One of the world's greatest destinations is Machu Picchu, that mysterious mountaintop city in Peru, abandoned by its inhabitants centuries ago. It's hard to reach and trips used to be so expensive that the average traveler was simply economically excluded, but no longer. We've got a trip that starts from $1,399 for a full week.
Tourlite's "Peruvian Explorer" package includes roundtrip airfare from New York City to Lima and from Lima to Cusco, roundtrip airport/hotel transfers with baggage handling, three nights in a Lima hotel with buffet breakfast daily, a half-day city tour of Lima, a half-day city tour of the Gold Museum in Lima, three nights of hotel (your choice) in Cusco with buffet breakfast daily, a half-day city tour of Cusco, a full day excursion to Machu Picchu (including lunch), a full day excursion to Pisac Market and Ollantaytambo (with lunch), a flight bag, document wallet, luggage tags and travel tips booklet, assistance of local tour guides, hotel service charge and taxes.
Since Cusco and Machu Picchu lie at around 11,-000 feet, you should consider your health and whether you can stand severe altitudes. If you can, go. Machu Picchu was rediscovered in 1911 and represents one of the most longed-for destinations in the repertoire of modern travel.
The price mentioned is valid practically all year long through December 6, 2003. There's an airfare surcharge of $120 between June 18 and August 15, 2003, plus additional fees and taxes of around $180. The tour is sold land-only, as well, if you want to arrange your own flights. Airfares after March 31, 2003, may increase, they say, from Miami, Los Angeles and other U.S. cities.
For more information, contact Tourlite at 800/272-7600 or at e-mail tourlite@tourlite.com. Their Web site is www.tourlite.com.
Additionally, be sure to check out Marnella Tours (866/993-0033, www.marnellatours.com) and Analie Tours (800/811-6027, www.analietours.com) for similar air/hotel combos.