MAGIC CIRCLE: from the COAST to the ANDES Ideal Journeys
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Ideal Journeys MAGIC CIRCLE: FROM THE COAST TO THE ANDES 15 DAYS / 14 NIGHTS Ideal Journeys MAGIC CIRCLE: FROM THE COAST TO THE ANDES 15 DAYS / 14 NIGHTS 1. LIMA 5. PUNO 1 2 2. SACRED VALLEY 6. AREQUIPA 3 3. MACHU PICCHU 7. PARACAS 4 4. CUSCO 7 5 6 Art & Culture Archaeology Air & Navigation Helicopters & Cruises Peru is packed full of travel treasures, culinary delights, cultural heritage and archeological wonders, many of which you will witness on this tour of Peru. It starts in Lima with an insightful city tour and mouthwatering introduction to Peru’s world-famous gastronomy. From here head to the Sacred Valley for Inca ruins, ancient cities and of course, Machu Picchu. Having visited the great ‘Lost City of the Inca’ and many highlights of Cusco, a change of pace comes at mystical Lake Titicaca with its traditional way of life and floating islands, then Arequipa, one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the Americas. Finally, you’ll explore the Colca Canyon before flying to the desert dunes and beaches of Paracas, on Peru’s dramatic western coast. Throughout, this trip is filled with fascinating tours and memorable scenic sights. HIGHLIGHTS • Guided tour of Downtown Lima and gastronomical experience of Peruvian cuisine in Lima’s bohemian Barranco District • Direct arrival into the Sacred Valley, perfect for acclimatization at lower altitude • VIP departure to Machu Picchu from Tambo del Inka’s private train station • Visiting the Sacred Valley wonders of Maras, Moray, Chinchero, Pisac and Ollantaytambo • Mythical Lake Titicaca, Uros floating island, Taquile and Sillustani • Guided tour of Arequipa, the ‘White City’, Santa Catalina Monastery and the Colca Canyon • Visit the Ballestas Islands and admire the varied wildlife who inhabit them • Take an overflight above the incredible Nazca Lines Historic Centre of Lima Barranco Streets Sacred Valley DAY 1: ARRIVE IN LIMA AND CITY TOUR Upon landing in Lima you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in, ready for an immersive day in the capital. The day starts with a full exploration of the city with a guided tour that takes in both its colonial past and contemporary present. Your day finishes in the upmarket districts of San Isidro and Miraflores. DAY 2: GASTRONOMIC TOUR OF LIMA Lima is known as the World’s Greatest Gastronomic City, and you’ll get a taste of just why during this mouthwatering foodie tour of Barranco, a much-loved bohemian district. Our tour begins on foot, visiting Hotel B, Dedalo Gallery, we walk down to the “Malecon” of Barranco, Bridge of Sighs, tour of the famous murals and the main square of Barranco. Then, visit a famous local restaurant to have a typical peruvian breakfast: bread with pork crackling or “butifarra”. After that, visit MATE (Mario Testino) Museum and Jade Rivera Museum. Finally, you will taste the best peruvian dishes at a typical restaurant. DAY 3: ARRIVE IN CUSCO AND ENTER THE SACRED VALLEY From bustling Lima to the Sacred Valley via ancient Cusco, home to some of Peru’s finest architecture and archaeology. On day 3, a private vehicle will take you to Lima Airport for your flight to Cusco where you’ll be met and driven to Tambo del Inka, a beautifully Sacred Valley hotel that also enjoys a spectacular riverside setting. Pisac Market Machu Picchu Ollantaytambo DAY 4: EXPLORE THE SACRED VALLEY Your tour of Peru now delves deep into Inca antiquity with visits to some of the Sacred Valley’s greatest sites. Begin with a look at traditional life in Chinchero Village, where a weaving demo will take place after breakfast. Next, the agricultural terraces of Moray, one of the most impressive ancient sites in Peru. From Moray enjoy lunch at a local Sacred Valley restaurant, followed by another ancient marvel—the Maras Salt Mines. DAY 5: TAKE A TOUR OF MACHU PICCHU Machu Picchu is considered the world’s best travel destination, an ancient wonder of the world and highlight of South America in one. Day 5 is a special day, as you take a guided tour of the great ‘Lost City’ of the Inca. You’ll begin in style with a private train boarding at Tambo del Inka’s own platform, “Sacred Valley” train is the chosen one, followed by a scenic journey through the amazing views of the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes and onwards to Machu Picchu. Lunch and dinner are served onboard. Then, simply absorb the magic of Peru’s most iconic ancient site with a fascinating guided tour, before enjoying it all at your own pace with some priceless leisure time. DAY 6: PISAC & OLLANTAYTAMBO Your exploration of Peruvian history continues today, with visits to