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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