Accommodation based on TWIN in the selected hotel category
-
Excursions as noted in the itinerary
-
Private services with local German, French, Italian or English speaking guide (except for services at
Titilaka and aboard the Hiram Bingham train which are offered with English/Spanish speaking guide)
-
Train ticket Poroy - Machu Picchu - Poroy in Hiram Bingham Class (Deluxe Class)
-
Hiram Bingham Train and tour in Machu Picchu on SIC basis (seat in coach – shared with other travellers, with local English/Spanish speaking guide)
-
Meals as noted (B: breakfast, L: lunch, D: dinner)
-
Entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the itinerary
NOT INCLUDED:
-
International air fares
-
Domestic flights (see cost above)
-
Airport taxes for domestic flights and international flights (approx. USD 6 for domestic flight departures and approx. USD 30.25 for international flight departures)
-
Entrance fees and bus Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu for second day visit to Machu Picchu
This journey covers the highlights of South Peru including stays in unique properties as Casitas del Colca, Titilaka, a brand new hotel & spa in the Sacred Valley and a hotel in Cusco built on former Inca palace. Once in Machu Picchu you can stay in the only five star in town or in the suite of an intimate 85-cottage hotel surrounded by 12-acre grounds in the cloud forest. You travel aboard the ‘Andean Explorer’ train from Puno to Cusco. Once there you will enjoy dramatic views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas from one of the cars of the Orient-Express’ luxury Hiram Bingham train to reach Machu Picchu.
Itinerary
DAY 1 … – LIMA
You will be met at the airport and escorted to your hotel. Enjoy a typical Peruvian ‘pisco sour’ and some appetizers in the quiet and intimate bar at the hotel. The typical English setting makes it the ideal place for relaxing after a long-haul flight.
DAY 2 LIMA (B,D)
Morning city tour of Lima. The city has always been one of the most important cities in South America since it was founded by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535. Your sightseeing tour explores the historic quarter and modern districts of the city. Opportunity to take pictures from the Government Palace, the City Hall, the Palace of the Archbishop and the Cathedral as you walk in Lima’s historic main square. You continue on to the San Francisco Monastery. After an introduction to Lima’s colonial past you will be driven to the residential district of San Isidro. Your tour ends with a visit to Huaca Huallamarca – an archaeological site dating to the 2nd century BC. The flat-topped pyramid built by the pre-Inca 'Lima Culture' offers some of the nicest views of San Isidro from its upper level. This landmark, entirely built with adobe bricks resembling grains of corn, stands surrounded by modern civilization as a remembrance of Lima’s past. Objects found at the site, including mummies, pottery and musical instruments can be seen in the on-site museum.
Dinner will be served in the Rosa Nautica one of Lima’s most spectacular restaurants. This unique restaurant in Victorian-style is set on the water with views of the Pacific Ocean as well as the cliffs and provides the scenic location to drink a toast to a memorable trip in Peru. A typical Peruvian ‘Pisco sour’ will be served before dinner. The restaurant's four dining areas, and its sophisticated bar ‘El Espigón’, rising from the midst of the ocean, allow the visitor to enjoy a magical experience, which can only be possible in a place of fantasy, capriciously constructed in the middle of the sea. The menu features both Peruvian and international cuisine; still it is its refined seafood cuisine this restaurant is famous for.
DAY 3 LIMA – AREQUIPA (B)
Transfer to the airport to board your flight to Arequipa, the colonial city at the foot of the snow-capped Misti Volcano topping 5,800 m (19,000 ft). Arequipa is one of the finest cities in Peru.
In the afternoon you will explore the city. Some of the old buildings were made from white volcanic material (sillar) which has given it the name of the ‘white city’. Continue on to the extraordinary Santa Catalina Convent. This cloister, built in the 16th century, is a huge structure that once served as a town within itself housing 450 nuns. Traditionally the oldest daughters of Arequipa’s aristocratic families entered the convent in their early teens and spent their lives there, cloistered away. The convent complex has been beautifully refurbished, bringing the past vividly alive once more. Finally, we head to Yanahuara lookout point for a magnificent view of the Misti Volcano and the city.
You spend the night in a colonial property built of white volcanic stones, once owned by the wealthy Quiroz family and later Arequipa’s first Mint House. The mansion has been completely refurbished to become a luxury historic hotel in Arequipa.
DAY 4 AREQUIPA – COLCA (B,L,D)
In the early morning we leave Arequipa and head towards the valley. On our way we pass Pampa de Arrieros, Pampa Cañahuas (where we find the Vicuna National Reserve of Aguada Blanca), Vizcachani and Tojra a good place for spotting Andean birds. Awesome volcanoes Mismi (5,597 m/18,360 ft), Misti (5,825 m/19,110 ft), Chachani (6,075 m/19,930 ft) and the glaciers Ampato (6,288 m/20,630 ft), Sabancaya (5,976m/19,606 ft) and Hualca Hualca (6,288 m/20,630 ft) offer us awesome panoramic views as we enter the Colca Valley. After approx. 5 hours we arrive to the hotel and Orient Express newest property in Peru. In the afternoon chance to get relaxed in the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool which blends into the surroundings, allowing you to feel a part of nature.
