HIRAM BINGHAM S HIDDEN PERU Departs February 22 & October 18, 2018 8 & 15 Days Escorted Journeys Chiclayo Trujillo Lima PACIFIC OCEAN PERU Machu Picchu Ollantaytambo Sacred Valley Cusco Train Travel Land Travel Journey Highlights Stay within the citadel overnight and enjoy the magical sunrise and sunset over Machu Picchu. Mingle and barter with the Quechuaspeaking locals at the colorful and authentic market of Chinchero. MAP NOT TO SCALE Arequipa Lake Titicaca Savor a private lunch at Casa Aliaga, built in 1535 and still inhabited by the Aliaga family. Experience the Inca culture with the Quechua community of Huilloc in the heart of the Valley of the Incas. Spend two nights on board the luxury Belmond Andean Explorer train and travel in luxurious style to Lake Titicaca and Arequipa. Explore the impressive remains of several pre-incan cultures at Chan Chan, Túcume, and El Brujo. CUSCO Itinerary... page 2 > Meet Your Leaders... page 4 > Rates... page 5 > Flight Information... page 5 >
LIMA LAKE TITICACA CHINCHERO Itinerary Day 1 - LIMA, PERU Board your independent flight to Peru. Arrive in the late evening and transfer to the Miraflores Park Hotel for overnight. Day 2 - LIMA Founded in 1535 by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, Lima is a treasure-trove of colonial architecture and excellent museums. Your first stop this morning is the privately owned Larco Herrera Museum, housed in a majestic 18th-century colonial mansion. Within these walls, peruse the world s largest private collection of Peruvian pre-columbian art over 45,000 objects including ceramics, textiles, gold, and silver. Next, visit the San Francisco Monastery, a remarkable colonial masterpiece. Stand in the middle of the spacious and handsome Plaza de Armas near the 17th-century bronze fountain, the historic heart of the city and the very spot Francisco Pizarro designated as the city s center. This whole area is filled with traces of Lima s colonial past, and is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy your first lunch at the best-preserved colonial mansion in the Americas, Casa Aliaga. Located across from the Presidential Palace, the 66-room ancestral mansion was built in 1535 by Don Jeronimo de Aliaga, a member of Pizarro s conquering forces. Seventeen generations later, Casa Aliaga is still inhabited by the Aliaga family, whose heirlooms include beautiful original furniture. This afternoon, view exquisite Peruvian art during a visit to the private collection of Don Pedro de Osma Gilermeister at the Museum Pedro de Osma, a fine example of the European palace-museums of the 19th century. This evening, join your fellow guests for a welcome cocktail before dinner at the hotel. Day 3 - LIMA / CUSCO / URUBAMBA VALLEY This morning, board your short flight from Lima to Cusco. High in the Andes, more than 10,000 feet above sea level, Cusco was founded in the 15th century by the Incas and later conquered by the Spanish. Savor views of the spectacular snowcapped peaks as you drive down to the Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Stop at the village of Chinchero and watch 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. Enjoy a lavish picnic lunch before continuing to Moray, an impressive Inca ruin that contains several enormous terraced circular depressions. Your last stop, weather permitting, is the town of Maras, well known for thousands of pre-incan salt evaporation ponds that were constructed between 200 AD and 900 AD and are still being harvested by the people of Maras. In the late afternoon, arrive at Hotel Rio Sagrado, set on the lush green banks of the Urubamba River. Day 4 - SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS Today, visit the Quechua community of Huilloc and participate in activities with villagers. They are delighted to share their Incan heritage and way of life with visitors and offer hospitality based on the old written laws of the community. Continue to Ollantaytambo and take a stroll through this vibrant village and archaeological site. The ruins here are the best surviving example of Inca city planning, and the city has been continuously inhabited since the 13th century. Travel back in time as you wander the maze of narrow byways, past stone buildings and babbling irrigation channels. Return to our delightful valley lodge for dinner and overnight. Day 5 - URUBAMBA VALLEY / MACHU PICCHU Board the deluxe Hiram Bingham train early this morning and luxuriate in railcars decorated in the style of 1920s Pullman carriages frame the passing scenery. Enjoy expert commentary along the way. When lunch time approaches, savor an Andean-inspired meal in the lavish dining car. Machu Picchu was unknown to the outside world until it was discovered by American explorer, Hiram Bingham, in 1911. Gazing down from above, it s easy to see why those below never detected its presence; this man-made wonder is nestled on top of a mountain saddle, shrouded in emerald vegetation, and is frequently cloaked with mist. On arrival, check in to the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. At 8,200 feet above sea level, it is the only hotel located within the sanctuary of the Machu Picchu Inca citadel. Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was both a TRAVCOA HIRAM BINGHAM S HIDDEN PERU < 2 >
