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It has been a pleasure working with you. We really appreciate your patience and willingness in helping us enjoy a great vacation. I will also refer you to people I know who may travel to South America. Nilima and Hemendra Patel
Lodging, Meals, and Airfare: This tour includes accommodations for 12 nights (3 nights in Lima, 3 nights in Cusco, 3 nights of camping on the Inca Trail, 1 night in Machu Picchu, and 2 nights in Puno); 23 meals (12 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 4 dinners) and domestic airfare in Peru.
Elevations: Cusco is 10,660 feet (above sea level), the Sacred Valley of the Incas is 8,944 feet, the Inca Trail varies from 8,528 feet to 13,776 feet, Machu Picchu is 7,900 feet, and Puno is 12566 feet.
Classic Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, and Lake Titicaca
Trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and experiencing the unique cultures of Cusco and Lake Titicaca make this an unforgettable journey. While the Inca Trail is physically challenging, the rewards include spectacular Andean Mountain scenery, Incan archaeological ruins, and watching the sunrise over Machu Picchu at Inti Punku. This tour also includes Lima and two days of acclimatization in Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas prior to the hike.
Customization: This tour can be customized to suit your requirements.
Activities: Cultural/historical sightseeing, hiking, and camping.
Day 1: Lima
Depart to Lima. After passing through immigration and customs, proceed to the reception area, where our inbound services representative will be holding a sign with your name on it. You will be greeted and then transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Lima.
Day 2: Lima/City Tour
In the afternoon, you will have a city tour of Lima. You will visit downtown Lima and see several examples of the Spanish architecture of the colonial period including the Plaza de Armas, the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, and the Church of San Francisco and Catacombs. After that, you will see Huaca Huallamarca, a restored adobe pyramid dating from the pre-Inca period located in San Isidro. You will tour the upscale residential and commercial district of Miraflores and see the Parque del Amor, a seaside park with a huge statue of a kissing couple, before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Lima. (B)
Day 3: Lima/Cusco/City Tour
Early morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Because of the high altitude (10,912 feet above sea level), we recommend that you rest for a short period. In the afternoon, you will have a city tour that includes a walk through of the Cathedral, the Koricancha ('site of gold'), typical streets, and the four ruins that surround the city: the Sacsayhuaman Fortress, Kenko, Puca Pucara, and Tampumachay. Overnight in Cusco. (B)
Day 4: Cusco/Sacred Valley/Awanakancha/Pisac Market/Ollantaytambo
Today you will have a full-day excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The tour begins at Awanakancha, a living museum of the Peruvian Andes, where you can observe traditional textile dyeing and weaving techniques and the four types of camelids that are native to the region. You will also visit the Indian artisan market in Pisac and have lunch at a local restaurant (included). The last stop is the impressive Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo that served as both a fortress and ceremonial center, and is the site of a short-lived victory by the Incas over the Spanish. Overnight in Cusco. (B,L)
Note: The Indian market is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from October to March, and daily from April to September. On the days of the week that the market is not open, you will be taken to the Inca ruins above the village.
