Machu Picchu November 9-18, 2024

From the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu to the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, the magical wonders of Peru are waiting behind every corner on this tour. Take in Lima and see the historical side of the “City of Kings.”  Explore Andrean art forms and the local way of life during our stay in the Sacred Valley.  And something special…a home-hosted farm-to-table lunch at a local Quechua community.

Explore Cuzco, a city that blends Inca and Spanish colonial influences. Finally, immersion into the culture as you taste the country’s renowned cuisine. It will surprise you.   (Did you know that the potato did not originate in Ireland.  It was discovered and cultivated in Peru.)

We will be high in the Andean mountains for our visit to Machu Pichu and our visit to the valley before our train ride up the mountain, we will visit many of the colonial towns, each with a representation of the region’s unique culture. The handicrafts available in the markets are unique and spectacular.

We will spend the night near the majestic ruins and there will be an opportunity to rise early and meet the sun rising just at dawn with the ruins right in front of your seating. What a photo opportunity that will be.

In Cusco we will visit the main square and tour the Cuzco Cathedral church and the local markets nearby. While you shop, our tour leaders will be available to translate should you wish to haggle a bit on price.  We can tell you from our experiences that the Poncho’s made from Lama hair are the best gift to bring back.  You will have a conversation starter everywhere you wear it.

Steeped in legend and a very long history, our visit to Lake Titicaca is quite unique. We will meet the locals and take a ride on the lake to visit the small community living on the floating islands. We will experience a home-hosted meal then travel to the mystical Chullpas de Sillustani –an archaeological area still being studied by the University of Peru.

Before leaving the lake area we will have a demonstration of how those woven boats are built and perhaps even a ride in one.

Like many tours we take the opportunity to experience conversations with the locals will include just how the community at the lake works. Seems like living on a floating island would have some challenges not everyone in the world has ever experienced.

Like this young native with the alpaca, the many products made from the alpaca are present everywhere.  This stop will be our last before starting for home.