Huayna Picchu as seen
from Machu Picchu, Peru.
From Marvels of Machu Picchu: An Exclusive Exhibition of Photos by Beto Santillán.
© 2008 Beto Santillán. All rights reserved. Machu Picchu Luxury Tours.
I
fear you've spoiled us forever...
-- K. Ebel
& S. Root
Welcome to Inka's Empire Tours...
"Basking in the luxurious comforts
and leisurely freedom of these private excursions, you will discover
no better way to experience Peru in style." So said LuxuryLink.com,
the world's leading luxury travel website, in a review of our
tours. To find out why, read about our expert guides, masterfully designed itineraries, regal
accommodations, gourmet cuisine and guest satisfaction. Our hospitality begins with all of the luxuries you would expect, but it is our personal attention that will make you feel like a treasured guest. Among those flourishes are welcome amenities upon arrival at each destination, à la carte dining with unlimited non-alcoholic beverages in Peru, Ecuador and Chile, use of the Lima airport's VIP Club while awaiting departure and travel insurance for most guests at no additional cost.
Learn the
story of Inka's Empire Tours and compare our tours to others. Get travel
advice and see information on pricing, flights, reservations, tour
documents and vouchers.
"Huaco" (ceremonial
vessel), Mochica, c. 500 AC. Photo: Museo Larco, Lima, Peru. Machu Picchu Luxury Tours.
I
can't praise the guides enough...
-- Mark &
Nancy Jaffe
Expert guides
On your private exploration by Inka's Empire Tours, expert guides and a masterfully designed itinerary put you face to face with the people, places and cultures of the Inca Empire. Our guides
are English-speaking professionals licensed by the Peruvian
government. Accompanied by a chauffeur when needed, the guides will give you their personal attention from the moment of
your arrival until the moment of your departure.
"Huaco" depicting
Spondylus shells, Northern Huari culture, c. 800 AD. Museo Larco, Lima. Photo: Mylene d'Auriol
Stoessel. Machu Picchu Luxury Tours.
We
loved every one of the planned outings...
-- Martin
& Judy Deggeller
Masterfully designed itineraries
We have listened carefully to our guides
and our guests about every tour detail and have fine-tuned our
itineraries over the past two decades. The living heritage of the Incas enriches your experience as you encounter weavers who are reviving ancient textile techniques, families who retain ancestral customs and shamans who perform traditional ceremonies still observed by the indigenous
people of Peru. As you watch the sun rise over Machu Picchu, sail the ancient sea of Titicaca, observe rare species in the Amazon and cruise the Galapagos, you may ask yourself: "Is this real, or am I in an amazing dream?" Our video and photo albums hint at what's to come.
"Huaco" depicting
a fisherman in a reed boat.
Lambayeque culture, c. 500 AD, Museo Larco, Lima.
Photo: Mylene d'Auriol Stoessel. Machu Picchu Luxury Tours.
A 6-star rating...
You asked me to "rate" Titilaka. By
vote, the favorite of the entire family. Accommodations, views,
meals, professional staff, all a 6-star rating. The decor is
a fusion of crafts, antiques and modern art. Absolutely unbelievable.
Each staff member acted and talked as if it was his or her hotel,
taking ownership and pride, responsibility and guest comfort
to a new level. The experience was relaxed elegance at its finest.
I wouldn't book another guest at any other hotel near the lake.
-- Toby, Michael,
Christina & Elizabeth Pearson
Regal accommodations
Inka’s Empire Tours returns guests to the “gracious, golden age of travel” with accommodations aptly described as “regal” and featuring Belmond hotels: Lima’s Miraflores Park, overlooking the Pacific Ocean; Cuzco’s Monasterio, a four-hundred-year-old monastery, or the Palacio Nazarenas, a former palace and convent; the Sacred Valley’s Rio Sagrado, on the banks of the Incas’ holy river; and Machu Picchu’s Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel next to the ruins. Where Belmond hotels do not exist, we have chosen other unique
properties, such as Lake Titicaca’s Titilaka,
on a private peninsula, and the palatial Casa Gangotena, on Quito’s historic Plaza San Francisco.
