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PERU TRAVEL PLANNER
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Running 2 Kingdoms: Sipan and Machu
Picchu 12 days
RUNNING 2 KINGDOMS: SIPAN AND MACHU
PICCHU 12 DAYS
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BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY - 2 PEOPLE |
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Basic Class 2** |
Tourist Class 3*** |
First Class 4**** |
Luxury Class 5***** |
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Loding Lima |
Casa de Baraybar |
Runcu |
Casa Andina P.C |
Country Club |
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Lodging Huaraz |
Patio Monterrey |
Patio Monterrey |
Andino |
Gran hotel |
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Lodging Trujillo |
Conquistadores |
Conquistadores |
Libertador |
Libertador |
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Lodging Chiclayo |
Las Garzas |
Las Garzas |
Gran Hotel |
Gran Hotel |
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Lodging Cusco |
Orquidea Real |
St. A Internacional |
Casa Andina P.C |
Monasterio |
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Lodging Aguas Calientes |
Presidente |
El Santuario |
Hatuchay Tower |
Sumaq Machu Picchu |
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Train Tickets on |
Expedition |
Expedition |
Vistadome |
Vistadome |
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Lunch on |
Hatuchay Tower |
Sanctuary Lodge |
Sanctuary Lodge |
Sanctuary Lodge |
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Price per Person |
USD $ 3679 |
USD $ 3880 |
USD $ 4430 |
USD $ 5430 |
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BASED ON SINGLE OCCUPANCY - 1 PERSON |
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Basic Class 2** |
Tourist Class 3*** |
First Class 4**** |
Luxury Class 5***** |
|
Loding Lima |
Casa de Baraybar |
Runcu |
Casa Andina P.C |
Country Club |
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Lodging Huaraz |
Patio Monterrey |
Patio Monterrey |
Andino |
Gran hotel |
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Lodging Trujillo |
Conquistadores |
Conquistadores |
Libertador |
Libertador |
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Lodging Chiclayo |
Las Garzas |
Las Garzas |
Gran Hotel |
Gran Hotel |
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Lodging Cusco |
Orquidea Real |
St. A. Internacional |
Casa Andina P.C |
Monasterio |
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Lodging Aguas Calientes |
Presidente |
El Santuario |
Hatuchay Tower |
Sumaq Machu Picchu |
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Train Tickets on |
Expedition |
Expedition |
Vistadome |
Vistadome |
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Lunch on |
Hatuchay Tower |
Sanctuary Lodge |
Sanctuary Lodge |
At train |
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Price per Person |
USD $ 4205 |
USD $ 4568 |
USD $ 5575 |
USD $ 7442 |
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Duration |
12 Days and 11
Nights |
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Departures |
Daily departures |
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Activities |
The mystery of 2 important Peruvian kingdoms |
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Airfares |
NOT INCLUDED, can easily be included in the package upon
request |
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Customizable |
YES, feel free to ask for extra services or
modifications |
DAY 1 LIMA
Pick up upon arrival at Lima’s airport and transportation to the hotel.
Overnight (No meals)
DAY 2 LIMA, CARAL, CHAVÍN: A JOURNEY TO ANCIENT CITIES
We set off early by private vehicle from Lima, heading north up the
Pan-American Highway. After about 2 ½ hours, our first major stop is Caral,
once an important center of the ancient cultures of the Norte Chico, the
remains of whose rock-and-earth stepped-pyramids lie scattered across this
desert region. Caral is the perfect place to begin a tour of early Peruvian
civilizations, since archaeological evidence suggests that this extremely
old religious and residential complex was the cradle of Andean civilization,
perhaps the oldest urban center of the Americas, establishing patterns of
monumental construction and religious worship that persisted for millennia.
Here around 2,600 BC, while the ancient Egyptians were beginning to
construct their pyramids, early Peruvians established a less hierarchical
society, one based on marine resources that apparently thrived peacefully on
trade and a now forgotten religion.
We continue a short way north and then turn inland, climbing into the Andes
up a sinuous and dramatic paved highway that takes us across a high pass and
into the famous Callejón de Huaylas, the valley of the Santa river, and home
to Peru´s highest snow-capped peaks.
