Itinerary

Day 1 Lima

Limais situated halfway alongPeru’s desert coastline, literally stuck between the desert and the deep blue sea. The valley was once dominated by hundreds of pre-Inca temples and palaces. Pizarro chose the palace of local chief Taurí Chusko as the site of the city’s inauguration on January 6, 1535, and thus beganLima’s colonial history, reflected in the opulent mansions with Moorish latticed wooden balconies that graceLima’s plazas. The main square, Plaza de Armas, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, complete with paths, gardens and an elegant bronze fountain. Surrounding the main plaza are the Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace, the Town Hall and the impressive Palacio de Gobierno (GovernmentPalace). Cultural attractions aside, areas such as Barranco, Miraflores andSan Isidrohave much to offer the visitor in the way of shopping, restaurants and nightlife.

Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locating your vehicle.

Includes assistance at the airport with a local representative in between flight connections or to a hotel located right at the airport.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Conveniently located right beside theJorgeChavezAirportinLima, the Ramada Costa del Sol is a great choice for travelers. The 130 guest rooms include mini bars and climate control, so that one may feel practically at home. Breakfast offers a lovely range of options, with all the necessities required to start the day off. Also try the hotel restaurants, which feature items from across the world. For those who want to do some sightseeing, the Limas Cathedral and Larcomar shopping center and entertainment complex are not far from the hotel. Otherwise, spend some time using the sauna and massage services, which will guarantee a relaxing trip.

Overnight at Ramada Costa Del Sol.

Day 2 Cusco

Cuscowas the former capital of the Inca Empire (founded AD 1100). The city today is a fascinating mix of Inca and colonial Spanish architecture and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983. Almost every central street has remnants of Inca walls, arches and doorways that serve as the foundation for the colonial and modern buildings. Narrow alleys of whitewashed houses with sky-blue and bottle-green shutters open out onto elegant squares with stone-hewn fountains and elegant restaurants and posadas (inns). Colorful murals depicting historical scenes can be seen on countless walls, and indigenous women with braids and embroidered shawls set up makeshift stalls selling woven blankets and handmade crafts and jewelry. The elegant Plaza de Armas, or main square, is lined with arcades and houses with ornately carved wooden balconies and terracotta tiled roofs.

Includes assistance at the airport with a local representative in between flight connections or to a hotel located right at the airport.

Fly from Lima to Cusco. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Flight times are subject to change based on availability and seasonality.

Our local representative will meet you for an airport transfer, with private vehicle and professional driver .

Cusco, the capital of the Incan empire, plays host to the wise and elegant 16th century Hotel Monasterio. The 126 rooms share a window into this fascinating world, for the hotel is not far from high mountains that rise on the horizon and its surrounding rooftops. The rooms are not especially large, as they were once home to monks. However, the building itself is akin to a museum. Guests are privy to cuisine offered by talented chefs at the hotel, who dabble in Andean spices, mostly organic produce, and traditional treats fused with international specialties. For a more relaxed atmosphere, one may try any of the restaurants in the heart of the city. The main square of the town is just a short walk away, and one may pass the time at the local bars, markets, and shopping sites.

Overnight at Hotel Monasterio.

Day 3 Choquequirao

 

Built atop a mountain high in the Andes, the lost city of Choquequirao is comparable only to Machu Picchu in its beauty, grandeur and architectural accomplishment. Choquequirao, or "cradle of gold" in Quechua, is located 5,000 ft above the roaring waters of the Apurimac River. Marvel at the ancient stone walls that protect the two-leveled palaces and temples. The systems of fountains, canals and aqueducts that fed the farming terraces are still intact. Miles away from the rest of the tourists, this is truly a spectacular hike.

