Small Group Christmas Tour to Machu Picchu

The Destination background

Lima, known as the city of the Kings was listed as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1991 and is home to some of the most beautiful colonial architecture in the whole of South America.

Cuzco, the ancient capital of the Incas is regarded as the oldest inhabited city of the Americas which was subsequently built upon by the Spanish Conquistadores in the 16th century. The invaders erected grand colonial mansions and beautiful cathedrals and churches on the old palaces of the Incas. Considered the most important pre-colonial city in the Americas, Cuzco is also the gateway to Machu Picchu, the new seventh wonder of the world. Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas, was a religious centre built on the saddle of a mountain high in the Andes which today is accessed by train or trekking along the Inca Trail.

Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world and is located at 3800m above sea level. The Uros islands on Lake Titicaca are unique and represent an ancient custom and way of life few people witness. The journey across the altiplano from Puno to Cuzco affords marvellous vistas of high mountains, local people and roaming llamas and alpacas.

Full Itinerary

• December 20. Lima

  Arrival in Lima. Reception and transfer to the hotel of your choice.

• December 21. Lima (B & L)

  After breakfast, full city tour of modern and colonial Lima, declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1991. The tour includes a visit to the Cathedral, Main Square, San Francisco Convent and its Catacombs, and the residential areas of San Isidro and Miraflores. Lunch at the internationally acclaimed Rosa Nautica seafood restaurant. After lunch, a visit to the Gold Museum. Originally from a private collection, the museum houses numerous gold, silver and copper artefacts from several pre-Hispanic cultures. The most precious piece in the collection is the solid gold Tumi (ceremonial knife) belonging to the Lambayeque culture (350AD). Return to your hotel. Free evening.

• December 22. Lima - Cuzco - Sacred Valley (B & L)

  After breakfast, flight to Cuzco, reception and transfer to the hotel of your choice. Full-day excursion to Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit the village of Pisac, founded during Colonial times. On Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays the Indians barter their products, and artisans from all over the area sell their woven alpaca wool blankets and ponchos, engraved gourds, antique reproductions and jewellery. On Sundays, it is also the meeting place for the local Mayors of the region, who come dressed in their traditional costumes, to attend morning mass. After buffet lunch at the Tunupa Restaurant, a visit to Ollantaytambo, the only Inca town which is still inhabited. Explore the ruins above Ollantaytambo before returning to Cuzco via the traditional market town of Chinchero. Return to your hotel.

• December 23. Cuzco (B & D)

  Afternoon guided visit of the four ruins nearby; the Sacsayhuaman Fortress overlooking the city of Cuzco, a pre Inca architectural masterpiece; Kenko, a rock sanctuary whose main attraction is the monolithic altar representing a puma, the red Fortress of Puca-Pucara and Tambomachay, a beautiful fountain fed by a spring forming a series of basins continue to the city of Cuzco; the Main Square, the Cathedral and the Koricancha or Temple of the Sun. Dinner and folkloric show in the evening.

• December 24. Machu Picchu (B)

  An early start by Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes. Guided visit of the most spectacular ancient city in the world. This fabulous city contains houses, temples, warehouses, a large central square; and all connected by narrow roads and steps that are surrounded by terraces cut into the mountain side. After the tour, free time to enjoy this spiritual wonder. Opportunity for a guided trek (approx 1 hour) up to the sungate (Intipunku), which is a part of the Inca Trail, for a magical view of the sanctuary or alternatively an unguided climb to the top of Wayna Picchu, with a magnificent view of the whole Sanctuary (recommended for fit individuals only). Accommodation at the hotel of your choice.

• December 25. Machu Picchu - Cuzco (B & L)

  Opportunity to return to the sanctuary for a more personal appreciation of the Eighth wonder of the world. Christmas lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge Hotel located in front of Machu Picchu. Return in the afternoon by train to Cuzco and transfer to the hotel of your choice.

• December 26. Cuzco - Puno (B & L)

  After breakfast, a fabulous train journey across the stunning altiplano by Orient Express Explorer train to Puno . A stop at La Raya, the highest point of the journey before arriving to Puno, Lying on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Puno is also the folkloric capital of Peru. Breakfast and lunch is served on board. Transfer to your hotel. Accommodation at the hotel of your choice.

• December 27. Islands of Lake Titicaca (B, L & D)

  Full day excursion to the islands of Uros and Taquile. Uros, a group of islands made entirely of tortora reeds is home to a small community dating back to a pre-Inca culture. The inhabitants of Taquile are more closely related to the Aymara people of Bolivia than the Quechua Incas of Peru. Basic lunch on the island prepared by the local inhabitants. Return to Puno. Farewell Dinner.

• December 28. Puno- Lima (B)

  Pick up at your hotel and transfer to Juliaca airport for the return flight to Lima and your connecting flight home.

End of our services.

Tour Prices per person

• Based on 3 star Hotels: US$2687.00 based on two people sharing.
• Based on 4 star Hotels: US$3136.00 based on two people sharing.
• Based on 5 star Hotels: US$3426.00 based on two people sharing.
• Based on 5 star Deluxe Hotels: US$5995.00 based on two people sharing.

Tour Price Includes:

• Accommodation in double rooms at selected hotels.
• All meals as indicated in the itinerary.
• Transfers, tours and excursions as per itinerary based on private service with English speaking guides.
• Vistadome train tickets (upgrade to Hiram Bingham additional cost of $480 per person).
• All entrance fees.

Tour Price Does Not Include:

• International flight to Peru and US$31.00 tax for all International air departures.
• All domestic flights require a US$6.00 charge (airport tax).
• Personal expenses such as telephone bills, laundry expenses, beverages, etc,
• Insurance against theft, loss, illness and/or accident etc.
• Baggage porterage and other extras not specified.

Selected Hotels

3 star

• Lima: Ferre
• Cusco: Los Andes
• Machu Picchu: Hatuchay Towers
• Puno: Casa Andina Plaza

4 star

• Lima: San Agustin Exclusive
• Cusco: Picoaga
• Machu Picchu: Pueblo Inkaterra Hotel
• Puno: Casa Andina Private Collection

5 star

• Lima: Las Americas
• Cusco: Libertador
• Machu Picchu: Sumaq
• Puno: Libertador

5 star Deluxe

• Lima: Miraflores Park
• Cusco: Monasterio
• Machu Picchu: Sanctuary Lodge
• Puno: Titilaka

Trains

• Vistadome train to Machu Picchu. (Upgrade to Hiram Bingham train subject to availability.)
• Explorer Train to Puno.