Destination
PERU
September 13-20, 2014
SM
adventure. your way.
OVERVIEW
Indulge, relax, and immerse yourself in Peru’s ancient culture and vibrant traditions. From sunrise yoga to luxurious spa treatments in the cloudforests below Machu Picchu, this exclusive
adventure will surely rejuvenate your soul and spirit.
During the day, explore remote Andean villages, Incan ruins, colorful markets, and orchid
gardens accompanied by local guides with an infectious passion for their country and its
people. On foot, discover the ancient ruins of Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and Sacsayhuaman.
Soak in natural mineral pools surrounded by the magical sounds of the rainforest and indulge
in soothing spa treatments using natural products derived from local botanical extracts. At
night, dine and dance with local families and enjoy gourmet candlelit dinners featuring fresh
Andean ingredients such as quinoa, local trout, and seasonal vegetables. Deluxe hotels with
award-winning spas provide the final indulgence.
DAILY ITINERARY
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014
Arrival in Lima. Walking tour of colonial and contemporary Lima. Leisure time with welcome spa treatment.
Upon your arrival in Lima, you are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel where you are warmly greeted by
your Peru guide and Organic Spa Magazine host. Gather with your fellow travel companions and learn about the week
ahead over coffee before embarking on a tour of this historic city. Exploring Lima by private vehicle and on foot, you
discover the city’s three main historical periods—pre-Hispanic, colonial, and contemporary. Pre-Hispanic or pre-Columbian Lima was part of the Incan empire before the arrival of the Spanish explorer Pizarro in 1535. As the capital of the
Spanish Empire’s largest Viceroyalty, Lima’s colonial past is evident in its historic center—both in the urban design and
architecture. The oldest narrow streets are lined with colonial-era homes with Moorish balconies, along which you make
your way to the Plaza Mayor (main square) and Plaza San Martin, the Paseo de la Republica (Promenade of the Republic),
the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Basilica. You also visit the stunning Convent of Saint Francis, which holds the largest
collection of religious art in the Americas. The main cloister, with its Moorish arches, is decorated with 16th-century tiles
from Seville. Your tour continues on into the present of contemporary Lima with a visit to the neighborhoods of the Olive Grove of San Isidro, Miraflores, and Larco Mar. For lunch, you enjoy a magnificent seaside location at La Rosa Nautica
restaurant, with fresh seafood specialties, such as classic ceviche, for which Lima is so well known.
Returning to your hotel later in the afternoon, there is time to relax and enjoy its spa: an inviting sauna, Jacuzzi, and
a mini-spa service help you rejuvenate following your travels. Cap the evening with a traditional Peruvian pisco sour
cocktail—the perfect way to toast the beginning of the trip. Dinner is at another of Lima’s fine eateries, the sophisticated
Restaurant Huaca Pucllana, which overlooks the impressive ruins of a pre-Columbian pyramid. This restaurant is wellknown for its refined take on traditional Peruvian and Italian fusion cuisine.
ACCOMMODATIONS: The Westin Hotel, Lima
A luxurious and contemporary hotel in the heart of Lima’s San Isidro district offers spacious rooms with
views of the city and its surroundings. An on-site spa offers a full selection of treatments; a large fitness
center and indoor pool are also available.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2014
Transfer to the Sacred Valley. Pisac ruins with walking tour and Sunday Market.
You rise for a morning flight from Lima to the city of Cusco—the site of the Inca Empire’s capital, a UNESCO World
Heritage site, and one of the world’s highest cities at over 11,000 feet. A private transfer of 1 1/2 hours brings you to the
Sacred Valley at the mountaintop site of Pisac, where a walking tour (two miles, easy-to-moderate terrain) introduces you
to this imposing complex of Inca ruins on the steep, terraced fields above the valley—one of the finest examples of their
architecture in the Cusco region. Winding your way on foot through ancient temples and intricate walls towards the
Urubamba Valley floor, you marvel at this Inca burial site ingeniously built into the steep cliff. Then, lunch: A gourmet
picnic complete with local wines pairs perfectly with spectacular views of the centuries-old terraces on which farmers
still grow maize, potatoes, and quinoa. Following lunch, you have time to stroll through Pisac’s Andean market. Sunday
is a particularly exciting time to partake of the market experience as villagers from the surrounding communities gather
to barter and sell their handcrafted wares.
Following the market visit, there is a 40-minute drive to your beautiful hotel at the base of the surrounding Andes; there
will likely be time for a walk around the grounds, a dip in the swimming pool, or a spa treatment before being welcomed
in the home of a local family for a traditional Peruvian feast.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Tambo del Inka Resort & Spa, Urubamba
Set among riverside gardens in a privileged location in the Urubamba Valley with its own private railway
station, this five-star resort and spa combines comfort with traditional Peruvian décor throughout and carries
these elements into its spa treatments and refined cuisine. The on-site spa incorporates traditional Incan
ingredients and therapeutic techniques, and includes an indoor-outdoor swimming pool and fitness center.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014
Visit to Pumamarca and Ollantaytambo.
