Tour Details
DEPARTURE INFORMATION
Lima
Perú’s capital city welcomes us by sharing its rich history and exquisite setting. We’ll explore and enjoy a welcome lunch in the best-preserved colonial mansion in the Americas, occupied by the same family for 17 generations. On our tour of this City of the Kings, we visit the San Francisco Monastery, a remarkable colonial masterpiece of architecture. Then we’ll stand in the middle of the spacious and handsome Plaza de Armas, near the 17th century bronze fountain in the historic heart of the city, the very spot Francisco Pizarro designated as the city’s center. We’ll see the changing of the guard at the Government Palace and explore the city’s old center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This evening we’ll celebrate with a cocktail party and dinner at our hotel.
Cusco, the Urubamba Valley, & the Sacred Valley of the Incas
This morning, we take a one-hour flight from Lima up to Cusco, high in the Andes at 10,000-feet.
We will savor views of the spectacular snow-capped peaks as we drive down to the Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Fortresses at either end of the fertile valley guarded the Incas’ granary, which provided food for both Cusco and Machu Picchu.
We’ll stroll through the colorful Sunday market in the village of Chinchero - before enjoying an authentic picnic luncheon - and take in a private weaving demonstration at the Traditional Textile Center. Feel the different textures of wool from llamas, alpacas, guanacos, and vicuñas, and admire the lovely colors, all made from natural dyes. In the late afternoon, we arrive at our lodge on the lush green banks of the Urubamba River for a two-night stay.
Machu Picchu
The views are dramatic as our Vistadome train carries us into the Vilcabamba Mountains to the legendary Lost City of the Incas. Even the conquering Spanish invaders had no hint of its existence. In 1911 American explorer Hiram Bingham revealed it to the world.
Nestled in the saddle of a mountain top and shrouded by a forest of clouds, this place was sacred – and you can feel its power as you enter the citadel. Recently named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, every aspect of Machu Picchu earns the honor. Its stones are laid by human hands with laser precision modern technology would struggle to replicate.
Our stay here is intimate and at leisure, ensuring you will have time to experience the full wonder of this place, privately and apart from crowds of tourists.
Cusco
After savoring the serenity of the Machu Picchu sunrise, we enjoy a relaxed traditional English Tea at the Lodge before boarding the deluxe Hiram Bingham train for our return to Cusco. When dinner time approaches, we savor a four-course Andean- inspired meal in the lavish dining car. After visiting Cusco we close our stay here with a moving concert by the local Nuestra Senora del Perpetuo Socorro women’s choir, enjoy cocktail during the concert followed by our farewell dinner.
Cusco & Depart for Home
You return to Lima on a mid-morning flight where you’ll meet your return flight home or to your next destination.
Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel, Lima
Located in Malecon de la Reserva, an exclusive residential area with a spectacular ocean view, Miraflores Park Hotel is a relaxing, comfortable oasis. The hotel combines personalized service, exceptional dining, and indulgent facilities. Colonial architecture, superb museums with Inca gold and Pre-Columbian antiquities, and glamorous shops, bars and restaurants are all just moments from the hotel. Hotel facilities and services include an incredible rooftop heated swimming pool, spa, and gym, as well as a business center, fine restaurant and lounge. Access to the Internet and personal computers are available upon request.
Hotel Rio Sagrado, Urubamba Valley
The Hotel Rio Sagrado lies in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, among verdant fields and towering mountains. Set on the banks of the rushing Urubamba River, this beautiful hotel is constructed of natural materials, and designed to resemble an authentic Andean village. This deluxe hotel offers a variety of activities and amenities, including a sauna, steam room, spa services, business services, laundry facilities, and complimentary wireless Internet access. The restaurant features Peruvian cuisine, and offers inside and outside dining. There is also a bar/lounge. The rooms all have balconies with river views. Your room amenities include a down comforter, in-room safe, complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access, bathrobes, bidets, and a hair dryer.
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, Machu Picchu
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is the only hotel located adjacent to the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. It offers its guests exceptionally easy access from early morning to late afternoon, when most of the day visitors and buses have left. Sit out on a terrace and savour Peruvian cuisine based on produce grown on Belmond Sanctuary Lodge’s own plot: this delightful hideaway is the perfect place to relax and unwind in the shadow of the Lost City. The magnificent gardens boast stunning views across Machu Picchu. They are the perfect location in which to relax during your stay. Located behind the main building, here you can marvel at the near-countless variety of flowers and birds that populate the region. A day exploring the breathtaking Inca citadel can leave you needing some rest and relaxation.
Belmond Hotel Monasterio, Cusco
Originally constructed over 300 years ago as the San Antonio Seminary, the Belmond Hotel Monasterio is a museum hotel providing all the comforts and quality of a deluxe property. The guestrooms reflect their origins as the home for the Jesuit seminarians, decorated in a combination of modern and traditional Spanish colonial styles. Set in the center of town, the hotel is surrounded by convenient shops where you can find local handicrafts, textiles, and jewelry. The Belmond Hotel Monasterio also offers a business center and two excellent restaurants. The Illary Restaurant is adjacent to the main courtyard and is an ideal place for a light lunch or superb dinner. Enjoy breakfast in El Tupay, the original refectory of the monastery, or a refreshing beverage in the Lobby Bar. There is also 24-hour room service. All rooms are equipped with telephone, mini bar, in-room safe, cable TV, and hairdryer. Laundry service is available 24 hours a day. A 2015 Travel+Leisure World's Best Hotel