Day 1 – Sunday, September 7 – Home City – Lima
Fly from your home city today and arrive in Lima, Peru anytime today or in the morning hours tomorrow. We’ll transfer you from the airport to our hotel. Today accommodations only are included with no planned activities.
Day 2 – Monday, September 8 – Lima
Known as the City of Kings, Peru’s capital city Lima was founded by Francisco Pizarro on the Day of the Three Kings (Epiphany) in 1535. For those who have arrived early, meet others from the group at the hotel and explore Lima on your own. Take a cab to the Plaza de Armas and watch the changing of the Palace Guard. Walk the streets surrounding the Jirón de la Unión for great examples of Spanish-colonial architecture and to get a taste for life in a large South American city. The Plaza de Armas is the heart of old Lima, and it is here you find the Cathedral, Government Palace and Archbishop’s Palace. The Cathedral dates back to the 1700s and houses the remains of the conquistador Pizarro. Explore on your own or take an optional city tour visiting many of the city’s highlights.
Then, in the afternoon, join us for a bike tour of Lima. On this tour, we cover two very important areas of Lima, the neighborhoods of Barranco & Chorrillos. Along the ride, we show you amazing sights around the bay, including great views of the San Lorenzo Islands, the Morro Solar Hill and the impressive coastal cliffs of Lima. Once in the bohemian neighborhood of Barranco, we continue cycling around its mansions, churches, bars and parks, trying to get the feeling of the streets that once inspired the most renowned Peruvian writers and poets of past generations. We also visit the neighborhood of Chorrillos with its old fishing pier, beaches, and promenades, learning the history of the infamous Pacific war that left this heroic town in ruins back in the nineteenth century. We’ll share anecdotes, love stories and classic urban legends of the local folklore. The tour includes a snack in a traditional old bar or cafe of the area. See the many old houses and colonial mansions of great architecture, as well as some of the best restaurants of the culinary capital of Latin America.
Tonight, join us for a Welcome and Orientation followed by a group dinner. (B, D)
Day 3 – Tuesday, September 9 – Lima – Sacred Valley
This morning we’ll fly to Cusco and then travel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas to begin our amazing day of adventure and discovery. We’ll visit the large and very interesting archeological Inca ruin of Ollantaytambo. The town and fortress of Ollantaytambo are strategically situated overlooking the beautiful Urubamba River Valley. This major ruin site is known as the best surviving example of Inca urban planning and engineering. It is admired for its huge steep terraces guarding the Inca Fortress and for being one of the few places where the Spanish lost a major battle during the conquest.
We’ll learn about the art of Peruvian weaving when we visit a women’s weaving co-op. Later, we’ll head to the impressive Pisac Ruins and nearby colorful Pisac Market. We’ll be there on market day where hundreds of local artisans come to sell their wares. Our last stop will take us to Huchuy Qosco, an indigenous village previously bypassed by the tourism industry, now running the Planeterra-supported Sacred Valley Community Restaurant and tour their village. Here, we’ll enjoy a traditional Pachamanca-style dinner of local specialties. (B, D)
Day 4 – Wednesday, September 10 – Sacred Valley
Today we’ll explore the pre-Incan salt pans of Las Salineras and the Moray ruins. Moray is an archaeological site approximately 31 miles northwest of Cusco on a high plateau (at about 11,500 feet) just west of the village of Maras. The site contains unusual Inca ruins, mostly consisting of several enormous terraced circular depressions, the largest of which is about 98 feet deep. The purpose of these depressions is uncertain, but their depth and orientation with respect to wind and sun creates a temperature difference of as much as 27 degrees F between the top and bottom. This large temperature difference was possibly used by the Inca to study the effects of different climatic conditions on crops. In other words, Moray was perhaps an Inca Agricultural Experiment Station.
Tonight you will have a free evening to enjoy a local meal in the Sacred Valley. (B)
Day 5 – Thursday, September 11 – Sacred Valley – Inca Trail – Aguas Calientes
This morning we head out early as a group and transfer to the train station to catch the scenic train to Aguas Calientes.
For those who booked prior to April 1:
Our 1-day Inca Trail hike will disembark the train at km 104 to begin the trek. The trail rises steeply up into the mountains and will take hikers past the archaeological sites of Wiñay Wayna and Inti Pata, where the local guide will provide insights into the fascinating culture of the Incas en route to the trek’s culmination at the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a packed lunch along the way and reach the Sun Gate in the late afternoon with a chance for a preliminary exploration around the area of Machu Picchu before our actual guided tour tomorrow. Transfer by bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes to spend the night at our beautiful hotel right by the river.
For those who book this trip after April 1:
Upon our arrival in Augas Calientes, prepare for a guided hike along the Urubamba River Bed, where you can enjoy the flora and fauna of inter-Andean valleys. Along your trek, you will enjoy amazing scenery and at the end you will be rewarded with a view of the beautiful waterfall. On your hike back you will see the Incan Terraces at the base of Waynapicchu Mountain in the distance.
