Plaza de Armas , Lima
SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA
Chinchero village , Peru
Grand Circle Foundation-supported school , Izcuchaca
ITINERARY
DAY 1 • Depart U . S . • Lima , Peru Fly to Lima , Peru , where an O . A . T . representative will meet you and escort you to your hotel .
José Antonio Lima Hotel or similar
DAY 2 • Lima • Miraflores district Meet your Trip Experience Leader and fellow travelers — including those joining us from our optional pre-trip extension to Peru : Lima , Iquitos & the Amazon . Later , take an orientation walk through Lima ’ s stylish Miraflores district .
Meals : B , L | José Antonio Lima Hotel or similar
DAY 3 • Colonial Lima Embark on a tour of Lima ’ s colonial sites . Founded by the conquistadors in 1535 , Lima became Spain ’ s largest and wealthiest city in the New World . The city has a proud history , including the founding of one of the first universities in South America , the Universidad de San Marcos , in the middle of the 16th century . Today , Lima ’ s historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Begin your discoveries today with a visit to the Larco Museum , which houses pre-Columbian art and artifacts in a private mansion . Then , explore downtown Lima during a walking tour . This evening , gather for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant .
Meals : B , D | José Antonio Lima Hotel or similar
DAY 4 • Cuzco • The Sacred Valley and Pisac Ruins
• Controversial Topic : Coca ’ s role in culture & cocaine production
Fly to Cuzco , the capital of the Incan world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Descend into the Sacred Valley before visiting Pisac , where we ’ ll explore the well-built stone dwellings and temples of this ancient city , before taking in the modern town of Pisac . Then , meet a local woman at a market to discuss the Controversial Topic of coca leaf production in Peru . Coca has been essential to Peruvian health and religious rituals for millennia . However , its role in cocaine production threatens its future in the country .
Meals : B , L , D | Villa Urubamba or similar
DAY 5 • Ollantaytambo Inca Fortress • Urubamba River rafting • Home-Hosted Lunch
Visit the splendid ruins of Ollantaytambo , including its ancient fortress , baths , and huge terraces guarding its hilltop temples . After your explorations , take a rafting trip down the Urubamba River . As we float , we ’ ll observe the networks of terraces on either side , constructed entirely by hand , which transformed steep mountainsides into acres of arable land that helped feed a civilization , and which remain in use today , centuries after their construction . Then , enjoy a Home- Hosted Lunch with a Peruvian family , where you ’ ll sample the locally made corn beer .
Meals : B , L , D | Villa Urubamba or similar
DAY 6 • Train ride through the Sacred Valley • Machu Picchu
Travel by train to Machu Picchu , the legendary “ Lost City of the Incas ” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site . See remnants of the Ritual Baths , Palace of the Princess , the Main Fountain , and the Sun and Condor temples . Later , arrive at our hotel , which is conveniently located near the base of Machu Picchu , so you can explore the ruins long after tour groups have departed .
Meals : B , L , D | Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu or similar
ADVENTURE HIGHLIGHT
On Day 5 , embark on a rafting excursion on the Urubamba River , witnessing terraced farmlands , rural villages , and soaring Andean peaks
Information & Reservations 1-800-955-1925 www . oattravel . com / rap 173