Page 135 - South America

Downtown PERU Providing Fascinating Travel Experiences
City of Kings & Kings of the Andes
7 days
Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Pisac, Awanacancha, Chichumbas, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Machu Picchu, Koricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Tipon, Pikillaqta
surrounded by a green countryside. The agricultural activity is its main economic means, which is comple- mented by the raising of guinea pigs, bees, the production of handicrafts such as pottery and many others. Learn about activities such as ceram- ics, the production of artisanal choco- late, beekeeping (honey extraction) and the preparation of chicha de jora, with the opportunity to taste their products and to get a valued souvenir. Return to your hotel for f ree afternoon. [B]
Day 5: Sacred Valley (Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero)
After breakfast, you are picked up from your hotel in Cusco for a day full of culture and beautiful nature. First, you visit Moray, a small community famous for its embedded amphithe- ater formed by circular terraces that seem to disappear into the ground.
Scientist think that Moray has played an important role in the agricultural research conducted by the Incas. After, head to the salt mines located near Maras dating from colonial times. Then, continue to Ollantaytambo, an ancient fort standing proudly in the famous Sacred Valley. The many paths and irrigation canals create a unique system telling about the development of Peru’s ancient cultures. This won- derful day concludes with a visit to Chinchero, believed to be the mythical birthplace of the rainbow. On Chinchero’s main plaza, you find a colonial church built in the 17th cen- tury. In the afternoon, return to your hotel. [B]
Day 6: Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco
Early morning transfer to the Ollantaytambo station to board the Voyager train to Machu Picchu. Begin your journey enjoying comfortable seats, panoramic windows and an excellent on-board service. Delight in the incredible landscape along the route to Machu Picchu and try a selection of complementary natural drinks, prepared using Andean essences representative of the region. On your arrival in Aguas Calientes meet your guide for a tour of the archaeological site. Walk to the bus
station to take your bus up to Machu Picchu. The site consists of two main areas one agricultural, formed mainly by mountains and food stores, and the other urban, which is noted for its sacred zone with its temples, squares and royal tombs. The stairways and canals carved out of stone are recur- rent throughout this remarkable archaeological site. Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. In 2007, Machu Picchu was chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Return to Aguas Calientes for return train trip to Ollantaytambo station and transfer to Cusco. [B]
Day 7: Cusco (Koricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Tipon, Pikillaqta)
Time to explore magical Cusco! This beautiful city has an interesting history, both f rom Inca and colonial times. You start this half-day tour at
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