9 Day Peru Inca Special

Depart for Lima, Peru; arrival and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure with time to rest, relax and acquaint yourself with Peru's vibrant capital, founded in 1535 by the conquistador Francisco Pizarro Overnight: Lima

This morning's tour of Lima, with its 2000 years of history, begins at the colonial center of the city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its historic buildings surrounding the splendid Plaza Mayor. View the impressive Palace of the Archbishop with its fine carved balcony, the opulent Government Palace, official residence of the President, and the 16th century Cathedral of Lima whose first stone was laid by Pizarro. Continue to the 17th century Monasterio de San Francisco complex with its magnificent tiles, ornate carved ceilings, exceptional paintings and world-renowned library. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure or join the optional Pachacamac Pre-Inca Ruins tour. Visit the archaeological site of Pachacamac, one of the largest religious centres in pre-Inca times on the Peruvian coast. This afternoon, join your Tour Manager for an orientation meeting about the wonderful journey that awaits you. Tonight, perhaps attend the optional Evening Larco Herrera Museum with dinner. Experience one of Lima's most magnificent museums by night on this tour, that also includes a light supper. Admire the world's largest collection of pre-Columbian masterpieces and a stunning exhibition of gold and priceless jewels Optional: Pachacamac Pre-Inca Ruins (PM) Optional: Evening Larco Herrera Museum with dinner Overnight: Lima Meals: Breakfast

Depart Lima this morning by flight to Cuzco in the Peruvian Andes. This ancient capital of the Inca Empire is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in this historic city. In the afternoon, depart for a tour of Cuzco. View the impressive Colonial Cathedral, which contains over 400 paintings from the Cusqueña School in addition to colonial art. Continue on to visit the Koricancha, the Temple of the Sun, once the most important religious site of the Incas, whose walls and floors were allegedly once covered by sheets of solid gold Overnight: Cuzco ▲ Meals: Breakfast

Early morning transfer to the Sacred Valley's Ollanta Station to board the Vistadome Train [/peru-ecuador-travel/peru-rail.aspx] that travels through misty peaks to the astonishing ancient citadel of Machu Picchu*, the "Lost City of the Incas", designated by UNESCO as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Machu Picchu was virtually unknown to the western world until Hiram Bingham's rediscovery in 1911. Spend the morning viewing the unforgettable wonders of this 15th century retreat, abandoned nearly 100 years later with the arrival of the conquistadors. See the highlights of the site including the imposing Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza and the intricately carved rock likely used as a sundial by the ancient Incas. The images of this significant archaeological site will be a long-lasting memory. Return to the Sacred Valley in the early evening and transfer to your hotel in Cuzco for overnight *Approximate time spent at the ruins of Machu Picchu is 3 hours Overnight: Cuzco Meals: Breakfast

Spend today at leisure in the "Imperial City" of Cuzco. Take time to explore some of the city's stunning sights or shop for some of the finest handicrafts and textiles in all of Peru. Perhaps, participate in the optional Cuzco Behind the Scenes Tour, offering a glimpse into the other side of life in Cuzco. On this tour, visit a local market and taste fresh-baked Chuta bread. Stop at the Cuzco cemetery to learn more about Andean life and death and meet with a local "shaman" (holy man). After the cooking demonstration, enjoy a delicious meal. In the afternoon, attend the optional tour Half Day Cuzco Ruins which explores some of Cuzco's most unique Inca Ruins. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a 3-course set dinner, featuring delectable Andean specialties Optional: Half Day Cuzco Behind the Scenes (AM) Optional: Half Day Ancient Cuzco Ruins (PM) Overnight: Cuzco Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Depart Cuzco early in the morning on a long drive today. Enjoy spectacular scenery as you drive through the Andes mountain range and the Andean plains to Puno on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca. In this area, South American camelids (llamas and alpacas) graze on the immense plateaus and plains. En route visit the 15th century Temple of Wiracocha, with its elaborate stonework, the largest Inca temple ever discovered. Today, Raqchi remains home to many farmers, ranchers and artisans. Then, arrive at pristine Lake Titicaca sitting majestically at 12,500 feet above sea level, backed by the snowcapped peaks of Bolivia's Cordillera Real range. This is the highest navigable lake in the world and South America's largest fresh water lake. A box lunch will be provided en route Overnight: Puno Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, an excursion by boat transports you from Puno to the fascinating Uros Floating Islands where the indigenous people of the area, the Uros, live on islands that dot the lake. The Uros live very much the same way as their ancestors did and still follow the ancient customs and traditions. These islands are completely man-made structures, using the totora reeds from the lake to build the islands and houses. Return to Puno for the remainder of the day at leisure. Or, take the optional tour to the Sillustani Tombs, the pre-Incan burial ground on the shores of Lake Umayo. The tombs here are built above the ground in tower-like structures called chullpas, vestiges of the Colla people before they were conquered by the Incas in the 15th century. Evening is at leisure in Puno Optional: Half Day Sillustani Tombs (PM) Overnight: Puno Meals: Breakfast

This morning transfer to the airport in Juliaca for your flight back to Lima. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Tonight, you bid farewell to your Tour Manager and fellow travelers at a special Farewell Dinner with Peruvian specialties Overnight: Lima Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer from the hotel to the airport for your departure flight* *Some flights depart shortly after midnight in the very early morning of Day 9 and will require a transfer on Day 8. Transfers depart the hotel approximately 4 hours prior to flight time. Meals: Breakfast ▲ Due to the high elevation, travel in the Peruvian highlands may cause some passengers to experience the temporary effects of altitude sickness. If you have any concerns about traveling to higher than your accustomed elevation, please consult your healthcare provider.