Overview
Itinerary
Explore the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre of Lima with a Local Expert. Drive to the main square where you will see the Cathedral, the Government Palace, Archbishop's Palace and the City Hall. Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to take a guided tour of the San Francisco Monastery and its catacombs, built in 1673 and home to 25,000 antique texts. Alternatively, you can visit the Historic Torre de Tagle Palace and the Central Reserve Bank Museum which exhibits archaeological and artistic pieces from pre-Hispanic cultures.
Continue to the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores and make a stop at the “Parque del Amor” for spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. A Highlight Lunch is served at Amoramar, in the San Isidro district. If you are travelling on a Chairman's Collection departure, Dr. Francisco Diez-Canseco Távara invites you to lunch at his beautiful villa to learn about his family's long heritage in Peru. Later, you have a special invitation to visit the house and workshop of renowned Peruvian sculptor and painter Victor Delfin, one of the most recognizable contemporary artists in Latin America. (B/L)
Board your flight to Cusco and continue on to Peru's Sacred Valley. Visit the colourful market in the town of Chinchero. Afterwards, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a Quechua scholar, director of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco, and a recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant.
Learn about her mission to preserve traditional weaving techniques and how she has succeeded in bringing weaving once more to the forefront of her community. Later in the afternoon, check in to your luxurious spa resort. (B/L/D) Stay: Tambo del Inka, Sacred Valley.
Visit the spectacular terraced salt pans where you will meet with a family member from the town of Maras, who will explain ancient salt mining techniques and have a chance to participate in the tradition. The salt pans, dating back to Inca times, have been passed down through families for generations and today are maintained in much the same way as they were long ago. Dine the local way as you feast on a typical Peruvian meal, a caja china lunch of fresh vegetables and slow-roasted meats, all cooked in a wooden box.
After lunch, participate in a shaman ritual. A local shaman will perform a welcoming ceremony to the Sacred Valley and the mystical Andes Mountains that surround it. (B/L)
Today you'll visit the town of Ollantaytambo, a national archeological site set on the Urubamba River. Afterwards, board your first-class seats on the Vistadome train for your scenic journey to Machu Picchu village. Enjoy lunch at your rejuvenating resort followed by a guided exploration of its nature trails and fascinating cloud forest ecosystem. Visit the town of Ollantaytambo. Afterwards, board the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu village. Enjoy lunch followed by a guided exploration.
Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to discover a working tea plantation, where you'll get a hands on experience in the art of tea making while chatting with a local guide. Alternatively, you can see the world's largest private collection of indigenous orchids, the most diverse plant family on the planet. In the evening, enjoy a dinner with wine at the hotel. (B/L/D) Stay: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (Superior Deluxe Room).
No trip to Peru would be complete without visiting the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Pichu. With Luxury Gold, you'll arrive at this striking archeological site before the crowds of day-trippers. Meet your Local Expert for a guided exploration through the enigmatic Lost City of the Incas, rediscovered only 100 years ago by archaeologist Hiram Bingham. See the great Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza and the Intihuatana, believed to be an ancient sun clock. Enjoy an Andean lunch at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to explore Machu Picchu further with a guided hike to Sun Gate, for a stunning viewpoint of Machu Picchu. Alternatively, you can return to the Pueblo for a twilight nature walk where your guide will point out medicinal plants, sacred Pre-Inca pictographs, and an enchanting waterfall in the Cloud Forest. After a full day of discovery, enjoy a delicious dinner with wine, where you can share stories of your day with fellow guests in the serenity of your tranquil hotel. (B/L/D)
Join your Local Expert for a visit to the ruins of Sacsayhuman, one of the most important Incan sites. It was designated as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site along with the city of Cusco. Visit Korikancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun. Your Journey, Your Way. In Cusco, choose to explore San Pedro market for some local shopping and insight into Peruvian produce. Alternatively, continue by car to the top of Tambo Macay, to begin a 3.7 miles (6 km) downhill walk passing by Puca Pucara and Quencuo ruins back to Cusco.