Lima:
The 5-star Belmond Miraflores Park – Ocean View Junior Suite.
Sacred Valley:
The 5-star Belmond Rio Sagrado – De Luxe Terrace Room.
Machu Picchu:
The 5-star Belmond Sanctuary Lodge – De Luxe Room.
Cuzco:
The 5-star Belmond Monasterio – De Luxe Room.
Lake Titicaca:
The 5-star Titilaka – Dawn or Dusk Room.
Quito. The 5-star Casa Gangotena – Plaza View Room.
Gold kero (ceremonial
cup), Lambayeque, c. 700 AC.
Photo: Museo Larco, Lima, Peru. Machu Picchu Luxury Tours.
Way
too much fabulous food...
-- Janet &
Thomas Lundy
Gourmet cuisine
An integral part of the cultural experience is regional
cookery and its nouvelle interpretations. Every day, savor gourmet
cuisine by the great chefs of
South America. All meals and any needed transportation
are included. Dinner is at 8 pm,
unless you request otherwise at the time of booking your tour.
Details vary by country. In Peru, Ecuador and Chile,
order à la carte* with unlimited non-alcoholic beverages from
each restaurant's complete menu. In other countries,
choose an appetizer, entree, dessert and beverages from the table d'hôte menu or inquire about special arrangements for à la carte meals.
Bottled water
In the Andes, drinking plenty of water
is recommended to alleviate altitude sickness. We provide a bottle
of water with your morning excursion, lunch and your afternoon
excursion.
Breakfast
A buffet or American breakfast is served
in your hotel each morning.
Lunch
A gourmet lunch of traditional or nouvelle Andean cuisine including non-alcoholic beverages is provided each afternoon.
Your guide will join you unless you request otherwise when booking
your tour.
Lima: On
the first day, a lunch at the
Café del Museo,
located in the gardens of the Museo Larco and directed by Peru's most prestigious chef, Gastón Acurio. On the last day
of your tour, if you are returning home from Lima, a lunch at the extraordinary Huaca
Pucllana restaurant, located on
the grounds of a 1,500-year-old adobe pyramid built by the original inhabitants of Lima. The cuisine is a reinterpretation
of the Peruvian Criollo tradition by chef Marilú Madueño (Le Cordon Bleu Paris).
Sacred Valley: On
the first day, a lunch by chef Pio
Vazquez de Velasco Jimenez in the patio of El Huacatay, a
country restaurant with big-city sophistication. Indeed, chef Pio is making a name for himself throughout Peru after mastering
his skills in the kitchen of Lima's Astrid
& Gaston. On the second day, a lunch by chef Ricardo Behar at 3 Keros. El Huacatay and 3 Keros fight for the title of
the best restaurant in the Sacred Valley.
Machu Picchu: On
the first day, a sumptuous buffet luncheon by chef Paulino Huaman at the Sanctuary Lodge's Tinkuy Restaurant. On the second day, a lunch by chef Huaman at the Sanctuary Lodge's Tampu Restaurant.
Cuzco: On
the first day, a lunch by chef Rodolfo Rolando in the patio
of Pacha Papa; and
on the second day, a lunch by chef Coque Ossio at Limo.
Orient-Express Andean Explorer: A three-course lunch directed
by Federico Ziegler, executive chef of Orient-Express in Peru, followed by coffee in the glass-walled observation car.
Lake Titicaca: Each day, a
lunch by head cook Glicerio Cruz at the Titilaka.
Arequipa & Colca Canyon: In Arequipa, a lunch at La Trattoria del Monasterio,
directed by chef Gastón Acurio. On the first day in the Colca Canyon, a box lunch prepared by resident chef Julio César Valdivia at the the Casa Andina Private Collection Arequipa's Alma. On the second and third days, a lunch by chef Carlos Tarrillo at Las Casitas del Colca's Curiña.
Quito: Depending
on the excursion you choose, a lunch by chef Carlos Alvear at El
Crater, inside the Pululahua
Volcano, or a table on the Plaza San Francisco with a lunch by chef Juan José Loaiza at Café Tianguez.