 

Below are listed inclusions for the trek:

Camping:

4-person capacity tents (suitable for 2 people and backpacks) ,3-season tents, 1 inflatable sleeping pad per person, 1 sleeping bag per person; sleeping bags are -18ºC-comfort (0ºF), mummy form and include a sleeping liner, 1 pillow per person, First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle

Cleaning & Porters:

Toilet tent with biodegradable toilet facilities, bio-degradable personal hand soaps, bio-degradable dishwashing detergents used by our kitchen staff, hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes, English-speaking professional and official tourist guide, pack animals to carry personal gear up to a maximum of 9kg per person, 1 emergency horse every 6 persons, Wranglers, Accommodation for guides/porters

Masseuse:

One masseuse for every four travellers. You will be supplied with one massage per day in the afternoon as well as constant support during trekking time.

Meals:

Meals, Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost and prepared by your very own chef, 1 textile snack bag per person, to avoid the usage of plastic bags that contaminate our environment, Filtered boiled water from lunch time on 1st day onwards, hot water morning/evening for washing purposes, boiled water to fill your water bottle morning/night

Below are a list of exclusions for the trek:

Breakfast on the first day, Dinner on the last day, Tips (tipping is optional and at your discretion upon the completion of the hike).

We leave Cusco at 6.00 am in our private transport and drive towards Cachora, an Andean community located 4-5h from Cusco at 2800m/9184ft, the starting point of the trek where we meet our horsemen and horses. We start our hike climbing for two and a half hours towards the Abra Capuliyoc at 2750m/9020ft, where we enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the Apurimac River Canyon. We then continue descending for two more hours towards Chiquisca, where we set our camp and spend the night.

Meals: L, D

Overnight at Choquequirao Trek.

Day 4 Choquequirao

We leave Chiquisca as early as 6.00am to descend to Rosalina Beach (which will take about one hour). We then cross the Apurimac River and start climbing towards Santa Rosa, zigzagging up a steep slope. This climb will take approximately 2h, and it is important that we leave early so that the heat of the day does not take effect on us. In Santa Rosa, we make a short, half an hour break, where those who wish may try Cambray, a local sugar cane extract. Afterwards, we continue our hike slowly climbing for two and a half hours until we reach our lunch spot in Marampata. From here, we walk another two hours until we reach the archaeological complex of Choquequirao, located at 3103m/10178ft, where we will set up camp and enjoy some free time to explore the terraces and buildings. When the sun starts to set, you might want to sit and enjoy the canyon, where condors are sometimes spotted.

Meals: B, L, D

Overnight at Choquequirao Trek.

Day 5 Choquequirao

This morning we will enjoy a complete guided tour of the Choquequirao complex: we will visit the high parts (Hanan), and the lower parts (Urin), and some areas that are still covered in wild foliage and ready to be restored into the way it was when the Incas originally owned it. We will have the full day to explore the site and relax, enjoying the spectacular views that surround the area.

Meals: B, L, D

Overnight at Choquequirao Trek.

Day 6 Choquequirao

This morning we start our walk back towards Santa Rosa, where we have lunch. We then continue descending for another 2 hours until we reach Rosalina Beach at 1450m/4756ft, where we may have some time to take a refreshing dip in the waters of the Apurimac River. We camp and dine here.

Meals: B, L, D

Overnight at Choquequirao Trek.

Day 7 Cusco

We leave camp after breakfast to start the two to three hour climb to Chiquisca, to then make our way back to the Abra Capuliyoc, close to where we will have our lunch. In the afternoon, we continue on our two-hour return route to Cachora, where private transport will be waiting to take us back to Cusco. Estimated arrival time around 9.00pm.

Meals: B, L

Cusco, the capital of the Incan empire, plays host to the wise and elegant 16th century Hotel Monasterio. The 126 rooms share a window into this fascinating world, for the hotel is not far from high mountains that rise on the horizon and its surrounding rooftops. The rooms are not especially large, as they were once home to monks. However, the building itself is akin to a museum. Guests are privy to cuisine offered by talented chefs at the hotel, who dabble in Andean spices, mostly organic produce, and traditional treats fused with international specialties. For a more relaxed atmosphere, one may try any of the restaurants in the heart of the city. The main square of the town is just a short walk away, and one may pass the time at the local bars, markets, and shopping sites.

Overnight at Hotel Monasterio.

