Essence of Peru
Special Edition
15 Day Fully Escorted Departure: Sept. 16th - Sept. 30th 2010!
Can't travel on this date?
See or regular Essence of Peru departures
Combine with:
The South America Wine Tour Special Edition (Sept. 30th - Oct. 09th)
& Tango, Samba, Waterfalls & Oktoberfest (Oct. 08th - 19th)
- Highlights
- Full Itinerary
- Price & Contact
The ancient culture of the Incas in Cuzco and Machu Picchu, the great city of Lima, and the mysterious Nazca Lines and Paracas as well as the wonders of Lake Titicaca await you in Peru.
View Full Itinerary | Price & Contact
Highlights:
- Peruvian Capital of Lima
- Paracas & The Ballestas Isles
- Flight over the Nazca Lines
- The White City: Arequipa
- Puno & Lake Titicaca
- The Floating Islands
- Orient Express Train Puno-Cuzco
- Ancient Cuzco
- Pisac Market
- Mysterious Machu Picchu
Including:
- 14 nights in 3*** & 4**** Hotels
- All Breakfasts, 3 dinners & 2 Lunches
- All Sightseeings and Transfers
- All Entrance fees
- Flight Cuzco - Lima
- 3 x 1st class trains Puno - Cuzco - Machu Picchu - Cuzco
Hotels:
Paracas: Hacienda Bahia Paracas ****
Arequipa: Hotel Posada del Inca ****
Sacred Valler: Hotel Pakaritampu ***
View Highlights | Price & Contact
Day 1, Sept. 16th 2010, Thursday: Lima
Arrive to Lima airport. Transfer to the hotel.
Lima: Hotel José Antonio ****
Day 2, Sept. 17th 2010, Friday: Lima - Paracas
Breakfast at the hotel. Intercity coach from Lima to Paracas.
Paracas: Hacienda Bahia Paracas ****
Day 3, Sept. 18th 2010, Saturday: Paracas - Nazca
After breakfast, boat excursion to Ballestas Island. These spectacular islands, eroded into many caves and arches, provide shelter for thousands of seabirds and hundreds of sea-lions. Although the islands fall just outside the Paracas National Reserve they are protected by separate legislation. The islands are home to over 150 species of marine bird including the Humboldt penguin, cormorants, boobies and pelicans. Even condors have been known to visit. On the shores can be seen large numbers of sea-lions and in the sea it is possible to encounter dolphins and even whales. Take warm clothing for this boat trip!
Then, private transfer from Paracas to Nazca. On the way, stop in Ica, where our local guide will wait for you to visit the enchanting oasis Huacachina, surrounded by sand dunes. Visit a bodega (winery). Ica's wineries produce the world's best Pisco, or white grape brandy, and a variety of ports and wines, whose traditional way of production has changed very little over 5 centuries. Continue to Nazca (without guide), arrival after 2 hours ride.
Nazca: Hotel Nazca Lines ***
Day 4, Sept. 19th 2010, Sunday: Nazca - Arequipa
To fly over the Nazca lines is something truly awe-inspiring. The experience takes you on a 20 min flight over the lines, whose origin nobody knows... though speculations are numerous.
During the flight, the pilot shows the entire 12 line Nazca complex, with some detailed explanations of the monkey, eagle, astronaut and other giant symbols.
Intercity coach from Nazca to Arequipa.
Arequipa: Hotel Posada del Inca ****
Day 5, Sept. 20th 2010, Monday: Arequipa
Arequipa is known as 'The White City' because many of its historical buildings were constructed using the local pearly-white volcanic sillar stone. It is Peru's second city and sits triumphantly within a valley at the base of the snowcapped 'Misti' Volcano. The city has a long history full of cultural, archectural and natural wealth. It offers amazing landscapes and is a UNESCO Heritage site.
For purchasing handicrafts, there are many markets near the Main Square such as the busy El Patio del Ekeko.
Tour includes:
The cathedral of San Francisco of Arequipa (entirely rebuilt after the seisms) in sillar (volcanic white stone). It contains 70 columns, three doors and two arches which engulf a whole side of Plaza de Armas.
CompaûÅa de Jes§s Church, a wonderful architectural work that constitutes a series of buildings constructed by the Jesuit order. Built using sillar, its streamlined ornamentation uses images of pümpanos, grapes, flowers and birds. In its main facade, an imposing bicephalous eagle that belongs to the Habsburg dynasty stands out. Also, it exhibits images in high relief of indigenous masks and an impressive Indian head decorated with feathers.
