Friday, September 18 - Tuesday, September 29,

2020Peru

Itinerary for International Air Only Tour Guides

Wednesday, September 30 Peter Woodbury – Tour Leader Friday, September 18 Flight: LA2460 don Juan de Dios – Tour Leader Flight: LA2467 Departure: Lima Ana Maria Calderon – Local Tour Departure: Miami Time: 8:30am Manager Time: 5:35pm Arrival: Miami Nancy Tiberi – ARE Tour Manager & Arrival: Lima Time: 3:20pm Tour Assistant Leader Time: 10:15pm We will have various other Please contact your agent if you would like to add any additional local guides along the tour. services.

Friday, September 18

Arrival in Lima, The Lima airport is Jorge Chávez International Airport (airport code LIM). You can arrive at your convenience that day. Ana & Peter will greet you upon arrival and assist you to find your way to the hotel. Introductory meeting in the evening.

Property Name: Costa del Sol Lima airport hotel Location: Lima, Peru Property Type: 4 Star Hotel Room Type: Standard room Check‐ In: September 18 at 11pm Check‐ Out: September 19 at 6am No Meals Included

Saturday September 19

Friday, September 19 Flight: LA2027 Departure: Lima Time: 9:44am Arrival: Time: 11:11am

Flight to Cusco. Arrival at Aranwa & Wellness Hotel (3 nights). After breakfast, we will proceed to catch our flight to Cusco. don Juan will meet us in Cusco. From the airport, we will proceed to the Sacred Valley.

We will visit the Awanakancha Llama Farm on our way to our hotel. Today is a day to adjust to the altitude. The day will be mostly at leisure, to enjoy the beautiful Aranwa Hotel, and with optional activities for those up for it. We have designed the tour to start at a high altitude. As you adjust to 11,000 feet, the lower altitudes will be much easier to handle. , for example, is at 8,000 feet.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas contains many famous, beautiful and spiritual Inca ruins. It was called the Sacred Valley because it contains some of the best land in the region considered sacred to the Incas, especially the Emperor or Inca himself.

In the evening, we will have a meeting and go over the outline of the tour.

Property Name: Aranwa Sacred Valley & Wellness Hotel Location: Sacred Valley Property Type: 5 Star Hotel Room Type: Twin Check‐ In: September 19 around 2:30pm Check‐ Out: September 22 around 6:30am Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Sunday September 20

Guided tour of the Pisac ruins & market and Fortress. Pisac is a village known for its lively handicrafts market in the main square. A path winds from the square past agricultural terraces up to the Pisac Archaeological Park, a hilltop Incan citadel with ancient temples, plazas and the Intihuatana, a stone structure thought to have been a sundial. Views from the top stretch across the Quitamayo gorge and surrounding valley.

The Pisac Market is one of the most famous markets in Peru, drawing many visitors to its famous Sunday market when indigenous Quechua communities from the surrounding highlands come to Pisac to sell their produce and stock up on supplies for the week.

Ollantaytambo, called Ollanta by the locals, is an ancient Inca temple as well as a village located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. During the , Ollantaytambo was the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti, who conquered the region, and built the town and a ceremonial center. At the time of the Spanish conquest of Peru, it served as a fortress for Manco Inca Yupanqui, leader of the Inca resistance.

Overnight continues at Aranwa Sacred Valley & Wellness Hotel Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Monday September 21

After breakfast, we will proceed to & the salt mines of Maras. Moray is a fascinating archaeological site consisting of unusual Inca ruins, mostly consisting of several terraced circular depressions, the largest of which is approximately 100 feet deep.

The Maras salt mines, one of the largest of its type in the world, have been operational since preInca times. These Inca salt mines are better described as salt evaporation ponds. It’s a fascinating community initiative with each of the thousands of ponds owned and farmed by members of the Maras community, operating as a cooperative. This cooperative nature of these ancient salt mines is a continuation of ancient traditions.

Overnight continues at Aranwa Sacred Valley & Wellness Hotel Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Tuesday September 22

Check out from Sacred Valley & Wellness Hotel. Check into El Mapi by Inkaterra Hotel (2 nights)

Autumn Equinox!

Transfer from Hotel to the Ollanta Train for our trip to Aguas Calientes & Machu Picchu! The Ollanta train offers a unique opportunity to connect with the beautiful scenery along the way to Machu Picchu, making passengers feel as if they were somehow part of the nature that surrounds them! Oftentimes, train ride includes a fashion show and the opportunity to buy beautiful alpaca woolen goods.

