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Images from Peru with INCA: Ornate Colonial architecture in Arequipa, Woman in Pisac, INCA hikers at the end of the Inca Trial in Machu Picchu, llamas dressed in finery. Photos: Wes Walker, Elizabeth Omski

Peru Adventures

Center of the Inca Universe

Wonders of Machu Picchu

Mysteries of Peru

Cultures of Peru

Peru Explorer

Salcantay Trek

Peru and Galapagos

Galapagos with
Machu Picchu

Weather in Peru

Image Gallery

Dunes of Paracas

Girls in the Nazca market.

Nazca Hummingbird

Tambo Colorado.

 

 

 

Mysteries of Peru

14-day adventure

The mysterious Nazca Lines have puzzled for generations. Come make your own analysis, over pisco or wine, as you explore Peru's southern coastal desert. We'll learn about the Paracas, Ica and Nazca cultures which flouished in the arid coastal regions south of Lima, now the center of Peru's wine production. The vast museum collections in Lima will highlight our discoveries.

Then it's off to Cuzco, the Urubamba Valley, and three days/two nights at Machu Picchu—an INCA exclusive!

 

Ruins of Pachacamac in Paracas, looking out to the Islas Ballestras in the Bay of Paracas. You'll explore the Islas on a short cruise. Photo Bill Adams

Ruins of Pachacamac in Paracas, looking out to the Islas Ballestras in the Bay of Paracas. You'll explore the Islas on a short cruise.

Penguins on the Islas Ballestras, a similar subspecies to the Galápagos penguin—you'll visit them and many more seabirds. Photo Bill Adams.

Penguins on the Islas Ballestas, a similar subspecies to the Galápagos penguin—you'll visit them and many more seabirds.

Highlights

Nazca Lines overflight, wineries of Ica

Ruins of Pachacamac, wildlife cruise of Islas Ballestas Las Dunas

2 days Cuzco El Monasterio del Cuzco

2 days Urubamba Valley Sol y Luna or equivalent

3 days Machu Picchu Machu Picchu Sanctuary or Machu Picchu Pueblo

Mysteries of Peru Itinerary Summary

Day 1

Arrive in Lima, Peru. Overnight in Lima.

Day 2

Tour historic Lima. Visit the National Museum of Archeology and the Larco Museum. Afternoon grand buffet of seafoods and Peruvian specialties.

Day 3

Head south on the Pan-American Highway. Visit Pachacamac, an important pre-Inca and Inca religious complex.

Day 4

Morning flight over the intriguing Nazca Lines. Back in Ica, lunch at Las Dunas resort then visit the regional museum of artifacts from Paracas, Nazca and Ica cultures. Visit Ica winery.

Day 5

Explore the Bay of Paracas and the coastal islands of Islas Ballestas. See large colonies of sea lions and seabirds, including penguins. Return to Lima and visit the Amano Museum.

Day 6

Fly to Cuzco, walking tour of Cuzco historic, dinner of typical Cuzqueñan specialties.

Day 7

Visit the Inca Museum, Central Market and Archbishop's Palace. Afternoon visit to Sacsayhuaman. View a special shamanic ceremony in the ruins.

Day 8

En route to the Urubamba Valley, visit Lake Huacarpay, tour the Church San Pedro de Andahuaylillas, see a weaving demonstration and have a picnic lunch in San Salvador. Then descend into the Urubamba Valley to explore Pisac village and ruins.

Day 9

Stroll Chinchero Sunday Indian market, visit the Moray Incan horticultural center and the Maras salt pans, explore Ollantaytambo town and extensive ruins, then rest up at the inn.

Day 10-12

Three days at Machu Picchu (an INCA exclusive)! At your own pace, ponder the mysteries of this spot, hike with our guide to Huaynu Picchu, the peak of Machu Picchu or along the Inca Trail, take photos or just "hide out" while trainloads of day-trippers make midday cameo appearances. Return to Cuzco on the afternoon of Day 12.

Day 13

Fly to Lima. Afternoon free.

Day 14

Depart for home, or on to other adventures.

 

For a deeper look at this adventure, please read the Detailed Itinerary.

Mysteries of Peru Departures

2010

any week of the year as a Private Journey

Prices & Supplements

   

2010

from $6595

Single

$2500

Small Group

A Small Group Supplement applies if there are fewer than four travelers on your trip.