The best of Peru!  Your visit starts in Lima, “City of Kings” and capital of Peru, founded by Francisco Pizarro.  Then on to fascinating Cusco, one time center of the Incan empire and an area rich in archeological treasures.  A highlight of your visit is Machu Picchu, the mysterious “Lost City of the Incas.”  Your adventure ends in Puna and pristine Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, with boat rides to Incan villages and sites!  

Day 1: Your exciting journey begins in Los Angeles (LAX) as you board your 8 p.m. overnight flight to Lima, Peru.

Machu Picchu

Day 2: LIMA. 
Welcome to the capital of Peru!  Be met at Lima’s airport by A.C.T. representatives and transfer to your hotel.  Rest of the day at leisure. BRITANIA MIRAFLORES HOTEL (or similar)

Day 3: LIMA. 
Get acquainted with 2000-year-old Lima on today’s comprehensive sightseeing tour, focusing on the city’s colonial heritage.  Visit Lima’s Historical Center, including the Plaza de Armas to see the Government Palace and the Cathedral where the remains of Francisco Pizarro, founder of Lima, are sealed in a wooden coffin.  (B)

Day 4: LIMA/CUZCO. 
This morning, transfer to the airport for a flight over the Andes Mountains to Cuzco, one-time capital city of the Inca Empire.  On arrival, transfer to your hotel and take some time to acclimate yourself to the 11,000 foot altitude.  This afternoon, tour Cuzco and the imposing Inca ruins.  Cuzco, featured in Patricia Schultz’s best-selling book, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, is described by the author as the “archaeological capital of the Americas.”   MUNAY WASI HOTEL (or similar) (B)

Day 5: CUZCO/MACHU PICCHU.  Depart this morning by train on a full-day excursion to Machu Picchu, “the lost city of the Incas.”  Truly one of the wonders of the world, Machu Picchu was only discovered in 1911.  This self-contained city consists of over 200 buildings and is practically inaccessible and unnoticeable from the valley below. In the afternoon, return to Ollanta Station and upon arrival be assisted and transferred to your hotel in Cusco. (B,L)

Day 6: CUZCO/ISAC/OLLANTAYTAMBO.  Today’s highlights include a visit to the famous Pisac Market and to Ollantaytambo, the oldest continuously-occupied settlement in the Americas.  Lunch at a local restaurant.  (B,L)

Day 7: CUSCO/PUNO.  Transfer by bus along the dramatic highland plateau, past tiny Andean villages and herds of llamas and vicunas, stopping in the historical towns of Andahuayillas, Raqchi, and Wiracocha.  Before arriving in Puno, visit the archaeological site of Pukara (200 BC-AD 300).  Lunch at a restaurant en route.   JOSE ANTONIO PUNO HOTEL (B,L)

Reed Boats on Lake Titicaca.

Day 8: PUNO/LAKE TITICACA.  Enjoy a complete day of sailing on Lake Titicaca.  Depart early in the morning for the floating islands of Uros, where the inhabitants still live as they did centuries ago, on floating islands they make with the totora reeds that grow on the lake.  Continue sailing toward Taquile Island for a 30-minute hike toward its small town inhabited by Quechua speaking natives who have, over the generations, developed both an efficient and original social system as well as a refined hand weaving technique.  Lunch will be served in a local house that serves as a restaurant.  After lunch, we will explore the island and you can appreciate the magnificent views of Lake Titicaca.  (B,L)

Day 9: PUNO/LOS ANGELES  Morning transfer to Juliaca Airport, visiting en route (time permitting) the “Cullpas” of Sillustani, where the ancient Aymaras used to bury their high priests in cylinder-shaped tombs.  Depart for Lima, where you will connect and fly back to LAX, arriving shortly after six p.m. the same day.  (B)

Note:  While A.C.T. tries to keep physical activity in the Andes Mountains at a minimum, be aware that Cuzco’s altitude is 11,200 feet, and Lake Titicaca’s is 12,500 feet.  Machu Picchu is at 7,800 ft.

START YOUR VACATION IN THE AMAZON! Optional Extension: 3-days on the Amazon River (Sinchicuy Lodge) $595 ppdo

The Amazon River begins in the Andes Mountains with steams of melted snow coming together in Iquitos, the largest city in the Peruvian rainforest.   You will fly to Iquitos (via Lima) and be transferred by motorboat down the mighty Amazon River to your eco-lodge, situated on a small tributary.  Here, your learned jungle guide will introduce you to the magnificent animal and plant life that make up the rainforest.  You will fish for piranha, encounter indigenous natives, search for pink dolphin, and trek with your guide through the jungle.  Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.  This is a real eco-tour; while there is no electricity at Sinchicuy (you’re in the Amazon jungle!), numerous lanterns illuminate at night, and rooms have private showers and facilities and comfortable beds.  Unforgettable memories are guaranteed on this 3-day/2-night package.  Additional air taxes: $160p/p  Single supplement:  $50