Compare Mystical Peru 2023 by Tauck vs Peru in 10 days - From Sacred Valley to Lake Titicaca - Charm by Exoticca

Day 1 Welcome to Lima

Tour begins: JW Marriott Hotel Lima. A transfer is included from Lima Airport to the JW Marriott Hotel Lima, ideally located in one of the city's best neighborhoods. Most international flights arrive late evening, so settle into your room for a snack and a good night's rest.

LODGING : JW Marriott Hotel Lima

PORTOFCALL : Lima, Peru

Day 2 The Peruvian Experience

A drive to the Barranco neighborhood of Lima leads to a visit to "Exquisito Peru" – an opportunity for hands-on learning about the "about the history, traditions, customs, Pisco and gastronomy of Peru." Early afternoon, take a short flight from Lima to Cusco and travel to the Sacred Valley. Join us tonight for a welcome reception followed by dinner at your hotel.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Lima, Peru

Day 3 Exploring the Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley... a mountainous region of Peru that offers mystical awe-inspiring sights to discover... along with farms and villages that welcome you with a taste of daily life. This morning you'll be introduced to a local community and will have a host of activities to choose from learning to ride a donkey to a weaving demonstration to tree planting, before enjoying lunch with fellow guests. This afternoon, discover the meanings behind the sacred markings of ancient Peruvian cultures at a renowned pottery studio, then let your creative spirit take over when you paint your own ceramic masterpiece. Enjoy dinner at your leisure at the hotel tonight.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Urubamba, Peru

Day 4 Paso horses, rafting or a spa & more

Today offers a choice of adventures* in the Sacred Valley today: hit the trail for a horseback ride through a small village and on into the countryside or don a wet suit for a rafting trip on a nearby river... or, you can choose a massage in the hotel spa! Later, meet up for a barbecue lunch at a private ranch, followed by a show starring the country's beautiful smooth-gaited Peruvian Paso horses, protected as part of the Patrimonio Cultural (Cultural Heritage) of Peru. Back at your hotel, a local shaman will provide blessings for your journey and give spiritual insight to the Sacred Valley area and Machu Picchu. Enjoy dinner tonight in the hotel's 17th-century colonial hacienda.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Urubamba, Peru

Day 5 Train to Aguas Calientes & on to Machu Picchu

Experts are still not exactly sure what Machu Picchu was used for, but for centuries, this remarkable Inca citadel lay hidden from the world by mountainous jungle and mist until Yale archaeologist Hiram Bingham accidentally stumbled on it in 1911 while looking for other major Incan ruins. His discovery revealed myths and mysteries that still confound visitors today, making your rail journey on the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes, the "gateway to Machu Picchu," and your drive up the mountain to what Bingham called the "Lost City of the Incas" that much more exciting. You'll spend the afternoon exploring Machu Picchu – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was recently named one of the "new seven wonders of the world" – with our expert guides. This evening, head back down into Aguas Calientes for an overnight in whitewashed casitas (bungalows) at your pueblo-style hotel surrounded by a cloud forest.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Machu Picchu, Peru

Day 6 Endangered species, a village market & ancient Cusco by rail

The morning is free for you to do as you please; there are lots of great optional activities for your family to choose from! You can take a guided nature walk on the flower-filled grounds of your hotel, seeing the collection of orchids and herbs that thrive here; or head into the colorful local market in Aguas Calientes, for an eye-opening parade of locally made arts and crafts, including woven tapestries, ponchos, jewelry and more. After lunch, make your way by train and coach to Cusco for a two-night stay in the historic city center at the JW Marriott Hotel Cusco, featuring an indoor pool to cool off in, as well as ancient walls and treasures uncovered during the hotel's recent construction.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : JW Marriott Hotel Cusco

PORTOFCALL : Cusco, Peru

Day 7 Sacsayhuamán, chocolate & Incan lore in Cusco

Wake up this morning in the heart of Cusco – South America's oldest continuously inhabited city, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the shape of a puma, Cusco astounds with both Incan relics and some of the oldest Spanish colonial architecture in the "New World." At the archaelogical site of Sacsayhuamán, the "House of the Sun," view awe-inspiring stone fortresses built by the Incas more than five centuries ago. Get a sweet taste of local traditions during a hands-on, mouth-watering chocolate-making class at the Choco Museo. Then learn how to tell the difference between an alpaca and a llama at the Awanacancha farm, where you'll meet these unique animals whose wool is woven into beautiful colorful textiles by local artisans. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Music's in the air at our farewell dinner in Cusco, as you learn how to play the Peruvian pan flute – which you'll get to take home with you as an unforgettable musical memento of your Tauck Bridges family Peru vacation!

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : JW Marriott Hotel Cusco

PORTOFCALL : Cusco, Peru

Day 8 Homeward bound

Tour ends: Lima. Fly from Cusco to Lima for lunch; rooms have been reserved for you at the JW Marriott Hotel Lima whether you choose to fly out tonight or stay overnight and fly out in the morning. A transfer is included to Lima Airport from the JW Marriott Hotel Lima. Allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in.