If time permits, take an optional visit to the nearby hot springs to soak your muscles. This evening, we will all enjoy a Peruvian cooking demonstration to learn how to prepare ceviche and the art of the national drink, the Pisco Sour, followed by a group dinner. (B, L, D)
Inca Trail hike is approximately 7 km and will take 5-6 hours
Aguas Calientes hike is approximately 8 km and will take 3 hours
Day 6 – Friday, September 12 – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Today we’ll wake up before the sun rises to take the first bus up to the historic and spiritual center of the Incas, the “Lost City” of Machu Picchu. We’ll tour the ruins with our expert guide for about two hours and then have some free time to explore on your own.
Machu Picchu is both the best and the least known of the Inca ruins. It is not mentioned in any of the chronicles of the Spanish conquistadors and archaeologists today can do no more than speculate on its function. The local Quechua farmers in the area knew of Machu Picchu for centuries, but it was not until an 11-year-old boy led the American historian Hiram Bingham (who was in search of Vilcabamba) to the site on July 24, 1911, that the rest of the world became aware of its existence. At that time the site was covered in thick vegetation, and Bingham and his team returned in 1912 and 1915 to clear the growth. Over the years, much work has been done on excavating and studying the site. Despite these efforts, many unanswered questions remain.
In the evening, return by train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy and transfer by van to Cusco, considered the mecca of Peru and rightly so. This beautiful colonial town offers much to the visitor with its nearby ruins, cobble-stoned streets, museums, churches and lively atmosphere.
Tonight we’ll enjoy a Shabbat service, Peruvian style! A group dinner will follow. (B, D)
Day 7 – Saturday, September 13 – Cusco
Today we’ll embark on a full day whitewater rafting excursion. Enjoy running down the river in an inflatable rubber raft, surrounded by splendid Andean scenery. Early in the morning we’ll be picked up from the hotel and drive through the Andes to Chuquicahuana (90 minutes drive), where we’ll receive our equipment and a safety talk. Then we’re off to raft in some adrenaline action packed class III and IV rapids that extend for 11 kms. After, we’ll have a picnic lunch on the riverside. We’ll return to Cusco in the late afternoon.
Tonight, enjoy an Amazing Journeys Farewell Event and dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 8 – Sunday, September 14 – Cusco – Home City
Our tour ends today. Most flights back to the US will depart in the evening, which gives you the opportunity to relax and enjoy this colorful town or, we will offer some optional activities including a city tour, horseback riding around archaeological sites such as Sacsayhuaman, Tambo Machay and Puca Pucara and mountain biking down to the Sacred Valley, perhaps visiting an Inca ruin along the way.
We will provide transportation to the airport for your departure. (B)
Please Note:
1) You must be in good physical condition to participate in this tour.
2) Hotel to Airport transfers are included.
3) The order of this tour may change.
4) Highest Elevation on this itinerary is approximately 11,000 feet – You should check with your physician before embarking on this journey. Click here for tips on preparing for your Inca Trail hike.
All rooms are non-smoking where we match roommates. Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time. By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website.
Cancellation Policy: From the time of deposit, $250 will be kept on file as a “Lifetime Deposit” with our tour operator. The remaining $50 is non-refundable. From July 3 – August 4 , 2014, the cancellation penalty is 50% of the total price with the exception of the $250 deposit which is kept on file as a “Lifetime Deposit” with our tour operator. Cancellations made on or after August 5, 2014 and “no-shows” will receive no refund with the exception of the $250 deposit which is kept on file as a “Lifetime Deposit” with tour operator. There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation by the passenger after the start of the tour.
This tour is operated by G Adventures
Cancellation insurance: Cancellation insurance is required for participation in this program. Information will be sent with your confirmation.
Pricing: Taxes are subject to increases as local governments require. Amazing Journeys reserves the right to change tour and air pricing until the package is paid for in full.
Passport and Visa Requirements: A Passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary. It must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip. At this time, no visas are necessary to enter Peru for those from the US, Canada or EU countries. If you are traveling to Peru and are a citizen of another country, please check the website for the Embassy of Peru to see if a visa is necessary.
Taxes and Gratuities: There is an arrival tax into Peru of approximately $15 USD and a departure tax upon leaving Peru of approximately $35. These must be paid independently by each passenger. Taxes, surcharges and government fees are based on February 2014 rates and are always subject to change. Gratuities have been included on this tour. Tips for the Tour Manager (CEO), local guides, Inca Trail guides, drivers and all meals that are part of the itinerary are included in the cost of this tour.
Flights and Transfers: International airfare is not included with the tour cost. One Intra-Peruvian flight from Lima to Cusco has been included with the tour cost. The tour begins in Lima and ends in Cusco.
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