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Overview
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History comes alive on this tour through Peru. Imagine what life was like in the 15th century as you tour the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, where you'll see this famous Inca complex of palaces, plazas, temples, and homes set in a majestic setting. More history awaits at Ollantaytambo, the archaeological site of the Incas’ resistance during the Spanish conquest, and the Temple of Sacsayhuaman, a fortress with some of the best examples of Inca masonry. Guided sightseeing in Cusco features the Santo Domingo Monastery, where the Inca foundations remain under the Spanish baroque structures, and the Cathedral, housing a magnificent collection of artwork.
On this Peru tour, you'll also learn about the local culture. On your motorboat tour of Lake Titicaca, you'll visit Taquile Island, where you'll see how the local people integrate their Inca and Spanish past, and the Uros Floating Islands, where you'll learn how the Uros Indians construct their islands, homes, and boats from totora reed, a centuries-old practice. In the Incan town of Ollantaytambo and in Sillustani, visits with locals in their homes give you insight into their way of life. Spend time at the Indian market in Pisac and in Awanakancha, learn about the importance of camelids (llama, vicuña, alpaca, and guanaco) to Inca culture.
But that's not all…you'll also spend time in Colca Canyon, an impressive geological formation more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. Here, witness condors soaring majestically above the canyon walls, marvel at the canyon, and relax at La Calera hot springs.
Ancient ruins, local culture, guided sightseeing, and amazing scenery—this Peru tour designed for savvy, value-mind travelers has it all!
Highlights
Guided sightseeing, visit San Francisco Monastery
SACRED VALLEY Guided sightseeing of Awanakancha and Pisac Indian Market; Visit Ollantaytambo, a local home, Seminario Ceramics Workshop, and a chicheria
MACHU PICCHU Vistadome train to Machu Picchu; Guided sightseeing of the Machu Picchu ruins; stay overnight in Machu Picchu region
CUSCO Guided sightseeing, visit Santo Domingo Monastery, the Cathedral, and Sacsayhuaman, see Kenko and Puca Pucara
LAKE TITICACA Guided sightseeing of Taquile Island and the Uros Floating Islands; farewell dinner
SILLUSTANI Guided sightseeing, visit a local home
AREQUIPA & COLCA CANYONGuided sightseeing of Arequipa & Colca Canyon including Condor’s Cross
2020 Tour itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Total meals included:
- 14 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
LIMA, PERU
Day1
Welcome to Lima, Peru. Heralded as the “City of Kings” by Spanish conquistadors, Lima retains vestiges of its opulent past with its colonial buildings and world-class museums.
LIMA
Day2
Sightseeing today focuses on Lima’s colonial heritage. Founded in 1535, Lima was once capital of Spain’s South American Empire. Visit the baroque 11th-century SAN FRANCISCO MONASTERY, with Spanish and Moorish architecture throughout. Continue to Plaza Mayor, where you will see the Government Palace that houses the presidential palace and was once the home of Francisco Pizarro, founder of Lima and conqueror of Peru. Nearby, see the cathedral where Pizarro’s remains are buried. The remainder of your day is free to explore. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
LIMA–CUSCO–SACRED VALLEY
Day3
Fly to Cusco high in the Andes and upon arrival, descend into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Stop at AWANAKANCHA and learn about the importance of camelids (llama, vicuña, alpaca, and guanaco) for Inca cultures. See them up close and learn how their coats are transformed into precious fibers for ancient weaving techniques still in use today. Continue to PISAC, a charming village with a famous INDIAN MARKET, where you have plenty of time to browse the many colorful stalls selling handicrafts ranging from alpaca sweaters and blankets to painted vases and sterling silver. Later, arrive at your hotel in the peaceful Sacred Valley.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
SACRED VALLEY.
Day4
Start the day with a visit to the village of OLLANTAYTAMBO and the Inca ruins of the same name. Explore the archaeological site that was the scene of the Inca resistance during the Spanish conquest—the only place ever to resist Spanish attacks. See how the temple area at the top of the terraces was the perfect defensive stronghold, then visit a LOCAL HOME in this Incan town to experience life in a traditional village, which has been remarkably well preserved. Next, visit the SEMINARIO CERAMICS WORKSHOP to learn about Peruvian ancient and modern art. End your day at a local chicheria for a taste of a chicha, a typical Inca drink in Peru.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
SACRED VALLEY–MACHU PICCHU
Day5
Board the VISTADOME TRAIN that cuts a path through the picturesque Urubamba Valley bound for Aguas Calientes, the quaint town closest to the “Lost City of the Incas.” Ascend the mountainside through tropical forest to the sacred refuge of MACHU PICCHU. Listen as your guide recounts the many accomplishments of the Incas as you tour the terraced ruins dating back to the 15th century. Abandonded when the Inca Empire fell to the Spanish, these remarkable ruins remained undiscovered for nearly 400 years. Many mysteries surrounding Machu Picchu remain to this day.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
MACHU PICCHU–CUSCO.
