Machu Picchu and the Secrets of the Incas

Highlights Include Vistadome Rail to Machu Picchu, Pisac Market, Lima Tour, Visit to Peruvian Weaving Community and Tour of Historic Cusco!

Join TRIPS and see the ‘lost city of the Incas’ as you embark on a stunning journey.For many, a visit to the Inca city of Machu Picchu has been a dream long harbored. Let us show you this awe-inspiring ancient city with

an air of grandeur and mystery on a Lifetime Moments experience. Built at the height of the Incan Empire in the 1400s it was abandoned when Spanish conquerors invaded Peru in the 1530s. Seemingly forgotten, explorer Hiram Bingham laid eyes on the mist-

shrouded ruins in 1911, publicizing his discover and bringing worldwide attention to this incredible site.Your journey to Peru begins in Lima where you visit the historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From your hotel in the

trendy Miraflores district, you’ll find wonderful shopping and plenty of mouth-watering restaurants in this Gastronomic Capital of the Americas!You also visit Cusco, once the capital of South America’s most powerful civilization. Tour the Sacred Valley, home to the ruins

of Inca palaces and temples. See thriving Andean villages and markets set amidst landscapes that will take your breath away.Don’t hesitate - join TRIPS as we visit the Incan Empire and breathtaking Machu Picchu!

Day 1 - Your Journey Begins You board your international flight bound for Lima, Peru. On arrival, you will be met by your TRIPS representative and escorted to your hotel for the evening. Enjoy dinner on your own before settling in for the night.Overnight: Lima - Crowne Plaza Miraflores (or similar)Day 2 - Tour the City of Kings Today you set out on a tour of modern and colonial Lima. See landmarks such as the Torre Tagle Palace, the old district of Rimac, Main Square, San Francisco Church, Miraflores and San Isidro. Then, visit the Larco Herrera museum with it’s incredible archeological collection of gold, silver and textiles. Enjoy lunch here before returning to your hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure. Perhaps explore the upscale Miraflores area with dining, shopping and spectacular views!Overnight: Lima - Crowne Plaza Miraflores (or similar) (B/L)Day 3 - On to Cusco After breakfast this morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco. On arrival, check in to your hotel with time to relax and start acclimating to the altitude. Later this afternoon, enjoy a half day city tour, driving through the main streets with their Inca walls. Visit the Sun Temple or Santo Domingo Church, with curved stonework that is unequalled around the world. Imagine living during the Inca period when these walls were covered with gold! Your tour continues as you visit the Saqsayhuaman Fortress, an amazing site constructed with huge stones thought to be an astronomic observatory. You also visit Q’engo, a ceremonial and worship center as well as Tambomachay, an Inca era spa!Overnight: Cusco - El Mercado Tunqui (or similar) (B)Day 4- The Sacred Valley Enjoy breakfast in your hotel this morning before departing for Awanacancha where you’ll surely appreciate the beauty of the Peruvian Andes. This is a weaving community whose goal is to keep alive the traditional textile arts of the Peruvian people. You’ll see llamas and alpacas, learn how their wool is harvested and dyed and have a chance to see native weavers from various areas. You’ll also visit the Indian market of Pisac, a delightful place where you can bargain for goods with local vendors. Then, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before visiting the majestic fortress of Ollantaytambo. With narrow cobblestone streets, this is the best surviving example of Inca city planning and has been inhabited since the 13th century. Your last stop will be at the Chincheros village where people live and work much as they have for centuries. Farming small plots of land with little more little more than hand tools, they raise sheep and alpaca, weaving the wool into beautiful blankets. After a full day, return to Cusco for dinner on your own in one of the cities excellent restaurants.Overnight: Cusco - El Mercado Tunqui (or similar) (B/L)Day 5 - Amazing Machu Picchu Check out of your hotel this morning and set out for one of the most beautiful and mystical places on earth, Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. Your three hour transfer via motor coach and vista dome rail take you to the town of Aquas Calente traveling through

