Eco Peru

Day 1: Arrive Lima

Meet and greet services and transfer to the Lima Country Club Hotel for overnight.
Overnight at the Lima Country Club Hotel.

Day 2: Lima / Cuzco (City Tour & Nearby Ruins)

Morning transfer to the airport in Lima for the flight to Cuzco. Meeting services and transfer to the La Casona Inkaterra Hotel, a boutique-style restored colonial manor house —possibly the first Spanish construction in Cusco built on top of an Inca complex -and later occupied by the conquistadores. Situated at the serene Plaza Las Nazarenas, surrounded by astounding Andean sceneries, the hotel is an ideal base from which to discover the mysteries and enchantments of Cusco and surrounding.

This afternoon we tour Cuzco, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere. Nowadays Cuzco is a delightful combination of Inca and colonial architecture dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. During the tour we will visit Cuzco’s most important landmarks such as the Cathedral, Santo Domingo Church dating back to the 17th century built on the foundations of Inca Coricancha temple of the Sun and the Plaza de Armas, Main Square of the city. We also visit the famous San Blas artisan’s quarter.

Next we drive out of Cuzco to visit the nearby ruins of Kenko, Puca-pucara, and the royal baths of Tampumachay, continuing to the impressive fortress of , whose gigantic 3-tiered walls are built from 18-foot boulders and weigh over 300 tons. This visit will end with a mystic ritual presentation of a shaman. A shaman is also referred to as a medicine man or women, typically someone who can harness the powers of the universe for the benefit of others. Return to the hotel for overnight.
Overnight at La Casona Inkaterra. (B)

Day 3: Cuzco – Urubamba Valley (Chinchero, Pisac, Ollantaytambo)

Today we make our way down the “Sacred” Urubamba Valley. The Urubamba River runs through the mountains east of Cuzco, carving a fertile river valley that fed local populations from before the Inca Empire to the present time. Along the hills overlooking the river, the Incas built fortresses to protect the river wealth, not knowing they also created fascinating places for modern day visitors to tour. We begin our exploration along the Sacred Valley of the Incas, home to soaring mountains, lush landscapes, ancient villages, Inca ruins, and deep-rooted traditions and home to a number of typical Andean villages. First we visit the beautiful Chinchero, a traditional Quechua community in the highlands of Peru. Sunday is market day when Indians from different villages meet to trade their wares and produces among themselves just as they did a century ago. We will visit with the local village women weaving in the market plaza in front of an Inca temple wall marked by a fine row of person-sized Inca niches. Beautiful hand-woven textiles, old and new are available for purchase at very reasonable prices. Time permitting; we will visit a special weaving demonstration presented by Nilda Callañaupa, the founder and director of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cuzco, an organization dedicated to preserving ancient textile designs and weaving techniques from all over the Andes.

For lunch we drive to the Hacienda Huayoccari with its sensational setting dominating the Urubamba valley in the midst of the highland crags and vegetation through which the river flows. The Hacienda Huayoccari is a typical Andean colonial hacienda that is owned by the Orihuela-Lambarri family for over three centuries. After a tour of the property and a detailed explanation of the family’s impressive pre-Columbian and colonial art collection, guests will be treated to a typical Andean lunch, which is prepared with the hacienda’s own fresh produce.

After lunch we visit to the Spanish Colonial village of Pisac and the Pisac Indian Market. Here you will have the opportunity to bargain with the local artisans for a variety of Peruvian handicrafts, jewelry and excellent bargains on Alpaca sweaters. Next we visit village of Ollantaytambo, the best surviving example of Inca city planning, with narrow cobblestone streets that have been continuously inhabited since the 13th century. Among the Ollantaytambo ruins that are the most visually spectacular are the rising terrace walls that served as an integral means of defense; something that would come in handy upon the arrival of the Spanish Conquistadors.
Overnight at the Libertador Luxury Collection. (B,L)

Day 4: Urubamba Valley - Machu Picchu (Visiting Ruins)

