Machu Picchu & Peru

• Itinerary
• Prices & Information

Day 1 – Home to Lima, Peru
Fly to Lima today where you will be greeted with a “Bienvenidos a Lima” and transferred to your hotel for restful evening.
Hotel: Costa Del Sol Hotel

Day 2 – Lima to Cusco
This morning we catch a flight to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Visit the Qorikancha (Sun Temple) now referred to as Santo Domingo Church. The curved stonework of the temple is probably unequalled in the world.   Then, visit the archaeological sites that surround Cusco: the Saqsayhuaman Fortress, an amazing site with huge stone constructions. Also visit Q’enqo, a place that was used for worship and ceremonial center. Back to the city, visit the San Pedro Local Market where you will see the real life of Cusco and then proceed to “San Blas”, the Artisans’ Neighborhood of narrow and high streets, beautiful little plazas, where the fibers of wool, the pieces of clay and the wood pieces have turned into real art pieces. Continue to see the famous Twelve Angles stone, part of the largest Inca wall of Cusco. Your home for the night is the fabulous Hotel Libertador Palacio Del Inka, nestled in the historical centre of Cusco, occupying the fabulous Casa de los Cuatro Bustos and just opposite the Koricancha temple.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Cusco Hotel Libertador Palacio Del Inka – Deluxe Rooms

Day 3 – Cusco to Urubamba/Sacred Valley
In the morning travel to the other end of the Sacred Valley, where we follow the Urubamba River through beautiful countryside to the remote farm village of Willoq.   This community of friendly farmers is one of the most authentic in the area.   They have maintained ancient customs, language and lifestyle and will invite you into their homes, play with their children and teach you their weavings.   We´ll have a chance as well to visit some of the houses made out of stones and a thatched roof, just like in the inca times.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Sol y Luna Hotel

Day 4 – Urubamba
You will start by visiting the colorful Indian town of Pisaq and its market, located in the Urubamba valley where magnificent Inca ruins spread out over a large area on very steep mountain slopes.   A special lunch is arranged at the Hacienca Huayocari in the valley before we visit the beautiful and tranquil village of Ollantaytambo.   Here you will find spectacular and extensive Inca ruins, most of them enclosed with a Temple Fortress.   The village itself is constructed on top of Inca foundations so you can see typical stonework down almost any street. Dinner is served at your lovely hotel this evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
*IMPORTANT NOTE
This evening you will need to pack a small bag for your rail journey tomorrow. For all Peru rail journeys, each passenger is allowed 1 bag or backpack which must not exceed 11pounds and/or 62 inches (length + height + width). Please pack light. Baggage that exceeds these measurements will not be allowed.

Day 5 – Urubamba to Machu Picchu
Board a train as it rails through spectacular landscapes to the Lost City of the Incas. Ascend the mountains cradling the Urubamba River, until reaching a small village nestled along a narrow valley flanked by precipitous peaks, in a landscape of impossible beauty. Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, is one of the wonders of the Americas. Machu Picchu, the last refuge of the Inca Virgins of the Sun sits on the saddle of a mountain overlooking the deep canyon.   Take time to explore Machu Picchu, truly a highlight of the trip.   Enjoy lunch up at the Lodge before returning to Aguas Calientes and arriving at your lovely hotel for the evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel – Superior Room

Day 6 – Machu Picchu to Cusco
The morning is at leisure to explore the Machu Picchu area on your own. There are many leisure options available to you such as visiting the Indian markets in Aguas Calientes. Feel free to also enjoy the hotel’s orchid and hummingbird gardens. For those that wish to return to the ruins, you can pay the bus ticket to the ruins and entrance fees locally. After lunch at a local restaurant, we enjoy a scenic train journey as we make our way back to Cusco. An experience to remember.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Cusco Hotel Liberatador Palacio — Deluxe Rooms

Day 7 – Cusco to Puno, Lake Titicaca
Motor through the Sacred Valley and over the Andes to the charming city of Puno, skirting the shores of Lake Titicaca.   Perched at a breathtaking 3,800 meters (12,400 ft.) above sea level, Puno and the surrounding countryside are the cradle of the Aymara civilization and the legendary birthplace of the founders of the Inca Empire.Your hotel is on Lake Titicaca’s shore. This evening you are free to relax and enjoy the spectacular views of the lake and surrounding area.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Casa Andina Private Collection Hotel Puno – Superior View

Day 8 – Puno, Lake Titicaca
Today is a rare opportunity to join in an off the beaten path experience.   R & J has arranged for you to cruise Lake Titicaca to the floating islands. Made entirely of reeds and inhabited by the Aymara Uros people, they live in huts built on platforms of reeds.   They still live as their ancestors did a thousand years ago, depending on the resources of the lake for their living. Then continue by boat to the island of Taquile, a remote island with a remarkable community that welcomes you in their colorful national costume.   The outstanding highlight of its inhabitants is their handicraft derived from techniques developed over centuries.   Lunch is served while you admire the spectacular views of the haunting beauty of Lake Titicaca.   Return to your hotel.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 – Puno to Lima to Home
After breakfast, fly from Puno to Lima and enjoy a private guided tour of the capital city and former center of the Spanish territories in South America, visiting its superb colonial churches, palaces and promenades. Then continue to the Larco Herrera Museum, with its collection of pottery, gold and silver works, mummies and erotic ceramics from the Chimu, Mohica and other Pre-Inca civilizations. Enjoy a farewell dinner at Casa Aliaga, a 66-room mansion built in 1535 that remained in the same family for generations. Then connect with our flight for the United States.   (Overnight flight arrives in Minneapolis May 6th.)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
          
Day 10 – arrive home
Arrive home today with memories of a great vacation.