Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Andean peaks, Amazonian rainforest, Patagonian glaciers, Incan ruins, white-sand beaches and vertiginous nightlife: the wonders of South America set the stage for incredible adventures.

Peru is a magical place which involves one of the richest bio-diversities on Earth & a melting pot of cultures. While Peru inevitably evokes the images of the world wonder Machu Picchu & the Inca Empire, the country is riddled with natural beauty of the great Andes & archaeological sites which are a legacy of even more ancient times when great civilizations bequeathed a legacy of their art, customs & rituals, their wisdom & skills.

Arrive in the dynamic & vibrant capital city Lima, dubbed as the City of Kings, shrouded in history (& sometimes fog), gloriously messy & full of aesthetic delights, its rich culture & stunning attractions.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? – Lima Jorge Chavez International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in and provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next day.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Lima offers an extraordinary range of emotions, sensations, colors & flavors. Founded in 1535 by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, the modern city is a curious mix of the modern mega city with some 'islands of modernity', large but orderly slum areas & colonial architecture in the city center.

In Lima everything is in endless movement & even the past is constantly being rediscovered. It was the seat of the Spanish rule during 300 years & consequently, it has wonderful Churches, Cloisters & Monasteries that are worth a visit.

After Cairo, this sprawling metropolis is the 2^nd driest world capital, rising above a long coastline of crumbling cliffs. To enjoy it, climb on the wave of chaos that spans high-rise condos built alongside pre-Columbian temples & fast Pacific breakers rolling toward noisy traffic jams.

But Lima is also sophisticated, with a civilization that dates back millennia. Stately Museums display sublime pottery; Galleries debut edgy art; solemn religious processions recall the 18^th century & crowded nightclubs dispense tropical beats. Visitors can visit the city’s impressive Cathedral, fly over the ocean, enjoy a photogenic sunset

Lima is a place of converging trends, created by its people & their living culture, where you will find every corner of Peru represented. Hailed as the food capital of Latin America, no visitor can miss Lima’s culinary genius, part of a gastronomic revolution more than 400 years in the making. Best place to try the wonderful Peruvian cuisine at the seafood restaurants which have a huge variety of ingredients from coast, mountain & Amazon regions. The cold sea current in front of Peru's large coast makes the sea very rich in fish & seafood, which have a great taste due to the special plankton they eat.

Balance of the evening at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.  

Morning, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 09.00 am & proceed for a full day sightseeing tour.

The Tour-guide knows the heart of Peru as only locals do & is eager to show you what he loves about Lima, based on your travel interests. See classic historical sights, colonial & Inca influenced architecture, residential neighborhoods, beautiful Shrines & Churches & incredible panoramic seascapes.

You will see the major attractions that appeal to you, but also some off-beat & interesting places that will make your visit especially memorable.

Lima was the political, administrative, religious & economic capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru & the most important city of the Spanish dominions in South America. Head to the Lima Historical Center, known as the “Ciudad de los Reyes” (City of Kings) in the old side of the city, the seat of the Viceroyalty. The Centre bears witness to the architecture & urban development of a Spanish colonial town of great political, economic & cultural importance.

The evangelization process brought several religious orders by the end of the 16^th century. They gained great recognition which translated into the construction of many Churches & Convents of great sophistication. Also, hospitals, schools & universities including San Marcos was built in 1551. The city’s social & cultural life was organized within these places, thus giving the Historic Centre a Convent image which characterized the urban profile of the city until half of the 20^th century.

Stop at the small Parque del Amor (“Love Park”) in Miraflores, built in a peculiar Gaudi style, protected from the ocean breeze by a colorful wall of Mosaics. Dedicated to all lovers, a monstrously large statue "El Beso" (The Kiss) by sculptor Victor Delfín shows 2 lovers united in an intimate kiss. The Park offers a stunning view over the Bay of Lima & it is really romantic here at sunrise & sunset.

Next, proceed to the upscale residential district of San Isidro to see Huaca Pucllana, an ancient adobe & clay Pyramid, dating from around 500 CE, in a famous ceremonial center built by members of the Lima culture, a Pre-Incan indigenous coastal civilization that lasted in the region from around 100 CE to 650 CE, before the Spaniards arrived.

