Legacy of The Incas

Arrival in Lima, the “City of Kings” famous for its Spanish Colonial architecture, extraordinary museums and cuisine. Lima is internationally recognized as the “Gastronomic Capital of the Americas”, and its cuisine is considered among the most diverse and exquisite in the world on par with French cuisine. Upon arrival a host will meet and assist you in transferring to the hotel and in registering.

Tour of Modern and Colonial Lima - This half-day tour visits both the colonial and modern sections of Lima. Colonial sites include the lovely Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, San Francisco Church 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.

From the day it opened, Cala has adopted a successful combination of stupendous cuisine, an excellent view of the sea, reasonable prices and a revitalized the menu with new and modern dishes that emphasize respect for the ingredients. Strategically located on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, its setting and atmosphere are outstanding, casual and contemporary. An ideal place for lunch by the sea, while listening to the sound of the waves.

Mario Testino photography exhibition is in the attractive neighborhood of Barranco, which was the place to be in the 19th century and retains its laid-back charm today. Mario Testino is recognized as one of the world’s most influential photographers, well-known for his pictures of the British Royal family, famous actors and beauties for the greatest international magazines, his creative exhibitions and books. Also visit Pedro de Osma Museum. At evening dinner at Central Restaurant. The dinner is on passengers’ account.

Early morning transfer from the hotel to the airport for a short but spectacular flight over the snowcapped Andes to the oldest inhabited city in the hemisphere, Cusco, at an elevation of 11,440 feet. Upon arrival in Cusco you will be met after luggage collection by our representative and transferred to the hotel in the Sacred Valley. A la Carte lunch at Terra Andina Colonial Mansion before continuing to the Sacred Valley. En route you will enjoy a scenic drive through a stunning landscape to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Located inside a 17th Century Colonial Mansion with its original arches is enhanced with a delicate-designed hand carved wood balcony that creates a pleasant setting. The welcoming and elegant “Colonial Patio” offers a small but unique and enticing selection of Creole, contemporary and novo-Andina dishes.

Visit Awanakancha Center, where weavers of more than 12 communities of Southern Peru exhibit the spinning, dyeing and weaving of Andean traditional textiles helping to preserve the traditional costumes. Your visit includes the opportunity to observe an exhibition and explanation of the four types of South American camels. Here you will find the finest of the traditional and industrial Andean textiles in South America.

Pablo Seminario Ceramic Studio has been dedicated to the discovery of techniques and designs from ancient Peruvian cultures. Pablo presents a new art expression, providing continuity to these cultural inheritances. He concentrates on making large-format works of art, “great plates”, as he calls them, at his personal workshop. The images that emerge here are the result of the patient work of following the tradition of pre-Colombian pottery, an ambitious task which got underway 20 years ago and which he continues to develop.

At Moray, you will find “the Inca laboratory”. The circles were used for the development of different strains of crops. Between the highest and lowest terraces there is a difference of up to 15 degrees. Although the difference between neighboring terraces is very small, it is great enough to create distinct microclimates that change growing conditions and allow the propagation of a huge variety of plants each with slightly different growth requirements.

Continues to the ancient town of Maras, by coach or hiking (approx. 2 hours) to enjoy a dramatic view of the salt pools and its outstanding Spanish door arches and vast church. We then drop down into the Sacred Valley of the Incas to the salt pans of Salineras. Here more than 5000 terraces are still in production and many families of Maras bring their salt to the market of Urubamba on mules.

It’s a unique journey to get to the latest Virgilio Martinez creation, the unique MIL, located by Moray terraces just above Cusco, at 11,200 ft of altitude and surrounded by Andean landscape. MIL introduces “ancestral cuisine” similar to Central, the Lima restaurant that positioned Virgilio among the World’s best. MIL has a fascinating menu with nearby Andean ingredients. Enjoy your lunch at the most talked-about Peruvian restaurant. Reservations using credit card is required.

