GT-203 – CLASSIC PERU
Lima, Cusco, Pisac Indian Market and Ollantaytambo Town, Machu Picchu
Seven Days – Six Nights
Friday Departures between March 1 and November 15, 2014
Minimum two participants
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 at selected hotel
Day 2: Lima
Tour of Modern and Colonial Lima
Breakfast. This half-day tour visits both the colonial and modern sections of Lima. Colonial sites include the lovely Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, San Francisco Church 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.
Overnight accommodations at selected hotel (B)
Day 3: Lima / Cusco
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. Upon arrival a host will meet and assist you in transferring to the hotel and in registering.
City Tour of Cusco
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”. Tour includes a visit to the emblematic Cusco neighborhood of San Blas, filled with narrow typical streets, charming small homes, galleries and craft workshops, where you see local artisans at work. Cusco is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere.
Overnight accommodations at selected hotel (B)
Day 4: Pisac Market and Ollantaytambo Archaeological Complex
Breakfast. 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 accommodations at selected hotel (B/L)
Day 5: Cusco / Machu Picchu.
Breakfast. Morning 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. After the tour transfer back to the train station for your return to Cusco for overnight
Overnight accommodations at selected hotel (B/L)
Day 6: Cusco – Free Day
Breakfast. Wandering through this lovely city, exploring the astonishing narrow streets of this tile roof colonial town will be your unforgettable experience. You will find something astounding at every turn. Great buys are the traditional Peruvian handicrafts, alpaca-wool sweaters and rugs, ponchos, pottery, gold and silver jewelry, leather goods, etc. Because there are such a variety of products, we strongly suggest that when you like any particular item, you should buy it – you may not find the same item in other store. Many visitors to Cusco return home wishing they had a free day to discover this imperial city on their own, a free day in Cusco is a MUST!
Overnight accommodations at selected hotel (B)
Day 7: Cusco / Lima
Transfer to the airport for your departure to Lima and your connecting international flight. Arrive home full of great memories of the rich tradition of Colonial Lima and the mystical Land of the Incas. (B)
RATE PER PERSON BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
Semi-Private Services: From: $1,815.00 — Private Services: From: $2,101.00
First Class Superior Hotels:
Lima – Sonesta El Olivar – Cusco: Casa Andina Private Collection
Semi-Private Services: From: $2,260.00 — Private Services: From: $2,550.00
Deluxe Hotels:
Lima – Double Tree El Pardo Miraflores – Cusco: Libertador Palacio del Inka
(Tours available with other hotel options)
INCLUDES:
Round trip air Lima/Cusco/Lima. Fuel surcharges and taxes subject to change. All airport transfers listed in the itinerary on private basis. Accommodations at selected hotels. Hotel service charges and taxes. Daily breakfast. Baggage handling at airports and at hotels. All tours and excursions indicated in the itinerary on Semi-Private basis (maximum 8 guests) or Private basis. English speaking guides for Semi-Private and Private Services. All entrance fees and transfers needed to operate tours and excursions. Private escorted tours in Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu as indicated in itinerary. All meals indicated in the itinerary.
NOT INCLUDED:
Expenses such us beverages on meals, tips, laundry, phone calls and other personal expenses are not included. Passport and visa and reciprocity fees expenses.
