Itinerary:

 

DAY 1: Arrive Lima

This afternoon, we meet our guide and head out to historic downtown Lima. Known as “the City of the Kings,” this UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 16th century and the city’s history is richly portrayed in the remnants of the Spanish colonial extravagance. Later in the evening, we will gather again for a Welcome Dinner.

 

Overnight in Lima: Dazzler Lima

Meals Included: Dinner

 

DAYS 2 & 3: Lima / Cuzco

This morning we will explore one of Lima’s vibrant and symbolic markets. Peru’s cuisine, abundant with local ingredients and influences from the indigenous and many immigrant cultures, is highlighted during a cooking demonstration by a local chef who will prepare for us a delicious lunch of signature Peruvian dishes. After lunch, we will depart on our domestic flight to Cuzco. Located in a high Andes valley at an impressive 11,150 feet above sea level, our first night in Cuzco is at leisure to relax and adjust to the altitude. 

 

The next morning, our guide will help us discover this unique city - the capital of the Inca Empire and center of indigenous Quechua culture in the Andes - before visiting the surrounding ruins of the Sacsayhuaman Fortress. Built of enormous stone blocks expertly shaped by the Incas and strategically located on a hilltop overlooking Cuzco, the view of the city is spectacular.

 

In the evenings, our hotel is ideally located in the historic center with a variety of restaurants and sights an easy stroll away.

 

Overnights in Cuzco: El Mercado Tunqui

Meals Included: Breakfast (Day 2&3), Lunch (Day 2) 

 

DAYS 4 & 5: Cuzco / Sacred Valley

Our next two days are spent in the heart of the impressively scenic Sacred Valley of the Incas. The remnants of the Incan’s innovation is ever present in the small towns of Pisac and Ollantaytambo where Incan agricultural terraces and finely worked stone walls are still in use today. Pisac’s traditional artisan market is filled with wares wrought in alpaca wool, silver, and ceramic.

 

The next day we journey to the Urumba Valley. Here, the Misminay community subsists off the land more than 12,000 feet above sea level with traditions and techniques unchanged for centuries. We will be welcomed into their daily life and may even be asked to help with the plowing or participate in an offering to the earth mother, who is so vital to this community’s existence. An experience like no other, after sharing a traditional lunch prepared by this community, we will return to the hotel feeling as if we traveled years, not miles. 

 

We spend our nights in the Sacred Valley at a converted 18th century monastery surrounded by beautiful gardens. A perfect place to relax and reflect on our days.

 

Overnights in the Sacred Valley: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay

Meals Included: Breakfast (Day 4&5), Lunch (Day 4&5), Dinner (Day 4)

 

DAY 6: Machu Picchu

No adventure to Peru would be complete without experiencing the remarkable Machu Picchu. The 15th century Inca city, now a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site, still has experts puzzled and awed by its construction and purpose. Theories of its use as a royal retreat or a spiritual site are among the many ideas of why such an incredible development would have been built atop a mountain ridge. We depart early by train and bus to the archeological site to spend the day discovering this New Seventh Wonder of the World with our expert local guide and ponder on its majesty.

 

We enjoy a final dinner together of Novoandean and international cuisine at the hotel’s exquisite Inkafé Restaurant.

 

Overnight in the Sacred Valley: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

DAY 7: Cuzco / Lima /Home ~OR~ Optional Extension: Peruvian Amazon

After breakfast, we return to Cuzco for our flight to Lima to connect with your return flights home.

 

Meals Included: Breakfast