DAY 1 - ARRIVE LIMA (2 NIGHTS)

Bienvenidos, or welcome, to Lima, Peru! The nation’s capital and largest city is often called the City of Kings. This city was founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizzaro, but the region had been previously inhabited by native people for hundreds of years. Today Lima is home to gorgeous architecture, thrilling museums and exquisite dining as one of the hubs of Latin American culture and economy. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and taken to your hotel in the famous Miraflores district. Known for its shopping, cafes, gardens and beaches, it is one of Lima’s most beautiful and popular districts for visitors and locals alike. Depending on your flight, you will arrive either in the evening of Day 1, or in the early morning of Day 2; either way, your room is available for check-in at 3 p.m. on Day 1.
OVERNIGHT: Hotel Casa Andina Private Collection, Miraflores (2 Nights)

DAY 2 - LIMA

The morning is yours to take in the atmosphere or lounge at the hotel. Enjoy a special Welcome Lunch today at Casa Garcia Alvarado, the private home of a distinguished Peruvian family. Your hostess will take you on a guided tour of their stunning residence followed by a traditional home-cooked meal of local specialties. Later, embark on a city tour revealing the highlights of Lima. Experience the colonial splendor of Lima’s Plaza Mayor, home to the Archbishop’s Palace, the stately Cathedral of Lima containing the tomb of Francisco Pizarro, the neocolonial Municipal Palace and the Government Palace. Also known as the Plaza de Armas, it was from this square that Peru’s independence was proclaimed in 1821. This part of the city contains some of the best examples of the city’s architectural splendor and is part of the greater historic center of Lima, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Stroll through the middle of Main Square and enjoy the picturesque fountain dating back to 1650. Visit the Church of San Francisco built atop a network of catacombs before retiring to the hotel for an evening at leisure. (B WL)

DAY 3 - LIMA - CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY

Transfer to the airport and fly to Cusco, gateway city to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Cusco is a vibrant historical and cultural hub that was originally home to the Quechua people, but eventually became the capital of the Inca Empire. First, we’ll visit Awanakancha to see native alpacas, llamas and vicunas and view traditional weavers at work. Learn about the harvesting process and dying techniques of different types of wool and browse through beautifully weaved dresses. After a picnic box lunch, continue on to the vibrant handicraft market of Pisac. Walk along the rows of vendors selling alpaca wool garments, artwork, jewelry, and clothing and visit a local chicheria and try a glass of chicha. Chicha, a homemade beverage typically derived from corn, is the traditional and favorite drink of the Andes. Chicha is prepared by Peruvian women only and it celebrates Pacha Mama (Mother Nature). Check in at your luxurious resort in the stunning setting of the Sacred Valley. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the Wayra Restaurant and meet Petite, the restaurant’s owner, and learn about her work as founder of a local school in the Sacred Valley. Retire to the hotel after your delicious meal and perhaps indulge in some relaxation at the Aranwa Spa offering three stunning pools, all with different temperatures. (B BL HD)
OVERNIGHT: Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel

DAY 4 - SACRED VALLEY – MACHU PICCHU

Board the Vistadome train and enjoy panoramic views of the valley and mountains as you climb toward Machu Picchu. Your guide will lead you on an exploration of the stunning ruins of this mighty urban and agricultural site. This Inca location was so remote, it was never discovered by the Spanish. You will marvel at the technical achievement of building such a site amongst the valleys and peaks of the Andes Mountains. UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and iconic symbol of the Inca Empire, Machu Picchu is known as the “Lost City of the Incas,” and was built around 1450. Visit the great Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza and the intricately carved Intihuatana. Later today, return to Aguas Calientes and get settled into your hotel where a delicious dinner will be served. (B D)
OVERNIGHT: Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel

DAY 5 - MACHU PICCHU – CHINCHERO – CUSCO (2 NIGHTS)

Indulge in a morning cooking lesson at your hotel and discover the secrets of traditional Peruvian cuisine featuring ceviche (Peruvian seafood dish), causa (potato dumpling) and the delicious pisco sour cocktail. The morning and early afternoon are yours to continue your exploration of Machu Picchu, perhaps with an adventurous hike or walk for expanded views of the ruins. You may choose instead to stroll the local town and browse the shops of Aquas Calientes. Later, the Vistadome train will bring you back to the town of Ollantaytambo where you will transfer to Chinchero the “town of rainbows,” so named because it is believed to be the mythical birthplace of the rainbow. Chinchero’s Inca village culture is augmented by its stunning mountain views. Visit the Pablo Seminario Ceramic Studio, dedicated to the discovery of techniques and designs from ancient Peruvian cultures. Pablo Seminario and Marilú Behar present a new art expression, providing continuity to these cultural inheritances. Meet Pablo and Marilu and visit the main atelier where Pablo makes the drafts of winged men and magic creatures with crowned heads and round eyes, which resemble traditional pre Inca pieces. Inside the other working rooms, a group watch artisans trained by the family drawing and painting cups, vases, and lamps with great accuracy and skill by using long brushes submerged in colored paints. Finally, arrive in Cusco and relax at your luxurious hotel in the old town with an evening at leisure. (B)
OVERNIGHT: Aranwa Cusco (2 Nights)

DAY 6 - CUSCO

Today is all about Cusco! You will be picked up at your hotel in the morning and then you are off to see the sights in this amazing city. Explore the archeological remains of an Inca settlement southwest of Machu Picchu. Visit the colonial Cathedral and Temple of Korikancha, a culturally significant temple in the Inca Empire. Enjoy a visit to the bohemian quarter of Cusco - San Blas - before exploring the Vicuñita Factory where you learn about the manufacturing of silver, ceramics and textiles. The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to explore Cusco at your own leisure. (B)

