Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival in Lima you are met by your a representative, who will assists you with your luggage and accompany you to your hotel located inside Lima International airport.
This morning you fly to Cusco, where you are immediately driven to the “Sacred Valley of the Incas”, a succession of picturesque Andean towns, agricultural terraces, and many archaeological sites, as well as the world’s most famous white corn cultivated for export. En route to the Sacred Valley you’ll visit Sacsayhuaman, which is the largest and most impressive of four archaeological ruins on the outskirts of Cusco. Built by the Incas, it served an important military function and was the site of a major battle with the Spanish in 1536. After exploring the ancient complex, you continue your immersion into the heart of Andean culture with a visit to the charming Amaru community. Straight from the hands of local craftspeople, you learn about textiles and the weaving process, and the secret properties of medicinal plants in the area. Descending from Amaru, you may want to stop at the village of Pisaq, famous for its Andean market.
This morning you are driven to Ollanta station where you board a luxury train for a beautiful journey through spectacular scenery to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival your private guide will take you through the Sacred Inca citadel, exploring its main temples and hidden corners. Enjoy lunch at the famous Machupicchu Sanctuary Lodge Hotel.
This morning you have a second opportunity to visit Machu Picchu on your own to soak up the genius of the the Incas and, if you’d like, hike up nearby Huayna Picchu Mountain with its spectacular views in all directions. Return to Aguas Calientes to board the train back to Cusco.
Your guide will give you and insider’s tour of Cusco including the legendary Qorikancha (Temple of Gold), the most important Inca temple devoted to worshiping the Sun. You’ll walk through the quaint San Blas quarter, home to the workshops and stores of the most renowned craftsmen in Cuzco, and to fantastic views of this city that is a unique amalgam of Inca and colonial architecture. At the renowned Peruvian restaurant Limo, you’ll enjoy a cooking demonstration and have lunch. In the late afternoon you’ll fly to Lima, and on arrival transfer to the Costa del Sol hotel for one night.
Late morning you’ll fly from Lima to Guayaquil and in the afternoon take a tour of Ecuador’s economic powerhouse and largest city. Visit the riverside promenade, the Malecón, which after a complete refurbishment is now the heart of the city. Visit old Guayaquil and the charming neighborhood Las Peñas, one of Ecuador’s most successful urban renewal projects, which boasts a stunning collection of historic colonial architecture.
This morning you can opt for an early wake up call for an excursion to Bachas Beach, located in the north of Santa Cruz Island. Its soft, white sand is derived from decomposed coral, making it a favorite nesting site for sea turtles. Behind the beach there is a small brackish lagoon, where it is possible to observe flamingos and other coastal birds, such as black-necked stilts and whimbrels. Difficulty level: Easy.
You will be back on board by breakfast, then disembark for your transfer to the Balta airport for your flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito you’ll be met and transferred to the Hotel Casa de Hacienda La Jimenita for one night.
Today you’ll visit the colorful town and artisan market of Otavalo, world-famous for its indigenous population and their quality handicrafts and Andean folk music. The Otavalos are considered economically the most successful indigenous group of Latin America, and many of the grandest houses and largest pick-up trucks in Otavalo are owned by Otavalos! Otavalos are easily recognized by their traditional dress: white pants and dark poncho for men; dark skirt and white blouse with colorful embroidery and waistband for women. Both sexes wear their hair long (the men usually platted). Have lunch at a traditional hacienda and, if you’d like, go horseback riding. You’ll return to Quito for the night.
Today you’ll be transferred to Quito International Airport for your flight home.
Transfer to New Quito International Airport
