Peru Mystic Luxury - April 18-25, 2009 - 8 days from only $4699*.
Read about our pre-trip to Arequipa & Lake Titicaca!

Named by Out Traveler magazine as one of the Top 10 Trips to Change Your Life!
Orient Express through the Andes!

For thousands of years, Peru's extraordinary beauty has been both the backdrop of incredible cultural and spiritual expression, and a pallet for architectural artists. Your journey will take you through the cultural heart of Lima, charming Cusco, and the Valley of the Incas (all world heritage sights). But perhaps what will impress and inspire you most is your visit to one of the world's most important archeological sights: the ancient mystical city of Machu Picchu.

Many visitors to Machu Picchu report a strange energy they felt, walking among the ruins. Perhaps it's simply the beauty of the Inca's mass stone structures set atop high mountains over the winding Urubamba River below. Or, perhaps it is the leftover blessings of an ancient Inca Priest. Whatever it may be, nothing can truly prepare oneself for the "magic" of Machu Picchu.

Package Highlights

• Services of a Zoom Concierge throughout your trip.

• Tour of the city of Lima.

• Thanksgiving dinner at the most historic, grand, private manor in Cusco a Zoom Vacations Signature Event™.

• Lunch and Tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, including several Inca sites.

• ALL meals while in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a la carte!

• ALL meals at Machu Picchu, a la carte!

• Unforgettable gourmet lunch at a private Hacienda, featuring breathtaking views of the valley. This magical estate is not open to the public.

•Orient Express transport to Machu Picchu

• All entrance fees for two full days in Machu Picchu.

• High Tea at the Orient Express Sanctuary Lodge

• Orient Express train journey to Cusco, complete with cocktails and a gourmet dinner. It doesn't get any better than this!

• Tours of the magical city of Cusco, including visits to ancient Inca temples.

• A Visit to the best silver shop in South America.

• Optional dinner and visit to a 4th century archeological site in Lima.

• Optional rare orchid tour on the private grounds of the Machu Picchu Pueblo hotel.

• Optional excursions such as horseback riding, Inka Trail hike, private pre-Columbian art collections and much more!

• All breakfasts and land transfers.

• As with all Zoom Vacations, several trip-enhancing surprises.

•Intra-Peru air not included

Complete Itinerary

Saturday, April 18

The Sacred Valley of the Incas

Morning flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, transfer to The Sacred Valley of the Incas. Registration at Casa Andina Private Collection hotel.

In the afternoon, visit Maras is the name of a place and of an indigenous community. The soil of Maras is rich in salt, its people have always made a living by extracting this resource using terraced salt pans. The salt pans are a magical sight, gleaming white in the sun. Today we will visit Maras and see the salt being extracted in the traditional way. If time permits we will go to Moray, another Inca site, where different crops were planted on circular terraces built to create microclimates and for research with different species.

Accommodations: Casa Andina Private Collection

Included Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Sunday, April 19

The Sacred Valley of the Incas

This morning, we visit the famed Pisac Market (featured on the Amazing Race) and then the incredible Pisac Ruins, perched high in the Andean Mountains.

Today's lunch will be unforgettable. At noon we will arrive at an hacienda, located on high ground in the valley which provides a unique view of this green and fertile land. The house was built as a place to keep and exhibit their valuable collection of art from the pre-Columbian and vice regal periods. The family of the estate waits with a buffet lunch based on the valley's culinary traditions.

Accommodations: Casa Andina Private Collection

Included Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Monday, April 20

The Sacred Valley of the Incas / Machu Picchu

Enjoy a morning excursion to Ollantaytambo, and visit the archaelogical remains and its typical market. Ollantaytambo contains a fortress built to defend it against the invading Chankas. Ollantaytambo is also an Inca village whose stone houses are still inhabited by the descendants of those ancient Peruvians. The people of this area are characterized by their woolen costumes dyed in red and black.

Transfer to the Ollanta station to board the train that will take you to the Lost City of the Incas.

Head to Machu Picchu for a fascinating guided tour, and afternoon tea at the Sanctuary Lodge. Afternoon registration at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel.

Accommodations: Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast, brunch and dinner

Tuesday, April 21

Machu Picchu / Cusco

Opportunity to visit Machu Picchu again, all entrance fees included. In the afternoon, optional orchid tour on the private grounds of the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Late afternoon departure for Cusco on the Hiram Bingham Orient Express . train where cocktails and a gourmet dinner will be served. Upon arrival in Cusco, transfer to Hotel Monasterio.

Accommodations: Orient-Express Hotel Monasterio

Included Meals: Breakfast and Gourmet Dinner on the Hiram Bingham Orient-Express train

Wednesday, April 22

Cusco

In the late morning we will visit one of the most important Inca temples as it was dedicated to the worship of the sun. The Spanish built a church and Dominican monastery on top of this temple, which reveals the two cultures existing together. Afternoon is at leisure to enjoy shopping as well as exploring this ancient city of the Conquistadors, and to enjoy the beauty of the Hotel Monasterio

Accommodations: Orient-Express Hotel Monasterio

Included Meals: Breakfast

Thursday, April 23

Cusco

Day is at leisure to enjoy shopping as well as exploring this ancient city of the Conquistadors, and to enjoy the beauty of the Hotel Monasterio.