DAY 7 - CUSCO – JULIACA - PUNO

Begin your morning with a tour of the ruins of the fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Then explore the Quenqo ceremonial center and discover the history behind the cleansing water rituals at Tambomachay. See the ancient Inca storage places of Tambo and Pukapukara. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before flying to Juliaca and transfer to the shores of the great Lake Titicaca. This magnificent lake is the largest in South America and reigns as the highest navigable lake in the world, sitting at 12,500 feet. Enjoy the spectacular sunset over the lake followed by dinner served at the hotel. (B HL D)
OVERNIGHT: Libertador Puno Hotel

DAY 8 - PUNO – SUASI ISLAND

After a hearty breakfast, begin your Lake Titicaca adventure. Cruise the beautiful lake and discover the floating islands constructed out of reeds by the Uros Indians. Learn about the unique lifestyle, housing and customs of these people known worldwide for their vibrant, colorful clothing and their distinguishing reed work. Next is Taquile Island where you meet local Quechua-speaking villagers, renowned for their hand-weaving techniques. Then arrive at your overnight sanctuary – Suasi Island and your hotel - a stunning eco-lodge with exceptional lake views. During your stay, you will meet the island’s owner, Marta Giraldo, whose family has lived in the Puno area for generations. Following the 1968 coup by Velasco Alvarado against the democratically elected government of Belaunde, the Giraldos' land holdings were confiscated and distributed to the poor. Suasi Island was given to the Giraldos as consolation prize as it was not suitable for farming. Through her hard work and Suasi Project, Marta Giraldo has transformed her island into South America’s first project using 100% of renewable energies - water, light, fridges, kitchen, etc. Learn about Mrs. Giraldo’s development of 12 new tourist destinations in struggling communities with high standards and services like hot water, healthy food, fair prices, as well as her accomplishments as Coordinator for Rural Development; Coordinator for CIER- Puno (Research and study centre for rural development); Founder of APRODEH and the National Coordination for Human Rights; President of CODEH – Puno (commission for human rights); Coordinator for the Peru Office of Diakonia; Coordinator for OXFAM England in two emergency projects (floods in Puno and in Moquegua, Arequipa after an earthquake), Coordinator for GESTUR PUNO – SWISSCONTACT (development of sustainable tourism in the Puno region, Swiss organization)… Enjoy a barbecue lunch served beachside followed by a rare opportunity to partake in a ceremony led by an Aymara Shaman. This ceremony is performed by chewing coca leaves and delivering the offerings prepared by the shaman in order to pay tribute to Pacha Mama (Mother Earth). These rites blend both traditional and Christian beliefs. The rest of the day is yours to explore the island at leisure. Choose from a variety of activities including hiking, kayaking and boat riding or just relax at the beautiful lodge. As an added bonus, all drinks are complimentary during your time on Suasi Island. This evening, enjoy a romantic candle-lit dinner at the lodge. (B L D)
OVERNIGHT: Casa Andina Private Collection, Suasi

DAY 9 - SUASI – JULIACA – LIMA – PARACAS (2 NIGHTS)

After breakfast, fly back to Lima and travel south to the Paracas Peninsula. A box lunch will be provided before exploring the Regional Museum of Ica with its superb examples of Paracas weavings and textiles, well-preserved mummies, pottery and a scale model of the Nazca Lines. Visit Bodega El Catador and learn about and taste Pisco, a colorless grape brandy, which is a Peruvian specialty used to make Pisco Sour. Dinner will be served at the hotel tonight. (B BL D)
OVERNIGHT: DoubleTree Paracas Hotel Ica (2 Nights)

DAY 10 PARACAS - PISCO - PARACAS

Take to the skies today for an unforgettable experience as you soar high over the coastal desert to see the enigmatic Nazca Lines, gigantic geometric designs and pictures created between 400 and 650 A.D. These otherworldly phenomena can only be seen from the air and the hundreds of figures include spiders, hummingbirds, monkeys and lizards. This afternoon is at leisure at your beachside resort. (B)

DAY 11 PARACAS - LIMA

Start your day with a visit to the uninhabited Ballestas Islands, a mini-Galapagos, teeming with wildlife including fur seals, sea lions, dolphins, penguins and thousands of birds including the elusive blue-footed booby. In fact, there are over 150 species of marine bird inhabiting these islands. See another mysterious design in the earth – the majestic Candelabra, which while similar looking to the Nazca Lines, is different in make and origin. Back on dry land dine at a local restaurant for lunch before traveling back to Lima where you can enjoy some free time for some last-minute shopping before meeting up with your Travel Director and fellow Gutsy Women travel companions for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant, and look back on your wonderful Peruvian experiences and plan your next Gutsy Women trip with your newfound friends. (B L D)
OVERNIGHT: Hotel Casa Andina Private Collection, Miraflores

DAY 12 DEPART LIMA

Say Hasta Luego to Peru and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to the airport either late in the evening on Day 11, or early in the morning on Day 12; regardless you have use of your room until check-out time (11 a.m. on Day 12) (B)

Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel - Cusco

Hilton DoubleTree Hotel - Paracas

Sumaq Machupicchu Hotel - Machu Picchu

Casa Andina Private Collection - Suasi

Libertador Hotel - Puno

Casa Andina Private Collection - Lima