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Peru, Featuring Machu Picchu
April 2 - April 9, 2009
Approximately $2,595 per person, plus airfare and V.A.T., based on double occupancy.

Nestled in the misty Andes Mountains, Peru is a rugged, storied land where vast Incan civilizations once flourished and Spanish conquistadors ruled. Enjoy cosmopolitan and colonial Lima, with its historic Plaza Mayor, President’s Palace, landmark Cathedral, City Hall, and prestigious Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History. From Cuzco, the former capital and holy city of the Incan empire, visit the Qorikancha and Sacsayhuamán temples, Qenko amphitheater, and Puka Pukara fortress. Journey to Ollantaytambo fortress, where giant monoliths crown a grand staircase, and the traditional Andean Indian village of Chinchero, with its colorful local market. Finally, marvel at the natural beauty of Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, as you travel to mesmerizing Machu Picchu.

Day-by-Day Itinerary*

Day 1
Depart your gateway city for Lima, Peru. Upon arrival, transfer to the Hotel José Antonio Executive Lima. (Flight and transfer provided for Air Package participants only.)

Day 2
Educational Focus: The History of Peru.
Excursion: Highlights of Lima.  See Plaza Mayor and its bronze fountain, the Casa del Oidor, the President’s Palace, and City Hall. Visit the San Francisco Church and the Cathedral.
Local Flavor:  Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Excursion: National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History.  Explore one of the largest museums in South America. With an expert guide, experience the nation’s fascinating history.
This evening, gather at the hotel for a Welcome Reception and Dinner.

Day 3
Educational Focus and Excursion: Andean Civilization.  Visit the laboratory of a renowned Peruvian archaeologist. Under the auspices of the National Geographic Society, he and his team have worked in Puruchuco excavating human remains and mummies dating from the Inca Period.
After lunch at the hotel, fly from Lima to Cuzco. Transfer to the Hotel José Antonio Cuzco.
Educational Focus: Meet the People.

Day 4
Excursion: Chinchero and the Temple of Ollantaytambo.  Legend describes Chinchero as the birthplace of the rainbow. Surrounded by snowy peaks, Chinchero clings to its deep cultural roots. Visit the village’s traditional market, which sells everything from Andean instruments to handknit hats, then journey to the gigantic monoliths in the town of Ollantaytambo.
Local Flavor:  Enjoy lunch locally.
Excursion: Awana Cancha.  Learn about the four different types of camelids. See how locals use these animals’ fur to weave colorful clothing and blankets.

Day 5
Excursion: Highlights of Cuzco.  Explore this sacred city of the Andes. See Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun; the renowned Cathedral; Sacsayhuamán temple; and the Sacred Valley, with the Puka Pukara fortress and Qenko amphitheater.
Hands On Discovery: Colonial Crafts.
Educational Focus: Machu Picchu.

Day 6
Take a train to Aguas Calientes and cross the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Excursion: Machu Picchu.  Nestled in an Andean cloud forest, the Lost City of the Inca is the most important archeological site in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage List site. See stone temples, grassy plazas, palaces and workshops with an expert guide. Lunch is included.
Return to Cuzco early this evening.

Day 7
Educational Focus: Contemporary Peru.
Board a flight to Lima. Transfer to the Hotel José Antonio Executive Lima.
Independent Exploration:  The afternoon is at leisure.
Local Flavor:  A special Farewell Reception and Dinner await you inside Casa Garcia Alvarado. Your Graduation Ceremony wraps up the evening.

Day 8
Transfer to the Lima airport for the return flight to your gateway city. (Transfer and flight provided for Air Package participants only.)

* Itinerary is subject to change due to local conditions. Excursions in this program may involve an element of walking as some of the finest attractions are not always located in areas not closely accessible by motorcoach.