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NOTE: The tour begins in Lima, Peru on June 16th, 2012, domestic
airfares are not included in the package price, nevertheless we can easily
arrange them upon request, as well as Lima overnight and airport
transportation.
This
package can be easily customized to suit your
needs
DAY 1: JUN/16 LIMA PICK UP (SATURDAY)
Pick up upon arrival at Lima’s airport and transportation to the hotel.
Overnight (No meals).
DAY 2: JUN/17 LIMA CITY TOUR & PACHACAMAC RUINS (SUNDAY)
Breakfast, then you will be picked up from your hotel around 9.00am.
We will visit a place that is near Lima, there is an archaeological
enclosure whose constructions conserve the mysticism and religiosity of
their past. Its name: PACHACAMAC
Guided tour of the splendid and vast archaeological citadel of
Pachacamac, the temple of the deity, Pachacamac, believed to be the
creator of the universe and a divinity adored by old Andean
civilizations. A sacred and ceremonial site dating back to the
beginnings of Christianity where thousands of pilgrims converged to pay
tribute and consult the Pachacamac oracle, who they believed could see
the past, the future and people’s fate.
The site comprises pyramidal temples and enclosures built by successive
pre-Colombian civilizations and finally the Incas. Highlights include
the Temple of Pachacamac, the Sun God shrine, and the Palace of the
Chosen Women or Virgins of the Sun. At the site museum there is an idol
of the deity, Pachacamac, which couldn’t be seen by the profane, and was
reserved for the high priests who kept, revered and interpreted the
divine oracle in the old times. A sacred site, the temple was considered
to be part of the planet’s mystical axis.
Then we return to Lima to take our buffet lunch to continue with the
Lima City tour. We will visit the colonial area and to the Plaza de
Armas where you will see the Government Palace, the Cathedral, the
Archbishop's Palace and the City Hall as well as the XVII century church
and cloister of San Francisco, a world cultural heritage. Then we will
go to the modern downtown with a view of the Pacific Ocean and the
modern residential suburb of San Isidro. Finally, transfer to the hotel
and overnight. (B,L)
DAY 3: JUN/18 LIMA – ICA (MONDAY)
Early breakfast and then pick up at your hotel early morning and
transfer to the Bus Station to take the Bus to Ica that departs at 07:00
am arriving at 11:30 am. Approx. Assistance upon arrival and transfer to
the Hotel. At 12:00 am transfer to Nazca (it takes around two hours) and
flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines (Airfare included) as well as a
brief explanation of them on the Maria Reiche In-Situ Museum and in the
sighting tower from where you will see the hand and the tree part of the
Nazca drawing .Lunch included. At 5.30pm. approx return to Ica .Hotel
Overnight .(B,L)
DAY 4: JUN/19 BALLESTAS ISLANDS & PARACAS NATIONAL RESERVE (TUESDAY)
At 7:00 am approx. departure time to Paracas to 60 Km. (37 miles) On
route is appreciated the fields of crops in some export products such as
paprika, asparagus, artichokes, etc, driving north to Paracas for an
excursion by boat to the Ballestas Islands to view thousands of birds,
sea lions and fur seals in their natural surroundings. The famous
candlestick design, a Nazca civilization figure etched on the desert
face, can also be seen from the boat and at the end transfer to the
national reserve of Paracas. Where we will visit the Interpretation
Centre of the RNP, The Cathedral, Lagunilla beach, Red Beach and Yumaque
beach to see petrified dinosaur eggs (in studio) and finally the
Independence Obelisk.
Then at 14:30hrs departure Bus time Bus to Lima arriving at 19:30
approx. Upon arrival, reception and transfer to your Hotel in Lima (B)
DAY 5: JUN/20 CUSCO PICK UP (WEDNESDAY)
Breakfast and transfer to the airport to take flight to Cusco (airfare
not included). Upon arrival to Cusco Airport. Reception and
transportation to the Hotel where you will receive an aromatic coca tea
to stimulating for the height, will have the day to rest and also we
suggest you have a light lunch either at your hotel or in one of the
surrounded. At night pick up and according time to go a Dinner Show in a
tourist Restaurant then overnight (D).
