INDEPENDENT PERU WITH LAKE TITICACA

Visit Peru

1 ARRIVE LIMA, PERU

Welcome to Lima, where your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.

2 LIMA

Your included city tour focuses on Lima's rich colonial history as well as the modern city. Lima was the bastion of Spanish South America from its founding in 1535 until the independence of the South American republics in the early 19th century. See the cathedral, where the remains of Francisco Pizarro are sealed in a wooden coffin, and the Santo Domingo Convent to see the relics of three famous Peruvian saints-Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martin de Porres, and San Juan Macias. (B)  Today's I-Time Tips

This evening, you may choose to head over to a nearby park to witness the largest electronic water fountain complex in the world, certified by the Guinness Book of Records. You will enjoy a wonderful show of water, lights, music, and images.

3 LIMA-CUSCO-SACRED VALLEY

Fly to Cusco, high in the Andes, where you will be met by your Local Guide. Upon arrival, begin your scenic drive into the lush Urubamba Valley, also known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas and your home for the next two nights. (B)

4 SACRED VALLEY

Today, your private sightseeing tour of the Sacred Valley begins in the market town of Pisac. Handmade rugs, alpaca sweaters, and jewelry can be bought here at bargain prices. After time in the market, your next visit is the Inca Fortress of Ollantaytambo. Here, some of the finest examples of Inca masonry can be seen. Enjoy an included lunch before returning to your hotel this afternoon. (B,L)

5 SACRED VALLEY-MACHU PICCHU

Board a train trip bound for Machu Picchu and cut a path through the Sacred Valley to this "Lost City of the Incas," discovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. On a guided tour, explore this intact fortress with its temple remains, holy houses, and mile-long aqueduct. For hikers, a brisk one-hour walk leads to the Sun Gate, the ancient entrance used by the Incas. (B,L,D)

6 MACHU PICCHU-CUSCO

A morning at leisure allows you to wake up early to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu with your included second entrance to the ruins. Return to Cusco by train trip. (B)

7 CUSCO

Your guided tour of Cusco visits the Plaza de Armas and its Cathedral and the Santo Domingo Monastery, previously the Koricancha Temple, one of the most important temples devoted to worship of the sun. It is said it was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. This afternoon is free to explore on your own. Today's I-Time Tips Perhaps visit the Inca Museum or wander through the artisan district of San Blas. (B)

8 CUSCO-JULIACA-LAKE TITICACA (PUNO)

Fly to Juliaca, where you will be transferred to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. (B)

9 PUNO. EXCURSION TO LAKE TITICACA

Today, enjoy a full day sailing on Lake Titicaca and take a motorboat to some of the lake's more unique islands. Start with Taquile Island, once part of the Inca Empire and one of the last areas of Peru to be conquered by Spain in the 16th century. The Spanish banned traditional dress on the island, which is why the Spanish peasant dress can still be found today. Next, travel to the fascinating Uros Islands, home to the Uros Indians who were forced to live on the lake as the Incas pushed farther into their territory. These islands are completely made from reeds, which are continually added to as they disintegrate to the bottom of the lake. (B,L)

10 PUNO-SILLUSTANI-JULIACA-LIMA

Depart for Juliaca this morning, visiting the ruins of Sillustani en route. At this pre-Incan burial ground, see where the ancient Aymaras buried their high priests in chullpas (above-ground cylinder-shaped tombs) dating back to the 1400s. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Lima, where the remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)

11 LIMA

Your holiday ends after breakfast this morning. (B)

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