Continuing east, we cross the next range, cresting the Continental Divide,
and descending into the Marañon/Amazon river drainage on our way to Chavín
de Huantar, the next stop on our journey through Peru´s ancient past. We
will spend the next two nights at the selected accommodation. (B, Box lunch)
DAY 3 CHAVÍN DE HUANTAR TO HUARAZ: FROM HALLUCINOGENIC LABYRINTH TO HIGH
CORDILLERAS
This morning we explore the intriguing remains of a mysterious, powerful and
astonishing civilization. Chavín is known to archaeologists as the
wellspring of the "Early Horizon" period, dating from around 800 BC. These
were the first Andean people to spread their cultural and religious
influence far and wide, all the way to the coast, and as distant as about
300Km/200 miles south of where Lima stands today. Their center here at
Chavín de Huantar straddled trans-Andean trade routes, and drew pilgrims to
a great temple, where esoteric rituals were practiced under the influence of
powerful hallucinogens. Here we see the subterranean labyrinth which once
boomed with the sound of water rushing through hidden channels, and where a
great stela (the Lanzón) carved with ferocious mythical creatures and
mysterious symbols still stands in its central chamber.
After lunch we return to the Callejón de Huaylas and head north to Huaráz,
at the foot of the Cordillera Blanca, in the shadow of mighty Huascarán,
Peru´s highest mountain. We overnight in Huaraz. (B, L)
DAY 4 HUARÁZ, SECHÍN, TRUJILLO:
DESCENT TO SECHÍN ALTO AND THE SOURCES OF CHAVÍN, AND ON TO A SPANISH
COLONIAL CITY
We take another scenic plunge from Andes to Pacific coast, and reach the
site of Sechín Alto, the site of a coastal civilization which pre-dated
Chavín, and was probably its cultural ancestor. Here an early Peruvian
civilization built a vast enclosure ringed with great monoliths carved with
gruesome scenes of battle, mutilation and death. Scholars argue about
whether these were literal representations, or symbolic depictions of these
people´s ritual lives, but most agree that the people of Sechín Alto were
the predecessors of the highland Chavín culture.
Sechín Bajo, an early part of this site dating from a previous period --
perhaps as far back as 3,500 BC -- vies with Caral for the title of "first
urban settlement of the Americas".
After lunch we continue northward up the Pan-American highway to Trujillo.
This city, founded in 1534 on the orders of Francisco Pizarro, maintains a
colonial atmosphere, with its spacious main square, and marvelous
colonial-period adobe buildings in the coastal colonial style, featuring
huge barred windows and massive wooden doorways. Tomorrow we will get a
close-up look at its fine colonial architecture.
We will spend the next two nights at the selected accommodation, a majestic
hotel in the heart of Trujillo´s historic center. (B, Box lunch)
DAY 5 TRUJILLO: THE COLONIAL CITY, THE GREAT ADOBE PYRAMIDS OF HUACA DE
LA LUNA AND HUACA DEL SOL, THE PICTURESQUE BEACH RESORT OF HUANCHACO, AND
THE PRE-INCA CITY OF CHAN CHAN.
We begin a full day of touring and exploration around this fascinating area.
Touring the historic center of Trujillo, a city whose heart still pulses
with colonial splendor, we visit the immense main square and the spacious
mansions built by Spanish and Creole gentry during the 17th and 18th
centuries.
After our city visit we drive a short way from Trujillo, to visit the Huaca
de la Luna, and the Huaca del Sol, two huge flat-topped pyramids built by
the Moche culture between 0 and 600A.D. The Huaca de la Luna is an
extraordinary demonstration of what patient long-term archaeology can
achieve. Here, at a site that has been well known and frequently looted for
centuries, excavations have revealed layer upon layer of ancient
construction, uncovering wall after wall of colorful friezes that were
intentionally buried by the Moche, and had not seen the light of day for
one-and-a-half thousand years. Bloodthirsty fanged deities and exotic gods
in the form of spiders, snakes felines, octopi and other marine creatures
rub shoulders with lines of dancers, warriors and naked prisoners, and
scenes of ritual combat. One wall is covered with such a multitude of
mystifying symbols that it has been labeled simply "The Complicated Theme"
-- until some future archaeologist can offer a plausible explanation of
them. A site museum to display material unearthed here is under
construction, and when opened it will be part of this visit.
