Itinerary Footprints of the Incas
Day 1 – USA- Lima
Upon arrival at the airport a host will meet and assist you in transferring to the hotel and help you in registering.
Day 2 – Lima
Today's highlights include a City Tour of Lima and Larco Museum - This half day tour visits both the colonial and modern sections of this "City of Kings." Colonial sites include the lovely Plaza de Armas with its cathedral and palace, and the exquisite Torre Tagle Palace modern day seat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In modern Lima, drive along the exclusive residential areas of Miraflores and San Isidro. Continue to the Larco Museum, founded in 1926, it showcases remarkable chronological galleries providing an excellent overview on 3000 years of development of Peruvian pre-Columbian history. Located in a unique vice-royal mansion of the 18th century built over a 7th century pre-Columbian pyramid, is surrounded by beautiful gardens and features the finest gold and silver collection from Ancient Peru and the famous erotic archaeological collection, one of the most visited Peruvian tourist attractions.
Day 3 – Lima-Puno
Fly from Lima to Juliaca to reach Puno, the gateway to your adventure on Lake Titicaca. A tour of Sillustani Burial Towers is also included today. Visit burial towers known as chulpas, ancient and impressive tombs from the pre-Inca period. They were built from a mixture of stone and adobe and served as burial places for chiefs and other high ranking members of Inca society.
Day 4 -- Lake Titicaca
Early morning departure to Copacabana, on the Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca (2.5 hours). This city is not only beautifully nestled between hills overlooking the bay, but also an important Bolivian religious center as thousands of pilgrims visit the city to be blesses by the Virgin of of Copacabana. After visiting Copacabana, embark a Catamaran cruise on Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Enjoy a buffet lunch en route to Sun Island, located on Lake Titicaca.On Sun Island tour the major sites including the Inca Garden, Inti Wata Complex, and Inca water springs. Kallawaya ancient ceremony and ancient sailing demonstration are included. Return by catamaran to Copacabana for your return trip to Puno. (B,L).
Day 5 - Puno - Cusco
Breakfast at your hotel. Bus journey through the Peruvian Andes from Puno, one of South America's most extraordinary overland trips takes you by bus to Cusco passing through striking highland scenery and picturesque Andean villages. Upon your arrival in Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, a host will meet and assist you in transferring to the hotel and help you to register. (B,L)
Day 6 Sunday - Cusco
Breakfast at your hotel. Free morning. Tour of Cusco and its Ruins - This afternoon's tour of the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere includes important landmarks of enchanting Cusco and also the nearby ruins of Kenko, Puca-pucara, Tambomachay as well as the Sacsayhuaman fortress. Once the center of the Inca civilization, modern Cusco is a delightful combination of Inca and colonial architecture. During the tour, you will visit Cusco's Cathedral, Santo Domingo Church and the Plaza de Armas. (B)
Day 7 Monday - Cusco - Machu Picchu - Cusco
Breakfast at your hotel. Full Day Excursion to Machu Picchu - Early wake up for a train ride through the sacred valley of Urubamba to the "Lost City of the Incas," Machu Picchu. Perched 8,200 feet above the valley, it was hidden by mountains and semi-tropical jungles for 400 years until discovered by Hiram Bingham of Yale University in 1911. Archaeologists believe that the Inca "Virgins of the Sun" took refuge from the Spanish Conquistadors here. Guided tour of the ruins upon arrival. All transfers are included. Lunch is at the Orient Express' Sanctuary Lodge located just a few steps from the Inca citadel. Afternoon return to Cusco. (B,L)
Day 8 - Cusco - Lima - USA
Breakfast at your hotel. Transfer from hotel to the airport for your flight to Lima and then take your connecting flight home. (B)
HOTELS USED
Lima
JOSE ANTONIO LIMA HOTEL - 3 stars
Puno
PUNO INN - 3 stars
Cusco:
PICOAGA HOTEL - 3 stars
