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| Tour Description |
All our programmes can be tailor made according to your requirements, whether regarding the length of your tour, any special interests or specific activities, flight reservations, optional destinations or tours.
DAY 01: International Arrival in Lima Assistance at your arrival to Lima International Airport and transfer to your hotel. There you will receive a briefing on your tour; receive vouchers covering all the services included in your tour and additional information on the organisation of your Peru trip. Meals Included: None DAY 02: Lima: Sightseeing Tour & Larco Herrera Museum / Ica After the breakfast we will start our incredible journey through this wonderful country. Our fisrt guided tour starts in the "City of Kings" where we will get to see the most attractive and important sites in Lima. The tour includes Lima's Historical Centre, passing by Plaza San Martin, Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, the City Hall, the Cathedral and its Religious Art Museum, the Church of Santo Domingo, with the tombs of Santa Rosa and San Martin de Porras, and Lima's Colonial Balconies. We will visit the Convent and Church of San Francisco, the greatest monumental complex of Colonial Art in America and Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The tour includes a visit to the Basilica of 21 altars, Convent of Cloisters, Capitulary and Clementine Rooms, Chorus and Library of the monks, a Museum showing 11 paintings of the Rubens School, the Sacristy with paintings of Surbaran and Ribera, its great patio decorated with Seville tiles of the XVIth Century, Moorish arches and underground Catacombs.
Then we visit Larco Herrera Museum, for an excellent overview of Peru's ancient past as it holds the best private collection of pre-Columbian art in the country. The museum has many fine examples of textile works, one example of which has a record breaking 398 threads per inch; materials and tools used by ancient Peruvians to produce their work in ceramics and metal; and Pre-Inca and Inca period pottery, gold and silver pieces with semiprecious stones.
And finally we will go to the residential Districts of San Isidro and Miraflores, passing by the Huaca Pucllana, a Ceremonial and Administrative Centre of the Lima Culture built in the II Century A.C. that the Incas considered as "Ñaupallaqta" or Sacred Town. We will also visit El Olivar Park with olive trees brought from Spain in the XVth Century, the Central Park of Miraflores and Larcomar, a symbol of modern Lima and a tourist and entertainment centre as well as a privileged site to enjoy an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean. Return to your selected hotel. Free time for lunch. On a scheduled time we will leave for Ica in our private transportation. Transfer to the selected hotel. Meals Included: Breakfast DAY 03: Ica / Paracas: Ballestas Islands / Nazca Early in the morning we will set off to Paracas where the most important wildlife sanctuary of the Peruvian Coast is located. Boat
excursion to the Ballestas Islands, where we can observe
Sea lions, Boobies, Pelicans, Penguins and other Marine
birds. On the way back, from the boat, we can also see the
"Candelabro"(Candelabrum), a giant figure etched in the
sand on the side of a hill in the style of the Nazca Lines.
In the afternoon continue by private transportation to the City of Nazca for overnight. Free time to enjoy the facilities of your hotel. Meals Included: Breakfast DAY 04: Nazca: Nazca Lines / Arequipa After breakfast, early in the morning, we will be taken to Nazca’s airstrip in order to get onboard a light aircraft that will fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines. These huge lineal pictures depicting animals, birds and geometrical shapes drew on the desert, which can only be appreciated from the air.In the afternoon you will be taken to the City of Arequipa (10 hours approx.) going through deserts and coastal valleys. Arrival in the White City of Arequipa. It receives this name due to its white rock buildings, a white rock that flows out of the Misti Volcano. Upon your arrival in Arequipa, meet and transfer to the selected hotel. Meals Included: Breakfast DAY 05: Arequipa: Sightseeing tour Morning sightseeing tour of Arequipa, including the Main Square, one of the most beautiful squares in Peru, and the Cathedral, a prime example of XIXth Century Peruvian architecture, housing beautiful treasures in gold and silver. We also visit the La Compañia Church, an ancient Jesuit temple, maybe the most important one in Arequipa due to its history and tradition, with a beautiful façade with carved columns, laurel crowns, flowers, birds, etc. A more careful look at the façade, however, reveals the limits of European influence, as the angels have Indian faces; and indeed one face is even crowned with feathers. Then, we will visit the Santa Catalina Convent, a "small town" built in the XVIIth Century and opened to the public in 1970, after 400 years as a Cloister. Perfectly preserved for four centuries, you go back in time as you enter the Cloister and see the numerous, spacious patios and gardens, the kitchen and slave