engravings representing animals, including a huge stone block in the shape of a puma. Your expert local guide will regale you with stories that bring the Incan history to life. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, or explore fascinating Cusco on your own there are a plethora of galleries, shops, and archaeological gems at your doorstep. This evening, attend a private performance from the local Nuestra Senora del Perpetuo Socorro women s choir in the hotel s chapel. Enjoy cocktails during the concert, followed by a farewell dinner at your historic hotel. AREQUIPA center of worship and astronomic observatory, and likely the private retreat of the family of Inca ruler Pachacútec. These ruins are so moving and significant, that they have been named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Notice how the carved blocks of stone fit together like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle without the use of mortar. Machu Picchu is split into two major sections the agricultural zone, made up of terracing and food storehouses; and the urban zone, featuring the Sacred Sector with temples, squares, and royal tombs that have been carved to an extraordinary degree of perfection. Stone staircases and canals are also found throughout this unique archaeological site. Explore the city accompanied by a professional guide who will unlock the secrets of this enigmatic site. Staying at the only hotel within the citadel allows you to remain long after the crowds have dispersed. Viewing the ruins as the sun sets is a truly magical experience. Day 6 - MACHU PICCHU / CUSCO Rise early to watch as the sun s rays gradually illuminate the ruins. Continue your explorations this morning with lunch at the lodge. Then embark the deluxe Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, check in to the Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, a 16th-century palace and former Carmelite convent that has been fully restored to be an intimate urban retreat in the heart of the city. Day 7 - CUSCO This morning begins with a tour of Cusco the main square, the Plaza de Armas, the beautiful cathedral, the artisans quarter of San Blas, and the Convent of Santo Domingo, a Spanish Baroque masterpiece. Next, drive into the countryside to see the remarkable Inca ruins at the National Archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman. The imposing ruins are enormous built as three platforms that are an average of 1,181-feet long, with stairs and stone doors connecting the platforms. Explore passages, channels, and stairs with Day 8 - CUSCO / LIMA / DEPARTURE OR CUSCO / EMBARK BELMOND ANDEAN EXPLORER For those on the 8-Day Trip, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima and check in to the Belmond Miraflores Park. Transfer to airport this evening for your homeward flight. For those on the 15-Day Trip, board the Belmond Andean Explorer train. Relax as you pass the dramatic scenery of the Andean Highlands, and enjoy a gourmet lunch on board. Make a stop at the archaeological site of Raqchi, also known as Temple of Viracocha where Inca storehouses and parts of the main building can be seen. In the afternoon you will be served tea during sunset in La Raya, surrounded by imposing mountains. After dinner on board, the train arrives at the Lake Titicaca station for overnight. Day 9 - LAKE TITICACA Witness the glorious sunrise on Lake Titicaca this morning. Breakfast will be served on board and after this you will visit the Islands of Uros, a set of floating islands made of totora, plants that grow in the lake. Then visit Taquile Island, for wonderful views of the lake. Lunch will be served on the island at Collata Beach, where you will enjoy a demonstration of typical dances and crafts from the inhabitants of the island. Afterward, return to the station at Lake Titicaca. As you travel toward Arequipa, enjoy tea, cocktails, and dinner on board. Day 10 PUNO / AREQUIPA Enjoy breakfast with views of the Saracocha Lagoon in the Puno region, before the train continues to Arequipa. En route, visit the Sumbay caves, where paintings from the Paleolithic period, representing human and animal figures, can be seen on the walls. Check in to the Libertador Arequipa with the evening at leisure. Day 11 AREQUIPA / LIMA / TRUJILLO Your city tour begins at the Museum of Andean Sanctuaries to view Juanita, the mummified remains of the 14-year-old daughter of an Inca dignitary. Continue to the Main Square, where you can see many buildings constructed from sillar (a white volcanic rock), earning Arequipa the nickname, White City. Continue to the Carmen Alto Scenic Viewpoint, located TRAVCOA HIRAM BINGHAM S HIDDEN PERU < 3 >
in front of the Chili River, for expansive views of the city. Your tour ends at the Monastery of Saint Catherine, built in 1579. Continue to the airport for your flight to Lima and connect with your flight to Trujillo. Check in to Casa Andina Private Collection Trujillo with the rest of the evening free to explore on your own. CHAN CHAN Day 12 TRUJILLO Begin your city tour with a look at several colonial homes that have been meticulously restored. Many feature exquisite wrought iron window grates, generous patios, and lavishly decorated rooms. Then visit the National University s Museum of Archaeology, where you will find artifacts from several pre-hispanic cultures. A short drive brings you to the Moche Valley and the ruins of the Sun and Moon temples, South America s largest pre-columbian pyramids, representative