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| Title: |
MAGICAL SPLENDOUR |
| Interest: |
Romance
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| Destinations: |
Lima, Centro Histórico de Lima, Iquitos, Río Amazonas, Selva Amazónica, Reserva Nacional de Pacaya Samiria, Cusco, Centro Histórico del Cusco, Parque Arqueológico de Sacsayhuamán, Valle Sagrado de Los Incas, Poblado de Pisac, Mercado de Pisac, Pueblo de Ollantaytambo, Complejo Arqueológico de Ollantaytambo, Pueblo de Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Puno, Complejo Arqueológico de Sillustani, Reserva Nacional del Titicaca, Islas Flotantes de los Uros, Isla Taquile, Isla Suasi |
| Trip Length: |
16 days / 15 nights |
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| El Delfin /
Archivo |
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| Lago Titicaca /
Archivo |
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| Islas de los Uros /
Archivo Promperu |
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| Museo Larco /
Archivo |
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| Sacsayhuaman /
Archivo |
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| Catedral del Cusco /
Archivo |
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| Palacio Arzobispal /
Archivo |
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| Islas de Los Uros /
Archivo |
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| Valle Sagrado /
Archivo |
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| Isla Taquile /
Archivo |
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| Koricancha /
Archivo |
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| Islas de Los Uros /
Archivo |
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| Isla Suasi /
Archivo |
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| Isla Suasi /
Archivo |
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| Isla Taquile /
Archivo |
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| Valle Sagrado /
Archivo |
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| Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco /
PROMPERU |
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| Reserva Nacional Pacaya Samiria /
Archivo |
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| Ciudad de Lima /
Archivo |
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| Plaza de Armas de Cusco /
Archivo |
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| Reserva Nacional Pacaya Samiria /
Archivo |
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| Lago Titicaca /
Archivo |
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| Isla Suasi /
Archivo |
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| El Delfin /
Archivo |
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| Museo Larco /
Archivo |
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| Ciudad de Lima /
Archivo |
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| Lago Titicaca /
Archivo |
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| Machu Picchu /
Archivo |
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Day 01:
... / LIMA
Upon arrival, reception and transfer to selected hotel. The city of Lima was founded by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro on January 5, 1535, the eve of the Epiphany of the Magi – from which it derived its evocative original name of La Ciudad de los Reyes or “The City of Kings”. It is a colonial city of rare fascination and unexpected pleasures; with quiet elegant corners among ancient buildings where the night air is scented with jasmine. Overnight in lima.
Day 02:
LIMA
After breakfast, you will enjoy a guided visit to two of the main museums located in our capital city. First you will visit the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History, considered Peru’s museum per excellence, located in an old Colonial mansion that was the old residence of Peru’s Liberators. Here you will admire the Estela Raymondi and the Tello Obelisk, famous stone monuments dating back to the formative period; and a major collection of metals and fabrics from ancient Peru. Then you will visit Larco Museum, housed in a unique colonial residence dating back to the XVII century constructed on top of a pre-Colombian pyramid dating back to the VIII century, which includes an exquisite Collection of Peruvian Gold and Silver artifacts and its famous pre-Hispanic Erotic Art Hall. After enjoying a delicious lunch, we recommend the restaurant located inside the museum, you will enjoy a guided city tour to Lima’s different attractions and get to know its three different historical periods: Pre-Hispanic, Colonial and Republican. You will begin the tour visiting one the most traditional residential areas in the capital, then Huaca Pucllana, an archaeological precinct build in the IV century B.C., to then continue to the Lima’s historic center, where you will admire its main squares and its distinct buildings and churches. Finally, you will visit Miraflores, where you will enjoy a great view of the Pacific Ocean before returning to Miraflores Park Hotel. At the night, if you agree with, we can arrange a delicious dinner at one of the most distinguish restaurants in the city (Astrid & Gaston, Rafael, La Gloria, La Rosa Nautica, among others). Overnight in Lima.
Day 03:
LIMA / IQUITOS / AMAZON RIVER CRUISE
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Iquitos. Upon arrival, reception and transfer to the embarkation port where you will board the M/V El Delfin, a classic and comfortable river vessel. At the appointed time, after enjoying a breath taking Amazonian sunset, the vessel will start cruising the imposing Amazon River on a unique rainforest adventure. At night, you will have your first culinary experience, enjoying the best of the Amazonian Peruvian gourmet cuisine. Later, under the beauty of an Amazonian night and the sweet gentle breeze of the rainforest, you will enjoy a cool after meal drink or a fine Amazonian cigar. Overnight at the vessel.
Day 04:
AMAZON RIVER CRUISE
After breakfast, you will enjoy an excursion to TamishiYacu Creek, place with a great variety of wildlife and beautiful sceneries, being your first encounter with the wilderness of the rainforest. Return to the vessel to continue cruising upstream the Amazon River. In the afternoon, after enjoying a delicious lunch, you will explore the Tahuayo River, a black water river with several lagoons. Return to the vessel to enjoy a delicious dinner. Overnight at the vessel.
