Also known as The Kingdom of the Sun, Peru is one of the most representative countries of Latin America due to its mix of native Indian, Afro-American and European cultures. Peru is a country where the traditional customs have transcended through the years and they are the basis for the current way of life. The contrast of the different landscapes and peoples is the reason Peru is so fascinating to visitors. Day 1, Saturday, March 29 th, 2014 Departure for Peru On Saturday, March 29 th, join your fellow TUT Adventurers in Miami for the overnight flight on American Airlines to Lima, followed by a connecting flight to Cusco. To view Peru travel tips, packing suggestions and pre-departure information, please visit our Travel Tips page. DAY 2, SUNDAY, MARCH 30 TH, 2014 Included meals: Dinner CUSCO SACRED VALLEY Upon arrival at the Cusco airport we re greeted with a welcome coca tea reception which will perk us up and help with altitude adjustment. Cusco is 11,000 feet above sea level! Afterwards, we proceed to the Sacred Valley (2 hour transfer). On the way we ll visit Awanakancha, a living museum of Andean cameloids including Llamas, Alpacas, and the very rarely seen Vicuñas and Guanucos. Here, Awanakancha s main goal is to preserve the old weaving techniques typical of the area as well as to support the local communities involved. Mid-day arrival at the luxurious Tambo del Inka Resort in the Sacred Valley. This evening meet with Mike before transferring to a special dinner at a private Hacienda. DAY 3, MONDAY, MARCH 31 ST, 2014 SACRED VALLEY Immerse yourself in the Andean culture, with a visit to the typical rural village of Maras in the midst the Sacred Valley. We ll be welcomed by a group of villagers, who will introduce us to their culture, customs and traditions by means of several workshops. Afterward, enjoy a private lunch at El Parador de Moray, near the Archeological Site of Moray. After lunch, the adventure continues to the ancient village of Ollantaytambo, the last living Inca village of Peru, including a visit to a local home and a taste of delicious Empanadas freshly prepared in a traditional oven. The ruins of Ollantaytambo are one of the few places where the Incas defeated the Spanish Conquistadors. After a memorable day of meeting the local people, sharing in their culture and exploring ancient villages, we ll return to the hotel and enjoy dinner.
DAY 4, TUESDAY, APRIL 1ST, 2014 Included meals: Breakfast and Dinner SACRED VALLEY In the morning, we ll visit the Pisaq market place. Here you can bargain with the locals for your favorite gifts for the folks at home. Although it is very popular with tourists and locals alike, this colorful and vivid market still retains its local charm. Villagers, sometimes traveling from far away, gather to barter and sell their products. In addition, a large handicraft fair is organized by the Pisac and Cuzco craftsmen who exhibit and sell a wide variety of fine crafts such as woven goods, sweaters, alpaca rugs, tapestry, sculpture, jewelry, etc. If the crowd becomes too much, the café balconies offer a superb overview and great opportunity for people watching! Afterwards, take an optional hike with stunning valley views or proceed to the hotel where you re afternoon is free to explore on your own. This evening join Mike for a group talk prior to dinner at the hotel. DAY 5, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2 ND, 2014 Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner SACRED VALLEY MACHU PICCHU In the morning, you ll transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station in the Sacred Valley for a ride in a privately chartered car on board the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, guides greet us for the walk from the train station to the hotel (5 minutes) where lunch is served. After lunch, it s time to take a shuttle bus up to the most famous ruin site of South America Machu Picchu, for a guided tour. Machu Picchu Also known as The Lost City of the Incas might be the most familiar symbol of the Inca Empire. It was built around AD 1450 at the top of a granite mountain. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1983. Recently, it has also been named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and the most visited ecological destination in the world. There are many theories about Machu Picchu, but one thing is for sure it is one of the most impressive sites in the world. After the tour, if time allows (Machu Picchu closes at 5pm), you may enjoy some free time to wonder around on your own. Finally, take the shuttle bus down to town and walk back to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight at the HOTEL INKATERRA MACHU PICCHU