CST # 2057913-10

The taxes, fuel surcharges, and other fees imposed by airlines and cruise lines have been included in the cost of your tour as of printing. Any increases in these fees or baggage fees imposed by any air carriers or cruise lines are the responsibility of the individual

passenger. TRIPS makes arrangements with airlines, hotels and other independent parties to provide travel services you purchase. We do not own or operate any of the accommodation, transport or other facilities used in connection with our programs. We therefore cannot accept liability for negligence of the staff of these organizations. These parties are independent suppliers over whom we

have no direct control. TRIPS is not liable in the event of any failure by any person or company to render any transportation, accommodation or other travel service provided on tours, or for expenses incurred due to delays caused by weather, strikes, war, civil disturbances, natural disasters, flight delays, government actions, mechanical failures or any acts of God. TRIPS cannot assume any

responsibility for flight delays, cancellations or missed connections and is not liable for any expenses or consequences resulting therefrom, and such expenses are to be borne by the traveler. Specific airline Conditions of Carriage will apply. These conditions are the subject of International Agreements and may limit or exclude liability. The participant waives any claim against TRIPS for any

damage to, or loss of, property or injury to, or death of, due to any act or negligence of any airlines, surface transportation companies, hotels or any person rendering any of the services or accommodations included. TRIPS cannot be held responsible for any claims, losses, damages for delay of baggage or other properties, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment, upset and disappointment, distress or frustrations, whether physical or mental, resulting from the act or omission of any party providing services. The participant assumes and understands that all travel has inherent risk that

may result in injury or death and that participation in activities, including but not limited to: driving, hiking, walking, touring, visiting archaeological sites, walking on uneven surfaces, riding on rough roads, rafting, boating, riding in helicopters, on trains, boats, swimming, horseback and any other activities. The information contained in this brochure and online has been compiled with all

reasonable care, is accurate to the best of our knowledge and is given in good faith. All services are subject to the laws of the countries in which services are rendered. Payment for any TRIPS tour

Urubamba, the sacred valley of the Incas. On arrival, enjoy lunch at your hotel. Then, transfer the short distance to Machu Picchu, surely one of the most intriguing destinations in the world! The massive architecture blends beautifully well with the stunning natural environment and it is truly one of the most spectacular creations of the Incan Empire. Dating to the mid-1400’s it was rediscovered in 1911 and today is one of the most visited sites on the continent. You’ll have a guided tour stopping often for pictures of the breathtaking scenery. This will surely be the highlight of your journey. Later, return to your 85 cottage, luxury hotel on 12 secluded acres of exquisite beauty to freshen up before dinner.Overnight: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (or similar) (B/L/D)Day 6 - From Nature Walks to Shopping This morning is yours to enjoy as you wish. You might choose one of the several included excursions that your lodge offers on it’s luscious grounds. Nature, bird and orchid walks are available as well as one focusing on tea and medicinal plants. Nearby Aquas Calientes is a short stroll away and is teeming with shops selling wonderful handicrafts In addition, you’ll find a lively market selling everything from souvenirs to regional foods. This afternoon, return to Cusco by train and motor coach, transferring to your hotel where you might enjoy dinner on your own.Overnight: Cusco - El Mercado Tunqui (or similar) (B)Days 7 and 8 - Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow Enjoy a leisurely breakfast today and take some time to enjoy your last morning in Peru perhaps visiting the Cusco market for a last minute gift. Transfer to the airport this afternoon for your flight to Lima and your overnight flight back to the US arriving tomorrow. Memories of your Lifetime moments tour to spectacular Machu Picchu will surely last a lifetime. (B)

Inclusions • Round trip airport transfers• Round trip international airfare to Lima, Peru. (Airline luggage fees are not included. (Strict 44 lb weight limit for checked luggage is enforced by local airlines in South America)

• Roundtrip air from Lima to Cusco, Peru• All gratuities are included• City tours of Lima and Cusco• 6 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches and 1 Dinner are included• Tour of Awanacancha and Pisac as well as private tour of Machu Picchu with English

speaking guide• 2 nights in Lima, 3 nights in Cusco and 1 night in Machu Picchu• Travel by motorcoach and Vista Dome Rail from Cusco to Machu Picchu• Transfer via bus to Machu Picchu entrance with guided tour• Porterage of one full size suitcase per person• TRIPS ticket wallet and luggage tags• Cusco archaeological tax• All taxes, government fees & service charges