Highlights

Itinerary

Day 1 – USA to Lima

Today arrive in Lima and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 – Lima

Today’s Lima city tour starts in the downtown historic district. Visit the Plaza Mayor (“Main Square”), surrounded by the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, and City Hall. Then we head to modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores. San Isidro, an upscale residential and commercial neighborhood, houses a pre-Hispanic sacred structure (Huaca Huallamarca). Next see Miraflores, with its chic shops, restaurants and casinos. Return to your hotel. (B)

Day 3 – Lima/Cusco/Sacred Valley

Early transfer to Lima airport to board our flight to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, depart on a tour of the Sacred Valley. Stop at Awana Kancha, a farm with typical animals of the region: alpacas, llamas, guanacos, and vicunas. Learn how the indigenous people use plants and natural elements in making wool. Visit Pisac Inca site in the Urubamba Valley and Ollantaytambo, an Incan military, religious, and agricultural center. Lunch is included. (B,L)

Day 4 – Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes

Early morning transfer to Ollantaytambo train station. Our adventure starts on a train ride to the city of Aguas Calientes, then it’s on to aweinspiring Machu Picchu archaeological site. You will never forget this mind-blowing journey through the history of the Inca civilization. Explore Peru’s most important archaeological site and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Later, we descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)

Day 5 – Machu Picchu/Cusco

Today explore Machu Picchu at your pace. Morning visit to the Machu Picchu archeological complex (tickets for the site and buses included). Delve into the Inca ruins, a masterpiece of engineering and architecture situated on a mountain ridge nearly 8,000 feet above sea level that served as a sanctuary and retreat for the Inca Pachacutec. In the afternoon take the Vistadome Train to the Sacred Valley or Cusco. Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel. (B)

Day 6 – Cusco

Morning at leisure. Today we explore Cusco starting at Koricancha Temple, an ancient Inca worship center of the Sun God that was once covered in gold. Next, stop at the Plaza de Armas and see the Cathedral. Continue to the church of San Cristóbal, then Sacsayhuaman, an Inca building known for its 30-foot tall walls. Visit the complexes of Qenqo with its stone labyrinth and sacrificial alter, and Puca Pucara, an architectural marvel of rooms, waterways and aqueducts. (B)

Day 7 – Cusco/Lima

After breakfast this morning, board your flight home with a connection in Lima.  (B)