Inti Raymi and Machu Picchu - Standard

Itinerary

Day 1 Lima

You are met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for overnight in Lima.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 hotel. Relax or explore the 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 stonewalls 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 travelers 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 or just watch the streets come alive in preparation for the festival.

Day 4 Cuzco

Enjoy the celebration Inti Raymi. Transfers and admission included today to enjoy the show.

Day 5 Sacred Valley

Travel with a local guide through the Sacred Valley, including the picturesque town and Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo and Pisac. Overnight in the Sacred Valley.The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a must see for any trip to Peru – from stark Mountain passes to lush green valleys, the scenery is nothing short of breathtaking and watch out for herds of llama, that pepper this Andean landscape. Highlights of the area include the impressive Pisac ruins and the town of Pisac with its colorful artisan market (market days only). As well, the town and fortress of Ollantaytambo, which is strategically, situated overlooking the beautiful Urubamba River Valley. This major ruin site is known as the best surviving example of Inca urban planning and engineering. It is admired for its huge steep terraces guarding the Inca Fortress and for being one of the few places where the Spanish lost a major battle during the conquest.

Day 6 Aguas Calientes

Ride an early morning train to Aguas Calientes, relax and enjoy the day and overnight in this small town.This town is the base for all visitors planning on touring the magnificent Ruins of Machu Picchu. Accessible by 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 archeology buffs, there is time for an optional independent visit to Machu Picchu before the guided tour the following morning.

Day 7 Aguas Calientes/Cuzco

Rise early for a guided tour of the inspiring Machu Picchu ruins, then spend some time on your own at the site before returning to Cuzco in the late afternoon and transfer to your hotel for the night.

Day 8 Cuzco

Transfer to the Cuzco airport.

Trip Details

Accommodation	Comfortable hotel (7nts)
Brochure Notes	Extra nights hotel in Cuzco and return flight to Lima can be arranged.
Departure	See Website for specific dates
Group Size	No Minimum
Included Highlights	Inti Raymi festival ticket, “Festival of the Sun”, Private guided tour of Sacred Valley, Train and guided tour of Machu Picchu
Meals Included	7B, 2L
StartFinish	Lima to Cuzco
Transport	Car, Van, Local Flight, Walking
Brochure Intro	Discover the phenomenal ancient celebration of Inti Raymi celebrated at the end of June.

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