22 Day Galapagos & Peru DEAL HIGHLIGHTS Experience The

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

22 Day Galapagos & Peru DEAL HIGHLIGHTS Experience The 22 Day Galapagos & Peru DEAL HIGHLIGHTS Experience the incredible Galapagos Islands Visit Machu Picchu, Cusco, Santa Cruz & More Includes Return International Flights SUMMARY Galapagos, an archipelago like nothing you will see anywhere else in this world. The wildlife, volcanic landscapes and exotic plant life are everything you imagine and more. Combined with a tour visiting Peruvian icons such as Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca, you have a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will surprise, delight and inspire for many years to come. This epic 22 day adventure takes in the 15th century Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, and includes time to explore the cities of Lima and Cusco at leisure. Tour the Sacred Valley and the ruins of Pisac; visit Lake Titicaca and sail to Taquile Island; and get a taste of daily life on a traditional homestay on Luquina Island. Then, enjoy a five night adventure in the Galapagos Islands, where you can snorkel in Academy Bay, and explore Santa Cruz, Isla Lobos and San Cristobal. Package includes return international flights, five internal flights, 19 nights accommodation, return airport transfers, and more. Curious about seeing ‘the middle of the world’? Why not upgrade to the 28 day package with mainland Ecuador extension and experience highlights such as the Mindo Cloud Forest. ITINERARY 22 Day Galapagos & Peru Day 1 Australia - Lima, Peru Today, depart from Sydney to Lima, Peru via Santiago. Fly with LATAM Airlines, Qantas Airways, Air New Zealand and codeshare partners (subject to availability). Upon arrival into Lima, a representative will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Miraflores. Overnight: Casa Andina Classic Miraflores Centro or similar, Lima Meals included: In-Flight Day 2 Lima City Tour After breakfast enjoy a city tour and visit key sites of Lima, including Huaca Pucllana, colonial buildings such as the Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace and the Central Bank Museum. Afterwards return to the accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight: Casa Andina Classic Miraflores Centro or similar, Lima Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 Lima - Cusco This morning you will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Cusco. Be met upon arrival at Cusco airport and be transferred to your hotel. Take the remainder of the day to explore this beautiful city at your own pace. Overnight: Ramada Costa Del Sol or similar, Cusco Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Cusco Free Day After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Cusco at leisure or join an optional half day city tour. Optional Half Day Cusco Tour This morning you will be picked up from your hotel to begin your half day city tour (not included). Firstly you will visit the exquisite architectural feats of the ancient Koricancha Temple. Continuing onwards to the Main Cathedral (not included) where the first stone was placed in the construction of this magnificent cathedral in 1560. It is a marvel of religious art and home to approximately 300 paintings from the Cusquena School of Art. Afterwards, continue to the archaeological complex of Saqsayhuaman. You will then visit the labyrinth of Q'enqo which is a religious centre dedicated to the adoration of the Earth, and Puca Pucara (reddish place) that was previously used as a military control centre. Complete the tour seeing Tambomachay (Temple of the Water) an archaeological site associated with the Inca Empire, consisting of a series of aqueducts, canals and waterfalls (not included). Afterwards you will be transferred back to your hotel accommodation with the evening at leisure. Overnight: Ramada Costa Del Sol or similar, Cusco Meals included: Breakfast Day 5 Cusco - Sacred Valley Tour - Urubamba This morning you will be picked up from your hotel and travel from Cusco, past Saqsaywaman over the mountains towards the Sacred Valley. Here you will descend 1500 feet to the valley floor, and find yourselves by the sacred Urubamba River and the village of Pisac (approx. 1 hour). In Pisac, enjoy a quick visit to a traditional artisan market, where you can browse and buy some local souvenirs if desired. Afterwards, drive up to Pisac where you can explore the extensive ruins whilst enjoying stunning views over the valley. Here you will be given a guided tour of the Citadel of Pisac, in which you will see the ruins of temples, homes, altars, carvings, tunnels, caves and the famous Intihuatana, "The hitching post of the sun". Intihuatana, the place when the sun gets tied, is a religious construction and used like a clock to measure when it was time to celebrate the winter solstice, one of the most important celebrations and rituals of the entire ancient Incan empire. For those who would prefer to spend more time in the market instead of visiting the ruins, please advise your guide so they can organize a time and place to collect you when returning past the market. Afterwards continue onwards to Urubamba (approx. 