This evening will be a night to remember. We welcome you to a special Thanksgiving Dinner event we have created exclusively for Zoom Travelers in a private mansion overlooking the colonial square of Cusco.

Accommodations: Orient-Express Hotel Monasterio

Included Meals: Breakfast and Thanksgiving Dinner

Friday, April 24

Lima, City of Kings

Arrival and transfer to the Orient Express Miraflores Park Plaza Hotel in Lima. We enjoy a welcome lunch at an elegant restaurant housed in a former Lima mansion. We then head to the finest silver shop in Peru, a constant favorite of our guests. Evening free to enjoy Lima's Gay nightlife.

Accommodations: Orient-Express Miraflores Park Plaza Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Saturday, April 25

Lima / Home

Sensatonal City tour of Colonial Lima. Visit ancient catacombs while touring colonial Lima. Lunch included. Transfer to airport for your departure flight. Optional pre-flight dinner at oldest inhabited mansion in the western hemisphere.

Included Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Accommodations

Sacred Valley

Casa Andina Private Collection

Boutique Hotel, 2 nights

Casa Andina Private Collection Sacred Valley is strategically located in a 3 hectare-land in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, just 10 kilometers from Ollantaytambo train station. The hotel is closer from Machu Picchu than Cusco city, as well as from the most important archaeological sites such as Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Chincheros, Moray, Maras and more. Casa Andina Private Collection Sacred Valley is one of the most complete options in the Urubamba Valley, both in services and facilities. The hotel is surrounded by gardens and green areas and it has 85 entirely equipped guest rooms, an Andean spa and the Sacred Valley's most exquisite cuisine.

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

A Small Luxury Hotels of the World property, 1 night

Nestled in the spectacular Andes mountain range this 5-star Machu Picchu Pueblo retreat is situated in the Machu Picchu National Park, minutes away from the Citadel.

How does one best prepare for a visit to the enigmatic Lost City of the Incas? Nothing less than a natural paradise will do ? a paradise where one connects completely with the sacred energy of the mountain. In Inkaterra's vacation paradise and luxury boutique hotel, a pueblo of luxurious whitewashed bungalow nestles into terraced hills. Spa services use sublime natural essences, and a first-class restaurant boasts stunning views of the rushing Vilcanota River.

The train station is only steps away. But Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel exists in a world apart. An intimate 85-cottage luxury hotel is surrounded by 12 secluded acres of exquisite beauty, where a reverence for nature reigns hand-in-hand with a commitment to indulging the whims of our guests.

Cusco

Orient Express Hotel Monastario

5 stars, the finest hotel in South America, 3 nights

A landmark 6th century monastery beautifully transformed into a luxurious 5-star hotel Orient Express property, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World.

High in the Andes, more than 3000 metres above sea level, lies the historic city of Cuzco, with its unique blend of Spanish and Inca cultures. At the heart of Cuzco is the 16th-century Hotel Monasterio, originally built as a monastery in 1592.

Hotel Monasterio, an Orient-Express Hotel is the ideal base from which to discover Cuzco and the ancient ruins at Machu Picchu, which can be reached via a spectacular three-hour train journey.

Lima

Orient Express Miraflores Park Plaza Hotel

5 stars, 1 night

A 5-star Orient Express property that provides easy access for all that is best about Lima and is renowned for its setting beside the Pacific Ocean.

The Miraflores Park Hotel is specially conceived for business people and is located in the Malécon de la Reserva, in an exclusive residential area. The hotel provides easy access for all that's best about the city and is renowned for its setting beside the Pacific Ocean.

Peru's capital is one of the most interesting cities in South America - a potent mix of colonial architecture, superb museums, Inca gold and antiquities, and glamorous shops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions, specific to our trip to Peru.

Do I need a visa to travel to Peru?
If you are a United States citizen and/or are traveling from the United States, you will not need a visa to travel to Peru.

Into which airport do I need to fly?
You need to fly into the Lima International Airport (LIM).

What day should I depart my home country?
You must depart your home country for arrival into Cusco on November 22. Most flights connect through Lima.

Can Zoom book extra days for me at the beginning or end of this trip?
Absolutely! Simply let us know the amount of days you need at the beginning and/or end of the trip, and we will book the nights you need (additional room night charges will apply).

If I am traveling as a single, does Zoom offer a roommate pairing program?
Absolutely! Before the trip, we will get to know all of our travelers, and we will use what we know about you to make the best pairing possible.

May I travel as a single without a roommate?
Absolutely, you may travel as a single and pay a single supplement, which varies depending on your time of booking.

How do we travel from place to place in Peru?
We take the luxurious Orient Express Hiram Bingham train from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, and from Machu Picchu to Cusco. We travel via luxury motor coach for our time in the Sacred Valley, Cusco, and Lima. Zoom Vacations will also assist you in booking your round-trip flight from Lima to Cusco.

What is the fitness level required for this trip?
This trip is easily accessible to a variety of fitness levels. None of our included activities require a high degree of athletic skill. However, your optional activities will give you the opportunity to make your vacation as active and/or adventuresome as you choose.