Peru & Bolivia Exotic Blends

Day 1 Arrival in Lima

Upon arrival in Peru’s capital city, our crew will meet you at the airport, take you to your hotel, and assist during check-in. Take a moment or two to rest after the night flight. This afternoon our local guide will escort you on a tour of colonial Lima, an opportunity to learn Peru’s eventful history, and to see some of the best colonial architecture in the Americas.

Day 2 Lima / Cuzco, The Inca capital

This morning a spectacular flight over the high Andes will bring you to Cuzco - once center of the extensive, powerful Inca Empire, and today the oldest capital in the Americas. Cuzco was built in pure colonial style over the old Inca capital’s massive stone foundations. The ancient city charms visitors with steep cobblestone streets, red-roof tiles, whitewashed walls, flower-clustered balconies, Andean cuisine, Inca stone walls, traditionally dressed Indians, and a pleasing, quiet ambiance. This afternoon, our guide will pick us for a comprehensive morning tour to city highlights including the Coricancha (Temple of the Sun), and the native paintings in the cathedral. Later we will leave the city to visit the nearby Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the sanctuaries of Kenko and Tambo Machay, and the ancient ruins at Puka Pukara. Remainder of day free to explore on your own. (B)

Day 3 Cuzco (The Sacred Valley of the Incas)

This morning we will depart with our guide on a full day of fun and adventures around the fabled “Sacred Valley of the Incas,” an astonishingly fertile valley in the heart of the Southern Andes, where the fortunate visitor is soon impressed by imposing mountains, lush landscape, ancient villages, Inca ruins, and deep-rooted traditions. First we will visit the Pisac Market, one of the most colorful in the Andes region, where mountain folk have been gathering for centuries to barter their products. We then have lunch at a typical restaurant before continuing to the Inca village of Ollantaytambo and its impressive fortress strategically built at the valley entrance. At day’s end we return to Cuzco. (B, L)

Day 4 Cuzco - Machu Picchu

On our short, morning ride to Ollantaytambo Station we’ll pass bucolic scenes of shepherds tending their flocks and Indians in traditional dress working their fields. At the station we board the train to the Lost City of the Incas - Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most magical and enigmatic ancient sites. Legends and myths claim this remote place was revered as sacred even before the Incas arrived. The famous complex is a wide-ranging maze of plazas, temples, altars, shrines and palaces, sitting in the saddle of a hill before a background of imposing mountains and lush semi-tropic jungle. We visit the ruins with a professional guide who will enhance your experience with detailed explanations plus a vast knowledge and love of Inca history. After lunch, you’ll have plenty of time to continue visiting the ruins or peruse the art galleries and handicraft shops in the small community of Aguas Calientes. Overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Machu Picchu - Cuzco

You decide your morning plans. You may pay a second visit to the lost city, hike up Huayna Picchu (the peak directly overlooking Machu Picchu), watch for birds, or enjoy Aguas Calientes natural hot springs. Afternoon return to Cuzco by train. This evening you may want to stroll the lively Plaza de Armas, and then enjoy exotic Andean specialties in one of many popular restaurants. (B)

Day 6 At leisure in Cuzco

Our last day in the Andes will be completely at your discretion. You may revisit the cathedral, leisurely peruse the artisan shops in the San Blas District, do last minute shopping, or calmly sip coffee at a typical café in the Plaza de Armas. Also, Sunday is market day in Chinchero, where locals from surrounding communities gather to barter their fares at a true indigenous market. (B)

Day 7 Cuzco – Puno (Lake Titicaca)

Our rail adventure continues as we board the first class Andean Explorer Train bound for the city of Puno, located beside Lake Titicaca. We will follow the fertile Vilcanota Valley through a seemingly endless patchwork of green and yellow terraced fields flanked by magnificent Andean mountains and scattered herds of vicuna and alpaca, until arrival at La Raya Pass, where we begin descent to the famous lake. Upon arrival in Puno, you will be transferred to a Lake Titicaca island hotel where you will enjoy spectacular views. (B, L)

Day 8 Crossing the highest lake in the world

Today begins with a drive along Lake Titicaca’s south shore ending at a small pier where our hydrofoil is waiting to begin our excursion. During navigation our local guides will share their knowledge and point out several fascinating sites. First stop is Moon Island, where we take a short hike to the Temple of the Moon, a mysterious site built before the arrival of the ancient Aymara. The temple’s original builders remain a mystery. Then we continue sailing to the Island of the Sun, where many claim the Inca Empire was founded by the legendary Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo. We disembark on an easy trail that ends at the colonial Posada del Inca where we overnight. The island’s magical atmosphere leaves an indelible memory cherished by all who are fortunate to visit here. Your day can be devoted to visiting numerous Inca ruins and gardens, enjoying magnificent lake vistas from different lookout points, or joining a guide to explore the highlands. (B, D)

Day 9 Huatajata - Tiwanacu - La Paz

Today will drive to La Paz visiting on the way the ruins of Tiwanacu, capital of a once great civilization, reaching its splendor around 700AD. Tiwanacu was considered the largest city in the world & the "Cradle of the American Civilization". Ruins of Aqueducts, Temples & the famous Gate of the Sun bear witness to the greatness of this ancient civilization. Continue to La Paz for overnight. (B)

Day 10 La Paz

The city of La Paz was founded in 1548 and boasts a unique blend of cultures located within a magnificent mountain panorama. Today's tour of the city visits a typical Indian market, the famous Witch Doctor's Market & the San Francisco colonial church built in 1744. We pass the Plaza Murillo where the Cathedral, the Government Palace & the National Congress buildings are located. From here you will visit the famous colonial street "Calle Jaen" in the old colonial La Paz & the archaeological Temple of the Tiwanacu period. Continue through the areas of Obrajes, Calasoto & La Florida to the Moon Valley. Return to La Paz. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

Day 11 Depart La Paz

After breakfast at your hotel you will be transferred to the airport for your departing flight home. (B)

Remarks

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

US Citizens require a visa to visit Bolivia.

Train to Puno operates Mon, Wed, Sat,(subject to change without notice).