Itinerary for: Land of The Incas 2012 (LLIA)
Day 1 : ARRIVE LIMA (2 NIGHTS)
Bienvenidos a Lima, founded in 1535 by conquistador Francisco Pizarro who dubbed it the “City of Kings.” Upon arrival, you’ll be met and taken to your luxury hotel in upscale Miraflores.
Accommodation : Casa Andina Private Collection - Miraflores (Moderate Deluxe)
Day 2 : LIMA FREE TIME & SIGHTSEEING
Enjoy the morning at leisure. At lunchtime, meet Dr. Diez Canseco who takes you on a tour of his beautiful colonial home followed by a Welcome Reception and a delicious Be My Guest home-cooked lunch of Peruvian dishes. Then experience the colonial splendour of Lima’s Plaza San Martin, home to the Archbishop’s Palace and stately Cathedral where you can see Francisco Pizarro’s tomb. Visit to the Church of San Francisco and its catacombs before spending the evening as you like.(Full Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner)
Day 3 : LIMA - CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY
Fly to Cusco and visit Awanakancha to see native alpacas, llamas
and vicunas, and view weavers at work. Enjoy a box picnic lunch
before exploring the vibrant handicraft market of Pisac. Visit
a local chicheria to taste and learn about chicha, the favourite drink of the Andes. Arrive at your mountain retreat in the heart of the Andes.(Full Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Accommodation : Casa Andina Private Collection - Valle Sagrado (First Class)
Day 4 : SACRED VALLEY - MACHU PICCHU
Board the Vistadome train and enjoy panoramic views of the valley and mountains as you climb toward Machu Picchu. Here, explore the stunning ruins of this once-great fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the great Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza and the intricately carved Intihuatana.(Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Accommodation : Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel (Moderate Deluxe)
Day 5 : MACHU PICCHU - OLLANTAYTAMBO - CUSCO (2 NIGHTS)
Return to Machu Picchu and continue your exploration on your own. Perhaps hike up to the Gate of the Sun for stunning views. Then travel back to the Sacred Valley and visit the Inca stronghold of Ollantaytambo before arriving at your charming boutique hotel, a beautifully renovated 18th century manor house just three blocks from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas.(Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Accommodation : Casa Andina Private Collection – Cusco (First Class)
Day 6 : CUSCO SIGHTSEEING & FREE TIME
This morning, meet Local Expert Peter Frost, an English author and archaeologist, and learn about the Inca settlement he uncovered southwest of Machu Picchu. Then, explore the city and visit the colonial Cathedral and the Temple of Korikancha, the most important temple in the Inca Empire. The afternoon and evening are at leisure.(Full Breakfast)
Day 7 : CUSCO SIGHTSEEING - JULIACA - PUNO
Explore the ruins of the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay and the Qenqo ceremonial centre. Enjoy a Highlight Lunch at a local hacienda. Fly to Juliaca and transfer to the shores of the great Lake Titicaca. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake at sunset.(Full Breakfast / Highlight Lunch / Dinner)
Accommodation : Libertador Lake Titicaca (Superior First Class)
Day 8 : LAKE TITICACA EXCURSION - SUASI ISLAND - FREE TIME
Cruise beautiful Lake Titicaca. Discover the floating islands constructed out of reeds by the Uros Indians. Next is Taquile Island for a private tour to meet local Quechua-speaking villagers, renowned for their hand-weaving techniques. Arrive at Suasi Island, the only privately owned island on Lake Titicaca. Your hotel is a unique ecolodge with panoramic lake views. Enjoy a barbeque Highlight Lunch by the lake before a leisurely afternoon. Spot rare vicunas, paddle a canoe, go on a nature walk, or visit the massage room. Take a guided sunset nature walk before a gourmet candlelit dinner. After dinner, join an astronomy-trained guide for an explanation of the southern stars and Inca cosmology. Then relax with a nightcap around a blazing bonfire. All beverages are included while on the island.(Full Breakfast / Highlight Lunch / Dinner)
Accommodation : Casa Andina Private Collection - Isla Suasi (First Class)
Day 9 : SUASI - JULIACA - LIMA - ICA - PARACAS (2 NIGHTS)
Fly back to Lima and travel south to the Paracas Peninsula. Explore the Regional Museum of Ica with its superb examples of Paracas weavings and textiles, well-preserved mummies and scale model of the Nazca Lines. Arrive at your resort on beautiful Paracas Beach.(Full Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Accommodation : DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Paracas (Superior First Class)
Day 10 : NAZCA LINES FLIGHT & FREE TIME
Take to the skies for an unforgettable experience as you soar high over the coastal desert to see the enigmatic Nazca Lines, gigantic geometric designs and pictures of animals created between 400 and 650 AD, viewable only from the air. Marvel at their stylized lines and wonder about the that created them. Then visit Bodega El Catador to learn about and taste the finest Pisco in the country. The rest of the day at leisure at your resort.(Full Breakfast)
Day 11 : PARACAS - LIMA
Visit the uninhabited Ballestas Islands, a “mini-Galapagos” teeming with wildlife including fur seals, sea lions, dolphins, penguins and thousands of birds, including the elusive blue-footed booby. See another mysterious design in the earth - the majestic Candelabra. Back on dry land, travel back to Lima. Upon arrival, freshen up and join your travel companions for a festive Farewell Dinner with wine at the hotel.(Full Breakfast / Lunch / Farewell Dinner)
Accommodation : Casa Andina Private Collection - Miraflores (Moderate Deluxe)
Day 12 : DEPART LIMA
Say hasta luego to Peru and transfer to the airport for your flight home (not included in vacation price).(Full Breakfast)