Machu Picchu & Lima. The magic of Peru.
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Reserve your space. No money due now.
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March 24 - April 1, 2017. 2 spots available!
Only $2189 including air, hotels and transfers Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lima Discover the magic of Peru. With this full 8-day itinerary you will experience the World Heritage sites of Cusco and Machu Picchu as well as the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Urubamba. Cusco is the city that seamlessly melds three periods, ancient, colonial and modern, to create a colorful and vibrant experience that fills the senses. While Machu Picchu has long been the top visitor attraction in Peru, in recent years it is increasingly considered one of the top landmark attractions in the world. It was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007 and most recently, in 2013, voted the Traveler’s Choice #1 landmark attraction in the world by Trip Advisor. You will spend one night in the city of Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu. After your visit to Cusco and Machu Picchu, you will have three days in the historic capital of Peru, Lima. Lima was established as the colonial capital of Peru and was known then as now as the “City of the Kings”. You will have the opportunity to experience pre-Hispanic ruins as well as the Colonial and Modern attractions of the city. The tour includes airfare both to and within Peru, all hotels, eight meals, all transportation in Peru, all activities listed in the itinerary below, all entrance fees and professional English speaking tour guides and a pre-departure meeting in Easton to meet your fellow travelers and go over trip logistics. Single supplement $299. |
Reserve your space. No money due now.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Cusco arrival, day to rest, acclimate and experience the city. We will arrive at Cusco airport 11am March 24.
After your welcoming reception at the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, you will be transferred to your hotel. You will have the day free enjoy the city of Cusco and acclimatize to the altitude high Andean altitude of 11,000 ft. (3,400 m). Cusco is the city that seamlessly blends three distinct eras, Incan, Colonial and modern in an experience like none other in the world. We recommend that you take it easy, eat light foods and drink plenty of fluids. If your energy allows, there are shops, museums, churches and ancient ruins within walking distance of your hotel.
Overnight: Los Andes de America hotel Cusco
Day 2 - Free morning and half-day tour of Cusco and its surrounding ruins
After a good night’s rest in the thin Andean air, you will have the morning free to relax and continue to explore the city. We recommend a walk through the famous San Pedro Market where the locals shop everything from food to housewares. Here you will experience Cusco as it has existed since the Incan times. In the afternoon, you will be picked up from your hotel for a tour of the highlights of the city and its surrounding ruins. You will start in the central Plaza de Armas or ¨Warrior Square¨. The Plaza was the ceremonial center of life in the time of the Incas and continues to be the center of life in Cusco today. The Plaza sits in the shadows of the Cathedral of the Company of Jesus. It´s impressive stonework blends late Gothic and Baroque styles with its colonial gold work and carved wood alters. Our next stop is Koricancha or the temple of the sun.While the Plaza was the ceremonial and civic center of the city, Koricancha was the spiritual center. Built in honor of the Incan deity, it once housed over 4,000 priests and their attendants. Next, you will begin a tour to visit the nearby ruins of the amazing fortress of Sacsayhuaman, a massive complex that once protected the city and today offers a spectacular view of the city. Then on up the hill to visit the Inca shrine of Qenqo, where we will enter a natural cave with what is believed to be a sacrificial alter. The next stop is a lookout post of Puca Pucara, and finally our last stop will be Tambomachay, believed to be private baths of the Inca royalty.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight:Los Andes de America hotel Cusco
Day 3 - Full-day tour of the Sacred Valley of Urubamba
You will be picked up early in the morning to begin a full day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop will be camelid farm of Awana Kancha. Here you will see up close the pride of the Andes, llamas, alpacas, guanacos and vicuñas. You will witness the dying and weaving processes that have been in use since Incan times. From there it is on to the city of Pisac and its traditional market. You have the chance to browse through row after row of traditional Andean textiles, handicrafts and even dry goods and vegetables. While it is easy to get immersed in the thousands of items on display, we need to make our way up the Valley in order to make the most of our day. Next stop is the city of Urubamba; the population center of the Sacred Valley it sits on the banks of its namesake Urubamba River. Here we will stop and enjoy a scenic and relaxing buffet-style lunch where you will try a variety of the favorite local dishes. After lunch, we will move on to the town and archeological site of Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo was the personal estate of the Inca Pachacuti, who conquered the region and built the town and ceremonial structures. Ollantaytambo is also the starting point for the 4- day hike on the Inca Trail. Here you will climb to the top of this imposing fortress and enjoy its breathtaking wonders and views. Finishing the tour you will board the train for the scenic 2-hour ride to the city of Aguas Calientes. Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, sits at the base of Machu Picchu, a short bus ride to the citadel. Your guide will greet you at the train station escort you to your hotel for your briefing in preparation for the following day. After the briefing, you will have time to stroll and dine in this very colorful tourist town.
