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GOLDEN PERU
ITINERARY: DAY 1: LIMA Reception at Lima Airport and transfer to your selected hotel. Free time to rest and prepare for starting your trip around our magical country. Overnight in Lima. DAY 2: LIMA Breakfast. Morning free to relax. In the afternoon sightseeing tour of Lima which consist of the best combination of attractions in Lima from pre-Hispanic, Colonial and Modern times. You will have a guided tour of Huaca Pucllana, a magnificent ceremonial and administrative site, dating back to the IV century A.D. You will also visit Huaca Huallmarca, a typical pyramid characteristic of sacred pre-Hispanic edifications found along the Peruvian coast. Then you will have a visit to Lima's historic downtown, including Paseo de la República , Plaza San Martín, the Main Plaza and the surrounding monuments: the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, City Hall, the Desamparados train station, the Museum of the Banco Central de Reserva and the Moorish-style houses and balconies along Lima's old streets. The next stop will be San Francisco Convent, with the best exhibition of Colonial Art in Latin America . The tour includes the Choir Hall, the Monks' Library and the Sacristy, featuring a collection of Zurbarán and Rivera oil paintings. After visiting the Main Patio of the Cloister to see its fine XVI century Seville tiles and Moorish Arches, the tour will proceed to the Underground Crypts known as the Catacombs. Finally you will have a visit to the traditional neighborhood near the San Isidro Golf Club, the Olive Grove park and the modern LarcoMar shopping and entertainment complex, a distinctive landmark of Modern Lima offering a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean . The tour of LarcoMar features a splendid exhibit of Peruvian alpaca textiles, and jewellery and handicrafts from the many regions and civilizations of historic Peru. Return to your selected hotel. Overnight in Lima. DAY 3: LIMA - PARACAS Very early in the morning, pick up from your hotel and transfer to the bus station to take the bus to the city of Pisco. Arrival at selected hotel. Visit to the Julio C. Tello Site Museum to observe fine pottery pieces and the famous polychrome textiles made by the Paracas peoples. Visit to the Cathedral and to the accessible Lagunillas and Atenas Beaches, to enjoy a bit of sun and sea. Overnight in Pisco or Paracas. DAY 4: NATIONAL RESERVE OF PARACAS - BALLESTAS ISLANDS - NAZCA Early in the morning motor boat excursion to Ballestas Islands, in Paracas National Reserve, to observe Sea lions, Boobies, Pelicans, Penguins and other Marine birds, among the many other species which converge there looking for shelter. On the boat trip over to the Islands, the famous "Candelabro" can be seen, an enigmatic drawing that many people believe is related to the Nazca lines, while others think it is a representation of the Southern Cross Constellation, or a stylized drawing of a cactus that was used by high Inca and pre-Inca priests as an hallucinogen. Transfer to bus station. Bus Paracas - Nazca. Reception at Nazca Bus station and transfer to your selected hotel. Overnight in Nazca. DAY 5: NAZCA - AREQUIPA Breakfast. Early in the morning transfer to the local airport to board a propeller plane to fly over the enigmatic Nazca lines. The Pampas of San José, between km 419 and 465 of the South Panamerican Highway, are the site of the famous Nazca Lines, comprised of over 70 giant figures and some 10,000 lines imprinted on the land, which have been declared the Cultural Heritage of Markind by UNESCO. After flying over the Nazca geoglyphs. At noon, travel by private transportation to the City of Arequipa (about 8 hours) along the Desert and Coastal valleys. During the journey, we will make some stops in different outstanding points to rest and enjoy the landscapes. Arrival at 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. Overnight in Arequipa. DAY 6: AREQUIPA Breakfast. In the afternoon, sightseeing tour of Arequipa including Santa Catalina Convent (Santa Catalina Convent was built in the 16th century and it is comprised of cloisters, the walls of which were enriched by murals, narrow streets with Spanish names, small cells, white volcano stone fountains, gardens, an impressive temple and a small picture gallery) the Plaza de Armas, the Jesuit church of La Compañía and its beautifully-painted chapel, the Church of San Francisco, San Lazaro's district, Selva Alegre and the typical districts of Cayma and Yanahuara for a magnificent view of the Misti Volcano. Return to the hotel. Overnight in Arequipa. DAY 7: AREQUIPA - COLCA CANYON Breakfast. Early in the morning, after breakfast, start your trip to the Colca Canyon, One may find the impressive Colca Valley four hours north of Arequipa. The climbing trail runs along the foot of the Chachani crossing