is as wonderful as the sites you visit. Gratuities for the included portions of this program have been pre-paid. At your own discretion you may choose to provide additional tips.

Are laundry services available?
Laundry service is available on board the ship. Costs will be listed in each suite’s directory, and charged to the guest’s account. Self-service laundry facilities are not available on the ship. Laundry service is also available at all land properties at an additional cost.

Will I need insect protection for this trip?
While you can expect to encounter insects during the program, most are relatively harmless. Mosquitoes are not frequently seen while sailing along the Amazon, but if you plan to be outside during the morning or evening hours, especially when going ashore, it is recommended to apply insect repellent, particularly to ankles and other exposed skin. In your stateroom amenities, you will find an all-natural, non-toxic, locally produced insect repellent that will not damage the local environment. Guests may wish to bring an insect repellent with DEET for use on cruise excursions. Switching off lights when leaving your suite/stateroom on board the ship will help reduce the number of insects attracted to your room.

What should I expect on the included shore excursions?
All shore excursions during your 13-day travel program are led by expert English speaking local guides. Excursions are designed for active travelers. If you need accommodations based on your abilities, contact Brand g before booking this travel program. In the Amazon, most excursions start and end on a skiff (10-12 guests river boats). Boarding and disembarking these skiffs with no ramps is a part of the daily experience. Cusco, the Sacred Valley and the Machu Picchu region are in altitude from 8,000 feet to over 11,000 feet above sea level. This adds another layer of difficulty to all excursions from Cusco to Cusco. You may want to consult your medical provider for suggestions regarding the high altitude travel.

What arrival and departure transfers are included?
This package includes an arrival transfer from the Lima Airport (LIM) to the Hilton Miraflores, Lima and a departure transfer from the Palacia del Inka, Cusco to the Cusco Airport (CUS). If you extend your stay at these properties, the transfers will still be included. Contact our team or your travel agent to ensure arrangements outside of these arrival and departure transfers will be included. Booked guests should provide their arrival and departure details 45 days prior to the trip to ensure transfer availability.

What to wear?
Aboard the Delfin III, attire is casual and comfortable during the day, with expeditionary-style clothing, and comfortable, but sturdy, footwear for excursions. It is best to pack lightweight long-sleeve shirts and lightweight long trousers to protect from sun and insect exposure. Evening wear consists of open-neck shirts, trousers, skirt, or similar attire. Footwear is always required in all public areas, and when navigating stairs on board.
During the land portions of the trip, we recommend casual comfortable clothing such as a mix of shorts, lightweight pants and shirts for Lima and a mix of warmer clothing that may be layered for the Sacred Valley and Cusco. You may wish to pack a medium weight jacket as well as lightweight gloves and hat for the Sacred Valley. It is also recommended to pack rain gear as it often rains at Machu Picchu. Study shoes with good ankle support are recommended for Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.

Are vaccinations required?
There are no required vaccinations for citizens of most countries entering Peru. However, we suggest each guest make an appointment with a Travel Medicine Specialist to discuss your individual needs and health concerns. For more information, US citizens should consult the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) website for health and vaccination recommendations
Citizens of other countries may consult their own governments disease control agency for requirements or recommendations.

What weather can I expect from this trip?
On the Amazon and Machu Picchu program you will travel through 3 unique regions within Peru. Starting at Lima, Peru, the weather will be warm with highs in the 80s and lows in the 60s. Lima is a coastal town with varied rain. On the Amazon river, the days can be warm with highs in the 90s and warmer nights in the 70s. Finally in Cusco and the Machu Picchu areas, the weather is a cooler at a higher altitude. Highs here will be in the 60s and lows in the 40s. All weather is unpredictable, so we recommend guests be prepared for anything.

Land Accommodations

Lima, Peru
Hilton Lima Miraflores Hotel
Situated in the heart of Lima, the Hilton Lima Miraflores is conveniently located in the Miraflores district of Lima, Peru. Just 11 miles from the Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM), the property offers a prime location in the vibrant Larcomar entertainment area. Enjoy nearby activities including shops, theatre, museums, restaurants and parks. The hotel combines traditional 18th-century Peruvian architectonic elements with contemporary decor to create the perfect ambience. 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.

Urubamba, Peru
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 natural massage. Then relax in the cozy lounge, featuring a classic billiards table and variety of board games.

Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Peru
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.

Cusco, Peru
Palacio del Inka Luxury Collection Hotel
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 amenities of the Palacio del Inka.