Once we arrive in Aguas Calientes, we will proceed to the majestic Machu Picchu! Machu Picchu rests in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. It is the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire; its giant walls, terraces and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally from the continuous rock escarpments. Machu Picchu is one of the most important cultural sites in the world; the stonework of the site remains as one of the greatest examples of the use of a natural raw material to provide outstanding architecture which is totally appropriate to the surroundings. don Juan will conduct a sacred Autumn equinox ceremony in his home in Aguas Calientes. Property Name: El Mapi by Inkaterra Hotel Location: Aguas Calientes Property Type: 4 Star Hotel Room Type: Twin Check‐ In: September 22 after Machupicchu Tour Check‐ Out: September 24 at 9am Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Wednesday September 23

Last night at El Mapi by Inkaterra Hotel

Early morning bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. don Juan will lead the group in a sacred sunrise “despacho”. A despacho, a tradition of the high Andean mountain shamans, is a ceremonial offering of our intentions and prayers to Pachamama (Mother Earth), and the Apus (Mountain Spirits).

Free afternoon to explore Machu Picchu at your leisure. Tickets to hike may be available to those interested. Huayna Picchu is 1000 higher than Machu Picchu and is a rigorous hike.

Overnight continues at El Mapi by Inkaterra Hotel Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Thursday, September 24

Check out from El Mapi by Inkaterra Hotel. Check into Belmond El Monasterio Hotel (3 nights) Train ride back to Cusco. Visit the Cusco Planetarium.

The Cusco Planetarium is the most original planetarium in the world. Not only is it an astronomical observatory, but it is a center of interpretation of the astronomy of the Incas; dedicated to the skies of the south while also in the midst of an exquisite natural setting.

Property Name: Belmond El Monasterio Hotel Location: Cusco Property Type: 5 Star Hotel Room Type: Twin Check‐ In: September 24 at 3pm Check‐ Out: September 27 at 7am Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Friday, September 25

After breakfast, tour of the Cusco Cathedral, Koricancha Temple & Sacsayhuaman.

The extraordinary Cusco Cathedral is located in the Plaza de Armas in Cusco´s old colonial center. The Cathedral is renowned for its collection of art from the Cusco School, a blending of indigenous and European influences that represents the cultural assimilation that took place here following the conquest. The cathedral was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

The religious complex of Koricancha contains the Temple of the Sun which is considered not only the most sacred site or huaca in the Inca religion but also considered the very center of the Inca world. The site is also known as the “Golden Enclosure” dedicated to the highest gods in the Inca pantheon, such as the Creator god Viracocha, the moon goddess Quilla and especially to Inti, the god of the sun.

The Sacsayhuaman (meaning ‘Royal Eagle’) fortress-temple complex was constructed during the reign of Pachacuti (1438-1471 CE). Its massive, well-built walls remain today as a testimony not only to Inca power but also the skills of Inca architects and their approach of blending their monumental structures harmoniously into the natural landscape. The Sacsayhuaman is still used today for Incainspired ceremonies.

Overnight continues at Belmond El Monasterio Hotel Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Saturday, September 26

Visit to Qenqo, Puka & . Free afternoon with optional activities.

In Quechua, Qenqo means labyrinth. In the worldview of Andean culture, this place was built to invoke “Kaypacha”, the legendary snake that gives rise to life. The Qenqo Temple was used by the Incas as a bridge to communicate with the gods of the Sun, the earth, the mountains, the moon and

the stars. Everything in Qenqo has a special mystique: the amphitheater, the labyrinths, the canals and the sacrificial room.

The secluded Puka Pukara is one of the main archaeological sites in Peru. The name is from a Quechua word meaning “red fortress”, because the setting sun changes the color of the rocks to red. It is traditionally referred to as a fortress, however, its function is still a mystery.

Tambomachay is another fascinating Inca archaeological site. Its precise function is unknown, but it may have served as a ceremonial site, an Inca spa, or a military outpost—or perhaps a mix of all three. The site is also known as El Baño del Inca, or the Bath of the Inca. This refers to the theory that it was a spa for the Inca ruler, and the wider Inca nobility. It’s a secluded and tranquil spot, and the constantly flowing water would certainly have provided for all the Inca’s spa needs. But there was probably more going on at Tambomachay than just high-altitude bathing. Considering the presence of precise water features at Tambomachay, and its construction on a natural spring, it’s likely that it served a ceremonial function connected with water. The trapezoidal niches could also have served a ceremonial purpose.

Overnight continues at Belmond El Monasterio Hotel Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner Sunday, September 27

Check out of Belmond El Monasterio Hotel. Check into GHL Lago Titicaca Hotel (2 nights).

