PERU - ANCIENT LAND OF MYSTERIES
FEATURING MACHU PICCHU & LAKE TITICACA
ITINERARY:
Day 1: Overnight Flight
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 and the ‘Lost City of
the Incas’. Depart on your overnight flight to Peru this
evening.
Day 2: Arrive Lima, Peru - Tour Begins
Arrive this morning in the “City of Kings”, Lima, Peru. A room
has been reserved for you to check in and relax upon arrival.
This afternoon enjoy a fascinating city tour. Journey through
the historical center 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). LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help
you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will
experience on your tour. Learn key words and phrases that will
help you communicate with the local people you meet. This
evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. Casa
Andina Private Collection Miraflores
Day 3: Lima - Cuzco - Sacred Valley of the Incas
Fly this morning into Cuzco, 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 center for the Incas and boasts some of the most
breathtaking scenery in all of Peru. See and learn the Peruvian
centuries-old methods of spinning, dyeing, and weaving of Andean
traditional textiles with a visit to Awana Kancha, a living
museum of the Peruvian Andes. A special stop is made at Pablo
Seminario Ceramic Studio where you will learn about this
internationally well-known artist's techniques and designs
inspired by ancient Peruvian cultures. Settle in this evening at
your hotel nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Sonesta
Posada del Inca Yucay
Day 4: Sacred Valley of the Incas-Ollantaytambo - Sacred
Valley of the Incas
Experience the lifestyle of the Andean people of 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 Ollantaytambo 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. Sonesta
Posada del Inca Yucay
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.
Day 6: Machu Picchu - Cuzco
This morning you will have the opportunity to return once
again to Machu Picchu if you choose. This afternoon, en route to
the city of Cuzco, enjoy a visit to a local orphanage sponsored
by the Collette Foundation. Learn about the efforts of the
Collette Foundation to conquer the challenges faced by the
children of the region. Return to the city of Cuzco. Meaning
“Center of the World” in the ancient language of Quencha, Cuzco
is a fascinating blend of Inca culture and Spanish colonial
influence. Relax and become acclimated to the altitude this
evening. Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco
Day 7: Cuzco
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.
Day 8: Cuzco - Andahuaylillas - Raqchi - Puno
Travel the Sacred Valley and enjoy spectacular views of mountain
scenery, charming Inca villages and countryside. Visit the 17th
century church of Andahuaylillas, a jewel of the mestizo baroque
architecture. A special stop is made at the ancient Inca
ceremonial center of Raqchi (Temple of Wiracocha God). Visit
this former Inca church known for its monumental dimensions, 200
round stone houses, and well-preserved Inca adobe architecture.
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.
Sonesta Posada del Inca-PUNO
Day 9: Uros Floating Islands - Las Chullpas de Sillustani -
Lake Titicaca
The Titicaca area is steeped in tradition and folklore and
is the center of Inca creation and legends. Enjoy a morning
cruise to the floating islands of the Uros people of Lake
Titicaca. Made from compacted beds of tortora reeds, experience
walking on the spongy surface, meet the locals and learn about
their history and lifestyle. In the afternoon you visit Chullpas
de Sillustani, an archeological area of gigantic funerary
monuments dating from the 13th century. Sonesta Posada del Inca-PUNO
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 or perhaps take an optional fun-filled dune
buggy ride in the nearby desert. Doubletree Guest Suites Paracas.
Hotel Las Dunas Sun Resort
Day 11: Paracas National Reserve
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. Enjoy leisure time this afternoon to relax or perhaps
take a flight over the enigmatic Nazca Lines. These mysterious
lines, dating back to pre-Inca civilization, were etched in the
sand between 900 BC and 600 AD.
Doubletree Guest Suites Paracas
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. Visit a
local bodega for a tour and tasting of pisco, Peru's national
drink. Your day ends in Lima with a delightful farewell dinner
at one of Lima's finest restaurants.
Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores
Day 13: Lima - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in Lima.
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