DAY 6: JUNE/ 21 SACRED VALLEY TOUR (THURSDAY)
Breakfast. You will be picked up at 8:15 am. Full day excursion to the
Urubamba Valley visiting: The colorful Indian market in Pisac where a
mixture of color, tradition will be able appreciated. Pisac is located
to the entrance of the Sacred Valley followed by Ollantaytambo. Most
people visit Pisac to see the market on Sunday, but there are smaller
markets on both Tuesday and Thursday. However Pisac is a pretty village
and has plenty of small handicraft shops and is worth a visit on any day
of the week as is a good place to buy the local ceramics including a
huge and varied collection of hand-painted multi-coloured beads. Lunch
in a typical restaurant in Urubamba then we continue with Ollantaytambo
which is an attractive little town located at the western end of the
Sacred Valley, considered the older town continuously occupied of the
American continent is located at the foot of some spectacular Inca ruins
which protected the strategic entrance to the lower Urubamba Valley. The
narrow streets of Ollantaytambo, along with their channels that have not
varied from the Inca time, evoke their ancestral inheritance, and then
finish visiting Chinchero.
Chinchero is a small Andean Indian village located high up on the
windswept plains of Anta at 3762m about 30km from Cusco and is believed
to be the mythical birthplace of the rainbow. Its major claim to tourism
is its colorful Sunday market which is much less tourist-orientated than
the market at Pisac. At the end, return to Cusco arriving at 6:30pm
approximately at the main plaza.
The night is free for you to eat in a restaurant of your choice;
although we always have plenty of suggestions for you should you require
them. (B, L)
Note: Take this tour on market days: Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday //
Bilingual Guided tour on different days
DAY 7: JUN/22 MACHU PICCHU TOUR (FRIDAY)
Early breakfast and pickup to go the train station to depart to Machu
Picchu, the trip takes about 4 hours. During the trip we will have an
amazing view of the landscapes of the Sacred Valley of Urubamba and the
Amazon rainforest providing you a small hint of how much Peru has to
offer. Upon arrival to the little town of Aguas Calientes you will have
to approach the bus station towards Machupicchu the “Lost City of the
Incas” (Only 20 minutes ride) to receive a professional guided tour by
this Huge Historical Sanctuary visiting the Main Plaza, the Circular
Tower, the Sacred Sun Dial, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three
Windows and various burial grounds follow by some free time to explore
the zone on your own and experience the energy and force contained
therein, an according time, we will go down to the Aguas Calientes town
to relax at the hot springs or just overnight at the select lodging in
Aguas Calientes town. (B,L).
TRAIN SERVICES:
The Hiram Bingham is the most luxurious way to journey between Cusco and
Machu Picchu. For many visitors a trip to Machu Picchu is a once in a
lifetime experience, and the Hiram Bingham assures a magical journey,
never to be forgotten.
The carriages are painted a distinctive blue and gold and the interiors
are luxurious, warm and inviting with elegant decoration in the style of
the 1920's Pullman trains.
Each of the carriages has been furnished in polished wood and brass with
large chairs and plenty of space to stretch out. As you board, the
tables are exquisitely laid, ready for your meal, with gleaming crystal
and polished cutlery.
On board you will be served by a team of dedicated waiters who will
attend to your every need and make sure your journey is as comfortable
and luxurious as you imagined.
The Vistadome connect your senses through a sophisticated and sensory
travel experience; is the ideal train for those who want to be in
contact with the environment and appreciate the wonderful journey to
Machu Picchu.
Surrounded entirely by glass and wagons with large panoramic windows
offering incomparable scenic views and innumerous opportunities to
capture amazing pictures, Vistadome travelers feel connected and part of
the impressive landscape of Peru.
