Delve into Lima’s old-world capital brimming with Spanish architecture and Pre-Spanish treasuresTantalize your taste buds at one of Lima’s many cevicherias or popular street food standsDiscover Sacred Valley’s Pisac archaeological site showcasing the largest complex of agricultural terraces of the Inca EmpireTake in the mystifying history and culture in Cusco, the center of the Inca EmpireVisit the typical Inca community of Ollantaytambo with its steep stone terracesHave the experience of a lifetime exploring the Lost City of the Incas – Machu Picchu
Itinerary
Day
1
SAT I LIMA
Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Lima. Enjoy the remainder of the day to explore the splendid museums, archaeological sites, lush greenery, beautiful beaches, bustling boardwalk and lively nightlife at your own pace.
Day
2
SUN I LIMA
Have breakfast at your hotel and then embark on a tour of colonial and modern Lima, the “City of Kings.” Visit Miraflores and tour San Isidro, an upscale residential and commercial neighborhood that houses a pre-Hispanic sacred structure and archeological site – Huaca Huallamarca. Stop at Parque del Amor (Lovers Park) in Miraflores and take in the magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean. Next you will have time to delve into the historic center including the Main Square, where the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop´s Palace, the Municipality of Lima, and the Cathedral are located. Return to your hotel. (B)
Day
3
MON I LIMA I CUSCO I SACRED VALLEY
This morning, transfer to Lima airport to board your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco you will be transferred to your hotel in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. (B)
Day
4
TUE I SACRED VALLEY I MACHU PICCHU
After breakfast, discover the best of the Sacred Valley of the Incas starting with a visit to the PARWA Center, where vivid colored textiles are still made in the same ancestral way. Continue with a visit to the Chinchero Church, built by the Spanish in 1607, and the ruins of Chinchero. Stop at the Racchi viewpoint for a panoramic view of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Afterwards, head towards Ollantaytambo with its imposing Inca fortress, where Manco Inca defeated the Spanish forces in 1538. Descend into the town to view one of the most monumental architectural complexes of the ancient Inca Empire, known for its “andenes” terraces dug into the slopes of mountains for agricultural purposes. In the afternoon, board the train to Machu Picchu and upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. (B,L)
Day
5
WED I MACHU PICCHU I CUSCO
Have breakfast at your hotel before heading out to explore the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu archaeological site. This comprehensive tour will take you through the history of the Inca civilization. Here you will understand why Machu Picchu was chosen a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Once the tour is over, you will have some free time to explore the site on your own. Later, descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, board your train to head back to the Sacred Valley, followed by a transfer to your hotel in Cusco. (B,L)
Day
6
THU I CUSCO
Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax or take in the charm of this beautiful colonial city that was built upon the remains of amazing Inca buildings. We recommend the Temple of the Sun (Koricancha), the San Blas artisans neighborhood, the Cathedral, and the Inca Fortress of Sacsayhuaman. You can also take an optional tour of Cusco, Sacsayhuaman, and nearby archeological sites. (B)
Day
7
FRI I CUSCO I LIMA TO USA (OR EXTEND YOUR STAY)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, you will have assistance to your connecting flights back home. (B)