Or take one of the treatments offered in the Samay Spa (at additional cost)
This luxurious lodge boasts twenty individual casitas offering supreme privacy and exclusivity and an opportunity to experience the beauty of the Andes. Each casita has a private terrace, and a heated plunge pool, ideal for relaxing after a day exploring the delights of the Colca Canyon. There are numerous outdoor activities available (included in the rate). Do not forget your hiking boots and set out on one of the walks or treks in the local area. Alternatively, head out on a bicycle or horseback to discover some of the fascinating local towns.
If you prefer a more sedentary pace of life try your hand at fishing on one of our trout lakes using a traditional rod, or train your eyes to the skies in search of the indigenous humming bird, the largest in the world. As night falls the telescope at Las Casitas del Colca will reveal the delights of the night sky.
DAY 5 COLCA – PUNO (B,D)
Early morning drive to an observation point, located between Maca and Cabanaconde, one of the deepest part of the canyon. Here, you find the perfect spot to look down 1,200m (3,937 ft) into the canyon at ‘Mirador Cruz del Condor’. It’s here that the legendary condor, the bird with the largest wingspan in the world, can be seen rising and circling on the morning thermals, silhouetted against the magnificent backdrop of the mountain scenery. We say then goodbye to Colca and head to the next unique property the Titilaka on a secluded private peninsula.
Surrounded by stunning scenery and astounding Andean geography, Titilaka’s contemporary design integrates with the natural environment, paying homage to the ancient Titicaca, origin of the great Inca culture.
Eighteen fully serviced lake-view suites feature heated floors and spa bathrooms, with large oversized tubs and massage showers, plus an array of amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Here you will find a haven for re-energizing after a day of excursion by boat, mountain bike, hiking or car — the choice is yours.
After or before dinner your concierge will shape your itinerary for tomorrow according to your preferences. Activities range from contemplative to adventuresome, including: mountain bike, Highlands treks & birdwatching, Taquile, Amantani and Uros Islands, Sillustani burial towers, horseback excursions, colonial churches, local village tours.
DAY 6 PUNO (B,L,D)
Enjoy your activities on Titicaca Lake and/or the Altiplano with your bilingual guide and driver. Full board is included in your hotel rate.
DAY 7 PUNO – CUSCO (B,L) (389 km – approx. 10 hours) (only on MON, WED and SAT)
This spectacular rail journey begins in Puno and travels north to the historic city of Cusco. This classic and luxury Orient Express train journey, recently voted ‘one of the top ten railway journeys of the world’ cuts across the formidable Peruvian Altiplano. The journey is dominated by the magnificent Andean mountains rolling Andean Plains, where vicuña and alpaca can be seen. The glass-walled observation car will provide the perfect opportunity to view the beautiful scenery. The journey is broken by a scenic stop at La Raya, which is also the highest point on the route. A three-course lunch will be served on board. Upon arrival in Cusco you will be transferred to your hotel.
DAY 8 CUSCO (B,D)
This morning we walk through the major sites of interest in Cusco. We visit the famed Cathedral with its magnificently carved woodwork, ornate altar and many hundreds of canvases from the 17th-century ‘Cusco Painting School’. We continue exploring the cultural wealth of Cusco at the Temple of the Sun where we witness the incredible masonry of the Incas, an engineering feat that remains an enigma. Afterward we walk along Hatunrumiyoc Street which is named for the 12-angled stone clearly visible in the remaining walls of what was Inca Roca's palace. We make a last stop in San Blas artisan quarter. Its steeped cobblestone alleys not only offer spectacular views of the city but are lined with workshops and galleries, a great way to soak in Cusco’s artistic atmosphere. San Blas church houses an imposing pulpit considered one of New World’s finest woodcarvings.
Dinner at ‘La Divina Comedia’. Located next to Las Nazarenas square in the very center of Cusco this restaurant serves original creations with exceptional service. The terracotta painted intimate dining room, illuminated with candle lights and torches, offers capacity for forty-five diners. This restaurant is the ideal choice for couple or small groups looking for innovative cuisine. The chef puts his own personal, distinctive touch on each and every dish included in the varied menu. All are prepared with fresh produce and export quality meat and fish, resulting in a mind- blowing taste and presentation that will make you sample popular, local ingredients in a new and creative way. To name a few: cream soup made with sweet pepper and red wine topped with goat cheese tartar dip, the rolled guinea pig or the grilled ostrich.
Among the desserts the one we recommend is the one offering the typical Peruvian chirimoya fruit in three different varieties. Vegetarian options are sparse but mouth watering.
