DAY 1: Depart for Peru
- Depart for Lima, Peru. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure with time to rest, relax and acquaint yourself with Perus vibrant capital, founded in 1535 by the conquistador Francisco Pizarro
- Overnight: Lima
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DAY 2: Lima City Tour
- Start your day with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager on the fascinating journey of Peru that awaits you. Afterward, walk to a local restaurant. Here, attend a ceviche cooking demonstration where youll learn about the history of the dish and how to prepare this signature Peruvian specialty. Demonstration will be followed by lunch, then to downtown Lima and walk from San Francisco Basilica to the splendid Plaza Mayor, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and surrounded by historical buildings. View the impressive Palace of the Archbishop with its fine carved balcony, the opulent Government Palace, the official residence of the President, and the 16th-century Cathedral of Lima, whose first stone was laid by the conquistador Francisco Pizarro. Later, journey back to Miraflores for a walk along the coastline from the "Parque del Amor" (Love Park) to Larcomar, offering spectacular views of the coast and Pacific Ocean. Tonight, a festive Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers celebrates your arrival in Peru
- Overnight: Lima
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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DAY 3: Fly to Arequipa
- Depart Lima this morning by flight to Arequipa, the remarkable colonial city in the desert mountains of the Andes, surrounded by three imposing volcanoes. The citys remote location has allowed its Spanish-based culture to thrive with little outside influence. Superb examples of Spanish colonial architecture can be found throughout the center of the city with some of the ancient houses now completely refurbished, serving as living museums. After lunch on the way to the hotel, embark on a tour that takes you through this city glowing with sillar, a white volcanic rock used in the construction of most of the buildings. The shimmering stone lends a bright air to the streets, earning the city its nickname of "La Ciudad Blanca," (the White City). Visit 16th-century structures in the historic Plaza de Armas including La Iglesia de la Companía, known for its beautiful wooden altarpieces covered in gold leaf, and the Santa Catalina Monastery, beloved for its vividly painted facades, once housing the largest convent in the world. The view of this gigantic cathedral with its dramatic walls, coupled with the ethereal image of the El Misti volcano behind it is indeed a spectacular sight. Walk the lanes of the bustling San Camilo Market, whose stalls overflow with colorful produce, vibrant textiles and unusual local crafts. Have a "taste of Peru" and mingle with farmers who cart in their harvest from the Andean countryside. This evening, a delectable dinner together at the hotel restaurant
- Overnight: Arequipa
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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DAY 4: Drive through the Andean Hills to Colca
- Awake this morning and enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for your journey to Colca. Enjoy the scenic ride as you pass through rolling hills and see some of the best natural scenery Peru has to offer. After a stop to eat your box lunch, arrive at your hotel in the afternoon. Tonight, enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers
- Overnight: Colca
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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DAY 5: Discover Colca Canyon
- Unforgettable sights lie ahead today This morning, you will see the dramatic Colca Canyon, reportedly the deepest in the world and thought to be twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. The Colca River has carved this geologic wonder over millennia and some of the terraced hillsides are known to predate Incan civilization. The Canyon is also home to the extraordinary Andean condor. Although the population of condors is dwindling in South America, at the Colca Canyon youll have the rare opportunity to see them soaring gracefully on the thermal drifts created in the canyon. The Colca Valley has been known by many different names including The Valley of Wonders, The Valley of Fire and The Territory of the Condor - and now it is acclaimed as one of the "Seven Natural Wonders of the World". Journey past tiny villages with terraced farmlands on the picturesque drive to the town of Colca. Perhaps, catch a glimpse of shepherds tending to their alpaca, some descended from indigenous tribes such as the Collagua and Cabana. Upon arrival, settle into your comfortable accommodations at the Colca Lodge. There will be time to enjoy the lovely amenities of the lodge and luxuriate in thermo-medicinal baths fed by hot springs. Tonight, turn your gaze upward to a spectacular blanket of stars
- Overnight: Colca
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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DAY 6: Drive to Puno
- Experience another day surrounded by Andean beauty. The journey takes you past tranquil Lake Lagunillas, home to a variety of birdlife, llama, sheep, and vicuna. As you arrive in Puno, your first spectacular view is of pristine Lake Titicaca, the worlds highest navigable lake, sitting majestically at 12,500 feet above sea level, backed by the snowcapped peaks of Bolivias Cordillera Real range. At the hotel, enjoy the vistas of the lake from your waterfront room. Tonight, dinner together at the hotel, after an exhilarating day
- Overnight: Puno
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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DAY 7: Explore the Uros Floating Islands, Sillustani Tombs
- This morning, take the time to explore the villages and culture around the shores, to gain a greater understanding of day-to-day life in rural Peru. Afterward, a boat excursion transports you to the fascinating Uros floating Islands where the indigenous people of the area - the Uros - live on tiny islands that dot the lake. The Uros live very much the same as their ancestors did and still follow the ancient customs and traditions. These islands are completely man-made structures, using totora reeds from the lake to build the islands and houses. Return to Puno for an orientation walking tour of the city. Leisure time for lunch on your own before visiting the pre-Incan burial ground of Sillustani on the shores of Lake Umayo. The tombs on this site are built above ground in tower-like stone structures, which house the remains of nobles and complete family groups. These chullpas, sometimes more than 35 feet tall, are the vestiges of the Colla people, conquered by the Incas in the 15th century. The remainder of the day is at leisure
