An Enthralling Journey Awaits…
Day 1 – Lima
Check-in to the San Agustin Exclusive Hotel, ideally located in the bustling seaside district of Miraflores close to some of the capital’s most popular restaurants, cafes and boutiques.
Day 2 – Lima’s Colonial Heritage and an Exclusive Museum Visit
The capital of Peru is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its wealth of Colonial-era architecture. Your day unfolds with the fine Colonial mansions and churches of downtown Lima. The Plaza Mayor is flanked by the handsome Presidential Palace, the Cathedral and the Archbishop’s Palace, easily recognized by its ornate wooden balcony. At the Larco Herrera Museum, the curator leads your specially arranged tour through this renowned collection of pre-Columbian artwork. Tonight, you’ll delight in authentic Peruvian cuisine and captivating artistry with a Dinner Show at the Dama Juana Restaurant. Meals B,D
Day 3 – Into the Sacred Valley of the Inca
Fly to Cuzco and journey into the picturesque Sacred Valley to Awanacancha. See alpacas, llamas and vicuñas and learn about ancient weaving techniques still in use today throughout the timeless villages of this peaceful valley. Explore the colorful market in Pisac where mountain villagers come from afar to sell their goods. It’s an excellent place to shop for sweaters, rugs, handcarved musical instruments and ceramics. Then check-in to the Pakaritampu Hotel and enjoy a lunch of Andean fare. Tonight, witness a Tribute to the Earth performed by a village shaman. Meals B,L
Day 4 – Ancient Sites and Vibrant Artistry in the Sacred Valley
Ascend to the fortress of Ollantaytambo, Inca-built with enormous stones and so strategically positioned that it was successfully defended against the Spanish in 1537. This is one of the most significant Inca sites in Peru, and its location in a narrow mountain valley framed by rugged peaks is truly breathtaking. Next you’ll visit the studio of Pablo and Marilu Seminario – artisans who have devoted 20 years to the study of Pre-Columbian pottery techniques and designs, incorporating these ancient traditions into their own contemporary works. Meals B,L
Day 5 – By Rail to Machu Picchu
This morning, you’ll embark on one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. Traveling by train through the Urubamba River Valley along vistas of snow-capped Andean peaks, Indian villages and terraced fields, you’ll arrive in the charming town of Aguas Calientes, nestled below Machu Picchu. Ascend the ancient citadel to explore its extensive ruins as your expert guide sheds light on the Inca, their once-great Empire and the fabled Lost City. A bottle of wine, a box of chocolates and a tranquil overnight await at the inviting Inkaterra El Pueblo Hotel, a charming resort set in a cloud forest by the river. Meals B,L,D
Day 6 – Sunrise at Machu Picchu and back to Cuzco
If you wish, arise early and board the first bus up the mountainside back to Machu Picchu. It’s a thrilling opportunity to explore the ruins in the relative solitude of early day and to witness the first light of morning upon the ancient city. Then journey back to Cuzco aboard the train, stopping in Chincheros to learn more about llama, alpaca and vicuña fibers and for a demonstration of indigenous weaving techniques. Overnight at the Jose Antonio Hotel, wonderfully situated close to the charming cafes and boutiques of the historic Plaza de Armas. Meals B,D
Day 7 – Explore the Ancient Capital of the Inca Empire
The breathtaking ruins of Sacsayhuaman are perched high on a hilltop overlooking the terra cotta roofs of Cuzco. This morning you’ll visit these imposing Inca ruins, built from massive limestone blocks cut with such precision that they fit together without mortar like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Then return to town and explore Barrio San Blas, a vibrant district of meandering cobblestone lanes filled with artisans’ studios, galleries and cafés. Your in-depth sightseeing continues at the Temple of the Sun and the Cathedral, built on the site of an Inca Palace and now splendidly restored. Meals B,L
Day 8 – Out and Around in Cuzco
Your understanding of Incan civilization is greatly enriched today at Tipon, a rarely visited Inca site with elaborate agricultural terraces that ascend the steep and narrow valley. They were irrigated in ancient times by an aqueduct from the mountaintop and are among the best-preserved in South America. Then visit San Pedro de Andahuaylillas, the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.” This simple adobe church, adorned with breathtaking paintings, murals and gilded carvings, is one of the finest examples of Colonial art on the continent. Meals B
Day 9 – A Day at Leisure in Charming Cuzco
You have this day to pursue your own interests. Your hotel’s excellent location in the historic heart of the city makes it easy to step out and explore at your own pace. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers to savor Peruvian cuisine accompanied by the captivating music and dance of the Andes. Meals B,D
Day 10 – Cuzco / Lima
Fly to Lima where we have a day-use room at the San Agustin Exclusive Hotel. Our tour services end upon check-out. Meals B
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