Dinner
A gourmet dinner of traditional or nouvelle Andean cuisine including non-alcoholic beverages is provided each night. You will dine privately
without your guide.
Lima: On
the first night, a welcome dinner of creative Peruvian cuisine by chef Virgilio Martinez at Central Restaurante, among the world's fifty best restaurants. If returning from Lake Titicaca, a dinner of artistic cuisine by chef Rafael Osterling at Rafael. On the
last night of your tour, if you are returning home from Lima, a farewell drink at the bar, order from room service or just rest before the transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home. Relax in the VIP Club while awaiting departure and enjoy a buffet of light fare and beverages, including Peru's famous pisco sour.
Sacred Valley: Each
night a dinner directed by executive chef Federico Ziegler at the Rio Sagrado's El Huerto Restaurant.
Machu Picchu: A
dinner by chef Paulino Huaman at the Sanctuary Lodge's Tampu Restaurant,
where our guests often say they enjoyed their best meal in Peru. Upon your return to Cuzco, a dinner by executive chef Federico Ziegler at the Monasterio's Restaurante El Tupay.
It is the city's most refined dining establishment.
Cuzco: On
the first night, a dinner by chef Manuel Cordova at the MAP Café,
in the courtyard of the Museo de Arte Precolombino;
and on the second night, a dinner at Chicha,
directed by Peruvian celebrity chef Gastón Acurio.
Lake Titicaca: Each night, a
dinner by head cook Glicerio Cruz at the Titilaka.
Arequipa & Colca Canyon: On the first night in Arequipa, a dinner at Chicha,
directed by chef Gastón Acurio; and on the last night, a dinner by resident chef Julio César Valdivia in the town's most elegant restaurant -- the Casa Andina Private Collection Arequipa's Alma. Each night in the Colca Canyon, a dinner by chef Carlos Tarrillo at Las Casitas del Colca's Curiña.
Quito: A dinner by chef Alexander Laud at Zazu on the first night, by chef Julio Jose Avendaño Ostolaza at Theatrum on the second and at the Quito locale of Astrid & Gastón, directed by chef Gastón Acurio, on
the third.
*Caviar and alcoholic beverages are at additional cost. They will be
billed directly to you by the restaurant.
Sipan mask, Royal Tombs
of Sipan Museum, Lambayeque.
Photo: Mylene d'Auriol Stoessel. Machu Picchu Luxury Tours.
Exceptional professionalism, attention
to detail, care, caring and safety...
-- Toby, Michael,
Christina & Elizabeth Pearson
Guest satisfaction
"The trip was absolutely wonderful from
start to finish.
We had asked for loads of culture, art
and cuisine. Inka's Empire Tours provided more than we could
have asked for. Each hotel provided a unique experience
in dining, ambiance and expert staffing. We worried about nothing
from the time Daniel and Miguel met us at the airport in Lima
to the time they helped us process back to Texas.
Kika in Lima was one of the most informed
travel companions we have ever had. She made numerous changes
to our itinerary as if she were reading our minds. The visit
to the textile and cultural museums were highlights, as well
as visits with contemporary and indigenous artists.
Manuel and Jose Carlos in Cusco, the
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu were, once again, absolutely the
best. Coming as we do from Texas, both men quickly became part
of our family and will remain so. As was the case in Lima, we
believe we had unique experiences that any other travel
consultant would have missed. These trips became uplifting as
we entered each destination. As you are aware, Manuel is Inkan
and we sat for hours learning and discussing the spiritual and
cultural history of his civilization. We had those wonderful
wow moments such as the shopping at the city market (not tourist
market) and enjoying dinner at a local restaurant with Manuel
and his absolutely delightful girlfriend. I believe we all could
move to Cusco in about 3.2 seconds.
The same was true at Lake Titicaca with
companion Julio César and driver Hector. Julio is from an
indigenous culture and he added so much to the experience by
providing top quality, history, culture and a relaxed tour of
the lake area. We even enjoyed a day with his family on one of
the Uros islands, including dance, song, food and most importantly
the love of his family.
The day before we left, Julio invited
us to attend a very small village festival within easy walking
distance from our hotel. You could feel the sense of community
within the group of about 100 locals, and soon felt part of that
community, sharing a beer with the men, enjoying all of the beautiful
dress of the village ladies and, of course, playing with the children.
