After breakfast, a guided visit of colonial and modern Lima , including the cathedral, dating from 1654, the main square, which still houses the original bronze fountain built in 1650, and the San Francisco Convent and its catacombs. Known as the city of the kings, Lima was founded in 1535 by Pizarro and rebuilt in 1991, the same year that UNESCO declared it a world heritage site. One of the very few South American cities that preserve the colonial past, Lima was home to the Spanish viceroy during the time of the Spanish colonialists. The tour also includes a visit to the residential areas of San Isidro and Miraflores, stopping at Larco Mar to enjoy a view of the beautiful Pacific Ocean . In the afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight to Cuzco . Reception and transfer to your hotel, The 3* Suenos Del Inca Hotel. Welcome drink of coca tea to help acclimatise to the 3400m setting of Cuzco .

Day 3. (Breakfast)

Afternoon guided visit of the four ruins nearby; the Sacsayhuaman Fortress overlooking the of Cuzco, a pre Inca architectural masterpiece; Kenko, a rock sanctuary whose main attraction is the monolithic altar representing a puma, the red Fortress of Puca-Pucara and Tambomachay, a beautiful fountain fed by a spring forming a series of basins continue to the city of Cuzco; the Main Square, the Cathedral and the Koricancha or Temple of the Sun. Return to your hotel.

Day 4 . SACRED VALLEY-PISAC-OLLANTAYTAMBO (Breakfast & buffet lunch)

Full-day excursion to the beautiful Urubamba , the Sacred Valley of the Inca situated between Pisac and Ollantaytambo. It is an exceptionally fertile valley that was and still remains the larder of Cuzco . Visit the village of Pisac , founded during colonial times, and set at the foot of a hill crowned by the remains of an ancient Inca city. On Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, Indians barter their products in the main square and artisans from around the area sell their woven alpaca wool blankets and ponchos, engraved gourds, antique reproductions, jewellery, etc. On Sundays it is also the meeting place for Mayors from all the villages in the region, dressed in their traditional costumes to attend morning mass. After a buffet lunch, a visit to Ollantaytambo, the only Inca town which was not defeated by the Spanish with an opportunity to explore the ruins which tower above. Late afternoon return to Cuzco whilst visiting en-route the traditional market of Chinchero. Return to your hotel.

Day 5. CUZCO-MACHU PICCHU (Breakfast)

Early transfer to the railway station for the 06.00 departure to Aguas Calientes in Vistadome class train and then a bus ride up to the spectacular Machu Picchu ruins (25 minutes). Guided visit of Machu Picchu . Built by the Inca Pachacutec, comprising stone blocks fitted with masterful precision that harmoniously blends into the mountain landscape. There are many theories as to the origins behind Machu Picchu but three of the most popular ideas include a temple to the sun, a fortress against the jungle inhabitants or a sanctuary for the Incas. This fabulous city has houses, temples, warehouses, a large central square, all connected by narrow roads and steps, and is surrounded by terraces cut into the mountain side which were used for agriculture. After the tour, free time to enjoy this magical and spiritual wonder . Reception to your hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Day 6. MACHU PICCHU – CUZCO (Breakfast)

Option to do a return visit to Machu Picchu (+$40.00) and for a trek (approx 1 hour) up to the sungate (Intipunku), which is a part of the Inca Trail, for a magical view of the sanctuary. Return to Cuzco with the 1530 train. Arrival and transfer to your hotel.

Day 7. CUZCO – LIMA (Breakfast)

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Lima and onward for your flight home.

Prices are available on request with discounts for large groups. We can also tailor make a tour to suit your needs. Optional add on tours in Lima as well as extra night accommodation.

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Tailor Make your own Tour and e-mail us with your request, number of people and approximate dates

Last modified: 07 January 2008 03:28