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Cultures of Peru

17-day adventure

Peru has a rich and varied cultural history, spanning over 3000 years. This in-depth exploration of Peruvian cultures explores this history. On the dry North coast we visit pre-Columbian sites of the Moche, Chimú and Lambayeque cultures. We visit the Tomb of the Lord of Sipán, the pyramids of Túcume and Huacas del Sol y del La Luna. We explore the vast Chimú adobe complex of Chan Chan, the largest urban center in all of Pre-Columbian America and a UNESCO World Heritage site. To learn of modern-day cultures, we walk a local traditional healer's market, inspecting the varied offerings. And we see a demonstration of the fabled Peruvian Paso horses, world-renowned for their unique, smooth gate.

We then head south of Lima to learn about the Paracas, Ica and Nazca cultures which flourished in the arid coastal regions south of Lima, now the center of Peru's wine production. We fly over the Nazca lines which have puzzled for generations. Come make your own analysis, over pisco or wine, as you explore Peru's southern coastal desert. 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!

Highlights

Sipán, Túcume pyramids, Chan Chan and North Coast cultures

Nazca Lines, Pachacamac, Islas Ballestras 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. Fly North to Chiclayo in the evening.

Day 3

Visit Museo Tumbes Reales de Sipán, the Ruins at Huaca Rajada, the Tomb of the Lord of Sipán and the pyramids at Túcume. Learn about Moche culture and artifacts.

Day 4

Visit to local traditional healer's market, then see famous Peruvian El Paso horse performance. Follow with a drive south along the coast to Trujillo and stop at the Lambayeque site of El Brujo.

Day 5

Visit the Moche Huacas del Sol y del La Luna pyramids, then explore the Chimú adobe complex of Chan Chan, the largest urban center in all of Pre-Columbian America. Return to Lima for overnight.

Day 6

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

Day 7

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 8

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

Day 9

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

Day 10

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

Day 11

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 12

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 13-15

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 15.

Day 16

Fly to Lima. Afternoon free.

Day 17

Depart for home, or on to other adventures.

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

Departures • Cultures of Peru

2010

any week of the year as a Private Journey

2011

any week of the year as a Private Journey

Prices & Supplements • Cultures of Peru

2010

from $7895

2011

from $7995

Single

$2800

Small Group

A Small Group Supplement applies if there are fewer than 4 travelers on your trip.