We continue on to the nearby beach resort of Huanchaco, where we have a
chance to try the superb seafood of Trujillo at a restaurant overlooking the
Pacific Ocean. Here fishermen still paddle out to sea, kneeling on
caballitos de totora -- little one-man reed rafts which have been used for
millennia to collect the abundant bounty of the Pacific Ocean.
After lunch we return to Trujillo, stopping at the great Chimú center of
Chan Chan, the largest adobe city ever built. It was in fact an elite
settlement, a series of nine enormous palaces belonging to successive rulers
of the Chimú realm. At its height the population here may have reached
50,000 people. Many of them were artists and craftspeople, who made the
sumptuous gold work, textiles and pottery for which the Chimú were famous.
At the Tschudi palace enclosure we enter a labyrinthine series of courtyards
lined with clay friezes of fish and ocean birds, and walled in places with
an open meshwork adobe building style believed to represent fishing nets. We
visit inner patios, residences, administrative buildings, temples, platforms
and storehouses, and a huge reservoir where "sunken gardens" may have
produced specialized crops for the Chimu nobility.
We overnight in Trujillo. (B, L)
DAY 6 TRUJILLO TO CHICLAYO:
THE MOCHE TEMPLE OF EL BRUJO, PERUVIAN PASO HORSES, AND AN ELEGANT
NORTH-COAST LUNCH.
We set off early, heading north by road up the Pan-American Highway and into
the adjacent Chicama river valley, then making a short detour to the Pacific
shore to visit the archaeological site of El Brujo. This site, featured in
National Geographic magazine after the sensational discovery here of the
mummy of a tattooed priestess, buried with a variety of ceremonial and
military accoutrements. An extraordinary array of multicolored murals dating
from seven or more phases of construction depicts both scenes from the daily
lives of the Moche, and gory rituals of sacrifice.
Continuing northward, we make a stop at a hacienda in Paiján to enjoy a
delicious lunch, along with a colorful display of the skilled horsemanship
of local Peruvian paso horses and their riders, who combine their art with
the dance and music of the northern marinera. This is an optional activity
(cost not included), which we highly recommend.
We reach Chiclayo in the afternoon, with time to relax, and perhaps enjoy
the pool or soak up the atmosphere of this bustling tropical city. (B, L)
DAY 7 CHICLAYO, THEN LIMA: THE “CRACKED PYRAMID”, TÚCUME, AND THE ROYAL
TOMBS OF SIPÁN.
In the morning we set off for the mud-brick pyramid that made world
headlines in 1987 with one of the most sensational finds of recent
archaeology. Known as the Huaca Rajada -- the "Cracked Pyramid", because of
the deep gulley’s weathered into its flanks -- this eroded adobe platform
yielded fabulous ancient treasures from a series of deeply buried tombs of
the pre-Inca Moche culture, who lived in the valleys of Peru's north coast
1,500 years ago. To get there we drive east up the broad, flat Reque valley
past fields of sugarcane studded with varicolored pastel foothills of the
great Andean chain, then arriving at the modern village of Sipán. Here we
see the tombs themselves, with superb reconstructions of the burials of
priests and chieftains, together with their sacrificed guards and
companions.
A highly informative site museum tells the story of this extraordinary
civilization, which created some of the finest pottery, jewelry and gold
working of the Americas -- while also staging macabre costumed rituals of
combat, sacrifice and propitiation as they sought to mediate a never ending
struggle between the forces of Order and Chaos.
We continue on to Lambayeque, where we visit the Royal Tombs of Sipán
Museum. This modern building, representing the style of a Moche pyramid, was
built to house the stunning and priceless objects unearthed at Sipán. (A
single looted object from the tombs was intercepted at an auction in the
U.S. -- carrying a reserve price of $1.6 million!)
Here we see the incredible array of precious symbols and images, stones and
shell necklaces, ear-plugs and headdresses that were worn and displayed at
Moche ceremonies, and also learn what is known of their meaning. This
astonishing visit ends at an "animated waxworks" exhibit of the lords and
retinue of the Moche court, allowing us to glimpse and imagine the world of
an unfamiliar but dazzling civilization that thrived here at a time when
Europe was sliding into the Dark Ages after the fall of the Roman Empire.