of the Moche culture in the 5th century. Enjoy a delightful lunch of fresh seafood at the small fishing village of Huanchaco. Here you can see local fishermen that are still using the traditional narrow, reed boats depicted on 2,000-year-old Moche pottery. After lunch, visit the World Heritage Site of Chan Chan. The ruins of this former imperial headquarters of the Chimú Empire (1000-1470), feature the remains of palaces, temples, dwellings, and burial mounds, many sculpted with ornate decorative figures. Day 13 TRUJILLO / CHICLAYO After breakfast, travel overland to Chiclayo City. En route, make a stop at El Brujo Archaeological Complex. The walls of the main temple are decorated with images of mythological animals, shamans, and warriors. The famous mummy, Lady of Cao, was found in this temple in 2006, along with ceramic, gold, silver, and copper ornaments and two gold ornamented wood truncheons, which are on display in the on-site museum. After lunch, arrive in Chiclayo and check in to the Wyndham Costa del Sol. Day 14 CHICLAYO Today, begin your explorations at the Sicán Museum, dedicated to the Sicán culture which flourished after the collapse of the Moche culture. Continue to the Valley of the Pyramids of Túcume, home to 26 pyramids that were built over 1,000 years ago. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, which displays artifacts buried with the Lord of Sipán gold, silver, fine textiles, and ceremonial objects. Drive to City Hall, built in 1919, then visit the famous Wizard s Market, where you will find everything from love potions to ceremonial objects used in Shamanism. Return to your hotel for a special farewell cocktail party and dinner. Day 15 CHICLAYO / LIMA / DEPARTURE Transfer to the airport this morning for your flight to Lima and check in to the Belmond Miraflores Park. This evening, transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. This Journey may be combined with Alluring South America: Brazil, Argentina & Chile. Contact our office for details. MEET YOUR LEADERS MARTA LUNA February 22 - March 8, 2018 Journey A native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Marta speaks Portuguese, French, Italian, and English. She s an insatiable traveler, very interested in history, art, and literature, and paints as a hobby. Marta became an American citizen in 1983 and began accompanying and translating for special groups such as archaeologists and museum curators. She has served as a Travel Director for Travcoa since 1985, and lives in both Argentina and Italy. CHELISE CURTIS October 18 - November 1, 2018 Journey Chelise grew up with an enthusiasm for travel and learning about new cultures. After pursuing her dream of racing horses, she followed that enthusiasm and became a tour guide in Hawaii. The Big Island became her home, but global travel became her life. She has traveled to over 93 countries, and she has worked as a Travcoa Travel Director for the last 17 years. TRAVCOA HIRAM BINGHAM S HIDDEN PERU < 4 >
RATES 8-Day Trip $6,890 per person, double occupancy $8,880 per person, single occupancy 15-Day Trip $11,380 per person, double occupancy $15,360 per person, single occupancy Limited to 14 guests. INCLUDED: All meals, excluding alcohol and caviar, beginning with dinner on the arrival date and ending with breakfast on the departure date Transportation Luxury accommodations FLIGHT INFORMATION You will need to purchase airfare from your home city/lima and Lima/home city for the 8-Day Trip and home city/lima and Lima/ home city for the 15-Day Trip. You will also need to purchase intra-tour airfare at $490 per person for the 8-Day Trip, or intra-tour airfare at $890 per person for the 15-Day Trip. Please contact our air desk for fare quotes, reservations, or other air-related questions. ACCOMMODATIONS Travcoa searches the world to find the most exquisite accommodations so guests can travel in style and, at night, relax in the luxury of some of the world s most extraordinary properties. Plus, Travcoa also arranges for guests to stay in the best-available rooms or suites, with spectacular views whenever possible, as well as private services. All excursions in the company of a Travel Director and expert local guides Luggage transfers All gratuities to local guides and port charges Group and individual airport transfers on arrival and departures dates Medical insurance NOT INCLUDED: International and domestic airfares Excess baggage charges ANDEAN EXPLORER Airport arrival and departure taxes Passport and/or visa fees Travel insurance Expenses of a personal nature (minibar, phone calls, email, laundry, etc.) Drinks or personal expenses or entrance fees for any extra sightseeing or optional activities Gratuity for your Travel Director A 25% of the journey cost per person deposit will secure your space on this expedition. Full payment is due 120 days prior to the journey. All rates are per person, quoted in US dollars, and must be paid in US dollars. Rates and itineraries are subject to change. Please review our Terms & Conditions online at www.travcoa.com/ why-travcoa/about-us/travelers-information, or call our office for a printed copy. HIRAM BINGHAM 100 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 1700 El Segundo, CA 90245 1-310-649-7104 Business 1-800-992-2003 USA, Mexico & Canada 1-310-649-7106 Fax To reserve, visit www.travcoa.com/peru or contact your travel consultant. < 5