quarters and stone washtubs of this Convent. About 20 nuns, of what were once 500, still live in a section of the Convent. Transfer to your selected hotel and free time for lunch. We recommend the Sol de Mayo Restaurant. Evening free. We suggest to dinner at the hotel and have an early night as the next day you will have an early rise to begin your trip towards the Colca Canyon. Meals Included: Breakfast DAY 06: Arequipa: Colca Canyon Early in the morning, depart on a wonderful four hours bus trip to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest Canyons in the World (3180 mts.). On the trip we drive across Pampa Cañahuas in the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, inhabited by herds of vicuñas and alpacas (South American cameloids). The highest point of the road is at 4350 m.a.s.l.. We also see beautiful pre-Columbian terraces, still being cultivated by native Collaguas. Box lunch. On your arrival at Colca Valley, transfer to the selected lodge.In the afternoon, we recommend you to rest and get used to the altitude. If you are in good shape, you will have free time to stroll around the Lodge's surroundings or you could take a repairing bath at the hot springs nearby the Lodge. Dinner and overnight at selected Lodge at the Colca Valley. Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner DAY 07: Colca: Condor Cross / Arequipa We leave early in the morning to the "Condor's Cross", where the biggest flying bird in the world can be usually seen soaring amongst the peaks. On the way back we visit the Colonial Towns and Churches of Yanque, Coporaque, Achoma and Maca. Good opportunity to appreciate the life of these people that has changed little since Inca times. Lunch at a local restaurant. Late afternoon return to the selected hotel in Arequipa. Evening free. We recommend to have dinner at the Sambambaia's or La Truffa restaurants. Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch DAY 08: Arequipa: Countryside Breakfast. Then we shall leave towards Arequipa's beautiful countryside, including the Mill of Sabandia, a still functioning flourmill built in 1621 powered by a nearby waterfall, and the Founder's Mansion, a fully restored XVIth Century Hacienda that belonged to the City's founder. Then it was sold to the Jesuits, who used it as a Retreat Centre, and finally passed on to the Goyeneche family. You will also visit its beautiful fully restored church. Meals Included: Breakfast DAY 09: Arequipa / Cusco: Sightseeing Tour and Visit to Nearby Ruins Transfer to the Airport to board your departure flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Morning free to rest in your hotel in order to avoid altitude sickness. In
the afternoon, we will visit the City of Cusco on a guided sightseeing tour visiting the Main Square, the Cathedral and the Temple of the Sun or Korikancha
.
Then, we drive out of the City to visit the Inca sites of Kenko, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara and the impressive Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, strategically built on a hill overlooking Cusco, famous for its enormous carved stones, some of them standing over 9 m / 30 ft high and weighing over 350 tons. Return to your hotel and get ready to enjoy a dinner in a typical restaurant with a folklore show where the musicians play their melodies with Andean instruments of beautiful sounds while typically dressed dancers will show you different ancient Peruvian dances. The most enthusiastic spectators will be invited to form part of the show. Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner DAY 10: Cusco: Sacred Valley of the Incas Early morning excursion to the Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit to the picturesque Indian Pisac Market held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, the shopping paradise of the Andes where barter is still practiced. Enjoy the unique atmosphere during a typical lunch. In the afternoon, passing through the Towns of Calca and Urubamba, we visit the Inca Fortress and Citadel of Ollantaytambo, built to guard the entrance to this part of the Valley, and protect it from possible invasion from the tribes in the Lower jungle. You can walk through the quaint streets of the nearby Town, and get a good idea of what this Strategic Military, Religious, and Agricultural Centre was like during the era of the Inca Empire. Late afternoon return to your selected hotel for overnight. Evening free. We suggest strolling around the Main Square and enjoy the night atmosphere trying a delicious Pisco Sour in some of the many pubs around the Square. Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch DAY 11: Cusco: Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes The day starts with an early morning rise to transfer to Cusco Train Station for a three hour train journey to the famous Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, also known as "The Lost City of the Incas". Arrive at Aguas Calientes Station followed by a 30-minute bus drive, climbing 6km of winding road, to the incredible site of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, we'll participate in a guided tour of the Citadel, visiting the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sun Dial, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and various burial grounds. After the tour you will have free time to stroll around the archaeological site on your own. Lunch at a local restaurant.Evening free. Overnight at your selected hotel. Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch DAY 12: Machu Picchu: Aguas Calientes - Cusco Excellent opportunity to wake up early and enjoy a beautiful sunrise as well as stroll around the Town of Aguas Calientes and visit its Hot Spring Thermal waters. Then, you will have time to perform some of the following activities: (not included in the overall price): 1. Visit the Citadel of Machu Picchu for a second time. 2. For active or more adventurous people, we suggest to climb up the Huayna Picchu (depending on weather conditions) from where you can appreciate the immensity of Machu Picchu, even more amazing being high and distant. Arriving at the top takes about two hours and a half and it is recommendable before 13:00 hours. It is necessary to register at the checking point at the beginning of the trail. An exciting adventure for the travellers who want to see from the top, the nature and the carved stone emerging from the ground as if a geological miracle. In the afternoon, back to Cusco by train, and transfer to your selected hotel for overnight. Evening free.We recommend to dine at the hotel and have an early night Meals Included: Breakfast DAY 13: Cusco / Puno by bus Early departure by bus to the City of Puno, (3860 m.a.s.l.). During the trip, we pass by the lovely Wacarpay Lake, offering spectacular views of the mountains reflected in its calm waters. We proceed to the beautiful Town of Andahuaylillas, and visit the Church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas, better known as the Sistine Chapel of the Americas, due to its decorated polychrome ceiling. On the way, we stop in Raqchi, where we can see a spectacular Inca Sanctuary built by the Inca Pachacutec, and dedicated to the great Inca God of Wiracocha. It has a great central wall with a stone base of fine Inca architecture. Other walls are made of giant adobe bricks. The structure also has two circular lateral columns. Around the Temple are several buildings once used for housing and storage. About 70 km further on, we pass through La Raya Ranch where we can see herds of vicuñas and llamas. Then we travel along the High Plateau of Collao, stopping at the Town of Ayaviri, an important livestock and textile Centre, to visit the impressive Temple of Kalasaya, ruins from the ancient Pucara Culture. Lunch in a countryside restaurant, where we can enjoy the delightful culinary art of the region. Afternoon arrival in Puno and transfer to your selected hotel. Evening free. Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch DAY 14: Puno: Titicaca Lake, Floating Islands of Uros and Taquile
Early in the morning, we will have an unforgettable motorboat excursion
on the waters of Lake Titicaca to the unique "Floating Islands" of the Uros. These ancient inhabitants of the lake, known as the Water Tribe, have built their own "islands" by periodically adding new layers of a type of reed called "totora" (Scirpus Totora), vegetable fiber of the Papyrus family. Their homes and boats are also made from this material. We continue our motorboat trip to Taquile Island, inhabited by Quechua-speaking
natives who have developed efficient and unique social systems
down through the generations, as well as fine hand weaving techniques, Upon arrival at the Town of Taquile we will have a lunch. Then we will walk through the various hills and archaeological sites of this 6 km long Island. In the afternoon, return to Puno for overnight at your hotel. Evening free. Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch DAY 15: Puno / Lima: Chullpas of Sillustani en route / International Departure Early morning transfer to Juliaca Airport to board your flight to Lima. On the way to the Airport, we will visit the famous Chullpas of Sillustani: stone cylinder burial chambers used by the Aymaras to bury their important leaders. Lake Umayo, located in front of the Chullpas, adds further beauty to the place. Here you also have the opportunity to observe several local typical birds. Upon arrival in Lima, meet and transfer to your selected hotel. At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport to board your International homebound flight. Meals Included: Breakfast |
| Tour Rates |
| Hotel Options for the Tour (or Equivalent) |
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| Tour Inclusions |
INCLUDED: In Lima: Sightseeing Tour and Larco Herrera Museum. In Ica: Excursion to the Ballestas Islands in Paracas In Nazca: Overflight of the Nazca lines. In Arequipa: Sightseeing Tour and excursion by Arequipa's countryside. In Colca: All included (excursions and meals). In Cusco: Sightseeing Tour and nearby ruins; dinner including Folklore show. In the Sacred Valley of the Incas: Excursion to Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Lunch included. In Machu Picchu: Guided visit of the Citadel including lunch. In Puno: Boating excursion on Titicaca Lake, lunch in Taquile and visit to Sillustani.