This morning you to step aboard the "Hiram Bingham" Orient Express Train, a luxury train service to Machu Picchu. This special service aboard the distinctive blue and gold livery and elegant interior upholstery in warm, inviting tones, consists of 4 cars - 2 dining cars, a bar car and a kitchen car. The Hiram Bingham train provides for a leisurely trip including brunch that is served on board while guides explain points of interest as we travel along the river of the Urubamba Valley to Machu Picchu often dubbed the "Lost City" of the Incas. Perched 8,200 feet above the valley, this significant archaeological find is situated along remote mountains, amid a semi-tropical jungle and therefore was hidden for 400 years until discovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham of Yale University. From the train station, our tour bus will make the ascent to this ancient citadel to explore the temples, altars and more than 200 buildings. We will have lunch and an afternoon tea at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, our hotel this evening, the only hotel in the Inca Citadel ruins that provides you with easy access to the ruins as well as breathtaking scenery anytime during your stay.

Afternoon more time to explore the mystical and mysterious citadel on your own. Machu Picchu was built around 1450, at the height of the Inca Empire and was abandoned a mere 100 years later, in 1572, as a belated result of the Spanish Conquest. Theory suggests that most of its inhabitants were wiped out by smallpox before the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the area and it appears that they were aware of a place called Piccho although there is no record of the Spanish having visited the remote city. The Conquistadors defaced sacred rocks in other locations but they are untouched at Machu Picchu.
Dinner and overnight at the Sanctuary Lodge a top Machu Picchu. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Machu Picchu - Cuzco

Morning is free to visit the ruins once again on your own. For those seeking a bit more adventure we suggest a hike along steep stone-paved trail of Huayna Picchu, the pyramid-shape mountain above Machu Picchu for a breathtaking view of the site. In the afternoon we board the Hiram Bingham for our rail return to Cuzco. Cocktails will be served en route followed by a sumptuous, four-course dinner. Arrive in Cuzco and transfer to the Monasterio Hotel.
Overnight at the La Casona Inkaterra Hotel. (B,L)

Day 6: Cuzco / Lima (Lima City Tour & Special Museums)

This morning we transfer to the airport for the flight to Lima. Meeting services upon arrival and transfer back to the Lima Country Club Hotel to freshen up and prepare for today’s events.

This morning we tour Lima. Founded in 1535 by the Spanish Conquistador Francisco Pizarro, this colonial city became the political and military capital of the New World until it was declared the capital of Peru in 1821. We commence our tour with a drive to the Park of Love located in Miraflores, the modern section of Lima, home to Lima's best restaurants and hotels, as well as many bars, clubs, and shops with a view of the Pacific Ocean. Continue to the modern residential suburb of San Isidro, also known for good shopping with numerous large shopping centers.

Next we head downtown to the colonial area of the city to visit the most important historical sites and monuments. First we go to the Plaza de Armas where you will see the Government Palace, the Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace and the City Hall. Next it’s on to the XVII century church and cloister of San Francisco, a world cultural heritage site. The church and monastery hold many treasures including religious art that is unique to Peru. We also the monastery's library, full of ancient tomes lining the walls. We also visit the catacombs, a winding underground tomb filled with bones. We continue to the Pedro de Osma Museum, a private museum housed in the Palacio de Osma, a historic mansion located in Barranco, a pleasant suburb of Lima, and is the bohemian heart of the city situated along the seafront and Lima's main nightspot

We stop for lunch at Casa Garcia Alvarado, a private family home built the owners grandparents, recently declared a National Historical Building. They have opened their home to visitors and provide a magnificent experience of a typical Peruvian home cooked meal served by their ever faithful household staff, all in the company of one of the family members followed by a visit of the historical house.

Continue to the Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum located in a unique vice-royal mansion of the 18th century built over a 7th century pre-Columbian pyramid and exhibits the world's largest private collection of pre-Columbian art boasting an astonishing array of gold, silver, semi-precious stones. Founded in 1926, the Larco Museum showcases remarkable chronological galleries providing an excellent overview on 3000 years of development of Peruvian pre-Columbian history. Its masterpieces are considered worldwide icons of Pre-Columbian art, after being exhibited in the world's leading museums. Return to the hotel to freshen up before tonight’s dinner.