plateus filled with ichu and yareta where alpacas and vizcachas wander. The higest point of the route is at 4.350 m.a.s.l.,from where it descends into the valley, made up of beautiful landscapes surrounding by terraces and snow-capped peaks. Arrival to the town of Chivay at 13:00hrs. aprox. Transfer to your selected hotel in Chivay. In the afternoon free time to visit thermal and medical baths of La Calera. Folk show and dinner. Overnight in Chivay. DAY 8: COLCA CANYON - AREQUIPA Breakfast. After breakfast, very early in the morning, drive to the Condor's Cross, natural observation point from where the magnitude of the Colca Canyon and the spectacular flight of the majestic condor is appreciated. On the way back to Chivay, visit to the Mirador of Chinina, where we will find the famous Hanging Tombs and the Hanging Bridge of Sifón that joins the town of Yanque with Coporaque. At the town of Yanque, visit its beautiful church and its characteristic stone streets among other attractions. To have spectacular views of the Colca Valley, we will drive to the observation points of Choquetipo and Artahuilque and also to the town of Maca. In the afternoon, return to the city of Arequipa, arriving at 18:00hrs. aprox. Overnight in Arequipa. DAY 9: AREQUIPA - PUNO Breakfast. At proper time transfer to the airport. Flight Arequipa - Juliaca (Puno). Reception at Juliaca Airport and transfer to your selected hotel in Puno. PM Tour to Chullpas of Sillustani (pre-colombian funeral towers ). In the archaeological site of Sillustani, 34 km (approximately 30 min) north of the City of Puno, on the shore of beautiful Umayo Lake, one runs into enigmatic chullpas, which were built by the Collas, some of which are more than 12 m. High. Used to bury the most important personalities of this nation, the chullpas known as lagarto and Intiwatana are most prominent. * Overnight in Puno. DAY 10: PUNO - UROS ISLAND - TAQUILE ISLAND - PUNO Breakfast. You will be picked up from your hotel 7,30 AM, after 2 hours motorboat you will arrive at the Uros island. The Uros are a people who live on approximately 40 floating islands, made mainly of totora (cattail or reed). These islands occupy a large part of the Titicaca National Reserve, from the Bay of puno to the Peninsula of Capachica. The uros group themselves under the highest moral and religious authority: the grandfather. They mainly live off hunting and fishing, but they are also known for their high skills knit totora, which they use in making their rafts and their houses, as well as handicrafts. At present they speak Quechua and Aymara. Then you will visit the Taquile island. This is a peaceful island on Lake titicaca, situated some 35 km (4hr) east of the City of Puno, by boat. There are no roads or electricity in Taquile, but there are plenty of hills and archaeological ruins. From Chilcano one may arrive at the Main Aquare, the island's main pier, after climbing 540 steps. The most popular attractions in Taquile are its landscape, dominated by tiered platforms where potatoes, corn, quinoa and broad beans are cultivated; ceremonial sties hosting rituals imploringg for abundant harvests and fishing, and the hospitality of its people, who are so outstandingly organized. The textile industry is the main activity on this island and the garments they manufacture relate to their daily chores. Return to Puno. Overnight in Puno. DAY 11 : PUNO - CUSCO Breakfast. Early departure by bus to the City of Cusco. We travel along the High Plateau of the Collao, stopping at the Town of Ayaviri, an important livestock and textile centre, to visit the impressive Temple of Kalasasaya, remnants of the ancient Pucara Culture. 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 the La Raya Ranch where we can see herds of vicuñas and llamas. 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. Buffet lunch in a quiet countryside restaurant, where we can enjoy the delightful culinary art of the region. Upon arrival in Cusco, meet and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Cusco. DAY 12 : CUSCO Breakfast. Free Morning. In the afternoon, sightseeing tour of Cusco visiting the Main Square, the Cathedral ( built between 1560 and 1664 is considered one of the most imposing strutures in the city). and the Temple of the Sun or Korikancha (the most important temple dedicated to the worship of the Sun and whose walls were plated with sheets of gold). Take a pleasant walk in the bohemian District of San Blas, home to the best known craftsmen of Cusco. Visit its beautiful church, to admire its impressive carved wooden pulpit, with images of local fruits carved into it in filigree. Pop into some of the craft shops in its small Main Square. On your way back to the Centre of Cusco go through Hatunrumiyoc Street with its famous Twelve-angled stone. Then, we drive out of the City to visit the Inca sites of