Visit the fortress ruins at Sacsayhuaman and Pisac. Discover the secrets of the Sacred Valley and explore the extensive ruins at Machu Picchu, the archeological wonder that is the object of both truth and legend.
Departure dates: 09/20/2008, 12/20/2008.
Tour Highlights:
* Ride through the Urubamba Valley aboard the panoramic Vistadome train;
* Visit the famous Larco Herrera Museum in Lima;
* Lunch at a private family's hacienda in the Sacred Valley;
* Tour Cuzco, the oldest inhabited city in the Western Hemisphere;
* Tour the fascinating Sacsayhuaman fortress;
* Overnight at Machu Picchu;
* Explore Machu Picchu ruins with a knowledgeable guide;
* Visit the studio of famed local artist, Pablo Seminario.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Depart USA.
Late this evening board your flight for Lima.
Day 2: Arrive Lima/City Tour.
Arrive in Lima, Peru. Your room has been held for immediate occupancy. Later re-group for a welcome reception and lunch at a local seaside restaurant, before you begin learning about the history and culture of Peru. Lima, the main gateway into Peru, has long been considered the colonial capital of South America. Founded in 1535 by the Spanish, Lima was called "the City of Kings" by the Spanish conquistadors. On your tour this afternoon, see the Plaza de Armas, the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and the modern garden suburb districts of Miraflores and San Isidro. Visit the Larco Herrera Museum, which highlights the artistic achievements of Peruvian ancient cultures. Country Club Hotel.
Day 3: Cuzco/The Sacred Valley.
Today, board a flight bound for the oldest inhabited city in the Western Hemisphere, Cuzco and gateway to the Inca's Sacred Valley. Travel to Pisac to see the ruins of a citadel, once accessed by a vital Inca road that snaked its way up the canyon that enters the Urubamba Valley. This ancient citadel once controlled a route that connected the Inca Empire with Paucartambo. The stonework and panoramas from here are magnificent-patch worked by patterned fields and rimmed by vast terracing cut out of solid rock. In the upper section lies the main Sun Temple and above the temple are still more unexcavated ruins and hidden burial sites. Have lunch in the serene garden setting at Hacienda Huayokari, as guests of the family. Browse their impressive collection of colonial art and Inca pottery. Later, visit the studio of Cuzco's famous ceramists, Pablo and Marilu Seminario, who have been studying, recreating and re-inventing pre-Columbian ceramics traditions for over a quarter of a century. Visit the market for a taste of colorful local life. Sol y Luna Hotel.
Day 4: Sacred Valley.
This morning pay a visit to the megalithic stone ruins of Ollantaytambo, where Manco Inca confronted Hernando Pizarro. At Awanacancha cooperative, learn about the art and tradition of Peruvian textiles. The afternoon is free for your own pursuits. Try horseback riding, have a spa treatment or simply stroll the lovely gardens of your charming resort. Enjoy dinner out at a local restaurant this evening. Sol y Luna Hotel.
Day 5: Machu Picchu.
This morning travel aboard the Vistadome train to the archeological wonder of Machu Picchu, which was built at the end of the 14th century. Machu Picchu was obviously a highly-planned and carefully-built city, made up of two clearly different sectors, one agricultural and one urban. With mountains towering to one side, and a white-water river roaring far below, this solemn fortress is a fascinating remnant of a once-bustling city that was mysteriously abandoned after the middle of the 16th century. Secreted amidst dense jungle vegetation and steep hills, Machu Picchu remained undiscovered by the modern world until 1911. This once-hidden, enigmatic city presents modern archaeologists and philosophers with an array of mysteries. And the architecture continues to inspire awe. The giant walls, terraces and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments and they fit perfectly to the incline of the land. Learn the many legends and strange truths of these ancient ruins from your local guide. Your retreat for the night, set amid 12 acres of cloud forest, is the Andean-style Machu Picchu Pueblo Resort.
Day 6: Machu Picchu/Cuzco.
Morning brings the opportunity to pay another visit to the ruins, or you may choose to explore the gardens of your hotel complex. It is home to the world's largest collection of native orchids and is a refuge for native birds and butterflies. In the afternoon, journey to Cuzco aboard the Vistadome. Sip a cup of tea and enjoy panoramic views as the beautiful greenery of the Urubamba Valley rolls by. Visit the MAP Museum this evening and dine in its intimate restaurant. Stay overnight in an elegant, historic, and exquisitely restored, former monastery. Hotel Monasterio.
Day 7: Cuzco.
This morning take a guided city tour of Cuzco, and several ruins including Kenco, Tambomachay and Sacsayhuaman fortress, which was built from 100-ton granite blocks that were laid with such perfection that no mortar was needed. Enjoy an unscheduled afternoon and evening. Hotel Monasterio.
Day 8: Cuzco/Lima.
Fly back to Lima this morning. Continue your explorations of Lima before the farewell lunch at extraordinary Huaca Pucllana, a superb restaurant in a unique setting within the compound of a 1,500 year-old adobe pyramid excavation. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free until time to transfer to the airport for your return flight home. JW Marriott Hotel.
Day 9: Conclude Lima.
We hope you have enjoyed your introduction to mystical and magical Peru. Perhaps you will join us in another exciting South American destination, soon!
The Tour includes:
* On-tour flights: Lima/Cuzco/Lima;
* 2 nights at the Country Club Hotel in Lima;
* 2 nights at Sol Y Luna Hotel in the Sacred Valley;
* 1 night at Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel;
* 2 nights at the Monasterio Hotel in Cuzco;
* 1 night at the J.W. Marriott in Lima;
* 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners (purified water included).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
09/20/2008: Land Only - from $ 3529.00 US. Single Supplement - from $ 1251.00 US
12/20/2008: Land Only - from $ 3599.00 US. Single Supplement - from $ 1251.00 US
* Land only rate is per person, based on double occupancy.
* On tour flights Lima/Cuzco/Lima are included.
* Pre/post nights are available upon request. Reservation deposit per person is $500
* Travel insurance is highly recommended.
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Peru
Archeology/History
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