Day 1 - Arrival in Lima.

The "City of Kings" famous for its Spanish Colonial architecture, extraordinary museums and cuisine. Most flights from the US and Canada arrive late in the evening.   For your convenience we have selected accomodations for you at a hotel close to the airport. Upon arrival a host will meet and assist you in transferring to the hotel and at check in.

Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada (1 night)

Day 2 - Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley (VALLE SAGRADO)

Early morning transfer for a short but spectacular flight over the snowcapped Andes to the oldest inhabited city in the hemisphere, Cusco, at an elevation of 11,440 feet. From there we will travel to the Sacred Valley at 8,200 feet of altitude including Chinchero, Pisac Ruins and Ollantaytambo Archeological Complex

Rub elbows with the locals at Pisac's lively market.

Continue through the fertile countryside of the Urubamba Valley to visit the Inca archeological remnants of Pisac known as Inca Pisac, which lie atop a hill at the entrance to the valley. It features an irrigation system, an astronomical observatory, and a solar clock and calendar (Intiwatana). The hillside is lined with agricultural terraces constructed by the Inca and still in use today. With military, religious, and agricultural structures, the site served at least a triple purpose. It is thought that Pisac defended the southern entrance to the Sacred Valley, while Choquequirao defended the western entrance and the fortress at Ollantaytambo the northern. Lunch is at a beautiful country estate on the shores of the Urubamba River.

Afternoon arrival at the Ollantaytambo archaeological complex, the Incas built it as a fort that included a temple, agricultural terraces, and an urban area. There are two distinct sectors: The religious and worship zone, and the residential area. Ollantaytambo was an important administrative center with probable military functions if one considers the walls and towers. There are also traces of ancient roads and aqueducts. The town of Ollantaytambo is called a "Living Inca Town" since the inhabitants maintain very old practices and customs. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel and Wellness Sacred Valley

Days 3 - Sacred Valley
Today is a free day to enjoy many optional activities or just relax at the world class spa!

Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness is built on a seventeenth century colonial hacienda by the Vilcanota River. Enjoy an unforgetable day at our spectacular accommodations and let yourself be carried away by its mystical atmosphere in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It is the magical meeting of two eras: ancients Inca culture and colonial sumptuousness in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.

There are a variety of activities that can be arranged for you through the hotel.  One of which is an exhilarating river float down the Urubamba River, with breathtaking scenery all around you. This Class II and III rated, one-day whitewater expedition will get your blood flowing while the leadership a professional English speaking rafting guide ensures our safety.

"Taylor Style" - Optional visit to Semanario Ceramic Studio a beautiful gallery of ceramic art dedicated to the discovery of techniques and designs from ancient Peruvian cultures.  We love this studio! I still enjoy many lovely pieces in my home that I have purchased on our vists.  Looking forward to our return! ~ a note from Jo Ann Taylor

(B,D)

Accommodation: Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel and Wellness, Sacred Valley

Day 4 - Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes

We will all travel by train on the Cusco – Machu Picchu Vistadome Railroad passing through stunning Peruvian countryside along the way.  On arrival in Aguas Caliente you will be transfered to our beautiful hotel.  Here you can enjoy a visit to the organic tea plantation, nature walks or a visit to the orchid garden.

"Immerse in the spirit of Royal Inca retreat, at this boutique Machu Picchu hotel — an Andean Garden of Eden where waterfalls and streams gently cascade through acres of orchids. Hummingbirds frolic in a private cloud forest paradise, while you experience authentic barefoot luxury at the foot of Machu Picchu, within an idyllic enclave of whitewashed casitas."

If you wish to venture out you will have the afternoon to walk among the markets of what is sometimes referred to as Machupicchu Town on the riverbanks of the Urubamba River.  Aguas Calientes lives up to its Spanish translation of "hot springs' with natural hot baths available to soak in the healing waters (B,L,D)

"Taylor Style" - Accommodation: Inkaterra Machu Picchu

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