The Lima culture & their contemporaries were notable for their mastery of irrigation, creating sprawling networks to carry much-needed water from springs & rivers, which allowed them to develop settlements across considerable territory. Huaca Pucllana served partially as an administrative site for the surrounding irrigation zone & spaces were likely used for public meetings, storage & other production related undertakings focused along its eastern side. The other half was a ceremonial sector, containing the 22 meter high Pyramid used for religious rites.

Lima’s 140 square meter UNESCO World Heritage listed Plaza de Armas (or Plaza Mayor), was not only the heart of the 16^th century settlement established by Francisco Pizarro, conqueror of Peru, it was a the birthplace of Peru's capital & the center of the Spaniards’ continent-wide empire. Though not one original building remains, at the center of the Plaza is an impressive bronze Fountain erected (on what once was the grounds of the city's gallows) in 1650. Running along 2 sides are arcades with shops: Portal de Escribanos & Portal de Botoneros. The Plaza remains the city's main hub.

Surrounding the Plaza are a number of significant historic landmarks: to the east is the Palacio Arzobispal, built in 1924 in a colonial style & boasting some of the most exquisite Moorish-style balconies in the city. To the northeast is the block-long Palacio de Gobierno (the official residence of Peru's President). At noon, there is a traditional Changing of the Guards there.

Next to the Palacio Arzobispal, is the Lima Cathedral on the plot of land that Francisco Pizarro designated for the city’s first Church in 1535.  Though it retains a baroque facade, the building has been built & rebuilt numerous times. A craze for all things neo-classical in the late 18^th century left much of the interior (& the interiors of many other Lima churches) stripped of its elaborate baroque décor but even then, there is plenty to see. The various Chapels along the nave display more than a dozen Altars carved in every imaginable style & the ornate wood choir, produced by Pedro de Noguera in the early 17^th century, is a masterpiece of rococo sculpture. Note the splendidly carved stalls, the silver covered altars surrounded by fine woodwork, mosaic covered walls bearing the coats of arms of Lima & Pizarro. A Museum, in the rear, features paintings, vestments & an intricate sacristy.

By the Cathedral’s main door is the mosaic-covered Chapel with the remains of Pizarro. The authenticity of the remains came into question in 1977, after workers cleaning out a crypt discovered several bodies & a sealed lead box containing a skull that bore the inscription, ‘Here is the head of the gentleman Marquis Don Francisco Pizarro, who found & conquered the kingdom of Peru’. After a battery of tests in the 1980s, a US forensic scientist concluded that the body previously on display was of an unknown official & that the brutally stabbed & headless body from the crypt was Pizarro’s. The head & body were reunited and transferred to the Chapel, where you can also view the inscribed lead box.

You will also have the opportunity to visit the Church of Santo Domingo, a place which holds the remains of 2 of the major saints of the colony: Santa Rosa de Lima & San Martin de Porres.

The main Plaza is a great place to admire many of the colonial architectural gems whose grandeur is sure to capture your fascination.

Continuing your tour, you will pass by other colonial architectural jewels, such as Torre Tagle Palace, Osambela House, finishing with a short visit to Larco Herrera Archaeological (or Gold) Museum. Depending on the time, you may also visit the Museum of Religious Art.

Just a few minutes from the Plaza, is the historic Gran Hotel Bolivar, where many Hollywood stars, singers, politicians & famous authors have stayed. The list includes: former American President Nixon, Ernest Hemingway & Mick Jagger, among others.

The sightseeing concludes & return to the hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.  B L 

You will meet the Tour-guide at dawn & proceed for a full day 10 hour excursion to Nazka Lines, enroute stopping at the house of Maria Reiche (or you will be transferred to the bus station for the drive straight to Ica Airport)

When Maria Reiche, the German mathematician & long-term researcher of the Nazca Lines, died in 1998, her house, which stands 5 km north of the Mirador (lookout) along Panamericana Sur, was made into a small Museum. Though disappointingly scant on information, you can see where she lived, amid the clutter of her tools & obsessive sketches in addition to a tattooed Mummy.

Continue driving & arrive in Nazca. Stop at the Museum before proceeding to the Lines. Learn about the history of these lines which creation and purpose remain a mystery.

