Enchanting Peru

Day 1: Depart USA.

Your exciting expedition to Peru begins late this evening with an overnight flight.

Day 2: Arrive Peru.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Sonesta Posadas Del Inca Yucay Hotel

Early morning arrival in Peru’s capital, Lima. Here, connect for a short flight to Cuzco, the fabled capital of the Inca Empire, perched at about 11,000 feet above sea level. On arrival, journey to the nearby Sacred Valley of the Incas. The valley has amazing landscapes of fertile land, mystical ruins and indigenous villages. On your way to the Sacred Valley, experience a Shaman ceremony, one of the ancient rituals of Peru, and then visit Awanakancha, a weaving center that keeps ancient weaving techniques and traditions alive. Arrive at your hotel located in the quaint village of Yucay and surrounded by lush gardens. This evening your tour director hosts a welcome dinner and orientation. Sonesta Posada del Inca Yucay Hotel or similar.

Day 3: Pisac and Sacred Valley Excursion.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Sonesta Posadas Del Inca Yucay Hotel

On today’s excursion visit the world renowned and colorful Indian market in Pisac where many beautiful crafts are traded. Later, travel through the lush valley to Ollantaytambo and explore the splendid ruins of this massive ancient fortress. The village below is a fine example of the Incas incredible urban planning skills. Return to your hotel in Yucay later this afternoon. In the evening, meet an experienced weaver at your hotel who will show you different weaving techniques and give you a chance to try weaving yourself.

Day 4: Machu Picchu Rail Excursion/Cuzco.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Novotel Cusco

Embark today on an expedition to Machu Picchu. You’ll ride aboard the Vistadome train through the lush Urubamba Valley passing along stunning scenery. Arrive at “The Lost City Of the Incas” rediscovered in 1911. The beauty of its location and the genius construction make Machu Picchu the jewel of all Inca settlements. To this day nobody can explain how the Incas managed to transport the huge blocks of limestone for the city’s construction onto the mountaintop. An expert guide leads you through the ruins and shares with you the amazing story of Machu Picchu. You’ll have some free time to further discover the mystical ruins and absorb the beauty of this enchanting site. Later, re-board the train and journey to magical Cuzco. Novotel Hotel

Day 5:

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Novotel Cusco

Cuzco is a vibrant town, dotted with archaeological sites. On a guided walking tour, visit the main Inca and Colonialmonuments. See the Plaza de Armas, the center of the Inca Empire and the impressive 16th century cathedral, built on the ruins of the Inca Palace. In the old town view magnificently restored colonial buildings. Your hotel is superbly located in the heart of the old town near the lively Plaza de Armas. This evening you may savor an optional dinner complete with a colorful folklore show.

Day 6:

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Novotel Cusco

A day at leisure to explore vibrant Cuzco at your own pace. Walk the narrow streets of the old colonial town, browse the galleries and shops selling local crafts and relax in one of the many outdoor cafes. You may also venture to the outskirts of Cuzco to visit the amazing ruins of Sacsayhuaman, an Inca architectural masterpiece with fabulous views of the city below.

Day 7: Cuzco/Puno/Lake Titicaca.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Sonesta Posadas Del Inca Puno Hotel

Embark on a thrilling journey to Puno. As you traverse the rugged snow-capped Andes you’ll enjoy the breathtaking scenery and see quaint local villages as well as herds of llama and alpaca. Visit the charming village of Andahuaylillas, with its renowned 17th-century church. Arrive at your hotel overlooking majestic Lake Titicaca. Sonesta Posada Del Inca Puno Hotel

Day 8: Lake Titicaca Boat Excursion.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Sonesta Posadas Del Inca Puno Hotel

Situated on the border between Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is South America’s largest and highest navigable lake. Today, embark on an unforgettable boat journey to explore the magnificent scenery and fascinating life on and around the tranquil lake. First, visit the floating islands of the Uros Indians that still practice the old traditions of fishing, trapping birds and living on the lake plants. The totora reeds,which grow abundantly in the shallows of the lake, are used for their boats, houses and to build the very islands on which they live. This way of life began over 500 years ago when the Uros built the islands in an effort to isolate themselves from the Kollas and the Incas. Later, proceed by boat to Taquile Island, where the indigenous inhabitants are dedicated to agriculture and crafting of high quality textiles. You’ll witness their customs, traditions and unique costumes before returning to your lakeside hotel.

Day 9: Puno/Sillustani/Lima.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Casa Andina Select Miraflores

This morning visit the mysterious Chullpas at Sillustani. These unique and well preserved burial towers were built by the Kollas, a tribe that dominated the Titicaca Region before the arrival of the Incas. Each tower contained the remains of a Kolla nobility accompanied by their treasures. This afternoon board a short flight to Lima, Peru’s diverse capital. You’ll be escorted to your upscale hotel.

Day 10:

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Enjoy a guided morning tour of both colonial and modern Lima, founded in 1535 and later dominated by the Inca nation. See the historical center and the San Francisco Church as well as Plaza de Armas and the Government Palace. Later, see the fashionable districts of San Isidro and Miraflores with their beautiful parks and elegant residences. Afternoon at leisure for independent exploration. You may visit some of Lima’s excellent museums. This evening join your fellow travelers at a festive farewell dinner at a famous local restaurant. After dinner transfer to the airport for your late night flight.

Day 11: Lima/USA.

Bid farewell to enchanting Peru! Your memorable journey ends as you arrive Miami today.