Itinerary
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Day 1
Lima Limais situated halfway alongPeru’s desert coastline, literally stuck between the desert and the deep blue sea. The valley was once dominated by hundreds of pre-Inca temples and palaces. Pizarro chose the palace of local chief Taurí Chusko as the site of the city’s inauguration on January 6, 1535, and thus beganLima’s colonial history, reflected in the opulent mansions with Moorish latticed wooden balconies that graceLima’s plazas. The main square, Plaza de Armas, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, complete with paths, gardens and an elegant bronze fountain. Surrounding the main plaza are the Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace, the Town Hall and the impressive Palacio de Gobierno (GovernmentPalace). Cultural attractions aside, areas such as Barranco, Miraflores andSan Isidrohave much to offer the visitor in the way of shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Includes assistance at the airport with a local representative in between flight connections or to a hotel located right at the airport. Conveniently located right beside theJorgeChavezAirportinLima, the Ramada Costa del Sol is a great choice for travelers. The 130 guest rooms include mini bars and climate control, so that one may feel practically at home. Breakfast offers a lovely range of options, with all the necessities required to start the day off. Also try the hotel restaurants, which feature items from across the world. For those who want to do some sightseeing, the Limas Cathedral and Larcomar shopping center and entertainment complex are not far from the hotel. Otherwise, spend some time using the sauna and massage services, which will guarantee a relaxing trip. Overnight at Ramada Costa Del Sol. |
 Lima |
 Ramada Costa Del Sol |
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Day 2
Sacred Valley The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a valley in the Andes of Peru, close to Cusco. It is fed by rivers which descend through adjoining valleys and gorges, and contains numerous archaeological remains and villages. The valley was appreciated by the Incas due to its special geographical and climatic qualities. It was one of the empire's main points for the extraction of natural wealth, and the best place for maize production in Peru. The Sacred Valley is generally understood to include everything between Písac and Ollantaytambo, parallel to the Urubamba River, or Vilcanota River or Wilcamayu, as this Sacred River is called when passing through the valley. Includes assistance at the airport with a local representative in between flight connections or to a hotel located right at the airport. Fly from Lima to Cusco. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Flight times are subject to change based on availability and seasonality. Meet your driver at the airport in Cusco and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. Transfer time is approximately 2 hours. Enjoy some time at leisure or select some of the many activities available at the Casa Andina Private Collection (not included in tour price).
Experience: Ollantaytambo – Cachicata rafting Description: Rafting in calm waters until reaching the Ollantaytambo rapids that are surrounded by Inca terraces and 800m high stone walls. Time: 4 hours (2 hours rafting) / Suggested departure time: 9:00 am / Includes: guide, snack and water / Difficulty: medium-class III rapids (from December to March it depends on the river level). Includes visit to the archaeological site.
Experience: Trekking by the Sacred River (Yanahuara – Ollantaytambo) Description: Easy trekking by the Vilcanota River banks and archaeological sites rarely visited until reaching Ollantaytambo. Time: 4 hours (3 hours trekking) / Suggested departure time: 9:00 am and 2:00 pm / Includes: guide, snack and water / Difficulty level: low.
Experience: Mountain bike alongside the Sacred River (Yanahuara – Ollantaytambo) Description: Easy ride alongside the Urubamba River, where there are many archaeological sites surrounded by spectacular nature. Time: 3 hours (2 hours bike riding) / Suggested departure time: 9:00 am and 2:00 pm / Includes: guide, equipment, snack and water / Difficulty level: medium-low.
Experience: Horse riding in Maras Description: Horse riding through Maras, Tiobamba church and the salt area. Duration: 3 hours (2 hours horse riding) / Suggested departure time: 9:00 am and 2:00 pm / Includes: equipment, guide and water / Difficulty: low.
Experience: Pottery workshop Description: Work with clay and minerals used for dyeing, learn about burnishing and pottery kiln and get acquainted with ancient and modern designs. Time: 2 hours / Suggested time: 10:00 am and 3:00 pm / Includes: transportation and kiln / Difficulty level: low.
Experience: Offerings to the Pachamama (Mother Earth) Description: Ceremony guided by an Andean Shaman to give offerings to the Mother Earth and express gratitude. Time: 1 hour / Suggested time: anytime during the day.
