Peru: Ancient Land of Mysteries

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Day 1: Arrive Lima, Peru - Tour Begins
Arrive late this evening in the "City of Kings," Lima, Peru.

Day 2: Lima
Today enjoy a fascinating city tour through the historical center of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the artwork at San Francisco Monastery and enter the catacombs. View the Government Center, the Plaza de Armas’s elegant Cathedral, an abundance of colonial architecture, and the fashionable suburbs of San Isidro and Miraflores for insight into the daily life of the Limeños. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner showcasing Peru’s delicious cuisine and festive entertainment.

Day 3: Lima - Cuzco - Sacred Valley of the Incas
Fly to Cuzco, in the heart of the Inca civilization. Board your coach to descend through the Andes to the majestic Sacred Valley of the Incas, the agricultural center for the Incas. Learn the centuries-old methods of spinning, dyeing and weaving Andean traditional textiles during a visit to Awana Kancha, a living museum of the Peruvian Andes. After a short lesson on the local language, stop in Pisac village to browse the colorful handicraft market. A visit to Pablo Seminario Ceramic Studio teaches you about this internationally renowned artist's techniques and designs, inspired by ancient Peruvian cultures. Settle in this evening at your hotel nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley.

Day 4: Sacred Valley of the Incas - Ollantaytambo- Sacred Valley of the Incas
Experience the lifestyle of the modern Andean people and delve into their culture when you travel to a nearby community and interact with the locals. This afternoon, visit the spectacular Ollantaytambo ruins, the only Inca settlement that has been continually inhabited since its inception. A unique terraced complex topped with carved stone panels, these ruins reflect ancient Incan architecture and heritage. Do as the locals do and enjoy a tasting of “chicha,” a unique regional drink made from maize, at a local pub.

Day 5: Sacred Valley of the Incas - Machu Picchu
Climb aboard the “Vistadome” train for a breathtaking ride through the Andes to the “Lost City of the Incas.” Hidden by mountains and semi-tropical jungle, Machu Picchu is considered the most spectacular sight in South America. Spend the afternoon with your guide uncovering the mysteries of these majestic ruins. Tonight, stay at the base of Machu Picchu, for chance to further soak up its atmosphere. Enjoy an exclusive culinary demonstration before dinner.

Day 6: Machu Picchu - Cuzco
With leisure time this morning, you may return to Machu Picchu on your own or explore the local markets. Return by train and continue to Cuzco, a city that blends Inca culture and Spanish colonial influence. Enjoy a visit to a local orphanage sponsored by the Collette Foundation and learn about their efforts to help the children of the region. Relax and become acclimated to the altitude this evening.

Day 7: Cuzco
Explore this former capital of the Inca Empire during a colonial city tour, experiencing the architectural legacy visible in the Cathedral, Santo Domingo and the Plaza de Armas. Discover the important sacred Incan ruins of Sacsayhuaman Fortress and Qenko Temple. This evening, enjoy a dinner and performance of traditional Andean folkloric music and dance.

Day 8: Cuzco - Puno
Join your tour guide this morning for a visit to the Centro Artesanal Cuzco market, where you can browse colorful displays of textiles, pottery and jewelry. Or enjoy leisure time to explore the San Blas artisans quarter or visit one of the many impressive museums. Then fly to Puno, hugging the shores of Lake Titicaca. Known as the birthplace of the Inca Empire, ancient legends say that life began here. Relax this evening at your lakeside hotel.

Day 9: Uros Floating Islands - Las Chullpas de Sillustani - Lake Titicaca
The Titicaca area, steeped in tradition and folklore, is the center of Incan legends. Enjoy a morning cruise to the floating islands of the Uros people of Lake Titicaca. Experience walking on the spongy surface, made from compacted beds of tortora reeds, and meet the locals, learning about their history and lifestyle. In the afternoon, visit mystical Chullpas de Sillustani – an archeological area boasting 13th century funerary monuments. Participate in a local home visit to gain insight into daily life.

Day 10: Puno - Lima - Paracas National Reserve
This morning fly to Lima; continue south to the Paracas National Reserve – Peru’s only coastal wildlife sanctuary. En route, travel through the region of Pisco, known for wine and “pisco” (Peru’s national drink) production. Visit a local bodega for a tour and tasting of pisco.

Day 11: Paracas National Reserve
Today is yours to spend at leisure at your ecologically-designed seaside resort. Try spotting the dolphins in the bay! Or, join an optional day tour to Nazca to see the enigmatic Nazca Lines.

Day 12: Paracas National Reserve - Lima - Tour Ends
This morning, cruise out to the Ballestas Islands – the “Galapagos of Peru.” These islands are home to thousands of sea birds including Humboldt penguins, boobies and pelicans, who share their home with hundreds of playful sea lions. Watch for them swimming around your boat and for a glimpse of the elusive condor. Next you’ll visit an artisan workshop to learn about locally made textiles, famous in the Nazca region. Travel north and return to Lima, taking in views of the Peruvian Pacific coast. After a farewell dinner at one of Lima's finest restaurants, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
2/28/2012 - 3/11/2012	$2,499
3/13/2012 - 3/25/2012	$2,499
4/10/2012 - 4/22/2012	$2,499
4/17/2012 - 4/29/2012	$2,499
5/15/2012 - 5/27/2012	$2,699
6/12/2012 - 6/24/2012	$2,699
8/14/2012 - 8/26/2012	$2,699
9/18/2012 - 9/30/2012	$2,699
10/9/2012 - 10/21/2012	$2,699
10/23/2012 - 11/4/2012	$2,699
11/6/2012 - 11/18/2012	$2,699
1/22/2013 - 2/3/2013	$2,749
2/26/2013 - 3/10/2013	$2,749
3/5/2013 - 3/17/2013	$2,749
4/23/2013 - 5/5/2013	$2,749
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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