GT-201B – CLASSIC PERU
A journey thru culture, traditions, history and archaeology
Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
Six Days / Five Nights
Minimum two persons
USA Departures Dates from Miami:
2013: September 14, September 28,October 12, October 26, November 16, November 30, December 14
ITINERARY
DAY: 1 – Arrival in Lima
Arrival in Lima, the “City of Kings” famous for its Spanish Colonial architecture, extraordinary museums and cuisine. Lima is internationally recognized as the “Gastronomic Capital of the Americas”, and its cuisine is considered among the most diverse and exquisite in the world on par with French cuisine. Upon arrival a host will meet and assist you in transferring to the hotel and in registering.
Overnight accommodations Hotel Costa del Sol Ramada Airport
DAY 2: Lima / Cusco/ Pisac Market and Ollantaytambo Archaeological Complex
Breakfast. Early morning transfer from the hotel to the airport for a short but spectacular flight over the snowcapped Andes to the oldest inhabited city in the hemisphere, Cusco, at an elevation of 11,440 feet.
Full Day Excursion to the Pisac Indian Market and the Ollantaytambo Fortress – Morning departure for a drive through the fertile countryside of the Urubamba Valley to the colonial village of Pisac where an Indian Market takes place Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Other days you will tour the religious nucleus and
archaeological site of Pisac. During your visit to the bustling marketplace you will have the opportunity to bargain with the natives for many different types of Peruvian handicrafts and jewelry.
Continue to the Ollantaytambo archaeological complex, the Incas built it as a fort that included a temple, agricultural terraces, and an urban area. There are two distinct sectors: The religious and worship zone, and the residential area. Ollantaytambo was an important administrative center with probable military functions if one considers the walls and towers.
There are also traces of ancient roads and aqueducts. The town of Ollantaytambo is called a “Living Inca Town” since the inhabitants maintain very old practices and customs. Lunch is at a beautiful country estate on the shores of the Urubamba River. Overnight at Sacred Valley.
Overnight accommodations Casa Andina Private Collection Sacred Valley (B/L)
DAY 3: Sacred Valley / Machu Picchu (B,L,D)
Breakfast. Morning transfer to Ollanta´s train station for your 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. Guided tour of the ruins upon arrival. Lunch is at the Orient Express’ Sanctuary Lodge located just a few steps from the Inca citadel. Overnight at Machu Picchu
Overnight accommodations Hotel Inkaterra or Hotel Sumaq (B/L/D)
DAY 4: Machu Picchu Free Day. Return train ride (B)
Free morning to enjoy one of the most incredible sights on earth, the sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Take as much time as you need to study these magnificent ruins, hike the steep stone-paved trail of Huayna Picchu, the pyramid-shape mountain above Machu Picchu for a breathtaking view of the site, or stroll to the Inca Bridge a secret entrance used by the Inca’s army or walk toward the Inca Trail to find the historic Intipunku or Sun Gate. Bus and entrance fee to Machu Picchu included. Huayna Picchu entrance fee is available upon request at extra charge. Afternoon return train ride.
Overnight accommodations Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco (B)
DAY 5: Cusco City Tour and Nearby Ruins (B)
Breakfast. Tour of Cusco and Nearby Ruins – Visitors are caught up in the excitement of touring the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, a delightful combination of Inca and colonial architecture.
The tour visits important landmarks such us Cusco’s Cathedral, Plaza de Armas and Koricancha “The Temple of the Sun”. This tour of the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere also includes the nearby ruins of Kenko, Puca-Pucara, Tambomachay as well as the Sacsayhuaman fortress, an imposing example of Inca military architecture.
Overnight accommodations Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco (B)
DAY 6: Depart Cusco
Breakfast. Morning transfer from hotel to airport for your flight to Lima or your next destination.
Guests returning to USA will be provided with day time or overnight hotel accommodations depending on the international flight departure time. (B)
HOTELS:
Lima: Costa del Sol Ramada (First Class) and Casa Andina Private Collection (Deluxe):
Sacred Valley: Casa Andina Private Collection (First Class)
Machu Picchu: Sumaq Hotel (Deluxe)
Cusco: Casa Andina Private Collection
RATE PER PERSON BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY: From: $2,150.00
Based on shared fully escorted land services and tours. Includes round trip air Lima/Cusco/Lima.
RATE PER PERSON BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY: From: $2,420.00
Based on private fully escorted land services and tours by English speaking guides. Includes round trip air Lima/Cusco/Lima.
A GREAT VALUE!!: Add international air via LAN Miami/Lima/Miami for only $514.00 including fuel surcharges and taxes.
INCLUDES:
Round trip air Lima/Cusco/Lima, fuel surcharges and taxes subject to change. All airport transfers listed in the itinerary. Hotel accommodations and hotel service charges and taxes. Baggage handling at airports and at hotels. All tours and excursions indicated in the itinerary. All entrance fees and transfers needed to operate tours and excursions. All train tickets, bus tickets and boat services needed to operate tours and excursions. Excursion to Machu Picchu is aboard the Vistadome train. Service of an English speaking licensed tour guide for all tours and excursions. All meals indicated in the itinerary.
NOT INCLUDED:
International air to be quoted separately on request. Expenses such us beverages on meals, tips, laundry, phone calls and other personal expenses are not included. International and local Airport departure taxes. pproximate cost is US $31.00 for international flights, and US $7.40 for each domestic flight.
