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This trip brought to you by Orbridge.
Description
Travel to the mist-shrouded mountain citadel of the Incas to Machu Picchu, Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Explore Machu Picchu, so remote and inaccessible that it was left untouched by the Spanish conquistadors and was unknown to the outside world until Hiram Bingham rediscovered it in 1911. Explore other areas in the famous city of Cusco and in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Ride the train through the Urubamba valley, visit a traditional Andean rural community and a modern artists’ colony, marvel at the massive stone stairs at Ollantaytambo and enjoy the hospitality of a Peruvian family at a farmhouse outside of Cusco.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Lima. Transfer to the nearby hotel where your evening will be at leisure.
Day 2: Fly over the Andes to Cusco and begin your exploration of this scenic region of Inca sites and indigenous villages. Prior to lunch at the hotel, stop briefly at the Rescue Andean Animals Center to meet the condors, llamas, alpacas and vicunas that have been brought to the center for rehabilitation. In the afternoon, visit the ancient salt mines still in production outside the lovely colonial town of Maras. L
Day 3: This morning, travel to the remote mountain village of Willoq. Meet with villagers, farmers and artisans who are working to preserve their traditional life ways while remaining part of the modern world. After a picnic lunch, visit the massive fortress at Ollantaytambo. In the evening, enjoy a lecture on the Inca culture and Machu Picchu before dinner at the hotel. L,D
Day 4: Start the morning with an early train ride through the valley, ascending to magnificent Machu Picchu. Take a guided visit of the stunning “lost city of the Inca.” Following lunch at the adjacent Sanctuary Lodge, further explore the sacred and magical ruins and linger on site to experience the beauty of sunset at one of the most awe-inspiring places on earth. L
Day 5: After a light breakfast, witness daybreak over the quiet ruins of Machu Picchu. Explore on your own this morning. Enjoy free time after lunch before boarding the train to Urubamba. From Ollanta station, take a private transfer back to the ancient city of Cusco and check in to your hotel in time for a late dinner. B,L,D
Day 6: First, stop at the 15th-century ruins of Sacsayhuaman, an imposing example of Inca military architecture. Next, visit the greatest prize in the Spaniards’ 1533 conquest of Cusco—the Coricancha (Temple of the Sun). Lunch today is at a local farmhouse, followed by a lecture about present-day Peru. Witness a Pachamama ceremony, offered to Mother Earth by a native healer. On your way back to the hotel, stop in San Blas artists’ colony to meet local artisans and produce your own painting, sculpture or ceramic ware. Enjoy a farewell dinner tonight at the Chi Cha, the restaurant of renowned Peruvian chef Gaston Acurio. L,D
Day 7: After your morning flight to Lima, transfer to a day room at the historic Country Club Hotel in the lovely district of San Isidro. Freshen up before heading to Puro Peru restaurant and experience the gastronomic delights of a Peruvian buffet. In the afternoon, visit the Indian market for any last minute handicraft purchases and return to the hotel to relax for remainder of the afternoon. This evening, transfer to airport for your US-bound flight. L
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