Santa Catalina Convent, religious historic monument, the convent was founded in 1579. It was opened to the public partially in 1970. It features a small citadel of 20000 sq./m., Spanish in style, which was built in ashlar. In the narrow streets you can find churches, chapels, plazas, etc. All these places still have their original design features and colors. Besides all of this it has its own museum with beautiful Colonial paintings and religious objects.
Yanahuara, this traditional neighborhood is located 2 km away from the city center, consisting of narrow cobblestone streets and old stone houses with kitchen gardens and orchards. From its viewpoint, one sees a magnificent view of the city and of its three volcanoes: Misti, Chachani and Pichupichu.
Arequipa: Hotel Posada del Inca ****>
Day 6, Sept. 21st 2010, Tuesday: Arequipa - Colca
Early morning departure to the Colca Valley. The journey takes 5 hours as we ascend to the highlands passing through Pampa Caûahuas, where small herds of vicuûas, llamas and alpacas can be observed, and the viewpoint of Mirador de los Andes, from where you can see many volcanoes and enjoy the breathtaking landscape. After arrival in Chivay, the main town in the Colca Valley, you will be taken to your lodge. In the afternoon you can relax in the thermal springs of La Calera.
Colca: Mama Yacchi Lodge
Day 7, Sept. 22nd 2009, Wednesday: Colca - Puno
We leave early in the morning and drive to Cruz del Condor, natural observation point from where the magnitude of the Colca Canyon and the spectacular flight of the majestic condor can be seen. During a short hike you will enjoy the beautiful landscape and see the depth of this canyon, one of the deepest in the world. In the afternoon, return to Arequipa or continue to Puno.
Scenic ride crossing the Andes to Puno. After a couple of hours on a dirt road, the rest of the route is paved. The 6-hour ride itself is an enjoyable experience with its wonderful Andean landscapes. Arrival in the city of Puno on the shores of the Lake Titicaca, drop off in your hotel.
Puno: Hotel José Antonio ****
Day 8, Sept. 23th 2010, Thursday: Puno
The boat trip will depart from the dock in Puno to the Lake Titicaca. You will visit the "floating islands" of the Uros Indians. These islands are made of piles of reeds, an ancient tradition of the Uros. They are descendants of the oldest people of the Altiplano, though the present Uros people have mixed with the Aymara and no pure Uros exist anymore.
Afternoon excursion to Chullpas de Sillustani. These funerary towers dating back from 13th Century, are located at 35 km. from Puno, on the way to Juliaca. The highest is 12 meters approximately. The wonderful view and Lago Umayo (Umayo Lake), which is nearby make this tour a very special experience.
Puno: Hotel José Antonio ****
Day 9, Sept. 24th 2010, Friday: Puno - Cuzco
Travel in luxury on the Orient Express Train from Puno to Cuzco.
This spectacular rail journey begins in beautiful city of Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca and travels north to historic Cuzco.
On the journey, the train makes a gentle climb to higher, and cooler, altitudes. It begins in the gentler, rolling Andean Plains, where vicuûa and alpaca can be seen. The 2nd half of the journey is dominated by the magnificent Andean mountains which towers over the deep valleys of the meandering Huatanay River. If travelling aboard the Andean Explorer, the glass-walled observation car provides the perfect opportunity to view the beautiful scenery.
The journey is broken by a scenic stop at La Raya, which is also the highest point on the route.
Cuzco: Hotel Eco Inn ****
Day 10, Sept. 25th 2010, Saturday: Cuzco (Sacred Valley)
Full day excursion by private coach to the plentiful and beautiful Urubamba Valley, known as the the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit to the colonial town of Pisaq. Pisaq is famous because of the Indian market that takes place in the town on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. A buffet lunch will be served in a local restaurant. The tour ends in Ollantaytambo, which is also a beautiful little town and at the same time one of the most important Inca sites of Peru. Not only is it home to historical buildings and temples, but it also has spectacular terraced landscapes and open views to the Urubamba valley.
Sacred Valler: Hotel Pakaritampu ***
Day 11, Sept. 26th 2010, Sunday: Cuzco - Aguas Calientes
Wake up extra early today for a quick breakfast before transferirng to the station to catch your early train to Aguas Calientes, gateway to Machu Picchu!
The train journey from Cuzco to Machu Picchu is a highlight of any trip to the Andes. The scenery is simply spectacular, and the recently refurbished Vistadomes with their panoramic windows allow you to enjoy it in comfort.
