Machu Picchu by Orient Express

Itinerary

Day 1 Lima

Arrive in Lima where you are met by our representative and transferred to the Miraflores Park hotel for overnight.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. 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. To get a feel for colonial Lima, take a cab to the Plaza de Armas and watch the changing of the Palace Guard at noon. 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. There are many fine museums in and around the city, including the Museo Rafael Larco Herrera, which houses an equally impressive collection of pottery, mummies and textiles from the Paracas and Nazca cultures. The more affluent districts of Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro, which are on the coast, offer good nightlife and cafés. Limeños (Lima’s residents) are friendly, and the city is filled with excellent restaurants; seafood lovers in particular should be sure to try a ceviche, for which Lima is well known.

Day 2 Cuzco

Transfer to the airport early this morning for the flight to Cuzco (as early as 4am). In Cuzco you are transferred to the Monesterrio hotel. Relax or explore this ancient city.Cuzco is the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city, and the hub of the South American travel network. The city attracts travelers who come not just to visit a unique destination but also to experience an age-old culture very different from their 20th century way of life; one could easily spend a week just in and around the area. Inca-built stone walls line most of the central streets and you don't have to go far to see other major Inca ruins. It is a city steeped in history, tradition and legend.Every year Cuzco attracts thousands of travellers who come to delve into its noble but tragic past. It is the perfect base for optional explorations around the city and area as well as a range of outdoor activities. Relax and explore this fascinating city, and take time to acclimatize to the high altitude.Cuzco’s numerous colonial churches are one of the city’s most common sights. The Cathedral was started in 1559 and took 100 years to build; it is also one of the city’s greatest repositories of colonial art. Immediately in front of the entrance is a vault containing the remains of the famous Inca historian, Garcilaso de la Vega. Also worth visiting are the churches of La Compañía, La Merced and San Francisco. While most ruins are just outside of the city, the main ruin within is that of the Coricancha, once the Inca Empire's richest temple. Today the ruin forms the base of the colonial church of Santo Domingo. During Inca times this temple was literally covered with gold, but within months of the arrival of the first conquistadors this incredible wealth had all been melted down. It is left to the individual imagination to envision the magnificence of the original structure. There are several good museums in Cuzco, including the Archaeological Museum, which also houses a small art museum, the Regional History Museum and the Religious Art Museum. Our best advice for exploring Cuzco is to wear a comfortable pair of shoes, arm yourself with a city map and set off to explore!

Day 3 Cuzco

Enjoy your day at leisure. There are many Incan ruins around Cuzco, including the great sanctuary and temple to the sun, Sacsayhuaman, of ceremonial importance during the winter solstice celebration Inti Raymi.

Day 4, 5 Aguas Calientes/Cusco

Ride the Hiram Bingha, Orient Express train to Aguas Calientes, upon arrival, transfer to the Sanctuary Lodge at the gates of Machu Picchu before receiving your guided tour of the site. Day 5 is free until it is time to catch the train back to Cusco this afternoon.Aguas Calientes is the base for all visitors planning on touring the magnificent Ruins of Machu Picchu. Accessible only by a train that winds through the steep Urubamba Valley or on foot by trekking the Inca Trail, Aguas Calientes is a gem in the heart of the Andes. Visit the town market, enjoy the numerous restaurants or relax in the natural mountain hot baths that gave the town its name. For serious archeology buffs, there is time for another optional independent visit to Machu Picchu.

Day 6 Cuzco

Transfer to Cuzco airport.

Trip Details

Accommodation	Deluxe hotel (5nts)
Brochure Notes	Extra nights hotel in Cuzco and return flight to Lima can be arranged.
Departure	Daily
Group Size	No Minimum
Included Highlights	Ride on the Hiram Bingham train (Orient Express), Guided tour of Machu Picchu, accommodation in Orient Express Hotels including the Sanctuary Lodge
Meals Included	5B, 1L, 1D
StartFinish	Lima to Cuzco
Transport	Car, Van, Shuttle, Train, Local Flight, Walking
Brochure Intro	Discover the land of the Incas aboard the luxurious Orient Express train as it travels through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes.

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