Upon arrival to the Lima Airport, you will be met by a local representative who will assist you on a private transfer to your hotel.  You will check in and have the remainder of the day free to relax from your travels.

Hilton Miraflores, Lima, Peru – 2 nights

Today, you’ll join our engaging expert guide to explore the colorful neighborhoods, vibrant city life, and splendid Colonial-era landmarks of the capital. Discover the handsome Colonial architecture of downtown Lima. Stand in Plaza Mayor and admire the Cathedral; the Archbishop’s Palace and the historic Church and Convent of San Francisco.

Next up is the highly regarded Larco Museum; renowned for its superb collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, this expertly guided visit is the perfect introduction to the many Inca sites you’ll explore in the coming days.

Cap off your sightseeing with a guided stroll through Barranco, a charming city neighborhood that has attracted writers and artists since the early 20th century. Today, it remains a vibrant cultural enclave with thriving studios, galleries and cafes.

This evening, enjoy a tasty welcome dinner with wine included at a local restaurant. (B, D)

After an early breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the airport for your included flight to Cuzco, the ancient capital of the once vast and mighty Inca Empire.

On arrival in this high-mountain city, you’ll meet your guide, an expert on the ancient Inca and contemporary Peruvian traditions. Journey down into the Sacred Valley to visit the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary, dedicated to the rescue and preservation of indigenous Andean wildlife including condors, macaws, parrots and even wild cats like the puma.

Then visit Manos de la Comunidad. With a mission to preserve the traditional textile arts of the region, you’ll meet native weavers from these different communities as they create beautiful textiles using techniques that have been passed down for generations. You’ll also see the indigenous camelids that are the source for the wool that is used for weaving: Alpacas have thick wool that is ideal for sweaters and blankets while vicunas are small and delicate creatures with very fine wool; Llamas and guanacos also roam around the area.

Continue to the captivating town of Pisac. Set in the shadow of a spectacular mountaintop Inca fortress, you’ll discover a colorful market town that draws far-away villagers and international visitors alike.

Later continue to the enchanting Aranwa Sacred Valley Resort, beautifully situated on the riverside grounds of a 17th -century colonial hacienda. (B, L)

Aranwa Hotel & Wellness Resort, Urubamba – 2 nights

This morning, by special arrangement, witness a Pago a la Tierra – a Tribute to the Earth – performed by a local Andean shaman. 

Then ascend to the monumental 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. In the shadow of the ancient fortress, the ancient community of Ollantaytambo provides vivid illustration of Inca urban planning.

Your guided walk also takes you into a neighborhood chicheria (a Peruvian pub) to learn about chicha, an Andean beverage distilled from corn. Sample a glass of this refreshing ancient purple drink!

End your day at 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. (B, L)

Your visit to Machu Picchu begins with an unforgettable rail journey on the Vistadome Rail through the Urubamba River Valley, a timeless region of snow-capped Andean peaks, quiet villages and terraced fields that have been cultivated for centuries.

On arrival in the beguiling town of Aguas Calientes, you’ll board a coach for the 20-minute ride up the switchback mountain road that brings you to the entrance to Machu Picchu. The fabled Lost City is certainly the single greatest landmark in Peru – and perhaps all of South America. Indeed, little can be written here that would do justice to the breathtaking grandeur of its mountain setting, the enigmatic power and aura that so permeate this ancient citadel, and the unforgettable experience of standing among these ancient stones. Accompanied by your guide, your visit will bring to life the ancient Inca civilization that built Machu Picchu.

Sumaq Hotel, Aguas Calientes Meals B+L+D

This morning, we’ve included your transportation and entry ticket so you can ascend again to explore Machu Picchu at your own pace. At this early hour, the day-visitors from Cuzco and the Sacred Valley have yet to arrive… With fewer people and the softer light of morning just breaking over the mountain peaks, an early-morning visit to Machu Picchu is one of the most memorable travel experiences you will ever have.

This afternoon, make the return rail journey on the Vistadome through the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival, continue to Cuzco where you’re escorted to the hotel.(B, D)

Aranwa Boutique Hotel, Cuzco – 2 nights 

Join your guide today and ascend to the magnificent ruins of Sacsayhuaman. Built in the 1400’s by the Inca Emperor Pachacútec, the massive limestone blocks of this venerated complex were cut with such precision that they fit together without mortar like the interlocking pieces of a jigsaw puzzle!

