Inkas & Aymaras

INKAS AND AYMARAS (11 Days / 10 Nights) Sundays and Tuesdays

DAY 1 LIMA

Arrival in Lima and transfer to your hotel of choice. In the afternoon enjoy a comprehensive tour of the so-called City of Kings, which enjoys a considerable legacy of art and architecture from its colonial period. Our tour includes visits to colonial era treasures such as the cathedral, the Presidential Palace with the daily ceremonial changing of the guard, and the Archbishop's Palace and City Hall with its lavishly carved wooden balconies. There will also be time to admire some of the numerous churches, and the modern neighborhoods of San Isidro and Miraflores. Services included today: Arrival transfer; city tour; overnight accommodations; hotel taxes; English-speaking assistance.

DAY 2 LIMA – CUZCO

At the appointed time transfer to the airport for your flight to Cuzco (not included). Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon enjoy a comprehensive tour showcasing the archaeological Inca remains which dot the outskirts of Cuzco and the colonial heritage that can still be seen in different parts of the city. We will start our tour by visiting the fortress of Sacsaywuaman, the sanctuaries of Kenquo and Tambomachay, and the inn of Pukapukara. Then we will return to the city to admire the cathedral and the Temple of Korikancha. The tour wraps up with a visit to Cuzco's most typical streets and plazas. Services included today: Breakfast; airport transfers; city tour of Cuzco; overnight accommodations; hotel taxes; English-speaking assistance.

DAY 3 CUZCO – SACRED VALLEY

The Urubamba Valley, also known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas, is one of the most fertile valleys on this planet. Our full day tour will introduce you to the ancient Inca town and colorful market of Pisac, held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, and the Ollantaytambo archeological area, built on a strategic site upon several mountains, overlooking the valley. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in the Inca town of Urubamba. After the tour you will be dropped off at your hotel in the Sacred Valley. Services included today: Breakfast; full-day tour of Sacred Valley; lunch; overnight accommodations; hotel taxes; English-speaking assistance.

DAY 4 SACRED VALLEY – MACHU PICCHU

The ruins of Machu Pichu are one of the most beautiful and enigmatic ancient sites in the world. While the Inca people utilized the Andean mountaintop, erecting massive stone structures from the early 1400's, legends and myths indicate that Machu Picchu was revered as a sacred place from a far earlier time. Whatever its origins, Machu Picchu seems to have been utilized by the Inca as a secret ceremonial city. During our tour you will visit the famous citadel including palaces, baths, temples, storage rooms and houses, and learn all about its interesting history. Services included today: Breakfast; transfer to Ollantaytambo train station; full-day tour of Machu Picchu; lunch; overnight accommodations; hotel taxes; English-speaking assistance.

DAY 5 MACHU PICCHU – CUZCO

Day at leisure to pay a second visit to the famous citadel, hike up Waynu Picchu, or enjoy the natural hot springs in Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon we will return to Cuzco by train. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. Services included today: Train service to Cuzco; overnight accommodations; hotel taxes; English-speaking assistance.

DAY 6 CUZCO

Day at leisure in Cuzco to enjoy the city at your own pace. Services included today: Breakfast; overnight accommodations; hotel taxes; English-speaking assistance.

DAY 7 CUZCO - PUNO

Transfer to the train station in time to take the train to Puno. The train operates Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, leaving Cuzco at 8:00 am and arriving in Puno at 19:00 pm. There is restaurant service onboard. Upon arrival in Puno you will be transferred to your hotel. Services included today: Breakfast; train station transfers; train ride to Puno; overnight accommodations; hotel taxes; English-speaking assistance.

DAY 8 PUNO

The Floating Islands of the Uros are one of the world's most unique attractions. The Aymara-speaking inhabitants of these islands descend from one of America's oldest civilizations that have, for centuries, kept their traditional values and the lifestyle of their ancestors. The islands are made of totora, a reed that grows in abundance in the shallower waters of the lake. The islander's houses and boats are also made of totora and are being rebuilt as soon as the reed begins to rot. Return to Puno and free time for lunch. In the afternoon we will visit Sillustani, a rocky peninsula surrounded by the enchanting Umayo lagoon. This pre-Incan and Incan archaeological complex is famous for its stone funeral towers called Chullpas, where the Collas buried their nobles and kings. Sillustani is also considered a sanctuary of fertility because of its location, on an apparently magical and religious site. To support this theory the beautiful surrounding countryside has been the subject of several mysterious legends and many people come here to practice meditation. Overnight.

DAY 9 PUNO - LA PAZ

Leaving Puno early in the morning we will head for Copacabana on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Short panoramic tour of this pilgrimage town and departure by hydrofoil for the Islands of the Moon and the Sun. Tour of the islands and lunch. Continuation to Huatajata. Once there we will visit the Andean Roots Complex which includes the Altiplano Museum, the Indian Chapel, a reproduction of the mortuary towers or Chullpas, and we will meet the Limachi brothers, builders of Ra II and Tigris ships. Finally we will depart by bus to La Paz where we will arrive around 7:30 pm. Lunch included.

DAY 10 LA PAZ

Today we will introduce you to the secrets of the highest city in the world. During our comprehensive city tour you will visit the main colonial jewels such as the Governor's Palace and San Francisco Church, Indian markets such as the Witch Doctor's Market, and the unique Moon Valley with its moonlike landscape. Evening at leisure. Overnight.

DAY 11 LA PAZ – OUT

At the appointed time you will be transferred to the airport in time for your connecting or international flight. Services included: Breakfast; transfer to the airport; English-speaking assistance.

Rates:

From: USD1294.00 Note: *Domestic flights not included.