Destinations: Central and South America , Peru
Activities: Cultural Exploration
The Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, which would be stunning anywhere, are truly spectacular in their Andean setting, high above the Urubamba River. And Cuzco, once the center of the Inca Empire and now a vibrant gateway to Inca ruins, is even higher in the Andes.
Yet even at sea level, Peru can leave you breathless. With unspoiled beaches, coastal desert, deep canyons and dense Amazon jungle, its variety of natural wonders is astonishing. Then, there are the cultural treasures. The contrast between old and new runs throughout the land: Poncho-clad Amerindians walk their llamas through modern cities, past Spanish cathedrals built on the foundations of ancient Inca ruins. Giant, stylized designs were etched in the earth by a great - and unknown - civilizationDay by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Lima, PeruUpon arrival in Lima, you are met for private transfer to your hotel and check-in. The Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro founded the city of Lima on January 5, 1535, the eve of the Epiphany of the Magi – from which it derived its evocative original name of La Ciudad de los Reyes or “The City of Kings”. It is a city of rare fascination and unexpected pleasures. Lima has decaying colonial splendor and the teeming vitality of an oriental bazaar; melancholy cloudy winters and warm breezy summers; impoverished urban sprawl and quiet elegant corners among ancient buildings where the night air is scented with jasmine. Meals today are under your own arrangements.
Casa Andina Private Collection Day 2: Lima- Cusco- Sacred Valley
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco. NOTE: Domestic flight Lima-Cusco is not included in land price. Upon arrival in Cusco, you are met by a local representative and transferred by private vehicle to the “Sacred Valley of the Incas” for a full day tour. At an elevation of 8,500 feet, the Sacred Valley of the Incas was a historic heart of the Inca Empire. Small villages lined the valley floor, while the stone fortresses of Ollantaytambo and Pisac served the dual purpose of providing protection as serving and religious centers. Visit the small village of Pisac with its colorful market. After lunch, continue on to the massive fortress of Ollantaytambo The fortress, a formidable stone structure that climbs massive terraces reaching the top of a high peak, was the valley’s main defense against the Antis and was the site of the Incas’ greatest victory against the Spanish during the wars of conquest. Constructed of rose-colored granite, this huge installation was once a thriving complex of baths, temples and military barracks. Below the fortress lies a complete Incan town, also called Ollantaytambo, still inhabited and with its original architecture and layout preserved. Check-in to your hotel for overnight.
Breakfast, Lunch
Sol y Luna Day 3: Sacred Valley
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a full day at leisure. Optional excursions (rafting, mountain biking, and visits to markets, villages or ruins) may be arranged.
Breakfast
Sol y Luna Day 4: Sacred Valley- Machu Picchu
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, you will be transferred to the Ollanta station where you will board the Vistadome train bound for Machu Picchu (note: your guide will meet you on the train.) The 1.5-hour journey follows the ever-narrowing gorge of the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). Outside the window, watch the picturesque Andean scenery as you pass the traditional villages. As you approach Machu Picchu Sanctuary, the valley turns into a canyon and the vegetation changes to a cloud forest. A late morning arrival gives you time to begin your exploration of this breathtaking Incan citadel. Accompanied by your guide, explore the city's ruins, and feel its pulse as you visualize the lives of the priests, craftsmen, and servants who inhabited this seemingly uninhabitable citadel. Excavations at the site have revealed skeletons, artifacts and woolen clothing, but no gold. The same precision of assembled stones exists here as in other Incan sites. Overlooking the raging Urubamba River and discovered in a hidden tangle of vines and trees atop the mountain, the city of Machu Picchu will forever hold the secret of its destruction - the Incas left no written record. Enjoy lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge before returning to your hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch
Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel Day 5: Machu Picchu- Cusco
Breakfast at the hotel. Today you may return to the ruins for a visit on your own. It is said that Machu Picchu is a place of great spirituality, and the ultimate spiritual moment of the day happens at sunrise. This morning therefore there is an option to rise early and view the world’s most spectacularly situated ruins at sunrise. Board the shuttle bus to the Machu Picchu Village, where you will have a short walk to the train station. Here, board the train to Cusco (note: trains terminating in Ollanta Station provide shuttle transfers to Cusco.) Upon arrival you will be met by an iExplore representative and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the evening at leisure.
