Lima, Cuzco & Inti Raymi - 11 days
FROM USD $2,339
Before heading off on your expedition up to Macchu Pichu, take some time to explore Cuzco and attend it's greatest festival, Inti Raymi - Festival of Light! Brightly coloured locals, brilliant stage shows and heaps of singing and dancing are what makes this Peru's most famous festival!
Day 1: Lima - capital of Peru
Saturday 22nd June 2013. Upon arrival to your hotel in Lima the afternoon offers free time for you to explore the city. This evening our group welcome meeting takes place. Overnight - Lima
Day 2: Cuzco - former capital of the Incas
Lima - Cuzco. A short flight high into the Andes over spectacular mountain scenery brings us to the former Inca capital of Cuzco, which means ‘navel of the earth’ in the language of Quechua. Enjoy an orientation walking tour of this enchanting city. With a mostly indigenous population, Cuzco is a fantastic place to see Inca architecture with massive walls and building foundations. Wander around the Plaza de Armas, dominated by the Cathedral and La Compañia de Jesus Church, and through the cloistered arcades housing fine restaurants, bars and shops. Explore the city’s amazing churches, colonial buildings, picturesque streets and the ceremonial fortress of Sacsayhuaman that overlooks the city on top a hill. For the adventurous, try our hand at white water rafting, horse riding, mountain biking or canoeing. Overnight - Cuzco
Lima, Cuzco & Inti Raymi - 11 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Day 3: Cuzco - the Inti Raymi Festival
This moring we will head out into Cuzco to celebrate the country's most famous festival, Inti Raymi - Festival of the Sun! Dating back to the 15th century and once banned for many years Inti Raymi is an amazing mix of colour, music and traditional customs.
Watch as the Sapa Inca is transported by a 60 kg golden throne through the streets and into the Sacsayhuaman fortress, high up in the hills. Once here, the Sapa Inca climbs to the sacred altar so that the adoring crowds can see him. Speeches are made and an enactment of a llama sacrifice takes place. Although this used to be done for real, it is now cleverly adapted into a stage show. Later on as the sun sets, bales of straw are set alight and people dance around them to honour the famous, Tawantinsuty, Empire of the Four Wind Directions. Back in the day it was said that no fire was allowed on the day of the festival until after these fires were lit. After much dancing and merriment the procession heads back to Cuzco, on the way the high priests and representatives of the Supas bless the people. A new year has begun! Later on we return to the hotel for a good nights sleep. Overnight - Cuzco
Watch as the Sapa Inca is transported by a 60 kg golden throne through the streets and into the Sacsayhuaman fortress, high up in the hills. Once here, the Sapa Inca climbs to the sacred altar so that the adoring crowds can see him. Speeches are made and an enactment of a llama sacrifice takes place. Although this used to be done for real, it is now cleverly adapted into a stage show. Later on as the sun sets, bales of straw are set alight and people dance around them to honour the famous, Tawantinsuty, Empire of the Four Wind Directions. Back in the day it was said that no fire was allowed on the day of the festival until after these fires were lit. After much dancing and merriment the procession heads back to Cuzco, on the way the high priests and representatives of the Supas bless the people. A new year has begun! Later on we return to the hotel for a good nights sleep. Overnight - Cuzco
Days 4 - 5: Cuzco and the Sacred Valley
Staying in Cuzco for the next two days we spend day 4 on a full day tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The Pisac ruins are perched on a hilltop with incredible views of the snow-capped mountains whilst the traditional Indian market of the same name is famous for its colourful atmosphere. Practise your bartering skills and pick yourself up some wonderful souvenirs. Continuing along the valley we reach the temple fortress of Ollantaytambo. Here, enormous Inca terracing is constructed on the side of a steep mountain. Overnight - Cuzco (2)
Days 6 - 9: Inca Trail
On day 6 we start the trek of a lifetime along the ancient Inca Trail. After a briefing with your tour leader, we depart early the following morning (day 7). Day 1 of the trek is a relatively easy walk of 13km and will prepare you for the trail’s highest pass, Warmiwanusca, at a height of 4,200m! The name translates as ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’ and we’ll reach it by lunch time on the second day of our trek. After the high pass we follow the trail downhill as it winds its way along old Inca stairs. Trekking on the third day (day 9) we visit the ruins of Runkurakay, Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca with an overnight stop at Winay-Wayna. We rise early the next morning for the final walk to Machu Picchu where we greet sunrise over the famous ‘Sun Gate’. Explore this fabled lost Inca city on your own or simply take in the magnificence of the place. Discover the cloud-shrouded ruins of palaces, baths, temples, storage rooms and some 150 houses, all in a remarkable state of preservation.
Towards the end of the day you’ll have the chance to relieve those tired muscles with a trip to the hot springs of Aguas Calientes. You’ll also have time to meander through the markets before returning to Cuzco by train. If you are not participating in the trek you will spend your time in Cuzco enjoying the many activities on offer and travel to Machu Picchu by train. Overnight - Inca Trail (3) Cuzco (1) (B:3, L:3, D:3)
Towards the end of the day you’ll have the chance to relieve those tired muscles with a trip to the hot springs of Aguas Calientes. You’ll also have time to meander through the markets before returning to Cuzco by train. If you are not participating in the trek you will spend your time in Cuzco enjoying the many activities on offer and travel to Machu Picchu by train. Overnight - Inca Trail (3) Cuzco (1) (B:3, L:3, D:3)
Day 10: Fly to Lima
Today we are transferred to the airport for a flight back to Lima. Once we've arrived in Lima you will be transferred to the hotel and the remainder of the day is free for exploring the city. Overnight - Lima
Day 11: Lima
Tuesday 2nd July 2013. Your adventure comes to an end today, please confirm with the reception the check out time. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.
Inca Trail , Lares Trek or Machhu Pichhu by Train
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If you have always dreamed of trekking the Inca Trail you will need to book your trip in advance (4 months is ideal) as the number of Inca Trail permits is limited to 500 per day. Booking early gives us the best opportunity for securing one of these permits.
When booking your tour with us we'll need your full name as it appears in your passport, date of birth, nationality and passport number. With this information we can then apply for a permit. If the Inca Trail is unavailable, you can opt to hike the Lares Trek. With its breathtaking passes, glacial lakes and hot springs, this less crowded option, which also ends with a full day’s visit to Machu Picchu, is thought to be equally if not more spectacular than the Inca Trail. Alternatively you could also choose to spend your time in Cuzco and take a day trip to Machu Pichhu by train. |
Main image Flickr Credit Nyall and Maryanne
Tour Details
- Starts in: Lima / Ends in: Lima
- Departs: Saturday 22 June 2013
- No local payment required
- Breakfast:3, Lunch: 3, Dinner: 3
- Hotel Rating: Simple hotels/guest houses, 3 nights trekking/camping
- Tour Guide: Yes - tour leader escorted
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