Peru: A Portrait of Ancient Civilizations
(with optional Extensions to Bolivia)
Daily Departures
7 Days from $1499
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Look back into Peru's rich past to cultures that predated the Incas by centuries and left a remarkable legacy on the Peruvian landscape! Ascend into the Andean highlands to see the Inca heritage of Cuzco and Machu Picchu. You can extend your trip with optional excursions to Lake Titicaca and Bolivia, where you see the massive ruins of an ancient civilization that predates the Inca, Tiahuanacu. Explore La Paz, cradled at the foot of snow-capped Mt. Illimani. In Peru, you can venture north into the desert areas around Trujillo and Chiclayo to see the newly discovered tomb of the Lord of Sipan or venture south of Lima to the mysterious lines and drawings of the Plains of Nazca.

Itinerary
Day One: Arrive Lima Start your adventure into the Land of the Incas. Transfer to your selected hotel.
Day Two: In Lima Familiarize yourself with Lima on this half-day tour of the colonial highlights, followed by a visit to the Archaeological Museum for a chronological presentation of the many civilizations that flourished in Peru. Displays include important collections from the Chavin, Mochica, Chimu, and Nazca cultures. At the very end of the exhibit is a plaster-of-paris model of Machu Picchu, depicting it as it would have looked in Inca times. This is a great preparation for your trip. (B)
Day Three: Lima/Cuzco/Urubamba Valley An hour flight will transfer you to Cuzco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, at an altitude of 11,300 feet. You will be met upon arrival to commence your tour into the scenic Urubamba Valley. The valley, also known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas, is at a much more comfortable 8,500 feet, and you will immediately feel the difference. If you arrive Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday, you will stop at Pisac for a colorful Indian market. Stalls overflow with weavings, handicrafts and pottery, enticing everyone to bargain! Later, climb the ruins at Ollantaitambo, another sacred site which the Incas fiercely defended from the Spaniards. Overnight at your choice of charming country inns. (B, L)
Day Four: Urubamba Valley to Machu Picchu Morning transfer to Ollantaitambo to board the train* for Machu Picchu, where you will have a guided walking tour of the ruins. You and the lucky few who will spend the night here will have a few more hours to explore the site after the crowds have returned to Cuzco. Those who select the Deluxe or Deluxe Plus category hotels will enjoy an additional dinner. The Sanctuary Lodge (Deluxe Plus) is located just outside the gate to Machu Picchu at the top of the mountain. The other hotels are located in the quaint village of Aguas Calientes at the base of the ruins. (B, L)
Day Five: Machu Picchu to Cuzco This morning you can revisit Machu Picchu on your own before the afternoon return train to Cuzco. NOTE: Transfers from Aguas Calientes to/from Machu Picchu and entrance fees are NOT included this day. (B)
Day Six: In Cuzco Morning at leisure. In the afternoon, tour Cuzco, including the recently restored Cathedral and the Inca Sun Temple, Koricancha. Then ascend into the hills overlooking Cuzco to visit the massive fortress of Sacsayhuaman. You'll wonder how the Incas built this massive structure. Nearby, visit K'kenko, sacred Pucapucara and the temple of Tambo Machay (left & above, right). (B)
Day Seven: Cuzco to Lima Transfer to the airport, train or bus station for the continuation of your trip. (B) NOTE: Click here to extend your tour to Lake Titicaca and Bolivia.