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| Title: |
SOUTHERN JEWEL |
| Interest: |
Culture
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| Destinations: |
Lima, Centro Histórico de Lima, Paracas, Islas Ballestas, Nazca, Líneas de Nazca, Arequipa, Campiña Arequipeña, Centro Histórico de Arequipa, Cañón del Colca, Chivay, Mirador de La Cruz del Condor, Puno, Reserva Nacional del Titicaca, Islas Flotantes de los Uros, Isla Taquile, 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 |
| Trip Length: |
13 days / 12 nights |
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| Fortaleza de Ollantaytambo /
Archivo |
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| Plaza de Armas de Cusco /
Archivo |
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| Machu Picchu /
Archivo |
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| Monasterio de Santa Catalina /
Archivo |
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| Machu Picchu /
Archivo |
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| Islas de Los Uros /
Archivo |
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| Lineas de Nasca /
Archivo |
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| Lago Titicaca /
Archivo |
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| Islas Ballestas /
Archivo |
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| Cusco /
Archivo |
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| Machu Picchu /
Beto Santillan |
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| Ruta del Sol /
Archivo |
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| Lago Titicaca /
Archivo |
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| Valle Sagrado /
Archivo |
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| Machu Picchu /
Archivo |
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| Molino de Sabandía /
PROMPERU |
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| Volcan Misti /
Archivo |
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| Ruta del Sol /
Archivo |
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| Islas de Los Uros /
Archivo |
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| Mercado de Pisac /
Archivo |
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| Colca /
Archivo |
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| Islas Ballestas /
Archivo |
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| Mirador de Yanahuara /
Archivo |
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| Sacsayhuaman /
Archivo |
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| Valle Sagrado /
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 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 your hotel. In the afternoon, you are free 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.
Day 03:
LIMA / PARACAS / NAZCA
Early in morning, at approximately 3.30 am, transfer to the station to board the bus service to Pisco. Upon arrival, reception and immediately you will enjoy a motor boat excursion to Ballestas Islands, one of the world’s most important marine reserves, where you may observe sea birds, Humbolt penguins, boobies, pelicans, among the many other species that converge there looking for shelter. These sea birds share their home with hundreds of playful sea lions that you may see swimming around the boat or lazing on the rocks. You may even catch a glimpse of the elusive condor. On your way back to the shore you will see the huge Candelabro, a candelabra-shaped etching on the cliff. Many people believe that this enigmatic drawing is related to the Nazca lines, while others believe it is a representation of the Southern Cross Constellation, while a few believe it was a stylized drawing of a cactus that was used by high Inca and pre-Inca priests as an hallucinogen. After the motor boat excursion, transfer to the station to board the bus service to Nazca. Upon arrival, reception and transfer to selected hotel. Overnight in Nazca.
Day 04:
NAZCA / AREQUIPA
After breakfast, at the appointed time, transfer to the aerodrome to enjoy a unique flight over the enigmatic and mysterious Nazca Lines, which were etched into the desert by a pre-Inca civilization between 900 B.C. and 600 A.D..These enormous line drawings of animals, birds and geometric figures, which still remain etched in the desert, can only be appreciated from the air. Theories vary, but the most accepted belongs to German mathematician Maria Reiche, who believed it was an Astronomical Calendar of the ancient Peruvians. After the over flight, transfer to the station to board the bus to Arequipa (approximately an eight hours drive). Upon arrival, reception and transfer to selected hotel. Overnight in Arequipa.
Day 05:
AREQUIPA
After breakfast, you will enjoy a guided excursion to the countryside. You will first visit the typical quarter of Paucarpata, with its stunning terraces and colonial church; continue to the Founder's Mansion, a beautiful colonial house; then the Sachaca Lookout, with its impressivel views of the valley and the Misti Volcano; to finally get to the famous Sabandía Mill, which represents the typical architecture of this region with the predominant use of sillar, a white volcanic stone. In the afternoon you will enjoy a half day guided city tour through the White City, in which you will visit The Santa Catalina Convent, without a doubt the jewel of Arequipa; The Main Square; The Cathedral; The Church of the Society of Jesus; the Church and Lookout of Yanahuara, excellent vantage point to appreciate El Misti Volcano; and optional (at an additional cost) you may visit The Santuario de Altura del Sur Andino Museum, where you will see the Mummy Juanita, or Lady of Ampato, a virgin of the Sun who was sacrificed to the Apus or spirits of the mountains and recently discovered in the summit of Ampato Glacier . After the visit, return transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Arequipa.
