Delve into the sacred and mysterious landmarks of the Inca Empire, including famed Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, and other ancient temples, all precisely constructed without mortar.
Note: This program begins in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and ends in Lima, Peru, therefore departing flights must be booked out of the Lima International Airport.
Special Note: As this is an active program that takes place at high altitudes, we strongly recommend that all guests should consult with their physician regarding their ability to participate prior to signing up. Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.
DAY 1
Following disembarkation from the ship in Rio de Janeiro, you will be transferred as a group to the airport for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel located in the, heart of Lima.
The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Lunch and dinner are on your own perhaps in the hotel or in one of the nearby restaurants.
This evening, please re-pack your bags accordingly as luggage storage for excess luggage will be available at the hotel in Lima from Day 2 – 5. Any luggage to be left in storage should be properly labelled with your name and suite number on the ship. Don’t forget to take any valuables, medications and documents with you.
DAY 2
After breakfast, you will be transferred as a group to the airport for your flight to Cusco.
Upon arrival, you will embark on a city tour of Cusco.
After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the sacred site of Koricancha. Here, you will admire the lovely Dominican Convent of Santo Domingo that was built on the foundations of the Temple of the Sun, the most sumptuous temple in the Inca Empire. The curved, mortar-less masonry wall at the west end of the church is one of the greatest existing examples of Inca stonework.
Then, you will visit the Sacsayhuaman fortress. Strategically located on a hill overlooking Cusco, the fortress was constructed without mortar like many other Inca structures. Yet the enormous stones (some weighing 200 tons) of the remaining walls fit so tightly that not even a thin blade of grass can slide between them. The craftsmanship is a stunning example of the Inca’s sophisticated construction techniques and architectural skills.
After the visit of the city and sights, check into the J.W. Marriott El Convento Hotel or similar. Dinner is on your own.
NOTE: All of the rooms at the J.W. Marriott have an oxygen enriched system to help you acclimate to the altitude. This upgrade service has been included in this package.
DAY 3
Following breakfast, you drive further into the “Sacred Valley of the Incas”. The route with wonderful landscapes will take you Ollantaytambo Fortress. You will visit the site before heading to the Ollantaytambo station to board the Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu, named for the American archaeologist who initiated the excavation of Machu Picchu in 1911. Brunch is served aboard the train.
Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, you will drive to the ruins of Machu Picchu to explore this famous “Lost City of the Incas.” Constructed as a royal retreat for the Inca emperor Pachacuti in the 1400s, Machu Picchu was abandoned less than 100 years later, its population probably devastated by smallpox. Because the Spanish conquistadors never found this hidden city, Bingham discovered it largely intact.
Architectural highlights include the Temple of the Sun, designed much like the one in Cusco, several other temples, hundreds of terraces, and a mysterious carved stone situated on a raised platform that towers above the plaza. The stone may have been used for astronomical observations, but no one knows for certain. The Inca had no written language, so there is no record of Machu Picchu’s ultimate purpose. Scholars are still striving to uncover clues as to its mysteries.
After visiting Machu Picchu, you will board the Hiram Bingham Train back towards Cusco. Dinner is served aboard the train. Upon arriving in Ollantaytambo, you will transfer back to the J.W. Marriott Hotel for the overnight.
DAY 4
After breakfast, you will visit a rural Andean highland community known as the “Village of Beautiful Flowers” to meet the Quechua-speaking farmers and weavers. Learn of their traditions and how these people live today in the Andean countryside.
Visit their kitchens and see how they prepare their food on wood-fired mud-brick stoves.
The welcoming villagers will offer a demonstration of textile technique and design which is an essential feature of Peruvian life. While sharing their knowledge, they will reveal the symbolic meanings encoded into their cloth and styles of dress.
You will also learn about the heart of the Andean agricultural cycle - as vital today as it was in Inca times - as your Quechua hosts show you how they hand-turn the soil on the mountainsides. They will also invite the group to join them in blessing their earth, their animals, and the new-plowed land.
Continuing, our next stop is the splendid Baroque-style Cusco Cathedral, built in the mid-1500s on the foundations of an Inca palace. Many of the stones used in its construction were looted from the nearby Sacsayhuaman fortress. Finally you will return back to your hotel in Cusco.
Dinner is included at the hotel this evening. Overnight at J.W. Marriott El Convento Hotel or similar hotel.