the village of Pisac and Inca city of Ollantaytambo. After breakfast then, head northeast from Cusco in a private vehicle towards Pisac. This ancient town is best known for its colorful markets of locally woven wares, fresh produce and artisan artefacts. Then enjoy lunch at a local Sacred Valley restaurant From Pisac, head to the huge monuments, fortress and terraces of spectacular Ollantaytambo. Cusco streets Cusco Cathedral Lake Titikaka DAY 7: VIP WALKING TOUR OF CUSCO Cusco is home to some of Peru’s greatest archeological sites, most fascinating history and atmospheric streets—all of which you will experience during a VIP walking tour today. Among the many highlights of Cusco, San Pedro Market and its stalls of crafts and wares is a great place to start, followed by a walk through some of the city’s ancient streets and plazas to the Cathedral, Santo Domingo Convent and the Qorikancha Temple. Your discovery of Cusco also takes you to Palacio del Inka Hotel and the Mansion of Cuatro Bustos. DAY 8: TRAVEL TO PUNO From one mystical site to another, day 8 of your tour of Peru sees you travel from the Sacred Valley to Puno, on the shored of the mythical Lake Titicaca. The highest navigable lake in the world that straddles both Peru and Bolivia, Titicaca held spiritual status for the Inca and other ancient peoples before them, and is today known for its floating reed islands, gorgeous views and secluded monuments. You’ll travel to Puno on the PeruRail Titicaca train, a scenic journey passing beautiful countryside, rolling hills, open plains and rural villages. The floating Islands of Uros Sillustani Chullpas Colca Canyon DAY 9: LAKE TITICACA’S UROS & TAQUILE ISLANDS Exploring both the traditions and beauty spots of Lake Titicaca is always a joy. Your Lake Titicaca tour begins with a boat trip to the famous floating reed islands of Uros. It’s a fascinating visit and you’ll get to visit locals too, before continuing to Taquile Island. Here you can meet more island dwellers and local weavers before exploring beautiful Taquile Island, its waterside pathways, agricultural terraces and amazing Lake Titicaca views. DAY 10: VISIT SILLUSTANI AND TRAVEL TO AREQUIPA As you wave goodbye to Puno and Lake Titicaca there is still time for one more highlight, with a visit to the striking Sillustani Chullpas. These impressive Inca monuments form part of one of the most significant necropolises in the Americas. From Sillustani you’ll be taken to Puno Airport for your flight to Arequipa. DAY 11: EXPLORE THE COLCA CANYON Peru’s Colca Canyon is a true marvel of Mother Nature. This sweeping gorge is 3,270m deep and flanked by snowy mountains and open plains, home also to the Giant Andean Condor. We are going to leave very early (3-4 AM approx.) to enjoy a full day of exploration in and around the Colca Canyon begins with a tour of the nearby Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, a beautiful expanse of wildlife, rivers and mountains. Next up is Patapampa which is known for its magnificent viewpoints, before a visit to the town of Chivay and onwards to Cruz del Condor—the ‘Condor Pass’. Arequipa city Ballestas Islands Champagne Bites DAY 12: CITY TOUR OF AREQUIPA, TRAVEL TO PARACAS Day 12 of your tour of Peru is a varied and exciting one. First, a guided tour of Arequipa will take in some of the most ornate and interesting buildings in the White City. These include the beautiful Cathedral of Arequipa and Plaza de Armas. Later you’ll visit the magnificent Monastery of Santa Catalina. In the afternoon you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima and once you arrive, you’ll picked up by a private vehicle to be transferred to Paracas. DAY 13: BALLESTAS ISLANDS AND LUXURY YACHT TOUR Departing from the private dock of the hotel, a morning motorboat tour will take you first to the Ballestas Islands. As the afternoon enters early evening, what better way unwind than with a wine-hosted luxury yacht tour along Paracas Bay? While aboard your first-class vessel tuck into small bites of Peruvian dishes and glasses of fizz as you sail, on the lookout for resident marine life, ancient cliff carvings, and admiring those coastal views. 4x4 Dune Ride Sandboarding Nazca Lines DAY 14: VISIT NAZCA LINES AND 4X4 DUNE RIDE On Day 14 of your tour of Peru, get ready for one of Peru’s most incredible ancient wonders, the Nazca Lines. Departing the hotel after breakfast, you’ll set off for the desert and your unforgettable overflight above this amazing historic site. What better way to round off your tour of Peru than with an exciting 4x4 desert drive around the dunes of Paracas? In the afternoon, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken out for an adrenaline-packed drive.