Meals: Breakfast, Buffet lunch
Overnight: Andina Luxury Hotel Aguas Calientes
Day 4 - Machu Picchu
Early in the morning you will board the bus that will take you on your last leg of the journey to the gates of Machu Picchu. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate, and you will arrive early enough to catch a very spectacular sunrise. The experience will not only take your breath away but will fill you with a wave of emotion and awe that you will experience few times in your life. You will begin a walking tour of the terraced agricultural area and the legendary stonework of the living and working areas. There is still a lot of mystery as to the purpose of the citadel and why the Incas suddenly abandoned it. Your local guide will explain not only the functional history of the site, but also share legends and rituals surrounding the Incan beliefs and their deep reverence for the mother earth. After the tour, you will have the option of enjoying a buffet lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge or in Aguas Calientes before boarding your train for the return trip to Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Los Andes de America hotel Cusco
Optional: Early morning hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain,
Buffet lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge or in Aguas Calientes
Day 5 - Cusco free day
After you long days in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu you will have a day to relax, shop, dine and take in the energy that Cusco offers. There are several optional day tours available including the salt mines of Maras and Moray or a visit to the chapel of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas. The chapel is often referred to as the Sistine Chapel of Latin America.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Los Andes de America hotel Cusco
Day 6 - Cusco to Lima
At the scheduled time you will be transferred to the airport and assisted with your check-in and departure for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the beautiful ocean side district of Miraflores. You will have the afternoon free to enjoy the scenic boardwalk of Miraflores and explore the thousands of restaurants, bars and shops the district has to offer.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel Mariel Miraflores Lima
Day 7 – Lima City tour
After a free morning to run, walk or sleep in, you will be greeted at your hotel for an afternoon tour of the historic capital of colonial and modern Peru, Lima. This tour will take you through Lima in its 3 historical periods: Pre-Hispanic, Colonial and Modern. Your first stop will be a panoramic view of the “La Huaca Pucllana” a pyramid of clay and adobe built by the Lima Culture that dominated the area from 200 AD to 700 AD. From there it is on to the Historic Centre of Lima, known as the “Ciudad de los Reyes” (City of Kings), is located in the Rimac valley, and was founded by Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro in January 1535 on the territories led by the Chiefdom of Rimac. Lima was the political, administrative, religious and economic capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru and the most important city of the Spanish dominions in South America. The tour will finish in the modern business district of San Isidro and the spectacular ocean views of Miraflores.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel Mariel Miraflores Lima
Day 8 – Free day in Lima and 6pm March 31 departure.
Since our flight departs in the evening, you will have most of the day to relax in Miraflores or visit one of the many museums or historical sites in the city before being transferred to the airport for your international flight home. We will arrive home Saturday April 1 at 5:30am and should be back at the Park n Ride in Easton by 9am.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 1 – Cusco arrival, day to rest, acclimate and experience the city. We will arrive at Cusco airport 11am March 24.
After your welcoming reception at the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, you will be transferred to your hotel. You will have the day free enjoy the city of Cusco and acclimatize to the altitude high Andean altitude of 11,000 ft. (3,400 m). Cusco is the city that seamlessly blends three distinct eras, Incan, Colonial and modern in an experience like none other in the world. We recommend that you take it easy, eat light foods and drink plenty of fluids. If your energy allows, there are shops, museums, churches and ancient ruins within walking distance of your hotel.
