9 Days December 19 - 27, 1996
INCLUDED MEALS
Arrive Lima, Peru
Thursday Dec. 19
Arrive late this evening in Lima, the main gateway to Peru's pre-Inca civilizations, and transfer to the new ORO VERDE HOTEL.
Lima Hacienda Paso Chico
Folklore show and horse exhibition
Friday Dec. 20 BL
Meet your tour manager and fellow travelers at this morning's get-acquainted breakfast then enjoy a city tour of Lima. Your guide explains how this capital city is a cross-section of Peruvian history - from the pre-Inca civilizations and the founding of the city by the Spanish in 1535 to the bustling capital of today. Lunch is at the Hacienda Paso Chico and accompanied by a folklore show, music and dances as well as a Paso horse exhibition. Return to Lima and the afternoon at leisure. ORO VERDE HOTEL.
Gold Museum
Saturday Dec. 21 BD
Your sightseeing of Lima continues today and includes a visit to the Gold Museum, home to pre-Columbian gold, jewelry and fascinating artifacts. This afternoon is free to explore the city on your own or relax at the hotel before dinner. ORO VERDE HOTEL.
Cuzco Pisac Ollantaytambo
Sunday Dec. 22 BLD
Fly to Cuzco, perched two miles high in an Andean valley. Over nine centuries old, it is the oldest inhabited city in the Western Hemisphere and the famed capital of the Inca empire. After your morning arrival, you might want to rest and become acclimated to the high altitude. An afternoon drive takes you to Pisac, a hilltop Inca ruin that looks down on a colonial town. On Sundays, the town boasts a popular market. The valley road passes through several quiet towns and ends at Ollantaytambo. The formidable stone fortress on the top of a peak was the valley's main defense and the site of Inca victory against the Spanish during the wars of conquest. Below the fortress lies a complete Inca town with original architecture and still inhabited. Return to Cuzco. HOTEL LIBERTADOR.
Cuzco Sacsayhuaman
Folklore entertainment
Monday Dec. 23 BD
A morning city tour of Cuzco includes a visit to the colossal Inca Fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Lunch is on your own and the afternoon is free to explore. Tonight, dinner is out on the town and complete with folkloric entertainment. HOTEL LIBERTADOR.
Machu Picchu
Christmas Eve candlelight Mass
Tuesday Dec. 24 BLD
The mysterious and ancient world of Machu Picchu awaits. Legends are forever hidden in the fantastic last refuge that was discovered by Yale University explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. Your journey to the "Lost City" begins on a narrow gauge train and ends with a coach that takes you up a steep Mountainside, maneuvering tight, hairpin turns. It's all worth it when, virtually hidden from view until the last moment, the Citadel looms ahead. While there are no towering structures at Machu Picchu, it's almost mind-boggling to see the more than 200 buildings of perfectly-chiseled stone resting in the contours of the mountain. This evening, candlelight Mass is held in the small church at Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu. A special Christmas Eve dinner is served at the hotel with a visit from Papa Noel. You are one of the lucky few who get to overnight at the ruins. Moonlight and sunrise are especially impressive here. HOTEL MACHU PICCHU RUINAS.
Journey to the mighty "Lost City" of Machu Picchu and stand in awe of this vestige of an ancient civilization.
Machu Picchu Cuzco
Wednesday Dec. 25 BLD
Merry Christmas! After viewing the breathtaking sunrise, spend the morning exploring Machu Picchu. Imagine what life was like here hundreds of years ago. Wander the lush, green terraces, visit the Sacred Plaza and Main Temple, as well as Sun Dial and Moon Calendar. Machu Picchu is perhaps South America's bestloved destination and is bound to be one of your favorite vacation memories. This afternoon, take the train back to Cuzco. Celebrate with Christmas dinner at the HOTEL LIBERTADOR.
Cuzco to Lima
Thursday Dec. 26 BD After breakfast, board a flight for Lima and then have time this afternoon to pursue your own activities. Rejoin your tour manager and fellow travelers at this evening's farewell dinner at the familiar ORO VERDE HOTEL.
Return home
Friday Dec. 27 B
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Miami. Thank you for joining us for Christmas in the Inca Empire. Travel with us again soon.
LAND /AIR RATE per person is $3190 twin and $4040 single basis and includes:
AIRFARE is subject to change until ticketed.
DEPARTURE TAXES of $51 per person are additional and paid directly to Maupintour and are subject to change.
RESERVATION DEPOSIT per person is $350 plus (optional) $100 per person fee for Tour Cancellation Protection.
FULL REFUND when you participate in the Tour Cancellation Protection Plan.
Please see the For Your Information section.
Maximum elevation: 11, 025 feet
TOUR NUMBER: IEC-368