Welcome to Lima! Meet your Tour Director upon arrival.
Empire of the Andes
Fly to Cusco, the impressive Andean city that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Head into the Sacred Valley of the Incas where you stop to visit Awanakancha. See a pre-Columbian weaving demonstration, and llamas, alpacas, guanacos, and vicunas. Continue to Pisac, an old mountain village, where you will have free time to shop its famous market for local wares such as alpaca sweaters and blankets, jewellery, or hand-painted ornamental dishes and vases. Stay in the Sacred Valley tonight. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION At Awanakancha, meet local families who preserve the ancient technique of Pre-Columbian weaving using South American camelid fleece. This is your chance to get up close to the various camelids, including alpaca, llama, guanaco, and vicuna, indigenous to the region.
Mystery on the Mountain
Board a scenic train that travels through scenic Urubamba Valley. Upon arrival, ascend to legendary Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas," high above the steep valley overlaid with dense tropical jungle. Your Local Guide will bring you closer to the lives and mysteries still hidden in these amazing structures built by the Pre-Columbian masters of this sacred land. Later this afternoon, return to Cusco via train. Enjoy dinner at your hotel this evening. (B,D)
NOTE: 7-8 hours is spent in Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes region
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Machu Picchu - Found between the Peruvian Andes and the Amazon basin, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the most impressive Incan site from the Incan Empire. Discover this city that was abandoned in the 16th Century when the Spanish conquered the Incas, only to be rediscovered in 1911.
Monumental Stories
This morning, learn more about the Incas and their struggle against invading Spaniards on your Cusco city tour, with visits to the Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, Kenko Amphitheater, and the Temple of Sacsayhuaman. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORY & MYSTERY Visit the semi-circular Kenko Amphitheater with its stone altars and labyrinth of passages, and the Temple of Sacsayhuaman, perched on a hillside overlooking Cusco. It remains unfathomable how and when this fortress of gigantic stones-with some blocks weighing more than 350 tons-was built.
Sun Worship & Spanish Rule
Enjoy a free day before a farewell dinner this evening. (B,D)
FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE in Cusco with an optional walking tour that includes visits to the imposing Cathedral and the Inca Temple of the Sun, Koricancha, which became the Spaniards' Santo Domingo Monastery. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with My Account. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.
From Plaza to Palace
Fly to Lima today and begin your guided sightseeing. Start at the Plaza de Armas to see the Government Palace and the cathedral. From here, stroll to the venerable San Francisco Monastery. Free afternoon and evening. (B)
FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE in Lima with a visit to Larco Herrera Museum, which houses the largest private collection of Pre-Columbian Peruvian art in the world, followed by dinner at the museum's restaurant. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with My Account. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.
Hasta Luego, Lima Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)