Highlights of Peru

Experience the history and allure of Peru through the colonial sights of Lima and the Incan heritage of Cuzco, Machu Picchu and Plaza de Armas where you’ll learn the fascinating history of these ancient archeological sites. Peru is famed for its staggering scenery, so enjoy the verdant views of Sacred Valley and the spectacular surroundings of the quaint village of Ollantaytambo.

Itinerary

Day 1
DEPART GATEWAY - ARRIVE LIMA (2 NIGHTS)
Board your flight to Lima, Peru (not included in vacation price). Bienvenidos a Lima, founded in 1535 by conquistador Francisco Pizarro who dubbed it the “City of Kings.” Upon arrival at the airport, a local representative will greet you and take you to your hotel in San Isidro, one of Lima’s exclusive neighborhoods with modern hotels, restaurants and shops. Depending on your flight schedule, you will arrive in Lima either today or early in the morning of Day 2.

Hotel: Novotel Lima (F)

Day 2
LIMA FREE TIME & SIGHTSEEING
Kick back, relax and enjoy a leisurely morning at the hotel, or perhaps venture out to do some exploring of your own: stroll the bustling streets, visit one of Lima’s lovely parks or visit the famed Larco Museum, home to a stunning collection of pre-Columbian art. At lunchtime head to Casa Diez Canseco, the private home of an illustrious Lima family, and meet the friendly owner for a Welcome Reception and Be My Guest Lunch. Learn about the history of your host’s ancestors and visit his historic home before celebrating your arrival in Peru with a sumptuous home-cooked meal of traditional Peruvian delicacies. After lunch, bid farewell to your host and spend the afternoon exploring Peru’s capital with your local guide. Immerse yourself in the colonial of Lima’s old section, including the expansive Plaza San Martin with its impressive cathedral and the stately government palace. Then visit the Church of San Francisco and discover its splendid architecture, chilling catacombs and interesting library. Conclude your visit at the upscale suburbs of Miraflores and San Isidro, home to fashionable shops, cafes and restaurants. The evening is yours - why not try one of Lima’s renowned seafood restaurants?

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner)

Day 3
LIMA - CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY
Take a morning flight to Cusco and head for the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Stop at Awanakancha, a living museum of the Peruvian Andes, where you can see and pet llamas, alpacas and vicunas, and learn the Peruvian art of weaving as you observe centuries-old methods of spinning, dyeing and weaving Andean traditional textiles. Enjoy a picnic box lunch before visiting the vibrant market of Pisac where local Quechua people come to sell their produce and handicrafts. Spend some time browsing the stalls, sip a cup of coca tea to help you acclimate to the altitude and keep your ears open for roving bands playing the traditional music of the Andes. Later this afternoon, arrive at your lovely hotel, a former 18th century colonial-style monastery, surrounded by beautiful gardens in the heart of the sacred Urubamba Valley. This evening, enjoy a convivial dinner with your traveling companions at the hotel.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Hotel: Sonesta Posadas del Inca (F)

Day 4
SACRED VALLEY - MACHU PICCHU
After breakfast, head to Ollantaytambo to visit this famous Inca stronghold built from immense blocks of stone. Learn about Inca history as you tour the ruins of the hilltop fortress. Board the train for the journey up to the great citadel of the Incas. Panoramic windows allow you to appreciate the incredible scenery as you climb toward Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, take a short ride to the entrance gate and begin your exploration of one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Visit the ruins of this once-great fortress built in the 15th century, abandoned nearly 100 years later with the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. See the highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site - the great Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza and the Intihuatana, an intricately carved rock most likely used as a sundial by the ancient Incans.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Hatuchay Tower Machu Picchu Hotel (MF)

Day 5
MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO (2 NIGHTS)
Return to Machu Picchu at leisure to continue your discoveries on your own. If you’re feeling adventurous, hike up to the Gate of the Sun for stunning views over the fortress and the valley below. Or view the incredible stonework and the amazing feats of engineering required to transportation the huge blocks of stone to the top of this isolated mountain. In the early afternoon, descend from your mountaintop aerie and head toward the great colonial city of Cusco. On the way, stop at a local chicheria for a taste of chicha and to learn how this Peruvian corn beer is made by women only.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)
Hotel: Novotel Cusco (F)

Day 6
CUSCO SIGHTSEEING & FREE TIME
This morning, embark upon a tour of Cusco, the “Imperial City,” the capital of the Incas during their reign. This lively town, rich in history, bears marks of both the Incas and the Spanish who came after them. Your local guide introduces you to the highlights of the city, including the incredible baroque cathedral on the main Plaza de Armas at the heart of the city. Delve deeper into the history of this ancient place at the 17th century Church of Santo Domingo, which was built atop the foundations of the Inca Temple of the Sun, or Korikancha. Just outside of town, visit the ruins of the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, perched on a hill overlooking the Sacred Valley and see nearby shrines and warehouses where the Incas stored their grain. Back in Cusco, meet with Kike Pinto, founder and Director of the Museum of Andean and Amazon Musical Instruments, for a resentation on Andean instruments and music. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Get together with your traveling companions for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant, and enjoy delicious Cuscuenian dishes and ancestral dance performances.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

Day 7
CUSCO - LIMA FREE TIME
Fly back to Lima this morning and enjoy a day at leisure in Lima to do some more exploring – perhaps visit a museum, pick up some souvenirs or just relax.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)
Hotel: Novotel Lima (F)

Day 8
DEPART LIMA
Say hasta luego to Lima this morning and transfer to the airport for your flight home (not included in vacation price). Depending on your next destination and flight schedule, you may be transferred to Lima International Airport in the late evening of Day 7 for overnight flights home arriving on Day 8.

Meal(s): (Continental Breakfast / Full Breakfast)

What's Included

Sightseeing Highlights

• Lima: Discover the city’s colonial sights, including the expansive Plaza San Martin and its impressive cathedral and government palace; visit the Church of San Francisco and its catacombs.
• Sacred Valley: Visit Awanakancha and meet llamas, vicunas and alpacas; pick up some handicrafts at the lively Pisac market; explore the massive Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo.
• The Vistadome: Ride aboard the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu; enjoy large panoramic windows, first class service and a light meal.
• Machu Picchu: Immerse yourself in the history and atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site on a guided tour and during free time for independent exploration.
• Cusco: Delve into the city’s Inca and Spanish colonial past; explore the Plaza de Armas; visit the Church of Santo Domingo and Korikancha or Temple of the Sun; explore the citadel of Sacsayhuaman and nearby shrines and Inca warehouses.

Dining Highlights

• 7 full breakfasts
• 1 picnic box lunch
• 2 three-course or buffet dinners
• Farewell Dinner with wine and folklore show in Cusco.
• 'Be May Guest' Lunch with wine in Lima
12 meals in total (see day-by-day itinerary)

First Class Travel Highlights

• A Trafalgar bonus: guaranteed early hotel check-in and immediate use of your room upon arrival in Lima on Day 2.
• A Trafalgar bonus: all Intra-Air Flights: Lima to Cusco and Cusco to Lima, including porter service at all airports.
• Qualified local guides in Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco.
• Capture treasured memories of your trip with a complimentary group photo taken at a landmark location.