WONDERS OF PERU ITINERARY:
DAY 1: USA or Canada/Lima, Peru
Arrive in Lima late this evening and transfer to your hotel.
Miraflores Park Hotel/JW Marriott Hotel
DAY 2: Lima
Today, explore the "City of Kings," beginning at the Plaza
Mayor, the official center of the city and the original site on
which Lima was founded. Walk past the Cathedral to the
Presidential Palace and the church of San Francisco, housing a
library collection of fine paintings and frescoes. Spend time
perusing the exhibits in the Archaeological Museum. This
evening, the owners of Casa Aliaga host a private welcome dinner
in the majestic 14th-century mansion. Miraflores Park
Hotel/JW Marriott Hotel B D
DAY 3: Lima/Cusco
Fly to Cusco and spend the morning relaxing and acclimatizing to
the high altitude. This afternoon, a brief city tour showcases
colonial Cusco with visits to the Cathedral on the Plaza de
Armas, and the Santo Domingo Temple, a Dominican church and
convent. Return to your hotel for dinner and an evening of music
with Kike Pinto, a regional expert on ancient Andean music.
Hotel Monasterio B L D
DAY 4: Cusco/Sacred Valley/Cusco
Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the local village of
Chincheros, known for its colorful market. Meet Andean weaver
Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, who demonstrates local techniques and
discusses weaving's role in contemporary Andean culture. Pause
for a traditional Pachamanca barbecue of meat, fruits and
vegetables cooked on hot stones. Then watch a demonstration of
the Peruvian Paso horse, with its completely natural four-beat
lateral gait.
Your afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the hotel's amenities.
Witness a local Andean ritual that pays homage to the "Earth
Mother" before dining at a recommended restaurant. Hotel
Monasterio B L D
DAY 5: Cusco/Machu Picchu
Board the deluxe Hiram Bingham train, bound for Machu Picchu.
Enjoy a delectable brunch and first-rate service while the
beautiful Peruvian countryside passes by. Overlooking the raging
Urubamba River and discovered in a hidden tangle of vines and
trees atop the mountain, Machu Picchu will forever hold the
secret of its passing - its Inca inhabitants left no written
records. After a tour of the ancient ruins conducted by Alfredo
Mormontoy Atayupanqui, resident archaeologist of the Inca
citadel, there is time to explore on your own or take afternoon
tea at the hotel.
Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge B L D
DAY 6: Machu Picchu/Cusco
Rise with the sun to walk through Machu Picchu in the early
mist, exploring the ruins before the crowds arrive. Join your
guide for a hike to the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) that is the entry
point to the ruins from the Inca Trail or hike up the Huayna
Picchu, the high mountain that is a part of the ruins.
Alternatively, explore the magnificent citadel on your own.
A gourmet dinner aboard the Hiram Bingham en route to Cusco is a
special treat tonight. Hotel Monasterio B L D
DAY 7: Cusco
DESIGN YOUR DAY-CUSCO: Design Your Day options fill the
afternoon: Visit the ruins of Sacsayhuaman - its engineering so
precise that not even a sheet of paper will fit between the
adjoining stones - or tour the artist colony of San Blas.
In the evening, visit Quinta Colcampata, a magnificent colonial
residence built on ancient Inca grounds. The spectacular view of
the city from the terrace is an ideal setting for a cocktail.
Move into the main lounge, decorated with 16th- and 17th-century
paintings, for an intimate farewell dinner by the Inca
fireplace.
Hotel Monasterio B D
DAY 8: Cusco/Lima
Return to Lima to visit the controversial Gold Museum,
exhibiting an extraordinary sample of pre-Hispanic metalwork and
the world's largest weapons collection. You may also shop for
souvenirs, jewelry and books in the shops that line the museum's
entrance. The evening is free to shop and explore.
Miraflores Park Hotel/JW Marriott Hotel B
DAY 9: Lima/USA or Canada
Board your homebound flight. B
This program contains some active elements, and a minimum level
of fitness is required. Please contact A&K for details.
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