Women only Tours (15 days)

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival to Lima

Upon you arrival to Lima, one of our representatives will meet you at the airport to take you to your hotel in Lima. * An extra day in Lima can be added upon request. Please let us know if you like us to add additional activities and meals.

Day 2: Introduction to Peruvian Cuisine & Lunch (B, L)

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be met by one of our representatives, and taken on your Introduction to the Peruvian Cuisine class, a unique chance to interactively learn about the basics of Peruvian cuisine. In this class, our chef will teach you the quintessential basics of Peruvian Cuisine, you will learn how to prepare Peru’s staple dishes and afterwards you will enjoy a full tasting of these traditional Peruvian dishes. At the conclusion of your lunch, you will be taken back to your hotel, where you will have the rest of the afternoon at your leisure, to either rest or do as you see fit. * An extra day in Lima can be added upon request. Please let us know if you like us to add additional activities and meals.

Day 3: Walking Lima City Tour with Chinese Lunch & Teatime with Roundtable discussion (B, L, D)

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be met by one of our representatives, and taken on your walking city tour of the capital city of Lima. This special City Tour will be a travel along the 500 years of history of the city of Lima, as you will discover all the history and tradition hidden in every corner of the capital of Peru. You will begin your tour at Plaza San Martin Square to see the Bolivar hotel, one of the most luxurious in the world in the early 20th century. Then you will walk along the “jirones” (small narrow streets of downtown) until you reach the Osambela house, one of the best examples of colonial civil architecture, were you will discover how old Limenians used to live. You will continue on to the Lima Cathedral and continue to the popular San Francisco Catacombs and will finish your day at San Pedro church, the most impressive church in the city, full of gold and antique paintings. Along the road, our guide will take you to many little corners and places, and illustrate the vast history and legend of the places you will see. This is a highly recommended City Tour, especially if you are interested in Architecture.

At the conclusion of your tour, you will go directly to one of downtown Lima’s most famous Chinese restaurants, where you will enjoy a specially prepared Chinese-Peruvian meal commonly known as “chifa”. At the conclusion of lunch, you will be taken back to your hotel, where you will have the remaining of the afternoon to rest and freshen up prior to your evening activities. Dinner tonight is “Lonche” or Tea Time a Peruvian tradition that dates back hundreds of years. Tea Time in Peru is an early evening meal, typically eaten after 5pm and consists of small sandwiches, pastries, coffee, tea and juices. For this special tea-time, you will be accompanied by very well respected women in Peru, and engage in an exciting round-table discussion about a subject of choice or talk about interesting stories and common interest topics. You will be provided with an excellent interpreter, who will ensure that you don’t miss a single thing, of what is sure to be a memorable evening. At the conclusion of your discussion, you will be taken back to your hotel. * An extra day in Lima can be added upon request. Please let us know if you like us to add additional activities and meals.

Day 4: Market Visit and Ceviche Mission & Festival + Amazon Fusion Dinner (B, L, D)

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up by one of our culinary guides and be taken on your Market Visit & Fruit Festival. You will start with a visit to the Main market. This market is informal and a great way to experience a little bit of the Peruvian culture in its daily life. In the Main Market you can find the best variety of vegetables and fruits in the country, including exotic products from the “Andes” and the “Jungle”. In all Peruvian markets, “el regateo” is a common practice “asking for a discount and negotiating the price for the product with each vendor” people even ask for a “Yapa” something for free with your purchase, one extra lime or one extra potato. We will also have the change to taste all the many exotic fruits that Peru offers. As part of your market visit, you will also take part in a special mission: Mission Ceviche–more than an activity, this is your secret mission: We will give you the recipe, ingredient list and money, which you will use to buy all your supplies to make your Ceviche (don’t worry if you don’t speak Spanish, this is part of the fun), as you find ways to stretch the money we gave you, you will experience first hand the concept of “regateo” and “yapa”. Immediately following your market visit, you will head out to your Ceviche Festival at Señorio de Sulco Restaurant, where Flavio Solorzano**, owner and Executive Chef of “El Señorío de Sulco” Restaurant will lead you on this journey into the famous Peruvian dish, Ceviche. Chef Solorzano, specializes in Peruvian Cuisine in which he applies modern techniques to recreate traditional recipes into special dishes. **Please note that Chef Solorzano may not be available on the day of your trip and we will provide a substitute chef of the same experience level.

