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Trip Overview |
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Cusco and the Andes of Peru An illustrated itinerary of one of our many gay travel adventures. This information supplements our From the roaring waves of the Pacific to the airy Andean peaks, you will enjoy a wonderful variety of experiences. Sunrise over Machu Picchu, lunch at a private hacienda overlooking the Sacred Valley, daybreak in the square at Cusco and Lima's nightlife are all there for the taking. Contemplate the mountains (the Inca's gods) at the Sanctuary lodge, shop for crafts at Pisac's colorful market, drink Pisco Sours and listen to native music. Peru is a wealth of experiences for the body, mind and soul.
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Our journey begins in Lima, whose history is laden with tales of conquest and intrigue. During our two days in this "City of Kings," we experience the strong influence of both the Inca and Spanish cultures. We fly to Cusco to spend a glorious week in the Andes and take a scenic drive over the Pampa de Anta to the Sacred Valley of the Inca. After two days exploring the valley, we board the train for a trip through the narrow gorge of the swirling Urubamba River to Machu Picchu, the most dramatically situated archaeological site in the world, where we stay two nights at the Sanctuary Lodge, next to the Inca ruins. Once acclimated to the high elevations, we spend two days visiting Cusco with its splendid Inca walls, colonial churches and palaces
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1-2: Lima
There are no activities scheduled on the arrival day, so you can schedule your flights to arrive in the evening of Day 1 or during the night. Whenever you arrive, we offer a transfer to our hotel, where rooms have been reserved starting from the evening of Day 1. On Day 2, we enjoy a day tour of Lima including the Colonial section, the cathedral, San Francisco Church, and the presidential palace. We will also visit a private art collection and the Larco Museum. This evening we enjoy dinner at the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant overlooking a pre-Incan site. 
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3-4: Cusco to Sacred Valley
In the morning we transfer from our Lima hotel to the airport for the scenic one-hour flight over the Andes to Cusco. Upon arrival at the Cusco Airport, we will transfer to our private air-conditioned van for a ride into the Sacred Valley. We drive over the Pampa de Anta to the village of Chinchero with its busy market, and then descend a steep mountain road into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, one of the loveliest valleys on earth. Look for llamas, women dressed in colorful clothing and stunning mountain vistas as we make our way through the valley. After lunch, we visit the ruins at Ollantaytambo and the market in nearby Pisac. We spend the next two nights in our bungalows at the charming new hotel, Sol y Luna. A day in this beautiful and fertile valley provides us with a restful interlude between our busy days of sightseeing. A short morning drive takes us to Pisac, with its extensive Inca terraces and the remains of a royal palace. After lunch at a private hacienda, the afternoon is at leisure.
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5-7: Machu Picchu
Today, we drive to Ollanta station where we board the train for Machu Picchu. Riding along the Urubamba River is an exciting and visually stunning experience. We pass through narrow gorges and see lovely terraced fields verdant with vegetation high up in the mountains. Our home for two nights is the fine Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, managed by Orient-Express. Lunch will be served upon arrival. Just beyond the terrace of our hotel is Machu Picchu, a complete Inca city high on a mountain saddle, sometimes hidden in a forest of clouds. Its steeply terraced slopes fall away to the river, which rushes through a great hairpin bend 1,200 feet below. The Spaniards supposedly never found it, and for centuries it remained unknown, untouched and overgrown with vegetation. In 1911, Dr. Hiram Bingham rediscovered it and brought it to the world's attention. Since then, Machu Picchu has attracted travelers, explorers and archeologists. Much has been written and revealed about this great city, but much is still debated and unknown. Over the next two days, we will have plenty of time to contemplate the mystery of this fascinating site. In the afternoon we walk among the ancient ruins of staircases, temples and a sundial. Nothing is more delightful than stretching out on a blanket alongside the Inca walls amidst the wildflowers, lying in the sun, reading, writing up travel notes, or daydreaming. Dawn is an incredible sight at Machu Picchu. As the clouds part and the sun appears over the tops of the snow-capped Andean peaks, the light begins to color the ancient stones. Shadows and light transform the ancient city. Those who wish will be wakened early to hike to the top of Huayna Picchu, a challenging climb of about an hour and a half (not recommended when wet), and will return to the hotel for a well-earned breakfast. During our time here, we return to the Inca city at our leisure, and make additional hikes to the Sun Gate and to the curious Inca drawbridge, or simply relax in this unique place. The next morning is free for one final personal exploration of Machu Picchu. After lunch we take the bus from our hotel down to the railroad station in the valley, and return to Cusco by train, a journey of approximately four hours.
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8: Cusco
For our stay in Cusco, our accommodations are at the stylish Hotel Monasterio, a restored 16th century monastery now managed by Orient-Express. The traditional Spanish-style rooms are beautifully appointed and offer oxygen enrichment for those who feel affected by the altitude. The courtyard, dining area and main hall offer a quiet charm unknown in most hotel experiences. Dinner is on your own this evening, with a wealth of fascinating restaurants to choose from in the nearby main square. On our morning tour we see the great Spanish colonial churches and palaces built upon massive Inca stone foundations. The cathedral is atop the Inca Wiracocha's palace. Santo Domingo stands upon the huge semi-circular walls of Coricancha, the Inca temple dedicated to the sun. To saunter along the cobbled streets of Cusco is to see archaeology come to life. Dinner is at the Tunupa Restaurant (or similar), which is famous for its superb food and cultural show.
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9: Departure Day
In the middle of the day we transfer from our hotel to the airport for the one-hour flight to Lima. Travelers leaving in the late evening can make arrangements for a day room, sightseeing or last-minute shopping. Extensions to an Amazon eco-lodge or Lake Titicaca may also be available for private travel. Please contact us if you would like to extend you Peruvian holiday.
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