8 Days / 7 Nights
Lima, Cuzco, Machu Picchu with overnight stay, Chincheros and Pisac Indian Markets,
Ollantaytambo Fortress, authentic Quechua Village and Salt Pools
Day 1 -
Friday
Arrival in Lima, the "City of Kings" famous for its Spanish Colonial architecture
and extraordinary museums.
Day 2 - Saturday
City Tour and Gold Museum. This half-day tour visits both the colonial
and modern sections of this "City of Kings." Colonial sites include the
lovely Plaza Mayor with its cathedral and palace, and the exquisite Torre
Tagle Palace modern day seat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In modern
Lima, drive along the exclusive residential areas of Miraflores and San
Isidro. Then visit Peru's famous Gold Museum, which houses a priceless
collection of pre-Colombian gold artifacts as well as the private armory
of Miguel Mujica Gallo. Some of the cultures represented in this collection
include the Chavin, Paracas, Nazca, Tiahuanaco and Inca. (AB)
Day 3 - Sunday
Chincheros, Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Early morning flight to Cuzco. Departure
from hotel for a drive to exciting and unspoiled Chincheros. You will
take a step back in time at the Chincheros Market where the Indians from
different villages meet on Sundays to trade their wares and produces among
themselves just as they did a century ago. Continue to the Spanish Colonial
village of Pisac and the Pisac Indian Market. Here you will find excellent
bargains on Alpaca sweaters and a variety of handicrafts. After lunch
the tour continues through the sacred valley of the Incas, Urubamba, to
visit the town of Ollantaytambo and the imposing Inca Fortress. Return
to Yucay in the Urubamba Valley for overnight. (AB,L)
Day 4 - Monday
Salt Pools and Quechua Village. Morning excursion to the impressive salt
pools formed by water emerging from a lake inside a mountain in the Urubamba
Valley. Continue your excursion and visit an authentic Quechua Village
to feel the way of life of the Inca's ancestors. The Inca himself was
a noble Quechua. They live off the land and are always wearing their colorful
ponchos, see Quechua children scamper about while woman are weaving their
family's clothes. A meaningful experience! (AB,L)
Excursion to Machu Picchu with overnight stay. Early wake up for a train ride through the sacred valley of Urubamba to the "Lost City of the Incas," Machu Picchu. Perched 8,200 feet above the valley, it was hidden by mountains and semi-tropical jungles for 400 years until discovered by Hiram Bingham of Yale University in 1911. Archaeologists believe that the Inca "Virgins of the Sun" took refuge from the Spanish Conquistadors here. (AB,L)
Machu Picchu / Cuzco Free morning to enjoy one of the most incredible sights on earth, the ruins of Machu Picchu. Take as much time as you need to study the mysterious ruins, hike Huayna Picchu the pyramid-shape mountain above Machu Picchu, walk to the Inca Bridge a secret entrance used by the Inca's army, or toward the Inca Trail to find the historic Sun Gate. Afternoon return to Cuzco. (AB,L)
Cuzco and nearby Ruins. Morning walked tour of the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Visitors are caught up in the excitement of this city. The tour includes a visit to the Cathedral and Santo Domingo Church, passing the main streets and Plaza de Armas. You will walk through the most astonishing Cuzco streets to reach the San Blas Church. Cuzco is a delightful combination of Inca and Colonial architecture. Afternoon tour includes a visit to the ruins of Kenko, Puca-pucara, Tambomachay and to the Sacsayhuaman fortress. (AB)
Cuzco / Home Morning transfer to the airport for flight home. (AB