Peru Spectacular : Lima - Cuzco

Details

Tour Operator

Festival Tours

Offer

Offer valid through 12/31/2009

Duration

9 Days

Escorted

Escorted - Yes

Itinerary

Day	Destination	Description
Day 1	Depart Home	HOME CITY - LIMA Departure from Home City for Lima, the "City of Kings", famous for its Spanish colonial architecture, extraordinary museums, and diverse and exquisite cuisine. Meet 'n Greet upon arrival and Transfer to the Country Club Hotel in Lima. Evening free to relax or explore on your own the many attractive shops, boutiques and restaurants in the attractive Miraflores area of Lima.
Day 2	Lima	LIMA CITY OF KINGS Today, City tour of colonial and modern Lima including the world famous Larco Museum. Colonial sites include the lovely Plaza de Armas, Presidential Palace, historic Cathedral where Spanish Conquistador Francisco Pizarro's remains lie, and the exquisite Torre Tagle Palace, modern day seat of Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Drive through the modern business district, and the exclusive residential areas of Miraflores and San Isidro. Then continue to Larco Museum, founded in 1926, its remarkable galleries providing an excellent overview of 3000 years of Peruvian pre-Columbian history. This wonderful museum, housed in an 18th century royal mansion built over a 7th century pre-Columbian pyramid, features the finest gold and silver collection from ancient Peru, and the famous erotic archaelogical collection, one of Peru's most visited attractions. B
Day 3	The Sacred Valley	LIMA - CUZCO CAPITAL OF AN EMPIRE -THE SACRED VALLEY Early morning Transfer from the hotel to the airport for a short but spectacular flight over the snowcapped Andes Mountains to the oldest inhabited city in the hemisphere, Cuzco, at an elevation of 11,440 feet. Meet 'n Greet upon arrival and Transfer to the Hotel Monasterio. Then enjoy Guided Tour of Cuzco and nearby Inca ruins. Camera buffs will delight with Cuzco's unique blend of ancient Inca architecture with Spanish colonial buildings, Cathedrals, plazas, narrow streets and arches. Important landmarks include Cuzco's impressive Cathedral, the Santo Domingo Church, the Plaza de Armas and Koricancha, "The Temple of the Sun". Then continue to the nearby ruins of Kenko, Puca-Pucara, Tambomachay and Sacsayhuaman fortress, an imposing example of Inca military might.
Day 4	Machu Picchu	MACHU PICCHU LOST CITY OF THE INKAS Morning departure for full day excursion aboard the Orient Express Luxury Train "Hiram Bingham", the most luxurious railway service in South America enjoying scenic views of the Sacred Valley, Urubamba River and colorful Quechuan villages on route to mysterious Inka stronghold, Machu Picchu, literally in the clouds high a top the Peruvian Andes mountain range. Perched 8,200 feet above the valley, it was hidden by mountains and semi-tropical jungle for over 400 years until its discovery by explorer Hiram Bingham of Yale University in 1911. Enjoy a thrilling, informative Guided Tour of these incredible ruins, marvel at magnificent panoramic views, truly a photographer's delight, and learn the secrets of these ancient Inka ruins. A delicious Brunch and four-course Dinner and cocktails are served aboard the Hiram Bingham. Afternoon "Tea Time Goodies" is served at the Orient Express Sanctaury Lodge located just a few steps from the Inca citadel. B/L, D
Day 5	Cuzco	CUZCO - AWANA KANCHA SACRED VALLEY Marvel with close up views of South American camelidos such as llamas, vicunas, guanacos and alpacas in their native environment. Then enjoy a spinning and weaving demonstration by the Quechua of ancient techniques on how to make clothing from the wool fibers of these animals. Colorful flowers and Inca agricultural terraces can be seen on route to the Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel and Spa. In the afternoon, visit to the Pablo Seminario Ceramic Studio dedicated to the discovery of techniques and designs from ancient Peruvian cultures. Pablo presents a new art expression, providing continuity to these cultural inheritances. The artist concentrates on creating "great plates" in his words. The images that emerge are the result of the patient work of following the tradition of pre-Colombian pottery, an ambitious task 20 years in the making. B
Day 6	Ollantaytambo	SACRED VALLEY - PISAC - OLLANTAYTAMBO Full day excursion to the Pisac Indian Market and the Ollantaytambo Archaelogical Complex. Drive through the fertile countryside of the Urubamba Valley to the colonial village of Pisac where a colorful Indian market takes place Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays (on other days you will tour the religious nucleus and archaelogical site of Pisac). Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Indian market, testing your skill at bargaining with the natives for beautiful handicraft and jewelry. Then continue to Ollantaytambo Archaelogical Complex, built by the Incas as a fortress city including a temple, agricultural terraces and an urban area. Marvel at the high walls and military towers. Ollantaytambo is divided into two distinct sectors, the religious and worship zone, and the residential area. Explore traces of ancient roads and aqueducts. Lunch is at a beautiful country estate on the shores of the Urubamba River. B, L
Day 7	Quechuavillage	SACRED VALLEY - MORAY - MARAS - QUECHUA VILLAGE Morning drive through unspoiled and picturesque Andean communities on your way to the Incan agricultural center of Moray, famous for its sunken amphitheater, made up of four circular terraces, which appear to fade away into the earth like an artificial crater. The site is thought to be an ancient Inca agricultural research station filled with fertile soil and watered by complex irrigation systems, and designed for experimenting with crops at varying high altitudes. Continue to the impressive Maras salt pools formed by water emerging from a lake inside a mountain in the Urubamba Valley. An amazing view of evaporating ponds for the extraction of salt. Learn about ancestral techniques, still used today, in agricultural, irrigation and salt-recollection, as well as Andean festivals and rites. After lunch, visit an authentic Quechua village for a glimpse of daily life of these simple, colorful and friendly ancestors of the Incas. Quechua men wearing colorful ponchos, women weaving beautiful wear and children playing nearby are the many sights and sounds to enjoy. B, L
Day 8	Incaritual	SACRED VALLEY - LUXURY SPA AND INCA RITUAL Now it's time to rela x and enjoy the soothing spa at the Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel and Spa. The "Inca Sauna" is included, a unique and unforgettable experience, a ritual to cleanse the body with the aid of steam and essential oils, an infusion of coca leaves and incense of eucalyptus poured on hot rocks to generate even more steam in the sauna. A spiritual guide leads the ceremony, chanting and directing you to catharthis. B
Day 9	Return USA	SACRED VALLEY - CUZCO - LIMA - HOME CITY Departure Transfer from the Sacred Valley to Cuzco Airport for flight to Lima, and connecting flight Home or to next destination. B B Breakfast L Lunch D Dinner

Dates/Pricing

Disclaimer

From $ 2959.00 Per Person in Double Occupancy (Includes Land Arrangements Only). Ask for our Airline Specials, too!

Departures: Saturday

Escorted Program with professional, local, English Speaking Guide accompanying you throughout your stay in Peru.