Cusco & Machu Picchu Overland Adventure - Gold Option (Single)
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Port
General San Martin (Pisco), Peru
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$5099
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
3 days/2 nights
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Meals Included
Meals included
Peru, the Kingdom of the Sun, captures a mix of native and European cultures. It is a country of antique cultures, where the traditional way of life is still evident, and of great scenic contrasts. It's easy to accept that Peru is one of the greatest treasures of the Americas -- of 103 possible ecological zones on earth, 83 are represented here. The Spanish conquistadors came to Peru in search of gold, but they never found the most elusive prize of all -- the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu.
Day 1 (L/D)
Leaving the ship in General San Martin you will transfer approximately 4.5 hours to Lima Airport and enjoy lunch at a hotel located within the airport perimeter. Board an afternoon flight to Cusco, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in.
In the evening, enjoy a dinner show with ancestral music and folk dance at the hotel. Overnight in Cusco.
Hotel: Belmond Monasterio
Day 2 (B/L/D)
The Gold Option includes five-star hotel accommodations, as well as a memorable train ride on the Hiram Bingham railway to Machu Picchu. The timing of this very special adventure enables you to explore Machu Picchu during a less crowded time, for a more intimate and up-close look at this remarkable historic landmark. Your trip to Machu Picchu today begins with a bus ride from Cusco to Rio Sagrado Station, followed by a train ride along the Urubamba River. The Urubamba River is located in the Sacred Valley, approximately 9,350 feet above sea level. Relax for three hours on this railway that is an adventure in itself.
You will enjoy brunch upon boarding the train. Warm hues, elegant upholstery, two dining cars and a bar make the Hiram Bingham train, named for the explorer who 'discovered' Machu Picchu almost a century ago—a pleasant experience indeed.
From the train station in Puente Ruinas, it is just a short walk to the bus loading area and a 25-minute coach ride to Machu Picchu -- the Lost City of the Incas -- at an elevation of 7,874 feet. The bus ride is on unpaved roads, but the end reward is to immerse yourself in the timeless history and intangible magic of this strange and wondrous ancient citadel. Your guided tour is an awe-inspiring, once-in-a-lifetime experience. You'll arrive just as many of the visitors are leaving for lunch, and you will have plenty of time to explore Machu Picchu in relative peace and quiet. This stone city was constructed by incredibly sophisticated techniques with huge blocks of stone fitted together perfectly -- an example of precision that is elusive even with laser technology used in building today.
After a guided visit to the ruins, you will transfer back to Puente Ruinas to re-board the Hiram Bingham train. On the train ride back to Rio Sagrado, relax over a cocktail; then, dinner is served in the dining car. You will arrive back in Cusco in the late evening after a day of dazzling sightseeing and wonderful memories. Overnight in Cusco.
Hotel: Belmond Monasterio
Day 3 (B/L)
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a city tour of Cusco, Including the foundations of the Coricancha Temple of the Sun, built by the Inca Pachacutec (1438 - 1572). The Spaniards later built the Convent of Santo Domingo over the top of it.
Admire the cathedral in the Plaza de Armas. This is one of the most splendid Spanish colonial churches in America. It is shaped like a Latin Cross and houses about 400 colonial paintings from the Cusco art school, and impressive gold, silver and precious stone works. Its construction began in 1560 and ended almost a hundred years later.
Lunch is served at a local restaurant. Continue to the airport in time for a flight to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, you will transfer to the pier and meet up with the ship in Callao.
Cancellation Policy:
60 Days prior to arrival in the excursion port. This excursion is non-refundable within 60 days of arrival into the excursion port. Any cancellations made after this deadline will be subject to full payment of the tour. This will include if a guest cancels their voyage within 60 days of arrival into the excursion port.
Notes:
Airport assistance and transfers, transportation by air-conditioned coach, all entrance fees indicated in the itinerary, an English-speaking guide (unless otherwise noted), water on the vehicle, and meals (as indicated) are also included. Gratuities and personal expenses are not included. Tour requires traveling from sea level to an elevation of 11,200 feet in Cusco, which may cause altitude sickness for some guests. Visiting the ruins of Machu Picchu requires climbing many stairs and negotiating uneven and rugged terrain in rarefied air at 7,874 feet above sea level. Guests with a heart condition and/or known respiratory difficulties should consult their physician prior to booking this tour. Routes within the ruins are allocated based on the submission of passport details. Please note that guests cannot select their preferred route, and tickets are non-transferable between individuals. If you cannot keep up with the group, or if you would rather tour the site independently, you will be given the appropriate information regarding where and when to meet back up with the guide. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Wear comfortable, casual clothing in breathable fabrics. Temperatures will change as elevations and time of day change, so it's best to bring shorts as well as long trousers and clothing you can layer. Bring a sweater or lightweight jacket for cooler evening temperatures common in upland regions. Bring sturdy non-skid walking shoes. Heavy, unpredictable seasonal rainfall can change some operational aspects of this tour. Should this occur, Holland America Line will notify guests of any significant changes, and participants will be allowed to cancel without penalty. The tour is guided; an escort from the ship's staff may or may not also accompany the group. Bring your passport with you on tour. Important information regarding visa requirements: It is solely each participant's responsibility to obtain any necessary visas, tourist cards and vaccinations, if required, to participate in Overland Adventures and/or Overnights and to keep apprised of any policy changes. Visas may be required for any/all countries your tour departs from and travels through and for the country where you will re-join the ship. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of the cruise. Your travel agent can assist you with your visa needs. If you require further assistance, Holland America Line's preferred visa service is CIBTvisas. US and Canadian citizens can reach them by phone or email: US citizens: 866 788 1100 or email customerservice@cibtvisa.com. Canadian citizens: 866 935 8472 or email customerservice@cibtvisas.ca. CIBTvisas phone numbers and email addresses for Dutch, German, Australian, United Kingdom, Belgian, Singapore, Spanish, Swiss and French citizens can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions section of Holland America Line's website, in the Cruise Preparation area. Applications and additional information can be downloaded from the CIBTvisas website at https://CIBTvisas.com/hollandamerica. You must advise CIBTvisas of your Overland Adventures or Overnights, as the visa requirements for these vacation enhancements may vary from those required for your cruise.