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Cap off your Amazonian adventure with a deep dive into Peru’s Sacred Valley, where you’ll discover South America’s richest heritage at Machu Picchu and in the citified Inca capital of Cusco. Under the shadow of the Andes, you’ll explore ancient, indigenous, and contemporary culture in the towns and archaeological sites of Ollantaytambo, Sacsayhuamán, Machu Picchu, and Cusco. You’ll also join a local family in their home for an unforgettable dining experience, explore a centuries-long weaving tradition in Chinchero, catch a mototaxi to a chichería, and ride the Vistadome train up to Machu Picchu for extraordinary views and a true bucket-list experience.
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Fly overnight to Peru
Your Peruvian discoveries begin as you depart on an overnight flight from the U.S., headed for Lima, then on to Cusco.
Arrive in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
When you arrive, if you purchased your flight from Vantage, you’ll be met by a Vantage representative and transferred to check in to your hotel in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This evening, kick off your South America travel itinerary with a Welcome Dinner at the hotel.
Included meals:
Farmer’s lunch in Chinchero, and tour of charming Cusco
Today, we’ll visit the town of Chinchero, where we’ll pay a visit to the local Huila School and spend time with local children before enjoying a farmer’s lunch. Next, we’ll visit an adobe church, built on the remains of an Incan palace, before continuing onward.
We’ll board the luxury Vistadome train to the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, where we’ll visit the traditional Inka House and catch a mototaxi for some freewheeling fun on the way to a chichería — often a rustic, family-owned establishment reminiscent of the speakeasy. Typically marked by a red flag or bag hanging from the door, the chichería is where we’ll sample chicha – a homemade Peruvian beer made from maiz.
After, we’ll return to our hotel for an afternoon and evening at leisure, with dinner on your own.
Included Feature:
Cultural Discoveries:
Walking tour of Machu Picchu and guided tour of Incan ruins
Re-board the Vistadome train this morning for a scenic journey to our hotel right outside Machu Picchu in the town of Aguas Calientes. This afternoon, we’ll arrive at Machu Picchu, the famous archaeological site of the New World and a true highlight of South America travel, where we'll enjoy a guided walking tour of the mysterious Inca ruins after most of the crowds have departed. This evening, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes via motorcoach for dinner at the hotel.
Included Features:
Cultural Discovery:
Visit Cusco and the fortress-temple of Sacsayhuamán
This morning, we’ll transfer by motorcoach to Cusco, delving further into Inca history during a visit to the fortress-temple of Sacsayhuamán — a remarkable example of Inca stonemasonry. Your South America adventure continues in Cusco, the city that was the first capital of the Inca Empire, then, after the arrival of the conquistadors, became a stronghold of the Spanish-colonial Empire. You’ll explore the highlights during a city walking tour, including a visit to the Koricancha Temple of the Sun, the Main Square, the markets, and the cathedral. You can join a jewelry factory tour and do some shopping. AMA Jewelry is known for their quality gold and silver pieces. This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Fly to Lima and join the base tour
After breakfast, you’ll fly to Lima to join Day 2 of the base program
Soak up more of New England’s beauty and colonial heritage. Two extra nights in Boston give you a chance to enjoy the city’s lively cultural scene. Then, enjoy a full-day excursion to the North Shore region, visiting seafaring Salem, and colorful Gloucester, a hard-working fishing village and artists' colony that typifies the Yankee spirit. Plus, an additional free day in Boston lets you delve more deeply into its sophisticated culture. Beautiful scenery, harvest fare, and fresh seafood. Come see what makes Massachusetts so special!
Coastal gems of Cape Ann: Rockport, Gloucester & Salem
Today, you’ll head north of Boston to explore the beauty of Cape Ann — “the North Shore” in local parlance. Head to Gloucester first and view the Fisherman’s Memorial, dedicated to those who have lost their lives at sea. Then, continue to Salem, where the witch hysteria of the 1600s gripped the region. Stop by the Salem Witch Museum to learn more about it, then explore on your own. Boston offers countless dining options…pick one for dinner and have fun tonight!
Explore Boston at leisure
Enjoy the day to explore more of the city. You might browse the collections at the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Visit the Boston Public Library and its massive vaulted reading room. Or enjoy the waterfront, home to the stunning Rose Kennedy Greenway park space, the renowned New England Aquarium, and more.
Depart for home from Boston, Massachusetts
After breakfast, you’ll transfer to the airport and fly home.