Transfer to the PeruRail train to Puno/Lake Titicaca

The unforgettable experience of crossing the Peruvian between Cusco and Puno, and visiting the world’s highest navigable lake, is made even more magical aboard PeruRail Titicaca. This train was created to provide passengers with all the luxuries they could want in a trip, while offering them a chance to forge a mystical connection with nature. Enjoy unrivaled service aboard this beautiful train, dining in 1920s-style Pullman carriages and absorbing breathtaking landscapes. The open-air observation car is a dream for photographers keen to capture the quintessential panoramas. The route covered by the PeruRail Titicaca train is considered by many travel magazines to be one of the most beautiful in the world.

The once-in-a-lifetime adventure lasts approximately 10 hours 30 minutes. At the start of the journey, you are welcomed at the Wanchaq Station (Cusco) or the Puno Station, where local musicians will provide background music as you board the train. Once aboard, you can enjoy the two dining cars decorated in the style of the Pullman cars of the 1920s. Also, during the trip, you will have the finest in gourmet food and indulgent afternoon tea. The quality of our personalized service is guaranteed.

Property Name: GHL Lago Titicaca Hotel Location: Isla Estevez, Lake Titicaca Property Type: 5 Star Hotel

Room Type: Twin Check‐ In: September 27 at 6pm Check‐ Out: September 29 at 9am Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Monday, September 28

GHL Lago Titicaca Hotel (last night)

Uros Floating Island & Taquile Island Tour The residents of the 120 or so Uros floating islands are Aymaras who have inherited the way of life from their ancestors. Their livelihood is based on the benefits of a unique plant: the totora reed. They use it to build their homes, boats and even the floating islands they live on, periodically adding new layers of reeds. While visiting Uros, you will be adopted by a local family and have a unique experience of learning their culture and customs.

Next we will visit the little mound island of Taquile, where the local villagers have created a steady industry of knit handicrafts. The Taquile inhabitants only speak Quechua. They consist of farmers, fishermen and weavers, and they wear very distinctive clothing. Heirs of the ancient, communelike system called ayllu, the people of Taquile offer room and board to visitors in their own homes, ensuring an opportunity to share in their customs and way of life.

The fine textiles of Taquile are renowned the world over and are even protected as a UNESCO world heritage subject. However unlike the traditional view of knitting and textile work as that of women, it is the men of Taquile Island do much of the delicate thread work!

Overnight continues at ALibertador Lago Titicaca Hotel Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Tuesday, September 29

Friday, September 29 Flight: LA2096 Departure: Juliaca Time: 1:14pm Arrival: Lima Time: 2:48pm

Check out Libertador Lago Titicaca Hotel. Flight from Juliaca to Lima. Arrive Lima at 13:30 (1:30 pm).

Visit the ruins of en route to the airport. Sillustani is a pre-Incan cemetery on the shores of Lake Umayo. The cylindrical tombs, which are built above ground in tower-like structures called chullpas, are the vestiges of the Qulla people, who are Aymara conquered by the Inca Empire in the 15th century. The structures housed the remains of complete family groups, although they were probably limited to nobility.

The Colla, who were later incorporated into the Inca empire, constructed the towers to bury their nobility. The carefully carved stones are adorned with complicated carvings, some of which project out from the surface of the piece. It is important to also note that the openings in the tombs face east, where it was believed that the sun was reborn by “Pachamama,” or Mother Earth, each day.

Sillustani is also a good place to observe wild guinea pigs, birds and other wildlife of the High Andes. There is also a small museum on site.

End of Tour! We hope you have all had a great experience!

We will say good bye to don Juan here in Puno. Ana Maria will accompany the tour back to Lima.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch HOTELS:

Aranwa Sacred Valley https://aranwahotels.com/hoteles/aranwa-sacred-valley-hotel- wellness/?gclid=CjwKCAiAis3vBR BdEiwAHXB29KtU8a39bGSgNAqBoJoW15Ru5VX_8hisWYcDOcOdYkXyAEWxlC8XGxoC6ccQA vD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

El Mapi Inkaterra https://www.inkaterra.com/byinkaterra/el-mapi-hotel/the-experience/

Belmond El Monasterio https://www.belmond.com/hotels/south-america/peru/cusco/belmond-hotel- monasterio/?gclid= CjwKCAiAis3vBRBdEiwAHXB29EdNjutgCawSxG_XT_u6bblqgqomH8f9DfIlBsgp86dMRWjKuG_ f4RoCjfQQAvD_BwE

GHL Lago Titicaca (ExLibertador Lago Titicaca) https://www.ghllagotiticaca.com/en/

TRAINS:

PeruRail Cusco to Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes https://www.perurail.com/destinations/cusco- machu-picchu/

PeruRail Cusco to Puno https://www.perurail.com/trains/perurail-titicaca/#experiences

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QUESTIONS? Contact [email protected] or call 888‐ 273‐ 3339