In this section you will find a short description of the daily possibilities. The tour leader will offer a program on almost every day but the program is informal and by no means obligatory leaving lots of room for your own initiative. Your guides will organize and accompany some activities and will also make suggestions so that you are free to dine or explore on your own.
Day 1 Depart USA – Arrival Lima
Depart USA to Peru. Upon arrival in Lima, transfer to your hotel.
Day 2 Lima
This morning, tour Lima, including the "Huaca Pucllana," Plaza Mayor-Government Palace, City Hall, the Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace and the San Francisco Monastery. Afternoon free. On this free day in Lima there are plenty of places to explore Museo de Arte Italiano - Italian art in a splendid neoclassical building near the Centro. The explanation? The collection was a gift from Italy to Peru. Museo de Arte Colonial Pedro de Osma This private museum, located in a historic Barranco mansion (Palacio de Osma), focuses on colonial Peruvian art. Fundación Museo Amano artifacts representing some of Peru's most important civilizations, including the Chimú and the Nasca. The textiles and ceramics are among the best displayed in Lima. Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia del Perú . There are Cathedrals and of course, plzas and balconies. You will want to explore Plaza Mayor And Surroundings: Plaza de Armas or Plaza Mayor. There is also the colorful changing of the guard with their plumed hats, at the Presidential Palace. Barranco, located on the cliffs overlooking the ocean, is said to be the bohemian district of Lima, home to artists, bars and clubs. Peñas, music clubs that offer folk music shows, in particularly Afro Peruvian and Criollomusic, are abundant in Milaflore and Barranco.
Day 3 Lima - Cusco
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Cusco. Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire. It is the oldest inhabited city in Latin America. In earlier centuries it was referred to as “the navel of the world” as it was considered the center of civilization. The city is over 10,000 feet above sea level so you will need to be careful not to over exert yourself. Nestled between green hills you not only find old Inca ruins with massive stone walls but many Spanish colonial buildings, countless churches and museums loaded with Inca artifacts and mummies. In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour including visits to Korikancha, Old Town, and the nearby Inca ruins of Tambomachay, Kenko, and the fortress of Sacsayhuaman.
Day 4 Cusco – Sacred Valley - Overnight Cusco
You will drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to visit the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo. Stroll through the Inca town where time seems to have stopped 500 years ago. Enjoy lunch (on your own) at a nearby inn, and shop in the lively and colorful Indian Pisac market where locals, following ancient traditions, sell or exchange their products. Overnight Cusco.
Day 5 Cusco - Urubamba – Aguas Calientes (at the base of Machu Picchu)
We will take a beautiful train ride on the "Backpacker" train to Urabamba and Aguas Calientes, which is 20 minutes from Machu Picchu. We will have the afternoon to explore the area. Those who want a head start can visit Machu Picchu today. The group will go early the next morning. It is the most impressive of the Inca ruins, Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas” which was only rediscovered as of 1911. It is impressive not only because of the extent of its perservation, but specially due to its awesome location high in the mountains. No one knew of its existence for centuries. Transfer to the train station for a spectacular train ride to Aguas Calientes, the closest little village to Machu Picchu. From here you will begin your guided tour of the marvelous citadel, visiting the main plaza, the royal quarters, the Temple of Three Windows, the circular tower, the sacred Sun Dial and burial grounds. One theory about this complex is that it may have housed “Virgins of the Sun” or perhaps, an order of nuns, as a grave of 175 bodies was discovered, almost all women.
Day 6 Aguas Caliente - Machu Picchu - Cusco
We make a very early morning visit to Machu Picchu (included) to arrive before the crowds. We stay until mid-afternoon. In the afternoon, transfer to the train station for your return journey to Cusco. Or, remain in Cusco to enjoy a free day. There are many quaint and beautiful city squares and a variety of small restaurants. It is also possible to visit a charming little village such as Pisac and check out the local markets, the ruins or go for a walking tour in the neighborhood. In the evening, we offer an optional folklore show.
Day 7 Cusco - Puno
Transfer to the bus station for your journey to Puno, driving along the dramatic landscapes of the highland plateau. Upon arrival in Puno, transfer to your hotel. Travel by motor-boat to Taquile Island on Lake Titicaca, inhabited by quechua-speaking natives who have developed an efficient and unique social system, as well as a fine hand-weaving technique.
Day 8 Puno (excursions to Taquile and Uros Island)
Close to Puno are the floating reed islands that are still inhabited by about 300 Uros Indians. They offer all kinds of nice souvenirs and you may go on a tour on small hand-made reed boats. The islands themselves move a little bit when you walk on them and, if you stand still too long in one spot, water will slowly run over your shoes. You will have to communicate with the Uros with your hands and feet, because the people on the island usually only speak the native language of “Quechua”. The island is still very traditional. There are no cars and only recently electricity is available for a few hours per day. You make take a beautiful hike on the island to, for example, the ruins of the temple of Pachamama, Mother Earth.
Day 9 Puno Sillustani - Flight from Juliaca to Lima
Early morning visit the "Chullpas" of Sillustani, where the ancient Aymaras buried their high priests in cylinder-shaped tombs. Continue to Juliaca Airport for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Lima.
Day 10 Lima - free day - Evening flight to U.S.
Today is a free day to explore all that Lima has to offer before returning to the United States.