1 hour), where you will make a stop for lunch (not included). A short drive onwards takes us to Ollantaytambo, which is surrounded by the sacred mountains. Here, you will enjoy further exposure to Incan constructions, mainly the amazing temple of the sun, enormous blocks of rock perfectly carved, stone water fountains, stairs and terraces. See the beauty of the local people in their traditional dress. Afterwards return to Urubamba where you will check into your accommodation. Overnight: San Agustin Hotel or similar, Urubamba Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Urubamba - Aguas Calientes This morning after breakfast transfer to Ollantaytambo train station (approx. 30 mins) to board a train for Aguas Calientes (approx. 1.5 hours), a beautiful thermal town down the valley from the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel accommodation. Overnight: Casa Andina Standard, Aguas Calientes or similar, Machu Picchu Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 Grand Citadel Machu Picchu - Cusco After an early breakfast a local guide will pick you up from your hotel to begin the short bus journey to the gates of Machu Picchu where you may have the opportunity (weather permitting) to enjoy one of the most spectacular sunrises of your life (approx. 40 minutes). After entering the Citadel you will begin a guided walking tour (approx. 2 hours) where you will be taught about the history of the area and shown around the ruins. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore this mysterious ancient city at leisure. This afternoon, meet your guide in Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Be transferred to the train station and begin the journey back to Cusco via Ollantaytambo. (approx. 3.5 hour train journey). Overnight: Ramada Costa Del Sol or similar, Cusco Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 Cusco Free Day Today enjoy a free day in Cusco to explore this beautiful mountain city at your own leisure. Overnight: Ramada Costa Del Sol or similar, Cusco Meals included: Breakfast Day 9 Cusco - Pukara - Puno This morning rise early for breakfast and transfer to the bus station to travel onwards to Puno. This is a great bus trip on a modern vehicle stopping at several interesting sites along the way such as Raqchi (Wiracocha God Temple), an Incan church of monumental dimensions and La Raya: the half-way point between Cusco and Puno and also the highest point (4335 meters above sea level). Along the way enjoy a rest stop and delicious buffet lunch in the town of Sicuani. The landscapes along this route are stunning and typical Andean animals like the llama, alpaca and vicuna are common sights. Upon arrival at the bus station in Puno, you will be met and transferred to your hotel where you will meet your guide who will welcome you and provide you with some extra information for the following days activities. Please note: the bus transportation includes WiFi, food and drink services on board, entertainment options, guided narration in English and Spanish, leather seats with wide leg rests, individual tables and air conditioning. Buses do not have toilets onboard, but this journey includes stops approximately every hour to allow for this. Overnight: Casa Andina Classic or similar, Puno Tikarani Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch Day 10 Puno - Lake Titicaca - Uros Islands - Traditional Homestay After breakfast this morning, transfer from the hotel to the port of Puno where you will board a motorboat for the unique floating Uros Islands located 25 minutes from the port of Puno. The islands have been created entirely with the buoyant totora reeds that grow abundantly in the shallows of the lake. Partially edible (tasting like non sweet sugarcane), the reeds are also used to build homes, boats and crafts. The islands are constructed from many layers of the totora, which are constantly replenished from the top as they rot from the bottom, so the ground is always soft and springy. You will visit two different islands and your guide will explain a little about the history and lifestyle of the people who have lived here for many years. You will have the opportunity to visit some of their homes to learn a little about their lifestyle. Afterwards enjoy sailing to Taquile Island (approx. 2 hours). The island is a traditional Quechua speaking community, full of ancient agricultural terraces and some ruins dating back to the pre-Inca times. The Taquile population was relatively isolated from the mainland until the 1950s and the importance of community and family is still very strong. When you reach the island, take the opportunity to walk up a path, enjoying impressive views of Lake Titicaca. Enjoy some free time to explore the island at your own and afterwards come together for lunch at a local restaurant.
