DAY 1 LIMA
Pick up upon arrival at Lima’s airport and transportation
to the hotel. Overnight (No meals)
DAY 2 FULL DAY PACHACAMAC RUINS & LIMA CITY TOUR
Breakfast, then you will be picked up from your hotel around 9.00am.
We will visit a place that is near Lima, there is an archaeological
enclosure whose constructions conserve the mysticism and religiosity
of their past. Its name: PACHACAMAC
Guided tour of the splendid and vast archaeological citadel of
Pachacamac, the temple of the deity, Pachacamac, believed to be
the creator of the universe and a divinity adored by old Andean
civilizations. A sacred and ceremonial site dating back to the
beginnings of Christianity where thousands of pilgrims converged
to pay tribute and consult the Pachacamac oracle, who they believed
could see the past, the future and people’s fate.
The site comprises pyramidal temples and enclosures built by
successive pre-Colombian civilizations and finally the Incas.
Highlights include the Temple of Pachacamac, the Sun God shrine,
and the Palace of the Chosen Women or Virgins of the Sun. At the
site museum there is an idol of the deity, Pachacamac, which couldn’t
be seen by the profane, and was reserved for the high priests
who kept, revered and interpreted the divine oracle in the old
times. A sacred site, the temple was considered to be part of
the planet’s mystical axis.
Then we return to Lima to take our buffet lunch to continue with
the Lima City tour. We will visit the colonial area and to the
Plaza de Armas where you will see the Government Palace, the Cathedral,
the Archbishop's Palace and the City Hall as well as the XVII
century church and cloister of San Francisco, a world cultural
heritage. Then we will go to the modern downtown with a view of
the Pacific Ocean and the modern residential suburb of San Isidro.
Finally, transfer to the hotel and overnight. (B,L)
DAY 3 LIMA - ICA
Transfer to the bus station to take the bus to Ica that departs
at 07:00 am, arriving at 11:30 am. Assistance upon arrival and
transfer to the selected accommodation. Then you will visit the
downtown of Ica and other places around; The Regional Museum will
be our second stop, inside we can see great quantity of archaeological
remains as potteries, textiles, mummies, among others. All they
belong to the following ancient civilizations: Paracas, Nasca,
Wari, Ica-Chincha and Inca.
Then we will visit a traditional or industrial winery, to have
an explanation about how to make “Pisco and Wine”
and to see the facilities that are used during the elaboration
of those spirits products mentioned. At last you'll be able to
taste all the variety of wine and pure Pisco made with the different
kinds of grapes.
Finally, the Huacachina Lagoon will be visited by us. It is also
called "El Oasis de America", there you will see a beautiful
landscape that will never be forgotten by you. It is surrounded
by sand dunes, palms, huarango trees and beautiful houses. overnight
(B, L)
OPTIONAL TOUR: Buggies and Sandboarding (after Huacachina’s
visit)
Additional US$35 per person based on Double Occupancy.
Additional US$70 per person based on Single Occupancy.
DAY 4 BALLESTAS ISLANDS & NAZCA LINES
At 7:00 am transfer to a private dock where you will take a motorboat
excursion to the Ballestas island. This Islands are spectacular,
eroded into numerous arches and caves , which provide shelter
for thousands of seabirds, some of which are very rare, and sea
lions and fur seals in their natural surroundings. The Islands
are known as "The Galapagos of Peru". The famous candlestick
design, a Nazca civilization figure etched on the desert face,
can also be seen from the boat, at the end transfer to Nazca where
we will admire the famous Nazca lines. Cut into the stony desert
are large number of lines, not only parallels and geometrical
figures, but also designs such as a dog, an enormous monkey, a
bird with a wing span of over 100 meters, a spider and a tree.
The lines, that represent some sort of vast astronomical pre-Inca
calendar, are best seen from the air, we will take a half hour
flight above the Lines, at the end Overnight (B,L).
DAY 5 NASCA - LIMA
Breakfast and then we will visit The Chauchilla Cemetery, where
skulls, mummies and pottery shards littering the desert. At 2.30
pm we will take the Bus to return Lima where we will arrive around
9:00 pm. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. Overnight (B)
DAY 6 PUERTO MALDONADO
Early breakfast and pick up to go to the airport for your flight
to Puerto Maldonado (airfare not included).