Nazca is known primarily for the series of ancient "lines" or "geoglyphs" in the Nazca desert in southern Peru, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

Nazca, a unique place due to the mysteries of its marvelous lines and figures, drawn with spectacular perfection, by the gods or by aliens... by giants or by ordinary people? The drawings & their meaning are even more mysterious than their origin. It is not even known how long it took to create them, nor how the creators were able to measure them with such perfection, since there were  no aircraft in those days. This mystery inspires many theories. In terms of science, these lines have a series of characteristics potentially aimed at astronomy or agriculture. Or perhaps they were created to direct extraterrestrial, as the lines are related to the earth’s magnetic field, the horoscope & many other mysteries, which in the final years of the 20^th century have not yet been deciphered.

Spread over 500 square km of arid, rock-strewn plain in the Pampa Colorada (Red Plain), the Nazca Lines are one of the world's great archaeological mysteries.

Comprising over 800 straight lines, 300 geometric figures (geoglyphs) & 70 animal & plant drawings (biomorphs), the Lines cut into the stony desert, are almost imperceptible on the ground. From above, they form a striking network of stylized figures & channels, many of which radiate from a central axis. The figures are mostly etched out in single continuous lines, while the encompassing geoglyphs form perfect triangles, rectangles or straight lines running for several kilometers across the desert.

The Lines were made by the simple process of removing the dark sun-baked stones from the surface of the desert & piling them up on either side of the lines, thus exposing the lighter, powdery gypsum-laden soil below. The hundreds of individual figures range in complexity from simple lines to stylized hummingbirds, spiders, monkeys, fish, sharks or orcas, llamas, & lizards.

The most elaborate designs represent animals, including a 180 meter long Lizard, a Monkey with an extravagantly curled tail, & a Condor with a 130 meter wingspan. There is also a Hummingbird, a Spider & an intriguing owl-headed person on a hillside, popularly referred to as an Astronaut because of its goldfish-bowl shaped head, though some believe it is a priest with a mystical owl's head.

Endless questions remain. Who constructed the lines and why? And how did they know what they were doing when the Lines, that represent some sort of vast astronomical pre-Inca calendar, can only be properly appreciated from the air, which adds to the mystery. The large depictions of animals & other designs were etched into the surface by an ancient culture for reasons that continue to baffle scholars to this day.

Maria Reiche (1903 - 98), a German mathematician & long-time researcher of the Lines, theorized that they were made by the Paracas & Nazca cultures between 900 BC & AD 600, with some additions by the Wari settlers from the highlands in the 7^th century. She also claimed that the Lines were an astronomical calendar developed for agricultural purposes & that they were mapped out through the use of sophisticated mathematics (& a long rope). However, the handful of alignments Reiche discovered between the sun, stars & Lines were not enough to convince scholars.

Although some local geoglyphs resemble Paracas motifs, scholars believe the Nazca Lines were created by the Nazca culture between 400 & 650 AD affirming Maria Reiche’s theory.

About the only thing that is certain is that when the Nazca set about turning their sprawling desert homeland into an elaborate art canvas, they also began a debate that will keep archaeologists busy for many decades, if not centuries to come.

A more down-to-earth theory, given the value of water in the sun-baked desert, was suggested by anthropologist Johann Reinhard, who believed that the Lines were involved in mountain worship & a fertility/water cult. Recent work by the Swiss-Liechtenstein Foundation agrees that they were dedicated to the worship of water & it is thus ironic that their theory about the demise of the Nazca culture suggests that it was due not to drought but to destructive rainfall caused by a phenomenon such as El Nino.

Later, English documentary maker Tony Morrison hypothesized that the Lines were walkways linking huacas (sites of ceremonial significance). A slightly more surreal suggestion from explorer Jim Woodman was that the Nazca people knew how to construct hot-air balloons & that they did, in fact, observe the lines from the air. Or, if you believe author George Von Breunig, the Lines formed a giant running track.

On reaching the site, you will enjoy a 30 minute flight over the site & wonder at the complexity of the ancient Incas. During your flight you will be see the most interesting figures including the hummingbird, tree, monkey, parrot, astronaut, condor, dog among others.

Later spend time in contemplating while you walk around for a bit before proceeding for lunch at a local restaurant.

Commence your drive back to Lima.

Arrive at the hotel by late evening.

Balance of the evening at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.   B L 

Morning, you will be met by a Journeys Rep / Driver & transferred to Terminal? – Lima Jorge Chavez International Airport for your flight to Cuzco.

