CALLAO, PERU

Cusco, a city 3,200 metres (10,500 feet) above sea level, is a showcase of several different cultures: Pre-Inca, Inca, Colonial and Republican. There are many kinds of architecture found here.

Cusco, a city 3,200 metres (10,500 feet) above sea level, is a showcase of several different cultures: Pre-Inca, Inca, Colonial and Republican. There are many kinds of architecture found here. The Inca’s most sacred building in Cusco, the Korikancha (Temple of the Sun) today forms part of the Spanish Church of Santo Domingo. Ruins, temples, churches and mansions make this a memorable destination, full of history and culture. It is the archaeological capital of the Americas and the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city. Cusco was more than just a capital, it was an administrative, military and holy city, similar to Mecca.

MACHU PICCHU, the Lost City of the Incas, is a spectacular and imposing citadel. At a distance of 120 kilometres (75 miles) from Cusco, in the valley of the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu rises to an altitude of 2,400 metres (7,900 feet) above sea level, between the Huatna Picchu (Young Peak) and Machu Picchu (Old Peak). It lies within a spectacular framework provided by the exuberant vegetation of the nearby jungle, and the rugged landscape. Machu Picchu is one of the most famed examples of Inca architecture and believed to have been built in the mid 15th century by Inca Pachacutec. Lost in history, it was not discovered until 1911, by the American explorer Hiram Bingham. The ruins are situated on the eastern slope of Machu Picchu, in two separate areas: the agricultural and the urban. Although constructions show different levels of architecture, religious buildings exhibit a high degree of perfections. The construction was generally of stone and the roofs were built of tree trunks and thatched with ‘ichu’, or straw. The walls were made with an inward inclination for protection against earthquakes.

Wednesday 5th March: We will have an early start from Callao port for our transfer to Lima Airport, to join our flight to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, we will be met and transferred to the Libertador Cusco Hotel, where we will receive a welcome cup of coca tea. The rest of the morning will be at leisure, so that we can rest and acclimatise ourselves to the altitude. After lunch at the hotel, we will depart on a tour of this wonderful city that will show us the amazing colonial structures built on the foundations of Inca palaces. We will visit the Korikancha (Temple of the Sun), where we can appreciate the incredible masonry of the Incas; the Plaza de Armas; and the Cathedral, with its carved woodworks, altars and paintings. We continue our tour with a drive to the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman; the underground cave and temple of Kenko; the ruins of Puca-Pucaral; and Tambomachay, known as the Bath of the Incas. This evening we can enjoy the local cultural entertainment of a folklore show and dinner at Don Antonio restaurant.

Thursday 6th March: After an early buffet breakfast, we transfer to the train station. At approximately 06:00hrs, our train will depart to Aguas Calientes Station in Machu Picchu, from where we will be transported by bus to the top of the mountain and to the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu, surrounded by lush cloud forest. After a guided excursion of the ruins (we will spend approximately two hours exploring), we will have lunch in the restaurant of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. In the afternoon, another scenic train ride returns us to Cusco and the comfort of our hotel. This evening we will have dinner and spend the night at the Libertador Cusco Hotel.

Friday 7th March: We check out of our hotel after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our return flight to Lima. Upon arrival at Lima airport, we are met and transferred back to Callao port.

VERY IMPORTANT! Please read the information below before booking this tour. The weather conditions in the mountains around Cusco can be very different from those in Lima. It is possible that flights between the two cities may be severely delayed or cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. Decisions to delay or cancel flights are made solely at the discretion of the transportation supplier and will always be in the very best interests of our passengers’ safety. The journey from the ship to Cusco will take you from sea level to 3,200 metres (10,500 feet) above sea level. You may well find yourselves feeling tired, suffering from altitude sickness and shortness of breath. This tour is not suitable for people with heart problems or respiratory difficulties. There is a lot of walking involved, most of which will be over uneven ground, as well as many steps to be climbed, so it is unsuitable for those passengers with limited mobility. IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBT ABOUT YOUR PHYSICAL ABILITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS TOUR, PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE MAKING A BOOKING. FURTHER NOTES: During March in Cusco, the average temperature is a maximum of 19ºC (65ºF) and minimum of 7ºC (44ºF). It is the rainy season. Drinks are not included with meals, which are served buffet-style; refreshments are available at your own expense. The flight to and from Cusco takes approximately 1 hour. The train journey to and from Machu Picchu takes approximately 3 hours.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 WORLD CRUISE