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 The Inca whisper in the wind. We hear their echoes in meticulously carved stonework, amid soaring Andean peaks ... from the heights of Machu Picchu to the splendor of Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Our small group uncovers the ancient and colonial mysteries of this wondrous land, even staying overnight near the base of the Lost City. Join Hermes Tours and witness natural beauty and inspiring architecture that's unrivalled, and glimpse the heart and soul of a welcoming people.
 • Lima, including Plaza Mayor, Casa Aliaga & Miraflores
• Sacred Valley of the Incas, including Ollantaytambo and Pisac
• Machu Picchu, including a morning tour before daytrippers arrive
• Cusco, including Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay, and Puca Pucara
• Scenic train travel between Cusco and Machu Picchu
• Accommodations for 7 nights in 4- and 5-star, centrally located hotels
• Daily breakfast, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners
• Services of a Hermes Tours escort
• Services of an expert, local guide in all cities
• $100 per person savings if you reserve 5 months before departure!
Day 1 - August 11, 2012, Saturday
Fly to Lima, Peru today. Arrive anytime and meet your fellow travelers at the hotel.
Overnight:  Double Tree Pardo Hotel, Lima, 4*.
Meal: N/A
 Day 2 - August 12, 2012, Sunday
We get to know La Ciudad de los Reyes, or the City of Kings, on today's tour. We'll explore the historic district, noted for its 1,600 distinctive, colonial-era balconies. Our tour stops at Plaza Mayor, center of commerce and government, and Casa Aliaga, constructed in the year of Lima's founding, 1535. We'll also stroll the upscale Miraflores district.
Get to know fellow travelers at tonight's Hermes welcome dinner.
Overnight: Double Tree Pardo Hotel, Lima, 4*
Meal: B, D
 Day 3 - August 13, 2012, Monday
We rise early and fly to Cusco then drive to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
We visit Ollantaytambo, once a royal estate of an Incan emperor. After lunch, we stop at a local market in Pisac and try our hand at bargaining.
Overnight: Sonesta Posada del Inca Yucay Hotel, Sacred Valley, 4*.
Meal: B, L, D
 Day 4 - August 14, 2012, Tuesday
Journey by train to Machu Picchu and enjoy a guided tour of the Lost City. Because we're staying overnight near the base of the ruins, we can return in the morning before day-trippers arrive.
Overnight: Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel Inkaterra
Meal: B, L, D
 Day 5 - August 15, 2012, Wednesday
Rise early to admire the morning sun as it bathes the extraordinary ruins. Your guide will point out some hiking trails for you to explore.
This afternoon we return to Cusco by train.
Overnight: Sonesta Hotel Cusco, Cusco, 4*
Meal: B
 Day 6 - August 16, 2012, Thursday
You may feel right at home in Cusco, since its official flag displays a rainbow. If you look closely you'll see that some of its colonial buildings still have their original Inca foundations. We'll venture outside the city to the ancient sites of Sacsayhuaman, said to resemble a Puma head; Tambomachay, a system of aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls; and Puca Pucara, with impressive views of the valley.
Overnight: Sonesta Hotel Cusco, Cusco, 4*
Meal: B
 Day 7 - August 17, 2012, Friday
Join our optional visit to the Salt Mines, or explore on your own. Your tour escort with have a number of suggested options for you including visting a local farm.
Overnight: Sonesta Hotel Cusco, Cusco, 4*
Meal: B
Day 8 - August 18, 2012, Saturday
The morning is free in Cusco. This afternoon we fly to Lima where you can connect with your evening return flight home.
A note about your return flight: Flights depart for the U.S. either very late this evening or very early tomorrow morning. For those with a morning departure, we can arrange an extra night at an airport hotel.
Meal: B
There are no extensions planned for this tour. If you would like to extend your vacation please contact us for help planning.
Lima:
Double Tree Pardo by Hilton Lima hotel, a full service hotel in the heart of Miraflores, the most cosmopolitan district of Lima, Peru, where we will welcome you with our emblematic and traditional Peruvian cocktail "Pisco Sour."
The Doubletree El Pardo by Hilton Lima hotel is located close to the city's financial and commercial centers, 30 minutes from Lima International Airport and 10 minutes from Lima's historical and colonial downtown area. The Doubletree hotel is also only three blocks from Miraflores' Central Square with the best department stores, the open-air "Indio" and popular crafts market, and Kennedy Park with its outdoor activities. It is also only eight blocks from the dramatic Pacific Ocean coast and Larcomar Entertainment Center with chic boutiques and exciting restaurants and bars.
New, recently renovated and redecorated rooms and suites include all the comforts of home for business and leisure travelers alike.
The Doubletree El Pardo by Hilton Lima hotel's sparkling indoor pool on the 11th floor features a sundeck with excellent city views. Two-level fitness center, the Milenium Sports Club, is one of the finest gyms in Lima and is available and complimentary to all guests.
International specialties, light meals, and snacks are served in a traditional decor at Zuma Restaurant.
You can explore the best Peruvian cuisine and a complete folklore life show at Junius Restaurant.