The 3 1/2 hour journey takes you through a changing landscape. First there is a steep climb out of Cuzco into the surrounding hillside, by means of a series of switchback turns known locally as "the zig zag". Soon the train stops at the beautiful village of Poroy, and then descends into the Sacred Valley, passing by lush, green fields and colourful villages in the foothills of the Andes. From here on, there are wonderful vistas of the mountains and, deep in its dramatic canyon, the beautiful Urubamba River running through the Sacred Valley.
For optimum views of the Andes, windows have been installed into the carriage ceilings. Also, a newly enhanced food-and-drink service, plus individual slip-down tables have been added.
And what a destination awaits you! Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, is one of the wonders of the Americas. The stunning ruins of the ancient citadel, perched on a mountain peak high in the Andes, are perhaps the greatest surviving testament to Inca civilization. Built in the 15th and 16th centuries, Machu Picchu was the secret city of the Incas, never discovered by the Spanish. It was only rediscovered in 1911, by an American, Professor Bingham, and it remains South Americas most spectacular archaeological site.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, make the brief walk through the town markets and over the railway bridge to board any one of several coaches which will take you up to the entrance of Machu Picchu. You guide will await you there for a visit to the Lost City of the Incas. After the tour, return to Aguas Calientes. Free time for lunch. Around 3:30 p.m. the train departs back to Cuzco. From the train station transfer back to your hotel.
If you overnight in Machu Picchu, on the next day make sure you are on time at the train station in order to catch the train back to Cuzco. In Cuzco you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel.
Aguas Calientes: Hotel Hatuchay Tower ***
Day 12, Sept. 27th 2010, Monday: Aguas Calientes - Cuzco
Return travel by train from Machu Picchu to Cuzco, reception at the railroad station in Cuzco, and transfer to the your hotel.
Cuzco: Hotel Eco Inn ****
Day 13, Sept. 28th 2010, Tuesday: Cuzco
The old capital of the Inca Empire, Cuzco or Q'osqo means "Navel of the World" in the native Quechua language. It was indeed the capital of the great Inca civilization from the 13th to the 15th centuries when most of its amazing stone structures were built. After the Spanish conquest, many of the Inca palaces and temples were destroyed and their foundations used for the construction of colonial buildings and churches. This has made Cuzco a rich mixture of Inca and Colonial architecture and nowadays a Unesco World Cultural Heritage site. Visit to the Korikancha, the ancient Temple of the Sun where the Spanish built the Convent of Santo Domingo. Then visit to the Cathedral, on the Main Square of Cuzco. The tour continues with a visit to nearby Inca ruins: the fortress of Sacsayhuaman -a series of imposing stone structures, Q'enqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay, the Bath of the Inca.
Take part in one of Cuscos spectacular night shows while enjoying a delicious dinner of traditional Andean food. During dinner you will be entertained by a local group of dancers, wearing native costumes, playing fabulous folkloric music and performing typical dances such as the Andean Huaynos, Sikus, Tuntunas, Sanjuanitos, and other musical manifestations.
Cuzco: Hotel Eco Inn ****
Day 14, Sept. 29th 2010, Wednesday: Cuzco - Lima
Transfer to Cuzco airport and flight to Lima.
Peru's bustling capital is one of the most interesting cities in South America - a potent mix of colonial architecture, superb museums, Inca gold and glamorous shops. It is built on both sides of the River Rimac and was founded by Pizarro in 1535. Having experienced changing fortunes over its history, it is now claiming its place amongst South America's emerging hotspots.
Visit to San Francisco, the greatest monumental complex of colonial art in America. We will see its basilica with 21 altars, convent with a cloister and Clementina and Capitular rooms, choir and monk's library, and the Museo de Profundis that has 111 canvases from the Rubens School. We will also see the Sacristy, with works by Zurbaran and Rivera, the Gran Patio ornamented with XVI century tiles from Sevilla, Moorish arcs and finally the underground catacombs.
The tour includes: San Isidro Olivar, olive groves cultivated from imported Spanish olives in the XVI century, the pre-Inca worship centers of Huallamarca and Pucllana, Miraflores Parque Central (Main Park) and Parque del Amor (Love Park). Also visit the historic center including Paseo de la Republica, San Martin Square, Main Square, Government Palace, Cathedral, Archbishop Palace, City Hall and old streets with colonial mansions and Moorish balconies.
Lima: Hotel José Antonio ****
Day 15, Sept. 30th 2010, Thursday: Lima
After breakfast, transfer to Lima's airport and flight back home, or continue with your owntrip.
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