Peruvian Paso horse show. Free afternoon
for spa treatments.
This morning you visit the village of Ollantaytambo—known for being one of the few
places where the Inca defeated the Spanish in
battle. Just above the village you encounter the
awe-inspiring site, where the Inca maneuvered
colossal blocks of stone up from the riverbanks
to build a terraced temple on steep cliffs above.
Continuing, a 30-minute drive takes you to the
archaeological complex at Pumamarca, a small
Inca settlement overlooking the Patacancha Valley, which, at the time, managed the irrigation
system of the Inca terracing below. After learning about the site, you can stretch your legs with an hour’s walk through
the picturesque countryside on easy-to-moderate terrain. Lunch today is quite special, with choice cuts of meats and fish,
grilled al fresco and local dishes such as empanadas, unique local potatoes, tamales, and enticing desserts. Following
lunch, you are treated to a unique Peruvian tradition—a horse show featuring the Peruvian Paso horse. A breed protected
by decree of the Peruvian government, its gentle lateral gait called the “paso llano” reflects a style of smooth-gaited horses
known since the Middle Ages in Europe and is the result of centuries of breeding and training from the arrival of the
Spaniards in South America.
Returning to your hotel in the later afternoon, you may choose from a selection of spa treatments: The Spa showcases a
beautiful, natural setting and is highly regarded for its imaginative, yet traditional treatments. With experienced professionals, all services incorporate the region’s bounty: coca leaves, Inca gold, Andean chocolate, quinoa, and passion fruit.
Energizing therapies range from modern chromo, oxygen, and hydro treatments to timeless hand and face remedies. An
indoor/outdoor infinity pool also beckons. Prior to dinner in town, you also have the opportunity to visit the well-known
pottery studio of artist Pablo Seminario, whose work is inspired by the pre-Columbian cultures of Peru.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Tambo del Inka Resort & Spa, Urubamba
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2014
Optional morning yoga. Train to Machu Picchu. Free
afternoon for spa treatments.
Beginning your day with an optional yoga class, you’re able to make
the most of your accommodations’ remarkable LEED-certified facilities and manicured grounds. Mid-morning you leave your hotel and
return to the village of Ollantaytambo and its railway station, where
you board a train bound for Machu Picchu. Following a rail line that
hugs the river, you enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding peaks
and can watch the landscape transform from broad highlands into
lush cloudforest. The two-hour train ride brings you to the riverside
town of Aguas Calientes—named “hot waters” in Spanish for its
natural hot springs. Upon arrival, you proceed to your hotel, a lovely
eco-property at the edge of a river overlooking the cloudforest and
rushing river.
After an exquisite lunch at the hotel, you may choose from one of
many afternoon options including Andean spa treatments such as foot
therapy, reflexology, de-stress massage, Andean hot stones, or exfoliation. Both spiritual and soothing, the spa uses only 100 percent natural
products. Or, you may wish to take part in one of the many optional
activities such as a birding walk or a visit to the on-site tea plantation.
You can also take the bus up to Machu Picchu to visit this rich, iconic
site on your own (a full tour of Machu Picchu will take place the following day). Dinner at the hotel features organic
produce harvested directly from the hotel’s own garden and other Peruvian specialties.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Aguas Calientes
A Travel + Leisure “World’s Best Hotel.” This unique eco-boutique hotel is simply a sanctuary, with extensive grounds including cloudforest gardens, medicinal plants, orchids, and a panoramic riverfront
restaurant.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Machu Picchu. Afternoon optional walk to Intipunku or Sun Gate.
You enjoy a copious breakfast of fresh fruits, baked goods, cheeses,
and eggs at your hotel overlooking a lush garden full of birds before
boarding the minibus for the breathtaking climb up a series of switchbacks to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Your guide provides a private
and comprehensive tour of the site including an introduction to the
Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Condor, and the astronomical observatory. There is plenty of time to explore the mystical temples, altars,
terraces, and chambers in solitude, or to embark on one of the short
walks leading from the site. After lunch, you may choose to further explore Machu Picchu on your own for the afternoon, hike the Sun Gate
(two miles on easy to moderate terrain) for that sought-after picture of
magnificent Machu Picchu, stroll through the town’s market, or follow
the fragrant orchid trail at your hotel. Tonight you dine while listening to Peruvian music in the property’s lovely dining
room above the rushing river.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Aguas Calientes
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2014
Maras to Moray.
