PRE-3NT CUSCO & MACHU PICCH-DE
Wonder at the beauty of the mysterious citadel, Machu Picchu, known as the "Lost City of Incas". Perched 7,900 feet above sea level on a mountain ridge, this archaeological jewel is the most famous icon of the Inca world. Equally fascinating is nearby Cuzco, the historic capital of the Inca empire, a city that blends colonial Spanish charm with the more ancient remains of the Pre-Colombian glory. Along your journey explore Sacsayhuamán which is a walled complex on the northern outskirts of the city of Cusco, Peru, the former capital of the Inca empire. Located on a steep hill that overlooks the city, it contains an impressive view of the valley to the southeast. Surface collections of pottery at Sacsayhuaman indicate that the earliest occupation of the hill top dates back at least a millennium
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
You will be met at the Lima airport and transferred to your hotel.
Note: Check in at the hotel is at 3:00pm. Your room may not be ready if you arrive sooner than this.
Dinner tonight is on your own
Overnight at Miraflores Park Hotel (Deluxe Suite)
Day 2
This morning you will be transferred from Callao pier to Lima airport where you embark on your flight to Cusco, an Andean community and former ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be met and immediately transferred to your hotel.
Flight Information - TBA
This afternoon you will embark on a city tour of Cusco and the main sights which includes the Korikancha Temple, a Dominican church and convent that was built on the foundations of the Koricancha, or palace of gold, the principal Inca religious building, dedicated to the worship of the sun. You will continue to the beautiful square surrounded by stone arches, a spectacular arcade constructed during colonial times. In this place you will visit the Cathedral whose construction was begun in 1560 and it was consecrated in 1669. Like the Cathedral in Lima, it has had Gothic, Mannerist-Renaissance and Baroque influences.
You will drive then to Sacsayhuaman, an impressive example of Inca military architecture, only 10 minutes from the centre of the city. Strategically placed on a hill overlooking Cusco, this spectacular fortress guarded the capital of the empire, and in the jaguar of Cusco, (the city of Cusco was supposedly built in the shape of a jaguar), represented the head, and its jagged wall formation the teeth.
Also you will visit Qenqo ("The Labyrinth"), an Incan shrine dedicated to Pachamama ('Mother Earth'); and the small fortress of Puka Pukara.
Lunch and dinner this day are on your own.
Overnight at Monasterio Hotel (Deluxe Room)
Day 3
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 2.45-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 re-board the train for the return ride to Poroy. Back on 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, you will be transferred to your hotel in Cusco.
Overnight at Monasterio Hotel (Deluxe Room)
Day 4
Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Lima.
Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to Callao port to board your ship.
Flight information - TBA
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 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/.). The exchange rate with the U.S. Dollar varies, the current exchange rate is S/. 2.80 per 1 US dollar. Try to carry low denomination bills with you to facilitate the transaction. 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; never change dollars with the money changers working on the streets.
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. Most hotel rooms are equipped with hairdryers.
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. Additional pieces can be stored in Lima upon requests for your return.
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:
Lima - Miraflores Park Hotel or similar
Cusco - Monasterio Hotel or similar
$2,899 Per Guest