12 Day Mystical Peru July 31, 2007

A spectacular Journey to explore the sacred power spots of Peru!

Day 1 Tuesday
Departure day
Depart the USA to Peru. Arrive in Lima and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 Wednesday - B, L
Arriving in Lima, meet your local tour representative, who will gather the group and assist you with boarding your flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival in Cuzco, enjoy an early lunch en route to your hotel, stopping at the Nilda Canallaupa textile market along the way. Transfer to your accommodations in the Sacred Valley of the Incas; and in the evening, join the group for an introductory reception with cocktails and canapés.

Day 3 Thursday - B, D
Sacred Valley/Pisac Market
Depart for the colorful town of Pisac for a visit to the local marketplace, where the local people, following ancient traditions, sell or exchange a variety of crafts including textiles, ponchos, ceramic reproductions and ceremonial glasses called "queros." This afternoon, visit the Seminario Ceramic Studio, dedicated to the ancient techniques and designs of the Peruvian culture. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Andean tribute to Pachamama (Mother Earth). This fascinating religious ceremony pays homage to the sacred manifestations of the Earth goddess, the female deity of the Inca. Following the ceremony, enjoy a welcome dinner with wine.

Day 4 Friday - B, L, D
To Machu Picchu
Depart for the train station in Ollantaytambo, where you will board and venture deep into the mountain valleys of the high jungle. Arrive in Aguas Calientes, the pueblo at the base of Machu Picchu. Check-in to your hotel and board a bus for a half-hour ride up several switchbacks to the hidden and mysterious sanctuary of Machu Picchu, the crown jewel of the Andes. Here, among the sacred Apus, above the clouds and away from civilization, enjoy a guided tour of the divine power spots in the ancient citadel, including the main plaza, royal quarters, Temple of Three Windows, sacred Sun Dial and burial grounds. Following this enlightening tour, enjoy a delicious buffet-style lunch of traditional Peruvian cuisine. In the late afternoon, return to the hotel in Aguas Calientes, where you may explore the pueblo and enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Day 5 Saturday - B
Machu Picchu/Return to Cuzco
This morning, return to Machu Picchu, and climb the towering sister peak of Huayna Picchu ("Young Peak"); or walk to the Inti Punku ("Sun Gate"), where the famous Inca trail comes into Machu Picchu. Lunch is on your own before boarding the mid-afternoon train to Cuzco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Day 6 Sunday - B
Cuzco/Visit sacred temples
After a flavorful buffet-style breakfast, depart for a tour of the sacred sites located in and around Cuzco. Begin your tour at Korikancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun, and spiritual hub of the Inca's world. Continue to visit the Cuzco Cathedral, arguably the most impressive site of the day. Completed in 1664, the Cathedral's highly ornamental facade inherits the Gothic-Renaissance hybridism of the great Spanish Cathedrals, and contains a richly decorated interior of cedar and alder carvings. Next you will visit Sacsayhuaman, an impressive fortress whose interlocking stone walls keep a system of chincanas (underground passageways) which connect to several other significant ruins in Cuzco. From here, visit San Blas, Cuzco's famous artisan quarter, where you may browse for native gifts and mementos. This afternoon, delight in a special Andean musical demonstration, before your final evening at leisure in Cuzco.

Day 7 Monday - B,L
Cuzco/Puno
Depart Cuzco by bus, journeying south along the sacred Urubamba River through the altiplano (high plains). Along the way, visit the town of Anduhuayiliias, known for its beautifully adorned Church of San Perdo. Stop at the mystical site of Sillustani for views of its circular burial towers which overlook Lake Umayo. During your time here, you may want to offer thanks to Pachamama for the gifts received thus far. Continue to Puno, a bustling port city on the edge of Lake Titicaca, known locally as the MamaCocha (Mother Lake). Arrive in the late afternoon at your hotel on the shores of Lake Titicaca, and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.

Day 8 Tuesday - B, L
Lake Titicaca/ Uros & Taquile Islands
Travel by motor-boat to visit the Floating Islands of the Uros, which are formed by the totota reeds that grow in the lake. From Uros, continue to the Taquile Islands on Lake Titicaca. Explore the islands inhabited by the Quechua-speaking natives who have developed an efficient and unique social system, as well as a fine hand-weaving technique. Enjoy a Lunch box en route, before returning to Puno for a relaxing evening on your own.

Day 9 Wednesday - B
Lake Titicaca/ Lima
Say your "Good-byes" to the high plains and transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima, known as the "City of the Kings." Upon arrival in Lima, transfer to your hotel for check-in; and in the afternoon, enjoy an exciting city tour of Lima's historical center, including the Plaza Mayor, City Hall, Cathedral, Archbishop's Palace, and San Francisco Monastery: a marvel of 17th century Spanish Neoclassical architecture, whose famous catacombs contain an estimated 70,000 people.

Day 10 Thursday - B
Nazca Lines/Winery
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before boarding your bus for your journey to Ica, the heart of Peru's wine producing region. Upon arrival, you will board a small sightseeing plane and fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines. Located in the sands of the Nazca Desert, these giant geoglyths depict hundreds of stylized figures, and were created centuries ago by the people of Nazca. After your flight, visit the Tacama Winery and the Helena Chocolatier for an afternoon snack. Set on a beautiful hacienda with sprawling vineyards encircling the site, the Tacama Winery is by and large the most sophisticated of its kind in Ica. Your tour takes you inside the factory, around the grounds, and concludes with a tasting of the winery's most prized selections. Though few people realize the quality of wines produced in Peru, owing to the size of its grape growing region when compared to that of Chile and Argentina to the south, you will find the world's best Piscos (fermented white grape brandy) is made and bottled here. Continue to the Helena Chocolatier and discover its irresistible confections. Founded in 1975 by Elena Soler, the Chocolatier has become an internationally recognized name, famous for its premium delicacies and traditional Peruvian "tejas." Proceed to the quaint marina town of Paracas, and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Day 11 Friday - B, D
Ballestas Islands/Lima
This morning, board a boat for your tour of the Ballestas Islands, which are home to an important wildlife reserve with over 160 species of marine birds. Following your tour of the islands, board a bus for your journey back to Lima. After check-in, enjoy a farewell dinner at the elegant La Huaca Pucllana Restaurant. Specializing in the finest Peruvian cuisine, La Huaca highlights traditional dishes including Creole Style Chupe, spicy hen casserole, and sautéed crawfish served with Peruvian Pumpkin stew.

Day 12 Saturday - B
Return Home
This morning, enjoy breakfast at your hotel before boarding your international flight home.

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