MYSTERIOUS MACHU PICCHU - DE
Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Any timings indicated are only approximate, and are given here for general reference purposes and are subject to change.
DAY 1
Depart the Pier in Callao and head to the Airport in Lima for your flight to Cusco.
10.00am Flight departure to Cusco - 2I 1117 (subject to change)
11.10pm Arrival in Cusco
Upon your arrival in Cusco, you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before embarking on your Tour of the city of Cusco which remains today a city that blends colonial Spanish charm with older, more ancient remains of Pre-Colombian glory. You can still see the foundations of Pre-Colonial construction on many of its city streets today. Cusco also boasts the finest examples of Inca history and architecture. You will visit the city's most historic monuments during a guided sightseeing tour that encompasses the Main Square, the Cathedral and the Korikancha Temple of the Sun.
Continuing to "Sacsayhuaman", a testimonial to the Incan architectural skills. Compiled of massive stones (one weighs 125 tons!) you are challenged to try to slip a piece of paper between the cracks of these blocks, cut and fitted together with incredible precision without a single drop of mortar to hold them in place. This ancient fortress where the greatest battle between the Spanish and Incas took place, overlooks the red-tiled roofs of Cusco and the spectacular lush countryside.
You will then go to your hotel for check -in, and some time to be spent at your leisure.
In the evening, you will attend a welcome cocktail & dinner in your hotel, where you will appreciate an Andean music presentation by a regional expert in the subject of Ancient Andean Music. You will have the opportunity, not only to learn the motives, history and stories behind many musical instruments, both mainstream and extremely rare, but also to enjoy a demonstration that will make us travel with music from the deserted coasts to the high Andes and into the deep rainforest.
Dinner and Overnight at MONASTERIO HOTEL.
DAY 2
After a transfer to Poroy station, you will board your to board the Hiram Bingham, the deluxe Orient Express train named after the man who discovered Machu Picchu in 1911.
During the 3.25 hour journey, brunch will be served as you take in the spectacular Andean scenery. Upon arrival at the Lost Citadel of the Incas, you will proceed for a guided tour of the citadel, and stroll through the archeological site before stopping for afternoon tea at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary lodge.
At sunset, you will return to Cusco board the Hiram Bingham, you will cap off your memorable day in Machu Picchu with a cocktail accompanied by live entertainment and a four - course gourmet dinner served in the dining car. Upon arrival back in Poroy, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Overnight at MONASTERIO HOTEL.
DAY 3
After breakfast and check out transfer from the hotel to the airport for your flight back to Lima.
8.45am Flight departure to Lima - 2I 1112 (subjec to change)
10.05am Arrival in Lima
Upon your arrival in Lima, you will enjoy a Panoramic Tour of Colonial Lima - Peru's Capital City. It has 2000 years of history and Colonial heritage, experience the artistic traditions and contemporary lives of its residents. Visit Casa Aliaga, America's best preserved colonial mansion, occupied by the same family since 1535.
Enjoy lunch at this historical place.
After lunch, drive to Callao pier to board your vessel.
Program Includes for guests:
All private transfers and sightseeing, entrance fees, accommodation, meals as indicated in Description.
The porterage of 2 pieces per person, tips at meals, bottled water in coaches, snack in coaches on excursions, tips at meals outside hotel, water and soft drink as well as 2 glasses of local wine or 2 personal bottles of local beer with meals.
Program Excludes for guests:
Gratuities to local guides, drivers and meals at hotels, Beverages with meals at hotels and personal expenses.
Expected Weather: This region of Peru is known for its wet and dry seasons, and most tourists visiting Machu Picchu obviously favor the dry season, between May and September. Always a popular time to properly explore the Machu Picchu area, the dry season enjoys beautifully sunny weather, with clear skies and a pleasant, mild climate, further accentuated by its rather exposed and elevated situation. However, due to the relatively high altitude, nights can feel decidedly cooler and at times, rather cold, with temperatures even approaching freezing on occasion. Average temperature in the highland is 72ºF max /55ºF min while in Lima it is 70ºF max/61ºF min.
What to Bring:
o Comfortable, casual clothing in natural, "breathable" fabrics. Temperatures will change as altitudes and time of day change, so it's best to bring shorts as well as long trousers, and clothing you can layer. Cathedrals, churches, and other religious sites require conservative dress. Both sexes should cover their arms, legs and shoulders.
o Local standards dictate a neat, clean outfit for dining in restaurants and touring urban areas. For men: long trousers and a shirt with a collar. For ladies: trousers or a knee-length (or longer) skirt with a modest top. Formal clothing is not necessary.
o A sweater or lightweight jacket for the cooler evening temperatures common in highland regions.
o A lightweight (preferably non-plastic) raincoat or poncho; an umbrella.
o Comfortable walking shoes with low or no heels. Sandals may not be comfortable for some sightseeing activities.
o Sunglasses (with a strap), sun block and a sunhat.
" Insect repellent.
" A walking stick for hikes. (please note that the use of walking sticks is prohibited in Machu Picchu unless they are needed by passengers with mobility problems)
o (optional) A waterproof day pack.
o (optional) A small flashlight.
Currency:
Peru's currency is the Nuevo Sol (S/.). Like most others, it is based on the decimal system (100 céntimos = 1 Nuevo Sol). Most stores and restaurants accept U.S. dollars, but if you want to change your dollars into local currency, we recommend that you do it in a bank or ask the receptionist at your hotel to do it for you. Avoid bringing ripped, crumpled or deteriorated U.S. bills with you, as many establishments will not accept damaged bills. There are automatic teller machines situated in strategic places for withdrawing cash with the principal international credit cards, either in local currency or in dollars. If you are going to withdraw money from machines, be sure to take security precautions suggested worldwide.
Electricity:
The current is 220 volts AC. In most hotel bathrooms, there is an electrical outlet with 110 volts for electric shavers, but this should not be used for travel irons or hair dryers.
Luggage:
For domestic flights in Peru, it is permitted to check one piece of 23Kg (50 pounds) per person and 1 carry-on of 8Kg (17.5 pounds) per person.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
According to our Immigration regulations, every foreign passenger entering the Country must have a passport with a time validity of at least 6 months from the day of arrival to Peru. Please make sure your passport is valid for 6 months. No visa is necessary for U.S. citizens or citizens of most other countries. If you are not a citizen of the United States, your requirements may vary - check with your travel consultant.
We advise you make copies of all your important documents (visa, passport, credit cards, air tickets, etc.). In case they are lost, it will make replacement much easier.
Accommodation:
Cusco - Monasterio Hotel or similar
$2,999 Per Guest