Rooms thoughtfully appointed with the Sweet Dreams by Doubletree Sleep Experience which includes a plentiful amount of hypo-allergenic jumbo pillows, a luxurious linen package of a down-filled duvet wrapped in triple sheeting and a specially designed plush-top mattress and box spring system that gives "at home" comfort and ensures a great night's sleep. The rooms is also equipped with complimentary high-speed wireless Internet, workstation with ergonomic chair, 29 inch screen TV with 80 channels, including Premium channels as HBO, ESPN, CNN, TNT, in room climate control, iron with ironing board, coffee maker, minibar, personal safe. Also features two speakerphones with voicemail, message waiting and data port, and an additional phone in the bathroom, easy to set Doubletree alarm clock radio with MP3 device. Bathroom features deluxe domestic bath products, curved shower rod, hairdryer and modern fixtures and fittings.
Sacred Valley:
The 87-room Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay is located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a one-hour drive from the ancient Inca capital of Cusco and close to Machu Picchu. The Sonesta Yucay Posada is a former 18th century colonial-style monastery and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Sonesta Posada del Inca Sacred Valley offers a restaurant. A bar/lounge is on site at the hotel where guests can unwind with a drink. Business amenities at this 4-star property consist of a business center, audio-visual equipment, and small meeting rooms.
 High-speed wireless Internet access is complimentary. Event facilities include conference/meeting rooms and banquet facilities. This Urubamba hotel also offers barbecue grills, gift shops/newsstands, and a picnic area.
Guest accommodations at Sonesta Posada del Inca Sacred Valley offer welcome amenities and safes. Accommodations offer separate sitting areas. Cable television is provided. Rooms include complimentary toiletries and windows that open. In-room massages, extra towels/bedding, and wake-up calls can be requested. Housekeeping is provided daily.
Machu Picchu:
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel - a select boutique nature hotel lets you experience life at an exclusive Royal Inca retreat for you stay. You will visit the ancient Machu Picchu Citadel in company of a certified English-speaking guide. You also may enjoy the benefits of a de-stress massage at our mystical UNU Spa- and you will have the opportunity to participate in group eco-activities- such as bird watching or a guided orchid walk- offered on our 12-acre grounds.
Meals included in your Inkaterra dining package will be served in a glass-walled restaurant- offering stunning views of the rushing Vilcanota River and the green Andes Mountains.
 Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel occupies a private five-hectare 12.3-acre mountainside reserve- located at the foot of Machu Picchu Mountain- near the Aguas Calientes railroad station. The spectacular grounds are laced with paths that wind past waterfalls and gardens; trails wander through wild forest. This is a place to relax- while exploring nature and encountering the wonders of the Inca civilization- feeling an authentic travel in an atmosphere of refinement- caring- and warm hospitality.
 Skilled artisans built the 85-room boutique hotel- using stone- adobe- stucco- and eucalyptus beams to create a lovely Andean village ambience. Andean artifacts and textiles decorate the bar- boutique- and reception building; the main dining room displays scores of pre-Columbian relics. Charming features abound; among them are an inviting reading room- a lounge with crackling fireplaces- and the Andean sauna-an igloo made from indigenous bamboo and fresh eucalyptus leaves.
The hotel grounds include several spots of observation and contemplation- where flora including 372 native orchid species- birds 192 species- and butterflies 111 species- amongst a diversity of natural wonder.
Cusco:
Situated in the heart of Cusco, Sonesta Hotel Cusco is close to Estadio Garcilaso de la Vega, Cusco Cathedral, and Cusco Plaza de Armas. Also nearby are Iglesia San Pedro and Sacsayhuaman.
The 127 guest room hotel features modern amenities and conveniences and offer a view of the city or the mountains. The entire hotel was renovated in anticipation of the January, 2010 grand reopening. The hotel, which was built in 1986 as the Cusco Savoy, now features a modern contemporary décor and a fine dining restaurant serving classic Peruvian cuisine. Explore the local neighborhood including the handcraft market, Plaza de Armas, wonderful local restaurants and artisan shops, and the monuments from the ancient Inca capital of Cusco.
 This Cusco hotel offers a restaurant and a bar/lounge. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas. Business amenities at this 4-star property include a business center and small meeting rooms. Additional amenities include multilingual staff, tour/ticket assistance, and gift shops/newsstands.
The 127 air-conditioned guestrooms at Sonesta Hotel Cusco include safes and clock radios. Televisions are equipped with cable channels. Complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access is provided. In addition, housekeeping is offered daily and amenities available on request include hair dryers.
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Please note that the cost includes all accommodation in 4 star, gay friendly hotels, with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips and service charges. Tips to local drivers/guides, All activities as outlined in the itinerary; all meals as per itinerary; the services of a Hermes Tours Escort throughout the trip; all ground transportation as per itinerary; Entrance fees to all sites on itinerary. 
International airfare to/from Lima, Peru; airport transfers, domestic air tickets between cities (budget $525), passport & visa fees if applicable; personal travel and cancellation insurance; meals and activities not specifically included in the itinerary; services of a personal nature like alcohol; soft drinks; bottled water; laundry; telephone calls; faxes as well as customary tips to drivers and guides.