Day6
Enjoy some free time this morning to explore the mountain town of Aguas Calientes; perhaps visit the local market, quaint boutiques, or take a walk along nearby trails. Later this afternoon, return to Cusco, former capital of the Inca Empire.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
CUSCO.
Day7
Embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Cusco that focuses on the city that was once the political, military, and cultural epicenter of the Incas until the Spanish toppled it. In fact, Inca foundations can still be found in Cusco, with the Spanish baroque structures built on top. Visit the SANTO DOMINGO MONASTERY, where these two forms of architecture are melded together with the temple of both cultures atop one another. Also, see the CATHEDRAL in the Plaza de Armas, housing a magnificent collection of artwork, including a depiction of The Last Supper that portrays the apostles dining on cuy (guinea pig). Continue to the hillside overlooking Cusco for a visit to the TEMPLE OF SACSAYHUAMAN. Some of the best examples of Inca masonry can be found at this fortress, where stones weighing up to 350 tons are pieced together to form a complex that could house up to 10,000 men. Learn about the ceremonies and battles that took place here, then see the ruins of Kenko and Puca Pucara before returning to Cusco.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
CUSCO–JULIACA–PUNO.
Day8
Fly to Juliaca, then transfer to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Legend says the first Inca, Manco Capac, arose from the waters of the lake by the power of the sun god to found the Inca Empire.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
PUNO. EXCURSION TO LAKE TITICACA.
Day9
Experience fascinating LAKE TITICACA today as you embark on a motorboat tour of the highest navigable lake in the world and its manmade islands. On TAQUILE ISLAND, see how the local people integrate their Inca and Spanish past. This is evident by the Spanish peasant dresses made of Andean textiles—the islanders make some of the finest in all of Peru. Continue to the UROS FLOATING ISLANDS, a group of approximately 40 artificially made islands. Learn how the Uros Indians construct their islands, homes, boats, and many other resources completely of tortora reed, a centuries-old practice. Enjoy a farewell dinner hosted by your Tour Director this evening.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
PUNO–COLCA CANYON
Day10
This morning, depart Puno for a scenic drive to Colca Canyon. Enjoy scenery of Pre-Columbian terraces populated with vicuñas and a variety of birds, and stop for lunch in the town of Chivay. This afternoon, arrive in Colca Canyon.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
COLCA CANYON
Day11
Today, spend time in the COLCA CANYON, an impressive geological formation more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. Visit CONDORS’ CROSS, an observation point, where you can view the Andean condor in flight at eye level, followed by a visit to the town of Yanque. This afternoon is free for independent exploration.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
COLCA CANYON–AREQUIPA
Day12
Drive to Arequipa located in the Chili River Valley and flanked by three snowcapped volcanoes: Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu. Known as the “white city,” Arequipa definitely does justice to its nickname, as its buildings are made of sillar, a white volcanic rock found throughout the area. The stone embellishes the facades of the city’s homes and churches.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
AREQUIPA
Day13
This morning, a city TOUR of Arequipa shows off the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral before visiting the Jesuit CHURCH, considered the best example of the mestizo baroque style. Continue to the residential districts of Yanahuara and Chilina, where you enjoy a magnificent view of Arequipa’s countryside and the Mount Misti volcano.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
AREQUIPA–LIMA
Day14
Fly to Lima today.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
LIMA
Day15
Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Extend your stay
Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Jose Antonio Lima Hotel
First-Class
Located in the exciting Miraflores district, the Jose Antonio Hotel features comfortable guestrooms, a business center, souvenir shop, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Location
Ave 28 de Julio 398, Lima, Peru
Hotel Facilities
- Gift Shop
- Free WiFi
- Parking/Valet
- Restaurant On-Site
- Currency Exchange
- Business Center
- Luggage Storage
- Bar/Lounge
- Elevator
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
Room Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
- In-Room Safe
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Mini-bar
- Wake-Up Calls
- Alarm Clock
- Desk
- Cable/Satellite
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Television
- Climate Control
- Hair Dryer
- Air Conditioning
La Casona Yucay
Moderate First-Class
Constructed as a private family home in the 18th century, this beautiful mansion has been transformed into a comfortable hotel set around a colorful courtyard with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The hotel features a restaurant, bar, spa, communal fireplace, and organic garden.