Our favorite hotels I believe were the
Urubamba and Titilaka. Both were extremely welcoming, unique
and with extraordinarily caring staffs...
Having never met the owners of our two
favorite hotels, I imagine they could, in fact, be the same. Ownership
of the guest experience has been successfully passed on to every
staff member. I know at Titilaka the owners have regular meetings
with the employees, allowing each member of the team to openly
discuss their ideas, often being accepted. One of those additional
wow moments was when the staffers told us they were holding
a celebratory open house for all members of the nearby community,
providing food, drink and music. This would extend the village's
annual festival one additional day and allow locals to see the
hotel from inside as guests, rather than a forbidden destination
only for tourists. This smacks of extraordinary leadership at
all levels.
In any case, from working with you,
Martin, from the onset to the final wave 'till next time'
in Peru, we were taken care of with exceptional professionalism,
attention to detail, care, caring and safety.
We talked early on that this was a legacy
trip for the Pearson family, and it truly was.
Thanks so much Martin, your Peru team
and Inka's Empire Tours for everything."
-- Toby, Michael,
Christina & Elizabeth Pearson, March 12, 2009.
We believe the quality of our services is best judged by the people who have been on our explorations. Their unedited opinions are expressed in Quotes from Our Guests and Letters from Our Guests. If you're convinced, take the next step on your own exploration by browsing our Tour Portfolio -- or simply inquire.
Earring from the tomb
of the Lord of Sipan.
Photo: Instituto Nacional de Cultura. Machu Picchu Luxury Tours.
Thank God for your tour company and travel insurance...
-- Megan Moser & Jeffrey Eisel
Travel insurance
Inka's Empire Tours provides Travel Guard's ProtectAssist Gold policy for U.S. and Canadian residents through
the age of 59 years (over that age, there is a
supplementary fee). Others
are advised to purchase coverage in their home country and will
receive a five-percent reduction in the tour price. For questions
about the travel insurance and how it applies to your particular
circumstances, please call Travel Guard (1-800-826-4919)
or the company you have selected in your own country. You may
wish to consider air flight insurance for your international tickets. Inka's can include it
for an additional cost of 6% of the fare. Why Inka's includes
travel insurance.
Sipan mask of a feline
face, Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum, Lambayeque.
Photo: Mylene d'Auriol Stoessel. Machu Picchu Luxury Tours.
One
of the best weeks of my entire life...
-- Chris Davis
Our story
Fabled Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, imperial Cuzco and mythic Lake Titicaca made a lifelong impression on Martin Haggland. He believes that Peru’s ancient civilizations, monolithic ruins, Andean landscapes and native cultures ought to be experienced in a manner befitting their grandeur. And so, he created a private journey in the land of the Incas — a work of art, really — that combines expert guides, masterfully designed itineraries, regal accommodations and gourmet cuisine. At the time, 1990, the country was suffering severe social and economic problems. Tanks were rolling in the streets of Lima and soldiers armed with rifles patrolled that city, Cuzco and Machu Picchu. Things did not look promising for luxury tours. Yet Haggland persisted, making sure his travelers were safe as they discovered the Empire of the Sun. Twenty-five years later, his company, Inka’s Empire Tours, remains dedicated to his original vision. As LuxuryLink.com put it: “There is no more refined way to enjoy the wonders of Peru.” And the hundreds of letters from his guests prove it.
During the decades, he added tours to the Galapagos, mainland Ecuador, Chile, Argentina and Brazil, with the same hallmark quality and commitment to guest satisfaction. In collaboration with Dr. Charles A. Munn, Inka’s scientific advisor and one of the world’s leading conservation biologists, wildlife tours have become a major focus. In fact, sighting Jaguars in Brazil’s Pantanal has become the company’s most popular tour. Whether it is archaeology or wildlife, Inka’s Empire Tours offers a return to the gracious, golden age of travel. Their hospitality begins with all of the luxuries you would expect, but it is the personal attention that will make you feel like a treasured guest.