After lunch at the restaurant, you will be taken back to your hotel in Lima, where you will have the remaining of the afternoon at your leisure. At dinner time, our representative will meet you at your hotel, and accompany you to one of Lima’s best restaurants, where a uniquely crafted Pisco demonstration and tasting experience awaits you. Pisco is Peru’s national drink, and a liquor so versatile, that it can be drunk alone, or mixed with fruits from which we make amazing “Pisco Martinis”. You will learn to prepare these new, trendy pisco-based drinks with exotic fruits, in addition to the traditional Pisco Sour at one of Lima’s hottest spots: Malabar restaurant. Tasting good Pisco is like tasting wine, and you will be able to learn about the different grapes and grape combinations that are used in the preparation of Pisco through a guided tasting by an expert sommelier. Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino will present his new cuisine using jungle ingredients after tasting the most important varieties of Pisco. At the conclusion of dinner, you will be taken back to your hotel. * An extra day in Lima can be added upon request. Please let us know if you like us to add additional activities and meals.

Day 5: Flight to Cusco & City Tour (B)

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be taken back to the airport for the short, one-hour flight to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas, located at 11,100 feet above sea level. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel of choice. You will have the remainder of the day to rest and freshen up. It’s best to take it easy this day, to let your body adjust to the altitude. Some find enjoying a cup of hot coca tea a real help in adjusting to the high elevation and that is what the locals traditionally use coca for. * Depending on which domestic flight you choose you will have more or less time to rest.

After lunch, you will set out on grand tour of Cusco, the former capital of the once vast Incan Empire. The city’s Spanish Colonial architecture both overlays and is interlaced with the earlier Incan architecture. We walk Cusco’s impressive Plaza de Armas and visit both the Spanish cathedral and Incan temple of the sun, Qoricancha. The Spanish conquistadores destroyed significant portions of the Inca civilization while leaving their mark on Cusco. Ornate cathedrals, adobe walls, carved balconies, hidden courtyards and cobblestone streets add to the historic richness of the ancient Incan capital.

Next we set out to visit the ruins above the city that were considered an essential part of the ancient capital. We start with one of the most impressive of them all, Sacsayhuaman. Some of the stones used to build the site weigh up to 70 tons yet are fitted so precisely–without the use of mortar–that one cannot slide even the thinnest object between them. Some believe that the site forms the head of puma or jaguar and that the huge triangulated walls form its teeth, or symbolize lightening. Tambomachay, the Temple of the Sacred Waters, is another site we will visit and is a marvel of hydraulic engineering. Its waters still flow today. At Q´enqo we’ll see the remains of a ceremonial site used for fertility rites and for celebrations of the solstice and equinox. * An extra day in Cusco can be added upon request. Please let us know if you like us to add additional activities.

Day 6: Sacred Valley Tour (B, L)

After breakfast, we set out into the Urubamba Valley, also known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop will be a visit to the Pisac market. The Pisac market has a wide variety of artisan arts & crafts and you will have the chance to see the many different products that the sacred valley produces. This is a great opportunity to for you to do some unique shopping, and to purchase souvenirs for your family and friends. After the market, we head deeper into the Sacred Valley and visit the Inca town of Ollantaytambo, still inhabited by the locals in much the same way as it was during the time of the Incas. The lodging area is formed by complex structures known as “canchas” or apartments. The Inca built a temple on a terraced site above the town. The impressive, standing stones they erected, conjure up images of Atlantis. This is the site where Manco Inca and his warriors staged a temporary victory over the Spanish Conquistadors, led by Francisco Pizarro. During this victory, the Inca warriors flooded the fields, while raining down spears and arrows from above, making it difficult for the Spanish horses to maneuver, ultimately forcing a rare retreat on the part of the Conquistadors. We then return to Urubamba, where you will have a chance to break for lunch and recover energies to continue with our tour.