In the afternoon, visit Korikancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun, and cathedral on a walking tour. Later, In the evening, enjoy a candlelit Highlight Dinner with wine at one of the city's most prominent culinary scenes, the MAP Restaurant in the central Museum of Pre-Columbian Art. (B/D)
Join your local expert for a private cruise of Lake Titicaca to the Uros Floating Islands. You'll learn how the inhabitants have kept the old empire's traditions alive for hundreds of years on these man-made islands, boats and platforms before visiting the secluded Amantani Island. Home to about 4,000 inhabitants, you'll meet a local family on Amantani Island.
As machines are not used on this island, you'll see how this culture maintains the traditions of their ancestors. Join members of the community for a Farm-to-Table lunch before exploring the terraced hillsides for superb views and ancient ruins. (B/L)
Meet a Local Expert for an in-depth city exploration. You'll start out at the heart of the city, with the Chilean University, San Francisco Church and the Santa Lucia Hill, the site of Santiago's foundation in 1541. From there, you'll visit the Plaza de Armas and the cathedral. Continue your exploration of Santiago by crossing the Mapocho River to reach the bohemian Bellavista district on the way to the San Cristóbal Hill.
Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to enjoy a Chilean seafood lunch with wine at Mestizo Restaurant. Alternatively, enjoy a French lunch with wine at El Castillo Forestal. Your evening is at leisure. (B/L)
Trip Inclusions
- Sacred Valley: Learn from locals about the process of salt mining. The cascading salt terraces along this scenic canyon have been harvested using an evaporation technique since the times of the Incas and has been passed down by local families, who still harvest salt from it today to sell to the local market.
- Sacred Valley: A local shaman will perform a welcoming ceremony to the Sacred Valley and the mystical Andes Mountains that surround it.
- Ollantaytambo: Join a local expert and visit the ruins of Ollantaytambo. See the magnificent views of the ruins on the side of the cliffs above the Urubamba river.
- Machu Picchu: Spend a full day exploring the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, rediscovered by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911 after being forgotten for centuries. A Local Expert helps you understand the enigmatic fortress abandoned by the Incas in the 16th century.
- Sacred Valley: Travel back to the Sacred Valley by train, offering you great views with panoramic windows and an outdoor observation carriage.
- Cusco: Join your Local Expert for a visit to the ruins of Sacsayhuman, on of the most important Incan sites and a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site. You'll also visit Korikancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun, and the beautiful colonial neighborhood of San Blas and the magnificent Cathedral at Plaza de Armas which took 100 years to complete.
- Puno: Enjoy a picnic lunch on the shores of Lake Umayo before visiting the archeological site of Sillustani. Explore the stone burial towers 'chullpas' that have dotted the shores since pre-Inca times.
- Lake Titicaca: Visit the Uros Floating Islands to learn about the lifestyle and customs of the local people and enjoy lunch with this community that bundles reeds from the lake to build floating platforms, houses and canoes.
- Santiago: Meet a Local Expert for an in-depth city exploration. Start out at the heart of the city, seeing the Chilean University, San Francisco Church and the Santa Lucia Hill. Then visit the Plaza de Armas and the cathedral. Cross the Mapocho river to the bohemian Bellavista district on the way to San Cristobal Hill, where you will have the best views of Santiago and the Andes Mountains.
- Santiago: Visit Kingston Family Winery, a small boutique winery located in Casablanca Valley for an introduction to and tasting of their exquisite wines.
- Valparaiso: From Santiago, head west towards Valparaíso. Pass by the main square where you can see the monument honoring the 1879 Naval Battle of Iquique. Declared a World Heritage by UNESCO, Valparaíso offers unique ocean landscapes with colorful neighborhoods, picturesque cobblestone streets, and old cable cars.
- Buenos Aires: Take a tour of this historical and prestigious opera house and explore the Main Hall, Foyer, Bustos Gallery and the Golden Hall.
- Iguassu Falls: Head to the Argentinean side of Iguassu Falls and view the unfathomable Devil's Throat.