Transfer from Puerto Maldonado airport to the river port on the
Madre de Dios River. A 25 minutes journey down the Madre de Dios
River by motor canoe brings you to the riverside trailhead to
Sandoval Lake Lodge. From here the trail takes you on a 2-miles
(3,2-kilometers) walk through secondary forest, until we reach
a small canal where we board canoes and are paddled 220 yards
(201 meters) through a flooded forest of 100-foot (30-meters)
tall Mauritia palms. As the canal opens onto the shimmering surface
of the lake, we transfer to a catamaran and are leisurely paddled
across half the lake to the lodge.
After lunch and a brief rest to avoid the early afternoon heat,
we will learn about the history of the lodge and the philosophy
of its founders. Then we once again board the catamaran and set
off to explore the entire west end of the lake. Here, in the flooded
palm forest we drift to the sounds of hundreds of Red-Bellied
Macaws as they return to the palm forest for the night. This macaw
species is found locally in parts of the Amazon, always living
in flooded palm forests such as the beautiful palm stand at Sandoval
Lake. At 500-800 birds, this flock of macaws at Sandoval Lake
is currently the largest reported in the world for this highly-specialized
macaw.
As night falls we will look for the large and extremely rare
Black Caimans. If it is a clear starlit night, we will also be
able to float in the middle of the lake to marvel at the brilliance
of the sky and listen to the sounds of the forest.
We return to the lodge for a short video or slide presentation
and dinner. At any point, you could step out from the bar to admire
the wide variety of nocturnal moths, beetles and praying mantis
attracted to our black light in the lodge clearing.
For those with lots of energy, our guide will take us on a short
night-walk into the forest behind the lodge. (B, L,D).
DAY 7 SANDOVAL LAKE
A pre-dawn wake-up call will enable us to be on the lake for sunrise
and a hopeful encounter with the family of Giant Otters who frequent
the lake and are most active at this time of day. Sandoval Lake
offers abundant wildlife including over 40 species of birds resident
to its lake margins, most of the fish-eating water birds around
the lake actively fish in the early morning as well, and this
outing should provide excellent views, of the prehistoric- looking
Hoatzins, These are easy to observe and also photograph from the
paddled canoes or catamarans.
After returning for a late breakfast we set off into the cool
under story of the tall virgin forest near the lake to see some
towering wild Brazil Nut trees and a demonstration of how our
hosts collect, open and commercialize this important natural product.
After lunch and an hour or so to relax we once again board the
catamaran to explore the eastern part of the lake, where we might
see one or more of the five species of monkeys who live in the
forest near the lake, such as the Brown Capuchin Monkey and Squirrel
Monkey.
Before dinner we will again enjoy an informative natural history
video or slide presentation. We will leave after dinner to try
and spot some Black Caimans on the lake, or to go on a short night
walk through the primary forest. (B,L,D)
DAY 8 RAINFOREST
After a dawn breakfast, we will cross the lake by catamaran and
take a short walk into the interior of the Mauritia palm forest
to stand beneath and closely view the impressive morning congregations,
this place has a very interesting concentration of parrots, parakeets
and large and small macaws that can be observed using dead Mauritia
palm trees, some of them are resident nesters (Yellow headed Parrot,
Mealy Parrot, Blue headed Parrot, Scarlet Macaw, blue and Yellow
Macaw, Red and Green Macaw, Chestnut fronted Macaw, Dusky headed
Parakeet, Red bellied Macaw, Cobalt winged Parakeet, Tui Parakeet).
Returning from the macaw show we will cross the lake to explore
a primary forest trail and admire the impressive ancient rainforest
trees and lianas with our knowledgeable resident naturalist guide.
As we walk, the forest will be brought to life as your guide explains
the ecology of the rainforest and its diverse flora and fauna.
We return for lunch, and then there is an optional rest for those
who would like to escape the early afternoon heat. For those still
full of energy, there is an option to independently explore some
of the forest trails using our trail map. You might stroll through
our medicinal plant garden or watch hummingbirds visiting the
nectar feeders, or the tanagers visiting our fruit feeders.
In the cooler late afternoon we will once again board the catamaran
to explore the eastern end of the lake, and hopefully experience
a spectacular sunset over the lake before returning to the lodge
for dinner. For some people, an alternative afternoon activity
would be to relax on benches inside the forest perched above a
clear running stream in which a variety of bathing hummingbirds
and forest birds visit.
