Dr. Manja Peru Itinerary

December 26

Your international flight will arrive in the evening. As a result there are no planned activities on this day.  Once you clear immigration and customs, you will be met by a driver who will transport you to the Hilton Lima Miraflores. We have arranged for your rooms to be ready so you can simply arrive and rest. Your first Pisco Sour is on us.  Join one of us for a night cap and prepare to embark on your once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

​

December 27 (B)

You begin your day early in the morning as you head north to Nazca where you will be transferred to the airport to take a small plane to overfly the Nazca Lines. These enigmatic, gigantic figures were carved in the sand, long before the Incas dominated the area. From here you will head to the Huacachina Oasis where you will enjoy a ride some sand boarding and ride dune buggies. You will then head to Paracas and visit and learn about the vineyards and production of wine and pisco in the area. Pisco is a grape-based spirit that has become synonymous with Peru.  Peruvian wine, on the other hand has been growing in quality in the last 10 years. You will close out the day by resting and spending the night at the Hilton Double Tree Paracas.

​

December 28 (B, D)

You awake and head out to the Ballestas Islands, a place where Sea Lions, Humboldt Penguins and various guano birds live. You will visit the surroundings of the island and we will also observe the El Candelabro geoglyph and its mysterious creation. 

In the afternoon you continue your trip at Paracas National Reserve, observing the area’s Andean flamingos, whales, and other wildlife. You will then head back to Lima and arrive in time for dinner at the Hilton Lima Miraflores.

​

December 29 (B, L)
We begin this day by checking out of the hotel and having breakfast. We then head to the airport. Our short flight to Cuzco will depart early. Please pack an overnight bag for Machu Picchu as the rest of your luggage will be heading to your Cusco hotel. Upon arrival in Cusco, you will head out to tour the Sacred Valley. You will visit the Pisac Market and the Citadel at Pisac where you will enjoy the stunning panoramic views in every direction. You will not be back in Pisac so if you see something you like, buy it. You will enjoy a buffet lunch at Restaurante Tunupa before you board a train and head to Machu Picchu. The train ride will be filled will stunning landscapes so have your camera handy. Upon arrival and after we check in at the Tierra Viva Machu Picchu** and you will be free to wander this small town. There is a souvenir market where you can find almost anything for your friends back home.  Enjoy the rest of the evening on your own. Have dinner, buy some souvenirs, and go to sleep early.  Be sure to get some rest. The day tomorrow starts extremely early.

​

 December 30 (B)

Today you arise early. A quick breakfast will prepare you to head up the mountain and see one of the Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu.  You will have an opportunity to visit the ruins of this absolutely magnificent site accompanied by our experienced guide.  You will then have an opportunity to climb Wayna Picchu and take in an even more impressive view of the mountain. After you finish your visit to Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back to Pueblo Machu Picchu. You may have some lunch before you board the train and return to Cuzco and check in at the JW Marriott El convento Cusco. This is a wonderful hotel with everything within reach.  On the premises you will find an Ilaria jewelry shop, spa, and other amenities.  To help you acclimate to the altitude in Cusco, the rooms are oxygen enriched. You will arrive late and tired, so you are free to enjoy the evening at your own pace.

​

December 31 (B, D)

We will once again get an early start and visit the Moray Salt Mines*. This will be a long day of sightseeing and souvenir shopping. Upon your return to Cusco, you will have the opportunity to wander and take in the sights. You will then enjoy your New Year’s Eve Dinner at MAP Café.  You will enjoy a 3-course meal, accompanied by a glass of wine and a celebratory glass of champagne. You will enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of the Museo de Arte Precolombino that surrounds this glass-encased restaurant. After dinner, you may stroll down to the main square and enjoy a night of dancing, stop at the Museo del Pisco, and prepare to welcome the New Year in Cuzco with a few thousand of your new friends.

​

January 1 (B, D)

Today you get a late start and then head to the mountains once more to get the adrenaline pumping. First you will try a Via Ferrata at the Sky Lodge Adventure Suites *** before you have dinner and climb down to your pod to spend the night star-gazing.  Words cannot explain what you will experience. It is best to take a look here.

​

January 2 (B)

Today you awake in the mountains and enjoy breakfast before heading back to Cusco to quickly pick up your luggage and head back to the airport.  You will fly back to Lima and board a plane back to the U.S.

 

​

Options

*Since you mentioned activities, you could do the Rainbow Mountain here instead of the Salt Mines.  However, you will be pretty tired from Machu Picchu and Nazca on consecutive days.  The Rainbow Mountain excursion starts around 3 AM. and it goes nearly 14 hours.

​

** This is a basic hotel, as most hotels in Machu Picchu tend to be. However, you may choose an upgrade to one of the two luxury hotels in Machu Picchu, each at a significant cost.  The first is the Inkatierra that will add around $300 per person at current pricing. The second is the Sanctuary Lodge that will add around $800 per person at current pricing.

​

***This is the only night available for this experience.  It must be booked soon.  There is alternative with greater availability called StarLodge Suites that offer a similar experience with less adrenaline.

​