Peru Explorer

Day 1 - Welcome to Lima
Check in to deluxe Casa Andina Select Hotel, a brand-new retreat ideally located in the lively Miraflores district close to some of Lima’s best dining and shopping venues!

Day 2 - Colonial treasures and pre-Columbian artifacts
Day 2 – Colonial treasures and pre-Columbian artifacts The Spanish colonial mansions and churches of historic Lima#WHS# and the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores make the capital a study in contrasts. Gather with your intimate band of fellow travelers this morning and join your engaging Trip Leader to explore both facets of the city. Drive through some of Lima’s most vibrant neighborhoods and into the historic heart of town to see the city’s architectural highlights. Your tour includes historic San Francisco Church and the Larco Herrera Museum, located in a lovely Vice Royal’s mansion of the 18th century. The extensive pre-Columbian collection of this world-famous museum, including ancient gold and silver objects, offers an excellent introduction to the history and cultures you’ll explore throughout your journey. Meals B

Day 3 - Into the Sacred Valley of the Inca
Transfer to the airport early this morning for your flight to Cuzco, the ancient capital of the once vast and mighty Inca Empire. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by Ana Maria, our resident expert on the ancient Inca and contemporary Peruvian traditions. Journey with her into the Sacred Valley to visit the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary, dedicated to the rescue and preservation of endangered Andean wildlife. At Awanacancha, you will see llamas, alpacas and vicuñas, and learn about ancient weaving techniques still in use today throughout the timeless villages of this peaceful valley. Explore the colorful market in Pisac where mountain villagers come from afar to sell their goods. It’s an excellent place to shop for sweaters, rugs, handcarved musical instruments and ceramics. Then sit down to a hearty lunch of Andean fare before checking in to the Casa Andina Private Collection Hotel.

With little ambient light, the remote Sacred Valley is a great place to star gaze. Tonight, head over to your resort’s on-site planetarium and observatory to marvel at the constellations of the Southern Sky. Meals B,L

Day 4 - Explore the Sacred Valley with Ana Maria
This morning, you’ll ascend with Ana Maria to the fortress of Ollantaytambo, Inca-built with enormous stones and so strategically positioned that it was successfully defended against the Spanish in 1537. This is one of the most significant Inca sites in Peru, and its location in a narrow mountain valley framed by rugged peaks is truly breathtaking. Then stop by a neighborhood chicheria (a Peruvian pub) to learn about chicha, an Andean beverage distilled from corn. Next up is a visit to the ceramic studio of Pablo and Marilu Seminario – creative artisans who have devoted more than 20 years to the study of Pre-Columbian pottery techniques and designs, incorporating these ancient traditions into their own contemporary works. Tonight, by special arrangement, you’ll witness a Pago a la Tierra – a Tribute to the Earth – performed by a local Andean shaman Meals B,L

Day 5 - By rail to Machu Picchu
A two-day visit to Machu Picchu#WHS# begins with an unforgettable rail journey through the Urubamba River Valley past snow-capped Andean peaks, quiet villages and terraced fields. Explore the mountaintop citadel as your expert guide illuminates the history, glory and amazing architectural achievements of the ancient Inca Empire. Overnight at the Hatuchay Tower Hotel in the charming town of Aguas Calientes, nestled at the base of Machu Picchu. Meals B,L,D

Day 6 - Morning at Machu Picchu and back to Cuzco by train
This morning, you can stroll on your own through the inviting galleries and cafes of Aguas Calientes. Or if you prefer, we’ve included your transportation and entry tickets so you can ascend again to explore Machu Picchu at your own pace. It’s a truly unforgettable and powerful experience to witness the first light of morning upon this ancient city… before the day visitors arrive from Cuzco! But caution is required as the paths and stones can be slippery with morning dew. Then journey back through the Sacred Valley aboard the afternoon train. Step off in Ollantaytambo and travel to Chincheros, a high-mountain town known for its skilled weavers and finely crafted textiles. Continue to Cuzco and check in to the charming Picoaga Hotel, set in an historic 17th-century mansion just steps away from the town’s historic Plaza. Meals B,D

Day 7 - Out and about in Cuzco #WHS#
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a free morning to relax or explore as you wish. In the afternoon, rejoin your guide and ascend into the hills outside of town to Sacsayhuaman - where you’ll have panoramic views over the terra cotta roof tops of Cuzco and the mountain peaks beyond; this celebrated Incan site was built from massive limestone blocks, cut with such precision that they fit together perfectly like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Back in the city, you’ll visit the Almudena Cemetery; here, at this seemingly quotidian site, your guide offers fascinating insight into how ancient traditions – many dating back to Inca times – still endure in the life of local residents.

Next up is our specially-arranged visit to a local child care center that provides shelter, food and clothing for young children. We encourage you to bring supplies and donations. This experience is an opportunity to “Make a Difference” here in Peru and is one which you will always cherish. Continue to the historic heart of Cuzco and explore the city’s splendidly preserved ancient and Colonial-era landmarks, including the Temple of the Sun and the impressive Cathedral. Meals B,L

Day 8 - Enriching exploration off the beaten path
This morning, your Trip Leader will accompany your Small Group to Urcos. Rarely visited by tourists, this remote Andean town promises an authentic look into the life, culture and traditions of Peru. Strategically located close to a mountain road that leads into the Peruvian Amazon, this town is a meeting point for highland and jungle communities. Its lively Sunday market is filled with Andean villages and rainforest peoples who come here to barter their goods. Then visit San Pedro de Andahuaylillas, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.” This simple adobe church, adorned with breathtaking paintings, murals and gilded carvings, is one of the finest examples of Colonial art on the continent. Tonight, we’ve arranged for a memorable farewell dinner at Incanto, a restaurant celebrated for its wonderful food and Andean music. Meals B,D

Day 9 - Return to the capital
Fly to Lima and transfer to the Casa Andina Select Hotel, where you’ll have a day-use room. Our tour services end upon your late afternoon check out. Meals B

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
6/10/2012 - 6/19/2012	$2,699
7/15/2012 - 7/24/2012	$2,699
8/19/2012 - 8/28/2012	$2,699
9/16/2012 - 9/25/2012	$2,699
10/14/2012 - 10/23/2012	$2,699
11/11/2012 - 11/20/2012	$2,699
1/13/2013 - 1/22/2013	$2,799
2/10/2013 - 2/19/2013	$2,599
3/10/2013 - 3/19/2013	$2,799
4/14/2013 - 4/23/2013	$2,799
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Ratings & Reviews:

This tour has no reviews yet. Have you experienced this tour? Write a review.

Related Travel Articles

• Travel Improves Your Health
• Quito : Gateway to the Galapagos
• Costa Rica and Panama Ecotourism
• Places to Visit in Brazil
• Places to Visit in Chile
• About Trafalgar Tours
• Independent Travel Simplified :: Globus Monograms
• PERSONALIZE YOUR HONEYMOON - STRESS-FREE - WITH MONOGRAMS
• MAKING THE MOST OF A “MINI”: PACK FUN INTO QUICK GETAWAYS WITH MONOGRAMS
• Independent Vacation 2010 Prices Down 10 Percent Worldwide
• Spectacular South America
• CLIA's World's Largest Cruise Night
• Family Tour Vacations
• Spectacular South America
• First Time Around Cape Horn
• France Family Tours
• Places to Travel in October
• Where Can Globus Take you in 2012