Recommended publications
  • Peru's Inca Trail
    PERU’S INCA TRAIL YOUNG ALUMNI TOUR 2020 BE PART OF THE TRADITION APRIL 4 - U.S. DEPARTURE DATE APRIL 5 - LAND TOUR START DATE APRIL 10 - TRAVEL HOME (arrive U.S. APRIL 11) BASE LAND PACKAGE FROM: $ 1,875 START YOUR ADVENTURE. Dear Young Alumni and Friends! Can you think of a better way to travel than with fellow Razorback Young Alumni? The University of Arkansas young alumni travel program offers you this opportunity by bringing you together with individuals in the same age range, with similar backgrounds and experiences, while enriching you on well-designed, hassle-free tours of the world. Travel with young alumni and friends of peer institutions, ages 22 – 35. These programs provide social, cultural, and recreational activities and many opportunities for learning enrichment and enjoying a connection back to the University of Arkansas alumni family. They are of great quality and value, operated by a travel company with over 40 years of experience in the young professional travel market. In this brochure you will find a detailed itinerary, travel dates and pricing. If you have any questions about our young alumni travel program, please contact us by emailing our tour operator, AESU, at [email protected] or call 800-638-7640. Sincerely, Brandy Cox Brandy Cox Associate Vice Chancellor & Executive Director for Arkansas Alumni Association, Inc. TRAVEL INSURANCE We highly recommend travel insurance. (Some schools or alumni associations may offer travel insurance to you at a reduced rate.) WWW.AESU.COM/UARK 2 PERU’S INCA TRAIL 8 DAYS P L A C E S V I S I T E D : Cusco - Machu Picchu - Sacred Valley of the Incas - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes A B O U T T H E T R I P : Considered one of the most famous archaeological sites on the continent, the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu exceeds every visitor's expectations.
    [Show full text]
  • Perú En Grupo
    Perú en grupo Perú. La tierra de los Hijos del Sol, de los argonautas del lago Titicaca, las vestales en la Isla de la Luna y los remotos habitantes de la Cordillera Blanca y sus glaciares, con sus cantos bárbaros y sus colores. Perú son muchos mundos en uno. La agreste costa de Paracas, los leones marinos y los pingüinos vigías sobre los olvidados tesoros piratas. La galante Arequipa, la Ciudad Blanca, valles perdidos en el Colca, el cañón más profundo del mundo y el inmenso cóndor remontando vuelo, en el altiplano cruzaremos reservas de vicuñas, pequeños pueblos de adobe y gentes sabias de culturas antiguas. Parque Nacional Huascarán, entre la Cordillera Blanca y la Cordillera Negra, es una de las cadenas montañosas más majestuosas del mundo. Aquí caminaremos admirando sus lagos, sus glaciares y sus cumbres, entre otras, el nevado Huascarán, el más alto de Perú (6768m). También visitaremos el sitio arqueológico de Chavín de Huántar. Las islas de tierra adentro, los pueblos del Titicaca con sus canoas hechas de totora, Taquile con sus costumbres y sus lenguas ancestrales el quechua y el aymara. Nuestra ruta estará salpicada de azules y verdes, enterramientos preincaicos en el altiplano y sonidos mágicos de los leones marinos. Machu Picchu o el sueño del inca, el territorio único de sus templos perdidos en la altura. Cuzco, la tierra conquistada con su arquitectura colonial y sus calles que incitan a permanecer. Un viaje por la gran América recorriendo los ecosistemas más emblemáticos a través del ritmo de la historia. Ofrecemos la posibilidad de realizar el trekking a la Montaña de Siete Colores (Vinicunca) para disfrutar de su colorido paisaje.