- Iguassu Falls: Join a local expert for a spectacular walk past thundering curtains of water and misty rainbows on the Brazilian side of the falls. Explore the base of the falls and see the impressive panoramic view of San Martin Island.
- Iguassu Falls: See several native birds in their natural habitat. One of the largest bird parks in Latin America, The Bird Park is an integrated conservation center for birds of the Atlantic Forest and his home to 120 species of birds.
- Rio de Janeiro: Experience sightseeing with a Local Expert and a cable car journey to the lofty heights of Sugarloaf Mountain.
- Rio de Janeiro: Take a train ride up Corcovado Hill through the Tijuca National Forest to the open arms of Christ the Redeemer and magnificent views over the legendary bay.
- Lima: Visit the home of local artist Victor Delfin, known for his monumental El Beso sculpture at his workshop in the city's trendy Barranco district.
- Cusco: Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a Quechua scholar, director of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco, and a recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Learn about her mission to preserve traditional weaving techniques.
- Cusco: Savour a Pachamanca feast in the Sacred valley. This traditional way to slow cook local vegetables and meats using hot stones and clay pots underground is a communal rite in the Sacred Valley that dates back to pre-historic times. It is a way to celebrate and show gratitude to Pachamama, "Mother Earth".
- Lake Titicaca: Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience a you as you meet a local family on Amantani Island. Home to about 4,000 inhabitants, you'll discover how the traditions and language of the Inca culture are being kept alive on this remote location not commonly visited by tourists.
- Buenos Aires: Meet Alfredo Genovese at his Filetado workshop, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Learn about this traditional artwork that can be found throughout the city decorating trucks, murals, and signs.
- Ipanema: Meet Local Expert Cecelo, a local guitarist, music aficionado, and studio owner from Ipanema. Join him on a walking tour of Ipanema, the birthplace of Bossa Nova in the 1950s. Enjoy the sounds and sights of the place that inspired this new genre of samba music. After your tour, head back to your hotel where Cecelo will play you some Bossa Nova classics over a caipirinha cocktail.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Lima: Take a guided visit of the Monastery and its catacombs.
- Lima: Visit the historic Torre de Tagle Palace and the Central Reserve Bank museum.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Machu Picchu: Visit a working tea plantation.
- Machu Picchu: View the world's largest private collection of indigenous orchids around your hotel surrounded by the Cloud Forest.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Machu Picchu: Explore Machu Picchu further with a guided hike up to Inti Punku, also known as Sun Gate. These ruins are considered the main entrance for those who journey through the original Inca Trail. It offers a spectacular panoramic view of Machu Picchu from above.
- Machu Picchu: Embark on a twilight nature walk where your guide will point out medicinal plants, sacred Pre-Inca pictographs, and an enchanting waterfall in the Cloud Forest.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Cusco: Visit the ruins of Tambo Machay and enjoy a leisurely 3.7 mile (6 km) downhill walk back to Cusco as you pass the ruins of Puca Pucara and Quenguo.
- Cusco: Return to Cusco by vehicle and visit San Blas church and the surroundings of this fascinating artsy neighbourhood of Cusco. After San Blas, continue to San Pedro market for some local shopping and insight into Peruvian produce.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Santiago: Enjoy lunch with wine at El Castillo Forestal, a converted castle located in the Parque Forestal. This unique dining experience offers French cuisine with a turret room and a terrace with views of the park.
- Santiago: Enjoy a Chilean seafood lunch with Wine. Mestizo Restaurante has incorporated aspects of international gastronomy to Chilean cuisine to create delicious ceviches, main dishes and desserts.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Buenos Aires: Enjoy an indigenous dinner crafted with contemporary flair. Specializing in native meats and alternatives, El Baqueano works with small producers and fishermen to create extraordinary seasonal delights.
- Buenos Aires: An iconic gastronomic hub, enjoy a traditional steakhouse dinner featuring fresh and local ingredients that make for an exceptional experience.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Buenos Aires: Meet the local gauchos and learn about the traditions of these South American Cowboys on a horseback ride.
