This trip is the same as our
10-day Peruvian Explorer, but
in addition, we visit the city of Nazca, made famous by the book
and film “Chariots of the Gods.”
1st Day: We fly from the Lima airport to Cusco, the oldest
continuously inhabited city on the continent. It was the capital
of the Incas and its colonial buildings are built upon the walls
of ancient Inca structures. After lunch, we tour Cusco—the
Cathedral, Inca streets, and the Santo Domingo Convent. The Convent
was built in the 17th century on the walls of the Inca Temple of
the Sun. Outside of Cusco, we visit the fortress of Sacsayhuamán,
the amphitheater of Qenqo, the ruins of Puka Pukara, and the Inca
Baths of Tambo Machay.
2nd Day: Full day tour of the Sacred Valley, where we follow
the Urubamba River through beautiful countryside to visit Pisac's
colorful market. We climb the steps to the fortress of Ollantaytambo,
and visit many other Indian towns and historic ruins. In the town
of Urubamba, we stay at a delightful hotel, built around a garden
courtyard.
(See
Urubamba Rafting Option.)
3rd Day: A morning train ride through spectacular Andean
scenery takes us to the most important archaeological site in the
Americas—the “Lost City”
of Machu Picchu. We tour the ancient city and have plenty of time
to wander on our own. In the late afternoon we ride the train back
to Cusco.
(See Inca
Trail Option.)
4th & 5th Day: We travel by deluxe bus to the town of
Puno, where we spend two nights. From here we visit Lake Titicaca,
the world's highest navigable lake, and the Uros floating islands.
On these islands the inhabitants make their houses, their boats,
and the islands themselves, out of reeds. We also visit the island
of Taquile, famous for its pre-Inca and Inca ruins.
6th thru 8th Day: We fly to the city of Arequipa and tour
the city. Located at the foot of the El Misti volcano, Arequipa
is known as “The White City,” because of its beautiful
stone buildings which are constructed of sillar, a pearly white
volcanic material. The next day we travel to the Colca Canyon,
passing through beautiful countryside and picturesque villages.
Here we spend two days exploring the area and watching the condors,
before returning to Arequipa.
9th Day: From Arequipa, we travel by deluxe bus to spend
the night at the town of Nazca.
10th Day: In the morning, we fly over the mysterious Nazca
lines in a small airplane, followed by a tour of the Nazca cemetery,
with its well preserved mummies, and a visit to local craftsmen.
In the late afternoon we travel by deluxe bus to Lima and transfer
to our hotel, located in the upscale community of Miraflores.
11th Day: In the morning we tour Lima, Peru's capital city
and the former center of the Spanish territories in South America.
We visit its government buildings, massive cathedrals, and fabulous
Gold Museum, before transferring to the airport to continue our
journey (see
Amazon
Jungle ,
Chan
Chan or
Galapagos Islands options) or to return
home, bringing with us the memories, souvenirs and photographs
of this fabulous vacation.
What's included: Air travel within Peru, transfers, transportation,
accommodations, guided tours, 14 meals.
| Price: |
Per person, double occupancy: |
$3960* |
|
Single room supplement: |
$1060* |
Optional: Overnight and extra day at Machu Picchu (Aguas
Calientes), or additional night in Lima (including transfers):
|
Per person, double occupancy: |
$ 180* |
|
Single room supplement: |
$ 130* |
Departures: Daily
Best Time: May thru September
Minimum Number of Persons: Two
*Note: Prices subject to change without notice.