Inka's was founded in the Inca capital of Cuzco in 1991,
established as an American partnership in New York City in 1997 and
incorporated in New York State in 2001 as Inka’s Empire Corporation. It offers its archaeological tours under the trade name of Inka’s Empire Tours and its wildlife tours under the trade name of Arcana Mundi Expeditions.
Sican gold mask, Sican
Museum, Lambayeque.
Photo: Mylene d'Auriol Stoessel. Machu Picchu Luxury Tours.
We were
very lucky to find you!
-- Dr. Lori
Volkers & Taylor Poole
Compare our tours to others
First.
Is the tour just for you and yours or with a group? Private
service with expert
guides and chauffeurs has always
been the hallmark of Inka's Empire Tours.
Second.
Study the itinerary -- which excursions are included and, importantly,
which are not? You'd have every right to expect that well-known
operators would have the best itineraries, but that's simply
not true. Even Orient-Express skips important places,
such as Lima's Museo Larco, Cuzco's Museo de Arte Precolombino and the Sacred Valley's Pisaq ruins. However,
if you are not an expert, it might be hard to tell what's missing. So, ask Inka's.
We will examine any itinerary and give you our analysis.
Third.
Which hotels
and types of accommodation are
used? Abercrombie & Kent provides a standard room (without
a view) in the Orient-Express Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu,
while Inka's gives you a mountain view room or better.
Sometimes A & K doesn't even provide this hotel, which is
the only one near the ruins. The costs vary greatly, so you should
insist on knowing the hotels and types of accommodation included
on your tour.
Fourth.
Are all meals included? With Inka's, they are. In Peru, Ecuador and Chile,
order à la carte with unlimited non-alcoholic beverages from
each restaurant's complete menu. In other countries,
choose an appetizer, entree, dessert and beverages from the table d'hôte menu.
Fifth.
Is travel insurance included? With Inka's, most guests receive travel insurance without additional cost.
Sixth.
How satisfied were previous guests? What do ours say? See their
letters. If you like, Inka's will arrange for
you to talk to them. According to one recent guest, our tours
are "far
and away better than anything that Abercrombie & Kent can
offer..." because of our personalized
approach, prices, flexibility and choices of accommodations,
restaurants, tour stops, and in-country agencies.
Seventh.
Analyze the price. Inka's invites you to compare our prices
to those of our competitors.
Even though our itineraries are more opulent, our prices are
substantially less.
Eighth.
How long has the tour operator been in business? South America
has become popular, and many companies are only a year or two
old. In contrast, Inka's has two decades of experience.
Museo Amano, Lima.
Photo: Mylene
d'Auriol Stoessel. Machu Picchu Luxury Tours.
We
were very pleased...
-- Kenneth
Bachman, Esq. & Sharon Bachman
Travel advice
Topics for Peru, Ecuador and Chile include help
during your tour, passports and visas, is it safe?, health, flights, baggage, arrival and departure in South
America, climate, clothing, money, tipping, spas, hotel amenities, communications, technical
standards, textiles and other crafts, music and suggested reading.
Mochica "orejera"
depicting a duck, Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum, Lambayeque.
Photo: Mylene
d'Auriol Stoessel. Machu Picchu Luxury Tours.
It
was worth every penny...
-- Joan Huffer
& Robert Dugger
Pricing
Prices include escorted transfers, private
excursions with expert guides and chauffeurs, entrance fees,
selected category of accommodations, gourmet cuisine, all land and water transportation, and travel insurance.* Any exceptions are clearly
noted in the individual tour itineraries.
Land and cruise prices do not include
international or intra-tour flights,
South
American airport taxes or Chilean
reciprocity fee. Neither do they include passports, visas, vaccinations,
gratuities for guides or chauffeurs nor any other item
of a personal nature.
All prices are for travel during 2012
and are per person based on two people sharing a guest room.
Prices are subject to change prior to purchase but are guaranteed
upon receipt of your initial payment.
*U.S. and Canadian residents through
the age of 59 years (over that age, there is a
supplementary fee). Others receive a five-percent reduction in the tour price.
Sipan necklace with
gold and silver peanut motif.
Photo: Instituto Nacional de Cultura. Machu Picchu Luxury Tours.