The Vistadome also has air conditioning and heating, leather
seats that adjust the body to provide comfort and relaxation during the
entire trip and has a different service, which allows the visitor to be
immersed and feel the Andean culture through its landscapes, music,
dance and even food carefully prepared with local ingredients
The Expedition is a travel experience with all the quality and
benefits at a lower cost. Is a service designed for the traveler’s
comfort, with four passenger seats located in front of each other, so
you can share your experience, and for the faithful backpack that is
always with you we offer racks placed above the seats. Also, this train
has panoramic windows, air conditioning and heating, and Andean music
that creates a cheerful atmosphere.
DAY 8: JUN/23 MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO (SATURDAY)
Breakfast and rest of day at leisure by your own (Entrance and bus fee
to Machu Picchu included on this day) in the afternoon return to Cusco.
Reception at the train station and transfer to the Hotel where it passed
the night (B).
Upon request: You can make a second visit to Machu Picchu and
have the chance to know hidden places, such as the Intipunku (Gate of
the Sun) or for more adventures can take a hike to the top of Huayna
Picchu (Young Mountain) to visit the Temple of the Moon and enjoy a
spectacular view of the city. Or if you have good physical conditions
can take a hike full of adrenaline to the Putukusi mountain opposite
position than Machu Picchu which allows us to have other unforgettable
views from this new wonder.
DAY 9: JUNE/24 INTI RAYMI (SUNDAY)
Now that you've visited the great Inca’s architectural achievements it
will be apparent to you that the Sun was the main deity worshiped in the
Inca culture. Cusco celebrates the Inti Raymi with occasion of the
winter solstice -the solar new year - for a town which main cult object
was the god Inti (the sun). In time of the Incas was a religious
ceremony, now it is a theater representation. However this expression
generates a feeling of identity in the town that evokes values and
memories that are still excellent in our days, it also brings to the
memory a time that lives in the heart of the town of Cusco (Qosqo).
The Inca gives a traditional oration, calling for blessings from the
sun, fabled to be the origin of the Inca rulers. From here, the Inca,
carried on a golden throne, leads the procession through the ancient
city of Cusco up to Sacsayhuaman in the hills above city. Transfer to
the ruins where you have reservations to watch the reenactment of the
ancient ceremony of sacrificing a llama to the Pachamama, Mother Earth
(don't worry, the llama sacrifices is simulated!), to ensure the
fertility of the earth and warmth from the sun.
This special day also includes The New Fire Celebration. No fires were
allowed in the city this day until the fire created by hollow mirror was
used to concentrate the sunlight onto animal fur and kindling. Only then
were all other fires started from this source.
You will also see the Inca representative carried on a litter and
toasted with chicha (a fermented drink). With an the appropriate finale
the Inca gives a speech expressed in the original, Quechua language.
Afternoon transfer to the Hotel and overnight. (B, Box Lunch).
DAY 10: JUNE/25 CUSCO CITY TOUR (MONDAY)
Breakfast and morning free; in the afternoon we will depart on a guided
city tour, where tourist have the opportunity to visit 6 places
(entrance to the archaeological centers and museums including) we will
visit the Main square, Cathedral, the Koricancha (temple
of the sun) and in addition we will make a route bordering
archaeological centers like SacsayhuamanFortress, Q'enko,
Puka Pukara and Tambomachay, tour finishes 6:30pm approximately at
the main square in order you can take dinner in one of the exquisite
restaurants in the area, then overnight. (B)
NOTES:
*City tour: from 1.45pm to 6:30pm approx. (Pickup from the hotel starts
at 1:15pm)
*Optional Buffet Dinner with Folkloric Show: Adding $30 per person
DAY 11: JUN/26 CUSCO / PUNO (TUESDAY)
Early breakfast and transfer to the bus station to depart Cusco on
guided bus to Puno, visiting on the route picturesque towns and
archeological sites such as Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, Sicuani, La Raya and
Pukara. Lunch included. Afternoon arrival in Puno, reception and
transfer to your accommodation. Overnight at the hotel. (B,L) (*)
Additional fare if travelling by train. Ask for availability.
DAY 12: JUN/27 UROS AMANTANI ISLAND (WEDNESDAY)
Breakfast. Departure at 08.30 a.m. Lake Titicaca and the floating
islands are a major tourist attraction in the department of Puno.