Overnight: Los Andes de America hotel Cusco
Day 2 - Free morning and half-day tour of Cusco and its surrounding ruins
After a good night’s rest in the thin Andean air, you will have the morning free to relax and continue to explore the city. We recommend a walk through the famous San Pedro Market where the locals shop everything from food to housewares. Here you will experience Cusco as it has existed since the Incan times. In the afternoon, you will be picked up from your hotel for a tour of the highlights of the city and its surrounding ruins. You will start in the central Plaza de Armas or ¨Warrior Square¨. The Plaza was the ceremonial center of life in the time of the Incas and continues to be the center of life in Cusco today. The Plaza sits in the shadows of the Cathedral of the Company of Jesus. It´s impressive stonework blends late Gothic and Baroque styles with its colonial gold work and carved wood alters. Our next stop is Koricancha or the temple of the sun.While the Plaza was the ceremonial and civic center of the city, Koricancha was the spiritual center. Built in honor of the Incan deity, it once housed over 4,000 priests and their attendants. Next, you will begin a tour to visit the nearby ruins of the amazing fortress of Sacsayhuaman, a massive complex that once protected the city and today offers a spectacular view of the city. Then on up the hill to visit the Inca shrine of Qenqo, where we will enter a natural cave with what is believed to be a sacrificial alter. The next stop is a lookout post of Puca Pucara, and finally our last stop will be Tambomachay, believed to be private baths of the Inca royalty.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight:Los Andes de America hotel Cusco
Day 3 - Full-day tour of the Sacred Valley of Urubamba
You will be picked up early in the morning to begin a full day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop will be camelid farm of Awana Kancha. Here you will see up close the pride of the Andes, llamas, alpacas, guanacos and vicuñas. You will witness the dying and weaving processes that have been in use since Incan times. From there it is on to the city of Pisac and its traditional market. You have the chance to browse through row after row of traditional Andean textiles, handicrafts and even dry goods and vegetables. While it is easy to get immersed in the thousands of items on display, we need to make our way up the Valley in order to make the most of our day. Next stop is the city of Urubamba; the population center of the Sacred Valley it sits on the banks of its namesake Urubamba River. Here we will stop and enjoy a scenic and relaxing buffet-style lunch where you will try a variety of the favorite local dishes. After lunch, we will move on to the town and archeological site of Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo was the personal estate of the Inca Pachacuti, who conquered the region and built the town and ceremonial structures. Ollantaytambo is also the starting point for the 4- day hike on the Inca Trail. Here you will climb to the top of this imposing fortress and enjoy its breathtaking wonders and views. Finishing the tour you will board the train for the scenic 2-hour ride to the city of Aguas Calientes. Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, sits at the base of Machu Picchu, a short bus ride to the citadel. Your guide will greet you at the train station escort you to your hotel for your briefing in preparation for the following day. After the briefing, you will have time to stroll and dine in this very colorful tourist town.
Meals: Breakfast, Buffet lunch
Overnight: Andina Luxury Hotel Aguas Calientes
Day 4 - Machu Picchu
Early in the morning you will board the bus that will take you on your last leg of the journey to the gates of Machu Picchu. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate, and you will arrive early enough to catch a very spectacular sunrise. The experience will not only take your breath away but will fill you with a wave of emotion and awe that you will experience few times in your life. You will begin a walking tour of the terraced agricultural area and the legendary stonework of the living and working areas. There is still a lot of mystery as to the purpose of the citadel and why the Incas suddenly abandoned it. Your local guide will explain not only the functional history of the site, but also share legends and rituals surrounding the Incan beliefs and their deep reverence for the mother earth. After the tour, you will have the option of enjoying a buffet lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge or in Aguas Calientes before boarding your train for the return trip to Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Los Andes de America hotel Cusco
Optional: Early morning hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain,
Buffet lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge or in Aguas Calientes
Day 5 - Cusco free day
After you long days in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu you will have a day to relax, shop, dine and take in the energy that Cusco offers. There are several optional day tours available including the salt mines of Maras and Moray or a visit to the chapel of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas. The chapel is often referred to as the Sistine Chapel of Latin America.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Los Andes de America hotel Cusco
Day 6 - Cusco to Lima
At the scheduled time you will be transferred to the airport and assisted with your check-in and departure for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the beautiful ocean side district of Miraflores. You will have the afternoon free to enjoy the scenic boardwalk of Miraflores and explore the thousands of restaurants, bars and shops the district has to offer.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel Mariel Miraflores Lima
Day 7 – Lima City tour
After a free morning to run, walk or sleep in, you will be greeted at your hotel for an afternoon tour of the historic capital of colonial and modern Peru, Lima. This tour will take you through Lima in its 3 historical periods: Pre-Hispanic, Colonial and Modern. Your first stop will be a panoramic view of the “La Huaca Pucllana” a pyramid of clay and adobe built by the Lima Culture that dominated the area from 200 AD to 700 AD. From there it is on to the Historic Centre of Lima, known as the “Ciudad de los Reyes” (City of Kings), is located in the Rimac valley, and was founded by Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro in January 1535 on the territories led by the Chiefdom of Rimac. Lima was the political, administrative, religious and economic capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru and the most important city of the Spanish dominions in South America. The tour will finish in the modern business district of San Isidro and the spectacular ocean views of Miraflores.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel Mariel Miraflores Lima
Day 8 – Free day in Lima and 6pm March 31 departure.
Since our flight departs in the evening, you will have most of the day to relax in Miraflores or visit one of the many museums or historical sites in the city before being transferred to the airport for your international flight home. We will arrive home Saturday April 1 at 5:30am and should be back at the Park n Ride in Easton by 9am.
Meals: Breakfast
Reserve your space. No money due now.