Itinerary Details
Avanti Destinations: Ultimate Peru
Day 1 Lima
Begin your journey in Lima, Peru's coastal capital city founded by the Spaniard Pizarro in 1535. Lima, with its historic buildings and museums, offers visitors an introduction to the colonial history of Peru. Airport greeting and transfer to Miraflores (suburb of Lima) to your selected hotel. Overnight.
Centrally Located Hotel In Lima, ()
Day 2 Lima
After breakfast, you will be picked up for a half-day city tour of Lima. The three-hour sightseeing tour offers the best of modern and colonial Lima. It includes visits to the Government Palace, The Plaza Mayor, City Hall, and the 17th century San Francisco Monastery, followed by a drive through the modern suburb of San Isidro, with a stop at the pre-Inca pyramid of Huaca Huallamarca. Afternoon at leisure to explore, or arrange an optional tour. Overnight.
Centrally Located Hotel In Lima, (B)
Day 3 Lima, Sacred Valley
Transfer to the airport for an early morning flight to the ancient imperial capital of Cuzco. Situated at an altitude of 11,200 ft., Cuzco reflects both the Incan and Spanish cultures. Airport greeting and transfer by minivan to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. Experience an unforgettable view as you cross over the mountain from Cuzco and drop down into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The road follows the meandering Urubamba River and passes through rich agricultural lands and picturesque villages. En route you will have a private excursion to Pisac Market and the Incan ruins of Ollantaytambo, including lunch. Note: It is recommended that you only bring an overnight bag with you to Machu Picchu. Arrangements will be made in the Sacred Valley to safely store additional luggage.
Centrally Located Hotel In Sacred Valley, (B,L)
Day 4 Machu Picchu
After breakfast, transfer to the Ollantaytambo Train Station and board the train to the village of Aguas Calientes (approximately 90 minutes), in the valley below Machu Picchu. There you will board a bus that will take you up the switchback road (approximately 20 minutes) to the legendary Lost City of the Incas. Enjoy a guided tour of the Ruins, followed by lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge (adjacent to the site). The rest of afternoon can be spent at leisure to explore the ruins, before returning by bus to Aguas Calientes (unless you are staying at the Sanctuary Lodge). Overnight.
Centrally Located Hotel In Aguas Calientes, (B)
Day 5 Machu Picchu
Morning at leisure to return to Machu Picchu for a second visit. The bus departs from Puente Ruinas station every 10 minutes, beginning at 5:30 am. Mid-afternoon (3:30-5:00 pm depending upon your train confirmation time) return to Ollantaytambo Train Station. Continue to Cuzco by minivan, arriving in the early evening. Transfer to your selected hotel. Overnight.
Centrally Located Hotel In Cuzco, (B)
Day 6 Cuzco
Morning at leisure. Afternoon city tour of Cuzco includes a visit to the Koricancha Temple and the Cathedral, followed by a visit to the nearby fortress of Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, Puca-Pucara and the Tambomachay ruins. After the tour, explore the city on your own. Cuzco is a city of plazas and colonial buildings with red tile roofs. Walk the City's ancient cobblestone streets, lined with the massive stone walls that are an Incan legacy. Return to your hotel. Overnight.
Centrally Located Hotel In Cuzco, (B)
Day 7 Puno
Travel from Cuzco to Puno by train, motorcoach or airplane. Transfer to your selected hotel. Overnight. By train: On Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday (April-October), OR Monday, Wednesday, Saturday (November-March), board an Orient-Express train at 8:00 am in Cuzco for a 10-hour train ride across the wind-swept altiplano to the town of Puno. By air: After a morning of leisure in Cuzco, board a DAILY LAN Peru flight at 3:05 pm (subject to change) for a 50-minute flight to Juliaca, the closest airport to Puno. By motor coach: Depart Cuzco at 8:00 am DAILY on an Inka Express motor coach. The scenic journey across the altiplano takes about 9 hours, with stops at Pukara, Raqchi, and Andahuaylilias, as well as a lunch stop at Las Tunas restaurant. Arrival into Puno is at approximately 5:00 pm.
Centrally Located Hotel In Puno, (B)
Day 8 Puno
After breakfast, depart for full day excursion to the floating reed islands, home of the Uros Indians, and a visit to the peaceful Quechuan community on Taquile Island. After lunch on Taquile, there is time to explore the island before boarding the boat to return to Puno. Transfer to your selected hotel. Overnight.
Centrally Located Hotel In Puno, (L,B)
Day 9 Lima
Depart from Puno to return home or continue on to another Avanti destination.
Centrally Located Hotel In Puno, (B)