The splendid scenery and the fascinating life of its inhabitants make a
visit to the islands Taquile and Amantaní.
Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world. It has an area
of 8.560 square kilometers and a maximum depth of 227 meters. There are
36 islands, the most important Taquile, Amantaní, Soto, Anapia and Uros.
The Uros Floating Islands, situated 5 kilometers from Puno at an
altitude of 3,810 meters, has cold and dry climate. It is a set of 40
large floating islands of reeds where the inhabitants still live like
their ancestors. Each island is inhabited by between 30 and 50. It is
considered one of the oldest towns in America, maintaining their customs
and traditions.
The Uros are called kotsuña "= lake village, dating back to times before
the Incas. Maintain the tradition of artisanal fisheries and such
especially the hunting of wild birds.
After visit we will approximately continue the route by two hours until
the Island of Amantani.
Amantaní Island is located 36 kilometers from the port city of Puno, off
the peninsula Capachica. The island is characterized by the presence of
shrub plants and inhabited by native quechua speakers still prevailed by
its old traditions, which main occupation is the production of ceramics
and textiles. The positive energy of this Island is so powerful that is
well-known as the “Island of Love”. Arriving at the island we will taste
of a typical lunch, then we will go to the ceremonial centers
“Pachatata” and “Pachamama”, sacred place. At night we will stay
ourselves in the familiar houses enjoying the hospitality of a typical
home of Amantani.
AMANTANI HAS NOT HOTEL therefore are basic services.Lunch and Dinner at
the Homestay. (B,L,D)
DAY 13: JUN/28 VISIT TO THE ISLAND TAQUILE (THURSDAY)
Breakfast at the Homestays. Following this exciting experience, you will
be led to the Island of Taquile, , place where the form of typical and
rustic experience was appraised, the place is colorful and landscaping,
where they even maintain its customs, ritual, religious and folkloric
traditions, in the town of Taquile we will taste a typical lunch with
fresh fish (trout). There is also a craft fair on the plaza that sells
exceptional wool goods which are of very fine quality and somewhat
expensive. Taquile Island is famous for its craft production,
particularly for its beautiful textiles. The island is narrow at about 1
Km. wide and 6 to 7 Km. long. The visit could be exhausting because of
the altitude (13,000 ft above sea level). On Taquile there are numerous
pre-Inca and Inca ruins as well as Inca terracing. We will return in
Puno in the afternoon, overnight (B,L)
DAY 14: JUN/ 29 SILLUSTANI – LIMA (FRIDAY)
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Lima (airfare
NOT included). On the route to the airport, we will visit at the
Sillustani Chullpas (pre-Colombian funeral towers). The scenery is
desert but impressive, in a beautiful setting on a peninsula on Ayumara
lake about 32 Km. from Puno. Most of the towers date from the period of
Inca occupation in the 15th century; the engineering involved in their
construction is more complex than anything the Incas built. Upon arrival
Lima’s airport, reception and transfer to the hotel and overnight (B)
DAY 15: JUN/ 30 TRANSFER OUT (SATURDAY)
Breakfast and according time, transportation will be provided to go the
airport (B).
INCLUDES: All hotel and lodge accommodations based on double or single
occupancy. All scheduled transportation. All transfers. All scheduled excursions
with English-speaking guide services. All entrance fees. Meals as specified in
the itinerary. B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner.
IMPORTANT: For a better service, the company informs you that it has
autonomy to change the Hotels mentioned in the itinerary with another one of
similar category if therefore sees it by advisable taking into account
justifiable availability of spaces or other reasons, if this it is the case you
will be notified ahead of time.
NOT INCLUDED IN THE FEE
Nazca lines airport tax USD14 approx. per person. International and domestic
airfares, airport departure taxes or visa fees, excess baggage charges,
additional nights during the trip due to flight cancellations, alcoholic and
non-alcoholic beverages or bottled water, snacks, insurance of any kind,
laundry, phone calls, radio calls or messages, reconfirmation of international
flights and items of personal nature.
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