The traditional and Andean towns of Chinchero and Pisac are known as “the birthplace of the rainbow”, and they have the full complement of photogenic attractions: Inca ruins, Andean village houses, an elaborate colonial church built on Inca foundations, and of course the handicrafts from the Quechua stallholders.

Afternoon visit to the Ollantaytambo archaeological complex, the Incas built it as a fort that included a temple, agricultural terraces, and an urban area. There are two distinct sectors: The religious and worship zone, and the residential area. Ollantaytambo was an important administrative center with probable military functions if one considers the walls and towers. There are also traces of ancient roads and aqueducts as well as several Inca’s waterways coming from nearby rivers that still benefit the town irrigation system. During the Spanish conquest of Peru Ollantaytambo was the stronghold the Inca’s resistance. Its cobblestoned streets are part of the Inca’s city planning in the 1200s. The town of Ollantaytambo is called a “Living Inca Town” because their inhabitants still maintain ancient practices and customs from their ancestors

The most noticeable aspect of the house is its sensational setting, dominating the Urubamba valley in the midst of the highland crags and vegetation through which the river flows. Above it, on the very mountain top within sight of heaven are two lakes, which seem to seethe on a rainy night. With magnificent views of the Urubamba River, the Casa-Hacienda has the magical ability to make us forget the reality of life. Today’s lunch will be a remarkable event.

Morning train ride aboard the most luxurious railway service in South America to enjoy the unbelievable sights of the “Lost City of the Incas,” Machu Picchu. A brunch will be served on board and you will be able to enjoy its open bar. Guided tour of 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.

Tour guide at disposal for a morning hike to the steep stone-paved trail of Huayna Picchu, the pyramid-shape mountain above Machu Picchu to enjoy an impressive and breathtaking view of the site. The few of those who climb the peak take advantage of the opportunity to see the even more impressive Temple of Moon. Tucked into a complex of caves hidden from the main ruins is an otherworldly shrine — possibly a burial site — built directly into the mountain rock. The Temple of the Moon features some of the finest stonework in Machu Picchu. The main reward for the climb up the ancient stone stairs is the most incredible view that can be achieved (short of a helicopter) of how Machu Picchu was carefully integrated into its natural surroundings. Among skyscraping Andean peaks tower in the distance while the winding Urubamba River nearly wraps itself around the main site. Do not miss it; Huayna Picchu is “what most people miss at Machu Picchu” (BBC Travel). Reservation is needed.

Free morning to enjoy one of the most incredible sights on earth, the sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Take as much time as you need to study these magnificent ruins or hike the steep stone-paved trail of Huayna Picchu, the pyramid shape mountain above Machu Picchu for a for an impressive and breathtaking “condor view” of the site (reservation and extra fee are needed). Other activities are: ● Stroll to the Inca Bridge a secret entrance used by the Inca’s army ● Walk toward the Inca Trail to find the historic Sun Gate (Intipunku) ● Soak in the unique thermal springs of town ● Wander into the Mandor valley ● Explore the open air market of Machu Picchu village ● Visit Manuel Chavez Museum ● Hike the round-shape mountain of Putukusi.

Morning is free to return to the citadel and explore it at your own pace or for a leisure walk to the legendary Sun Gate which was the entrance of the Inca Army into Machu Picchu. An optional hike to Huayna Picchu is recommended. Rest of the morning at leisure to enjoy the open market of Machu Picchu village (Aguas Calientes). Late afternoon return to Cusco aboard the Hiram Bingham luxury train. You will be able to have a wonderful dinner on board and enjoy some drinks at the wagon’s open bar.

Tour of Cusco and Nearby Ruins – Visit Sacsayhuaman fortress, an imposing example of Inca military architecture. It was built using colossal limestone blocks using a variety of interlocking shapes. The estimated weight of some stones is over 120 tons. Visitors are still wondering how it was constructed. Other archaeological sites included in the tour are the Incan military lookout point of Puca-Pucara and the Sanctuaries of Kenko and Tambomachay.

