Itinerary
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Day 1
Lima Limais situated halfway alongPeru’s desert coastline, literally stuck between the desert and the deep blue sea. The valley was once dominated by hundreds of pre-Inca temples and palaces. Pizarro chose the palace of local chief Taurí Chusko as the site of the city’s inauguration on January 6, 1535, and thus beganLima’s colonial history, reflected in the opulent mansions with Moorish latticed wooden balconies that graceLima’s plazas. The main square, Plaza de Armas, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, complete with paths, gardens and an elegant bronze fountain. Surrounding the main plaza are the Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace, the Town Hall and the impressive Palacio de Gobierno (GovernmentPalace). Cultural attractions aside, areas such as Barranco, Miraflores andSan Isidrohave much to offer the visitor in the way of shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locating your vehicle. Includes airport transfer with private vehicle, professional driver and local representative. With its stylish contemporary design, cutting-edge technology and ideal location, the flagship Casa Andina Private Collection - Miraflores hotel is the top of its class in every aspect. Once the Miraflores César's, Lima’s fondly remembered, original five-star hotel, this modern icon was dramatically transformed in 2008 into the capital’s newest luxury hotel. Its quintessential Limeño flavor reverberates in the exquisite art collection of contemporary local artists and prized colonial-era antiques, in both public spaces and accommodations. Overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection. |
 Lima |
 Casa Andina Lima Front |
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Day 2
Lima Gateway for all international flights, Lima is located in the central coastal area, founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro. Today, with a population of over 8 million people, Lima is a bustling metropolis with a mix of colonial mansions and modern buildings, art galleries and baroque churches, restaurants, beautiful parks, bohemian bars and discotheques. Start your day with a sightseeing tour of Colonial and Modern Lima in the company of your private vehicle, driver and English speaking Guide, passing by outstanding monuments such as the Government Palace, the City Hall and the Cathedral (closed on Sundays) at the Plaza Mayor. Visit the 17th century San Francisco Convent. Take a short tour of the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores where there is a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean. After lunch (included in tour) visit the Larco Herrera Museum- Since 1926 the world’s largest private collection of pre-Columbian art with a unique assortment of erotic pottery, genuine and rich jewels in gold, silver and semi-precious stones. The museum holds 45,000 pieces of ceramics plus genuine mummies and marvellous Paracas textiles. Overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection. |
 Lima |
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Day 3
Cusco Cuscowas the former capital of the Inca Empire (founded AD 1100). The city today is a fascinating mix of Inca and colonial Spanish architecture and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983. Almost every central street has remnants of Inca walls, arches and doorways that serve as the foundation for the colonial and modern buildings. Narrow alleys of whitewashed houses with sky-blue and bottle-green shutters open out onto elegant squares with stone-hewn fountains and elegant restaurants and posadas (inns). Colorful murals depicting historical scenes can be seen on countless walls, and indigenous women with braids and embroidered shawls set up makeshift stalls selling woven blankets and handmade crafts and jewelry. The elegant Plaza de Armas, or main square, is lined with arcades and houses with ornately carved wooden balconies and terracotta tiled roofs. Includes airport transfer with private vehicle, professional driver and local representative. Fly from Lima to Cusco. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Flight times are subject to change based on availability and seasonality. Our local representative will meet you for an airport transfer, with private vehicle and professional driver . Take the afternoon to rest at your hotel so as to allow your body to acclimatize. Try to minimize physical activity to avoid the effects of altitude sickness. The Casa Andina Private Collection in Cusco is a beautifully renovated 18th-century manor house, just 3 blocks from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, replete with authentic colonial character. It offers the intimacy of a boutique hotel but the comforts and services of a much larger property. Overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection. |
