Day 1 - Arrive Lima
Depart North America today and arrive in Lima, Peru. You are welcomed and transferred to your hotel. (B)
Day 2 - Lima City Tour / Larco Herrera Museum
Lima has long been considered the colonial capital of South America. Founded in 1535, Lima was called the "City of Kings" by the Spanish conquistadors. Visit the Plaza de Armas, the Government Palace, the Cathedral, the Santo Domingo or San Francisco convents and the modern garden suburb districts of Miraflores and San Isidro. At the Larco Herrera Museum, see the ancient relics and shining treasures of the mighty Incas. (BL)
Day 3 - Lima / Cuzco / Sacred Valley
Fly to Cuzco, the oldest inhabited city in the Western Hemisphere. Travel to Pisac to see the ruins of an ancient citadel that once controlled a route that connected the Inca Empire with the Paucartambo River. The panoramas from Pisac are magnificent, offering views of the impressive patchwork effect in the countryside below, which was accomplished by patterned fields and rimmed by vast terracing cut out of solid rock. In the upper section lies the main Sun Temple and above the temple are still more unexcavated ruins and hidden burial sites. 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. Later, visit the market for a taste of colorful local life. (BL)
Day 4 - Sacred Valley / Machu Picchu
Travel aboard the HIRAM BINGHAM TRAIN from Ollantaytambo to the archeological wonder of Machu Picchu, built in the late 14th century. Machu Picchu was obviously a well-planned and carefully built city, made up of two clearly different sectors-one agricultural and the other urban. With mountains to one side and a river roaring far below, this solemn fortress is a fascinating remnant of a once-bustling city that was mysteriously abandoned after the middle of the 16th century. Secreted amidst dense jungle vegetation and steep hills, Machu Picchu remained undiscovered by the modern world until 1911. Learn about the many legends and strange truths of these ancient ruins from your local guide. (BLD)
Day 5 - Machu Picchu / Cuzco
As the sun rises over the mountains, watch the morning mist disappear once again to reveal this awe-inspiring city, probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire. Return to Cuzco aboard the 'Inca Train.' Sip a cup of tea and enjoy panoramic views as the beautiful greenery of the Urubamba Valley rolls by. (BL)
Day 6 - Cuzco / Sacsayhuaman
Today, visit several ruins, including Kenko and Tambomachay. Journey to the Sacsayhuaman fortress in the "Valley of the Incas." Later, see the hillside fort and Puca Pucara. (BL)
Day 7 - Cuzco / Lima
Fly back to Lima this morning. You have free time before driving to an excellent restaurant for a farewell lunch. The remainder of your afternoon and evening is free before you pack for your late-night departure. (BL)
