Cultural Odyssey from Lake Titicaca to Machu Picchu

Empires of the Sun

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"We were blown away by the camaraderie of the group and the quality of the guides. We felt privileged to be part of such an extraordinary operation." Lisa and David Totman, Hamden CT

From mystical Lake Titicaca, the ethereal lake of Inca legends, to the glorious mountain stronghold of Machu Picchu, our hotel-based journey explores the ancient empires of the Americas and the thriving traditional cultures of the Andes. At Lake Titicaca (12,500'), our overnight stay on the remote Island of the Sun brings us breathtaking views of the Bolivian Andes. At Cusco, the cradle of Inca civilization, we travel the path of the Incas from the sacred Urubamba Valley to Machu Picchu, where our stay at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, right at the ruins, offers us a sunrise view over one of the most legendary sights in the world. Our northern Peru extension explores the mysterious pre-Inca Moche Empire and golden treasures of the Lord of Sipan.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-2
La Paz, Bolivia / Tiahuanaco

In La Paz, where snow-capped Illimani (19,800') dominates the skyline, we mingle with the traditionally dressed Quechua and Aymara people, descendants of the Incas, and visit their lively markets. Outside La Paz, we explore the ruins of Tiahuanaco, the great ceremonial center of a mysterious pre-Inca people.

Days 3-4
Lake Titicaca / Isla del Sol Lake

Titicaca is held sacred as the birthplace of the first Incas. Here we encounter the lake-dwelling Aymaras, with their traditional reed boats, and savor the lake’s powerful beauty from Isla del Sol, with an overnight anchorage on this remote island. Isla del Sol holds the ruins of the spectacular two-story Palacio del Inca.

Days 5-8
Cusco / Sacred Valley / Machu Picchu

A scenic train ride across the altiplano brings us to Cusco, Peru. The next day, we enjoy a glorious day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting the temple-city of Pisac and the picturesque Andean village below it, with its market full of marvelous traditional crafts. After visiting enchanting Ollantaytambo, we head to the city in the clouds, Machu Picchu, for an overnight at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, right next to the ruins. Return to Cusco late afternoon of Day 8.

Days 9-10
Cusco

Our explorations in lively Cusco include the breathtaking Inca fortress of Saqsayhuaman. Overnights are at the 5-star Hotel Monasterio. Depart via Lima on Day 10, or join our Sipan Extension.

Sipan Extension Days 10-13

In Peru’s desert north, explore the world of the mysterious pre-Inca Moche Empire, with its grand earthen pyramids dedicated to the Sun and Moon, ancient ruins of Chan Chan, and the golden treasures of the Lord of Sipan.

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Tour Costs $4795 (12-15 members) $4995 (9-11 members) $5195 (6-8 members) Single supplement: $1475 Internal airfare: $145 (subject to change) *High season surcharge: $125 Sipan extension from: $795 *Prices are for 2008 dates only **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

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