A Taste of the Inca Empire Peru

A Taste of the Inca Empire Peru

price from $1,526

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT TOUR

The breathtaking Inca city of Machu Picchu was built atop the Andes mountains in Peru. Historians believe Machu Pichu was built at the height of the Inca Empire as an estate for the Inca Emperor Pachacuti (1438-1472). Over 1.2 million tourists visit Machu Picchu each year.

Situated above the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu has wet and dry seasons with the majority of rain falling between October and April with a varying climate with its mountain peaks showing low temperatures and the lower areas milder climate.

Click on the Pricing and Schedule Tabs for Tour Information

Price Includes:

  • Domestic Airfare within Peru
  • Motorcoach with air-conditioning
  • Local Guides
  • Group Transfers
  • Hotel Accommodations that are conveniently located
  • Meals-daily – Breakfast plus two Lunches and one Dinner
  • Culinary Lessons
  • Sightseeing as outlined (includes admission charges)
  • Service charges and hotel taxes

Not Included:

  • International Airfare
  • Excess baggage fees
  • All Items of a Personal Nature
  • Meals – not included in the outline
  • Gratuities for the motorcoach driver
  • Gratuities for the tour director
  • Gratuities for the local guides
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TOUR SCHEDULE

Day 1 – Board your flight to Lima, Peru

Day 2 – Lima
Welcome to Lima! Upon clearing customs meet your Tour Director and transfer as a group to your hotel in Miraflores.
Our day starts with a visit to a typical Peruvian market where your group will find a wide variety of Peruvian products and unique fruits. Afterwards, visit the exclusive restaurant La Rosa Nautica where your group will prepare two authentic Peruvian delights – ceviche and pisco sour. In the afternoon, we experience a guided sightseeing tour of the city. (B)

Day 3 – Lima
After breakfast at the hotel, we visit a local roastery, where they hand-pick the coffee beans daily, for an organic Peruvian coffee. Afterwards, we visit a restaurant where your group will participate in the preparation of traditional deserts and different types of pisco sours. This is followed by lunch at Huaca Pucllana, a restaurant within a pre-Incan archeological complex – undoubtedly a highlight of tourism in Lima. The last stop is the Magical Water Circuit where your group will enjoy a wonderful display of water, light, music and images. (B)(L)

Day 4 – Lima – Arequipa
After breakfast at your hotel, board a flight to Arequipa, known as the “White City” for its buildings made of sillar, a white volcanic rock. Upon your group’s arrival in Arequipa you have the rest of the morning to explore this historical city. In the afternoon, we start with a culinary class at a local restaurant followed by a city tour which includes the Santa Catalina Convent, the Plaza de Armas, the Jesuit Church of La Compañía and its beautifully-painted Chapel, the Church of San Francisco. (B)

Day 5 – Arequipa – Cusco – Sacred Valley
After breakfast at your hotel, fly to Cusco high in the Andes and upon arrival, descend into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Stop at AWANAKANCHA and learn about the importance of Camelids (llama, vicuña, alpaca, and guanaco) for Inca cultures. See them up close and learn how their coats are transformed into precious weaving fibers used in ancient weaving techniques still in use today. (B)

Day 6 Sacred Valley
Start the day with a visit to the village of OLLANTAYTAMBO and the Inca ruins of the same name. Explore the archaeological site that was the scene of the Inca resistance during the Spanish conquest—the only place ever to resist Spanish attacks. See how the temple area at the top of the terraces was the perfect defensive stronghold, then visit a LOCAL HOME in this Incan town to experience life in a traditional village, which has been remarkably well preserved. Continue to PISAC, a charming village with an infamous INDIAN MARKET, where you have plenty of time to browse the many colorful stalls selling handicrafts ranging from alpaca sweaters and blankets to painted vases and sterling silver. Transfer to a local restaurant where your group will participate in a cooking class. (B)(L)

Day 7 – Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu (Huayna Picchu)
Board the VISTADOME train that cuts a path through the picturesque Urubamba Valley bound for Aguas Calientes, the quaint town closest to the “Lost City of the Incas.” Ascend the mountainside through tropical forest to the sacred refuge of MACHU PICCHU. Listen as your guide recounts the many accomplishments of the Incas as you tour the terraced ruins dating back to the 15th century. The ruins went undiscovered for nearly 400 years after they were abandoned when the Inca Empire fell to the Spanish. Many mysteries surrounding Machu Picchu remain to this day. (B)

Day 8 – Cusco – Lima
After breakfast at your hotel, fly to Lima This evening enjoy a dinner show at a local restaurant. (B)(D)

Day 9 – Lima
Group transfer to the airport for your flight back home. (B)