[ SUITABLE FOR FAMILIES ]

Day 1:
We'll pick you up at your hotel in Cusco and take you to the railway station for the tourist class train to Machu Pichu. The 3 hour train journey passes through picturesque Andean scenery, passing traditional villages, Inca ruins and rushing rivers. We'll descend 1300 meters through the Sacred Valley of the Incas and follow the Urubamba river to Aguas Calientes. After dropping off our luggage we'll take the 20 minute bus ride up to Machu Picchu, perched 600 meters above the river. After lunch your archeological guide will take you on a walking tour of the site. MACHU PICCHU! The famous lost city of the Inca is one of the most magical and mysterious places on Earth. Situated on the spine of a jungle cloaked granite peak towering some 600 meters above an entrenched meander of the roaring river below, the site is frequently shrouded in misty clouds pierced by the powerful equatorial sun. Constructed from precisely sculptured granite blocks carefully joined with the projecting exposed stone of the surrounding mountain, the site may well be the finest architectural achievement of the new world. In the afternoon we return to the bustling backpacker town for overnight at a hotel. L.
 

Day 2:
All day to explore Machu Picchu on your own. You may want to walk back along the Inca Trail for 45 minutes to Intipunku - the sun gate- or climb up the towering summit of Wayna Picchu, both excursions offering splendid overviews of the citadel. In mid-afternoon we return to Cusco on the tourist train. Our representative will meet you off the train to take you to your hotel. B.

The Hiram Bingham Service
The Hiram Bingham carries passengers on a spectacular journey through changing landscapes, passing lush fields, colorful villages and the wonderful vistas of the beautiful Andes. Departing from Poroy Station (20 minutes from Cusco city center) at 9am, the Hiram Bingham gives a more leisurely start to the day than traditional departures. Brunch is served on board and guides are present to explain points of interest en route, as well as in the Ruins at Machu Picchu. Afternoon Tea is served at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, located just steps from the ancient citadel. We overnight at Machu Picchu On the return journey next day which leaves at 6:30pm, pre-dinner cocktails are served, accompanied by live entertainment and a 4-course, à la carte dinner.

WHAT'S INCLUDED:
On-board meals with wine (brunch on outward journey, dinner on return), on-board entertainment, guides, bus transfers, entrance to the Machu Picchu sanctuary and afternoon tea at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, pre Dinner cocktails, overnight at the Machu Picchu Inn with breakfast, transfer to and from your hotel in Cusco

ASK ABOUT UPGRADING TO THE MACHU PICCHU SANCTUARY LODGE

Leaves Every Day

Day 1:
This shared day trip visits the spectacular Sacred Valley of the Incas and the stupendous archeological sites of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Probably built by the great Inca ruler Pachacutec in the 1460s, it was the site of Hernando Pizzaro's defeat by Manco Inca in 1536. Constructed of finely cut polygonal stones and royalties blocks, the fortress and nearby town represent the best of Inca architecture and construction. Large worked blocks, some weighing as much as 100 tons were quarried from a site more than a thousand vertical feet above the valley floor using a technique of pecking with hammer stones, then skidded down and across the Urubamba river several kilometers to the temple site. Inclined ramps were built to raise the blocks several hundred feet up hill to the construction area. We have ample time to examine the complex and ponder its many mysteries. We'll also visit the impressive but little understood temple site of Pisac and its megalithic Inca terraces still loused by local peasant farmers. We return you to your hotel in Cisco in the late afternoon L

Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays only

Approximately 3 Hours:
This 3-4 hour shared tour takes you to all the important Inca sites in Cusco town and environs . We pick you up at 2:00pm from your hotel and visit the most sacred of Inca sites - the Koricancha . Winding out of town we will take in the megalithic fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the strange temple of Kenko and the water fountains of Tambomachay. All excursions are accompanied by qualified cultural/archeological guides.

Every day except Sunday

Day 1:
Cusco or Lima to Puno. We pick you up from your flight from Lima or train or bus from Cusco and escort you to our comfortable hotel. The rest of the day / evening are free to relax, adjust to the altitude or explore the town.

Day 2:
Taquile/Amantani : After a leisurely breakfast we pick you up and transfer down to Puno port and board our motorized launches. Our first stop are the floating reed islands of the Uros indigenous group who maintain house s and evens schools on these floating reed islands. We continue to Taquile Island and then to Amantani for the night with a local family. Both islands have a strong weaving culture and are steeped in tradition. Families on Amantani each have fitted out a guest room where visitors can stay.

Day 3:
Amanatani to Puno : After a full morning to explore Amantani Island and lunch, we return to Puno on our launch. The afternoon light is often enchanting and we arrive at our hotel weary but having experienced the essence of lake Titicaca, the cradle of Andean civilization. B.L

Day 4:
Puno to Cusco or Lima We pick you up after breakfast and take you to the station for your bus or train to Cusco or to Juliaca airport for your flight to Lima. B.

Note: Prices do not include flights, trains or buses to and from Arequipa

Leaves every day

Day 1:
Cusco or Lima to Arequipa : We pick you up from your flight from Lima or Cusco and escort you to our comfortable hotel in the white city of Arequipa. Our colonial hotel is right in front of the Santa Catalina Convent and the rest of the day is at leisure to explore the convent and old Arequipa.


Day 2:
Arequipa to Colca Canyon : Pick up at around 7:00am and we wind out of Arequipa past El Misti Volcano to the barren altiplano. The colors and scenery are spectacular as we pass endangered grazing Vicunas and ponds with Andean Geese. Reaching the last pass above the Colca Canyon we see the mounds of stones called apachetas where weary travelers have left a rock over the centuries to symbolize the shedding of their weariness at the pass. We can see many snow peaks and volcanoes from here.. Winding down into the Colca, we stay at the comfortable Colca Lodge or similar. B:L:


Day 3:
Colca canyon to Arequipa : This morning after a hearty and leisurely breakfast we drive a short distance down the side of the Colca Canyon reputed to be the deepest canyon in the world, past megalithic ancient terracing, to Cruz del Condor. Here Andean Condors and other Birds of Prey, roost on inaccessible ledges and once hot air thermals have developed, produced by the burning Andean sun, they circle out gaining height and provide stunning photographic opportunities. The Condors are big and one cannot help but be amazed by these creatures. After lunch in nearby Chivay, we retrace our steps to Arequipa and the Hotel Posada del Monasterio for the night. B:L:


Day 4:
Arequipa to Cusco or Lima : Breakfast and transfer to the airport for morning flights to Lima or Cusco.

Note: Prices do not include flights

Leaves Every Day