Inca Explorer

HIGHLIGHTS

• Join expert guides to tour pre-Inca and Inca sites— from the Nazca Lines to Machu Picchu.

• Sample pisco at an Ica Valley winery, and help a chef prepare local dishes in Arequipa.

• Cruise around the Ballestas Islands, spotting penguins, sea lions, and more.

• Visit Andean villages in the Sacred Valley of the

Inca, and explore the floating reed islands of

Lake Titicaca.

DAY 1 I LIMA, PERU Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

DAYS 2–3 I PARACAS/NASCA Drive south to coastal Paracas. The next day, embark on a boat tour of the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands. Visit one of South America’s oldest wineries, and view the soaring sand dunes of the Huacachina oasis. The following day, explore the Nasca province, named for the mysterious civilization that flourished here between 200 B.C. and A.D. 600. Venture into the desert to see ancient mummies and other relics. Savor a dinner cooked in an earthen oven. Opt to go on a flight-seeing excursion over the enigmatic Nasca Lines.

DAYS 5–6 I AREQUIPA Spend a day driving along the coast to the volcano-framed town of Arequipa, and enjoy a relaxing evening. The next day, go on a guided walking tour of the World Heritage–designated historic center. Join a local chef at a cooking class; try guinea pig and chicha, a maize-based beer.

DAYS 7–8 I CUSCO/SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCA Fly to Cusco, the onetime Inca capital. Settle into your hotel and see this World Heritage–designated city on your own. The next day, drive to the scenic Sacred Valley for a full day of guided exploration. Learn about native potatoes and traditional weaving at the Potato Park, and visit the Ollantaytambo and Pisac ruins.

DAYS 9–11 I MACHU PICCHU/CUSCO Travel by train through the lush Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes. Hike on the Inca Trail or choose among optional excursions. The next morning, embark on a guided tour of the magnificent Machu Picchu and its 15th-century temples and terraces. Return to Cusco by train. Spend the next day exploring the city and its environs on your own. Visit the Cusco Planetarium for a presentation on astronomy and a look through its telescopes.

DAYS 12–13 I PUNO Head south on a scenic drive to Puno by way of the windswept Altiplano. The next day, set out to glide around Lake Titicaca on a guided boat tour, from the floating Uros Islands to Taquile Island, home to a thriving indigenous textile industry. Enjoy a traditional meal at a local home. Later, opt for a tour of Sillustani, a fascinating pre-Inca burial site.

DAYS 14–15 I LIMA Fly back to Lima. Enjoy the evening at your leisure. On our last day, depart at any time. Arrival transfer, all transport between destinations and to/from included activities, and activities as listed in the itinerary. Optional excursions are at an additional cost.

ACCOMMODATIONS Comfortable, mid-range hotels (14 nights)

MEALS INCLUDED 14 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner. Allow an additional $455–$595 per person for meals not included.

TRANSPORTATION Private vehicle, plane, train, boat Note: This itinerary includes high-altitude hikes, and travelers should be physically fit.

GUARANTEED DEPARTURES If you’re booked, you’re going.

15 DAYS FROM $3,599

PER PERSON. AIRFARE TO/FROM IS NOT INCLUDED.

MY OWN ROOM OPTION: + $939 MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 16

DATES

2022: Departures available year-round 2023: Departures available year-round

Please visit our website for departure dates.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Call or visit our website for full itineraries, inclusions, and more.