Peru: A Portrait of Ancient Civilizations
(with optional Extensions to Bolivia)
Daily Departures
7 Days from $1779*

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. In Peru, you can venture north into the desert areas around

Itinerary
Day One: Arrive Lima Start your adventure into the Land of the Incas. Walking transfer to the Costa del Sol Ramada Airport Hotel or assistance with boarding the shuttle to the Holiday Inn.
Day Two: Lima/Cuzco/Urubamba Valley An hour flight will transfer you to Cuzco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, at an altitude of 11,300 feet. You will be met upon arrival to commence your tour into the scenic Urubamba Valley. The valley, also known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas, is at a much more comfortable 8,500 feet, and you will immediately feel the difference. If you arrive Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday, you will stop at Pisac for a colorful Indian market. Stalls overflow with weavings, handicrafts and pottery, enticing everyone to bargain! Later, climb the ruins at Ollantaitambo, another sacred site which the Incas fiercely defended from the Spaniards. Overnight at your choice of charming country inns. (B, L)
Day Three: In the Sacred Valley Today you will enjoy a tour to the Chinchero Plateau between Cuzco and the Sacred Valley. First visit the village of Chinchero. The town always has come vendors selling their handmade weavings and crafts. You will join a local weaving family in the courtyard of their home for a weaving demonstration, and you can and shop for some of the finest textiles in the area. If it is Sunday you will witness the market that traces its roots back to Inca times when barter or 'trueque' existed. Today the market, noted for its textiles, takes place in the main square, at the foot of an Inca wall, and is real hub of activity, vibrant with color and movement variety of handicrafts. You will then visit two relatively unknown sites: Maras, where the Incas gathered salt from steep terraces; and Moray, where they experimented with agriculture in these unusual land formations. A boxed lunch will be provided (B, Boxed Lunch)
Day Four: Urubamba Valley to Machu Picchu Morning transfer to Ollantaitambo to board the train† for Machu Picchu, where you will have a guided walking tour of the ruins. You and the lucky few who will spend the night here will have a few more hours to explore the site after the crowds have returned to Cuzco. Those who select the Deluxe or Deluxe Plus category hotels will enjoy an additional dinner. The Sanctuary Lodge (Deluxe Plus) is located just outside the gate to Machu Picchu at the top of the mountain. The other hotels are located in the quaint village of Aguas Calientes at the base of the ruins. (B, L)
Day Five: Machu Picchu to Cuzco This morning you can revisit Machu Picchu on your own before the afternoon return train to Cuzco. NOTE: Transfers from Aguas Calientes to/from Machu Picchu and entrance fees are NOT included this day. (B)
Day Six: In Cuzco Morning at leisure. In the afternoon, tour Cuzco, including the recently restored Cathedral and the Inca Sun Temple, Koricancha. Then ascend into the hills overlooking Cuzco to visit the massive fortress of Sacsayhuaman. You'll wonder how the Incas built this massive structure. Nearby, visit K'kenko, sacred Pucapucara and the temple of Tambo Machay (left & above, right). (B)
Day Seven: Cuzco to Lima Transfer to the airport, train or bus station for the continuation of your trip. (B)
NOTE: Click here to extend your tour to Lake Titicaca and Bolivia.