| Peru:
Ancient Land of Mysteries
featuring
Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca
June
14 - 25, 2007
12 days
This tour is now waitlisted!
If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please download the
reservation form below and send it in to tour provider.
This
is a very special time to be in Peru. The week leading up to the
Inti
Raymi Festival on June 24th is a time of celebration in Cusco
where we will see countless special events.
Day
1: Arrive Lima, Peru - Tour Begins
Arrive this
morning in the "City
of Kings", Lima, Peru. A room has been reserved for you
to check in and relax upon arrival. This afternoon enjoy a fascinating
city tour. Journey through the historical center of Lima, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. View the Plaza Mayor, Government Center
and discover the abundance of Colonial Architecture scattered throughout
the city. The fashionable suburbs of San Isidro and Miraflores will
give you an inside look at the daily life of the Limenos (people
of Lima). This evening enjoy an introduction to Peru as you dine
on traditional Peruvian food while enjoying local entertainment.
Day
2: Lima - Cusco - Sacred Valley of the Incas
Fly this morning
into
Cusco, in the heart of the Inca civilization. Board your coach
to descend through the Andes to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
This majestic valley was the agricultural center for the Incas,
ranging from Pisac to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Following the
route of the Urubamba River, the valley boasts some of the most
breathtaking scenery in all of Peru. Settle in this evening at your
hotel nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley.
Day
3: Sacred Valley of the Incas-Ollyantaytambo
Experience the
lifestyle of the Andean people today and delve into their culture
as you travel to a nearby Andean community. While here you get a
glimpse at the daily activities of the village and have a chance
to interact with the locals. This afternoon, visit the spectacular
Ollyantaytambo
ruins, the only Inca settlement that has been continually inhabited
since its inception. A unique terraced complex topped with an amazing
set of huge carved stone panels, these ruins are a magnificent example
of ancient Inca architecture and heritage.
Day 4: Sacred Valley of the Incas - Machu Picchu
Begin the day
with a breathtaking train ride on the "Vistadome"
through the Andes to the "Lost City of the Incas". Hidden
by mountains and the semi-tropical jungle, Machu
Picchu is widely considered the most spectacular sight on the
South American continent. Spend the day with your guide uncovering
the mysteries of this great place before overnighting at the base
of Machu Picchu.
Day
5: Machu Picchu - Cusco
This morning
you will have the opportunity to return once again to Machu Picchu
if you choose. This afternoon you return to the city of Cusco. Meaning
"Center of the World" in the ancient language of Quechua,
Cusco is a fascinating blend of Inca
culture and Spanish colonial influence. Relax and become acclimated
to the altitude this evening.
Day
6: Cuzco
Explore this
former capital of the Inca Empire during a colonial city tour, experiencing
the architectural legacy visible in the Cathedral, Santo Domingo
and the Plaza des Armas. Discover the important sacred Incan ruins
of Sacsayhuaman
Fortress and Tambo Machay fountain. This evening, enjoy a dinner
and performance of traditional Andean folkloric music and dance.
Day
7: Cusco - Puno
Travel by motorcoach
through the Sacred Valley and over the Andes to the enchanting city
of Puno. Hugging the shores of Lake
Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake at 12,400 feet
above sea level, Puno is said to be the birthplace of the Inca Empire
- in fact, ancient Incan legends say that life began here. Relax
this evening at your hotel surrounded by spectacular vistas of the
lake and mountains.
Day
8: Lake Titicaca, Bolivia
A full day cruising
excursion on Lake Titicaca by Hydrofoil will take you into Bolivia
to Moon Island where you will visit the Sun Virgins Temple, said
to be where the most beautiful maids of the empire tended a sacred
fire. Your cruise continues to Sun Island, visiting the sacred Inca
fountains and the Inca staircase. Taste the water from the sacred
fountain, believed to give eternal youth and happiness. Travel to
the picturesque town of Juli for a visit before returning to Puno
this evening.
Day
9: Puno - Lima - Paracas National Reserve
This morning
fly to Lima and continue south to the Paracas
National Reserve, Peru's only coastal wildlife sanctuary. The
afternoon is yours to spend at leisure at your charming seaside
resort property.
Day 10: Paracas National Reserve - Nasca Lines
This morning
cruise out to the Ballestas Islands. Referred to as the "Galapagos
of Peru", these islands are home to thousands of sea birds,
including Humboldt
penguins, boobies, pelicans and cormorants. These fascinating
sea birds share their home with hundreds of playful sea lions, and
you may see hundreds of them lazing on the rocks or swimming around
the boat during your cruise. You may even catch a glimpse of the
elusive condor. This afternoon an optional flight over the enigmatic
Nasca
Lines will be offered. These mysterious lines date back to pre-Inca
civilization, etched in the sand between 900 BC and 600 AD.
Day
11: Paracas National Reserve - Lima
This morning
return north to Lima, traveling through the region of Pisco. Known
for its wine
and pisco production, this fertile valley lies in the middle
of the central desert. You will make a stop at one of the local
Bodega's for a wine tasting before arriving in Lima. This evening,
gather with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at one of
Lima's finest restaurants to celebrate the end of this fantastic
journey.
Day
12: Lima - Tour Ends
Your tour ends
today in Lima.
Optional
5-Night Peruvian Amazon Pre-Tour Extension
Price: $579.00 per person, double, land only
10 Meals: 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
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