Day 1: Lima
Arrive at the airport in Lima, & transfer to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 2: Lima
The day begins with a visit to the Historic Centre of Lima. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the San Francisco Convent, Church, & Catacombs, which feature exposed remains of the dead. Take a stroll through Plaza Mayor, known as the founding site of Lima. Enjoy visiting the Cathedral of Lima, the Government Palace, & other famous buildings situated on the outskirts of the Plaza. Other highlights within the Centre include Plaza San Martin. Afterward, discover the natural beauty of Olive Park, & see what the street vendors have on display today in Kennedy Park.
Day 3: Lima – Cusco
Transfer to the airport in the morning, & board flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, you’ll have the opportunity to try the South American specialty “mate de coca.” This herbal tea is popular in highly elevated regions such as Cusco, & is known to aid in illness prevention. Later today, see the remains of Qorikancha, the temple built in honor of the Incan Sun God. Visit Sacsayhuaman, an Incan fortress made of dry stone. Take a walk to the Temple of Thunder, which sits above the city of Cusco, & visit the maze patterned Qenqo Temple. Other highlights include Puka Pukara & Tambomachay, home to the baths of eternal youth.
Day 4: Cusco – Sacred Valley of the Incas – Machu Picchu
Hop on the bus for a trip to explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The first stop is on the top of Kuntur Orqo Mountain, home to the Pisaq village. Enjoy browsing through the town’s market, which features locally handmade goods, fresh fruits & vegetables, & more. Next, enjoy lunch in the village of Urubamba, the true heartland of maize. Afterward, the bus heads for Ollantaytambo, a famous archaeological site featuring an excellent display of Inca architecture. At the end of the Sacred Valley tour, enjoy a walk to the railway station in the town of Ollantaytambo, & board the train to the town of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Explore the town at leisure, or visit the natural hot springs for the ultimate relaxation experience.
Day 5: Machu Picchu – Cusco
Discover one of the most fascinating sites in all of South America, the Machu Picchu archaeological site. In the morning, journey to the top of the mountain by bus. Visit & learn about the site’s main features, including the Temple of the Condor, the Funerary Rock, & the Intihuatana, a monument the Inca’s used to calculate time. Afterward, return to the town of Machu Picchu for lunch. This afternoon, head for the railway station, & board the return train to Cusco. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel, & enjoy an overnight stay.
Day 6: Cusco – Lima – USA
In the morning, transfer to the airport & board flight to Lima. Upon arrival, board return flight home.