 Cusco |
 Afternoon Relaxation |
 Casa Andina Cusco, Private Collection |
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Day 4
Cusco Enjoy a full day private excursion to theSacredValleywith your own private vehicle, driver and English speaking guide. Traveling north ofCusco, enjoy a visit to Ollantaytambo, a fortress built during the Inca Empire that is an excellent example of military architecture. Enjoy a buffet lunch (included) at a restaurant. Afterwards, visit thevillageofPisacand attend the local agricultural open-market where artisans from all over the area congregate to sell their crafts. Includes tourist ticket and entrance fees. Overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection. |
 Ollantaytambo |
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Day 5
Aguas Calientes Aguas Calientes is the colloquial name forMachu Picchupueblo, a town on theUrubambaRiverinPeru. It is best known as the closest town to the tourist attractionMachu Picchu, which is 6 km away, about a 1.5 hour walk. It has many hotels and restaurants for tourists, as well as natural hot baths, which give the town its name ("hot waters" in Spanish). The hydro electric plant about 8 km past Aguas Calientes is the end of the train line fromCusco. A few trains leave Cusco each morning to transport tourists from Cusco to Aguas Calientes to visitMachu Picchu; they are also used by local residents. Includes transfer to/from the train station with private vehicle, professional driver and local representative. Once you get to the train station together with your guide, you will board the Vistadome train for a 6:05am* departure to the ancient ruins at Machu Picchu (train ride is 4 hrs). The journey begins with a series of switchbacks, known appropriately as the 'zigzag', up the hill out of Cusco, before a brief stop at the village of Poroy. The train then descends from the highest point of the journey into the Sacred Valley and the foothills of the Andes. Before reaching Machu Picchu, the train travels along the Urubamba River, with awe-inspiring views of the dramatic canyon.
*Note: train times and schedules may vary based on availability. When you board the train to visit Machu Picchu with overnight, bring only a small bag with you. Due to limited storage space on the train, passengers are asked to bring only one small piece of luggage. The rest of your luggage will be stored safely at your hotel and returned to you either in Cuzco or Sacred Valley. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will board the bus (shared service) up to Machu Picchu. The bus ride takes 30 minutes and once you get there you will enjoy a private guided tour of Machu Picchu. The Inca Citadel lies between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu (“Young Peak” and “Old Peak”). The Inca Pachacutec built the Citadel using sharp stone blocks, fitted together perfectly. Houses, temples, a public square are all connected by narrow roads and steps cut into the mountainside. There are many theories as to the purpose of Machu Picchu; a temple to the sun? A fortress against jungle inhabitants? A sanctuary for the Incas? The mysterious lost city awaits you!
After the tour, enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge. Afterwards, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. The new luxury accommodations at Sumaq Hotel inMachu Picchuare remarkable, with unparalleled natural surroundings and solitude. The 60 rooms offer stunning views of the river flowing below, as well as private balconies. Enjoy high-quality toiletries and bath products. The hotel's considerate staffs are willing to go to all lengths to ensure guests are pleased with their stay. Chefs whip up mouth-watering cuisine, with ingredients and methods taken from across the world. Local specialties are also available. Test out the hotel spa, or take a short walk to the train station, where more restaurants and markets are available. Overnight at Sumaq Hotel. |
 Aguas Calientes |
 Machu Picchu |
 Sumaq Hotel, Machu Picchu |
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Day 6
Cusco For your convenience the bus ticket between Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is provided. Buses depart about every 30 minutes, once the bus is full. The entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is provided for your convenience. For your convenience, the entrance fee for the hike to Wayna Picchu is included. There are two start times to do this: 7am and 10am. When booking your trip please specify which time you prefer.
