Day 1–USA–Lima, Peru Upon arrival in Lima, we’ll transfer you to our lovely hotel in the fashionable Miraflores District. It is one of Lima’s exclusive residential areas offering cultural and artistic shops, a large variety of restaurants and a short walk to the ocean and city parkland.
Day 2–Lima–Hacienda Tres Cañas: Peruvian Pace Horse All through its history, the Ranch Tres Cañas has demonstrated its quality in the breeding of the Paso Horse–the only breed of its kind in the world. Their excellent mares and stallions that have been award-winners in National, Regional and International Shows. Watch as these noble horses parade before your eyes on the specially prepared show grounds. Enjoy dinner at the Casa Aliaga. Built in 1535, it is the oldest home on the continent; still family-owned after 17 generations. It is one of the best-preserved colonial homes in Peru, with a series of salons representing decor from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. The land for the home was first deeded to Jerónimo de Aliaga, one of the 13 men who remained with Francisco Pizarro during his grueling exploration of Peru’s coast in 1527. (B, L, D)
	Day 3–Lima–Sacred Valley Today we will fly to Cusco and meet our local guide. Upon arrival we will drive to our comfortable hotel which is located in the Sacred Valley of the Urubamba River. To ease our transition to high altitude, we descend several thousand feet into this valley. Sightseeing today includes exotic Pisac Market. This colorful marketplace is a photographers dream and a shopper's paradise. On the route, we'll drive to the small village of Awanacancha where skilled weavers introduce us to the ancient Andean art of backstrap weaving. (B,L)
Day 4–Sacred Valley Relax this morning before lunch. In the afternoon, we'll visit a village of Inca homes and see how the locals live. We'll travel through the sacred valley and visit a massive Incan fortress of Ollantaytambo. This is one of the few places where the Spanish lost a battle during the conquest of Peru. (B, L)
Day 5–Train to Machu Picchu: Lost City of the Incas Today wake up early for a spectacular train trip into the gorge of the Urubamba River to Machu Picchu. (Train trip is approximately 3 hours). The station for Machu Picchu is a bit over 6,500 feet. We will disembark in Agua Caliente and then take a bus 30 switchbacks to the ruins. Our guide will take us on a complete and compelling tour of the fabled city. The story of the Inca Empire is a great historical epic, and our guide will tell you tales about Hiram Bingham’s dramatic discovery. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before leaving the ruins. We stay in the ruins about 3 hours today, through most of the afternoon. At the hotel, we can quietly contemplate the achievements of the Inca monarchs who built this mountaintop citadel. Due to the limited space on the train you will need to pack an overnight bag. Your luggage can be stored at the hotel. Be sure to bring clothing you can layer and prepare for temperature between 40-70 degrees, sun and hard rain all in the same day. (B, L)
Day 6–Machu Picchu–Train to Cusco
	This morning you may wish to take an optional drive back to Picchu. Your guide can help arrange and will let you know the cost for those wishing to visit Picchu again. Some travelers appreciate the chance to see the ruins in morning light and without the crowds. You can wander the sprawling ruins on your own or you may wish to hike to the Inca Bridge, a beautiful trail leading to the top of the ruins. The second option is a steep, one-hour climb mostly on stone steps to the top of Huayna Picchu, the sharp peak seen behind the ruins of Machu Picchu in many photographs, or you can also remain at the hotel and shop Agua Caliente. Later, we’ll board the train for a trip back to Cusco. (B)
Day 7 & 8–Cusco–Lima Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we depart for San Blas. A magnificent city, a blend of Inca and Spanish cultures. We will visit the Koricancha or Temple of the Sun, the cathedral from the early 17th century; it is a fine example of colonial baroque art. San Blas is a popular sector known as the artisan’s quarter, with steep streets and old Inca buildings and Spanish mansions. The San Blas church located on the street of the same name, has the oldest parish in Cusco, built in 1563. Its most distinctive feature is the impressive pulpit carved out of a single piece of wood on which creator, Diego Tomas de Cerda, worked for 25 years. Later, fly back to Lima. We have day rooms available if you want some quiet time to relax in the early evening before we transfer you to the airport for your flight home. (B)
Lake Titicaca Extension: Day 8–Cusco–Rail to Puno Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we depart on the Andean Explorer for Puno.The train travels through the dramatic Andeas mountains before arriving at Lake Titicaca. Upon arrival check-in at Casa Andina in Puno Plaza located 11,481 feet above sea level. (B, L)
Day 9–Lake Titicaca We will sail across the lake Titicaca-the highest navigable lake on earth at an elevation of 12,580, to visit the Uros "floating islands". These are islands made from piling cut up totora reeds in the traditional way for centuries. The islands are inhabited by the Uros Indians who still live in traditional ways. Once on the islands, you can walk about–it feels almost spongy with the give of the packed reeds under your weight. Be sure to bring sunglasses, hat and sunscreen. (B)
Day 10–Puno–Lima–USA Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Later, fly back to Lima. We have day rooms available if you want some quiet time to relax in the early evening before we transfer you to the airport for your flight home. (B)