Kenko, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara and the impressive Fortress of Sacsayhuaman. The latter site is strategically built on a hill overlooking Cusco and is famous for its enormous carved stones, some of them standing over 9m / 30ft tall, and weighing over 350 tons, set together with astounding precision to form the outer walls. Overnight in Cusco. DAY 13: CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY Breakfast. Full-day excursion to the "Sacred Valley of the Incas". The first stop will be in Pisac, a modern quarter, dating from the colonial period. It also has Sunday market which attracts thousands of visitors and people from remote communities, dressed in colorful, traditional attire.We will have the opportunity to share closely the peasants' customs and bargain with vendors at the typical indian market of Pisac, held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Lunch in a local countryside restaurant. After lunch, 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. The Fortress consists of a series of stepped carved stone terraces accessed by long staircases. Later on 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. On our way back to Cusco we stop of at the picturesque Andean Village of Chinchero where the ruins of the Royal Hacienda of Tupac Inca Yupanqui lie. You can admire the well preserved Inca Wall in the Main Square, and visit the beautiful Colonial temple built on Inca foundations, with interesting frescoes in the portico. Overnight in Cusco. DAY 14: CUSCO - MACHUPICCHU Breakfast. Full day excursion to the citadel of Machupicchu known as well as "The lost city of the Incas". The day starts with an early morning rise to transfer to Cusco Train Station for a three hour train journey to Machupicchu. Arrive at Aguas Calientes Station followed by a 30-minute bus drive, climbing 6km of winding road, to the wonderfull Citadel. Upon arrival, you will participate in a guided tour of the Citadel, visiting the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sun Dial (the most important preserved Intihuatana), the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and various burial grounds. After the tour you'll have time to stroll around the Archaeological Site at your leisure. Lunch at a local restaurant and Late afternoon transfer to your selected hotel in Machu Picchu or in Aguas Calientes, the closest Town, at only 15 minutes by bus from Machu Picchu. DAY 15: MACHUPICCHU - CUSCO Breakfast. Excellent opportunity to wake up early and enjoy a beautiful sunrise as well as a stroll through the Town of Aguas Calientes and visit its Hot Springs Thermal Waters. If you want as well you can visit the Citadel of Machu Picchu for the second time. Or, if you are an adventurous person you can go up the Huayna Picchu (if it is not raining) from where you can appreciate the immensity of Machu Picchu, even more amazing being high and distant. In the afternoon, back to Cusco by train, and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in your selected hotel in Cusco. DAY 16: CUSCO - PUERTO MALDONADO - MONKEY ISLAND Breakfast. Transfer to Cusco's Airport. Flight Cusco- Puerto Maldonado, You arrive at Puerto Maldonado, the biodiversity capital of Peru. After a reception at the airport, you will ride to the city center by bus. You will depart from port and travel down the Madre de Dios River. During the trip you will see caimans, turtles, herons and other species of animals along the riverbanks. When you arrive at the lodge, you will be served an exquisite welcome drink, after which you will have time to settle in to your bungalows and eat lunch. In the afternoon, with our specialized guide, you will visit Monkey Island, which is only 5 minutes from the Lodge. During your hike through the island you will observe extraordinary scenery and lively flora that shelters a tremendous variety of monkeys in their natural habitat, such as the Black Spider Monkey, Capuchin Monkey, Tamarins, Squirrel Monkey, and the South American Coati, as well as a number of bird species. You will complete your visit to Monkey Island by enjoying the sunset, and then returning to the Lodge for dinner. DAY 17: LOST COCHA After breakfast you begin your guided adventure through the virgin rainforest on foot to the Lost Cocha. The Lost Cocha is a protected ecosystem sustaining an immense variety of animals such as giant otters, caimans, turtles, Brazilian tapirs "sachavacas", colorful birds, the majestic jaguar, and diverse fish species. This area is a unique part of the Ecoamazonia Reserve, because its immense swamps and marshes still remain fully intact today. Later, you will arrive at our extraordinary Amazon Watch Tower, built at the top of an immense tree (the Shihuahuaco) from which you can appreciate the full and magical beauty of the rainforest. You will also go for a pleasant canoe ride around the lake, after which you