Location
Av San Martin 104, Yucay, Peru
Hotel Facilities
- Bar/Lounge
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant On-Site
- Spa Services
- Business Center
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
- Luggage Storage
Room Facilities
- Wake-Up Calls
- Desk
- Climate Control
- In-Room Safe
- Cable/Satellite
- Room Service
- Television
- Window Opens
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Hair Dryer
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Complimentary Toiletries
El Mapi by Inkaterra
First-Class
Smart and contemporary are the defining elements of this hotel, amidst the commercial village of Machu Picchu Pueblo. The hotel welcomes a wide range of guests expecting an uncomplicated visit. Hotel amenities include a restaurant, bar, hot-water pond, gift shop, Internet, and laundry service.
Location
Av Pachacutec 109, Machu Picchu, Peru
Hotel Facilities
- Business Center
- Gift Shop
- Pool
- Restaurant On-Site
- Luggage Storage
- Elevator
- Parking/Valet
- Free WiFi
- Bar/Lounge
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
Room Facilities
- Mini-bar
- Smoking Rooms
- Wake-Up Calls
- Climate Control
- Hair Dryer
- Television
- Internet Access
- In-Room Safe
- Voicemail
- Alarm Clock
- Air Conditioning
- Daily Housekeeping
- Desk
- Cable/Satellite
- Phone
Jose Antonio Cusco
Moderate First-Class
Located in the heart of the archaeological center of America's oldest city. A few minutes from the Plaza de Armas, this hotel has modern architecture with fine colonial details.
Location
Av. Pardo 1080, Cusco, Peru
Hotel Facilities
- Concierge desk
- Currency Exchange
- Gift Shop
- Elevator
- Luggage Storage
- Hot Tub
- Business Center
- Spa Services
- Parking/Valet
- Bar/Lounge
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant On-Site
- Laundry Available
- ATM
Room Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
- In-Room Safe
- Desk
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Internet Access
- Mini-bar
- Hair Dryer
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
- Room Service
- Climate Control
- Wake-Up Calls
- Phone
Xima Puno Hotel
First-Class
Just five minutes from the town of Puno and in front of Lake Titicaca, Eco Inn Puno provides an ideal base for discovering Peruvian culture and exploring the surrounding areas. With a restaurant that is open from early morning to late night and a lounge with a grand fireplace, the hotel has a constant feeling of comfort and a welcoming atmosphere. Not to mention the beautiful grounds you'll enjoy every day!
Location
Sector Huaje, Puno, Peru
Hotel Facilities
- Concierge desk
- Restaurant On-Site
- Parking/Valet
- Currency Exchange
- Business Center
- Bar/Lounge
Room Facilities
- Smoking Rooms
- Television
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Room Service
- In-Room Safe
- Coffee Maker
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Alarm Clock
- Cable/Satellite
- Voicemail
- Hair Dryer
Casa Andina Standard Colca Hotel
First-Class
Rustic, relaxed & intimate, with individual stone casitas, plant-lined walkways, an open-air patio with center fountain, and the hotel's own vegetable garden, the Casa Andina offers guests a breathtaking experience. Amenities include an on-site planetarium and restaurant, local musicians and dancers performing Andean and Colca musical traditions, chaman hut, bar, fireplace lounge, and business center.
Location
Calle Huayna Capac s/n, Colca Canyon, Peru
Hotel Facilities
- Parking/Valet
- Luggage Storage
- Bar/Lounge
- Restaurant On-Site
- Currency Exchange
Room Facilities
- Smoking Rooms
- Daily Housekeeping
- Air Conditioning
- Voicemail
- Desk
- Internet Access
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
- Alarm Clock
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Phone
- In-Room Safe
- Wake-Up Calls
- Hair Dryer
- Window Opens
Casa Andina Select Arequipa
Moderate First-Class
Perfectly positioned amongst the buildings of the "White City," the Casa Andina Select Arequipa features a traditional exterior with updated and stylish interiors. Offering a wealth of services like room service, laundry, an outdoor pool, business center, and modern rooms, this hotel provides the comforts you'd expect at home in a unique, colonial setting that is distinctly Peruvian.
Location
Portal de Flores 116, Arequipa, PeruHotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Beauty Salon
- Bar/Lounge
- Restaurant On-Site
- Business Center
- Pool
- Concierge desk
- Luggage Storage
- Fitness Room
- Dry Cleaning
- Currency Exchange
Room Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Internet Access
- Air Conditioning
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Desk
- Climate Control
- Hair Dryer
- Cable/Satellite
- Television
- Mini-bar
- In-Room Safe
- Phone
- Voicemail
- Alarm Clock