Breakfast
Casa Andina Private Collection Day 6: Cusco Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy a guided tour of the nearby Inca ruins including Kenko “The Labyrinth”, the ceremonial bath of Tambomachay, and the amazing Sacsayhuaman, a huge fortress of stones (one stone weighs 125 tons!) and a true testimonial to Incan architectural skills. At Sacsayhuaman, you are challenged to try to slip a piece of paper through the cracks in between these blocks, cut and fitted together with incredible precision without a single drop of mortar to hold them in place. This ancient fortress (where the greatest battle between the Spanish and Incas took place) overlooks the red-tiled roofs of Cusco and the breathtaking countryside surrounding the city. Return to the city for a walking tour. Sights include the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas; and the Santo Domingo Temple, a Dominican Church and convent built on the foundations of the Koricancha, the Incas principal religious building, dedicated to the worship of the sun. You will stop for lunch at a local restaurant before you return to your hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
Breakfast, Lunch
Casa Andina Private Collection Day 7: Cusco- Lima
After breakfast at the hotel, you will me met and driven to the airport for your return flight to Lima. NOTE: Domestic flight: Cusco - Lima is not included in land price.
Breakfast
Departure Dates
Depart any day! Contact an iExplore Adventure Consultant for details.Prices
2010 Prices:$2,395 per person in double occupancy
$2,250 per person in double occupancy, based on four persons traveling together
$750 single room supplement
$3,250 solo traveler Prices are not valid from June 23-27, 2010 and December 23, 2010 to January 3, 2011. Please contact iExplore for an exact quote over these periods. Prices for your dates of travel may vary- please contact iExplore for an exact quote. Quoted prices are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes as of August, 2009. iExplore reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes received after prices are published, and to reflect fluctuations in foriegn exchange rates. iExplore is under no obligation to give breakdown costs involved in any package. Inclusions:
· Airport transfers upon arrival and departure in Lima and Cusco
· Privately guided sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary
· 1 night accommodation Casa Andina Private Collection, Lima
· 2 night accommodation at Sol y Luna
· 1 night at Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
· 2 nights accommodation at Casa Andina Private Collection,Cusco
· Meals mentioned on the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
· Private City tour in Cusco including tourist tickets
· Entrance fees
· Services of local English-speaking guides for sightseeing as indicated
· Tourist class train ticket from: Ollanta-Aguas Calientes-Cusco (trains terminating in Ollanta provide shuttle transfer to Cusco) Exclusions:
· International airfare, airport and departure taxes
· Departure taxes
· Domestic air: Lima-Cusco-Lima
· Telephone, drinks and items of a personal nature
· Any item not listed as an inclusion
· Travel Insurance
· Visa Fees (if required)
· Holiday surcharges
· Travel insurance
· Gratuities Train regulations:
1. On boarding, an ID (identification) and the train ticket will be required. A photocopy of the passport or other ID is accepted. If the passengers will overnight in the Machu Picchu area, they must take the original passport or ID, along with the Andean Immigration Card, so that the hotel may exonerate the sales tax of the overnight. The Andean Immigration Card is handed by the plane crew upon arrival in Peru.
2. Only carry-on or backpacks will be allowed with the following characteristics:
* Not more than 5 kilos or 11 pounds.
* Not more than 62 inches (157 centimetres) height x length x width
3. Backpacks or carry-on will go with the passenger, and by no means should block the access gates or the corridors. It is suggested that for the full day tours, passengers should carry only a waist bag or a simple hand bag, for personal belongings, using backpacks or carry on only if they will overnight in Machu Picchu.
These trips are priced assuming two travelers. Surcharges for solo travelers and discounts for groups, if any, will be applied. Prices assume itinerary is purchased "as is". Minor changes to hotels or hotel add-ons to the beginning or the end of the existing itinerary can be made at no extra charge. Any customization requiring us to start with a new base itinerary will require a non-refundable upfront planning fee of $250 that is creditable towards the final trip price.
Group Discounts
The more people you bring on your next iExplore adventure, the more you save. Learn how with iExplore Group Discounts.
All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.
Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
