Port
Callao (Lima), Peru
Activity Level
Strenuous
Excursion Type
Adventure,Air,Local Sightseeing,16,All,68
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Starting At
$3899
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
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 Callao, you will transfer approximately an hour to Lima Airport for a flight to Cusco.
Meet your guide and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Later, a city tour of Cusco introduces you to the Coricancha Temple of the Sun, built by the Inca Pachacutec in the 15th century. 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, as well as impressive gold, silver and precious stone works. Its construction began in 1560 and ended almost a hundred years later.
At the hotel, check in and enjoy a dinner show with ancestral music and folk dances.
Hotel: Belmond Monasterio (or similar)
Day 2 (B/L/D)
Your trip to Machu Picchu begins with a 1.5-hour transfer from Cusco at 11,152 feet above sea level downhill to the station at approximately 9,350 feet. Board the elegantly-appointed Vistadome Observatory train for a scenic ride through the Sacred Valley. Panoramic windows beside and above each seat offer marvelous views. You are also free to move between your seat and the impressive Observatory Car for the widest possible views. Much of the scenery is above you in the form of cliffs and sheer mountains. Enjoy authentic Peruvian culture through a typical Saqra music and dance presentation. A small packaged snack box served en route introduces you to some Andean specialties. Skirting the Urubamba River, you will journey to Machu Picchu Station in Aguas Calientes, 6,690 feet above sea level.
In Aguas Calientes, it is just a short walk to the bus loading area and a 30-minute winding and steep 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. 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 today's technology.
After your guided visit to the ruins, a buffet lunch is served at the on-site Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge.
Return to Aguas Calientes for some time to browse in the colorful market adjacent to the train station. Board the Vistadome Observatory train for the 1.75-hour ride back along the Sacred Valley, with a snack included. Then, transfer 1.5 hours by road back to Cusco.
You will arrive in the late evening after a day of dazzling sightseeing and wonderful memories.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Cusco.
Hotel: Belmond Monasterio (or similar)
Day 3 (B/L)
After an early breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport in time for a flight to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, you will transfer to the pier in General San Martin, about four hours south of Lima, to meet up with the ship. You will stop at a local restaurant for lunch en route.
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:
You must book this overland PRIOR to sailing. Tour operates subject to meeting minimum number of participants. The cut-off date is 60 days before the ship's call to Callao. Due to popularity of this tour and strict booking conditions, cancellations fees start at 60 days prior to the call at Callao. For compliance with airline ticketing requirements, please visit Login | Holland America Line to complete the immigration section for online check-in no fewer than 60 days prior to the call at Callao. Accommodation is included (hotels are subject to change). 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. There are two paths at the ruins from which guests may choose; each is fully guided. One requires moderate walking; the other requires considerable walking. 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.