Empire of the Incas :: Vacations By Rail ::

Day 1 – Welcome to Peru!
Your Bolivia and Peru tour begins in Lima. Upon arrival at Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport, you’ll be met by representative and transferred to the Miraflores Park Hotel, your home for your first three nights.

Lodging: Miraflores Park Hotel, Lima, Peru

Day 2 – Explore Lima, "City of Kings"
Your Peru tour begins in the lovely colonial center of Lima, originally mapped out by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, which appears on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. You’ll be inspired by its age-old beauty and venerable tradition during a tour this morning. Some of Lima’s most historic buildings surround the splendid Plaza Major; see the Archbishop’s Palace, with its fine carved balcony, and the opulent Government Palace, the official residence of the president of Peru. Visit the impressive, 16th-century Cathedral of Lima, whose first stone was laid by Pizarro in 1535 and in which he is buried. An excellent example of Peruvian Baroque architecture, the rather stark exterior of the 17th-century Church of San Pedro belies its ornate interior. Get a sense of what life was like for the wealthy of Lima years ago at Casa de Aliaga, a beautifully preserved colonial mansion that has been owned by the same family for 17 generations. Then visit the Gold Museum, housing many examples of ancient metal-working skills and artistry. Afterwards enjoy a special welcome cocktail reception and dinner in an intriguing private home.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Miraflores Park Hotel, Lima, Peru

Day 3 - Lima's culture and cuisine
Discover Lima’s rich artistic heritage – representing some 3,000 years and a mix of cultures including pre-Hispanic, colonial and contemporary Peruvian art – on this morning's private guided tour of one of the city’s fine art museums. Enjoy lunch at Cala, a local seaside restaurant that’s truly one of Lima’s spots to “see and be seen," where you'll sample authentic Peruvian cuisine – a tantalizing fusion of Andean and Spanish flavors. The rest of the day is free to spend as you please, perhaps combing the local markets for handicrafts such as silver, hand-carved wood and woven items.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Miraflores Park Hotel, Lima, Peru

Day 4 - Meet alpacas and folk artists in the Sacred Valley
Your Peru tour adventure continues as a short flight this morning takes you from cosmopolitan Lima to Cusco. Did you know that South America’s iconic llama and the iconic camel of the Middle East are both camelids and thus “kissing cousins,” although they live half a world apart? En route to Urubama in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, meet the llamas and alpacas that are so associated with the Andes during a visit to a farm that raises them, and enjoy lunch at the historic Hacienda Orihuela. This evening, you’ll be treated to special entertainment representing Quechua lore and Inca mythology by the folk art group Kusiwasi, followed by dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Casa Andina Private Collection Sacred Valley, Urubamba, Peru

Day 5 - Mysteries of the Incas in Ollantaytambo
Like Egypt’s pyramids, mystery surrounds the construction methods used to build the massive stone fortress of Ollantaytambo. One of the best preserved of the Inca settlements, this living museum reveals much about what life was like here in the 15th century during a tour; the people of the town of Ollantaytambo still practice a very traditional lifestyle. Return to your hotel for a demonstration of Peruvian cuisine preparation by a chef, followed by a scrumptious buffet lunch. The afternoon is free to spend as you wish – enjoying the amenities of your hotel, taking a horseback ride or being pampered in the spa (at additional cost), or joining us for some local guided sightseeing.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Casa Andina Private Collection Sacred Valley, Urubamba, Peru

Day 6 - A rail journey to another time
Board the Vistadome train in Ollantaytambo and travel through mist-shrouded peaks that the Incas believed to be sacred to Aguas Calientes, gateway to the “lost city of the Incas,” Machu Picchu. Spending the afternoon exploring this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site, recently named one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World,” with your local guides will be an unforgettable highlight of your Peru tour. Inspiration is everywhere amidst the architectural and aesthetic genius evidenced in the palaces, temples, houses and baths of this mountaintop, totally self-contained city. It is said by some that if you are a spiritually sensitive person and touch your forehead to the Intihuatana stone – still a precise indicator of the two annual equinoxes – you’ll be able to see into the spirit world!

