Tour Dates: July 8 - 19, 2011

Day 1 – Flight to Lima (Fri., July 8, 2011)

Check-in to hotel and welcome by Rosalyn.

Day 2 - Lima City Tour (Sat., July 9, 2011)

After a morning orientation, we will begin a tour of Lima's historic and cultural sites. Some of the remarkable sites we will visit include the Park of Fountains, The Eye That Cries monument, Plaza Mayor and San Francisco church. We will meet with a human rights leader and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Day 3 - Natural & Cultural Heritage, Pachacamac (Sun., July 10, 2011)

After breakfast, we will visit Pachacamac, an important Inca religious center and archaeological region. We will have guided tours of the spectacular pyramid temples and surrounding organic farms. Discussions with local environmentalists will give us a better understanding of conservation of the natural and cultural heritage. In the evening, enjoy from the many cultural activities.

Day 4 - Arts Exploration, Lima (Mon., July 11, 2011)

A day of the arts in Lima. Today, we will visit the Larco Museum, an artist's studio, and learn about traditional music and dances at a local dance institute. The evening will conclude with a fun culinary lesson in Peruvian cuisine and scrumptious dinner.

Day 5 - Social Realities, San Bartolo (Tues., July 12, 2011)

This morning we will visit the beautiful coastal town of San Bartolo. We will meet with an organization, Generacion House, working to help street children. After a fun exchange with the children, free time in the Miraflores district will provide a chance for shopping, paragliding and other activities. Dinner and cultural activity in the evening.

Day 6 - "The Imperial City", Cuzco (Wed., July 13, 2011)

We will take an early morning departure for the "Imperial City" of Cuzco which is the historic capital of the Inca Empire. We will spend the entire day exploring the incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites and ruins of Cuzco and Sacsahuaman.

Day 7 - Temple of the Sun, Cuzco (Thurs., July 14, 2011)

Today, we will continue exploring Cuzco, hike to the Temple of the Sun, visit a local cultural organization, and meet with a shaman to learn about Incan cosmology, religion and traditional healing. The magical day will conclude with dinner and traditional folkloric show at La Retama Restaurant.

Day 8 - Virgin de la Carmen Festival, Paucartambo (Fri., July 15, 2011)

Leave for Paucartambo, a remote colonial village that is one of the popular regions that celebrates the national festival of Virgin de la Carmen. Enjoy the merriment, amazing masks and costumes, music and dancing, and religious fervor.

Day 9 - Virgin de la Carmen Festival, continued (Sat., July 16, 2011)

The morning will be spent enjoying more of the vibrant festival. Upon returning to Cuzco, we will have dinner and a discussion with a guest speaker from Wayki Tours. The engaging conversation will cover topics such as socially responsible travel, human rights and social realities of porters on the Inca Trail. Late evening is free for a visit to a local observatory for star gazing.

Day 10 - The Magic of Machu Picchu (Sun., July 17, 2011)

After an early morning train ride, we will arrive in the mystic region of Machu Picchu. We will spend an amazing day hiking and meandering through the breathtaking mountains and ruins.

Day 11 - Relax and Renew, Aguas Calientes (Mon., July 18, 2011)

We will have a relaxing day enjoying the mineral hot springs of Baños del Inca, shopping, visiting art studios. After returning to Cuzco for our final night, we will have a farewell dinner and closing conversations.

Day 12 - Return home from Cuzco (Tues., July 19, 2011)

In the morning, tour participants will fly home from Cuzco or continue on with the first day of the Amazon Adventure Extension.

* Transportation & Accomodations:

All in-country transportation is included in the price of the tour (air, train, and motorcoach).
Accommodations: Includes 3-star hotels. Information coming soon.

Peru EcoArts Tour Application