After lunch, we head out to the bustling market-town of Chinchero, our final visit today. The town of Chinchero is the Birthplace of the Rainbow, situated at over 11,500 feet. Its extensive agricultural terraces made it, in Incan times, the breadbasket of Cusco city. The main sight to see at this location is a catholic church, with fine paintings from the Cusquenian School. Modern Chinchero has a very active community of women weavers who create textiles on back strap looms using only natural dyes. The weavers make fine, high quality mantas, table runners, pillows, bags, belts, and scarves in soft natural colors. At the end of the day you will go back to Cusco. All of our suggested hotels are well situated, so that you can relax and enjoy more of both ancient and contemporary life this evening. * An overnight at the sacred valley can be added upon request. Please let us know if you like us to add additional activities and meals.

Day 7: Machu Picchu (B, S)

The day you have been waiting for! After breakfast we catch the train to the town of Aquas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu. Continue by bus for the short ride up switch backs to the Machu Picchu citadel overhead. We enter the ruins for a breathtaking view of the city in the sky. You will enjoy a full tour of the lost city and have lunch on your own after the tour. In the afternoon, we catch the bus back down to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you will then check in at your hotel for the remainder of the day. * An extra overnight in Machu Picchu can be added upon request.

Day 8: 2nd Day in Machu Picchu (B)

After breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, you will once again head up the switchbacks, by bus, for your 2nd day at Machu Picchu. During this day you will have the chance to go up the citadel with the first available bus at 5:30am so you can see the sunrise from MachuPicchu. The rest of the day you will have the time on your own to do one of the hikes available for you at the citadel such us the HuaynaPicchu or the Gate of the Sun; or, you can also just relax and enjoy the scenery. At the conclusion of your day tour, you will head back down to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you will catch your train to Poroy train station in Cusco. Upon you arrival to Cusco, you will be taken directly to your hotel, where you will check in for the night.

Day 9: Horseback riding around Cusco (B, S)

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be met and taken on a short, 20 minute van ride to the starting point of your horseback riding, archeological trek, around the city of Cusco. You will have the chance to ride while visiting the mysterious remains that surround city of Cusco. This tour lasts roughly 2 ½ hours, following farming fields and Andean style villages through Incan remains. At the conclusion of your horseback riding tour, you will be picked up via van, and taken back to your hotel in Cusco, where you will have the chance to rest for the remainder of the day, at your leisure. * An extra day in Cusco can be added upon request. Please let us know if you like us to add additional activities and meals.

Day 10: Restorative Yoga Workshop + Afternoon Shopping Tour (B)

After breakfast at your hotel in Cusco, you will be met by one of our representatives, and accompanied to your invigorating, restorative yoga workshop. A relaxing practice aimed at bringing the body into greater balance, this class will give you an “active relaxation.” We will stimulate and relax the body to move toward balance. Some poses and positions have an overall benefit, while others target an individual part. You will fill your body with energy and feel truly refreshed. After lunch, you will embark on a special shopping tour, through the city of Cusco. You will be taken to the most popular neighborhood full of interesting and unique stores and have a chance to shop to your hearts content—full of bartering and negotiating with the locals. At the conclusion of your shopping tour, you will be taken back to your hotel. * An extra day in Cusco can be added upon request. Please let us know if you like us to add additional activities and meals.

