Essential Peru

A comprehensive tour of the highlights of a country steeped in fascinating history and culture. From the bustle and colonial heart of Lima travel to the wonders of Lake Titicaca, Cuzco and Machu Picchu, seeing the stunning vestiges and contempory reflections of civilizations quite different from our own.

Day 1: Arrive in Lima
Upon arrival in Lima, assistance at the airport and transfer to selected hotel.

Day 2: Lima - Puno
Transfer to Lima airport, assistance on departure flight. Upon arrival in Juliaca transfer to selected hotel in Puno, visiting on route the "Chullpas" of Sillustani, where the ancient Aymaras used to bury their high priests in cylinder-shaped tombs. Breakfast.

Day 3: Lake Titicaca
Motor-boat ride on Lake Titicaca (with a surface area of 8,300 km2) to visit the unique floating islands of the Uros. For hundreds of years the livelihood of this "Water Tribe" is based on the benefits of a unique plant: the totora reed (Scyrpus totora). They use it to build their homes, boats and even the floating islands they live on, periodically adding new layers of reeds. They also use it in their highly developed weaving. Continue to the natural island of Taquile on Lake Titicaca inhabited by quechua-speaking natives who have developed, through generations, both an efficient and original social system and a fine hand weaving technique. Breakfast & Box Lunch.

Day 4: Puno - Cusco
Assistance at the hotel for departure. Prepare to enjoy views of Andean landscapes spotted with little villages and herds of llamas and alpacas as you drive to Cusco area. On the way, visit the pre-Columbian complex of Pucara (200 bc), consisting of six, stepped, stone pyramids. The temple of Raqchi, which contains the ruins of a temple built by the Inca Pachacutec for the god Wiracocha.

Raqchi had a great reputation as an important destination for pilgrims, a fact that explains the warehouses and other buildings around the temple that served as dwellings for priests, servants and farmers. Also visit to the largest and most beautiful temple built to commemorate Wiracocha Pachayachachi (maker of the wall), built on the splendor time of the Inca Empire, under the ruling of Inca Pachacutec who unified the Indians territory with a well organized administration and also established the use of the Quechua language on the people conquered by him. In Cusco, assistance at arrival to selected hotel. Breakfast & Lunch.

Day 5: Cusco
Explore the magical capital of the Incas on a tour including a visit to Plaza Regocijo, Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral and the Santo Domingo Convent Monastery. The Santo Domingo monastery was built over the Koricancha temple, one of the most important temples devoted to worship of the sun. According to the chronicles, it was covered in gold sheet and filled with golden representations of nature. Then walk around the old town with its very narrow streets. After seeing the most interesting sites of the city, you will drive to the countryside outside Cusco to visit some of the remarkable inca ruins in the area: the cult centre of Sacsayhuaman, the temple and amphitheatre of Kenko and the Red Fortress of Puca Pucara. Breakfast.

Day 6: Sacred Valley of the Incas
Drive to the "Sacred Valley of the Incas", a sucession of picturesque towns, agricultural terraces, and many archaeological sites, as well as the world´s most famous corn, combine with an exceptional climate to visit Ollantaytambo, the Inca fortress, which guarded the entry of this part of the valley and protected it from possible invasion from the lower jungles.

The fortress consists of a series of superimposed terraces of carved stones accessed by long staircases. An opportunity to walk through the quaint streets of the nearby town, the design and foundations of the majority of its buildings date from the Inca era, when it was a strategic military, religious, and agricultural center. Lunch at a nearby inn. Visit Pisac, a lively and colorful Indian market where locals sell or exchange their products, as the ancestors did hundreds years ago. Overnight at selected hotel in the Sacred Valley. Breakfast & lunch

Day 7: Sacred Valley of the Incas - Macchu Picchu
Transfer to Ollanta train station to board the Orient Express rail coach for a one and a half hour train ride to Machu Picchu, discovered in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham. Then make the 25-minute motor coach ascent to "The Lost City of the Incas." This citadel is considered one of the most extraordinary examples of landscape architecture in the world. It straddles a mountain ridge surrounded by lush tropical forest. The guided tour of this fascinating place is an awe-inspiring experience. Visit the Main Square, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Circular Towers, the Sacred Sun Dial and Burial Grounds. Overnight at selected hotel in Aguas Calientes town. Breakfast & Lunch

Day 8: Machu Picchu - Cusco
Morning at leisure (No guide included this day). Early rise is recommended to admire Machu Picchu at sunrise, a truly mystical experience. For the hiking enthusiasts, going up the Huayna Picchu peak overlooking the site is suggested. Afternoon rail coach service to Cusco. Upon arrival, transfer to the selected hotel. Breakfast.

Day 9: Cusco - Lima
Today you will be transfered from your hotel in Cusco to Cusco airport for your flight to Lima, and upon arriving in Lima you will be met and transfered to your selected hotel. Later this day you will do the tour of the "City of the Kings". Panoramic visit to the Huaca Pucllana archaeological center that operated between 5th and 8th centuries C.E. Proceed to the Historical Center,see the Plaza Mayor surrounded by the Government Palace, the City Hall, the Cathedral and the Archbishop´s Palace. Proceed to the San Francisco Monastery, a masterpiece of Colonial architecture. Drive through the residential districts of Miraflores and San Isidro where you will enjoy a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean. Overnight at your selected hotel

Day 10: Fly out from Lima
Transfer to the airport, assistance on departure flight. Breakfast.