NOT INCLUDED:
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| Additional Tours |
| Starting Place | Tour Name | Duration | Prices From |
| Lima | City of Caral | Full day | US$ 126 |
| Southbound Extension | 2 days / 1 night | US$ 438 | |
| Palomino Islands | Half day | US$ 53 | |
| Useful Information |
ORIENTATION Peru is located on the central west coast of South America. Its neighboring countries are: Ecuador and Colombia to the N; Chile to the S; Brazil and Bolivia to the E; and the Pacific Ocean to the W. It is the third largest country in South America, with a surface area of 1 285 215,6 km2 (larger than France, Spain, and Germany combined) distributed approximately in the following manner: 12% coastal territory, 28% Andean highlands and 60% Amazon jungle. Its capital, Lima, is located in the coastal area, where the country's greatest economic activities take place. TIME ZONE Peruvian time is five hours past Greenwich Mean Time and is similar to Eastern Standard Time in the United States (except when the U.S. goes on daylight savings time from April to October). In reference to other cities, when it is noon in Peru, it is:
TEMPERATURE Being such a geographically diverse country within the tropical belt, the weather in Peru is determined both by altitude and season. However, it also means that there is almost invariably sunshine somewhere in Peru ! Below is a summary of the weather conditions you can expect to find in each different region of the country at different times of the year. Coast (Ica, Chiclayo, Lima, Piura, Trujillo, Tumbes) Northern region: warm year-round with highs of up to 35°C in the summer. Central and southern regions: two well-defined seasons, winter between April and October, and summer between November and March. Highlands (Ancash, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Cusco, Puno) This region has two seasons, dry season between April and rainy season between November and March. Rainforest (Iquitos, Madre de Dios, Manu) High rainforest (over 2,300 feet asl): has a temperate, subtropical climate with abundant rainfall. WE RECOMMEND YOU TO - Use boots the whole time in the walks. - Take lots of liquids during long excursions. WHAT TO BRING - Hiking boots, sneakers and shoes. - Long pants or slacks. - Long-sleeved shirts. - T-shirts. - Sweaters and a jacket. - Rain wear for rainy season. - Camera. - Insect Repellent. - Personal toilet items and first-aid kit. - Medicine to arrest or prevent the so called ”Soroche” or altitude sickness. Please consult your physician what medicine is best suited for your organism. WEATHER Peru's climate may be divided into two: The Occidental Andes and the deserted coast. In the coast, it does not rain and the temperature is warm through the year. On the other hand, in the Andes, there are two seasons: wet and dry. Arequipa, Puno and Cusco are located in the Eastern Andes, so their rainy season is from October to May, the rest of the year it is dry. Rainy time, starting in October/ November has its own top time in January, continuing until March/ April. In years of pouring rain there are falls, floods, etc. I n High altitude cities, it is cold in the evenings but sunny and warm in the mornings. It is even possible to wear t-shirts, but when the sun sets it gets really chilly so please bring a warm sweater (or buy an alpaca one in Cusco) and a good jacket. Finally, the weather in general does not represent a limit to provide any tourist services, except from some particular years. ALTITUDE Lima: Sea level, 54 m.a.s.l. Nazca: 588 m.a.s.l. Paracas: Sea level, 5 m.a.s.l. Cusco: 3360 m.a.s.l. Machu Picchu: 2400 m.a.s.l. Urubamba Valley: 2850 m.a.s.l. Arequipa: 2350 m.a.s.l. Colca Canyon: 3500 m.a.s.l. Puno: 3860 m.a.s.l. WATER Tap water in most of Peru is potable, but the chemical content varies from place to place. To avoid problems, we recommend you to always drink bottled water. VISAS All travellers should contact the nearest Peruvian consulate in order to ascertain what visa rules apply, since these may change without previous notice. For more information clic here: Type of visa to enter Peru AIRPORT Hand luggage regulations a) All liquids must be carried in containers whose capacity can not exceed of 100 ml (or its equivalent in other volumetric units, such as liquid ounces for instance). No liquids will be allowed in containers of more capacity than the said 100 ml, even if the container is not completely full. b) The containers must be placed in reclosable plastic bags with a maximum capacity of 1 liter. The containers must fit effortlessly in the transparent plastic bag, which must be perfectly sealed. c) The plastic bag must be presented