Day 1: Arrive in Lima, Peru from departure city. Transfers to the hotel in the desirable Milaflores district are provided. Tour the historic center of Lima including the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop’s Residence, the breathtaking Lima Cathedral, and the world-class Larco Museum. That evening, meet with traveling companions and enjoy fine Peruvian cuisine.
Day 2: After breakfast, transfer to the Lima airport for the flight to Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage City and ancient empire city of the Incas. While acclimating to the 11,200 foot altitude, enjoy an afternoon English speaking VIP tour of the Cusco area. See the Main Square, Cathedral, and Qoricancha (Sun Temple). The tour drives along the outskirts of the city up to famous fortress of Saqsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and the Tambomachay ruins. Admission to all sites is included.
Day 3: The breathtaking train ride through the Sacred Valley, along the twisting Urumbaba River is one of the great travel experiences in the world. The 2 ½ hour rail journey into the cloud forest of Peru to the outpost town of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu, is nothing short of spectacular. A visit to the one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is on the day’s itinerary. An English speaking guided tour is provided. This is a travel experience that will not be forgotten.
Day 4: Early risers can climb Huayna Picchu, the 1,000 foot mountain overlooking the mystical citadel for what may be one of the most scenic vistas in the world - sunrise upon Machu Picchu. For those looking for a less challenging hike but nonetheless incredible view, a guided hike up to the Sun Gate, where the Inca Trail meets Machu Picchu is on the schedule. Others can tour this fascinating ancient city of the Incas.
Day 5: We will embark on the train back to Ollantaytambo for a tour of the Sacred Valley. We’ll visit unbelievable ancient ruins, have a lunch on the Urumbamba River that will not be forgotten, and visit the world-famous Pisaq market on our way back to Cusco.
Day 6: The luxury bus tour to Puno departs early in the morning. There are 6 scheduled stops along the way:
· Church of San Pedro of Andahuaylillas: also referred to as the “Sistine Chapel” of South America
· Raqchi Inca Complex: a crossroad of the Inca Trail and site of fascinating Inca ruins
· Sicuani: a large highland town in the Andes. Enjoy an authentic Peruvian buffet lunch
· La Raya Pass: at 14,172 ft above sea level, it is a picturesque spot to get out to breathe the air and take photographs of grazing llamas and alpacas
· Pukara Complex: a national monument since 1983. The site of the first civilized Andean culture, from over 3,000 years ago, pre-dating the Incas.
· Puno: Sitting aside Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake at 12,400 feet, this city is the home of some of the most important cultures of the Andes.
Day 7: Boat tour on Lake Titicaca. Visit the fascinating floating islands of Uros where people have been living for thousands of years on islands made of reeds. Visit the scenic island of Taquile, recently featured in National Geographic Magazine. It is one of the few remaining places to experience the food, fine crafts, and culture of a civilization virtually untouched by the outside world. Lunch is included.
Day 8: Transfer from Puno to Juliaca for the flight home. On the way we will stop at Sillustani and see the fascinating ancient Chullpas (funerary towers) reaching up to six meters in height.