Andean Adventure by Private Car | Latin America Vacation

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Day 1 - LIMA

Upon arrival, reception and private transfer to your hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure.

The adventure begins with a bike tour and an intriguing mix of bygone art, history and architecture seasoned with a contemporary vibe as we ride the streets of trendy Miraflores and Barranco, two of Lima’s hottest districts. Bike amid beautiful houses where renowned writers, painters and musicians once lived. Roll past cultural centers, parks, shops, art galleries, workshops, cozy cafes and classic bars. Glimpse charming old houses and colonial mansions of great architectural value, as well as some of the best restaurants of the culinary capital of Latin America. No worries, we’ll enjoy a delicious snack in a traditional bar or café, as well as lovely buffet lunch at Mangos Restaurant. The afternoon tour via private car will focus on Lima’s colonial downtown. At the Main Square is the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, City Hall and the catholic cathedral, housing art that dates back to the 17th century. From the same era is the San Francisco church and monastery, our next stop. We end the tour at the richly historic Santo Domingo Monastery, where the remains of Peruvian saints Santa Rosa de Lima and San Martin de Porras lie. (B, L)

Day 3 - LIMA I CUSCO I SACRED VALLEY

Early morning transfer to the airport to board your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, we depart for the Sacred Valley. Today we tour the Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, starting in the archaeological ruins in the village of Pisac, 19 miles from Cusco, facing the Vilcanota River. The well-preserved fortresses, urban complexes, temples and Andean terraces built by the Incas here are an imposing and memorable sight. We also visit the colorful market of Pisac, a captivating blend of color, tradition and gorgeous displays of handicrafts and local products. After lunch at a local restaurant, we will continue the journey to Ollantaytambo, the most ancient continually occupied village of the American continent. Here we visit the fortress and several Inca structures before arriving at our hotel. (B,L)

Day 4 - SACRED VALLEY I WHITE WATER RIVER RAFTING

Early departure from the hotel and drive to the starting point in the Sacred River of the Incas also called “Vilcanota or Urubamba,” to begin our river rafting adventure. After a safety talk and instructions in the correct use of the equipment, we will practice in flat water. Then, off we go down the rapids, maneuvering waves and small whirlpools in an exhilarating yet very safe experience. After approximately two hours we’ll enjoy a traditional lunch prepared by local people, before heading back to the hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure. (B, L)

Day 5 - SACRED VALLEY

In the morning we drive to Mallukas Misminay, a small, traditional and welcoming village 11,500 ft. above sea level in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Here, you will enjoy interacting with the Indigenous families and taking part in some of their daily tasks, such as working the land or spinning and dyeing wool to make beautiful textiles in the timeless Andean manner. Then, begin a beautiful mountain bike adventure. Descend to the archaeological complex of Moray, where several circular terraced depressions were used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory. Continue the tour to Maras, with a break for a picnic lunch and an amazing view of the Andes. Back on our bikes, we begin the descent to the salt flats of Maras, where salt has been harvested for thousands of years. (B, Picnic)

Day 6 - SACRED VALLEY I MACHU PICCHU I AGUAS CALIENTES

We start the day by transferring to the train station for a beautiful train ride to Aguas Calientes. Here, we board a bus for a winding road trip unfolding stunning views from every zig and zag. Upon arrival, we visit the Machu Picchu archaeological site, an unforgettable journey through the history of the Inca civilization. Here you will fully comprehend why Machu Picchu was named a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and voted one of the New 7 Wonders of the World! You will also have free time to explore on your own, relax, or meditate. Later on, we will descend to Aguas Calientes for a lovely lunch at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)

Day 7 - MACHU PICCHU I CUSCO

In the morning, we depart for the citadel with a local guide for the climb to the top of Mount Huayna Picchu (8800 feet). Quechua for “Young Mountain”, Huayna Picchu is situated on the eastern side of the Central Cordillera. The trail is steep and there are several sections of stone staircases carved directly into the mountainside. In the afternoon, we’ll walk to the train station for the train to the Sacred Valley, or Cusco. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. (B)

Day 8 - CUSCO

This morning walking tour of Cusco, capital of the Incan Empire and celebrated for its fascinating blend of Incan and Spanish cultures. The tour begins at the Koricancha Temple, an Inca palace and main center for the worship of the sun god, Inti. Next, we head to the archaeological sites nearby. There, we mount horses and ride to Sacsayhuaman Fortress, built of massive stone blocks expertly shaped by Incan builders, brooding over the city from its strategic hilltop perch. After admiring the fantastic view, we ride to the Qenqo archaeological complex, enjoying the lovely countryside and learning a bit more about the intriguing Incan past. The ride continues to two other important religious archaeological centers, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. After bidding adios to our mounts, we return to the hotel by bus. (B)