at the inspection post for its visual examination. Only one plastic bag per passenger can be allowed. d) Exceptions must be made in case of medications, milk and baby food, as well as in case of passengers who require a special diet. There must be the appropriate means in place to verify the nature of these liquids. Likewise, exceptions must be made regarding liquids purchased in the duty free shops at the airport or on board an aircraft, provided that these liquids are packed in a sealed plastic container foolproof against undue manipulations, and that a satisfactory proof (receipt) is produced showing that the article was acquired at the airport’s duty free shops, or aboard an aircraft on the traveling day(s) for passengers leaving an airport or being there on transit. LANGUAGE The official languages of Peru are Spanish, spoken by 73% of the population, and Quechua spoken by 24% of Peruvians. English is widely spoken in hotels and shops. CURRENCY Peru's official currency is the Nuevo sol ; its symbol is S/. The denominations in circulation are bills of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 nuevos soles; coins of 1, 2, and 5 nuevos soles; and coins of 5, 10, 20 and 50 céntimos of a nuevo sol. US$ are widely accepted. At the moment, US$ 1.00 is worth around 3.50 Nuevos Soles. TIPPING Whilst tipping is a personal matter, we are happy to give some guidelines: Most restaurants add a 10% tip. The total tip should be about 15%. Doorkeepers should be tipped 1 US$ per bag. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip. Full-day excursion : US$6.00 per person Half-day excursion : US$3.00 per person PHOTOGRAPHY If you are taking photographs of local people, always ask their permission beforehand. Your guide can assist you in this. Do not take photographs of military installations or airports. Film is readily available in all tourist areas. It is advisable to carry your camera in a dust-proof bag. Photography or camera fees are applicable at most sights and museums; your guide can give you details of the latest charges. ELECTRICITY Power voltage in Peru is 220 Volts AC, 60 Hz. Most modern electrical appliances do not need adapters since they will accept both 110 as well as 220 AC voltages. Please make sure to check the voltage options of those artefacts you intend to take with you during your trip, such as hair dryers, battery chargers, notebooks and lap tops, video cameras, etc. Most of these do not usually need a special adapter, but it is important that you make sure of that before leaving your country of origin in order not to have to buy special 110 V / 220 V AC adapters, which, however, can be found in the local market here in Peru. HEALTH Vaccinations Full details of the latest health requirements should be obtained from an authorized medical source, such as your doctor. There are no mandatory health requirements for Peru. Because you are visiting Andean areas, don't forget to take precautions to avoid altitude sickness. Be sure to try hot tea or infusion of coca leaves on your arrival in the altitude; during your first day move slowly and eat lightly. PERUVIAN GASTRONOMY Peruvian cuisine is highly varied and spicy. Some of our typical dishes are: "cebiche" (raw fish marinated in lemon juice), "aji de gallina" (de-boned chicken cooked in a milk and aji sauce), and "anticuchos" (shish kebabs of beef heart and meat), apart from the typical dishes from each region. Be sure to try "Pisco Sour", Peru's typical mixed drink prepared with pisco, lemon, egg white and sugar. Restaurants during your trip In Lima: International, vegetarian, local food restaurants and franchises of international fast food chains. more information… In Paracas and Nazca: International and local sea food restaurants. In Arequipa: International and local food restaurants. more information… In Puno: Local food restaurants, in Taquile Island there are only very basic facilities. more information… In Cusco: International, vegetarian and local food restaurants. more information… DRESS CODE Dress in general is very casual unless you want to eat in one of the more expensive restaurants in Lima for example, in which case a tie and/or jacket will be required and smarter ladies' wear. Due to the altitude, it is important to remember whatever the season, to take some warmer woollens for the nighttimes drop in temperature. IMPORTANT: We reserve the right to make changes to the order of the trip, without prior notice, due to changes in climate conditions, river water levels, flight or bus arrival and departure times or any other reason relevant to the best development of the trip. |


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