Arrive in the undisputed archaeological capital of the Americas, high-flying Andean city of Cuzco (also Cusco, or Qosq’o in Quechua), the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city & the gateway to Machu Picchu.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? – Cusco  Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next day.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in & relax .

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

UNESCO World Heritage listed Cusco witnessed the arrival of the Spanish & yet to this day it conserves an ancestral magic which captivates the thousands of visitors who each year form part of its living history. Acknowledged as the historic capital of Peru, it is renowned as the navel of the Earth.

Cosmopolitan Cuzco thrives with a measure of contradiction is the uneasy bearer of many grand titles. It was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Every corner offers a piece of history & every story is captivating, mystical & inviting and the stones remain alive because they have survived intact. Merely walking through the streets of the Inca capital, with names like “Ataud” (Coffin), Siete Culebras (7 Serpents) & “Arpías” (Harpies) where time seems to have stopped, one discerns the layers of history & get a glimpse of the richest heritage of any South American city.

Cuzco is a beautiful city with well preserved colonial architecture, evidence of a rich & complex history. Spanish colonial buildings erected directly atop Inca walls line the Square, while the modern tourist nightlife flourishes in their midst. Married to 21^st century hustle, Cuzco can be a bit disconcerting (note the McDonald's set in Inca stones).

Nowadays, Cuzco is known for its indigenous Quechua population - often seen on the streets in traditional clothing - & its substantial tourist-fueled night life.

While Cuzco has rapidly developed infrastructure to at least partly cope with the influx of tourism over the last few decades, its historical past retains a powerful grip on the present. Massive Inca-built walls line steep, narrow cobblestone streets & form the foundations of modern buildings. The Plazas are thronged with Quechua-speaking descendants of the Incas & ancient treasures are carefully guarded inside colonial Mansions & Churches.

Ornate Cathedrals squat over Inca temples, massage hawkers ply the narrow cobblestone passages, a rural Andean woman feeds bottled water to her pet llama while the finest Boutiques sell pricey alpaca knits.

The city is surrounded by a number of ruins, the most impressive being Sacsayhuaman, the site of the 1536 battle in which dozens of Pizarro's men charged uphill to battle the forces of the Inca.

Later in the afternoon at 02:00 pm, immerse yourself in the grand colonial majesty of Cusco on a  4 hour sightseeing tour. 

Wander winding Incan streets to discover the ancient Temple of the Sun, the sacred Convent of Santa Domingo and the colossal Cusco Cathedral. Gain insight into the fascinating history of the city with an interesting & informative Tour-guide as you explore one of Peru’s most treasured places on foot.

Begin the tour at the ambient Inglesia de San Cristobal built in the early years of the conquest by the Indian chief Christopher Paulla, lord of Qolqanpata, to show his devotion to Christianity. The Church was erected on the grounds of the first Inca Qollqanpata Palace, which belonged precisely to the first Inca “Manco Capac”, who according to the theory came from the highlands, along with his “Coya” (wife) known as “Mama Ocllo” with the mission to found the Empire of the Incas.

The location of this Palace was strategic, since it was in the mountains- which prevented possible floods, as Cusco was once a lake. It is said that the 11 niches that resemble windows were destined to bury the entire dynasty of the Inca, because they are positioned facing north in connection with the god “Inti” (Sun). Inside the Convent a “Ushnu” stands out, a sacred place for the Incas, where they performed “repayment ceremonies” to the land.

One can appreciate golden works done by great masters. Both the front & the tabernacle are made of solid silver. There are pictures worthy of contemplation; paintings, made in the style of famous European masters (especially of Raphael named “The Divine”), whose distinctive piece is adorned in gold. There are also well-turned railings, golden altarpieces & altars of remarkable fine carving. The huge statue of the patron saint is paraded in a procession on the Holiday of Corpus Christi.

Absorb panoramic views before proceeding to colorful vibrant, not to be missed, San Pedro Market, by Peruvians for Peruvians even though a large percentage of the shops sell souvernirs to tourists. There are juice stands & many local eateries towards the back. Browse artisan treasures & vibrant stalls, perhaps purchasing a special souvenir to take home.