Day 11: Train from Cusco to Puno (B, S, L)

After breakfast at your hotel, you will check out, and be picked up and taken to the train station in Cusco. You will then catch a very scenic, pleasant, Andean explorer train from Cusco to the city of Puno, consider among the 25 greatest railway journeys of the world and among one of the first two South Americans by the International Society for railway passengers. You will be provided with a snack and lunch. Once you arrive in Puno, you will be picked up, and taken directly to your hotel in Puno, where you will have the remainder of the day to yourself. *Optional Flight or touristic bus can be arranged.

Day 12: Uros & Taquile Island Tour (B, L)

After breakfast, we will pick you up for your guided tour of Uros Island. The residents of Uros islands are Aymaras who have inherited the way of life of the long-gone Uros. Their livelihood is based on the benefits of a unique plant: the totora reed. They use it to build their homes, boats and even the floating islands they live on, periodically adding new layers of reeds. Families in Uros have a unique experience of sharing their culture and customs. Next, you will be transfer to Taquile Island where you will enjoy a delicious lunch. After lunch you’ll set out on a grand tour of Taquile Island. Its inhabitants speak only Quechua. Farmers, fishermen and weavers, they wear distinctive outfits. Heirs of the ancient, commune-like system called ayllu, the people of Taquile offer room and board to visitors in their own homes, ensuring an opportunity to share in their customs and way of life. Taquile has several hills and many archeological ruins. After the tour, you go back to Puno where dinner is on your own. There are many places in Puno you can explore this night. * An extra day or two in Puno can be added upon request. There are tours to Amantani, the unique Suasi Island and other places in Puno available, please ask our team.

Day 13: Sillustani in route to airport & Back to Lima (B)

After breakfast at your hotel in Puno, you will depart on your guided, private tour of Sillustani. You will have the chance to end your visit to Puno by visiting the ruins of Sillustani, en route to the airport. This archeological site contains the famous chullpas, round burial towers built of stone, some standing as tall as 39 ft. They were used by the Collas and later by the Incas. Sillustani is also a good place to observe wild guinea pigs, birds and other wildlife of the high andes. There is also a small site museum for you to visit. Directly after your Sillustani tour, you will be taken to the airport, where you will catch your flight back to Lima. Once you arrive in Lima, you will be met, and taken directly to your hotel in Lima. *An evening flight is required from Juliaca to Lima for your Sillustani Tour.

Day 14: Free morning + Criollo Lunch + Shopping Tour + Farewell Dinner (B, L, D)

After your breakfast in Lima, you will have the morning free for your leisure, in order to be ready for your day’s activities. At lunchtime, you will be picked up at your hotel, and accompanied on your Criolla lunch and experience what Peruvian eat everyday. After your delicious lunch, you will embark on your Lima shopping tour. Your Shopping in Lima tour will take you to several “Platerias” or silver shops, while also visiting local, Peruvian artisan shops and art galleries. In the afternoon, you will be taken back to your hotel where you will have the remainder of the afternoon free at your leisure, in order to rest and relax prior to dinner. In the evening, you will be picked up at your hotel and taken to one of Lima’s finest restaurant’s, for your farewell Nikkei Dinner at Costanera 700 Restaurant. Costanera 700 Restaurant, is widely considered as one of the very best restaurants in all of Lima. On this farewell dinner, you will have an eye opening culinary experience at the restaurant of the very chef who was the pioneer in merging Nikkei cuisine with Peruvian. After dinner, you will be taken directly to your hotel for the evening. * An extra day in Lima can be added upon request. Please let us know if you like us to add additional activities and meals.

Day 15: Free day in Lima & Back home (B)

After your final breakfast at your hotel in Lima, you will have the entire day at your leisure, prior to being picked up, and taken to the airport in Lima to catch your flight back home.

Not exactly what you want?

Remember that Magical focuses on providing the best available options and can work with you on customizing your tour to better fit your interests and budget, without compromising the quality of your tour. Just contact us with your questions and preferences and we can modify this tour based on your expectations and requests.

