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Center of the Inca Universe

11-day adventure

The Inca world, past and present. Cuzco, the Urubamba Valley and Machu Picchu are our focus. We start with the incredible museum collections in Lima, then head to the Andes into the heart of the Inca empire. We explore Cuzco, Sacsayhuaman, San Salvador, Pisac ruins and town, Chincheros market, Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo village and fortress. Our best-for-last treat is a 3-day / 2-night stay at Machu Picchu.

Why so long in Machu Picchu? The better question is, why do others explore this Wonder of the World for so little time? If you had a week you might just be able to discover the depth and breadth of this fascinating and mystical site on the mountain saddle. Our three days allow for a guided tour of the main ruins, hikes to Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, Temple of the Moon, Sun Gate, the Inca bridge and more, plus private exploration at your own pace. Finding a hot pink orchid clinging to a barely excavated wall in a remote corner of the ruins is a pleasure reserved for few, including INCA travelers.

Highlights

Museums and ceviche in Lima

2 days Cuzco El Monasterio del Cuzco

2 days Urubamba Valley Sol y Luna or Inca Tambo

3 days Machu Picchu Machu Picchu Sanctuary or Machu Picchu Pueblo

Itinerary Summary

Day 1

Fly to Lima, Peru. Overnight in Lima.

Day 2

Tour historic Lima with visits to the National Museum of Archeology and the Larco Museum. Afternoon grand buffet of seafood and Peruvian specialties.

Day 3

Fly to Cuzco, walking tour of historic Cuzco, dinner of typical Cuzqueñan specialties.

Day 4

Visit the Central Market, Inca Museum, and Archbishop's Palace. Afternoon visit to Sacsayhuaman and a private ceremony with a shaman right in the ruins.

Day 5

South of Cuzco, visit Lake Huacarpay and the old and spectacular 17th century church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas. En route to the Urubamba Valley, see a weaving demonstration and have a picnic lunch in San Salvador. In the Urubamba Valley, explore Pisac village and its ruins.

Day 6

Full day exploration with Chinchero Sunday Indian market, visits the Moray Incan horticultural center, Maras salt pans, Ollantaytambo and its extensive ruins.

Days 7-9

Spectacular train ride to Machu Picchu for a 3-day visit of the ruins (an INCA exclusive). You'll have a guide with which to explore the site and take optional hikes to Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu. You'll have time to to ponder the mysteries of this spot, take photos, or just "hide out" while trainloads of day-trippers make midday cameo appearances. Return to Cuzco by afternoon train on Day 9.

Day 10

Morning in Cuzco with an afternoon flight to Lima for an overnight.

Day 11

Depart for home, or on to other adventures.

For a deeper look at this adventure, please read the Detailed Itinerary.

Departures • Center of the Inca Universe

2010

Aug 10 - Aug 20

Sep 14 - Sep 24

Oct 19 - Oct 29

Nov 9 - Nov 19

Dec 18 - Dec 28 φ

Dec 24 - Jan 3 φ

2011

Jan 25 - Feb 4

Feb 22 - Mar 4

Mar 8 - Mar 18

Mar 22 - Apr 1

Apr 5 - Apr 15

Apr 19 - Apr 29

May 17 - May 27

Jun 7 - Jun 17

Jun 21 - Jul 1 †

Jul 12 - Jul 22

Jul 26 - Aug 5

Aug 9 - Aug 19

Sep 13 - Sep 23

Oct 11 - Oct 21

Nov 8 - Nov 18

Nov 22 - Dec 2

Dec 18 - Dec 28 Δ

Dec 25 - Jan 4 Δ

Prices & Supplements • Center of the Inca Universe

2010

$5295 

φ $5995

2011

$5495

Δ $6095

† = Inti Raymi, Incan "Festival of the Sun," departure

Single

$2300

Small Group

A Small Group Supplement applies if there are fewer than four travelers on your trip.