Next, venture to the sacred Sun Temple (El Korikancha or Qoricancha), the central site of worship for the Incas. Like so many other testimonies of fantastic Inca architecture, it was severely devastated by the Conquistadores, the Spanish conquerors, who built their Christian church, Santo Domingo, on top of the ruins. The fairly well preserved site contains both Catholic & Inca heritage with stunning views of the surrounding area. Looking at the outside from Avenida del Sol, there is a perfect view of the Church standing on the Temple & visitors can distinguish the differences between the Inca & the Spanish style of building.

Qoricancha also is the starting point of the yearly processions at Inti Raymi, (Sun Festival), in the rememberance of the Inca tradition of celebrating the winter solstice. This procession then moves all the way up to Saxayhuaman.  Legend has it that the Temple was covered in solid gold initially. Admire the architectural precision of the interior before touring the consecrated confines while listening to captivating commentary by the Tour-guide. 

See, too, the Artisan’s Quarters of San Blas, a picturesque area over which an impressive Church reigns supreme.

San Blas is undoubtedly one of the most important attractions within the city of Cusco. Its narrow cobbled streets, its colonial houses, its Church with its wooden pulpit, its workshops, its art galleries, its coffee shops, its restaurants, its people & its colors are a clear example of our miscegenation. Until the 90s, the main attraction of San Blas were its picturesque streets & artisan workshops. It was common for children from local schools, at least once a year, to visit the workshops of some illustrious artists of Mendivil, Aguayo, Merida & Olave families, as part of their school curriculum.

Walk around historical Plaza de Armas; the Square has Churches, Shops, Restaurants & Bars backing on to it & it is a great place to spend an afternoon except for the persistent hawkers selling cheap souvenirs.

Last point will be the pedestrian Hatun Rumiyoc (great rock) street to admire the Inca architecture found along almost the whole length near Plaza de Armas.

The Archbishop’s Palace there is now converted into an Art Museum with a fine collection of colonial art. The ancient Palace was built by Inka Roca, the of the Hanan Cusco dynasty. Its walls were made by fitting green diorite stones of different sizes & shapes, weaved so perfectly that not even a needle can be passed in between.

On the walls of the Palace of Inka Roca, are examples of the Inca, Colonial & Republican architecture and the 3 styles allow us to compare the abilities of the Inka Empire’s stone masons & their particular aesthetic. There are vendors - restaurants, handicraft stores from many different nationalities offering bracelets, necklaces, weavings, rings & other accessories, wood carvers, paintings, etc. lined up along the cobbled street.  Light, as it plays on these walls of perfectly carved stones, creates a different scene with every passing hour.

The sightseeing ends & you are transferred back to the hotel with your newfound cultural knowledge.

Balance of the evening free for independent exploration (we will be happy to offer suggestions).

Overnight.   B  

Today, meet the Tour-guide at 08.00 am & embark on a full day excursion to see the beautiful Río Urubamba Valley, popularly known as El Valle Sagrado (the Sacred Valley)..

Sacred Valley is a stunning stretch of landscape dotted with little villages & ruins that sit wedged between an expansive plain & jagged slopes under the tawny skirts of formidable foothills, northwest of Cusco reached via a narrow road of hairpin turns.

It was called the Sacred Valley because it contains some of the best land in the region & was not a part of the Empire but the property of the Emperor or Inca himself.

Stretching roughly 60 km, the Sacred Valley in Peru's Andean highlands, along with the nearby town of Cusco & the ancient city of Machu Picchu, formed the heart of the Inca Empire. Making the place so lush & arable is the valley’s river, the Rio Urubamba, considered one of the crucial pins of the universe by the Incas, who tied it to the behaviors of both the stars & the planets. Labeled “The Sacred River” & upstream as “The House of the Sun”, much of life revolved around it.

Known for its imposing Inca ruins, some of the most majestic on the continent, the area was once the Inca center of religious ceremonies, which included enormous Palaces, Estates & Temples, all lining the route between Cusco & the citadel of Machu Picchu. Established, according to legend, by Manco Capac - founder of the Incan civilization - when he was bidden by the gods to walk from Lake Titicaca to the spot where he could plunge his whole golden staff into the ground, fecund Urubamba fitted the bill perfectly.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas, envelops a fertile agricultural landscape, punctuated by small Spanish colonial villages like Pisac & Ollantaytambo, of Quechua-speaking communities & dotted with the surviving remains of great Inca family estates.

