Travelling in Peru is an unforgettable adventure to a land steeped in the history of ancient civilizations, filled with spectacular geography and rich in present day culture.
Our 8 day highlights of Peru visits Cusco to experience ancient Inca ways, colonial heritage, folklore, artistry and natural beauty. We then travel to the Urubamba Valley, known as the Sacred valley of the Incas where traditions of the past remain intact. We look out for llamas and condors beneath the snow-capped Andean peaks. The highlight of the trip is a train journey and overnight stay at Machu Picchu. This tour can easily be extended to include other areas of Peru or combined with trips to Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands and Bolivia.
2012 Departure Dates and Costs
Daily based on 2 or more persons
TOUR COST: $ 1,990 USD from Lima including domestic airfare
Single Supplement add $ 390 USD
Trip may be modified or extended!
Itinerary
DAY 1 ARRIVE LIMA
Arrive in Lima to be met and transferred to the Posada del Inca Miraflores.
DAY 2 LIMA (B,D)
Morning flight to Lima. Transfer to your hotel. Afternoon city tour to the Plaza de Armas; Government Palace; Torre Tagle Palace. Dinner
DAY 3 LIMA/CUSCO (B)
Transfer to the airport for the flight Cusco. On arrival transfer to the Posda del Inca Cusco or similar. Balance of the day to rest and acclimatize to the high altitude. The hotel is in a great location to explore the colonial and Inca wonders of this fabulous Andea city.
DAY 4 CUSCO (B,D)
The peaks and valleys of the Andes were the home of the mighty Inca Empire and their capital was Cusco. From here, 10,000 miles of stone roads radiated into the far reaches of the mountains. Cusco is still one of the most fascinating of the world's ancient cities. The surrounding area is rich in archaeological and sacred sites, many of them never discovered by the conquering Spanish. Of prime interest is the temple fortress of Sacsayhuaman standing guard over the city and the massive walls and remnants of the Temple of the Sun. The Spanish destroyed much of the ancient buildings and built a wealth of colonial architecture above the Inca masonry. Morning city tour of Cusco, afternoon at leisure.
DAY 5 CUSCO/PISAC/OLLANTAYTAMBO (B,L)
Depart for the famous Pisac market. Lunch and continue to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit the ruins of Ollantaytambo fortress. Free time in the markets of this charming town. Overnight at a a beautiful country lodge in the Sacred Valley.
NOTE: The order of the itinerary may be varied to ensure you are in Pisac on market day.
DAY 6 TO MACHU PICCHU (B,L)
Morning transfer to the train station (5 minutes walk from the hotel) for the journey to Machu Picchu. 122 kilometers north of Cusco lies the "Lost City Of the Incas." There are many theories as to who built the city. Many say it was the last refuge of the Inca Empire after the Spanish Conquest. The site was never found by the Spanish and when the last of the city inhabitants died, so did the secret of its existence. The sacred site lay buried beneath vines and jungle growth for 400 years until American Explorer Hiram Bingham rediscovered it in 1911. The 220 stone temples and buildings of Machu Picchu crown a 9,000 foot ridge. The site is spectacular not only for the excellent preservation and variety of the architecture, but also its setting among verdant, unbelievably steep-sided mountains. Machu Picchu pays homage to three great Inca achievements; agriculture, astronomy and masonry. Guided tour of the ruins. 1 night in Aguas Calientes located 20 minutes from the ruins. 
DAY 7 MACHU PICCHU/CUSCO (B,L)
Morning at leisure. Optional nature walk, soak in the hot springs or return to Machu Picchu for a second look at the ruins (second entrance fee at own expense). The montane forests in the vicinity of Machu Picchu are rich with orchids and other wildflowers. Birds also abound, particularly tanagers and hummingbirds. Afternoon train journey back to Cusco.
DAY 8 CUSCO/LIMA DEPARTURE (B)
Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima. Day room provided at the hotel until evening transfer for your flight home.
Extensions on an individual basis to Nazca Lines, Lake Titicaca, Northern Peru or the Amazon.
Additional Information
Services included:
- Round trip airfare between Lima and Cuzco
- 8 nights accommodation in 3 and 4 star hotels
- Tours, transfers enroute and porterage
- English speaking escort
- Breakfast daily, 4 lunches
- All hotel taxes and service charges
Excluded:
- International airfare to Lima (call for rates)
- Airport and departure taxes
- Meals not mentioned in itinerary
- Insurance of any kind
- Tips and gratuities
- Items of personal nature (telephone, laundry etc.)
We customize travel in Peru year round based on individuals and groups. Combination tours with Bolivia and Ecuador are easily arranged. Promotional airfare is also available from North American cities to Lima.
Ask us for details on visits to:
- Peru's Amazon
- Lake Titicaca
- Nazca Lines
- Sipan
