A Journey by Private Car & Guide
Featuring: Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Cuzco
This Journey captures the essence of the Peruvian treasures, such as the gold jewelry kept in the Larco Museum in Lima, or the Colonial art at the vast Cathedral of Cuzco. But perhaps more important, it captures the “untouchable” treasures of the Peruvian Heritage and History. Through this carefully crafted itinerary, you will pay tribute to one of the most enticing countries in the world.
Luxury Accommodation:
Private sightseeing, visits, and transportation:
Fine dining:
Arrival in Lima
Welcome to Peru! Arrival in Lima, meet the local Spiced Destinations Representative and transfer to your hotel in the trendy Miraflores, Lima.
Colonial & Modern Treasures of Lima
In the morning, your private tour of this ancient colonial city includes the Plaza Mayor, where the Government Palace, City Hall, Cathedral and the Archbishop’s Palace are located; continue to the San Francisco Monastery. On to a specially arranged visit to Casa Aliaga, the oldest mansion in the Western Hampshire, occupied by the same royal family since 1535. We then drive to the Pueblo Libre district, to visit the Larco Herrera Museum, housed in an 18th century colonial mansion that contains the most extensive collection of pre-Columbian art in Peru. Fine examples of textile work, one of which has a world record-breaking 398 threads per inch, as well as the tools used by ancient Peruvians to produce textiles, metals, Huaco ceramics and gold and silver pieces with semi-precious stones. The museum also holds an entire room dedicated to an erotic pottery collection. Lunch at the Café de Museo is included. We continue to Brranco, the Bohemian “barrio” of Lima, with its studios and art galleries. (b,l)
Lima / Cuzco / Sacred Valley of the Incas
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cuzco (11,200 feet). Upon arrival in Cuzco, meet your guide and drive to the Sacred Valley of the Incas (8,000-9,000 feet) towards Chincheros. The town offers an exquisite Colonial Church that lies on top of the foundations of an important Inca site. Sunday is the Market Day in Chincheros, and if you search carefully, you can still observe the local Indians practicing the art of bartering (exchanging merchandise). After a picnic lunch visit Moray to learn about the perfect circular structures that were used as an agricultural laboratory in ancient times. Then view the Saltpans of Maras, where salt is produced today using the same methods as in the pre-Inca period. At dusk the slat pools reflect the sunset in brilliant colors of gold and cooper. Enjoy a beautiful 1-hour walk downhill, towards the river, and then drive to your charming hotel in Urubamba for an overnight stay.(b,l)
Incan masonry, traditions, art & mysteries of the Andeans (Sacred Valley)
Visit the ruins of the ancient Incan Fortress in Ollantaytambo. The abrupt halt in the construction of the fortress, due to the arrival of the Spaniards, left several evidence of the site, allowing us an educated glimpse into the fine art of the Incan Masonry. The town of Ollantaytambo itself is the most preserved Inca City, where the layout of the streets, water canals, and houses have remained intact for hundreds of years. For lunch we return to our hotel to enjoy an authentic Andean Lunch with a Paso Dancing Horses Show. Later in the evening, visit the Studio of Pablo Seminario, a local pottery artist who had gained worldwide recognition for his Inca-inspired naïve art. Here you can put your pottery skills to the test with a hands-on experience. Carve and paint your own ceramic tile. Tonight an unforgettable spiritual experience; a real Shaman (holy man) will meet you for a private session of the Andean ritual to the Mother Earth. (b,l)
Discover Machu Picchu with the Vistadome Train
After breakfast, we transfer to the train station near Ollantaytambo, for our 1.5-hour train ride along the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Town. A light snack and soft drinks are served aboard the Vistadome Train. Our final approach to the “Lost City of the Incas” is done by bus along a winding road with breathtaking views of the cloud forest, to the Machu Picchu National Park. Your expert private guide will unfold the secrets as well as the quotidian facts of Machu Picchu, voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Walk along the agricultural terraces; learn about the separated quarters of the Inca nobility and the “commoners”, and the irrigation system. You are certain to admire the Incas’ ability to calculate the exact spot where a single ray of the sun will shine during the sunrise in two of the most important days in the Inca Calendar. A buffet lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge is included in your tour. In the afternoon, descend the mountain and check-into your paradise-like resort; the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. A gourmet À la carte dinner is served at your hotel. (b,l,d)
Machu Picchu / Cuzco
The morning will be spent at your leisure; enjoy the nature trails and the guided walks offered by the hotel. Your private guide is at your disposal and the second entrance fee and transportation to Machu Picchu are included, in case you wish to further explore on your own or watch the sunrise atop the mountain (highly recommended). In the late afternoon, return to the train station to board Vistadome train to the Ollanta Train Station. There, we switch to a private vehicle, for the remaining length of the drive, arriving in Cuzco (11,200 feet) in the late evening. Tonight sleep tight in your Oxygenated Room, at the Monasterio Hotel, an Orient Express Property, and an icon of luxury throughout South America (b)
Cuzco, “The Royal City”
Meet your private guide and driver for a tour of Cuzco. We start at the top of the San Blass Hill, considered as the bohemian district of Cuzco, where many artists and foreigners live. We walk down the narrow street through galleries and studios, with flowers-decorated balconies. On to the Farmers Market, for an overwhelming variety of produce and house hold items, including dozens kinds of potatoes, an Indian “food court”, flowers, breads and even witchcraft items.. a true “One-Stop Shopping” spot! We then continue to explore the history of Cuzco, a UNESCO declared World Heritage Site. The Colonial section of the city was mostly built in the 17th century atop the existing Incan foundations, creating a one-of-a-kind architecture. We visit the Cathedral, and the Santo Domingo Convent, erected by the Spaniards, not by an error, directly atop the most sacred place for the Inca people; the Sun Temple. In the afternoon, we depart the city for a short visit to the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuamán, where some of the perfectly carved stones weigh over 130 tons! This site also hosts the reenacting of the Sun Festival on June 24th of every year. Tonight we recommend a visit and a dinner at the MAP Museum and Café, located next door to your hotel. (b)
Cuzco / Lima / depart Peru
Spend most of the day at your leisure in Cuzco, to stroll along the cobbled streets, visit the art galleries, museums, designers’ stores and handcrafts market. Your Cuzco Pass includes entry to several attractions in Cuzco. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your short flight to Lima. Upon arrival, meet your driver and celebrate the Peruvian Gourmet Cuisine in one of Lima’s best restaurants. We return to the airport in time for your home-bound flight. (b,d)