For dinner we head to the La Rosa Náutica restaurant situated in a majestic setting, a fabulous Art Nouveau construction that stands at the end of a pier offering an amazing, nearly 360º view of the ocean through the numerous big windows, with relaxing sound of waves breaking against the piles making it feel as if you were in the midst of the Pacific Ocean. Overnight at the Lima Country club Hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Lima / Iquitos – Ceiba Tops Jungle Lodge

Morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Iquitos. Meeting services and transfer to the pier with a brief city tour along the way and begin your jungle adventure as we board our boat on the dock and make your way down the Amazon River to Ceiba Tops where private rooms with air conditioning provide for an Amazon Adventure in luxury.

Afternoon hike in the beautiful primary rainforest reserve surrounding Ceiba Tops that includes many huge trees festooned with epiphytes. After dinner enjoy local flute or guitar music at the "El Tucan" Bar or the guides are always ready to relate some of the many legends of the Amazon forest.
Overnight at Ceiba Tops. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Ceiba Tops Jungle Lodge

Early morning birding excursion. Morning boat ride to visit a small village of Yagua Indians where your guide will explain their culture and how it has been affected by the passing of time. There will be an opportunity to trade for or purchase some of their local crafts and for a demonstration of the use of the blowgun which some of the Yagua elders still use for hunting.

Afternoon boating excursion in search of sloth, found in Cecropia trees at the water's edge, and the two species of freshwater river dolphin, pink and grey, found in Amazonian waters. Weather permitting; enjoy a beautiful Amazonian sunset on the river. Overnight at Ceiba Tops. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Ceiba Tops Jungle Lodge (Canopy Walkway)

Early morning departure from Ceiba Tops by boat to the narrow motorcar crossing connecting the Amazon and Napo Rivers to continue by boat to ExplorNapo Lodge for breakfast. Hike to the spectacular Canopy Walkway spanning over 500 meters (one-third of a mile), connected by tree platforms, and reaching a height of over 115 feet accessible without any type of climbing skill or equipment.

After lunch, visit the "ReNuPeRu" Ethno botanical Garden where over 240 medicinal plants are cultivated by a local shaman who will explain the nature of Amazonian natural healing and the uses of some of the plants. Return to Ceiba Tops in time to enjoy the pool or hammocks before dinner.
Overnight at Ceiba Tops. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Depart Ceiba Tops Jungle Lodge – Iquitos / Lima / Departure

Time permitting we enjoy some morning activities like boating or walking excursion to further enjoy the rainforest surrounding Ceiba Tops, or just relax at the hammock house or enjoy the pool and lodge gardens. Next we transfer back to Iquitos by a fast boat and on to the airport for the flight to Lima.

Meeting services and transfer to the Lima Country Club Hotel.

This afternoon we make our way along the Pan-American Highway with its views across the beautiful pacific beaches making your way to the pre-Inca ruins of Pachacamac and its Temple of the Sun and the Palace of the Virgins. Dating back to 200 AD., it was originally devoted to the worship of the earth god Pachacamac and over the centuries, temples for other gods of the coastal cultures were erected throughout this immense ceremonial center. Here you will view the weathered adobe temples of Peru's ancient cultures, dominated by the Inca's temple of the Sun and the Moon, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. You’ll visit the site museum, which features ceramics, textiles and a wooden idol found in the original temple of Pachacamac.

Following the visit to Pachacamac we stop at the Hacienda Mamacona, a beautiful oasis of a ranch only a mile from Pachacamac. The hacienda is a lovely working horse ranch where the owners breed traditional Peruvian Paso horses, considered the smoothest gaited horse in the world. Here we enjoy a show by a small brass band, dancers, and five horsemen demonstrating their very smooth gait, which is inbred, not taught. Return to the hotel for departure preparations.
Late evening departure to the airport for the post-midnight flight back home. (B,L)

Remarks

Not included:
Gratuities of any kind; airport departure taxes; meals unless included in the itinerary.