Day 06:
AREQUIPA / CAÑON DEL COLCA
After breakfast, you will enjoy a unique excursion to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest places on the planet reaching a depth of 3,400 meters at the lowest point. On your way you will admire the Misti and Chacani volcanoes, the Vicuñas National Reserve, a great variety of flora and fauna from the natural lagoons of Bofedales and Mar Atrapado and a huge rock formations, in the shape of castles, called Enchanted Castle. Early afternoon arrival to Chivay, the main town in the región. After a quick visit to the town and enjoying lunch you may refresh with a bath in La Calera hot springs, just outside the town. Then you will continue through the valley towards your selected hotel. Overnight in Colca.
Day 07:
CAÑON DEL COLCA / PUNO
After breakfast, at the appointed time, early departure to the Cruz del Condor, the best vantage point to appreciate the deepness of the canyon and witness, if the conditions allow it, the majestic flight of the Andean Condor in its natural habitat. On the way back, you will pass through picturesque towns; admire pre-Inca hanging tombs and imposing Inca terraces. Upon arrival to Chivay, you will board your bus service to Puno (approximately a five hours drive). Upon arrival, reception and transfer to selected hotel. Overnight in Puno.
Day 08:
PUNO / ISLAS UROS / ISLA TAQUILE / PUNO
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. After a typical lunch 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 fine ceramics and textiles. In the afternoon, you will start your return trip to Puno. Upon arrival, reception and transfer to selected hotel in Puno. Overnight in Puno.
Day 09:
PUNO / CUSCO
After breakfast, transfer to the station to board the first class bus service to the city of Cusco, capital of the Inca Empire. Along the way the bus will make several stops at important tourist points like; Pukara, an archeological pyramid complex considered the oldest ceremonial center of the Altiplano and first sign of civilized culture in the Peruvian plateau; La Raya (4,312 meters), the highest point on the journey, a cold, remote place whose surrounding snow-draped peaks are often shrouded by mist or fine rain; Sicuani, a relatively large highland town surrounded by beautiful hills, where you will enjoy lunch; the spectacular energetic Sanctuary of Raqchi, to visit the Great Wiracocha Temple that according to the old chroniclers was built in honor to the Supreme God of the Incas: Apu Kon Titi Wiracocha; the town of Andahuaylillas, known for its beautifully church known as the Sistine Chapel of the Americas to finally arrive to Cusco. Upon arrival, reception and transfer to selected hotel.
Day 10:
CUSCO
After breakfast morning at leisure. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a guided tour to the most magical city, former capital of the Inca Empire, experiencing the architectural legacy visible in many buildings and ruins. This guided sightseeing tour includes The Plaza de Armas, surrounded by colonial arcades, The Koricancha (Temple of The Sun); The Cathedral, dating back to 1559; among other colonial churches. Then you will drive out the city to enjoy a guided visit to the nearby ruins, visiting the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman overlooking Cusco, a true testimonial to Incan architectural skills; Qenko (The Labyrinth), an Incan shrine dedicated to Pachamama or Mother Earth; the small red fortress of Puka Pukara; and Tambomachay, a sacred fountain known as the Baths of the Incas. 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 11:
CUSCO / VALLE SAGRADO / MACHU PICCHU
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, transfer to Ollanta train station to boarad the late afternoon 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, reception and checking in selected hotel. Overnight in Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu.
Day 12:
MACHU PICCHU / CUSCO
After breakfast, early wake-up is suggested to admire the world’s most spectacularly situated ruins at sunrise, truly a mystical experience (the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu departs from Puente Ruinas station every 10 minutes, beginning at 05.30). 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. In both cases you will need to be back at the citadel entrance before 10 am to meet your guide. At this time you will start enjoying a 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’ll enjoy a delicious lunch of traditional Peruvian cuisine, before boarding the afternoon train service back to Cusco. Upon arrival, reception and transfer to your hotel in Cusco. Overnight in Cusco.
Day 13:
CUSCO / LIMA / ...
After breakfast, at the appointed time, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Lima and international connection.
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