MEALS : B, L

PORTOFCALL : Lima, Peru

Day 1: US - Lima

Arrive at your departure airport, ready for a flight to Lima. Arrive in Lima, the capital of Peru, situated on the Pacific Coast. Transfer to the hotel, and spend the rest of the day exploring the city's colonial streets and magical plazas at your leisure. Overnight stay in Lima.

Day 2: Lima

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy an informative and interesting city tour of Lima, including its Historic Centre and the Santo Domingo Convent. Start by exploring the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro before heading to the Historic Center. Visit the impressive Convent of Santo Domingo and walk to the Plaza de Armas to admire the exquisite colonial architecture that surrounds it. Stop in the Parque del Amor, from where you can take beautiful photos of the Peruvian coastline. Overnight stay in Lima.

Day 3: Lima - Cuzco - Sacred Valley

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Cuzco. Arrive in Cuzco, the former Inca capital, and transfer to the Sacred Valley, on the way stop at Awanakancha and savour the opportunity to explore this living museum, where ancient customs and traditions have been preserved across the centuries. Watch local communities creating beautiful handmade textiles and soak up the beautiful views, unchanged by time. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, exploring the lively immaculate scenery of this iconic region. Overnight stay in Sacred Valley.

Day 4: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Sacred Valley

Breakfast at the hotel. An exciting day at Machu Picchu awaits you this morning as you set off for Ollantaytambo train station to board the Expedition Train to Aguas Calientes, admiring the landscape along the way. Arrive and transfer to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu*, a true wonder of the world. Spend some time discovering the ruins and being amazed by the terraces and enjoying a tour of the different sections of the site. At the indicated time, return to the train station to catch the train back to the Sacred Valley. Transfer to the hotel and overnight stay in the Sacred Valley. Note: The baggage policy on board the Expedition train is 1 bag or backpack per person weighing a maximum of max. 5kg / 11lb. * Backpacks or bags taken into Machu Picchu must not exceed 40x35x20cms or have a capacity larger than 20Lts and must not contain single-use plastic bottles or bags. Backpacks or bags that exceed the indicated measurements can be left in storage for approx. $2 per bag.

Day 5: Sacred Valley - Cuzco

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off towards Cuzco, with the opportunity to enjoy optional Sacred Valley excursions along the way, to experience the best of the region.* Arrive in Cuzco and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, enjoying the lively plazas at night. Overnight stay in Cuzco. * Optional Essence of the Sacred Valley Excursion: Visit Chinchero and the PARWA Centre, to appreciate the colourful traditional textiles. Next, visit the church of Chinchero before heading to the Racchi panoramic viewpoint for a fantastic view across the valley. Explore Ollantaytambo and its Inca fortress. Price per person with lunch and 'Boleto Turisitco' included granting entrance to the Sacred Valley and surrounding sights.

Day 6: Cuzco

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on a fascinating half-day tour of Cuzco. Begin in the iconic Plaza de Armas, and visit the Cathedral. From here, walk to the Koricancha Temple, an impressive ancient Inca palace, in honour of the Sun God. Today, a Dominican church stands on the site. Finally, visit the lively San Blas neighbourhood, known for its artists, shops and artisan workshops. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, soaking up the atmosphere of the city and sampling the local cuisine. Overnight stay in Cuzco.

Day 7: Cuzco - Puno

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Cuzco bus station to catch the bus to Puno. Leave the station and start your journey on the bus to Puno and enjoy the marvellous landscapes of the South Valley of Cuzco. Discover Andahuaylas, a beautiful 17th-century church, featuring an impressive organ decorated with angels and cherubs. Continue on the road and visit the ruins of Racqui, also known as the ´Temple of the God Wiracocha. After lunch, discover La Raya, the highest point on the highway between Cuzco and Puno for amazing views of the landscape. Visit the historic town of Pucara, once an important centre of the Inca civilisation. Arrive in Puno, home of Lake Titicaca, and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Puno.

Day 8: Puno

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on an unforgettable excursion to the islands of Lake Titicaca. Depart by boat to Taquile island, which dates back to pre-Inca times. The Islanders are famous for their beautiful clothing, their incredible knits, and textile industry. Next, visit the community of Huayllano, on the same island, where the locals show their traditional crafts and agriculture. Enjoy a traditional lunch. Afterwards, visit the island of Uros situated in the middle of the national reserve of Lake Titicaca. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Puno.

Day 9: Puno - Lima

Breakfast at the hotel. Say goodbye to the Andean highlands as you transfer to Juliaca airport for a flight back to Lima. Arrive in Lime and spend your last evening in Peru soaking up the ambience of the city's plazas and the cool sea breeze of its picturesque coastline. Overnight stay in Lima.

Day 10: Lima - US

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight* back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip. * If you choose an early morning return flight, you'll enjoy your stay at the hotel until the indicated time of transfer to the airport. The airport transfer will take place the night before the date indicated on the ticket for return flights that depart between 00:00 and 04:00.