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Machu Picchu Extension
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PLEASE NOTE: Day 8 of the expedition becomes day 1 of the extension. The actual extended trip length is five days. Hotels and order of itinerary are subject to change.
Day 1 – Saturday, March
8
IQUITOS / LIMA
Fly to Lima and transfer to our hotel for the night.
Day 2 – Sunday, March 9
LIMA / CUSCO / URUBAMBA VALLEY
This morning we fly to Cusco, the heart of the Inca Empire and the oldest continuously
inhabited city in the Western Hemisphere. Nestled in a high valley 11,000 feet
above sea level, this picturesque town of red-tile-roofed buildings is surrounded
by some of the mightiest peaks in the Andes, many glistening with a perpetual
mantle of ice and snow. We meet our English-speaking guide, then make our way
by bus out of the city and into the historic Urubamba Valley. We make a memorable
stop at the Chincheros Indian Market, where the Indians from different villages
meet on Sundays to trade their wares and produce just as they did a century ago.
Here we have an opportunity to shop for high-quality Andean handicrafts (from
woven goods to pottery). As we continue on our journey, fine Inca masonry is
evident in well-engineered irrigation systems, fortified roads and stone terraces.
We enjoy lunch in the Urubamba Valley, before arriving mid-afternoon at our hotel.
After settling in, we visit the remote Willoq community, which ethnologists consider
virtually unchanged in its social structure, dress and language from pre-Inca
times. The inhabitants have chosen to preserve their ancient way of life, and
their heritage is especially evident in their textiles, which are always in high
demand by other communities. We are likely to see a portion of the process, perhaps
the carding and spinning of the wool, and learn about the handlooms on which
the textiles are woven. The Willoq use only natural dyes and we gain insight,
also, into the plants utilized for this purpose. B,L,D
Day 3 – Monday, March 10
URUBAMBA / MACHU PICCHU
This morning we explore the mighty archaeological wonder, Ollantaytambo, where
ancient temples and fortresses were built to protect the Sacred Valley. Walkways,
pools and canals, all expertly fashioned, demonstrate the unrivaled skill of
the builders. We take a short ride to Ollanta Railway Station to board our train
to Machu Picchu. A bus takes us up the mountain to the most memorable Inca site
of all. This impressive ruin, hidden for 400 years by semi-tropical jungle, lies
in a saddle between two peaks with sheer mountainsides falling vertically to
the Urubamba River far below. Known as the “Lost City of the Inca,” Machu
Picchu’s existence was virtually forgotten until its rediscovery by Hiram
Bingham in 1911. As we wander through the maze of empty plazas, chambers and
dwellings, our guide points out the significance of the various stone structures
and discusses the mysteries surrounding this archaeological wonder. Built in
the style of Late Imperial Inca with no evidence of pre- or post-Inca habitation,
the site was constructed, occupied and abandoned, all within the span of a century.
We spend the morning exploring the ruins with our guide. Later we transfer to
our hotel, where we have dinner. B,L,D
Day 4 – Tuesday, March 11
MACHU PICCHU
This morning, early risers enjoy a unique opportunity for a dawn visit to Machu
Picchu. You may also explore the butterfly rich, wet montane forest along Snow
White Water Trail near the hotel. Lined with unique giant tree ferns, orchids
and birds-of-paradise, this unique habitat is home to many birds, including torrent
duck, mitred parakeet and roadside hawk. Huge rock formations and waterfalls
along the way provide beautiful surroundings for the interesting wildlife of
this area. We can go in search of the spectacular Andean cock-of-the-rock, the
national bird of Peru. The unmistakable bright orange-red male birds put on quite
a show as they display for the drab brown females on traditional mating grounds
called “leks.” B,L,D
Day 5 – Wednesday, March
12
MACHU PICCHU / CUSCO / SACSAYHUAMAN
This morning we take a train back to Cusco, and venture into the mountains surrounding
the city. Here, at an altitude of 12,136 feet, the Inca constructed Sacsayhuamán,
a truly amazing fortress of massive stones, zigzagging along the side of a mountain.
It is speculated that its shape represents a gigantic puma, with Sacsayhuamán
being the teeth and Cusco the body. Its shape probably would have made surprise
attacks impossible, but it seems clear that the fortress was still incomplete
when the Spanish arrived. Our guide explains the history of, as well as the many
legends attached to, this site. As we wander about, we have the opportunity to
look for hints of how these immense stones were worked and stacked so perfectly.
From here we visit the famous amphitheater at Kenko, a rare example of Inca curvilinear
construction. We also take a guided tour of the city of Cusco, and have time
for shopping in this center of Andean culture and handicrafts. We visit one of
Cusco’s leading restaurants for a farewell dinner and a colorful program
of Andean folklore before returning to our hotel. B,L,D
Day 6 – Thursday, March 13
CUSCO / LIMA
We return to the airport for our morning flight to Lima, where we are met
and escorted to our hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is free to relax.
Lunch and dinner are on our own. B
Day 7 – Friday, March 14
LIMA / US
This morning we transfer to the airport for our return flight to the United
States. We once again fly over the grand mountainscape of the Andes, this time
with clear impressions and wonderful memories of the “Heart of the Inca
Empire.” Meals Aloft
B-Breakfast; L-Lunch; D-Dinner; S-Snack; *In-flight Meal
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