The
arrangements were like clockwork...
-- Bert &
Pat Hewitt
Flights
To assure perfect coordination, Inka's
Empire Tours provides the intra-tour flights
for Peru and Ecuador at additional cost. For Chile, it is advantageous
to purchase flights directly from LAN Airlines. Guests
are advised to obtain international flights from their preferred
travel agent or airline. Avoid third-party travel websites,
such as Travelocity and Orbitz. Although you may purchase your tickets and request your seats, the seats are not confirmed and may not be available when you arrive at the airport. If you do use a third-party travel website, you must call each airline directly to confirm your seats.
Sipan necklace of Spondylus
shell, Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum, Lambayeque.
Photo: Mylene d'Auriol Stoessel. Machu Picchu Luxury Tours.
Everything
was amazing...
-- Edwin Upson
& Jessica Sklute
Reservations
Our chosen hotels are small and in high
demand. Since accommodations are subject to availability at the
time of booking, we suggest early reservations and maintain the
right to use an alternative hotel or type of accommodation of
comparable quality in case the indicated one is unavailable.
Upon your approval of the itinerary
and price, each guest should fill out and send in a Guest Registration. All sales are governed by the section titled
"Waiver", which defines the rights and responsibilities
of Inka's Empire Tours and its guests.
A deposit of 50% of the land and cruise price, intra-tour air fares and insurance supplement (if over the age of 59 years) is requested at the time of booking your tour. The balance is due at least 60 days prior to departure (90 days if the itinerary includes a Galapagos cruise). All payments must be made in U.S. dollars. In case the reservation is made fewer than 60 days prior to departure, full payment is due immediately by bank transfer or credit card only.
We prefer payment by bank transfer and
will send our banking information to you. The fee may be taken
out of the amount sent. If you wish to pay by credit card, we
ask that you phone in the information to assure security. If
the deposit has been made by credit card, the balance automatically
will be charged to the same card on the due date, unless you
request otherwise. If you would like to pay by check, please
inquire.
In using e-mail to submit your guest registration and in using the phone to authorize a charge, you
acknowledge your agreement to the Waiver and Credit
Card Authorization respectively,
exactly as if you had signed and initialed the corresponding
document.
Nazca wool textile with
border of three-dimensional birds, c. 300 BC.
Photo: Museo Nacional de Arqueologia,
Antropologia e Historia del Peru. Machu Picchu Luxury Tours.
It was
absolutely brilliant...
-- Linda &
Elhanan Streit
Tour documents
All tour documents are delivered electronically.
Upon receiving your Guest Registration and initial payment, Inka's
Empire Tours will send the following: Tour Itinerary
(incorporating the contact information of the local representatives
and hotels), Opulent
Itineraries, Travel Advice, Avoiding
Altitude Sickness, Insurance Confirmation and, for a few destinations, Pre-Departure
Information. It is important that you take a copy of the itinerary on your tour. Print it out
a day or two before leaving home to be sure that it shows any corrections or updates. To print, specify U.S. Letter-size
paper and 80% of size.
We request that you send us a copy of
your international flight itinerary, including the record
locator number (passengers on Continental Airlines should
also provide their ticket numbers). We need this information
to verify that you are on board the anticipated arrival flight
and to reconfirm your departing flight, as required by the airline.
Be sure to advise us of any change in the flight schedule.
Quipu, Ica
culture, c. 1200-1300 AD, Museo Amano, Lima.
Photo: Mylene d'Auriol Stoessel. Machu Picchu Luxury Tours.
We have
so many wonderful memories...
-- Nancy &
Joseph Costa
Vouchers
Your vouchers for services and tickets
for intra-tour flights within or from Peru, Ecuador and
Chile will be provided by our representative upon your arrival
in Lima, Quito and Santiago, respectively. At
each destination, tickets for other modes of transportation and
for local attractions will be provided by our representative,
who will also provide you with the exact times for your flights,
other modes of transportation, transfers and excursions.
Inka's
Empire Tours...
Impeccable!
© 2013 Inka's Empire Corporation, Machu Picchu Luxury Tours. All rights reserved.
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