    [Show full text]
  • Lost Ancient Technology of Peru and Bolivia
    Lost Ancient Technology Of Peru And Bolivia Copyright Brien Foerster 2012 All photos in this book as well as text other than that of the author are assumed to be copyright free; obtained from internet free file sharing sites. Dedication To those that came before us and left a legacy in stone that we are trying to comprehend. Although many archaeologists don’t like people outside of their field “digging into the past” so to speak when conventional explanations don’t satisfy, I feel it is essential. If the engineering feats of the Ancient Ones cannot or indeed are not answered satisfactorily, if the age of these stone works don’t include consultation from geologists, and if the oral traditions of those that are supposedly descendants of the master builders are not taken into account, then the full story is not present. One of the best examples of this regards the great Sphinx of Egypt, dated by most Egyptologists at about 4500 years. It took the insight and questioning mind of John Anthony West, veteran student of the history of that great land to invite a geologist to study the weathering patterns of the Sphinx and make an estimate of when and how such degradation took place. In stepped Dr. Robert Schoch, PhD at Boston University, who claimed, and still holds to the theory that such an effect was the result of rain, which could have only occurred prior to the time when the Pharaoh, the presumed builders, had existed. And it has taken the keen observations of an engineer, Christopher Dunn, to look at the Great Pyramid on the Giza Plateau and develop a very potent theory that it was indeed not the tomb of an egotistical Egyptian ruler, as in Khufu, but an electrical power plant that functioned on a grand scale thousands of years before Khufu (also known as Cheops) was born.
    [Show full text]
  • Climb the Highest Mountain in Africa…
    Trek the ancient Inca Trail in Peru to… Machu Picchu …for a trip of a life time! – 2022 Trip outline The Inca Trail is Peru's best known hike, combining a stunning combination of Inca ruins, magnificent mountains and exotic vegetation. The trail goes over high mountain passes with unforgettable views, through the rainforest, and finally into subtropical vegetation. The legendary Inca Trail takes you through the diverse wilderness of the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary, passing numerous Inca ruins on the magnificent stone highway before descending to the famed citadel of Machu Picchu. The 45 km trek is covered in 4 days, arriving at Machu Picchu at daybreak on the final day before returning to Cusco by train in the afternoon. The trek is rated moderate and any reasonably fit person will be able to cover the route. It is fairly challenging nevertheless, you will be carrying your own personal equipment (porters carry group equipment including tents, stoves and food etc…) and altitudes of 4200m are reached. We allow 2 full days in Cusco prior to commencing the trek in order to help you acclimatize sufficiently and give you an opportunity to visit the city of Cusco and near by Inka ruins at Sacsayhuaman, Q'enko, Pucapucara and Tambomachay. Your trip departs from London Heathrow where you’ll fly to Lima or Bogota (depending on flight arrangements) and onward to Cusco (Peru). The Amaru Hotel or similar (3/4 star) will be your base for the next few days while you acclimatise to Peru’s high altitude and prepare for the Inca trek ahead.
    [Show full text]
  • Geelong Grammar South America 2015
    Geelong Grammar South America South America 2015 Trip Highligh ts Exploring the Amazon rainforest The splendor of Cusco with its churches, cathedrals, plazas, markets and cultural heritage Walking in the beautiful Sacred Valley Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu with dramatic mountain views Visit Machu Picchu 3 hearty meals a day on trek prepared by our cooks Extra day of exploration in Cusco after trek Trip Duration 14 days Trip Code: SOG2820 Grade Introductory to Moderate Activities Trekking and Adventure Touring Summary 14 day trip, 4 day trek, 3 nights camping and 8 nights hotel Welcome to Why travel with World Youth Adventures? World Youth Adventures (WYA) is a specialist division of World World Youth Adventures Expeditions that provides overseas adventure experiences for youth World Youth Adventures is passionate about providing off the beaten and young adults. We’ve providing safe, quality travel experiences for track experiences, the thrill of coming face to face with untouched students for over 20 years, in which time we’ve designed and operated cultures and wilderness regions of great natural beauty to students hundreds of fun, educational, adventurous, original & safe itineraries and young adults. We are committed to making sure that our range of to more than 25 countries. If you are a student looking to try your first unique itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored for the overseas adventure, travelling with WYA is a sound first step. You’ll group philosophies that have been at our core since 1975 when we utilise our decades of experience to tailoring unique experiences and began operating adventure holidays.