Day 05:
AMAZON RIVER CRUISE
After breakfast, you will enjoy an excursion to YanaYacu River, where your main target will be the piranha fishing, using typical Amazonian fishing rods. Moreover this black water river, tributary of the Amazon River, offers a great diversity of wildlife, large number of lagoons and a great variety of trees and plants. Return to the vessel to continue cruising upstream towards the junction of the Marañón and Ucayali rivers, where the Great Amazon River is born. An outstanding feature of this place is the large population of both gray and pink Amazon River dolphins, often seen cavorting near the boat and along the shoreline. After lunch, you will go in search for the elusive and exotic fresh water pink river dolphin. Return to the vessel for dinner. Overnight at the vessel.
Day 06:
AMAZON RIVER CRUISE
After breakfast, you will enjoy an excursion to Yarapa River, a beautiful black water river with a great variety of flora and fauna, where you will visit a beautiful lagoon called “Uvos”, where you will be surprised by the presence of lots of pink dolphins, having the chance to swim with them. Afterwards, you will visit Puerto Miguel Native Village, where you will have the opportunity of interacting with local villagers, having the chance to share their culture and folklore. Return to the vessel for lunch. In the afternoon, subject on your trip season, you could either enjoy an excursion to MaraYali creek (rainy season), searching for the unique “Victoria Amazonicas” or “Victorias Regias”, the giant water lilies; or enjoy a jungle walk (dry season) through very interesting jungle trails having good chances of seeing different varieties of birds and monkeys. Return to the vessel. Overnight at the vessel.
Day 07:
AMAZON RIVER CRUISE / IQUITOS / LIMA
After breakfast, you will explore the shores of Islas Jovenes, small islands that are covered by fast-growing plants forming the bulk of a unique habitat to which more than ten species of birds are restricted. Return to the vessel to get your bags packed before arriving to Iquitos. Upon arrival to Iquitos you will enjoy lunch at a floating restaurant at the calm waters of Itaya River. At the appointed time, transfer to the airport to board your departure flight to Lima. On the way you will enjoy a brief city tour and a visit to San Juan Handicraft Market. Upon arrival, reception and transfer to selected hotel. Overnight in Lima.
Day 08:
LIMA / CUSCO
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, reception and transfer to selected hotel. You may find the altitude a little hard to handle at first so we recommend the rest of the morning to rest and acclimatize. In the afternoon, at the appointed time, you will explore the most magical city, capital of the Inca Empire (15th century), experiencing the architectural legacy visible in many buildings and ruins. This guided sightseeing tour includes The Plaza de Armas, center of the city, surrounded by colonial arcades, and historical buildings; The Koricancha (Temple of The Sun), the Inca ruin that forms the base of the colonial Church of Santo Domingo, which is believed walls were covered with gold during Inca times; The Cathedral, dating back to 1559, the primary church in Cusco, and has a fine collection of paintings from the Cusco School of Painting, as well as beautiful carved altars and woodwork; La Compañia, whose foundations include stones from the palace of the last Incan ruler; and La Merced, the colonial church containing the tombs of famous conquistadors. After seeing the sights of the ancient city, drive out the city to visit the ruins of the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, a true testimonial to Incan architectural skills built of gigantic rocks upon each others that nobody knows how the Incas moved, overlooking the red-tiled roofs of Cusco and the breathtaking countryside surrounding the city. The attraction of the site is a magnificent zigzag walls that remain from the original fortifications. Also visit Quenqo (“The Labyrinth”), an Incan shrine dedicated to Pachamama (“Mother Earth”) where you will see a large limestone rock completely covered with carvings, and an underground cave with altars carved into the rock. Continue to the small fortress of Puka Pukara, a small ruin known as the “red fort”. and finally stop at Tambomachay, known as the “Baths of the Incas”, a sacred bathing place. Return to the hotel. At night we recommend visiting any restaurant or bar near the Main Square and enjoy the night atmosphere trying the delicious Peruvian cuisine with and a Pisco Sour, while listening to traditional Inca music. Overnight in Cusco.
Day 09:
CUSCO / VALLE SAGRADO / CUSCO
After breakfast you will enjoy a full day guided excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas experiencing unforgettable view as you cross over the mountains from Cusco and drop down into the Urubamba Valley. The road follows the meandering Urubamba River and passes through rich agricultural lands and picturesque villages. Upon arrival to the colorful town of Pisac you will visit its lively and colorful Indian market. Here locals, following ancient traditions, sell and exchange a variety of crafts (textiles and ceramics). After visiting Pisac you will stop for a delicious lunch to finally continue to the Inca fortress and the village of Ollantaytambo, built to guard the entrance to this part of the Valley, protecting it from possible invasion from the tribes in the lower jungle. This astounding feat of construction and ingenuity is considered a Living Inca Town as it is the only Inca settlement that has been continually inhabited since its inception. Above the village, the Incas built an impressive fortress that included a temple, agricultural terraces and an urban area. Ollantaytambo, considering its distribution, was an important administrative center with military functions. After the excursion, return transfer to your hotel. At night we recommend visiting any restaurant or bar near the Main Square and enjoy the night atmosphere trying the delicious Peruvian cuisine with and a Pisco Sour, while listening to traditional Inca music. Overnight in Cusco.
