Empires of the Sun

Days 1-2
La Paz, Bolivia / Tiwanaku

The snow-capped peak of Illimani (19,800') dominates the skyline of La Paz, Bolivia’s capital, where we mingle with the traditional Quechua and Aymara people, descendants of the Incas, and visit their lively markets in this lofty capital city at 12,000 feet. Outside La Paz, we explore Tiwanaku, a thousand years ago the sacred ceremonial center of a little-known pre-Inca people.

Days 3-4
Lake Titicaca / Isla del Sol

Lake Titicaca, held sacred as the birthplace of the first Incas, is a savagely beautiful and mystical lake that straddles Bolivia and Peru. It is home to the lake-dwelling Uru, who ply the deep blue lake in reed boats called totora. We explore by catamaran and savor the lake’s powerful beauty from Isla del Sol, a remote island of traditional villages that holds the ruins of the spectacular two-story Palacio del Inca, a maze of stone walls and doorways built by the Incas. Our overnight anchorage allows us to enjoy the display of alpenglow on the Bolivian Andes and a serene sunrise the following morning.

Days 5-6
Cusco / Sacred Valley

A spectacular train ride takes us over the Andes to Cusco, Peru, a lively town of cobbled streets and broad plazas at 11,200 feet. The next day, we enjoy a glorious exploration of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We visit the temple-city of Pisac and the Andean village below it, with its market full of marvelous crafts, then explore the fortress at Ollantaytambo, where the Incas and Spanish fought legendary battles.

Days 7-8
Machu Picchu

We head by train to the city in the clouds, breathtaking Machu Picchu, the archaeological wonder of the Americas. We tour the ruins with an expert guide, then overnight at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, right at the ruins. Return to Cusco in the late afternoon of Day 8.

Days 9-10
Cusco

Our explorations in Cusco include Saqsayhuaman, the breathtaking Inca fortress overlooking the city. In Cusco we overnight at the 5-star Hotel Monasterio. Depart via Lima on Day 10, or join our Sipán Extension.

This is the Itinerary-at-a-Glance. For the complete trip description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Optional Extensions

If you would like to extend your adventure, we offer the following options:

• Arequipa and Colca Canyon Exension (4 days)
• Amazon Rainforest Extension: Reserva Amazonica (3 days)
• Sipan and Chan Chan Extension (4 days)

Extension Accommodations

If you would like to view the accommodations offered with our extensions options:

• Arequipa and Colca Canyon Exension (4 days)
• Amazon Rainforest Extension: Reserva Amazonica (3 days)
• Sipan and Chan Chan Extension (4 days)

Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.