Heart of the Inca Empire

Upon arrival, reception and transfer to your selected hotel, located in the city’s exclusive residential district of Miraflores, for a 2 nights stay. Founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, this “City of Kings” is a blend of colonial structures, pre-Colombian sites and modern conveniences. It’s also one of the world’s premier culinary cities, with a cuisine that reflects its people’s varied origins and traditions. (None)

This morning explore the pre-Hispanic, colonial and modern highlights of Lima, visiting Huaca Pucllana or Huaca Huallamarca, pre-Colombian sites; the Plaza Mayor, which is the birthplace of the city of Lima, the beautiful Cathedral, built in the 16th century; and the masterpiece of San Francisco Monastery. Spend time exploring the Larco Museum, one of the city’s best museums for pre-Columbian artifacts. (Breakfast)

Morning flight to Cusco, one-time capital of the Incan Empire, set high in the Andes mountains. Upon arrival, transfer to the Sacred Valley of the Incas with a wealth of Inca sites and great natural beauty. En route, visit the indigenous market at Pisac. Spend rest of the afternoon at leisure, taking time to acclimatize. Stay 2 nights at selected hotel. (Breakfast)

Spend the day visiting Inca-era sites such as Chinchero, an authentic market town known for its colourful woven textiles. Continue to the Maras salt pans, terraces of dazzling white salt still harvested in exactly the same way since the time of the Incas. Head to the Moray ruins, stone depressions believed to be an agricultural laboratory. Wander around its huge earthen bowl learning about the different microclimates and ancient crop variations. (Breakfast)

In the morning discover the secrets of the Incas at Ollantaytambo, originally a massive fortress settlement and an astounding feat of construction and ingenuity. The present town follows the original grid system and evidence of the ancient structure still remains. After the tour, board the afternoon train service for a splendid journey to Machu Picchu,  one of the world’s great travel experiences. Overlooking the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century at the height of the Inca Empire. Although this “Lost City” was revealed to the rest of the world by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911, its location was long known to locals. Its original purpose, however, remains a matter of some conjecture, as the Incas left no written records. Explore the ruins with your expert local guide and, as you wander amid the age-old stone walls, picture life as it might have been in this majestic citadel, set some 8,000 feet above sea level. Stay for 1 night at selected hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo (former Aguas Calientes). (Breakfast)

Rise early and choose between three guided hikes: the Inti Punku, or Sun Gate, entry point to Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail; the Huayna Picchu, a high peak affording excellent views of the ruins; or Machu Picchu Mountain, offering unparalleled views of the famous Inca sanctuary. Then explore the city’s ruins, and feel its pulse as you visualize the lives of the priests, craftsmen and servants who inhabited this remote citadel. Overlooking the raging Urubamba River and discovered in a hidden tangle of vines and trees, the city of Machu Picchu will forever hold the secret of its purpose — the Incas left no written records. Later, return to Cusco on board the late afternoon train. Transfer to selected hotel for 2 nights. (Breakfast)

This morning or afternoon, discover Cusco on a city tour that includes the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and the Santo Domingo Temple, a Dominican church built on the foundations of the Koricancha, the Incas’ principal religious building. Listen as a local expert explains how the historic clashes between the Incas and the Spanish played a role in forming today’s Peruvian culture. Next, travel just outside of Cusco to behold the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, an enduring testament to Incan architectural skills. Examine its colossal stone blocks, cut and fitted together with incredible precision and without a single drop of mortar to hold them in place. This imposing fortress, which witnessed the greatest battle between the Spanish and the Incas, overlooks the red-tiled roofs of Cusco. (Breakfast)

Cross the altiplano by road to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca (approximately 10 hours including stops)*. Travel past small valley towns, cultivated terraces and high Andean peaks. There will be a chance to stop at archaeological sites along the way. Transfer to selected hotel for 2 nights stay. (Breakfast, Lunch)

*Un upgrade to luxury train service can be arranged at time of booking.

 

Explore shimmering blue Lake Titicaca by boat on a full day tour. At times the still waters seem to create a perfect mirror image of the majestic scenery. It’s a photographer’s paradise. At a surface elevation of nearly 4,000 metres, its waters are home to indigenous communities where life is conducted as it has been for centuries. Visit the floating Island of Uros, cleverly made of tightly woven reeds. Learn how its people build their homes and live a traditional way of life. Then visit Taquile Island, where a hike will reward you with views over the blue waters. (Breakfast, Lunch)

 

Morning visit to the Sillustani graves en route to the airport. Afternoon flight to Lima and international connection back home. End of services. (Breakfast)