- Overnight: Puno
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 8: Visit Raqchi, Travel to Cuzco
- In the morning, depart Puno and head towards Cuzco. After lunch at a local restaurant, travel to the ruins of the 15th century Temple of Wiracocha in the archaeological complex at Raqchi. This is the largest Inca temple ever discovered, with external adobe walls of over 39 feet, considered one of the holiest sites in the Inca Empire. This temple complex lured worshipers in the thousands and was also used as a fortress and storage facility for weapons. Many compare this enormous site to an Inca version of the Colosseum in Rome. Today, the quiet town of Raqchi remains home to many farmers, ranchers, and artisans. At the end of the day, arrive in Cuzco, ancient capital of the Inca Empire for dinner and overnight
- Overnight: Cuzco
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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DAY 9: Tour Cuzco
- Morning is at leisure in the "Imperial City" of Cuzco. With its narrow cobbled streets and dramatic Andean setting, Cuzco is truly a delight for walkers.Take time to explore some of the citys stunning sights or shop for some of the finest handicrafts and textiles in all of Peru. In the afternoon, join your group on a tour of Cuzco that takes you to the impressive colonial Cathedral, with its collection of over 400 paintings from the Cusqueña School and to the extraordinary Temple of the Sun at Koricancha, an important religious site of the Incas. This sumptuous temples walls and floors were allegedly once covered by sheets of solid gold. Tonight, an exclusive evening Youre invited to share dinner together with a traditional Peruvian Family in their home. Sample delectable local home-cooked Peruvian cuisine along with a warm and friendly cultural exchange with the family
- Overnight: Cuzco
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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DAY 10: Full Day in Cuzco
- Discover Cuzco by spending Cultural Cuzco with lunch, Journey outside the city to the incredible hillside fortress of Sacsayhuaman. The site is protected by a trio of colossal walls that zigzag alongside each other for more than 1000 feet. From the air, the complex resembles the head of a puma. Later, stop at Kenko, a holy place (huaca) where sacrifices were once held. While here, gain insight into the workings of a shaman (holy man) and tap your foot to the rhythms of a Peruvian panpipe during a private performance. Next, learn about local cuisine during a chef-led cooking demonstration enjoy the results of their creations for lunch. End the day at the Almudena cemetery where you learn about local burial customs. Return to the hotel after a visit to the cemetery to learn about local burial traditions and customs. The rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities
- Overnight: Cuzco
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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DAY 11: Discover Chinchero and Ollantaytambo
- Today, travel through the rugged mountainous region with magnificent panoramas to Chinchero and visit the archaeological site. After, attend a silver jewelry making workshop and watch as unique silver pieces are handcrafted by a skilled jeweler. Peru is one of the top silver producing countries in the world. Continue with a demonstration of the ancient Andean tradition of making textiles from naturally dyed handwoven alpaca wool. Remarkably, the source for the vibrant colors are dyes that come from plants, minerals, and insects. Savor an authentic Peruvian lunch and wander the stone complex in search for local treasures, before restarting the journey. En route to Ollantaytambo, visit a pottery workshop before touring the impressive Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, an ancient complex of temples and terraces towering high over the valley, the last stand of the Incas in their defense against the Spanish conquistadors. Marvel at the magnificent Inca architecture in this well-preserved settlement, considered a living museum of 15th-century life. Tonight, savor the serenity in the mountain setting of your chalet
- Overnight: Urubamba
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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DAY 12: Explore Machu Picchu
- Today, discover the crowning achievement of Inca ingenuity. Early morning transfer to the Sacred Valleys Ollanta Station to board the Vistadome train that travels through misty peaks to the astonishing ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas", designated by UNESCO as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Machu Picchu was virtually unknown to the western world until Hiram Binghams rediscovery in 1911. View the unforgettable wonders of this 15th-century retreat, abandoned nearly 100 years later with the arrival of the conquistadors. See the highlights of the site including the imposing Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza and the intricately carved rock likely used as a sundial by the ancient Incas. The images of this glorious monument to a lost civilization will be a lifelong memory. Return to the Sacred Valley in the evening
- Approximate time spent at the ruins of Machu Picchu is 3 hours
- Overnight: Urubamba
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 13: Fly to Lima
- Return to Lima by flight on your last day in Peru. The afternoon is yours to re-discover some of Limas fabulous sights, or shop to your hearts content for handmade silver jewelry, knits and local crafts. Tonight, enjoy a very special Farewell Dinner at a renowned Lima restaurant in the trendy Miraflores district. Share memories, photos and stories of your wonderful journey in Peru with your Tour Manager and fellow travelers
- Overnight: Lima
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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DAY 14: Depart Peru
- Transfer from the hotel to the airport for your departure flight
- Some flights depart shortly after midnight in the very early morning of Day 14 and will require a transfer on Day 13. Transfers depart the hotel approximately 4 hours prior to flight time
- Meal: Breakfast
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