will return to the Lodge for lunch. In the afternoon there is another canoe trip down the river to visit a local family living in the rainforest. Finally, you will return to the Lodge for dinner. DAY 18: : PUERTO MALDONADO - LIMA Breakfast. Transfer to Puerto Maldonado airport Flight Puerto Maldonado - Lima. Reception at Lima's Airport and transfer to your selected hotel. In the afternoon sightseeing tour of Lima which consist of the best combination of attractions in Lima from pre-Hispanic, Colonial and Modern times. You will have a guided tour of Huaca Pucllana, a magnificent ceremonial and administrative site, dating back to the IV century A.D. You will also visit Huaca Huallmarca, a typical pyramid characteristic of sacred pre-Hispanic edifications found along the Peruvian coast. Then you will have a visit to Lima's historic downtown, including Paseo de la República , Plaza San Martín, the Main Plaza and the surrounding monuments: the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, City Hall, the Desamparados train station, the Museum of the Banco Central de Reserva and the Moorish-style houses and balconies along Lima's old streets. The next stop will be San Francisco Convent, with the best exhibition of Colonial Art in Latin America . The tour includes the Choir Hall, the Monks' Library and the Sacristy, featuring a collection of Zurbarán and Rivera oil paintings. After visiting the Main Patio of the Cloister to see its fine XVI century Seville tiles and Moorish Arches, the tour will proceed to the Underground Crypts known as the Catacombs. Finally you will have a visit to the traditional neighborhood near the San Isidro Golf Club, the Olive Grove park and the modern LarcoMar shopping and entertainment complex, a distinctive landmark of Modern Lima offering a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean . The tour of LarcoMar features a splendid exhibit of Peruvian alpaca textiles, and jewellery and handicrafts from the many regions and civilizations of historic Peru . Lunch Return to your selected hotel for overnight. Overnight in Lima. DAY 19: LIMA - OUT Breakfast. At proper time transfer to the airport and assistance on your departure. INCLUDED: • Royal Class bus tickets Lima - Pisco - Nazca. • Private transportation Nazca - Arequipa • Flight Tickets Arequipa- Puno. • Flight Tickets Cusco - Puerto Maldonado - Lima. • Train ticket from Cusco - Aguas Calientes - Cusco. • Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes. • Bus ticket from Puno to Cusco including lunch at local restaurant en route. • All transfers and land transportation. • 03 Nights accommodation at a selected hotel in Lima. • 01 Night accommodation at a selected hotel in Paracas. • 01 Night accommodation at a selected hotel in Nazca. • 03 Nights accommodation at a selected hotel in Arequipa. • 01 Night accommodation at a selected hotel in Chivay • 02 Nights accommodation at a selected hotel in Puno. • 04 Nights accommodation at a selected hotel in Cusco . • 01 Night accommodation at a selected hotel in Aguas Calientes • 02 Nights accommodation in bungalow in Puerto Maldonado. • 18 Breakfast. • 01 Folk show and dinner in Chivay Arequipa • 01 Lunch in Taquile • 01 Buffet Lunch at the Sacred Valley • 01 Lunch in Aguas Calientes • All Meals in Puerto Maldonado • In and out transfers. • All applicable taxes. • City tour in Lima • Visit to the Julio C. Tello site Museum. • Visit to the National Reserve of Paracas and the Ballestas Islands. • Overflight of the Nazca Lines • City tour in Arequipa • Excursion to the Colca Canyon • Tour to Chullpas of Sillustani • Full day Excursion to Uros and Taquile island • City tour in Cusco • Full day excursion to the Sacred Valley • Full day excursion to Machupicchu • All Excursions in Puerto Maldonado • Bilingual guided excursions. • Entrance fees for the excursions mentioned above. NOT INCLUDED: • Baggage excess. • Alcoholic drinks, soda or bottled mineral water. • Personal expenses. • Tips. • International or National personal telephone calls. • Additional nights for bad weather o flight cancellation. • Snacks. • Laundry. • International flights. • Airport taxes ($28 for international flights and $5 for domestic flights). THINGS YOU SHOULD BRING ALONG ON A TRIP TO PUERTO MALDONADO • Binoculars, • Camera and films (ASA 200 and 400 for the inner forest) • Light clothes, a jacket, long sleeve shirts and long pants (cotton) wide brim hat and sun glasses for sunny days, • 100% waterproof rain gear (long poncho or rain wear) • Insect repellent (at least 50% Deet), • Sunscreen lotion • One pair of lightweight ankle height boots and sandals • Flashlight, enough batteries (alkaline) and bulbs • Towel, swimming suit • Personal medicines and/or supplies (liquid for contact lenses for example) • A day pack and one back pack or duffel bag of luggagee.
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