DAY 5
After flying back to Lima, the group will return to the AC Hotel by Marriott or similar for the night.
The remainder of the day is at leisure with lunch and dinner on our own.
DAY 6
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and check out. Transfer to the Lima International Airport based on your flight details. If you have a late flight, you may wish to book an additional night to keep your room longer than the scheduled check out time of 12pm.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•A departure transfer is not included if guests leave before the last day of the program.
DAY 1
TBA Disembark the ship in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
TBA Transfer to the Rio de Janeiro Airport with all luggage
TBA Arrival at the airport and check-in for your flight
4:05pm Flight from Rio de Janeiro to Lima (Airline and flight number TBA and subject to change)
10:40pm Arrival and transfer to your hotel in Lima
Lunch and dinner on your own
Overnight at the AC Hotel By Marriott or similar hotel
DAY 2
5:30am Wake-up call
Breakfast at the hotel
7:00am Meet at the hotel (We suggest guests fly with a carry-on only – any other suitcases will
be kept in hotel storage and waiting at the hotel upon your return to Lima on Day 5.)
7:17am Transfer to the airport
8:17am Arrival at airport and check-in for your flight
10:17am Flight to Cusco (Airline and flight number TBA and subject to change)
11:48am Arrival in Cusco
12:25pm Lunch at a local restaurant
2:20pm Drive to the Koricancha Temple
2:35pm Visit Koricancha Temple
4:20pm Transfer to Sacsayhuaman fortress
4:35pm Visit Sacsayhuaman fortress
5:20pm Drive to your hotel and check in
Dinner on your own
Overnight at the J.W. Marriott or similar hotel
DAY 3
6:00am Wake-up call
6:30am Buffet breakfast at hotel
7:20am Drive to Ollantaytambo Fortress
9:20am Visit Ollantaytambo Fortress
10:20am Drive to the train station to board train to Aquas Calientes
10:30am Board Hiram Bingham Train (time subject to change)
10:53am Hiram Bingham Train to Aguas Calientes. Lunch aboard the train
12:24pm Walk to bus station
12:45pm Bus drive to Machu Picchu Citadel
1:15pm Guided visit of the Citadel
4:30pm Bus drive back to Aguas Calientes
5:00pm Walk to train station
5:50pm Hiram Bingham Train return trip (time subject to change). Dinner on the train
7:25pm Drive back to your hotel
9:25pm Arrival at your hotel
Overnight at J.W. Marriott or similar hotel in Cusco
DAY 4
6:00am Wake-up call
Buffet breakfast provided at hotel
8:00am Transfer to the Andean community
9:00am Visit the Andean community
1:00pm Lunch at a local restaurant
4:00pm Transfer to Cusco city
5:15pm Visit the Cathedral and main square for photo opportunity
6:00pm Drive to the hotel
Dinner at the hotel
Overnight at J.W. Marriott or similar hotel in Cusco
DAY 5
8:00am Wake-up call
8:30am Buffet breakfast at hotel
9:30am Drive to Cusco Airport
10:00am Arrival at airport and check-in
12:00pm Flight (Airline and flight number TBA) to Lima
1:25pm Arrival in Lima and transfer to your hotel
Lunch and dinner are on your own
Overnight at the AC Hotel by Marriott or similar hotel in Lima
DAY 6
TBA Transfer to the Lima Airport in accordance with your flight details. Luggage storage is available at the hotel for guests with a flight/ transfer time after the hotel check out time.
Extra Nights: If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out time is 12:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 6 of your program.
Transfers: All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.
Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.
Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. You will be asked to vacate your room by 12:00pm. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.
Expected Weather:
From mid-November until the end of April is considered to be the wet season, with the peak rainfall occurring during January and February. Although it may not rain every day or for even for a few days at a time, there is a significant chance that you will encounter wet weather. Be prepared with appropriate clothing and even an umbrella. Daily temperatures average 18 °C (64 °F), but unlike the dry season, night time temperatures are just a few degrees lower.
What to Bring:
•Comfortable, casual clothing in natural, "breathable" fabrics. Temperatures will change as altitudes and time of day change, so it’s best to bring shorts as well as long trousers, and clothing we can layer. Cathedrals, churches, and other religious sites require conservative dress. Both males and females should cover their arms, legs and shoulders.
