August 7-15, 2010

The Inca whisper in the wind. We hear their echoes in meticulously carved stonework, amid soaring Andean peaks … from the heights of Machu Picchu to the splendor of Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Our small group uncovers the ancient and colonial mysteries of this wondrous land, even staying overnight near the base of the Lost City. Join Hermes Tours and witness natural beauty and inspiring architecture that’s unrivalled, and glimpse the heart and soul of a welcoming people.

• Lima, including Plaza Mayor, Casa Aliaga & Miraflores
• Sacred Valley of the Incas, including Ollantaytambo  and Pisac
• Machu Picchu, including a morning tour before daytrippers arrive
• Cusco, including Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay, and Puca Pucara
• Lima’s Monterrico & Gold Museum
• Scenic train travel between Cusco and Machu Picchu
• Accommodations for 8 nights in 4- and 5-star, centrally located hotels
• Daily breakfast, 2 lunches, and 4 dinners
• Services of a Hermes Tours escort
• Services of an expert, local guide in all cities
• $100 per person savings if you reserve 5 months before departure!
• Optional tour to Cusco Salt Mines

PROGRAM:
This tour is categorized as a leisure trip, there are no strenuous activities. Guests who wish to do more strenuous hiking at Machu Picchu will have the opportunity to walk/hike around the complex. We do have a few early mornings to catch planes/trains and to make the most out of our trip.

Casa Andinba Private Collection Miraflores 5 star -This 5 star-hotel has an unbeatable location, just in the heart of Miraflores, here the business and pleasure tourist will find 148 totally equipped rooms, 4 conference rooms, gourmet restaurant, coffee shop, Spa, Gym, beauty salon and a heated swimming pool.View Hotel

Casa Andina Private Collection 4 star - Cusco. Located a few blocks from the main Plaza Armas. View Hotel

Casa Andina Private Collection 4 star - Urubamba. In the centre of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. View Hotel

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel 4 star - Aguas Calientes. Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is a rustic boutique hotel in the heart of the Machu Picchu's Historic Sanctuary in the clouds forest. The Hotel has a small andean-town style in the hillside next to the train station; Ink Aterra

What's Included:
Please note that the above cost includes domestic airfare, domestic airport departure taxes, accommodation, all meals indicated services of a Hermes Tours Escort throughout the trip, a full time local guide with his associated expenses, all ground transportation.

Not Included:
International Airfare, international aiport departure taxes, airport transfers, personal travel insurance, any other activities excluded in the itinerary, services of a personal nature like telephone calls, laundry, alcohol...traditional gratuity to Hermes Tour Manager; gratuities to guides, and driver.

Visas
Both US and Canadian passport holders DO NOT require visas for Peru. You must have a valid passport.

Immunizations & Health
No immunizations are required, but the U.S. Center for Disease Control strongly recommends the following inoculations: tetanus, hepatitis A & B, typhoid, and yellow fever as well as anti-malaria pills. Please check out their website http://www.cdc.gov/travel/tropsam.htm for complete details.

Transportation:
All transportation using AC Deluxe Mini/Large Coach. Internal flights in economy class.

Currency and Money Issues: The currency is the Peruvian nuevo sol (SOL). The US dollar is widely accepted. Credit cards are widely accepted in Lima, but less so outside major cities. In small towns, ATMs may not be readily available.

Making a reservation with a deposit will be considered to be consent to the following conditions:
Hermes Tours reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a member of the tour at any time and to make whatever changes become necessary with or without notice. Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 8 participants.

Hermes Tours is not responsible for airline cancellation or change penalties incurred by individual tour participants for air tickets purchased prior to notification that the tour is a confirmed departure. Travel cancellation insurance would cover these costs should the tour be cancelled.

Hermes Tours does not accept responsibility in whole or in part for any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury, sickness, medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault of any person from whatever cause. All participants are required to sign a standard liability form.