Day 1 Sat: North America / Lima
Depart this morning for Lima as you board your flight for your cultural adventure in Peru. Arrive in Lima late this evening. Transfer to the DOUBLETREE EL PARDO HOTEL.
Day 2 Sun: Lima City Tour & Larco Herrera Museum
This morning, drive to the Plaza Mayor, where you will drive past the Government Palace, the Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace and City Hall. Visit the 17th-century church and cloister of San Francisco. Continue to the modern residential suburb of San Isidro and downtown Miraflores, with its Park of Love to enjoy a splendid view of the Pacific Ocean. Finally, drive to the Larco Herrera Museum, the world's largest private collection of pre-Columbian Peruvian art. (BL)
Day 3 Mon: Lima / Cuzco
Fly to Cuzco this morning. Visit the amazing colonial city built on the foundations of Incan palaces. You will visit the Koricancha, or Temple of the Sun, where you can appreciate the incredible masonry of the Incas. Also visit the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral, with its carved wood, altars and paintings. Enjoy lunch at the Andean Grill. Drive to the Inca fortress of Sacsahuamán, to the underground cave and temple of Kenko and to Tambomachay, known as the Baths of the Inca. LIBERTADOR PALACIO DEL INKA CUSCO HOTEL (BL)
Day 4 Tue: Cuzco / Machu Picchu
Depart early this morning by train to Machu Picchu. Arrive at the Aguas Calientes Station in Machu Picchu, where you will be transported by bus to the top of the mountain citadel of Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is one of the most renowned examples of Incan architecture and is surrounded by a lush cloud forest. Lost in history, the ruins were not discovered until 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham. Enjoy a full-day visit to the ruins. INKATERRA MACHU PICCHU PUEBLO HOTEL (BD)
Day 5 Wed: Machu Picchu / Cuzco
This morning, enjoy a second visit to the ruins of Machu Picchu. Later, depart by train for Cuzco and transfer to the LIBERTADOR PALACIO DEL INKA CUSCO HOTEL. (BL)
Day 6 Thu: Ollantaytambo & Pisac Market
Early this morning, you will depart for Ollantaytambo, a vestige of an Incan military, religious and agricultural center. The fortress is located in the highest part of the mountain and is protected from invaders by the valley. The view of the town from the top of the mountain is overwhelming. The narrow streets and water channels are still used by the locals. After driving through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, you will arrive in Pisac, a beautiful town famous for its handicraft market. The town has two different sides, the old town with its wonderful Inca architecture, and the new town, which is filled with colonial architecture. Lunch will be provided at local restaurant. (BL)
Day 7 Fri: Cuzco / Lima / Home
Fly to Lima this morning. Day rooms are reserved at DOUBLETREE EL PARDO HOTEL until 6:00 p.m. The rest of the day is at leisure to pursue independent activities. Enjoy dinner this evening at the Rose Nautica Restaurant. Depart Lima late this evening for home. (BD)
Day 8: Sat: Arrive North America
Arrive home this morning, bearing fond memories of your South American sojourn.