The day begins with an early train from Aguas Calientes back to
the Sacred Valley, to the charming village of Maras, where you
begin a walk (a total of two to three miles on easy-to-moderate
terrain, throughout the day) along ancient farming paths. A short
transfer takes you to the enthralling Incan site of Moray, once
used for agricultural experimentation (also a UNESCO preserved
location). After a walking exploration of Moray, you arrive at
the salt mines by minibus—the snowcapped Andes and golden
wheat fields offering a stunning backdrop to this unique place
where salt is still gathered as it has been done for centuries. Here,
you can learn about the process of harvesting salt from terraces
of pools fed by an underground saltwater spring. The Parador de
Moray, with its stunning views of the giant circular terraces, is an
ideal location for lunch. An exclusive experience, you are pampered by the chef and staff at this lovely inn for a relaxed meal in
its gracious dining room, lounge, and inner courtyard.
Your travels continue on to Cusco for a late afternoon arrival. After checking into your lovely boutique hotel, there is time to relax
and, later, venture out on your own to discover one of the many
upscale restaurants the city has to offer.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel, Cusco
A former 16th-century colonial mansion, this elegant boutique hotel is ideally located just two blocks
from the Main Square. The property features lovely rooms equipped with an intelligent oxygen system.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014
Cusco and surrounding ruins. Free afternoon or optional visits.
After an early breakfast, your Peruvian guides take you on a walking tour (three to four miles on easy terrain, for the day) to
acquaint you with the history and culture of the ancient city of Cusco. The route takes you over cobbled streets to the main
cultural and religious sites within the city, both Incan and colonial. You break for lunch in Cusco’s main square at the Inkagrill, its menu inspired by traditional and colonial cuisine. Later, a short drive brings you just outside Cusco to explore famous
Incan sites located in its surrounding areas; these include Koricancha (Temple of the Sun) and the Cusco Cathedral. You begin
at Sacsayhuaman, a large Incan temple (the principal one in the region that sits at 12,200 feet) where the Inca held religious
celebrations. Because of its hilltop location, it is often referred to as a fortress and offers incomparable views of Cusco. You then
proceed to Quenko, a ceremonial site for important Incan families. Although Quenko was virtually destroyed by the Spanish,
remains of ceremonial altars and gods worshiped by the Inca are still visible. Time permitting, you may continue on to Tambomachay, the impressive site of ritual baths and the Temple of the Water.
Returning to your hotel in the afternoon, there is time to relax before a final celebratory dinner. In a dramatic, candlelit
setting—the inner courtyard of the Museum of pre-Columbian Art—you toast your fellow adventurers and this diverse,
fascinating country while savoring local specialties such as rocoto relleno (stuffed peppers), crepes with truffle, and succulent beef, fish, and chicken dishes flavored with Peruvian spices.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Aranwa Boutique Hotel, Cusco
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014
Departure from Cusco.
Following a leisurely breakfast, you say goodbye to your guides before transferring to Cusco Airport for a group flight back to
Lima. After arriving in Lima (by mid-afternoon at the latest), you say your final farewells before departing for home.
HOTEL ITINERARY INDEX
SEPTEMBER 13, 2014
The Westin Hotel, Lima
A luxurious and contemporary hotel in the heart of Lima’s San Isidro district offers spacious rooms with views of the city
and its surroundings. An on-site spa offers a full selection of treatments; a large fitness center and indoor pool are also
available.
SEPTEMBER 14 & 15, 2014
Tambo del Inka Resort & Spa, Urubamba
Set among riverside gardens in a privileged location in the Urubamba Valley with its own private railway station, this
five-star resort and spa combines comfort with traditional Peruvian décor throughout and carries these elements into
its spa treatments and refined cuisine. The on-site spa incorporates traditional Incan ingredients and therapeutic techniques, also with an indoor-outdoor swimming pool and fitness center.
SEPTEMBER 16 & 17, 2014
Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Aguas Calientes
A Travel + Leisure “World’s Best Hotel.” This unique eco-boutique hotel is simply a sanctuary, with extensive grounds
including cloudforest gardens, medicinal plants, orchids, and a panoramic riverfront restaurant.
SEPTEMBER 18 & 19, 2014
Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel, Cusco
A former 16th-century colonial mansion, this elegant boutique hotel is ideally located just two blocks from the Main
Square. The property features lovely rooms equipped with an intelligent oxygen system.
TOUR FACTS AT A GLANCE
TRIP LENGTH
8 days/7 nights
DEPARTURE DATE
Saturday, September 13, 2014
MEETING POINT
Lima, Peru
DEPARTURE POINT
Lima, Peru
TOUR PRICE
$6,900 (Single+$1,400)
Mandatory airfare of approximately $375 for the round-trip flight from Lima to Cusco will be added to your tour price.
Airfare cost is subject to change.
INCLUSIONS
• An Organic Spa Magazine host and expert local guides are with you 24/7
• All meals except for one dinner
• Bottled water, daily snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages
• Welcome and farewell drinks
• 2 full spa treatments and 1 mini-spa treatment
• All accommodations (with private bathrooms) while on tour
• Transportation from the meeting to the departure point
• Entrance fees and special events as noted in the itinerary
• Basic travel insurance coverage (see Travel Insurance Information)