Day 5: Cusco/Chilca/Inca Trail
Early morning transfer by minivan to the town of Chilca (km. 82), the start of the Inca Trail. We begin escorted by native "quechua" porters going through semi-arid terrain along the Urubamba River with magnificent views of snowcapped mount Veronica (18,636 ft.). We walk past the Inca hamlet of Huayllabamba, an ancient Inca citadel that protected the entry to two valleys. Overnight on the Inca Trail. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Inca Trail/Warmiwañusqa/Pacamayo
We will begin to climb the first pass, Warmiwañusqa (13,776 ft.), where there is a spectacular view of the valley below. At this pass we move from the dry puna ecology to elf forest, the highest of the tropical forest types where gnarled trees grow to two meters amid fog and low clouds, habitat for a profusion of orchids and strange animals. On this night, we will camp along river Pacamayo at the bottom of the pass. Overnight on the Inca Trail. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Inca Trail/Runku Rakay/Sayacmarca/Wiñayhuayna
After breakfast, we will hike towards Runku Rakay and traverse the second pass of the same name (12,464 ft.). We will descend to Sayacmarca, an important archaeological complex, where we will have lunch. We will spend the night near the ruins of Wiñayhuayna, which means 'city above the clouds'. Overnight on the Inca Trail. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Inca Trail/Inti Punku/Machu Picchu
We will arise very early so that we may watch the sunrise from Inti Punku and have our first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu 'the Lost City of the Incas' (7,900 ft.). This mountaintop citadel, which served as both a center of worship and an astronomic observatory, is located in the middle of the cloud forest overlooking the Urubamba River. There are both agricultural and urban areas constructed with the precision stonework that the Incas are known for. The agricultural area consists of terraces and food storehouses, and the urban area contains temples, squares, and royal tombs. Guided tour followed by lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Aguas Calientes. (B,L)
Day 9: Machu Picchu/Cusco
This is a free day to explore Machu Picchu on your own. You may want to hike Huayna Picchu or enjoy another activity. Mid-afternoon, you will depart from Machu Picchu by train to Poroy Station in the Sacred Valley, and then be taken to your hotel in Cusco. Overnight in Cusco. (B)
Day 10: Cusco/Puno
Early morning transfer to the train station for the train ride to Puno (12,566 ft.) on the Andean Explorer. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Puno. (B,L)
Note: The Andean Explorer operates every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday year-round. During high season from April to October, it also operates on Fridays.
Day 11: Puno/Lake Titicaca/Taquile Island/Floating Islands of Uros
Morning departure by boat to Taquile Island on Lake Titicaca. The island is known for the hospitality of its people, their distinctive knit clothing, and its landscape with Inca terracing where potatoes, corn, and quinoa are cultivated. Lunch is included. On the return to Puno, you will stop at the Floating Islands of the Uros people, which are part of the Titicaca National Reserve. These islands, as well as the houses and boats used by their inhabitants, are made of totora, a water reed that can grow to 10 feet tall. Overnight in Puno. (B,L)
Day 12: Puno/Chullpas of Sillustani/Lima/Folkloric Dinner Show
Morning transfer to the airport for your return flight to Lima. On the way to the airport, you will visit the chullpas of Sillustani on the shores of Lake Umayo. Some of these stone funerary towers stand nearly 40 feet tall. They house the remains of the nobility who were buried in family groups along with food and their possessions for the afterlife. Upon arrival in Lima, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the evening, you will enjoy a Folkloric Dinner Show at Junius Restaurant. Overnight in Lima. (B,D)
Day 13: Lima
Check out at noon. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to your final destination. (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Classic Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, and Lake Titicaca
Single
Double
Triple
Economy
$3,759
$2,959
$2,839
3 Star
$4,019
$3,069
$2,959
4 Star
$4,339
$3,429
$3,209
Superior First
$5,069
$3,839
$3,639
5 Star
$5,839
$4,219
$3,929
Deluxe
$7,699
$5,189
$5,249
All prices are in U.S. Dollars. Click here to see our prices in your currency.
The above prices are valid until December 15, 2013.
Notes:
Machu Picchu Pueblo, Hatuchay Tower, and Sanctuary Lodge accommodations include breakfast and dinner.
Room upgrades and additional nights in each destination are available upon request.
Upgrade to the Hiram Bingham train, which operates every day except Sunday, is available for $450 per person.
Oxygenated rooms are available at the Monasterio for an additional $50 per room per day.
Christmas Season and High Season (from June to August) surcharges may apply.
Classic Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, and Lake Titicaca
The Price of This Tour Includes
South American Vacations' expert pre-departure planning services and documentation.
Domestic airfare in economy class.
Airport/hotel transfers including baggage handling.
Hotel accommodations including taxes and service charges.
Excursion to Machu Picchu including overnight stay and transportation via Vistadome train.
Transportation to Puno via Andean Explorer train.
Inca Trail and other excursions as indicated on the itinerary including all applicable entrance fees.
