DESCRIPTION:

The fabled cities of the Inka have long captured our imaginations with their towering stone walls. But the Inka were only the last in a long line of fascinating cultures – the Moche, the Wari, and the Chimor – once found in and around the Andes and coastal areas of South America and modern-day Peru. 

 

Travel to sites from northern to southern Peru. Follow along the “Moche Route” in the north. In Chiclayo, visit the most famous Sipan tomb, deemed one of the most important archaeological discoveries in the last 30 years and trace the steps of the ancient Peruvians at the pyramids of Tucume. In Trujillo, visit the beautiful Sun and Moon temples built by Moches, the colonial city and Chan Chan citadel, the capital of the Chimu empire. Heading south to Lima then Cusco, into the one-time center of the Inka empire. Visit local colonial towns, a local Sunday market, and an old ranch. See salt mines from the Inca period, visit local museums, and tour surrounding less-visited Inka sites. Visit the Inka fortress and town of Ollantaytambo before taking a train through the Urumba Valley up to Machu Picchu.  Spend a full day (or more) exploring the breathtaking Inka city of Machu Picchu, wandering through temples, observatories, water systems, dwellings, watchtowers and gardens..

 

No trip to Peru would be complete without spending time meandering through the beautiful cobbled streets of Cusco, and exploring the splendid Sacred Valley, the heartland of the ancient Inca Empire. Enjoy an in-depth pilgrimage to the breathtaking and magical Inca sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

 

CONSIDER:

This is a moderately active program.

 

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS & ADD-ONS:

Optional extensions to Lake Titicaca or the Amazon allow for more in-depth discovery of the rich cultural heritage and natural wonders of Peru.