DAY 9 CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY (B,L) (only TUE,THU and SUN)
This morning we drive to the valley of the Urubamba River the so called Sacred Valley of the Inca.
We proceed then to Pisaq where hundreds of visitors and people from remote communities
dressed in their traditional and colorful attires meet to market and barter their products. Today, the
market also has a tourist element, so there is an opportunity to buy souvenirs.Lunch at Hacienda
Huayoccari. Nestled in the Sacred Valley, approx. 1 hour from Cusco, the Hacienda Huayoccari is
one of the best places to eat and relax. The hacienda owners, the renowned Lambarri Orihuela
family, inhabitants of the Sacred Valley for over 350 years, will be your hosts. Experience their
warm hospitality, feel the flavor of the past and the history of the haciendas of Cusco, and enjoy
an impressive view of the Sacred Valley. After admiring the family’s vast collection of folk
art, you savor a meal prepared with fresh products from the plantations around that is served in
the hacienda’s garden.
After lunch we drive past ancient farming terraces that are still in use today to grow barley, wheat, and corn to reach the town of Ollantaytambo where the Temple of the Sun (formed of six gigantic monoliths, whose total weight exceeds 50 tons) and the Terrace of the Ten Niches stand out.
Tonight you will enjoy a relaxing and soothing time in the Andean Spa at the hotel with a massage session.
DAY 10 SACRED VALLEY (B,D)
Our guide will take us to visit the age-old terraced salt mines in Maras. The dominant color is an intense white that burns like snow on a sunny day and are an impressive sight for any visitor. Salt was extracted from these mines from Inca times and the same method has been used ever since - all work is done by hand. After stopping to explore, we continue to Moray one of the many little jewels to be found in the Cusco region. It is a complex of four circular terraces which, hidden among the hills, it emerges suddenly into view when the visitor is almost on top of it. The impression created by these terraces like Greek amphitheatres against a backdrop of snow covered mountains is unforgettable.
Even more surprising is the fact that Moray was a sort of open-air agricultural lab, used for adapting plants to new environmental conditions.
Tonight enjoy a sophisticated dinner in the hotel’s restaurant featuring Novo Andina cuisine. The creative menu is a result of fresh produce and contemporary techniques.
DAY 11 SACRED VALLEY – POROY – MACHU PICCHU (B,D)
Early transfer to the Poroy train station to travel to Machu Picchu via the luxurious Hiram Bingham train. This train reflects the 1920s Pullman era whilst boasting elegance and sophistication. You'll enjoy brunch and cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere as the train passes through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The train will arrive in Aguas Calientes at 12.30 pm when the guides will take you up to the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu by private bus. Get ready to experience one of the most outstanding archaeological wonders of the world on a 2-hour tour. At the end of the day guests gather in Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge for late afternoon tea complete with a buffet of tea sandwiches, cookies, and sweets. Afterwards you will be transferred to your hotel in Aguas Calientes.
A la carte dinner will be served at the hotel. It has an excellent location, on the banks of the Urubamba River featuring extraordinary views of the River and the nearby cloud forest.
DAY 12 MACHU PICCHU – POROY – CUSCO (B,D)
After breakfast we have the remainder of the morning free to roam around the majestic site of Machu Picchu, climb the Huayna Picchu or to explore the interesting town of Aguas Calientes.
Afternoon transfer to Aguas Calientes station to travel back to Poroy via the elegant Hiram Bingham train. Pre-dinner cocktails will be served on board. A sophisticated five-course meal follows. Upon arrival in Poroy, you will be transferred to your hotel in Cusco.
DAY 13 CUSCO – LIMA (B)
Morning flight to Lima and transfer to Barranco. A bunch of galleries can be found here. One of the classiest art galleries and with a stunning ocean view is definitely ‘Dedalo’. Wander through the gallery’s ample rooms, each one with its very own personality and marvel at the hundreds of modern colorful art objects. Local artists, mostly from Lima and its vicinity, exhibit an astounding variability of jewellery, textiles, pictures, furnishings, clothes and a lot more. Even though art in Dedalo is a bit pricier to buy, it is definitely worth a visit, even if it is only to enjoy the warm inspiring atmosphere the gallery boasts. To relax, the gallery offers a charming little coffee shop in the back yard that serves excellent machine made coffee.
At proper time you will be transferred to the airport for your international flight.
Price per person in USD sharing TWIN Prices valid through December 24th 2010
Hotels
Private Services
SIC*
Single Suppl.
Tourist
-
-
-
Tourist Superior
-
-
-
First
-
-
-
Deluxe
6206
-
2317
Deluxe superior
6923
-
2979
* min. 2 persons
Domestic flights (net price per person in USD)
Lima - Arequipa
160 *
Cusco - Lima
160 *
* Air fares subject to change according availability