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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.

We'll also take a boat tour to the Islas Ballestas in the Bay of Paracas. These islands are home to many endemic seabirds including the Peruvian Booby, Guanay Cormorant, Inca Tern, Peruvian Pelican, and Humboldt Penguin. We'll also see fur seals, sea lions and more wildlife on these costal islets.

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

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

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.

Departures • Mysteries of Peru

2010

any week of the year as a Private Journey

2011

any week of the year as a Private Journey

Prices & Supplements • Mysteries of Peru

2010

from $6595

2011

from $6795

Single

$2500

Small Group

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