The climate of Urubamba is typical of the Valley & it was the most important area for maize production in the heartland of the Inca Empire. Access through the Valley to tropical areas facilitated the import of products such as coca leaf & chilly peppers to Cuzco.

Still resolutely traditional in its habits today, the Andean weavers continue to weave & locals wear customary dress, sell their wares at the markets in the little village of Chinchero, work the fields & speak the main language of the ancient Incan Empire - Quechuan - more popularly known as Runa Simi or “the people’s language”. Ask them what the recipes to the vivid dyes are or what the significance is of the symbolic patterns they have woven for centuries.

It is worth exploring this peaceful, fetching corner of the Andes with colonial towns & isolated weaving villages. Star attractions are the lofty Inca citadels of Pisac & Ollantaytambo which preside over its undulating twists & turns. But it is also packed with other Inca sites as well as hectic markets & fetching Andean villages.

Its myriad trekking routes are deservedly gaining in popularity. Adrenaline activities range from rafting.  It is also famous for some high-adrenaline activities, from rafting to trekking to rock climbing to drifting off in a hot-air balloon.

First stop will be Pisac, which is the most convenient starting point for a visit to the Sacred Valley. There are 2 distinct parts to Pisac (also spelled Pisaq) - the colonial village lying beside the river & the Inca fortress perched dramatically on a mountain spur above. It is also famous for its Mass (Sundays only) which is attended by the 'Mayors' of the neighboring villages, complete in typical traditional dress & carrying their traditional 'Varayoc' or staff of office. Guests also enjoy the colorful Indian Market (Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday only), where they have a good opportunity to try their bargaining skills & interact with the local craftsmen to purchase their hand-made souvenirs.

After lunch in a local restaurant, you will drive to Ollantaytambo with its magnificent mountain stairway to see the remarkable Inca fortress. Among other things, you will be intrigued by 6 enormous pink stones, each weighing some 50 tons. These came from the other side of the river, but nobody knows how they were transported, since the Incas did not use the wheel. Ollantaytambo was one of the last Inca sites to fall to the Spanish & the narrow streets along with their channels have not varied from the time that Incas evoke their ancestral inheritance. Set on a plateau in the mountains, the Village is the venue for indigenous festivals such as Ollantay Raymi, a celebration of the Inca sun god.

Move to the Chinchero village, on a high plain with sweeping views of snow-laden peaks, believed to be the mythical birthplace of the rainbow. This typical Andean village combines Inca ruins with a colonial church, some wonderful mountain views & a colorful Sunday market which is much less tourist-orientated than the market at Pisac.

Next, view the incredible terraced salt pans of Maras that date back millennia. A patchwork of pinks, tans & browns, bleached to an off-white in the sun, it is where the Incas diverted a salty spring into large, shallow ponds in order to evaporate the water, leaving heaps of that most yearned-for of condiments: salt. 3 miles to the west, in Moray, there are baffling circular terraces that resemble amphitheaters but appear to have been used for agricultural experiments. In Moray, guests may experience & witness Pachamama ceremony (or a “Payment to the Earth”), in which a local Shaman performs the centuries old ritual of honoring & revering the earth as a source of life.

The tour ends & you return to the hotel.

Balance of the evening free for independent exploration (we will be happy to offer suggestions).

Overnight.  B L

Very early in the morning, you will meet a Journeys rep who will assist you in Check-out & transfer you in the bus to Ollantaytambo Railway Station about 62 km away, where you will board the Peru Rail Vistadome Observatory Train to see the breathtaking Machu Picchu, the world-famous Incan ruins.

Ollantaytambo is a village in the Sacred Valley of south Peru, set on the Urubamba River amid snow-capped mountains. It is known for the Ollantaytambo ruins, a massive Inca fortress with large stone terraces on a hillside. Worth seeing are a huge Sun Temple & the Princess Baths fountain. The village's old town is an Inca-era grid of cobblestoned streets & adobe buildings.

Travelling for 2 hours on the Vistadome is a unique experience as you enjoy the scenic views through big panoramic windows, passing through the magical landscape right along the Urubamba River through Urubamba Valley (Sacred Valley of the Incas) with dramatic canyon walls on either side. Few experiences are more rewarding than settling down into one of its panoramic viewing cars & peering out at everything from mountain passes to rainforest, deep ravines to Incan stonework. Almost every episode along the way is packed full of nature’s wonders, including wildlife such as condors, llamas, fluorescent frogs and much, much more.  Peru Rail, even showcases the authentic culture through a traditional Saqra dance & music presentation and a Fashion Show (on the return trip in the evening only) on board.

