This itinerary is carefully planned to allow you to witness Cuzco’s most magnificent Festival: Corpus Christi. You will partake in the preparation of the festival, which is filled with significance for Cusquenians, and enjoy a privileged view of the “Central Day” festivities from a strategic balcony on the Main Square. In addition we’ve incorporated some unique Aracari touches into the itinerary including visits to two spectacular private historic homes in Lima, a unique Peruvian culinary immersion, and a private dinner in Cusco.

Fixed Departures: June 3-11, 2009 and May 26-June 4 2010

Day 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

Transfer to your hotel on arrival from your International flight. Briefing about the upcoming activities. Overnight in Lima Country Club Hotel or Miraflores Park Hotel. Another charming option is a B&B called Second Home Peru.

Visit Lima’s Colonial Centre. Lunch at the Historic Casa de Aliaga Mansion and afternoon visit of the Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeology Museum. Cap off the evening with a private tour of the finest private ‘lived in' art collection in Lima with owner Jim Ciurlizza. Jim opens his doors exclusively for Aracari clients to give you a personal tour of the Collection. After your tour relax and enjoy a three-course gourmet dinner with drinks, personally hosted by the charming and cosmopolitan collector in this beautiful setting. Overnight at your selected Lima hotel.

Culinary Adventure in Lima! Dedicate a full day to obtaining a privileged insight into what makes Peru’s current culinary scene so exciting. Our charismatic culinary interpreters will take you on a fascinating and educational journey through the fragrances and tastes of Peru. You will visit colorful markets, Lima’s most traditional Cevicheria, and enjoy a tasting menu at the widely recognized “Senorio de Sulco” restaurant. Overlooking the ocean, this restaurant offers a very good quality buffet lunch of creole food. A perfect way to savour the varied dishes from the different areas of Peru.  The afternoon will be spent enjoying a Pisco Tasting at the atmospheric “Bolivariano” tavern and restaurant finally enjoying a sweet ending to the tour with a sampling of Peru’s divine sweets (another important component of Peruvian cuisine). Overnight at your selected Lima hotel.

Transfer to the airport to take your 1-hour morning flight to Cuzco (3,400m/11,220 ft). On arrival into Cuzco, you will be transferred to the Urubamba Valley (1 hour drive), which lies at lower altitude and makes acclimatization easier. The Urubamba river valley is dotted with villages, markets and archaeological sites. On the way to your hotel you will visit the wonderful ruins of Pisac and its famous market. Lunch at a local restaurant. Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure at Ticllabamba or Villas Urubamba. Overnight at Ticllabamba Maison d'Hôtes or Villas Urubamba.

You will be collected by your private guide and driven to the village and Inca site of Ollantaytambo, which boasts some of the finest Inca architecture known. Gourmet lunch at the lovely Hacienda Huayo Ccari, the private estate of one of Cuzco's oldest land owning families. In the afternoon you will visit the colonial village of Chinchero (3,800m/12,500ft) which has a fascinating history and offers amazing views of the mountains. Chinchero has Inca ruins and a charming adobe church which was later built on the ruins by the Spanish.
Overnight at Ticllabamba Maison d'Hôtes or Villas Urubamba.

Day 6 (June 8, 2009 or May 31, 2010)
Cuzco – Machu Picchu

You will be collected by your guide and driven to the Poroy train station to take the Hiram Bingham luxury train to Aguas Calientes, the station that serves Machu Picchu. Train ride is approximately 3 hours through wonderful cloud forest scenery. You will be served brunch on board, and enjoy a very luxurious journey. Upon arrival in Machu Picchu, you will have a guided visit of the ruins together with other train passengers. Machu Picchu, also known as "The Lost City of the Incas" is one of the world's most celebrated archaeological sites and rightly so. Its location is spectacular. The mountain scenery surrounding it is magnificent and the site itself is also spectacular, with some of the finest and more complex Inca architecture known. After visiting the site with your guide, you will have the luxury of staying in the Citadel in relative solitude, since you will overnight at either the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge right by the site, or the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel in Aguas Calientes, 30 minutes bus drive away.

Day 7 (June 9, 2009 or June 1, 2010)
Machu Picchu - Cuzco

Enjoy Machu Picchu almost all to yourself, as you will be able to access the site as soon as it opens, and watch the morning unfold. Machu Picchu at this time is pure magic. Morning at leisure in Machu Picchu. A-la-carte lunch at the Tampu Restaurant in the Sanctuary Lodge. Afternoon return via the Vistadome Train from Machu Picchu to Cuzco, journey time is approximately 3.45 hours. At the train station you will be collected and driven to your hotel.
Overnight Monasterio.

Day 8 (June 10, 2009 or June 2, 2010)
Cuzco tour & Corpus Christi preparations

Today you will visit Cuzco and the Inca ruins surrounding the City. You will also be able to closely witness the wide array of activities related to the preparations of the Festival. You will see images are paraded to the Cathedral, local people preparing their food stalls and masses being celebrated. Cuzco is bustling and the energy is tangible.
Overnight Monasterio.

Day 9 (June 11, 2009 or June 3, 2010)
Corpus christi

All day to witness the Corpus Christi celebrations. You will have a privileged position at a restaurant located on the Main Square, where you can have lunch while you watch the processions. Enjoy the pageantry! Dinner at the Casa Colcampata, a beautiful and historic colonial mansion located in the Northern part of Cuzco. It boasts commanding city views and a rich history.
Overnight Monasterio.

Day 10 (June 12, 2009 or June 4, 2010)
Cuzco – Lima departure

Transfer to the airport to catch your flight to Lima.  In the afternoon, you will have a vehicle and driver at your disposal to go wherever in Lima you prefer. Transfer to the airport to catch your evening international flight home.