- Buenos Aires: Explore the beautiful ranch on a leisurely walk, learning all about the gaucho lifestyle.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Rio de Janeiro: Visit this beautiful library that was built in the heart of Rio by the Portuguese monarchy.
- Rio de Janeiro: Take a behind the scenes look at Rio's iconic circa 1909 Municipal Theater with a Local Expert.
- You will be escorted by one of our fine Travel Concierges, handpicked to serve as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary, available on departures with 15 or more guests.
- At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling, with prompt delivery inside your room.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- Complimentary, airport transfers are included on start and end dates and when additional accommodation has been booked through Luxury Gold. Guests will be transferred with fellow Luxury Gold Travellers that arrive on the same flight. Complimentary, private train station transfers are included when train travel is included within the itinerary. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city of the itinerary, may be requested but are not guaranteed.
- Callao Region: You can relax before meeting your Travelling Concierge at 18.00 for a Welcome Dinner at MAYTA with chef Jamie Pesaque.
- Lima: Enjoy a fantastic seafood restaurant in the trendy neighborhood of Barranco in Lima. This restaurant offers Peruvian classics in a great outdoor ambiance underneath the lush trees.
- Sacred Valley: Experience a caja china lunch, a popular way to create a delicious meal in Peru, cooked in a wooden box.
- Machu Picchu: Enjoy lunch at Café Inkaterra, located between the Machu Picchu train tracks and surrounded by lush forest.
- Machu Picchu: Savour traditional Andean cuisine at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
- Cusco: Dine at MAP restaurant, one of the city's most prominent restaurants, situated on the lively, modern patio of the Museum of Pre-Colombian Art.
- Lake Titicaca: Sit down with community members for a farm-to-table lunch featuring ingredients grown on the island before exploring the terraced hillsides and viewing the skillfully made crafts the inhabitants are known for.
- Lima: Savour a creative array of seasonal dishes created by chef Arlette Eulert at Matria. This Peruvian restaurant boasts organic ingredients that change according to the season.
- Buenos Aires: Savour a delicious meal, and enjoy fabulous live music, solo singers and a breathtaking display of authentic tango at Rojo Tango.
- Get a taste of gaucho life with a delicious asado Highlight Lunch.
- Iguassu Falls: Enjoy dinner with wine surrounded by a subtropical forest at Ipe Grill where you'll choose from a selection of traditional Brazilian barbecue or international cuisine.
- Rio de Janeiro: Dine at a local churrascaria, a traditional Brazilian steakhouse, where you'll be served a variety of quality meats, a quintessentially Brazilian experience.
- Rio de Janeiro: Enjoy an authentic lunch at a local churrascaria, a traditional Brazilian steakhouse. Here, servers come to your table with knives and skewers of delectable cuts of meat. A quintessential Brazilian experience.
- Rio de Janeiro: Your Farewell Celebration Dinner is served at the French-Brazilian E'toile Restaurant. Enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean from the 26th floor as you toast to your journey.
- Machu Picchu: This enchanting Andean village hotel is located within 12.3 acres of pristine cloud forest. The spectacular grounds are laced with paths that wind past waterfalls and trails, and organic gardens that wander through the misty forest. A place to relax, while exploring nature and encountering the wonders of the Incan civilization, experiencing authentic travel.
- Iguassu Falls: Step through the doors into a world of understated luxury. The luxurious Belmond das Cataratas is the only hotel inside the National Park and sits alongside the falls. Soak up the jungle chorus while you float in the pool, stroll gardens bejewelled with orchids and sip caipirinhas as the sun goes down. Embark on the ultimate adventure at South America's first and only Forbes Five Star hotel, and you'll never want to leave.
- Your Well-Being Director takes a proactive approach to your welfare ensuring all well-being regulations are met. On tours fewer than 15 guests, your Traveling Concierge will act as your Well-Being Director.
- Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travelling Concierge's, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
- We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
- Lima: Meet Dr. Canseco – a local politician who comes from a long lineage of Peruvian politicians and has started his own party in Peru. Visit his beautiful home for lunch and hear about his family's history and his own successful career.
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
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Availability
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Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Luxury Gold.