Note: These are optional excursions and are not included in the price of the tour. Sol y Luna, surrounded by tropical vegetation and high mountains, is a blissful getaway for travelers and families. The 28 bungalows are built with local materials taken from the region. Bright and inviting, with individual color schemes and themes, rooms offer excellent linen and bedding. Chefs prepare delightful international, Creole, and Andean medleys spiced with local ingredients. Walk around the stunning gardens, take in the mountain views, and plan a hike. There is plenty to do at the resort, from organized group activities to bird-watching. Overnight at Sol y Luna Lodge. |
 Sacred Valley |
 Sacred River |
 Sol Y Luna, Urubamba, Sacred Valley |
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Day 3
Sacred Valley Enjoy a full day private excursion to the Sacred Valley with your own private vehicle, driver and English speaking guide. Enjoy a visit of Ollantaytambo, a fortress built during the Inca Empire, excellent sample of military architecture. Enjoy a buffet lunch at a local restaurant (included ). Afterwards, visit the village of Pisac and attend the local agricultural open-market where artisans from all over the area congregate to sell their crafts. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. Includes tourist ticket and entrance fees. Overnight at Sol y Luna Lodge. |
 Sacred Valley |
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Day 4
Aguas Calientes Aguas Calientes is the colloquial name forMachu Picchupueblo, a town on theUrubambaRiverinPeru. It is best known as the closest town to the tourist attractionMachu Picchu, which is 6 km away, about a 1.5 hour walk. It has many hotels and restaurants for tourists, as well as natural hot baths, which give the town its name ("hot waters" in Spanish). The hydro electric plant about 8 km past Aguas Calientes is the end of the train line fromCusco. A few trains leave Cusco each morning to transport tourists from Cusco to Aguas Calientes to visitMachu Picchu; they are also used by local residents. You wil be met at the hotel lobby and transferred by private vehicle and professional driver from your hotel in the Sacred Valley to the Ollantaytambo Train Station. Once you get to the train station together with your guide, you will board the Vistadome train to the ancient ruins at Machu Picchu (train ride is about 2 hrs). Before reaching Machu Picchu, the train travels along the Urubamba River, with awe-inspiring views of the dramatic canyon.
*Note: When you board the train to visit Machu Picchu with overnight, bring only a small bag with you. Due to limited storage space on the train, passengers are asked to bring only one small piece of luggage. The rest of your luggage will be stored safely at your hotel and returned to you either in Cuzco or Sacred Valley. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will board the bus (shared service) up to Machu Picchu. The bus ride takes 30 minutes and once you get there you will enjoy a private guided tour of Machu Picchu. The Inca Citadel lies between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu (“Young Peak” and “Old Peak”). The Inca Pachacutec built the Citadel using sharp stone blocks, fitted together perfectly. Houses, temples, a public square are all connected by narrow roads and steps cut into the mountainside. There are many theories as to the purpose of Machu Picchu; a temple to the sun? A fortress against jungle inhabitants? A sanctuary for the Incas? The mysterious lost city awaits you!
After the tour, enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge. Afterwards, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. The new luxury accommodations at Sumaq Hotel inMachu Picchuare remarkable, with unparalleled natural surroundings and solitude. The 60 rooms offer stunning views of the river flowing below, as well as private balconies. Enjoy high-quality toiletries and bath products. The hotel's considerate staffs are willing to go to all lengths to ensure guests are pleased with their stay. Chefs whip up mouth-watering cuisine, with ingredients and methods taken from across the world. Local specialties are also available. Test out the hotel spa, or take a short walk to the train station, where more restaurants and markets are available. Overnight at Sumaq Hotel. |
 Aguas Calientes |
 Machu Picchu |
 Sumaq Hotel, Machu Picchu |
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Day 5
Cusco Cuscowas the former capital of the Inca Empire (founded AD 1100). The city today is a fascinating mix of Inca and colonial Spanish architecture and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983. Almost every central street has remnants of Inca walls, arches and doorways that serve as the foundation for the colonial and modern buildings. Narrow alleys of whitewashed houses with sky-blue and bottle-green shutters open out onto elegant squares with stone-hewn fountains and elegant restaurants and posadas (inns). Colorful murals depicting historical scenes can be seen on countless walls, and indigenous women with braids and embroidered shawls set up makeshift stalls selling woven blankets and handmade crafts and jewelry. The elegant Plaza de Armas, or main square, is lined with arcades and houses with ornately carved wooden balconies and terracotta tiled roofs. For your convenience the bus ticket between Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is provided. Buses depart about every 30 minutes, once the bus is full. The entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is provided for your convenience. For your convenience, the entrance fee for the hike to Wayna Picchu is included. There are two start times to do this: 7am and 10am. When booking your trip please specify which time you prefer.