Day 10:
CUSCO / MACHU PICCHU
After breakfast, transfer to the train station to board the morning train service to Machu Picchu and the village of Aguas Calientes (little town on the foot of Machu Picchu). This spectacular journey through the Sacred Valley by narrow gauge railway to Machu Picchu is one of the world’s great travel experiences. The train follows the meandering Urubamba River through beautiful farmlands and picturesque villages. Hidden by mountains and the semi-tropical jungle, Machu Picchu is widely considered the most spectacular sight on the South American continent and the most renowned examples of Incan architecture. Upon arrival, a bus waits for a half-hour ride up several switchbacks to take you to the actual site to enjoy your guided tour through the main spots in this breathtaking Incan citadel, including The Main Plaza; The Royal Quarters; The Temple of the Three Windows; The Circular Towers; The Sacred Sun Dial; and The Burial Grounds. Machu Picchu, the master jewel of the Incas, demonstrates their high level of development and the superior knowledge achieved in astronomy and astrology. After the excursion you will enjoy a delicious lunch of traditional Peruvian cuisine, before registering at the hotel where you will spend the night. Rest of the afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu.
Day 11:
MACHU PICCHU / CUSCO
After breakfast, day at leisure. No guide neither entrances available for this day (unless special request at an extra cost). You may visit for a second time, by your own, the world’s most spectacularly situated ruins at sunrise, truly mystical experience (the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu departs from Puente Ruinas station every 10 minutes, beginning at 05.30 -the round trip costs approximately US$15, while the entrance to Machu Picchu costs $65). For the hiking enthusiasts, going up the Huayna Picchu peak for a magnificent view overlooking the site or trekking the original Inca Trail to the Intipunku or Sun gate is also suggested. At the appointed time you will need to be at the train station to board the afternoon train service back to Cusco. Upon arrival, reception and transfer to selected hotel. Overnight in Cusco.
Day 12:
CUSCO / JULIACA / PUNO
After the breakfast, at the appointed time, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Juliaca. Upon arrival, reception and transfer to selected hotel in Puno.On the way, you will visit the famous Sillustani Tombs, which are located between Puno and Juliaca. Sillustani sits on a small hilltop overlooking Lake Umayo. These Tombs or Chullpas are characterized by their round and square bases, as well as the cornice on top. Sillustani sits on a small hilltop overlooking Lake Umayo. These Tombs or Chullpas are characterized by their round and square bases, as well as the cornice on top. Overnight in Puno.
Day 13:
PUNO / ISLAS UROS / ISLA TAQUILE / ISLA SUASI
After breakfast, at appointed time, you will enjoy a full day motor boat excursion to the Sacred Lake of The Incas, visiting the floating Uros Islands, a group of 40 big island-like packs of floating totora (marsh reeds), consider a unique tourist attraction in the world, where you will appreciate how the “Uros” still live like their ancestors with the same customs and idiosyncrasy. Then you will visit Taquile Island, the largest island in the reserve, inhabited by Quechua-speaking natives still governed by their ancient traditions, whose main occupations are the production of ceramics and textiles. After a typical lunch you will continue to Suasi Island. This island more than a place is an experience. The vastness of the Lake Titicaca can be observed from every place of a beautiful hotel, which lies on a mild and sheltered hill nest to magnificent Andean terraces full of flowers. Overnight in Suasi.
Day 14:
ISLA SUASI
After breakfast, you will have plenty of time to do some of the multiples activities the hotel offers: trekking, visiting protected areas to observe flora and fauna, visiting Andean farming plots, canoes riding, among others. In the afternoon, after lunch, you may enjoy the several activities the hotel offers. Overnight in Suasi.
Day 15:
ISLA SUASI / PUNO
After breakfast, you will have plenty of time to do some of the multiples activities the hotel offers: trekking, visiting protected areas to observe flora and fauna, visiting Andean farming plots, canoes riding, among others. In the afternoon, after lunch, you will start your return trip to Puno. Upon arrival, reception and transfer to selected hotel in Puno. Overnight in Puno.
Day 16:
PUNO / JULIACA / LIMA
After the breakfast, at the appointed time, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Lima.. Upon arrival, reception and transfer to selected hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to walk to Larcomar, just a few blocks from your hotel, a recreation center with a great view of the Pacific Ocean, where you will find a Shopping Center, a Fun and Gaming place, with wonderful services, restaurants and bars; or just walk around Miraflores, which is known for its shopping areas, restaurants, gardens, flower-filled parks and beaches. Overnight in Lima.
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