2016 - TM South America

32 Day 14. Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu. Like a Local – today board the Vistadome train and soak up the spectacular Andean landscape through the panoramic windows as you head to Machu Picchu, located some 2,400 metres above sea level. On arrival here, you'll set out on a locally guided tour of the Lost City of the Incas. Built around 1450 at the height of the Inca Empire, the city was abandoned just over 100 years later. This incredible site remained undiscovered until the American historian, Hiram Bingham, brought it to international attention in 1911. Today, it's a World Heritage-listed site, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and the most familiar icon of Inca civilisation. After your time here, return to town and check in to your hotel. Stay: Aguas Calientes, El MaPi Hotel. BD HIKE THE FAMOUS INCA TRAIL Feeling adventurous? Why not replace Day 14 touring with a scenic hike to Machu Picchu, before dinner at your hotel. You'll then revisit Machu Picchu the next morning for a tour. See page 67 for details and pricing. Day 15. Machu Picchu, Cusco. After breakfast, the morning is yours to perhaps re-explore Machu Picchu before re-boarding the Vistadome train for your remarkable return journey through a beautiful Peruvian Andes back to Cusco. With this evening yours at leisure, perhaps step out to sample the local Peruvian cuisine at one of Cusco's many local restaurants. Stay (Two Nights): Cusco, Palacio del Inka (a Luxury Collection Hotel). B Day 16. Cusco. A guided walking tour through Cusco this morning will take you to the square in the city's historic heart, the Plaza de Armas. During your tour you'll visit the sacred site of Koricancha, where you can explore the extraordinary Temple of the Sun, and the beautiful Baroque church of Santo Domingo. Following free time to explore, this evening you'll enjoy a delicious Peruvian dinner and a traditional folklore show at the Tunupa Restaurant Bar & Grill, located in the heart of the city. BD Day 17. Cusco, Lake Titicaca. This morning travel to Puno, approximately 3,860 metres above sea level on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Along the way, you'll stop at the small town of Andahuaylillas, known for its Sistine chapel, as well as Raqchi, home to a significant Inca archaeological site. You'll also stop for a hearty buffet lunch. On arrival in Puno, enjoy time at leisure to relax by Lake Titicaca. Stay (Two Nights): Puno, Hotel Jose Antonio. BL Day 18. Lake Titicaca. Set on the border of Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is the highest altitude lake in the world. Like a Local – this morning you'll set out on a cruise over the lake to the extraordinary home of the Uros people – a group of more than 40 man-made islands created from floating reeds. On this remarkable trip, you'll enjoy an insight into the Uros' unique way of life and experience the spectacular scenery that characterises the region. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner back at your hotel. BD Day 19. Lake Titicaca, Lima. After flying from Puno back to Lima, the remainder of the day is yours at leisure to relax or further explore Lima as you choose. A Taste of Lima – this evening, indulge in a special dinner at Restaurant Huaca Pucllana – located within the ruins of an incredible archaeological compound, beside a colourfully illuminated adobe pyramid. Stay: Lima, Casa Andina Select Miraflores. BD Day 20. Lima, Quito (Ecuador). Departing Peru today, fly to Quito, Ecuador's charming and historic capital. On arrival, transfer to your premium hotel. Stay (Two Nights): Dann Carlton Quito. B Day 21. Quito. Today takes you on a guided tour of Quito, including its historic Old Town. Here, marvel at the architecture of the Plaza and Monastery of San Francisco, the Plaza de la Independencia (Plaza Grande), La Compañía de Jesús and the Museo de Arte Colonial. Tonight, enjoy the evening at leisure and perhaps experience the flavours of South America at one of Quito's many superb restaurants. B Day 22. Quito, Galápagos Islands Cruise. Fly to San Cristóbal Island, the easternmost island in the Galápagos archipelago and one of the few islands to have a permanent settlement. On arrival, transfer to your ship and enjoy an introductory talk on the amazing landscapes you are about to discover. After a delicious lunch, set out cruising to Punta Pitt, a point on San Cristóbal Island that's an important nesting area for many bird species and the only location BRAZIL – soak up the sun on the famous Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro – www.travelmarvel.com.au –

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