Mysteries of Peru and Machu PicchuItinerary

Day 1: En Route from U.S. | Arrive in Lima, Peru
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Upon arrival to Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport an Orbridge representative will be waiting to assist with your transfer to the hotel.

After checking in, rejoin the group to witness the enchanting Magic Water Circuit at Parque de la Reserva an expansive park within the city. This collection of 13 ornamental fountains features multicolored lights synchronized with music, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle. Awarded the Guinness record for being the world's tallest fountain complex located in a public park, it's a delightful blend of art, technology and nature.

This evening gather with fellow travel companions at an iconic restaurant within a 300-year-old colonial mansion for a special welcome dinner.
Overnight: Hotel Estelar Miraflores (D)

Day 2: Lima
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Today revel in the myriad of flavors that define delicious Peruvian cuisine.

Begin in the bohemian district of Barranco to sample organic Peruvian coffee. Explore the colorful streets and sights, including the Bridge of Sighs. Continue to a traditional market to taste local fruits and gain insight into local ingredients and their influence on the evolution of world cuisine. Next sip on a Pisco Sour and enjoy a tasting of Peruvian dishes at a popular restaurant in the San Isidro district. Conclude the tasting tour at a pre-Inca archaeological complex, where you'll delight in an ancient dessert with a modern touch.

Later explore the extensive collection of ceramics, fabrics and precious metals at the Larco Museum situated within an 18th-century viceroyalty mansion. The exhibits display some 30,000 ancient artifacts spanning 5,000 years of Peruvian history.
Overnight: Hotel Estelar Miraflores (B,L)

Day 3: Lima | Flight to Cusco | Sacred Valley
Friday, May 9, 2025
After breakfast return to the airport for the brief flight to Cusco. Arriving at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, board the group transfer to your hotel stopping for lunch en route with fantastic photography opportunities of panoramic views over the Sacred Valley. This 70-mile narrow strip of land in the Peruvian Andes runs roughly from the old imperial capital of Cusco to the enigmatic citadel of Machu Picchu.

Later today visit the Yucay Museum of Living Culture for a guided visit.

The evening is at leisure to refresh before tomorrow's expedition to the heights of Peru.
Overnight: Sonesta Posada Yucay (B,L)

Day 4: Sacred Valley | Machu Picchu | Sacred Valley | Cusco
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Early this morning depart for the Ollantaytambo train station to board the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes, a town along the Urubamba River Valley that is a gateway to the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. The journey through breathtaking landscapes is a treat in itself, with panoramic windows framing nature's majesty. As the mist parts, Machu Picchu's stone citadel emerges, a testament to human ingenuity.

Disembark the train for a bus ride up the mountain. Lunch will be at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge followed by guided exploration of the ruins. Learn about the archaeology and history of Intihuatana (the Sun Dial), the Sacred Plaza and the Temple of the Sun with time to wander, hike and take pictures of the photogenic site.

In the afternoon return to the Vistadome train for the return to Cusco.
Overnight: Aranwa Cusco (B,L)

Day 5: Cusco
Sunday, May 11, 2025
After breakfast set out on a city tour to discover the archaeological sites of Sacsayhuaman, and Inca megalithic complex, and Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), followed by a visit to colorful San Pedro market.

Lunch is at Villa Tipon featuring a traditional Pachamama ceremony (offering to the Earth) and live music performance.

Afterward visit a local artisan chocolate shop for an engaging tour and tasting. Delve into the realm of Peruvian cocoa, discovering the secrets behind the cacao bean as you learn from local experts gaining insight into the art of chocolate-making. Immerse yourself in the process from bean to bar, and appreciate the cultural significance of cocoa in Peru's history.
Overnight: Aranwa Cusco (B,L)

Day 6: Cusco | Flight to Lima | Paracas
Monday, May 12, 2025
Following breakfast and the return flight to Lima, take the approximate 3.5-hour drive to the coastal town of Paracas. Check into your hotel and unwind before rejoining the group for a presentation on the Nazca Lines and pre-Incan history and cultures. 

The remainder of the day and evening are at leisure to enjoy the luxurious hotel amenities.
Overnight: La Hacienda Bahía Paracas (B,L)

Day 7: Paracas | Ica | Paracas
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
This morning includes an optional excursion—a unique opportunity to get a birds-eye view over the Nazca Lines during a 90-minute aerial tour.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the world's most intriguing archaeological mysteries, the intricate designs are etched into the arid plains of the Nazca Desert. Dating back to the Nazca culture which flourished between 200 BCE and 600 CE, these enormous geoglyphs can only be fully appreciated from above, and they continue to captivate researchers, archaeologists and visitors alike. Despite their creation more than 2,000 years ago, the Nazca Lines have been remarkably well-preserved. The stability of the climate in the Nazca Desert, with almost no rainfall, has played a crucial role in protecting these ancient marvels. (This excursion must be purchased from Orbridge Guest Services in advance to guarantee availability. Purchase is non-refundable inside 90 days from departure.)

Later, set off towards Ica for an exciting open-air dune buggy adventure through the sand dunes, including a visit to a winery followed by a beautiful sunset picnic dinner.
Overnight: La Hacienda Bahía Paracas (B,D)

Day 8: Paracas | Ballestas Islands
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
After breakfast depart for a morning of discovery during a relaxing boat ride around the Ballestas Islands—a small archipelago located off the coast of Paracas. These islands are a haven for avian life including penguins, petrels, boobies, cormorants and American oystercatchers. The Ballestas Islands are a protected reserve, emphasizing the importance of preserving the diverse ecosystems and wildlife.

See the Paracas Candleabra, a massive geoglyph etched into the northern face of the Paracas Peninsula. This enigmatic figure resembles a three-branched candlestick and is best viewed from the water. While the purpose and origin of the candelabra remain uncertain, some theories suggest it may have served as a navigational aid for sailors.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening are at leisure at the property. Perhaps visit the Bahía Paracas Hacienda Museum, play a round of tennis, or paddleboard or kayak off the beach.
Overnight: La Hacienda Bahía Paracas (B)

Day 9: Paracas | Lima | Depart for U.S.
Thursday, May 15, 2025
After breakfast, depart for Lima where a group hospitality room will be provided at the hotel before transferring to the airport for departing flights home this evening.

Guests continuing on the post-tour will fly from Lima to Iquitos. 
Hospitality Room: Wyndham Costa del Sol

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Activities are generally not very strenuous, however, we expect that guests can enjoy two hours or more of walking each day, are sure-footed on cobbled and unpaved surfaces, and can walk up and down stairs without assistance. Historic city centers are usually more accessible by foot than by vehicle, and sometimes it is not possible for your motor coach to drop you off at site entrances. Due to the structure of some buildings, facilities for the disabled may be limited. Dexterity to use kitchen tools and participate in lessons is not necessary, but adds to the enjoyment of this program.