Arrival to Lima, reception at the airport and transfer to your hotel.

After breakfast, we shall visit a market to see the huge variety of fish, shellfish and other coastal produce which has lent Lima the name of gastronomic capital of South America. We shall also have an opportunity of seeing the vast range of vegetables, fruits, cereals and other food products from all the regions of Peru. We shall then visit the kitchens of one of the best local seafood restaurants in Lima to witness firsthand the preparation of the famous national dish of Peru, Ceviche. This raw fish dish is marinated in the ubiquitous Peruvian lime and is served with sliced chill peppers. You will also learn how to make the signature drink of Peru, the Pisco Sour. After this mouthwatering presentation, we shall enjoy a delicious lunch. After lunch a guided visit of colonial and modern Lima, including the cathedral, dating from 1654, the main square, which still houses the original bronze fountain built in 1650, and the San Francisco Convent and its catacombs. Known as the city of the kings, Lima was founded in 1535 by Pizarro and rebuilt in 1991, the same year that UNESCO declared it a world heritage site. One of the very few South American cities that preserve the colonial past, Lima was home to the Spanish viceroy during the time of the Spanish colonialists. Return to your hotel before dinner at a recommended restaurant.

Meals: B, L & D

After breakfast, private transfer to Paracas, some 3 hours south from Lima driving through the coastal desert strip. Arrival and transfer to your hotel. You shall visit a local vineyard to experience firsthand the production of Pisco, Peru's signature drink (a type of grape brandy). You shall also discover the wines of Peru before returning to your hotel.

Meals: B

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight over the Nazca Lines; gigantic drawings and geometrical figures, representing animals, such as a spider, a monkey and several birds which are engraved in the desert sands of Nazca. Visible only from the air, these huge markings were once believed to be an enormous astronomical calendar. After the tour, a visit to the museum of Ica and the natural desert oasis at Huacachina. Return to your hotel.

Meals: B

After breakfast, transfer to the port for a short boat tour of the Ballestas islands. Commonly referred to as the "little Galapagos", here you will find an amazing concentration of sea birds and sea lions. Return to the mainland before your return journey to Lima.

Meals: B

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cuzco, the ancient Inca capital of the Incas. After the one hour flight, reception and transfer to your hotel. Today, a guided tour of Cuzco including the Cathedral, Qoricancha temple, the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman overlooking Cuzco, Qenko and Puka Pukara. Cuzco's history extends back to before 1000 BC when the Marcavalle Culture was the dominant power; indeed organized life in the City began practically with them. In the second phase of its history, around 800BC, Cuzco was home to the Chanapata culture and later developed several regional states. What is traditionally known as the Inka civilisation began around 1200 AD in its initial phase, with the first Inka, Manko Capaq and Mama Ocllo. It is also suggested that Pachakuteq, the ninth king, elaborated another foundation in 1438 which is also known as the expansive phase. Inca builders hereafter laid out the city in the form of a puma, with the fortress of Sacsayhuaman as the head. After the arrival of the Spanish to the city on November 15th 1533, Francisco Pizarro re-founded it for the Spanish King on March 23rd 1534. In 1536 Manko Inka began a long and bloody war against the Spanish invaders with a siege lasting over 8 months over the city. Finally in 1572, after a war that lasted 36 years, Tupaq Amaru I, the last emperor of the Inka dynasty was defeated, captured and executed in the city's main square. The Spanish subsequently destroyed many of the structures in the city or used them as foundations for many of their own churches and buildings.

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  Sacsayhuaman - Inca Fortress
• 
  Cuzco Street

Meals: B

Full-day excursion to the beautiful Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, situated between Pisac and Ollantaytambo. It is an exceptionally fertile valley that was and remains the larder of Cuzco. Visit the village of Pisac, founded during colonial times, and set at the foot of a hill crowned by the remains of an ancient Inca city. On Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, Indians barter their products in the main square and artisans from around the area sell their woven alpaca wool blankets and ponchos, engraved gourds, antique reproductions, jewellery, etc. On Sundays, it is also the meeting place for Mayors from all the villages in the region, dressed in their traditional costumes to attend morning mass. After lunch, a visit to Ollantaytambo, the only Inca town that was not defeated by the Spanish with an opportunity to explore the ruins which tower above. Late afternoon return to Cuzco whilst visiting en-route the traditional market of Chinchero.

Meals: B & L

Enjoy a good night's sleep before boarding the train to Aguas Calientes. Arrival to Aguas Calientes, assistance with your luggage and check-in to your hotel.

Boarding of the bus for the short ride up to Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca citadel. Shortly after, a guided tour of Machu Picchu, the most spectacular ancient city in the world. Built by the Inca Pachacutec, and comprising stone blocks fitted with masterful precision, Machu Picchu harmoniously blends into the mountain landscape. There are many theories as to the origins behind Machu Picchu but three of the most popular ideas include a temple to the sun, a fortress against the jungle inhabitants or a sanctuary for the Incas. This fabulous city has houses, temples, warehouses, a large central square, all connected by narrow roads and steps, and is surrounded by terraces cut into the mountain side which were used for agriculture.

Meals: B

Free day in Machu Picchu. Time for some private reflection. Today no guide is provided as we feel that Machu Picchu requires a certain amount of self discovery to be fully understood. Take any of the several paths around various parts of the site (we will provide a map to help you), trek up to Wayna Picchu or walk down to the Inca's bridge. Let Machu Picchu unfold all its mysteries for you, take in the breathtaking cloud forests and jagged mountains, or marvel at the extraordinary Masonic precision of the ancient Incas. Either way, your day of self discovery will be a day never to be forgotten. Return to Cuzco and to your hotel.

Meals: B

After breakfast, free morning at leisure to visit the local shops and art galleries. In the afternoon, you will head over to the Yanapay Restaurant for your cooking class. Each item on the menu is extremely authentic.

You will learn various cooking styles and traditional foods with a cooking professor. The professor will also help you translate the recipes home to remake these items whenever you want to remember Peru! The Menu you will make will be as follows:

2 Appetizers:

• Papa a la Huancaina (Peruvian potatoes with a cheesy sauce)
• Causa Limeña (Mashed Peruvian yellow potatoes with veggie/chicken fillings)

4 Entrees:

• Ceviche (Famous Peruvian raw fish dish!)
• Aji de Gallina (Chicken in a yellow hot pepper sauce)
• Lomo Saltado (Beef, tomatoes, and onions in a stir-fry sauce with Peruvian hot peppers)
• Rocoto Relleno (Stuffed Peruvian Red Peppers from Arequipa)

2 Desserts:

• Arroz con Leche (Rice in sweet cream)
• Picarones (Fried Donuts with Honey).
• Dinner in the evening on your own (not included).

Meals: B

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Lima and your connecting flight home.

Meals: B