Your itinerary
Day 1: Inflight - Arrive Lima, Peru
Journey to Peru, one of the treasures of
South America. Vast in landscapes and diversity, you will
experience the unchanged culture and breathtaking beauty of the
Andes. Enjoy as you travel through this intriguing land visiting
some of the world's greatest mysteries such as Machu Picchu, the
'Lost City of the Incas', and the Nasca Lines. Late today arrive in
Lima and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2: Lima - Tour Begins
After a morning at leisure enjoy a
fascinating city tour. Journey through the historical centre of
Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. View the Plaza Mayor,
Government Center and discover the abundance of Colonial
Architecture scattered throughout the city. The fashionable suburbs
of San Isidro and Miraflores will give you an inside look at the
daily life of the Limenos (people of Lima). This evening enjoy an
introduction to Peru as you dine on traditional Peruvian food while
enjoying local entertainment. (D)
Day 3: Lima - Cusco -
Sacred Valley of the Incas
Fly this morning into Cusco, in the heart
of the Inca civilization. Board your coach to descend through the
Andes to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This majestic valley was
the agricultural centre for the Incas, ranging from Pisac to the
citadel of Machu Picchu. Following the route of the Urubamba River,
the valley boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of
Peru. Settle in this evening at your hotel nestled in the heart of
the Sacred Valley. (B, D)
Day 4: Sacred Valley of the Incas - Ollyantaytambo - Sacred Valley of the Incas
Experience the lifestyle of the Andean
people today and delve into their culture as you travel to a nearby
Andean community. While here you get a glimpse at the daily
activities of the village and have a chance to interact with the
locals. This afternoon, visit the spectacular Ollyantaytambo ruins,
the only Inca settlement that has been continually inhabited since
its inception. A unique terraced complex topped with an amazing set
of huge carved stone panels, these ruins are a magnificent example
of ancient Inca architecture and heritage. (B)
Day 5: Sacred Valley of
the Incas - Machu Picchu
Begin the day with a breathtaking train
ride on the "Vistadome" through the Andes to the "Lost City of the
Incas". Hidden by mountains and the semi-tropical jungle, Machu
Picchu is widely considered the most spectacular sight on the South
American continent. Spend the day with your guide uncovering the
mysteries of this great place before overnighting at the base of
Machu Picchu. (B, D)
Day 6: Machu Picchu - Cusco
This morning you will have the
opportunity to return once again to Machu Picchu if you choose.
This afternoon you return to the city of Cusco. Meaning "Center of
the World" in the ancient language of Quencha, Cusco is a
fascinating blend of Inca culture and Spanish colonial influence.
Relax and become acclimated to the altitude this evening. (B)
Day 7: Cusco
Explore this former capital of the Inca
Empire during a colonial city tour, experiencing the architectural
legacy visible in the Cathedral, Santo Domingo and the Plaza des
Armas. Discover the important sacred Incan ruins of Sacsayhuaman
Fortress and Tambo Machay fountain. This evening, enjoy a dinner
and performance of traditional Andean folkloric music and dance.
(B, D)
Day 8: Cusco -
Puno
Travel by motorcoach through the Sacred
Valley and over the Andes to the enchanting city of Puno. Hugging
the shores of Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake at
12,400 feet above sea level, Puno is said to be the birthplace of
the Inca Empire - in fact, ancient Incan legends say that life
began here. Relax this evening at your hotel surrounded by
spectacular vistas of the lake and mountains. (B, D)
Day 9: Lake Titicaca, Bolivia
A full day cruising excursion on Lake
Titicaca by Hydrofoil will take you into Bolivia to Moon Island
where you will visit the Sun Virgins Temple, said to be where the
most beautiful maids of the empire tended a sacred fire. Your
cruise continues to Sun Island, visiting the sacred Inca fountains
and the Inca staircase. Taste the water from the sacred fountain,
believed to give eternal youth and happiness. Travel to the
picturesque town of Juli for a visit before returning to Puno this
evening. (B)
Day 10: Puno - Lima - Paracas National
Reserve
This morning fly to Lima and continue south
to the Paracas National Reserve, Peru's only coastal wildlife
sanctuary. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure at your
charming seaside resort property. (B,
D)
Day 11: Paracas National Reserve - Nasca
Lines
This morning cruise out to the Ballestas
Islands. Referred to as the "Galapagos of Peru", these islands are
home to thousands of sea birds, including Humboldt penguins,
boobies, pelicans and cormorants. These fascinating sea birds share
their home with hundreds of playful sea lions, and you may see
hundreds of them lazing on the rocks or swimming around the boat
during your cruise. You may even catch a glimpse of the elusive
condor. This afternoon an optional flight over the enigmatic Nasca
Lines will be offered. These mysterious lines date back to pre-Inca
civilization, etched in the sand between 900 BC and 600 AD.
(B, L, D)
Day 12: Paracas National Reserve - Lima
This morning return north to Lima,
traveling through the region of Pisco. Known for its wine and pisco
production, this fertile valley lies in the middle of the central
desert. You will make a stop at one of the local Bodega's for a
wine tasting before arriving in Lima. This evening, gather with
your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner at one of Lima's
finest restaurants to celebrate the end of this fantastic
journey.
(B, D)
Day 13: Lima - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in Lima. (B)
Day 14: Arrive Home
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