The eternal guardian of the Sanctuary, Wayna Picchu (meaning “YoungMountain’ in Quechua) towers over the Incan city, and an amazing view can be appreciated from the top. The route to the top of the mountain is treacherous, with very narrow pathways, and to conquer the summit is truly a rewarding experience! Along the route and at the top of the mountain are sacred structures and eye-catching terraces, built right against the slope’s edge. Depending on each person's hiking pace, this activity may take up to 3 hours. This activity is on your own; please speak to your sales agent about organizing a guide to accompany you. For your convenience the bus ticket between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes is provided. Buses depart about every 30 minutes, once the bus is full. Return toCuscoon the Vistadome train. Departs from Aguas Calientes at 3:25pm* and takes 4 hours to return toCusco. Snacks are served on board.*Note train times and schedules may vary based on availability. Includes transfer to/from the train station with private vehicle, professional driver and local representative. The Casa Andina Private Collection in Cusco is a beautifully renovated 18th-century manor house, just 3 blocks from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, replete with authentic colonial character. It offers the intimacy of a boutique hotel but the comforts and services of a much larger property. Overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection. |
 Bird's Eye-View of Aguas Calientes |
 Huayna Pucchu |
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Day 7
Puno Puno is the center of Peruvian folklore and hosts some of the best festivals. Spaniards were lured to the region by the vast mineral wealth and the area is dotted with both colonial churches and pre-Columbian ruins. Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, is the home of the Uros people who have for centuries built their homes and boats out on the lake using Totora reeds. Around the lake can be found pre-AD 1000 remains from the Pucara and Tiahuanaco cultures. Includes transfer to/from the train station with private vehicle, professional driver and local representative. Board the Andean Explorer for a spectacular rail journey between Cuzco and Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The train makes a gentle climb to cooler altitudes on the first half of the journey, where the magnificent Andean mountains tower over the deep valleys of Huatanay River. It then reaches the gentler, rolling Andean Plains, where vicuña and alpaca can be seen. Includes lunch and afternoon tea service. Departs 8 am and arrives in Puno at 6 pm. Train station transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Enjoy dinner at your hotel (included in the tour price). Peering onto the banks of Lake Titicaca in Puno, the largest lake in South America, the Libertador welcomes guests to discover this region. Its 123 rooms provide delicious panoramic views of the lake and all its activity. Rooms are equipped with all the amenities of home plus all sorts of toiletries for convenience. Dine at Los Uros Restaurant, where one may sample Andean cuisine at its best. Take advantage of this opportunity to truly savor the talents of chefs using traditional ingredients and techniques. Make sure to learn about the unique Uros people that inhabit the manmade islands on these waters. Also take some time to loosen up in the Jacuzzi and sauna. Overnight at Libertador Lago Titicaca. |
 Puno |
 View from Train |
 Libertador Lake Titicaca Puno |
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Day 8
Puno Enjoy a Full day shared tour to visit Uros and Taquile Island on a shared boat with a private English speaking guide. A Quechua speaking population developed an efficient and unique social system that continues to be passed from generation to generation in these parts. The islands are also famous for one of the world’s finest hand weaving techniques. Board a small boat and venture out onto the waters of Lake Titicaca. Visit one of the native Uros communities located on a man-made floating island in the lake. The Uros people live totally interwoven with the "Totora" reed which grows abundantly in the shallows of the lake. This way of life began over 500 years ago when the Uros built the islands in an effort to isolate themselves from the Coyas and the Incas. From here, continue onwards to visit Taquile. The community here lives in perfect harmony with the environment. The locals wear colorful traditional clothes which they make themselves and maintain a strong air of group individuality. Men always seem to be walking around the island knitting the woollen caps they wear. Women weave traditional clothes, which are among Peru's most beautiful. Enjoy a great lunch on Taquile and then return to Puno in the afternoon. Enjoy dinner at your hotel (included in the tour price). Overnight at Libertador Lago Titicaca. |
 Lake Titicaca |
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Day 9
Lima Airport transfer with your private guide and vehicle, including a visit en route to the impressive Sillustani tombs. Sillustani sits on a small hilltop overlooking Lake Umayo. There are about 100 burial towers, demonstrating complex engineering challenges, more than other Incas constructions. The more important people were buried in the towers. Visit this unique site en route. Direct flight from Juliaca to Lima. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. Includes assistance at the airport with a local representative in between flight connections or to a hotel located right at the airport. Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities. Conveniently located right beside theJorgeChavezAirportinLima, the Ramada Costa del Sol is a great choice for travelers. The 130 guest rooms include mini bars and climate control, so that one may feel practically at home. Breakfast offers a lovely range of options, with all the necessities required to start the day off. Also try the hotel restaurants, which feature items from across the world. For those who want to do some sightseeing, the Limas Cathedral and Larcomar shopping center and entertainment complex are not far from the hotel. Otherwise, spend some time using the sauna and massage services, which will guarantee a relaxing trip. Overnight at Ramada Costa Del Sol. |
 Sillustani tombs |
 Kensington Cares |
 Ramada Costa Del Sol |
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Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure – Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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