DAY 6, THURSDAY, APRIL 3RD, 2014 Included meals: Breakfast and Dinner MACHU PICCHU Today, you may choose from one of the following TUT Adventures: Morning visit to Machu Picchu: See the sunrise in this magnificent setting, use the time to see Machu Picchu in another light and to explore the marvelous site on your own. Huayna Picchu Hike: For the more adventurous and active, this hike to the mountain behind Machu Picchu offers totally different views of the ruins. The hike is strenuous and if you are concerned about altitude, we don t recommend this activity. Relax at the hotel: Take some time for yourself with a visit to the spa or the marvelous gardens, renowned internationally for the vast variety of orchids. Later, enjoy dinner and time at the hotel with Mike. Overnight at the HOTEL INKATERRA MACHU PICCHU DAY 7, FRIDAY, APRIL 4TH, 2014 MACHU PICCHU Today has been left with plenty of free time as well as multiple opportunities to meet with Mike for a talk. Lunch is included at the hotel today. Dinner and overnight at the HOTEL INKATERRA MACHU PICCHU DAY 8, SATURDAY, APRIL 5TH, 2014 Included meals: Breakfast and Lunch MACCHU PICCHU - CUSCO This morning we board our private car on the train back to the Sacred Valley followed by a motorcoach transfer to Cusco. Guides greet us for the ride to Christo Blanco, a lookout point over Cusco, where a special surprise and lunch await. After lunch, we visit Sacsayhuaman, an ancient ruin site considered to be either a fortress or a temple, which is today the site of the famed Inti Raymi Festival celebrated each year on June 26th. It is a marvelous example of Incan building skills, with massive stones that had to be moved here to build this perfect zigzag wall around a ceremonial square. Afterward return to Cusco where you may enjoy dinner on your own at the restaurant of your choice. Overnight at the JW Marriott, Cusco
DAY 9, SUNDAY, APRIL 6TH, 2014 CUSCO LIMA - HOME In the morning, we transfer to the airport for the flight to Lima. Lima was founded in 1535 by the Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro as The city of the kings and became the capital and most important city of the Spanish Viceroyalty. Today it is still Peru s most important city and is home to about 9 million people, almost 30% of the national population. The historical city center features splendid colonial style architecture, ample squares such as the Plaza de Armas (or Plaza Mayor) and grand churches. In its newer areas such as Miraflores and San Isidro one can find modern architecture, rich entertainment possibilities and a great number of first class hotels and restaurants. Lima is also an inexhaustible source of culture, demonstrated by the existence of numerous and varied museums. Lunch is included upon arrival in Lima. This afternoon we will experience some of the city s diverse culture during a guided city tour. This evening we ve planned something special for TUT Adventurers! A farewell dinner will take place at Casa Garcia Alvarado, an historic landmark and private family home that has been opened up especially for our group. After being greeted by the owner of the house, you ll be served a private dinner with live music. Afterwards, it s time to transfer to the Lima airport for a late flight back to Miami. Return home with many fond memories of Peru and the Spirit of the Incas! YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS WHILE IN PERU TAMBO DEL INCA, SACRED VALLEY The only hotel in Urubamba with a private train station to Machu Picchu, the hotel goes to great lengths to ensure an indelible stay, offering refined dining, a therapeutic spa, and premier fitness center, along with an emerald lagoon and blooming riverside gardens. The hotel s elevation is a couple of thousand feet lower than Cusco's, so guests who go first to Tambo have an opportunity to acclimate gently. They also have the opportunity to explore the Sacred Valley at leisure, visiting villages renowned for their textiles or hiking to pre-incan ruins. Rooms are spacious, with floor-to-ceiling, flat-screen TVs, ipod docking stations and Wi-Fi. Sprawling baths feature separate shower and tub.
INKATERRA, MACHU PICCHU Tucked into an exotic jungle valley overlooking the roaring Urubamba River and the razorback peaks of the Andes, InkaTerra s Eden-like environment comes as a pleasant shock, with hummingbirds and butterflies flitting around well-spaced dwellings with adobe walls and terra-cotta-tile roofs. Classical music sets the tone, avocado, coffee, guava and orchid plants infuse the air, and the sound of trickling water soothes the soul. The exceptionally winsome guest rooms housed in separate whitewashed cottages vary in size and have skylighted ceilings that provide much-needed light through the lush vegetation. Locally inspired fabrics, tile floors with area rugs, dark period furniture, and ornate wrought-iron queen or twin beds with tartan spreads and alpaca blankets are common to all rooms. All have fireplaces and large eucalyptus timber beams overhead. JW MARRIOTT, CUSCO The JW Marriott Cusco Hotel is located in Cusco's historic downtown; one block from the Plaza Mayor, surrounded by all the principal historical sites. Designed around a colonial convent, this hotel features resort-like amenities including a Cusco restaurant with excellent Peruvian cuisine, a bar and a fullservice spa offering a relaxation heated pool, sauna, steam room and treatments inspired by ancient techniques. Accommodations at this luxury hotel in Cusco are equipped with the latest technology including Wi-Fi, LCD cable TVs, and oxygen systems for a fee.