Lost City of the Incas

Day 1:

Arrive: Cusco Peru. Transfer to Hotel Monasterio. In the afternoon settle in or take a walking tour of Cusco or visit some of the ruins close by to the Cusco Area. We will have a welcome reception, and that evening we will have a guided walk through Cusco on our way to dinner before returning to the Monastery for the night.

Day 2:

Sacred Valley Tour: Today we will load our tour bus and head out for the day. Our local tour guide will explain the Incas history and tell us about the sacred valley along the way. We will spend the day exploring the towns, markets and ruins scattered about the valley. This is a very colorful way to start to learn about the history and local culture of the Incas and Peruvian lifestyle. In the evening we will enjoy dinner at the Monastery…

Day 3:

We will board the Orient Express aboard the Hiram Bingham express train. The Hiram Bingham train is the most luxurious way to journey between Cusco and Machu Picchu. For many visitors a trip to Machu Picchu is a once in a lifetime experience. The Hiram Bingham assures a magical journey never to be forgotten. The Hiram Bingham is named after the explorer who discovered the fascinating remains of the Inca citadel, Machu Picchu on July 23rd 1911. The train consists of two Dining Cars, an Observation Bar Car and a Kitchen Car, and can carry up to 84 passengers. We arrive at Aguas Calientas and shuttle up to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. This special lodge is at the entrance to the Machu Picchu ruins. We can enjoy views of the ruins from the lodge and relax in the open air grounds, hot tub with spectacular views and even a massage. That evening we enjoy a special dinner in the private dining room at the Sanctuary lodge.

Day 4:

Today we wake early and enter the Machu Picchu Ruins. We have a private Machu Picchu guide tour us through the ruins for 3 hours. Afterwards everyone is free to explore, climb to Wayna Picchu or just relax amongst the ruins…

After exploring the Machu Picchu Ruins we return to Aguas Calientas and board the Hiram Bingham Express train in the afternoon to head back to Cusco. That evening we will enjoy dinner together for our last night in Cusco.

Day 5:

As we prepare for our departure members can gather last minute souvenirs in Cusco and explore the city before they head to the airport for international departure.

From here, additional Add-On trips may be planned:

* Additional night in Lima Peru for a city tour, and a night in a nice city hotel.

* Gala’pagos Islands - A wildlife paradise with: Astounding wild life, Exclusive charters, Naturalist guides, Snorkeling beach adventures.

* Amazon River Cruise - Explore the amazing Amazon River for 5 days aboard a luxury river boat with daily excursions to some of the most beautiful and fascinating parts of the river valley.

* Cordillera Blanca - The highest mountain range outside of the Himalayas offers premier hiking, trekking and climbing on this 7 day trek.

Hotels:

The hotels we stay at are first class, clean and comfortable. Laundry, phone, shuttles, internet, and other standard amities are available. Meals will be at the lodges and nearby restaurants which exude the local culture and exquisite cuisine of the region.

While in Cusco we stay at the historic Monestario hotel. "This unique hotel museum is an architectural treasure built on Inca foundations with a beautiful chapel adorned with extraordinary gold ornaments. It combines the solemnity of a colonial monastery with the luxury, elegance, comfort and excellent quality of a modern five-star hotel" (www.Monestariohotel.com")

Hiram Bingham Express Train to Cusco:

The beautiful Hiram Bingham Express train will take us from Cusco to the Machu Picchu ruins.

"The Hiram Bingham's carriages are luxuriously coloured in their distinctive blue and gold and are furnished in the style of the 1920’s Pullman carriages, described by their originator, George Mortimer Pullman as, ‘Palaces on Wheels’.

Each of the carriages has been furnished in polished wood and brass with large chairs and plenty of space to stretch out. As you board, the tables are exquisitely laid, ready for your meal, with gleaming crystal and polished cutlery." (www.orient-express.com)

Agues Calientas:

The Hiram Bingham Express train will take us to Aguas Caliente where we will stay for a night before we enter the Machu Picchu ruins. We stay at one of the nicest hotels in the town of Agues Calientas. With a hot shower and an exquisite dinner, we will prepare for an early morning departure for the ruins and a day of hiking around the ancient sites.

After a day exploring Machu Picchu, we will once again board the Hiram Bingham Express train back to Cusco. for another evening at the Monestario Hotel. Along the way we will enjoy a fabulous brunch in the elegant dining car made with fresh seasonal regional ingredients and South American wines.

This Trek will start and finish at the Cuzco Airport. It is 9 days long, starting the day you arrive in Cuzco, ending the day you leave Cuzco.

What is included in the cost of the trip?

* All transportation from the time you arrive until you depart Cuzco.
* All Hotel accommodations in Cuzco and during listed itinerary. * All meals Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
* Cuzco City Tour
* Guides, drivers for private shuttles, park fees, and climbing permits, Machu Picchu entrance fees and tour.

Land costs do not include:

* International roundtrip airfare.
* Travel expenses outside listed Itinerary.
* Bottled / Alcoholic beverages
* Excess baggage charges.
* Personal gear.
* Optional single room supplement.
* Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of World Wide Trekking.
* Tips and Gratuities.

Extra Services:

* Single hotel room supplement.
* Items of a personal nature: Laundry, Internet, Bar, Phone, etc.

Our Staff:

* A World Wide Trekking guide will be the expedition leader and coordinate the operations of the local staff and group.

* We will also have local licensed English speaking professional guides.

* When we go into the Machu Picchu ruins. We will have a local specialist give us a guided tour of the ruins. Explaining history, culture and can answer questions.

Where can I expect to exchange money?

* You will also be able to exchange money at local money changers in Cuzco.

* When you change money. Ask for small bills so you can make change and pay for items easily.

* When bringing cash from the states make sure that bills are new and in good shape. $100 should have the NEW large head style.

Gratuities: Should I tip the Guides and staff?

* As in many parts of the world, tipping is a symbol of a job well done. In addition to recognizing service people such as taxi drivers, restaurant and hotel personnel, we will acknowledge our staff with a tip.

* In general, plan to tip $50 for local guides and a tip for your American guide who will be with you at all times. This again your choice and a thank you for good service.

Arriving at the Airport:

You will need a valid passport upon arrival in Cuzco. Those of you arriving early will be responsible for your hotel before scheduled itinerary. When you arrive at the airport you will clear customs. A World Wide Trekking representative will be outside of customs as you exit with you luggage waiting to transport you to the lodge. Look for the sign board with your last name on it when you exit customs.

Visa / Airport taxes:

There are some airport taxes you will pay when you leave Cuzco. You should have some cash on you to pay for your exit tax. No visa is needed prior to entering the country.

Hotel:

All Hotels and Lodges we stay at are are first class luxury hotels, the finest available in Peru, with amazing views and excellent food. Meals are provided at the Lodges. Laundry, Phone, Shuttles, Internet, and other standard amities are available upon your request.