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel, Aguas Calientes, Peru

Day 7 - From the past to the present
This morning is yours to do as you please, which might include returning to explore more of Machu Picchu before taking a walk through the hotel’s stunning gardens, home to many species of orchids and birds. After lunch, again board the Vistadome train for the scenic rail journey to Ollanta, and drive to Cusco for a two-night stay. The beautiful Hotel Monasterio, named the “Best Hotel in South America” by Condé Nast Traveler in 2007, will be your home for the next two nights. Originally built in 1592, this 16th-century former monastery in the center of Cusco will indulge you with its unique atmosphere, unequaled charm and gracious hospitality.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Monasterio, Cusco, Peru

Day 8 - South America's oldest city
Just about everywhere you look in Cusco, you’ll see reminders and remnants of its Inca past and its importance to them as the “navel of the world.” Begin the day with a walk through the bustling modern-day market, populated by hundreds of vendors selling everything from produce to flowers and household items, before setting off to explore Cusco. Discover the ruins of the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, “the House of the Sun,” an important Inca stronghold. Nowhere is the collision between Western Europe and the Inca culture more apparent than at the Convent of Santo Domingo. After the extraordinary Inca Temple of the Sun at Koriqancha was ransacked by the Spanish conquerors, its amazing stone walls became the foundation for the Baroque Convent of Santo Domingo, which is built atop the temple. The 16th-century Cathedral of Cusco, whose massive altar is made of solid silver, is a splendid example of Spanish colonial churches in the “New World.” Perhaps you’ll hear the tolling of the Maria Angola bell, the largest in South America, during your visit. Following an afternoon at leisure, take part in a lecture by an archeologist from Cusco University to learn more about all that you’ve seen today during your Peru tour.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Hotel Monasterio, Cusco, Peru

Days 9 - Into the Andes and on to the lake
Board the Andean Explorer for a highlight of this great Peru tour – a spectacular rail journey through majestic peaks and across the Andean plains from Cusco to the shores of Lake Titicaca, the most sacred lake in the Inca world. Settle in for a pleasant ride aboard a private vintage rail car; lunch and afternoon tea will be served on the train. You’ll spend the next two nights on the banks of the world’s highest navigable lake at Libertador Lake Titicaca Puno Hotel, a lovely property providing wonderful views of Lake Titicaca.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Libertador Lake Titicaca Puno Hotel, Puno, Peru

Days 10 - Where time stands still
Legend has it that the Inca empire began at Lake Titicaca when the sun god summoned his children from its chilly waters and sent them forth to establish Cusco. Centuries later, some of the indigenous people of the area dwell on forty-five Islas Flotantes de los Uro, floating islands made from reeds that dot the lake, living much as their ancestors did and still following their ancestral customs. During a powerboat cruise on the lake, view some of these islands and go ashore to meet the inhabitants and discover what their lives are like. Later on Taquile Island, visit the home of an Aymara family who will prepare lunch for you and perform some of their traditional dances. You’ll no doubt notice that on Taquile all the men seem to be industriously knitting, and you’ll see some of the items that they produce. After returning to the hotel, you’re free to spend the afternoon as you choose.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Libertador Lake Titicaca Puno Hotel, Puno, Peru

Day 11 - Bolivia bound
Begin the day with a drive along the coast of Lake Titicaca, then head across the lake via private hydrofoil to Sun Island, Bolivia, the legendary birthplace of the Incas. The ancient Aymara and Quechua peoples believed that the sun and the gods were born here and founded the Inca Empire, and many of their descendants still hold that belief. With a population of about 5,000, the only means of transportation between the five villages on the island is the donkey. Pass through the narrow Straits of Tiquina to Huatajata where you’ll visit the museum of the Limachi family, builders of the reed boats Tigris and RA II used by famed explorer and archaeologist Thor Heyerdahl to prove his theory that ancient vessels could cross vast oceans. Continue on to La Paz, the highest capital city on earth, for a two-night stay.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Camino Real Hotel, La Paz, Bolivia

Day 12 - Lively La Paz
Begun on the pre-existing site of an Aymara village, La Paz was founded in 1548 by Spaniards. The highest capital city in the world, La Paz is home to the highest golf course in the world; in the thin air, a good tee shot will travel an amazing distance! Soak up some local color in the bustling Indian Market and browse in the Mercato de las Brujas, the Witches’ Market, for magic amulets, potions, spells or plants reputed to have healing powers. From the Plaza Murillo, you’ll see the colonial-era Government Palace, known as the Burned Palace because it was set on fire during eight different revolutions; the Congress building had been a convent, a jail and a university before being renovated in 1904 to house the congress of Bolivia. Then, head out of town to the Valle De La Luna, or Valley of the Moon, a stone landscape of deep gullies and bizarre rock formations. Explore more of La Paz as you please this afternoon before the farewell reception and dinner this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Camino Real Hotel, La Paz, Bolivia

Day 13 - Say adios to the Andes
Your Bolivia and Peru tour ends in La Paz. A transfer from the Camino Real Hotel to La Paz Airport is included. Please allow two hours for airport check-in formalities. Hasta la vista!

Meals: Breakfast