Special Owners' Choice Tour
Journey to a Lost World: The Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu
May 1-12, 2007
Tour Host: Society President Eleanor Hardy
Click here to see an online photo album of this tour.Itinerary
Day 1: Lima
Fly into Lima, Peru’s capital, this morning. Transfer to Miraflores Park Hotel included. Our hotel offers wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean, especially from the rooftop swimming pool. Meet your tour leader, Society President Eleanor Hardy, and fellow tour participants.
Day 2: Explore Lima (B, L)
This afternoon we transfer to the private residence Casa Garcia Alvarado, where we will enjoy a festive welcome lunch. This will be followed by a sightseeing tour of Lima, including a visit to the Larco Herrera Museum. This archeological museum’s collection includes pieces dating back several thousand years.
Day 3: Lima-Cusco (B, L)
This morning we fly to Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire. Upon arrival, we transfer to the Monasterio Hotel for a light lunch. Then, take in the Plaza de Armas, Catedral and Museum of pre-Columbian Art on our walking tour of the city. Overnight at Hotel Monasterio, former 16th-century monastery-turned-five-star hotel.
Day 4: Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu (B, L, D)
There are only two ways to reach the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu: by foot or train. We will travel aboard the narrow-gauge Hiram Bingham luxury train, named after the 20th-century archaeologist who "rediscovered" this sacred land. After the steep climb out of Cusco, the train descends into the Sacred Valley, passing lush fields and colorful villages in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. From there, the journey offers wonderful vistas of the mountains and the beautiful Urubamba River. On arrival, transfer to the Sanctuary Lodge—the only hotel in Machu Picchu. Enjoy lunch at the lodge, followed by a guided visit of the citadel. Dinner at the hotel and time to enjoy the serenity of Machu Picchu once the large tourist groups leave for the day.
Day 5: Machu Picchu; Hiram Bingham train back to Cusco (B, L, D)
Wake up early today and catch the beautiful view of the sun rising over the famous ruins—an awesome sight seen by very few. Enjoy a full day exploring Machu Picchu, as well as lunch at the Lodge. Transfer back to the train station for our evening departure of the Hiram Bingham back to Cusco. Enjoy cocktails, live entertainment and a four-course dinner in the dining cars. Overnight at Hotel Monasterio.
Day 6: Sacred Valley (B, L)
Today we visit Sacsayhuaman, or "City of Stone," which contains more than 200 archeological sites dating to the 15th century. We can also shop at the famous Pisac market—for everything from fruits and vegetables to ceramics, paintings, clothing and jewelry. Our final stop will be the fortress of Ollantaytambo, a massive structure used by the Incas to defend against the Spanish. Return to the Hotel Monasterio and overnight.
Day 7: Cusco to Puno by Andean Explorer train (B, L)
Transfer to the Cusco train station for the full day journey to Puno aboard the Andean Explorer. The railway line to Lake Titicaca is one of the highest regular passenger rail routes in the world. We stop briefly at the railway’s highest point, La Raya, at 14,150 feet, to admire the view—Andean plains, snow-capped mountains and a beautiful old chapel. Enjoy lunch on board and take in the passing scenery from the glass-walled observation/bar car. Our hotel, Libertador Isla Esteves, is located right on Lake Titicaca.
Day 8: Lake Titicaca (B, L)
Again, early risers will be rewarded with an incredible sunrise over Lake Titicaca—the highest navigable lake in the world at 12,500 feet above sea level. This morning we set out on a boat excursion around the lake, making a stop at the Uros—the floating islands—and Taquile. Lunch will be at a guesthouse on Taquile island, inhabited by 5,000 Quechua-speaking people.
Day 9: Puno to Colca (B, L, D)
Transfer to Colca today by motorcoach. Stop en route to visit the Chullpas de Sillustani, burial tombs dating back as far as the 10th century. The massive towers display impressive masonry and overlook beautiful Lake Umayo, offering a truly serene setting. Overnight in Colca Lodge, where we enjoy dinner together. Perhaps you would like to take an evening dip in the hotel’s hot springs?
Day 10: Colca Canyon (B, L, D)
Explore the amazing Colca Canyon today. Carved by the Colca River, at 10,000 feet it is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon—but unlike its American counterpart, the Colca Canyon is still inhabited by Indians. Also see Cruz del Condor (or "Condor Cross"), an excellent place for spotting the large Andean condors.
Day 11: Arequipa (B, D)
After breakfast we head to Arequipa—Peru’s second largest city—surrounded by beautiful volcanic mountains. Explore the historic city center, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, including a guided tour of the Santa Catalina Convent, a functioning convent set on five acres in the middle of busy Arequipa. Enjoy a farewell dinner tonight at our hotel, Libertador Arequipa.
Day 12: Depart Lima (B)
The morning is at your leisure in Arequipa to further explore the city. Transfer to the airport for our afternoon flight to Lima. Hotel rooms at Miraflores Park will be available for day use until evening flights. Transfer to the airport included.Click here to see more photos of this tour.
Tour Rates:
$5,599 per person, double occupancy
$2,550 single supplement
Internal Airfare (Lima-Cusco; Arequipa-Lima): $319
Click here to download a tour booking form.Please read over our tour terms and conditions.
Rates include:
• Accommodation in first-class hotels as mentioned in the itinerary including breakfast, service charge and taxes
• Lunches and dinners as listed in the itinerary
• Train excursion on Hiram Bingham train roundtrip between Machu Picchu and Cusco
• Train excursion on Andean Explorer from Cusco to Puno
• All gratuities for all included services
• Admission fees to places listed in the itinerary
• Local, English-speaking guides for city tours
• Private car transfers from/to the airport upon arrival/departure in Lima
• Group coach transfers where necessary
Not included: International airfare; departure taxes at airports; passport fees; meals not listed in the itinerary; optional sightseeing unless specified; any expenses of a personal nature, including all forms of travel insurance, laundry service, all alcoholic beverages and all personal beverages other than those included at group meals.
Please call us with questions, bookings:
The Society of International Railway Travelers
800-478-4881
or 502-454-0277Send us e-mail with comments or questions
2007 Society Tours
