Peru: Ancient Land of Mysteries
Peru: Ancient Land of Mysteries
$4,364.00
From $4,364* pp | 10 Days • 14 Meals *Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy.
Discover Peru’s archaeological treasures as you travel through the soaring Andes to the spectacular Incan city of Machu Picchu.
- Enjoy breathtaking views through domed cars on the famed Machu Picchu train as you voyage through the Andes to Machu Picchu.
- Learn centuries-old Andean methods of spinning, dyeing and weaving traditional textiles with a visit to a living museum of the Peruvian Andes.
- Explore the colourful markets of Peru, including the famous Pisac village market.
- Savour the local cuisine during an exclusive culinary demonstration at your luxury hotel at the base of Machu Picchu.
Join the Ranks of the Great Explorers
Fantastic archaeological treasures set amidst the soaring Andean peaks — this can only be Peru. Travel to Machu Picchu aboard the famed Vistadome train. Spend a night at the base of this “Lost City of the Incas” in a luxury hotel and enjoy an exclusive culinary demonstration. Explore Andean art forms and the local way of life from ancient times through present day during your stay in the Sacred Valley. Savour an authentic Pacha manca dinner, a unique process where food is placed on hot stones and buried in the ground to cook. Immerse yourself in Cuzco, a city that blends Inca and Spanish colonial influences. Meet the indigenous Uros people of the floating islands on Lake Titicaca. Discover the exquisite Peruvian cuisine that combines diverse native ingredients and indigenous dishes with international culinary influences. Discover Lima’s colonial heritage and see why the “City of Kings” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Itinerary
Day 1. Lima, Peru – Tour Begins
Welcome to Peru, one of the treasures of South America. The enduring cultures and breathtaking beauty of the Andes await. Travel through this intriguing land visiting some of the world’s most legendary sites, including Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas.”
High 19 Low 15 Dazzler Lima Hotel
Discover Lima’s fascinating history during a tour through the historic city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the artwork at San Francisco Monastery and enter the catacombs. View the Government Centre, the elegant Cathedral at Plaza de Armas, an abundance of colonial architecture, and the fashionable suburbs of San Isidro and Miraflores for insight into the daily life of the Limeños. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers at a dinner showcasing Peru’s delicious cuisine and festive entertainment.
Breakfast & Dinner High 19 Low 15 Dazzler Lima Hotel
Day 3. Lima – Cuzco – Sacred Valley of the Incas
Fly to Cuzco, in the heart of the Inca civilisation. Journey through the Andes to the majestic Sacred Valley of the Incas, the agricultural centre of their grand empire. Learn the centuries-old methods of spinning, dyeing and weaving traditional textiles during a visit to Awana Kancha, a living museum of the Peruvian Andes. After a short lesson on the local language, stop in Pisac village to browse the colourful handicraft market. A visit to Pablo Seminario Ceramic Studio teaches you about this internationally-renowned artist’s techniques and designs, inspired by ancient Peruvian cultures. Settle in this evening at your hotel nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Tonight, savour an authentic Pachamanca dinner, a unique process where food is placed on hot stones and buried in the ground to cook.
Breakfast & Dinner High 21 Low 4 Sonesta Posada Del Inca Yucay
Day 4. Sacred Valley of the Incas-Ollantaytambo-Sacred Valley of the Incas
Experience the lifestyle of the modern Andean people and delve into their culture when you travel to a nearby community and interact with the locals. This afternoon, visit the spectacular Ollantaytambo ruins, the only Inca settlement that has been continually inhabited since its inception. A unique terraced complex topped with carved stone panels, these ruins reflect ancient Incan architecture and heritage. Do as the locals do and enjoy a tasting of “chicha,” a unique regional drink made from maize, at a local pub.
Breakfast High 21 Low 4 Sonesta Posada Del Inca Yucay
Climb aboard the Machu Picchu train for breathtaking views through domed windows as you ride through the Andes to the “Lost City of the Incas.” Hidden by mountains and semi-tropical jungle, Machu Picchu is considered the most spectacular sight in South America. Spend the afternoon with your guide uncovering the mysteries of these majestic ruins. Tonight, stay at the base of Machu Picchu for a chance to further soak up its atmosphere. Enjoy an exclusive culinary demonstration before dinner.
Breakfast & Dinner High 19 Low 5 Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel
Day 6. Machu Picchu – Cuzco
With leisure time this morning you may return to Machu Picchu on your own or explore the local markets. Return by train to the Sacred Valley and continue to Cuzco, a city that blends Inca and Spanish colonial influences. En route to Cuzco, meet Peruvian children at an orphanage supported by the Collette Foundation.*
Breakfast High 19 Low 5 Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco
Day 7. Cuzco
Explore the former capital of the Inca Empire during a colonial city tour and experience the architectural legacy visible in the Cathedral, Santo Domingo and the Plaza de Armas. Discover the important sacred Incan ruins of Sacsayhuaman Fortress. This afternoon you may choose to join an optional excursion to explore the enigmatic Inca terraces at Maras and the salt mines of Moray.
Breakfast & Dinner High 19 Low 5 Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco
Day 8. Cuzco – Puno
This morning, fly to Puno, hugging the shores of Lake Titicaca. Known as the birthplace of the Inca Empire, ancient legends say that life began here. Have time to meet the locals and discover the history of this region as you explore the village centre before checking into your lakeside hotel. Tonight enjoy an evening at leisure.
Breakfast High 17 Low -2 Libertador Lake Titicaca
Day 9. Uros Floating Islands – Las Chullpas de Sillustani – Lake Titicaca
The Titicaca area, steeped in tradition and folklore, is the centre of Incan legends. Enjoy a morning cruise to the floating islands of the Uros people of Lake Titicaca. Experience walking on the spongy surface made from compacted beds of tortora reeds and meet the locals, learning about their history and lifestyle. In the afternoon, visit mystical Chullpas de Sillustani – an archeological area boasting 13th-century funerary monuments. Participate in a local home visit to gain insight into daily life.
Breakfast & Dinner High 17 Low -2 Libertador Lake Titicaca
Day 10. Puno – Lima – Tour Ends
INCLUSIONS
Accommodation
Meals as per itinerary
Tour guide
Activities as stated
Please note: Accommodation is subject to change.
EXCLUSIONS
Flights
Meals not indicated on the itinerary
Drinks
Optional activities
Visas
Comprehensive travel insurance
Items of a personal nature – laundry, telephone, room service
Tips and gratuities
- Peru is 16 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.
- Highest elevation included on tour is 11,200 feet above sea level, in Cuzco.
- The currency in Peru is the nuevo sol.
- Peru is on 220 V and uses 2-prong round or flat plugs.
- Why not consider a pre and post tour extension. Start and end your holiday rested.
To truly experience the programme and destination, you need to be able to participate in physical activities such as longer walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing stairs and periods of standing. Some of the touring days may be longer, with select included activities occurring later in the evening.
March 2017.
Mar 13 – Mar 24. $3,469
Mar 27 – Apr 7. $3,599
April 2017.
Apr 3 – Apr 14. $3,729
Apr 24 – May 5. $3,729