Arrive at the quaint little town of Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo), the nearest Railhead & a gateway to the nearby Inca ruins. 

The town in a deep gorge below the Machu Picchu ruins in the Urubamba River Valley, is known for its Thermal Baths. A virtual island, it is cut off from all roads & enclosed by stone cliffs, towering cloud forest & 2 rushing rivers. Despite its gorgeous location, Aguas Calientes has the feel of a gold rush town, with a large itinerant population, slack services that count on one-time customers and an architectural tradition of rebar & unfinished cement.

The town center is full of eateries & shops, anchored by the central Mercado Artesanal, a craft market with merchants pushing the hard sell. Northwest, along the river, are Los Jardines de Mandor, a garden with orchids & birds & Butterfly House, a local conservation project.

You will meet the Tour-guide, board a small bus & drive 89 km to see the fabulous ruins of the “sacred city” & the mountaintop citadel of Machu Picchu.

Shrouded by mist & surrounded by lush vegetation & steep escarpments, the sprawling Inca Citadel lives up to every expectation. In a spectacular location, it is the best-known archaeological site on the continent. Completed in approximately 1450 at the height of the Incan empire, Machu Picchu was abandoned less than 100 years later following the Spanish conquest of Peru. This awe-inspiring ancient city was never revealed to the conquering Spaniards & was virtually forgotten until the early part of the 20^th century.

Today, it is considered by many to be the new spiritual center of the world. Like the Mona Lisa or the Pyramids, it has been seared into our collective consciousness, though nothing can diminish the thrill of being here. The government has mandated an upper limit of 5940 people in the complex (including the Inca Trail) daily to control the damage.

The Lost City of the Incas, was a flourishing ceremonial & agricultural site, probably the gateway to the jungle marshes of the Inca Empire. The central buildings were erected with the polished stone works of the Cusco Imperial style, though the site was probably occupied well before the Incas started their expansion. It was associated with the earth cult revolving around the coca leaf, which was a privilege of the Inca royal family & priests.

Stroll through town squares & main streets of these amazing ruins and climb delicately carved stone stairways.

Enjoy a picnic lunch & continue exploring the ruins on your own. There will be time to fully embrace this magnificent wonder of the world, letting this once in a lifetime experience set in.

Later In the afternoon, hop aboard the bus again to descend back to Aguas Calientes.

On arrival in the town, Check-in at the hotel.

Balance of the day free to walk around or go on your own to one of the nearby Hot Springs (we will be happy to offer suggestions).

 Overnight.  B L 

Morning at leisure for independent exploration.

Or perhaps opt for one of the options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Spend time walking around to explore the village & interacting with the friendly locals & in the evening, enjoy a wonderful dinner before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo.

On arrival, you will be welcomed by a Journeys Rep / Driver & transferred to your hotel in Cuzco.

Balance of the evening is at leisure (we will be happy to offer suggestions).

Overnight.   B L D 

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep / Driver & transferred to the Cusco Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport to board the short flight to Lima.

On arrival at Lima, after you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? – Lima Jorge Chavez International Airport, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in and provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next day.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the day is at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.   B 

Alas, like all good things, the wonderful experience comes to an end. Time to say good-bye to enchanting Peru & Peruvians & go home.

Check-out of the hotel by 11:00 am (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow usage of the facilities & to leave the luggage at the Bell Desk). 

Mountains & beaches to deserts & rain forests and the only capital in South America that faces the sea. Incas ruled here for over 300 years until the Spanish conquered them in 1572 & were one of the largest Empires in the world. Add to this the human-made treasures, buzzing indigenous markets, picturesque colonial towns & vibrant cityscapes. One visit to Lima filled with colonial-era riches, can never be enough. This is just the beginning & in South America there really is no end.  We are sure you will be back in Peru to discover some more.

“Travel is like knowledge. The more you see the more you know you have not seen” - Mark Hertsgaard

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? -  Lima - Jorge Chavez International Airport for the flight back home.  B

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