    [Show full text]
  • Ficha Técnica
    FICHA TÉCNICA PERÚ TRAS LA HUELLA DE LOS INCAS Gran Ruta por el Perú Andino SALIDAS DIARIAS – 23 días / 21 noches Textos originales de: Mary Carmen Valadés El Perú es un gran país que reúne en sí cuatro grandes zonas geográficas, y que desde el pasado conformaron diferentes culturas: la Costa, cuna de los mochicas, chimús, paracas..., la Sierra, centro de la cultura quechua, el Altiplano, región aymara, y la Selva Amazónica, con cientos de etnias, como los boras, machiguengas, yaguas... Este viaje recorre esas extensas regiones, de norte a sur, pasando de los nevados de la Cordillera Blanca a la inmensidad del Cañón del Colca, la puna silenciosa del Ttiticaca, la alegría andina del Cusco, o la calidez selvática del sagrado Machu Picchu. Una visión completa de lo que allí denominan “el Perú Profundo”. Salidas diarias desde 2 personas. Precio: 2.045 € (Basado en 10 personas) Precio final con vuelo: Desde 2.644 € Incluye: -Vuelo Internacional: Iberia en clase Q, tasas e impuestos de emisión (a confirmar precios al momento de emisión), paquete terrestre detallado en ficha técnica en régimen de aloj/desay, seguro básico de viaje. Consultar descuentos por ofertas en tarifas aéreas. No incluye: Suplementos de ocupación, suplementos de carburante (si aplican), gastos a pagar en destino: tasas de aeropuertos en Perú, entradas, alimentación no incluida, propinas y extras, así como seguros opcionales. Suplementos: 8-9 personas: 16 € 4-7 personas: 48 € 2-3 personas: 175 € En habitación individual: 528 € Extensión Nasca (incluye Sobrevuelo de las Líneas): 141 € Extensión Selva Amazónica: 444 € Noche extra en habitación doble: Lima: 35 € // Cusco: 38 € Precios válidos desde el 15 de Abril hasta el 30 de Septiembre de 2.009 ITINERARIO: Día 1º: Llegada a Lima Llegada al aeropuerto Jorge Cháves de Lima, recepción y traslado al Hotel.
    [Show full text]
  • PERU UNIQUE EXPERIENCE 2020 8 Days - 7 Nights Country : PERU Category : Boutique - Deluxe Accommodation : Hotel
    CUSCO & INCA TREK PERU PERU UNIQUE EXPERIENCE 2020 8 days - 7 nights Country : PERU Category : Boutique - Deluxe Accommodation : Hotel Day 1: ARRIVAL IN CUSCO Type of Transport Specification Departure Arrival Baggage Weight per Alowance Luggage Flight: Lima - Cusco Suggested time: Morning On arrival to Cusco city, you will be met by one of our representative and transferred to your hotel. *We do recommend to rest this day to get acclimatized to the altitude. Hotel : La Casona Inkaterra Category : Suite Patio Altitude : 3,399 m.a.s.l. / 11,152 ft. Average Temperature : 15°C / 59°F Day 2: CUSCO This morning, you will be picked up from your hotel, and you will visit the surrounding ruins of the city of Cusco: Sacsayhuaman, this huge Inca fortress is built on three overlapping platforms. Then, visit Cusco's Historical Inca and Spanish Colonial Monuments, such as the Main Square, known in Inca times as Huacaypata or the Warrior's Square; it was the scene for many key events in Cusco's history. Continue onto the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo, a Spanish construction belonging to the Dominican Order built upon the foundations of the Inca temple of Koricancha or Temple of the Sun. Koricancha (in Quechua, site of gold) was the main religious building of the Incas dedicated to the worship of the Sun and whose walls, according to the chroniclers, were plated with sheets of gold. Magnificent blocks of finely carved stone were used in its construction. We will visit the San Pedro Market to admire the day-to-day activities of the locals.