After these sensational experiences we return to Chiclayo for a delicious
lunch of Peru's northern-style cuisine at a top local restaurant. We then
drive onward to an oasis of calm at Tucumé, today's final destination. Here
we see the chronological sequence that followed the fall of the Moche, at a
site where their descendants, the Sicán culture, continued to amass millions
of adobe bricks for the building of mighty pyramids -- including the longest
of its kind, at more than 700m -- but were now influenced by highland
tribes, and began to abandon their old ways. The history of this scenic site
-- extensively investigated by the famed Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl
-- leads us all the way to the Incas, who conquered the region not long
before they, in turn, were conquered by the Spanish. We can climb to a
viewing platform with superb views of the surrounding pyramids and the dry
woodland habitat of the Leche valley. We can also visit the small, intimate
and low-tech site museum, to enjoy the excellent collection of excavated
objects, dioramas of daily life, and models of the pyramids.
We say farewell to the warm, dry valleys of Northern Peru and set off for
the airport in the late afternoon for our evening flight to Lima (Airfare
not included). Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Overnight (B, L)
DAY 8 CUSCO
You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning, transfer to the
airport to take the 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
free morning to rest and also we suggest you have a light lunch either at
your hotel or in one of the surrounded; 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
Sacsayhuaman Fortress, 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 9 FULL DAY SACRED VALLEY TOUR
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 10 MACHUPICCHU OVERNIGHT TOUR
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 11 MACHU PICCHU / CUZCO
Breakfast and rest of day at leisure by your own (Entrance and bus fee to
Machu Picchu Not 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 12 CUSCO / LIMA
Breakfast and transportation from the hotel to the airport for your return
flight back to Lima (airfare not included). Arriving just in time to catch
your international connection (B)
END OF SERVICES |
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 INCLUDE: 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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Published articles and reviews about us
Testimonials
Larry
Date : Sunday, March 24th, 2013
Thanks for
everything. It was a great trip and everything worked...
Cheers,Tessie
Date: Monday, March 04th, 2013
I’ve been meaning
to email you to thank you for the Lima tour that you arranged for us
in February...
William
Date : Sunday, February 17th, 2013
Hi Miguel. The trip
to the North of Peru came out great more than what we expected...
Peter
Date : Tuesday, February 12th, 2013
Hello Luis , our
Inka trail was great thanks for planning such a incredible...
Derek
Date : Wednesday, January 30th, 2013
Hi Jenny thanks you
made that our honey moon came out fantastic ,we will never forget
such wonderful and important moments...
Hugh Alan Baskin
Date: Thrusday, January 24, 2013
Thank you for all
your help. We most appreciate your services. The guides were good
and helpful...
Patricia
Date : Monday, January 21st, 2013
Hello Yen Seng ;
just a few words to thank you for the great trip we had thanks to
your itinerary and being after...
Jamie
Date : Sunday, December 30th, 2012
We had an
incredible trip thanks for everything...
Johanna
Date : Friday, December 14th, 2012
Jenny thank you ,
You did a great job planning our trip we are grateful...
George & Alison Markgraaff
Wilderness, South Africa
Date: Tuesday, November 27, 2012
My husband and I would like to thank you and your
organisation for a memorable trip to Peru. ...
Laura Meisenheimer
Date : Monday, November 12, 2012
I just wanted to say that I had a fantastic trip to Peru. You and
your staff did an excellent job with everything ...
Antoine
Date : Monday, October 01, 2012
My wife and myself wish to Thank you personally for
the fantastic and organized ‘Honey Moon’ holiday. We have enjoyed
...
Les
Lebatique
Date : Monday, August 06, 2012
Thanks for a great trip, my three weeks in Peru was
awesome. Although my
transportation...
Elke
Date : Monday, July 30, 2012
finally, ...there is so much catching up to do when i
come back home from a trip....
Bing
Date : Thursday, Jun 28, 2012
I just wanted to drop you a note
and thank you for all the help that you had extended the group...
Rosalind Dockweiler
Date : Tuesday, Jun 05, 2012
Our trip was FANTASTIC!!!! You did an outstanding
job. We loved every part of it. The hotels in the Sacred Valley and
Cusco were nicer than any hotels I have ever stayed in the the USA!
The tour guides were great...
Read More testimonials... »
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Peru Viajes
