Peru & Machu Picchu  
Rails, Ruins & Incas
Independent Itinerary

Client Comments:

	"Susy's organization make the trip seamless!" (BB, California)
	"Machu Picchu is the most impressive site I have visited.  I have seen the Great Wall in China, Victoria Falls--Machu Picchu beats them all!" (RA, Wisconsin)

The Peruvian Andes are arguably the most beautiful on the continent and are home to millions of highland Indians who still speak the ancient tongue of Quechua and maintain a traditional way of life.  You cannot resist photographing these colorful peoples and their smiling llamas grazing on their small terraced farms. The multiple layers of fascinating great civilizations of pre-Hispanic cultures that occupied this territory 15,000 years ago make it the historical-archeological treasure of South America. This trip begins and ends in Lima, Peru.   It is called the “City of the Kings,” as it was the capital of the Spanish Empire in South America.  Founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro, a tour of this rich historical city is most rewarding.  Lima is 500 ft. a.s.l.

Amayra Lady with Llama  overlooking Cusco A one-hour flight to Cusco from Lima begins your tour in the Andes.  The sole visit of Cusco would justify your trip to Peru.  You have 3 nights here.   It is known as the “Archeological Capital of America.”  It symbolizes the maximum splendor achieved by the Andean civilization.  Elevation is 11,047 ft. A journey by narrow-gauge tourist railroad from Cusco takes you to the highlight of the trip – Machu Picchu, the Sacred Lost City of the Incas.   Apparently a center of religious ceremonies for the Incas and home to their nobility in the 15th century, this mist-shrouded citadel at 9750 feet elevation is the most palpable reminder of the powerful Andean civilization that stretched some 3000 miles from southern Colombia to central Chile. Our two days here will allow plenty of time to explore and relax at this mountaintop refuge.   Elevation is around 8500.

Peru & Machu Picchu Independent Itinerary

Day 1    Arrive in Lima, Peru.  500 ft. elevation.  

Day 2   A  Guided City Tour of Lima-- Plaza de Armas, Cathedral, San Francisco Convent, Archeological Museum

D ay 3    Guided Lima Tour to Larco Herrera Museum and the Gold Museum

Day 4   Shopping or Relaxing in the Morning                                                                     "Machu Picchu" by Ron Anderson

Day 5   Guided tour to Archeological Sites around Cusco.

Day 6   Guided Tour to Pisac and Ollantaytambo

Day 7    Train Ride to Machu Picchu with Your Guide

Day  8    Return to Machu Picchu or Walk around Aguas Calientes

Day  9     Fly to Lima
Fly to Lima.  Hotel Hacienda in Lima.  B at Hotel San Antonio in Cusco

Day 10    Depart Lima

Breakfast at Hotel Hacienda.  Airport transfers included.

Peruvian Family It includes 9 hotel nights, all in-country flights, train tickets on the Vistadome Trains to Machu Picchu, 2 airport transfers, local transfers with bi-lingual personnel, expert bi-lingual tour guides, all breakfasts and 2 lunches.  It does not include airfare, tips, meals not designated in the itinerary and trip insurance.   Minimum of 2 pax required for this itinerary. Contact us for 2007/2008 prices.