    [Show full text]
  • Travel Guide to Machu Picchu
    THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE TO MACHU PICCHU Free step-by-step guide to planning and organising your Machu Picchu adventure! Publisher: Best of Peru Travel Guides (First Edition - April 2016) For general enquiries, listings, distribution and advertising information please contact us at: [email protected] Copyright notice: All contents copyright © Best of Peru Travel 2016 Text & Maps: © Best of Peru Travel 2016 Photos: © Best of Peru Travel 2016 & © Marcos Garcia/MGP Images All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any Best of Peru Travel is an online travel means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, reading or otherwise, without the written permission of the publisher and copyright guide for independent travellers who are owner. looking for the best Lima, Cusco, Machu Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this document is accurate at the time of going to press. Some details, Picchu and the Sacred Valley in Peru have however, such as prices, telephone numbers, opening hours, to offer. Want to know where to get the travel information and website addresses are liable to change. Best of Peru Travel accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or best Pisco sour in Cusco, the best lunch in inconvenience sustained by anyone using this information. Lima or which is the best hotel in Machu Editor’s note: Prices are in Peruvian Soles (S/.) unless otherwise stated in US$. All Picchu? Look no further... Visit us here! prices are guide prices only and are based on an exchange rate of 3.42 Peruvian Soles (PEN) to the US Dollar at the time of publication.
    [Show full text]
  • Machu Picchu Th Th September 10 -18 , 2017 (8Nights/9Days) (6Nights/ 7Days on the Trek) Machu Picchu Treks
    Machu Picchu th th September 10 -18 , 2017 (8nights/9days) (6nights/ 7days on the trek) Machu Picchu Treks Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Why this itinerary? Spend 9 days exploring Inca sites in Peru, a fascinating and truly memorable experience. Description This trip is a lesser-traveled route in Peru to the lost city Machu Picchu. This trip is a perfect alternative for those who don't book the Inca Trail. The Vilcabamba area was the holdout for the crumbling Inca rebellion. The trail traverses the high Andean plateau, crossing passes as high as 4,750m - 15,585ft for an up-close view of the sacred Inca peak, Salkantay (6,280m - 20,598ft). The route then descends into the beautiful Aobamba valley with its tropical climate and vegetation. All along the way there are native Andean villages that time seems to have passed by. After a marvelous train ride, arrive at the spectacular citadel of Machu Picchu for a never to be forgotten guided-tour of this architectural marvel. Hidden under the dense foliage of a highland jungle, forgotten by the Incas themselves, Machu Picchu escaped the conquistadors and eluded treasure hunters until Hiram Bingham brought the “Lost City of the Incas" to the world's attention in 1911. The intricate stonework of these enigmatic ruins is one of the finest examples of Inca masonry. Highlights: Cusco, Sacred Valley, Salkantay Trail, and the world famous Machu Picchu! Brief Itinerary: Sept Area Overview Arrive Cusco airport. Welcome dinner & briefing. Overnight Hotel Jose 10 Cusco Antonio Cusco Sacred Valley, Maras & Moray acclimatization hike.
    [Show full text]
  • Detailed Itinerary Specially Prepared for Party of 3
    Detailed itinerary specially prepared for party of 3 October 2nd – October 4th, 2012 Peru Experience SAC Av. Dos de Mayo 516, Office 304 Miraflores, Lima, Peru +51 1 221 9998 [email protected] Machu Picchu Tour 3d/2n Day 1 Sunday 02 October 2011: Cusco – Urubamba Valley – Machu Picchu We will pick you up in the airport and transfer you to the Ollantaytambo Train Station to board the 3:40pm Vistadome Train to Aguas Calientes. You will have time to grab lunch and enjoy the Andean scenery during your drive from Cuzco city to the Urubamba Valley. Once aboard the Vistadome you will embark on a nearly 2 hour ride through marvellous scenery to the town of Aguas Calientes, located at the base of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival you are at your leisure to explore the small town. Please note that dinner is included at your hotel. Overnight at El Mapi – 3 stars Smart and contemporary are the defining elements of this hotel, amidst the commercial village of Aguas Calientes, from where you can admire and interact with the quaint folksy town and get a different perspective. The hotel is efficient, playful and people friendly; it welcomes a wide range of guests expecting an uncomplicated visit. El Mapi’s design brings together a blend of classic, modern, restored and recycled materials. Superior Room 1 night Breakfast and Dinner included Made known to the World by Hiram Bingham in 1911, Machu Picchu was inhabited by local farmers, but probably remained unknown to the Spaniards. The purpose of an Inca city in such a spectacular location remains under debate: Some argue it was built and populated by the family of a powerful Inca ruler (Pachakutek).
