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Day 1 • Friday (Galapagos
Voyage and Cusco tour guests)
U.S. / Lima
Fly to Lima and transfer to the Costa del Sol Ramada for
the night. (Meals Aloft)
Day 2 • Saturday
Lima / Cusco / Sacred Valley
Guests coming from the Amazon
Voyage will board a morning flight to Lima. Our entire
small group will fly to Cusco — the heart of the
Inca Empire and the oldest continuously inhabited city
in the Western Hemisphere, and leave for the historic
Urubamba Valley. Also known as the Sacred Valley, Urubamba
is dotted with Andean markets, churches and ruins. Spend
tonight at the Sol Y Luna, where we enjoy a lecture on
life in the Andes. (B,L,D)
Day 3 • Sunday
Urubamba Valley: Ollantaytambo & Pisaq
Explore the mighty archaeological wonder of Ollantaytambo,
where ancient temples and fortresses were built to protect
the Sacred Valley. This elaborate walled complex uses rose-colored
granite not mined in this part of the valley. After lunch,
journey to the colorful colonial town of Pisaq. Here the
famous market boasts local fruits, ceramics, jewelry and
woolens. Return to the Sol Y Luna for the night. (B,L,D)
Day 4 • Monday
Urubamba Valley: Maras Moray
/ Cusco
Moray is believed to be an Incan agricultural experimental
center used to improve high altitude crops – an essential
commodity for the huge Incan armies and road building teams
essential to support the empire. Taking advantage of natural
depressions, the Inca created terraced circles that each
became their own microenvironment. 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 60 degrees. Nearby are astounding salt mines once
mentioned in the chronicles of Spanish Conquistadors. These
terraced salt pans are still in use today. After a visit
to the ancient town of Maras, we visit a textile farm in
Chinchero. Here we visit with a family to learn how the
people live and about the natural products they use to
dye the colorful Andean fabrics. Arrive in Cusco this evening
before dinner and spend tonight at the Hotel Libertador,
our home for three nights. (B,L,D)
Day 5 • Tuesday
Cusco
Spend the morning strolling the streets of Cusco, exploring
the Koricancha
— also known as Santo Domingo, Santa Catalina Convent
and the Cathedral. The Church and Convent of Santo Domingo
are beautiful examples of Spanish architecture superimposed
on Inca construction — the complex was built over
the Koricancha, a temple dedicated to the sun, the Inca’s
most important god. Enjoy lunch in San Blas, one of Cusco’s
most picturesque districts. A haven for artists, San Blas
is sprinkled with art galleries and white-washed adobe
houses. The afternoon is at leisure to explore on your
own. (B,L,D)
Day 6 • Wednesday
Cusco
Journey to Sacsayhuamán — a huge fortress
of massive stones which zigzags across the side of the
mountain. This is perhaps the most important Incan monument
outside of Machu Picchu. Construction of the fortress began
in the 1440s and required as many as 20,000 workers. Near
Sacsayhuamán, visit the small amphitheater of Qenko,
once used for the ritualistic worship of mummies of the
priests and nobles. Other archeological sites we visit
today include the red fort of Puca Pucara and Tambo Machay,
a three-tiered huaca (sacred site) built over a natural
spring. After an afternoon at leisure, enjoy a farewell
dinner featuring Andean fare. (B,L,D)
Day 7 • Thursday
Cusco / Lima / En Route
After breakfast, fly back across the Andes to Lima. Enjoy
a superb lunch of local delicacies at Puro Peru before
an afternoon at leisure. Dayrooms are available at the
Swissôtel. Transfer to the airport this evening for
flights home. Those continuing to the Galapagos Islands
will spend the night. (B,L)
Day 8 • Friday
U.S. or Lima / Guayaquil
Arrive in the U.S. and meet connecting flights home. (Meals
Aloft)
Guests joining our Galapagos Voyage will fly to Guayaquil.
(B,L)
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