Today, with INCA, you can explore archeological remnants of that vast empire and learn about pre-Incan native cultures from the impressive museum collections in Lima, Chiclayo and Ica.

 You'll travel in comfort along portions of the coastal desert to see archeological ruins at Sipán, Túcume, Chan Chan, Paracas and Pachacamac. You'll learn about civilizations like the Chimú, Wari, Sipán, Paracas, and Nazca that flourished there hundreds, even thousands, of years ago. You'll experience an intriguing overflight of the enigmatic Nazca Lines. We'll try to sort out their true meaning later at a winery near Ica.

You'll never forget the stunningly brilliant, snowcapped peaks that rise into the infinite, blue Andean sky like Volcan El Misti near Arequipa. Or seeing the farmers working fields so steep that "falling off the farm" is a major occupational hazard.

Tambo Colorado, south of Lima. (Bill Adams)

Little in life is as moving as sitting quietly, alone, watching the warm curtain of morning light pushing clouds away from two venerable Picchus—Machu and Huaynu. As the outlines of ancient structures loom in and out of the mist, you can slowly discern the silent ruins of a "lost city"—Machu Picchu.

In the poet Pablo Neruda's words, this place is the "high reef of the human dawn." Perched in a saddle between the peaks, structures of magnificently fitted stone bear silent witness to the rushing Rio Vilcanota's cascade into the jungle far below. Discovered only in 1911, this mysterious site's true purpose will never be known. On your three-day exploration you'll have time to absorb and integrate these powerful images—then Machu Picchu will inhabit your soul forever.

Window at Machu Picchu. (Wes Walker)

With our expert guide, you'll learn about the Incan history as you stroll by walls of their fabled stonework in Cuzco. One night you will dine on typical dishes like ricotto relleño as you listen to indigenous musicians and watch Andean folk dances. And you can bargain for folklorico in our favorite Indian market in Chinchero.

Your stay will be at the El Monasterio, an oasis of elegance in the heart of Cuzco. It is a remodeled monastary and a national historic landmark. The monastery was built in 1595 on the site of the palace of Inca Amaru Qhala. It is a splendid model of the colonial Renaissance style, consisting of three sections in different levels. The heart of the Hotel is the central courtyard with its soft fountain and 300-year old Cedar tree surrounded by gardens and the famous stone cloisters

Cathedral of Cuzco on the Plaza de Armas. (Bill Adams)

INCA's Peruvian adventures begin in Lima. Founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535, this Ciudad de los Reyes - City of Kings - was the capital of Spain's realm in South America. As such, it bestowed so much wealth on the Spanish Crown that for more than two centuries Peru was the most powerful Spanish vice-royalty in the Americas.

Now, in the old colonial city, you'll visit some of Lima's fine old churches and public buildings. You'll see remnants of the great wealth and early arts of the Americas displayed in the museum collections of gold and silver artifacts, exotic pottery and exquisite weavings at Museo de Nación, the private collection of Enrico Poli and others. And you're likely to "overdo it" at a sumptuous buffet of Peruvian specialties—Peruvians really know seafood—right at oceanside!

Pier and Boardwalk, Miraflores, Lima. (Bill Adams)

Wari ceramic vessel. (National Museum collection)