•Local standards dictate a neat, clean outfit for dining in restaurants and touring urban areas. For men: long trousers and a shirt with a collar. For ladies: trousers or a knee-length (or longer) skirt with a modest top. Formal clothing is not necessary.
•A sweater or lightweight jacket for the cooler evening temperatures common in highland regions.
•A lightweight (preferably non-plastic) raincoat or poncho; an umbrella.
•Comfortable walking shoes with low or no heels.
•Sunglasses (with a strap), sun block and a sunhat as well as insect repellent.
•Please note that the use of walking sticks is prohibited in Machu Picchu unless they are needed by guests with mobility problems
Local Currency:
Peru’s currency is the Nuevo Sol (S/.)
Electricity:
The current is 220 volts AC. In most hotel bathrooms, there is an electrical outlet with 110 volts for electric shavers, but this should not be used for travel irons or hair dryers. Most hotel rooms are equipped with hairdryers. We recommend bringing your own travel adaptor for electronic devices if they do not conform to the above voltage.
Luggage information (subject to change by airlines):
For all flights (Rio de Janeiro -Lima-Cusco-Lima) on this program, it is permitted to check one piece of 23Kg (50 pounds) per person and 1 carry-on of 8Kg (17.5 pounds) per person.
Included in the cost of this program will be one extra checked piece per person on the flight from Rio to Lima not to exceed 23Kg (50 pounds) per person.
Excess luggage storage in Lima from Day 2 – 5 is included in the cost of the program. Any luggage to be left in storage should be properly labelled with your name and suite number on the ship. Don’t forget to take any valuables, medications and documents with you.
Guests having any excess to what is included or overweight luggage for any flights including the flight from Rio de Janeiro to Lima on Day 1 will be charged upon check in at the airport. Fees subject to change: $90 for overweight luggage (up to 23kg) / $90 for additional bags (cost per piece of luggage up to 23kg). Luggage fees subject to change by the airlines.
Guests not wishing to travel with all of their luggage might consider contacting “Luggage Forward” www.luggageforward.com. Phone: 877-231-5131 They can provide the service of shipping luggage from the ship to your home or vice versa. There is an additional fee for this.
Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)
1. Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.
2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)
3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at RSSC at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).
4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Oceania Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required
Please check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality
VERY IMPORTANT – The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.
Failure to have the required documents ahead of time will result in denial of travel and guests will have to pay for any expenses incurred in order to not proceed with the program.
Aircraft type (subject to change):
An Airbus 320 or similar size aircraft is typically used
Accommodations:
AC Hotel By Marriott in Lima
Malecón de la Reserva, Miraflores, Lima, Peru
Phone: +51 1 5969480
J.W. Marriott El Convento Hotel or similar in Cusco
Esquina de la Calle Ruinas 432 y San Agustín, Cusco, Peru
Phone: +51 84 582200
*We will only substitute a hotel in unforeseen situations. If a hotel is substituted, it will be similar and with equal ratings and standards and guests will be notified in advance. If guests are not notified of any changes before departure, then the hotels listed in this program will be used.
Program includes:
•3 nights in Classic Inca Rooms at the J.W. Marriott El Convento Hotel in Cusco
•2 nights in Standard room at AC Hotel By Marriott in Lima
•Oxygen-enriched Rooms at the J.W. Marriott El Convento Hotel in Cusco
•English-speaking guides and tour conductor
•Entrance fees to Koricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Ollantaytambo Fortress and Machu Picchu
•Hiram Bingham round-trip Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo
•Gratuities for luggage porterage and restaurants
•Breakfast daily
•2 lunches in Cusco (1 glass of local wine or beer, 1 water or soft drink, and 1 hot beverage)
•1 brunch and 1 dinner aboard the Hiram Bingham train (1 water or soft drink, and 1 hot beverage)
•Bottled water and snacks on coaches
•Airport transfers
•Economy class flights Rio de Janeiro - Lima – Cusco – Lima
•1 piece of luggage of 23kg + 1 carry-on of 8Kg, per person for domestic flight
•2 pieces of luggage of 23kg each + 1 carry-on of 8Kg, for the international flight from Rio
•Luggage storage of excess luggage from Days 2 – 5 in Lima
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes:
•Any drinks and meals not mentioned above
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
•Excess and overweight fees for luggage on flights in excess of what is included
•Service of Luggage Forward
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.
