Private Journey Details
Witness the splendors of Peru, from the pre-Columbian sites of Lima and the colonial heritage of Cusco to the mystical mountain citadel of Machu Picchu. In the company of your private guide, explore the archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley and discover the engineering and architectural mastery of the Incas.Trip Highlights
- Visit magnificent Machu Picchu- the "lost city of the Inca"-excavated by Hiram Bingham with funding from National Geographic.
- Meet archaeologist and National Geographic grantee Guillermo Cock, who recently uncovered the first known gunshot victim in the Americas.
- View the fascinating mix of Inca and Spanish architecture in the ancient city of Cusco.
- Learn about the ancient techniques used to create Andean clothing with local weaver Nilda Callañaupa, a National Geographic grantee.
Itinerary - 8 Days
Day 1 — U.S./Lima, Peru
Depart on your flight to Lima. Arrive late this evening and transfer to your hotel.
Miraflores Park Hotel
Day 2 — Lima
After a morning to relax, meet your local guide for an afternoon tour of Lima, including Plaza Mayor and the colonial San Francisco Church. At the renowned Museo Larco, examine one of the world's largest private collections of pre-Columbian art and ceramics.
(B)
Day 3 — Lima/Cusco
Fly to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Check into the exquisite Hotel Monasterio, a monastery with a lovely arcaded courtyard built in 1595 and converted to a luxury hotel. This afternoon, join your local guide for a tour of this fascinating city. Stroll through the old town and tour the impressive cathedral, known for its altar made of solid silver. Travel just outside Cusco to see the impressive stonework of the 15th-century ruins of Sacsayhuaman, the site of fierce battles between the Inca and Spanish conquistadors. Then visit Quinta Colcampata, a privately owned colonial residence with magnificent views overlooking Cusco. Return to Cusco in late afternoon and enjoy some time at leisure to explore on your own.
Hotel Monasterio (B)
Day 4 — Cusco/Urubamba/Cusco
Enjoy a full day of exploration accompanied by your expert guide. Spend the morning in Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Inca. Discover Ollantaytambo, home to an important fortress from which the Inca enjoyed a short-lived victory against the Spanish. Stop in the village of Pisac, and stroll through the colorful stalls of its renowned market. At Huayocari Hacienda, a private residence with an impressive collection of Inca and colonial artifacts, meet the owner and enjoy a delicious lunch. En route to Cusco this afternoon, visit Awana Kancha, an exhibition center where South American llama, vicuña, and alpaca are bred. Then meet Nilda Callañaupa, a local weaver who has sustained her ancient craft with the help of National Geographic funding. Watch a demonstration to learn about Andean weaving techniques.
(B,L)
Day 5 — Cusco/Machu Picchu
Board the VistaDome train to Machu Picchu, an awe-inspiring ancient city designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Abandoned by the Inca and lost to history until it was rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, this sacred citadel was excavated with financial support from the National Geographic Society. Upon arrival, meet your expert guide for an afternoon walk through the site. Tonight, settle into your room at the spectacular Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel located adjacent to the ruins.
Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 6 — Machu Picchu/Cusco
This morning, meet your guide for a full day visit to Machu Picchu. Take advantage of the opportunity to enter the site before the crowds arrive. If you choose, your guide can lead you on a hike to Intipunku, the famous Sun Gate, or to Huayna Picchu, the highest mountain in the region, offering breathtaking views of the ruins below. Return to your hotel in Cusco in the afternoon.
Hotel Monasterio (B,L)
Day 7 — Cusco/Lima
Fly to Lima this morning. Following lunch on your own, meet archaeologist Guillermo Cock, whose discovery of thousands of ancient Inca mummies was supported by National Geographic and has been featured in National Geographic magazine. During recent excavations, Guillermo and his team found the first known gunshot victim in the Americas-thought to be an Inca killed by a bullet from a Spanish musket more than 500 years ago.
Miraflores Park Hotel (B)
Day 8 — Lima/U.S.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the U.S.
(B)
For more information on this National Geographic Private Journey, please call 1-866-572-1563.
National Geographic Private Journeys are unique itineraries designed for independent travelers. You'll explore fascinating places with private guides, and wherever possible, meet National Geographic experts at work in the field.
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Private Journey Costs
A holiday surcharge of $235 per person, double occupancy, and $355 per person, single occupancy, applies to the December 18 departure.
ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY
Throughout your journey, you'll be accompanied by private guides as noted in the itinerary. All accommodations are five-star properties chosen for their ideal locations: The Hotel Monasterio is a restored 16th-century monastery located near Cusco's central square; the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge is the only hotel adjacent to the site of Machu Picchu; and the Miraflores Park Hotel in Lima is set on a cliff overlooking the sea. You will be traveling at high elevations while in Cusco (11,200 feet) and Machu Picchu (8,000 feet). This journey requires travelers to be physically fit and is not suitable for anyone who suffers from a respiratory disorder, a circulatory ailment, or a disability that limits mobility.
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