PERU & ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS

Welcome to Lima, founded on January 18, 1535, by the Spanish Conqueror Francisco Pizarro. Dubbed the “City of Kings,” Lima is today a cosmopolitan city which blends the splendor of its colonial past with the modern era. Nestling on the banks of the Rimac River and the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Lima is home to the seat of government, the country’s most important institutions, and 1/3 of the country’s population. The day will be at leisure to explore museums with great works of art, city beaches, shop or enjoy the exquisite cuisine that gives Peru’s capital an authentic personality and makes tourism in Lima a unique experience in the country. (B)

After a buffet breakfast you will experience Lima, the City of the Kings, and the most important city of the Americas during colonial times. Take a walk around the Main Square, where you can find Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace and Metropolitan City Hall, beautiful buildings, all full of history and tradition. Then, you will go to the San Francisco Monastery, probably the most spectacular church of colonial Lima, housing the catacombs and a very fine museum of religious art from the XVII century. The tour then continues to the modern district of San Isidro, where you will appreciate Huaca Huallamarca, a pre Incan pyramid made out of adobe, and end up in the district of Miraflores, where you will observe the Pacific Ocean coast from the vast seafront. After some free time for lunch our Cultural Discovery Series will take you to visit one of Latin America’s most complete museums, the Larco Museum, with its unequaled private collection, called the Treasures of Ancient Peru; it inspires its visitors to discover, learn about, and enjoy the more than five thousand years of the history of ancient Peru. There are more than 45,000 ceramic artifacts on display, mostly from the Mochicas, which were compiled by Rafael Larco Hoyle, an important Peruvian archeologist and major collector. One of its most remarkable sections is the collection of so-called “erotic” pottery. This evening dinner is at a local restaurant in Lima. (B,D)

After a buffet breakfast you will head to Lima airport to board your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be transferred to your hotel. Welcome to Cusco known as the ‘Archaeological Capital of the Americas’. Cusco is a beautiful city of contrasts between the indigenous way of life and the modern western world. It is these contrasts that have given Cusco its rare beauty. In the afternoon get to know the city of Cusco, an UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and possessor of a style all its own. The tour begins at the Koricancha Temple, an old Inca palace and main center for the worship of the sun god, Inti. Once the Spanish conquered Peru, the Dominican order built a lovely church over this temple’s foundations: the church of Santo Domingo that is still there today. Your next destination is the Main Square, and then the adventure continues at the Sacsayhuaman Fortress built of enormous stone blocks expertly shaped by the Incas. It is strategically located at the top of a hill overlooking the city of Cuzco. What a view of the city! The tour continues with visits to three archaeological sites: Qenko, Puca-Pucara, and Tambomachay, important religious and administrative centers for the Incas. Next, take part in two of our Cultural Discovery Series. First, visit a chocolate museum and learn about the process of making chocolate from the organic Peruvian cacao beans. Later in the evening enjoy dinner and a folklore show at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Today is yours to explore Cusco, visit the local markets, drink in the atmosphere or take an optional tour - the Secrets of the Sacred Valley. You will travel deep into the Sacred Valley and to Moray. Moray is a fantastic place where circular and semi-circular agricultural terraces have been built into the top of a limestone hill overlooking the Urubamba Valley and were used by the Incas as a botanical laboratory. Apart from their agricultural function, some believe they have a mystical meaning that we have yet to unlock. Close at hand see the Colonial village of Maras, famed for its salt ponds where Maras salt - finest salt in the world is extracted. The area resembles a patchwork of terraces and ponds – it’s a photographers dream! Have you ever thought what Peruvian Village life is all about? Today you have the opportunity to see as you will visit the Andean community of Misminay where you will meet with townsfolk, who have preserved their ancient traditions and culture. The families live in small one or two room adobe houses, and they raise Guinea pigs, cows, and sheep and live off the land and off the grid! You can choose between helping them plow or harvest their crops, depending on the time of year. You can even take part in a ceremony that honors mother earth. See townsfolk spin and dye wool thread using natural dyes as well as weave fabric following their ancient techniques, and enjoy a once in a lifetime Peruvian cultural exchange and discussions. Here a delicious lunch will be prepared as a community event and served in the communal dining room. After lunch, you will then visit the local school to meet the pupils and teachers up-close, learn of the Peruvian rural education system. Due to scheduling. the school visit is not always possible. (B)

Awaiting you today is by far and away one of the high points in world travel: Machu Picchu. Enjoy a morning departure to the train station and board your train to Aguas Calientes. You will visit one of the seven new wonders of the world and an important source of energy: Machu Picchu. On the way you will enjoy an impressive view of Urubamba’s Sacred Valley. Once you arrive at Aguas Calientes, board the bus to the citadel. It will be an unforgettable experience. A professional guide will walk you through the intriguing story that envelopes this mystifying place. After the guided visit, you will have free time to explore at leisure, or simply relax and meditate. At the appropriate time, you will begin the descent to Aguas Calientes. After the visit, you will check into our hotel in Aguas Calientes. Dinner tonight will be served at the hotel. (B,D)

Why not experience every nook and cranny of this New 7th Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site on a second optional visit this time at sunrise. Standing on the top of a mountain range, being able to witness one of the world’s most ancient cities being illuminated by the sun’s rays, revealing an abundance of color and contrast, is a truly mystical experience. Whether your quest is spiritual or photographic, you’ll be awestruck with the impressive views. After breakfast, you will board the train back to Cusco, enjoying beautiful panoramic windows to make the most of the spectacular scenery and allow for fantastic photo opportunities. Upon arrival back to Cusco you will be transferred to your hotel. Check-in, relax or continue to explore the wonders of Cusco and their Inca influence. (B)

Today you have a day at leisure to explore the belly button of the Inca world-Cusco. Experience some of the country’s finest colonial and religious splendors, shop in its vibrant and colorful markets. (B)

Today we transfer to the airport for your international flight home. Due to flight schedules your return flight may arrive back to the USA on day 10. (B)