The eternal guardian of the Sanctuary, Wayna Picchu (meaning “YoungMountain’ in Quechua) towers over the Incan city, and an amazing view can be appreciated from the top. The route to the top of the mountain is treacherous, with very narrow pathways, and to conquer the summit is truly a rewarding experience! Along the route and at the top of the mountain are sacred structures and eye-catching terraces, built right against the slope’s edge. Depending on each person's hiking pace, this activity may take up to 3 hours. This activity is on your own; please speak to your sales agent about organizing a guide to accompany you. For your convenience the bus ticket between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes is provided. Buses depart about every 30 minutes, once the bus is full. Return toCuscoon the Vistadome train. Departs from Aguas Calientes at 3:25pm* and takes 4 hours to return toCusco. Snacks are served on board.*Note train times and schedules may vary based on availability. Includes transfer to/from the train station with private vehicle, professional driver and local representative. The Casa Andina Private Collection in Cusco is a beautifully renovated 18th-century manor house, just 3 blocks from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, replete with authentic colonial character. It offers the intimacy of a boutique hotel but the comforts and services of a much larger property. Overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection. |
 Cusco |
 Bird's Eye-View of Aguas Calientes |
 Casa Andina Cusco, Private Collection |
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Day 6
Puerto Maldonado Puerto Maldonado is in southeastern Peru, capital of the Madre de Dios Region. It is in the Amazon forest, 55 km west of the Bolivian border, on the confluence of the Tambopata and Madre de Dios River, a tributary of the Amazon River. The climate is tropical. Nearby are the Manu and Tambopata-Candamo national parks and the Bahuaja-Sonene national reserved area. These are some of the most pristine primary rain forests in the world. There are several tourist eco-lodges around Puerto Maldonado and in the reserves. One of the main attractions are the hundreds of macaws which congregate at various "colpas", or "collpas", a Quechua word which means salted earth, (clay licks) daily to eat clay. Our local representative will meet you for an airport transfer, with private vehicle and professional driver . Direct flight from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado. The flight duration is approximately 50 minutes. Upon arrival in Puerto Maldonado, a locap representative will welcome and transfer you by bus (shared service) to the Butterfly House where you will register. Continue on to the wharf where you will board the boat that takes you down the river for about 45 minutes until you reach Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica! The excursions at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica are included except those that require special schedules of private guide. Their duration varies: ¼, Half and Full day and they are classified in three difficulty levels: Easy (I), Moderate (II) or Difficult (III). They are all guided by trained professional interpreters in Spanish or English (other languages available upon request, subject to additional charge). Their knowledge and interpretive skills combine to provide understanding, insight and an enhanced experience of the surrounding environment. All activities and excursions are subject to change depending on weather conditions.
Suggested excursion on your first day: Enjoy the Trail System adventure and the Twilight River excursion or the nature presentation at the Eco Center with available cocktails. The Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica is a true escape, seated on the edge of Peru's Madre de Dios River in the Amazon rainforest's tropics. This remote camp, surrounded by miles of jungle land, promises 34 cabañas with rustic, comfortable accommodations that include hammocks and lantern lighting. The lodge's dining area serves local, fresh culinary surprises in a la carte style and buffet. Taken in the Amazon Pavilion, one may gaze out the window at the vegetation and wildlife. The Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica is recognized for its range of activities, from the Butterfly House to the Jungle Canopy Adventure. Make time for the native community teachings, trips along the lakes, fishing, and trail walks. Overnight at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica. |
 Puerto Maldonado |
 Puerto Maldonado: Inkaterra |
 Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica |
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Day 7
Puerto Maldonado Suggested excursions on your second day: Enjoy the excursion to Lake Sandoval in the morning and the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway & Anaconda Walk in the afternoon. Overnight at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica. |
.jpg) Canopy Walkway |
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Day 8
Puerto Maldonado Suggested excursions on your third day: Enjoy the excursion to the Gamitana Creek in the morning and indulge in a Spa Treatment followed by the Rainforest by night walk. Overnight at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica. |
.jpg) Nocturnal environment |
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Day 9
Lima A shared transfer to the airport is included in your reservation. The transfer involves a combination of boat ride and road transfer. Visit the Inkaterra Butterfly house on the way to the airport. Fly from Puerto Maldonado to Lima, via Cuzco. The stop in Cuzco does not require a change of planes. Approximate flight time is 2.5 hrs. Includes assistance at the airport with a local representative in between flight connections or to a hotel located right at the airport. Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities. Conveniently located right beside theJorgeChavezAirportinLima, the Ramada Costa del Sol is a great choice for travelers. The 130 guest rooms include mini bars and climate control, so that one may feel practically at home. Breakfast offers a lovely range of options, with all the necessities required to start the day off. Also try the hotel restaurants, which feature items from across the world. For those who want to do some sightseeing, the Limas Cathedral and Larcomar shopping center and entertainment complex are not far from the hotel. Otherwise, spend some time using the sauna and massage services, which will guarantee a relaxing trip. Overnight at Ramada Costa Del Sol. |
.jpg) Inkaterra Amazonica Butterfly House |
 Kensington Cares |
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