Classic Peru
7 Days / 6 Nights
Day 1 - Arrival in Lima
Arrival in Lima, the "City of Kings" famous for its Spanish Colonial architecture, extraordinary museums and cuisine. Lima is internationally recognized as the "Gastronomic Capital of the Americas", and its cuisine is considered among the most diverse and exquisite in the world on par with French cuisine. Upon arrival a host will meet and assist you in transferring to the hotel and in registering.
Day 2 - Lima City Tour (B)
Tour of Modern and Colonial Lima
This half-day tour visits both the colonial and modern sections of Lima. Colonial sites include the lovely Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, San Francisco Church and the exquisite Torre Tagle Palace modern day seat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In modern Lima, drive along the exclusive residential areas of Miraflores and San Isidro.
Day 3 - Lima / Cusco (B)
Transfer from the hotel to the airport for a short but spectacular flight over the snowcapped Andes to the oldest inhabited city in the hemisphere, Cusco, at an elevation of 11,440 feet.
Upon arrival a host will meet and assist you in transferring to the hotel and in registering.
Tour of Cusco and Nearby Ruins
Visitors are caught up in the excitement of touring the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, a delightful combination of Inca and colonial architecture. The tour visits important landmarks such us Cusco's Cathedral, Santo Domingo Church, Plaza de Armas and Koricancha “The Temple of the Sun”. This tour of the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere also includes the nearby ruins of Kenko, Puca-Pucara, Tambomachay as well as the Sacsayhuaman fortress, an imposing example of Inca military architecture.
Day 4 - Cusco / Sacred Valley / Cusco (B,L)
Full Day Excursion to the Pisac Indian Market and the Ollantaytambo Fortress
Morning departure for a drive through the fertile countryside of the Urubamba Valley to the colonial village of Pisac where a unique Indian Market takes place daily. The variety of products offered is overwhelming, from pottery with reproductions of archaeological pieces, to all kinds of textiles, jewelry and Peruvian handicrafts. During your visit to this bustling marketplace you will have the opportunity to bargain with the artisans and indigenous traders. Grab the items you like, you will hardly see the same one again.
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.
Day 5 - Cusco / Machu Picchu / Cusco (B,L)
Morning train ride through the sacred valley of Urubamba to the "Lost City of the Incas," Machu Picchu.
Perched 8,200 feet above the valley, it was hidden by mountains and semi-tropical jungles for 400 years until discovered by Hiram Bingham of Yale University in 1911. Archaeologists believe that the Inca "Virgins of the Sun" took refuge from the Spanish Conquistadors here.
Day 6 - Cusco Free Day (B)
Wandering through this lovely city, exploring the astonishing narrow streets of this tile roof colonial town will be your unforgettable experience. You will find something astounding at every turn. Great buys are the traditional Peruvian handicrafts, alpaca-wool sweaters and rugs, ponchos, pottery, gold and silver jewelry, leather goods, etc. Because there are such a variety of products, we strongly suggest that when you like any particular item, you should buy it - you may not find the same item in other store. Many visitors to Cusco return home wishing they had a free day to discover this imperial city on their own, a free day in Cusco is a MUST!
Day 7 - Cusco / Lima / Home (B)
Transfer to the airport for your departure to Lima and your connecting international flight.
Arrive home full of great memories of the rich tradition of Colonial Lima and the mystical Land of the Incas.
Included:
All airport and transfers needed to operate tours and excursions transfers included
All entrance fees for tours indicated in the itinerary
Daily breakfast and meals detailed in the itinerary (B for breakfast, L for lunch, D for dinner)
All train tickets, bus tickets and boat services needed to operate tours and excursions
Service of a bilingual licensed tour guide for all tours and excursions