Back in town, you’ll visit the San Pedro Market and Almudena Cemetery; here your guide will offer fascinating cultural perspectives and personal insights into how ancient traditions – many dating back to Inca times – still endure in the life of local citizens.

At the Temple of the Sun and Convent of Santo Domingo, you’ll discover one of Peru’s most architecturally fascinating sites. It also demonstrates the rich layering of history here in Cuzco, where a sacred structure of one culture, the Convent, literally sits atop and practically encloses another, the Inca-built Temple of the Sun!

End your touring with the Cathedral and the other handsome Colonial-era landmarks that line the Plaza de Armas. (B)

At the appointed time after breakfast, you will be met and transferred to the Cuzco airport for your included early flight to Lima.

Upon arrival, you will be met and have the enjoyable opportunity of a cooking class in Lima. During this experience, you will visit the market and learn how to make some local foods.

After the class a Day Room has been included while waiting to be transferred to the airport to connect to your Evening onward flight back to the U.S. (B)
(Evening US flight not included) 

Those taking the Post Package to Lake Titicaca will not return to Lima with the Group

Upon arrival to the Lima Airport, you will be met by a local representative who will assist you on a private transfer to your hotel (flight not included). You will check in and have the remainder of the day free to relax from your travels.

Hilton Miraflores

Travel overland with your private car and guide through the arid and captivating coastal landscapes to Paracas.

Then take to the skies in a small plane for a birds-eye view of the Nazca Lines, one of the world’s most intriguing and enduring mysteries. Etched into the dry Earth below and enduring for nearly 1,500 years, these enormous line drawings cover the arid plain below you. Among the enigmatic glyphs that will capture your attention and fire your imagination are a spider, condor, fish and monkey.

Back on the ground, you’ll check in to the stylish Hotel Paracas Luxury Collection – our inviting resort overlooking the Bay of Paracas. (B)

Libertador Hotel Paracas.

After checking out from your resort, you’ll embark on a sightseeing expedition off the Pacific Coast.

Reaching the rugged Ballestas Islands, part of Peru’s largest coastal wildlife sanctuary, your boat will navigate around the islands rocky shoreline, punctuated by arches and caves. As sea conditions permit, we should be able to get close enough to observe the islands’ inhabitants – including raucous herds of sea lions and a variety of indigenous birds including Guanay cormorants, Peruvian boobies, and enormous colonies of Peruvian pelicans. Humboldt penguins can also be spied in these waters.

As we make our way back to the mainland, be on the lookout for a huge 3-pronged geoglyph that stretches close to 500 feet long and more than 150 feet wide. Etched into an arid hill facing the Pacific, its origins are still debated; some link it to the Nazca Lines while others propose that it may have served as a navigational guide for ancient sailors. In the afternoon, journey back in your private car to Lima and check in to your Group Hotel for the evening. B

Double Rate $1950 per person
Single Rate $3474

After breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the airport for your included flight to Puno, a bustling town along the northwestern shores of Lake Titicaca.

Upon arrival, you’ll visit the remarkable towers of Sillustani that dot the rolling hills of the Lake Umayo peninsula. Erected by an ancient warlike people that pre-dated the Inca here in the region, these cylindrical structures, some reaching heights of more than 30 feet, were used as burial towers for entire noble families, along with food and belongings that would be needed for the journey into the next world.

After sightseeing, check in to your lakeview room at Puno’s best hotel, GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca -set on a remote peninsula surrounded by the blue waters of Lake Titicaca. (B)

GHL Lago Titicaca – 2 Nights

Lake Titicaca is one of the highest lakes in the world and the largest in South America. Its beauty is breathtaking to behold and its sacred waters have been revered since pre-Inca times. Titicaca is perhaps best known for its amazing floating islands – made of Totora reeds and home to small but vibrant communities of the Uros people.

This morning, you’ll set out with our expert guide on a boat shared with other guests to cross the waters and step ashore on these remarkable manmade structures. As you learn firsthand about their construction and maintenance, and the secrets behind their buoyancy, you’ll also gain insight into the history, traditions and daily of the Uros. You’ll also visit Taquile Island, famed for ancient agricultural terraces that climb the hillside from the lakeshore; its residents still speak the language of the Inca and weave beautiful textiles using techniques that have changed little over the centuries. Bring cash to shop the local artisan crafts and textiles! (B, L)

At the appointed time after breakfast, you will be met and transferred to the Juliaca airport for your included flight to Lima. Here you will connect to your onward flight back to the U.S. (international flight not included) (B)

Double Rate $1585 per person
Single Rate $2133