Important Notes:

About MachuPicchu Entrance Tickets

As the popularity of MachuPicchu has increased in the last few years, and in order to preserve the ancient paths of MachuPicchu, the Peruvian Cultural Institute (INC) has restricted the number of people that could enter MachuPicchu to 2,500 people per day. This means that, once the 2,500 tickets are sold out, no further entrance tickets will available. Also, please note that to avoid a secondary market for these tickets, all tickets are issued with the name of the passenger, his/her passport number, nationality and date of birth. Therefore, tickets are non refundable and non transferable.

About Huaynapichu Tickets

Entrance tickets to Huaynapichu are not longer free, entrance tickets are now US$12.00 per person. There are two scheduled visits per day, with a limit of 200 people per visit (Total of 400 per day). If you are interested in hiking the Huaynapichu, we will need you to let us know at the same time you book your trip since the Huaynapichu tickets need to be purchased in conjunction to the MachuPicchu tickets.

Price

This tour (*) is available from:

USD$1999.90 per person – All Group tours, except Lima portion that is in private. All Private Transfers

For single supplement and prices in a private service, please contact us!

* Based on double occupancy, 4 people, Budget Accommodations

IMPORTANT: As price depends on each passenger choices, please contact us to send you an updated price based on your specific request. Please send us the following information and we will respond within 24 hours with your updated price.

• Number of people in your party
• Level of accommodation (3, 4, 5*). Please see options
• Choosing a Private or Group Tour?
• Train choice. Please see options
• Adding options: if you like to add day tours, extra days, meals, etc
• Need domestic or international flights?
• Have a special request (e.g.: special diet, wheelchair, children, senior, etc)

What’s Included?

• Round-trip Expedition train. Upgrade to other trains: Vistadome or Hiram Bingham upon request
• Bus to Machu Picchu roundtrip (For 2 days)
• Andean Explorer Train from Cusco to Puno.
• Expert leadership / guides & support personnel for all listed tours
• Accommodations: 6 nights in Lima, 5 nights in Cusco, 2 nights in Puno, 1 night in Aguas
• Calientes
• Meals as noted (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, S= Snack). We can add any meals upon request
• Land excursions as noted including entrance fees (Lima Cathedral, San Francisco Catacombs BTG, Cusco Cathedral, Qoricancha, Machu Picchu, Uros & Taquile, Sillustani)
• Private transportation: Lima airport/Lima Hotel, Lima Hotel/Lima Restaurant, Lima Restaurant/Lima Hotel, Lima Hotel/Lima Local Market, Lima Local Market/Lima Restaurant, Lima restaurant/Lima Hotel, Lima Hotel/Lima Airport, Cusco Airport/Cusco Hotel, Cusco Hotel/Poroy Train Station, Poroy Train Station/Cusco Hotel, Cusco Hotel/Cusco Train Station, Puno Train Station/Puno Hotel, Puno Hotel/Sillustani, Sillustani/Juliaca Airport, Lima Airport/Lima Hotel, Lima Hotel/Lima Airport.

What’s Not Included?

• Airport taxes: Local ($5-6) and International ($31) departure tax of payable in local currency by each passenger at Lima International Airport upon departure (if applicable)
• International and domestic airfares, usually quoted separately
• Insurance of any kind: mandatory evacuation insurance; suggested cancellation insurance, interruption, baggage loss, damage and delay
• Visas. Please be advised that some citizens other than Canadians and US may need visa to travel to Peru. Please advise us of your nationality to help you or check with the Peruvian Consulate
• Tipping & Gratuities (Guides $4 per person per day / Drivers $1 per person per day)
• Excess baggage charges
• Medical immunizations
• Items of a personal nature (clothing, sodas, liquor, snacks, laundry, etc.)

Domestic Tickets

Lima/Cusco/Lima: From US $190 per person. This is an example price. Prices depend on date and time of booking.