Visitors are caught up in the excitement of touring the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, a delightful combination of Inca and colonial architecture. The tour visits important landmarks such us Cusco’s Cathedral, Plaza de Armas and Koricancha “The Temple of the Sun”. Tour includes a visit to the emblematic Cusco neighborhood of San Blas, filled with narrow typical streets, charming small homes, galleries and craft workshops, where you see local artisans at work. Cusco is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere.

Belmond Andean Explorer is South America’s first luxury train that combine genuine daytime getaways with sleeping accommodations at night, all while traversing the Peruvian Andes.

Your 11th day begins with a stunning sunrise over Lake Titicaca, followed by breakfast on board before setting off to explore the Uros and Taquile islands. After a morning of boat exploration and a traditional lunch at Collata Beach—complete with local dance and craft displays—you'll head back to the station for tea time. As the train departs for Arequipa in the late afternoon, you can relax with pre-dinner cocktails and a gourmet meal before spending the night at Saracocha.

Your 11th day begins with a stunning sunrise over Lake Titicaca, followed by breakfast on board before setting off to explore the Uros and Taquile islands. After a morning of boat exploration and a traditional lunch at Collata Beach—complete with local dance and craft displays—you'll head back to the station for tea time. As the train departs for Arequipa in the late afternoon, you can relax with pre-dinner cocktails and a gourmet meal before spending the night at Saracocha.

Departure towards the highlands passing through Yura-Pampa Cañahuas and La Pulpera with good possibility of observing groups of wild vicuñas and fighting cattle. The road to the Colca Canyon reaches a high point of 13,000 feet before dropping down to the valley, an area of breath taking landscapes surrounded by terracing and snow-capped peaks. Far below, at a depth of 10,000 feet, the Colca River winds along the bottom of the canyon, the world’s deepest. Stop en route to see petroglyphs in the Caves of Mollepunco and in the town of Callali to see natural hill formations with the appearance of enchanted castles. Continue to La Calera to enjoy the thermal baths under the stars. Overnight in the Colca Canyon area

Early morning we will depart to the Condor Cross, where you will you will appreciate the depth of the canyon which is considered much deeper than the Grand Canyon. And you will appreciate the majestic flight of the Condor. Continue until Cabanaconde town, a big producer of corn and the second largest in the Valley. Visit the villages of Macca and Yanque with churches colonial times. Also visit the Mirador de Antahuilque. Return to the hotel, check out and pick up your luggage. Depart to Arequipa and continue to Arequipa Airport for your

Visit the Larco Museum. Founded in 1926, the Larco Museum showcases remarkable chronological galleries providing an excellent overview on 3000 years of development of Peruvian pre-Columbian history. Features the finest gold and silver collection from Ancient Peru and the famous erotic archaeological collection, one of the most visited Peruvian tourist attractions

Casa Luna’s Nativity Scenes Gallery - In Casa Luna…every day is Christmas. Located in the exclusive district of San Isidro, Casa Luna exhibits an impressive collection of nativity scenes and cribs, and other figures representing Peruvian religiosity. A magnificent example of pre-Columbian art, colonial.

Where the food is absolutely wonderful!. This stylish restaurant is constantly rated as one of World’s best, it is owned and managed by a Cordon Bleu–trained, husband/ wife team. Astrid (pastry chef) and Gaston (principal chef) made a name for themselves with this highly successfurestaurant. It is “the dinning place” for upscale locals

Late afternoon visit the Magic Water Circuit at Parque de la Reserva. This recently remodeled park boasts 12 beautiful water fountains that literally “dance” under an awesome choreography of music, lights and laser beams. This park is the pride of Lima and has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest water fountain park in the world. The 80-meter high water fountain is an impressive view.

Use of a day room until late evening. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Arrive home full of great memories of the rich tradition of Colonial Lima, the snowcapped roaring Andean mountains and lush valleys, and the zig-zag road to the overwhelming sight of Machu Picchu, the amazing legacy the Incas.