    [Show full text]
  • Wonders of Peru Itinerary
    16 Day Wonders of Peru DEAL HIGHLIGHTS Explore the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu Visit Sacred Valley, Cusco, Lake Titicaca & More Includes Return International Flights SUMMARY With its world‐famous sights and ancient living culture, Peru is a destination at the top of most people’s travel wish lists. From the remote ruins of Machu Picchu to the glassy solitude of Lake Titicaca, every inch of this vibrant nation has the power to surprise, delight, and inspire. Realise your dreams of exploring Peru on this dazzling 16 day package visiting Cusco, Lima, Puno, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and beyond. Get a taste of the Peruvian way of life on a tour of vibrant Lima; wander through the historic streets of imperial Cusco; witness the spectacular Andes Mountains; tick off the bucket list with a visit to the grand citadel of Machu Picchu; take a boat ride on Lake Titicaca; visit the famous Uros floating islands; enjoy a homestay with a local family at Luquina Island; and so much more. This incredible package includes return flights, two internal flights in Peru, 13 nights accommodation, English‐ speaking guides, airport transfers and more. Crave more adventure? Upgrade to the 20‐day package with Amazon jungle extension. 1 ITINERARY 16 Day Standard Itinerary Day 1 Australia ‐ Lima, Peru Today depart from Sydney to Lima, Peru via Santiago, Chile. Fly with LATAM Airlines, Qantas Airways, Air New Zealand and codeshare partners (subject to availability). Upon arrival into Lima, a representative will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Miraflores. Overnight: Casa Andina Classic Miraflores Centro or similar, Lima Meals included: In‐Flight Day 2 Lima City Tour Following breakfast, enjoy a city tour taking in the key sites of Lima.
    [Show full text]
  • WA Trails 01-06
    Northwest Explorer A classic trek: Peru’s 28-mile Inca Trail EHER N takes hikers to the ancient city of ON J Machu Picchu. The high-altitude route Ancient Trails crosses three passes, each at elevations over 12,000 feet. (elevation 11,207 feet) several days before the hike to allow for acclimatiza- tion both to the altitude and the culture. Flying up from sea level, most of us developed pounding headaches and mild nausea within a few hours of arrival. We were advised to try the local cure—copious amounts of hot coca tea (reminiscent of green bean water, certainly an acquired taste). The evening before the hike, our guide joined us at our hotel and discussed equipment and answered our questions about the trip. The next morning our guide returned at 4:30 a.m. in a private bus to collect us for the several-hour trip from Cusco into the Urubamba River Valley. As the sun came up, we got our first jaw- dropping glimpse of the high Andes on the far side of the river. The pavement gave out at Ollantaytambo (where we briefly stopped to pick up our porters) and 8.5 miles later the residual gravel road dead-ended at the trailhead (elevation 8,528 feet). The trailhead can also be accessed by train from Cusco, but this journey takes considerably longer than by private bus. Our porters carried most of the camping gear while we “clients” carried just our ten essentials, plus personal items such as cameras and binoculars. Hiking to Machu Picchu The porters quickly disappeared up the trail to prepare a picnic spot for lunch on Peru’s Inca Trail while we got into line at the entry gate to gather our hiking permits (US $50 By Jon O.
    [Show full text]