Essence of Peru Tour
Day 1: Arrival in Lima
Upon arriving in the city of Lima, you will be welcomed by one of our representatives, who will give you a brief introduction to the city and to our services while en route to the hotel. You will have the afternoon free. Overnight at selected Hotel Day 2: Lima City tour At the scheduled time, we will pick you up at the hotel to begin a tour of the city's main avenues, boulevards, and squares. The tour will begin with an exploration of Colonial Lima. First, we will stop off at the Main Square, to get a chance to explore the square on foot and admire the exteriors of the Government Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, and the City Hall, all examples of Lima's still-present colonial architectural opulence. Next, we will make our way to Santo Domingo Convent a religious and architectural gem that houses holy paintings, images, and relics of Peruvian saints, as well as written accounts of the endeavors of the Dominican Order across the country. Then, we will visit Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion that currently holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited private residence in the Southern Hemisphere. Afterwards, we will visit to the Bohemian neighborhood of Barranco, an area called home by countless artists, photographers, and authors. Walk along peculiar streets lined with Republican houses, admire the splendid views, and visit the Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs), witness to untold numbers of past and present romances, and source of inspiration for one of Peru's great composers, Chabuca Granda. B Day 3: Arrival in Cusco and transfer to the Sacred Valley Transfer from the hotel to the airport. Upon arrival in Cusco, we will continue the trip toward Awanacancha. Here, we will learn about the various types of camelids (Llamas, Alpacas, Vicuñas, and Guanacos) that live in the Andes region. Additionally, the local villagers will teach you about the ancestral methods and techniques used to produce their textile art. A few miles farther along, we will reach Pisac, a beautiful place where Incan and Colonial influences have reached a perfect balance and created the unique way of life of the local inhabitants. We will get a chance to explore this quaint town, famous for its artisan markets where we can find extraordinarily fine jewelry and ceramic and textile craftwork. Before going back to our hotel we will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Overnight at selected hotel B,L Day 4: From the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu This morning, we will continue the trip toward the archaeological site of Moray. Used as an agricultural testing ground, the site's system of circular terraces descends 490 feet (150m) from where we will stand, serving as a perfect testament to the level of advancement achieved by the Incas, who excelled at building masterful constructions in harmony with nature. The journey will continue until we reach the Salt Pans of Maras. The sight of this still-operating salt mine, in use since Incan times, will amaze you the stark white of the steeply descending salt pans juxtaposed against the green of the surrounding mountain slopes. Then, we will have lunch in a local restaurant. Finally, we will visit one of the last remaining Incan towns, Ollantaytambo, which was once fiercely guarded by a massive fortress. We will discover the large archaeological complex of what used to serve as a wayside inn for royal delegations on long journeys. Surviving structures here include multiple walls and towers that were used to protect the citadel from possible invasions, You will be dropped at the train station of this town and board the train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu. Arrival, meeting service and walking assistance to the hotel Overnight at selected hotel B,L,D Day 5: Machu Picchu to Cusco Early in the morning, we will take a bus that will drop us at the admission fee to the citadel of Machu Picchu itself. Unearthed for modernity by Hiram Bingham more than a century ago, Machu Picchu is considered one of the seven wonders of the world. Its architectural beauty, spectacular natural setting, and the energy that radiates from its enigmatic buildings will take your breath away. We will follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas as we take a tour of the magical citadel led by one of our guides. We will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch Finally, we will return to the Aguas Calientes train station and catch the Vistadome train back to Cusco. Upon arrival, private transfer to the selected hotel. BL |
Day 6 - Cusco city tour
Today we will discover the picturesque neighborhood of San Blas, home to many renowned artists. We, will discover the San Blas Church, built in 1563 on top of an Inca Sanctuary. Then, we will walk through Hatun Rumiyoq, a narrow Inca Street famous for its precise assembly of large stones believed to be the palace of the sixth Inca king, Inca Roca. Admire one well-known stone in particular that has twelve perfectly fitted angles. Afterward, explore the San Pedro Market, Cusco’s main street market, inundated with aromas, tastes, sights, and colors of the local products of the Cusco region. Next, visit the Qoricancha (which means room of gold in Quechua), a temple dedicated to the Sun god. Legend has it that its inner walls were once completely lined with gold. Finally, will head to Cusco Cathedral to discover the mysteries of it and admire its lovely atria and priceless 17th and 18th century paintings of the Cusco school. Day 7: Flight Cusco – Lima At the scheduled departure time, you will be met by the transport service and escorted to the airport or station, as needed. Sample 2021 rate per person, double occupancy with 2 people: US$1893 (can quote with more people) with the following 3* hotels: Lima - Britania Crystal Collection Room Type: Standard Valle Sagrado - Hatun Valley Room Type: Standard Machu Picchu - El Mapi Hotel Room Type: Superior Deluxe Cusco - Abittare Room Type: Superior Can quote with 3*-5* hotels and can add on an Amazon extension or make other changes Prices include:
Not included:
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