ITINERARY:

Day 1 Wednesday/10 September (USA/Chile)

Depart USA to Santiago, Chile. Meals on board

Day 2 Thursday/11 September (Santiago, Chile)

Welcome to Santiago, the capital of Chile, set on a plateau 1,706 feet high with the snow-clad Andes as a clearly visible backdrop and the fourth largest city in South America, has the added attraction of spacious streets, lovely gardens and a sunny Mediterranean climate. Meeting, assistance and transfer to our hotel (early check in). A good opportunity to rest after a long flight before having breakfast. Rest of the day at leisure. Thanksgiving prayer before our welcome dinner.
(Welcome Dinner)

Day 3 Friday/12 September (Santiago)

Morning tour of the city. Santiago is the focus of the commercial, industrial and cultural life of Chile and tall modern structures rise alongside more venerable monuments. The hub of the city is the Plaza de Armas, on which stands the Cathedral, which houses a fine painting of the Last Supper and a 17th century silver lamp weighing 50 pounds. Visit the castle and gardens on the picturesque central Santa Lucia Hill, and Cerro San Cristobal. Also, visiting exclusive residential areas, such as Vitacura and Las Condes.
(Buffet Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 4 Saturday/13 September (Vina Del Mar/Valparaiso)

Tour Highlights:

Valparaiso, founded in 1536, in Chile's principal port was declared a Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO. The old town and business section is built on a low terrace on land reclaimed from the sea and the residential part of the city rises in tiers on hills surrounding the crescent-shaped Bay of Valparaiso. Winding roads and cliff railways lead to the upper town. the Cathedral, parks, theaters, and the few remaining colonial building, such as the Church of La Matriz, are in the lower town. Plaza Sotomayor is the shipping front, Calle Esmeralda, the main shopping center and Avenida Pedro Monit with cafes and theaters is the social hub.

Vina del Mar is a fashionable and elegant beach resort - a year round attraction for national and international visitors alike. It is known as the garden city, due to its parks and gardens. We'll ascertain the contrast of both cities located on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. On route we'll visit a winery and enjoy wine tasting.
(Buffet Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 5 Sunday/14 September (Lima, Peru)

Early flight to Lima, capital of Peru known as the "City of Kings" - testament to Lima's glorious past as the wealthiest and most important city during the 17th century.

Special: Welcome toast with Pisco sour, famous typical Peruvian drink. A "quebranta grape" liquor that comes from the city called Pisco, located 250 km south of Lima, now known worldwide just like Tequila of Mexico.

Afternoon visit at Larco Museum and GOLD and Jewelry of Old Peru, housed in a fabolous 18th century mansion surrounded by lush gardens. The museum has a collection of more than 45,000 pieces of classified archaeological objects and offers a fascinating illustration of Peruvian history.
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 6 Monday/15 September (Lima/Cuzco/Sacred Valley)

Morning flight to Cuzco. Reception and transfer to the Sacred Valley. In route we'll visit Awana Cancha farm of Alpacas. A corner nearby the edge of a mountain that was formerly an agricultural field since the Inca's time, has been recovered and restored to become a display on Andean camelids, Llamas, Alpacas, Vicunas and even a Guanaco of different breeds. After a short orientation, they would display their finest garments and give us the opportunity to shop. Then on to the "Pisaq Market", typical artisan market of the village selling Peruvian crafts. Later in the afternoon, we'll visit the store and workshops of Artisan Pablo Seminario - famous for its unique ceramic pieces.
(Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 7 Tuesday/16 September (Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu)

Morning visit to the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, a magical place for the Incas since it keeps figures mimicking in the mountain. This is the only place where there is a pyramid that can not be seen from the ground. We'll also visit the Temple of the Sun. Afternoon train to Machu Picchu town.
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 8 Wednesday/17 September (Machu Picchu/Cuzco)

Our tour begins with one of the world's most scenic rail journeys: the comfortable Vistadome Train through the Urubamba River Valley to Aguas Calientes, at the base of Machu Picchu. Explore this legendary 'Lost City of the Incas', gaining insight from our expert guide into the culture and extraordinary engineering skill behind one of the world's greatest archaeological sites. In time, we'll go down to Machu Picchu town and return to Cuzco by train.
(Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 9 Thursday/!8 September (Cuzco)

We'll ascend to the Archaological Park of Sacsayhuaman (the place where the puma rest in Quechua). It is a monumental complex, which, together with Cuzco, is considered to be one of the "seven wonders of the world". Q'enqo (labyrinth or zigzag in Quechua), a ceremonial center and worshipping place to the Mother Earth (Pachamama). PukaPukara (red tower in Quechua) because of its strategic location, it was a military and administrative center from where the Inca Trail was controlled. Tambomachay - known as Inca Bath. Afternoon visit to the Imperial City.

Our visit will include the Cathedral with its beautiful woodwork and colonial paintings containing extensive Inca iconography; Korikancha, the Temple of the Sun where the Convent of Santo Domingo was built (legend says this temple was completely laminated in gold that impressed the conquerors at their arrival; Artisan's Quarter of San Blas and some shopping at the famous artisans' market.
(Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 10 Friday/ 19 September (Cuzco/Puno)

We'll drive and will make a stop in the Chapel of Andahualillas - known as the Peruvian Sistine Chapel; the ruins of Inca Temple to the god Viracocha in town of Racchi; the archaeological Museum of Pucara Culture, one of the ancient civilizations of Peru highland, and cradle of the Incas.
(Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 11 Saturday/20 September (Puno)

Excursion to the Sacred Lake of Incas

Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, constitute the mythical cradle of the Empire of the Tahantinsuyo. According to the legend of the origin of this culture, the first Inca, Manco Capac and his wife Mama Ocllo emerged from the waters of Lake Titicaca.

Visit the Floating Island of the Uros Community, an old pre-Inca community that took refuge on the waters of this lake, running away from Colonist Empire.
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 12 Sunday/21 September (Lima)

Early flight to Lima. Fascinating city tour of the historical center of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage site, including the beautiful Plaza Mayor, government center, and an abundance of elegant colonial architecture. The fashionable suburbs and traditional residential areas in the capital; the Olive Grove of San Isidro, Miraflores and Larco Mar will give you an inside look at the daily life of the Limenos (people of Lima).

Thanksgiving prayer before our special Peruvian Farewell Dinner.
(Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 13 Monday/22 September (Lima/USA)

Yes, every place on the planet has something of interest, but Peru and Chile is undoubtedly a privileged country for its great natural, cutural and human legacy. Transfer to the airport for our flight back.
(Breakfast)

"Home Sweet Home"