PERUVIAN CLASSIC HIGHLIGHTS

Today’s Lima city tour starts in the downtown historic district. Visit the Plaza Mayor (“Main Square”), surrounded by the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, and City Hall. Then head to the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores. San Isidro, an upscale residential and commercial neighborhood, houses a pre- Hispanic sacred structure (Huaca Huallamarca). Next see Miraflores, with its chic shops, restaurants and casinos. Return to your hotel. (B)

Early transfer to Lima airport to board your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, depart on a tour of the Sacred Valley. Stop at Awana Kancha, a farm with typical animals of the region: alpacas, llamas, guanacos, and vicunas. Learn how the indigenous people use plants and natural elements in making wool. Visit Pisac Inca site in the Urubamba Valley and Ollantaytambo, an Incan military, religious, and agricultural center. Lunch is included. (B,L)

Early morning transfer to Ollantaytambo train station. Your adventure starts on a train ride to the city of Aguas Calientes, then it’s on to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu archaeological site. You will never forget this mind-blowing journey through the history of the Inca civilization. Explore Peru’s most important archaeological site and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Later, descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch at a local restaurant. This evening enjoy dinner at your Hotel. (B,L,D)

Today explore Machu Picchu at your pace. Morning visit to the Machu Picchu archeological complex (tickets for the site and buses included). Delve into the Inca ruins, a masterpiece of engineering and architecture situated on a mountain ridge nearly 8,000 feet above sea level that served as a sanctuary and retreat for the Inca Pachacutec. In the afternoon, take the Vistadome Train to Cusco. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. (B)

Morning at leisure. Today, explore Cusco starting at Koricancha Temple, an ancient Inca worship center of the Sun God that was once covered in gold. Next, stop at the Plaza de Armas and see the Cathedral. Continue to the church of San Cristóbal, then Sacsayhuaman, an Inca building known for its 30-foot tall walls. Visit the complexes of Qenqo with its stone labyrinth and sacrificial alter, and Puca Pucara, an architectural marvel of rooms, waterways and aqueducts. (B)

Private transfer to Cusco airport to board your flight back to Lima with connections. (B)