Day 8 Machu Picchu

For most visitors, the Inca city of Machu Picchu is the highlight of their visit. Revealed to the Western world by the American Hiram Bingham on July 24 1911, and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983, it is probably the most important archaeological site in South America and requires at least one day to explore fully. Buried beneath jungle vegetation for centuries, excavations revealed a myriad of staircases, terraces, temples, palaces, towers and fountains. Highlights of the site include the ceremonial baths, the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Three Windows and the Intihuatana, or carved rock pillar used by Inca astronomers to predict the solstices. A 30-minute walk south from the main complex takes the visitor to the Inca Bridge, carved into the vertiginous cliff face. Climb the peak of Huayna Picchu that towers over the city and from the summit, it is a breathtaking experience to watch the mist roll back to reveal the architectural marvels of the Inca citadel.

Includes transfer to/from the train station with private vehicle, professional driver and local representative.

The Hiram Bingham is a luxury train between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Depart 9 am from Poroy Station and enjoy a spectacular journey through the Andes. Brunch is served on board and guides explain points of interest along the 3.5 hour route.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will board the bus (shared service) up to Machu Picchu. The bus ride takes 30 minutes and once you get there you will enjoy a private guided tour of Machu Picchu. The Inca Citadel lies between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu (“Young Peak” and “Old Peak”). The Inca Pachacutec built the Citadel using sharp stone blocks, fitted together perfectly. Houses, temples, a public square are all connected by narrow roads and steps cut into the mountainside. There are many theories as to the purpose of Machu Picchu; a temple to the sun? A fortress against jungle inhabitants? A sanctuary for the Incas? The mysterious lost city awaits you!

After the tour, enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge. Afterwards, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes.

The Sanctuary Lodge in the Machu Picchu region embodies all things relaxing and tranquil, with unparalleled botanical gardens and mountain views. The 31 rooms are well-maintained and offer gorgeous views of the surroundings. Friendly and helpful staff help provide a positive experience in Machu Picchu. A delicious menu is offered to travelers to choose from, with all sorts of South American culinary enterprises listed, as well as conventional favorites. Visit the ancient extravaganza that is Machu Picchu. If you are looking for a relaxing time, a deck allows guests to lounge in the presence of these spectacular sights. The hotel also offers massages and a videotape library.

Overnight at Sanctuary Lodge.

Day 9 Cusco

For your convenience the bus ticket between Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is provided.

The entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is provided for your convenience.

Return to Cusco on the Hiram Bingham train. Departs 5:45pm from Machu Picchu and takes 4 hours to return to Cusco. A pre-dinner cocktail is served, accompanied by live entertainment and a 4-course gastronomic menu.

Includes transfer to/from the train station with private vehicle, professional driver and local representative.

Cusco, the capital of the Incan empire, plays host to the wise and elegant 16th century Hotel Monasterio. The 126 rooms share a window into this fascinating world, for the hotel is not far from high mountains that rise on the horizon and its surrounding rooftops. The rooms are not especially large, as they were once home to monks. However, the building itself is akin to a museum. Guests are privy to cuisine offered by talented chefs at the hotel, who dabble in Andean spices, mostly organic produce, and traditional treats fused with international specialties. For a more relaxed atmosphere, one may try any of the restaurants in the heart of the city. The main square of the town is just a short walk away, and one may pass the time at the local bars, markets, and shopping sites.

Overnight at Hotel Monasterio.

Day 10 Lima

Our local representative will meet you for an airport transfer, with private vehicle and professional driver .

Direct flight from Cusco to Lima. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes.

Your English speaking guide will pick you up at the airport or hotel, with a private vehicle for a half-day tour. The tour of Colonial and Modern Lima will pass by monuments including the GovernmentPalace, City Hall and the Cathedral at Plaza Mayor (closed on Sundays). Visit a 17th-century San Francisco Convent. Take a brief tour of the modern districts ofSan Isidro and Miraflores with magnificent views of thePacific Ocean. Drop off at the airport or your hotel.

Includes airport transfer with private vehicle, professional driver and local representative.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).

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