After dinner, there is a final chance to look for Black Caiman
on the lake, or to go on a short night hike through the forest.
(B,L,D)
DAY 9 PUERTO MALDONADO - CUSCO
After early breakfast we leave near dawn and we take a final,
shorter paddle around the west end of the lake to try and glimpse
the Giant Otters before returning by motor canoe for the 35 minutes
return trip to the Puerto Maldonado Airport, taking advantage
of valuable early morning wildlife activity along the river. From
here you fly to Cusco (airfare not included). Upon arrival to
Cusco Airport. Reception and transportation to the Hotel where
you will receive an aromatic coca tea to stimulating for the height,
will have the day to rest. Overnight (B).
DAY 10 CUSCO CITY TOUR
Breakfast, will have the free morning to rest and also we suggest
you have a light lunch in either your hotel or in one of the surrounded;
in the afternoon we will depart on a City tour (entrance to the
archaeological centers and museums including) we will visit the
Main square, Cathedral, the Koricancha (temple of the sun) and
in addition we will make a route bordering archaeological centers
like Sacsayhuaman Fortress, Q'enko, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay,
tour finishes 6:30pm approximately at the main square in order
you can take dinner in one of the exquisite restaurants in the
area, then overnight. (B)
DAY 11 FULL DAY SACRED VALLEY TOUR
Breakfast. You will be picked up at 8:15 am. Full day excursion
to the Urubamba Valley visiting: the colorful Indian market in
Pisac where a mixture of color and tradition will be able appreciated
besides will have a good opportunity to try our bargain skills
on the free time to interact with the local craftsmen to purchase
their hand-made souvenirs. The Valley has a distance of 31 km
(19 miles) of Cusco, and an altitude of 2,970 ms (9,700 p), Pisac
is located to the entrance of the Sacred Valley and followed by
Ollantaytambo, the older town continuously occupied of the American
continent. The narrow streets of Ollantaytambo, along with their
channels that have not varied from the time Inca, evoke their
ancestral inheritance, lunch in a typical restaurant and then
the last visit will be to Chinchero market.
Chinchero is believed to be the mythical birthplace of the rainbow.
Its major claim to tourism is its colorful Sunday market which
is much less tourist-orientated than the market at Pisac. At the
end, return to Cusco main square at 6:30pm approx.
The night is free for you to eat in a restaurant of your choice;
although we always have plenty of suggestions for you should you
require them. (B, L)
Note: Take this tour on market days: Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday
Bilingual Guided tour on different days
DAY 12 CUSCO / MACHU PICCHU (*Overnight in Aguas Calientes)
Early breakfast and pickup to go the train station to depart to
Machu Picchu, the trip takes about 4 hours. During the trip we
will have an amazing view of the landscapes of the Sacred Valley
of Urubamba and the Amazon rainforest providing you a small hint
of how much Peru has to offer. Upon arrival to the little town
of Aguas Calientes you will have to approach the bus station towards
the “Ciudadela of Machu Picchu” (Only 20 minutes ride)
to receive a professional guided tour by this Huge Historical
Sanctuary follow by some free time to explore the zone on your
own and then take your buffet lunch at the selected restaurant
(included), an according time, we will go down to the Aguas Calientes
town to relax at the hot springs or just overnight at the select
hotel in Aguas Calientes town. (B,L).
DAY 13 MACHU PICCHU / CUSCO
Breakfast and rest of day at leisure by your own (entrance and
bus fee to Machu Picchu not included on this day) in the afternoon
return to Cusco. Reception at the train station and transfer to
the Hotel where it passed the night (B).
Upon request: You can make a second visit to Machu Picchu and
have the chance to know hidden places, such as the Intipunku (Gate
of the Sun) or for more adventures can take a hike to the top
of Huayna Picchu (Young Mountain) to visit the Temple of the Moon
and enjoy a spectacular view of the city. Or if you have good
physical conditions can take a hike full of adrenaline to the
Putukusi mountain opposite position than Machu Picchu which allows
us to have other unforgettable views from this new wonder.
DAY 14 CUSCO - PUNO
Early breakfast and transfer to the bus station so you can take
the ride to Puno. Depart Cusco on guided bus to Puno, visiting
on the route picturesque towns and archeological sites such as
Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, Sicuani, La Raya and Pukara. Lunch included.
Afternoon arrival in Puno, reception and transfer to your accommodation.
Overnight at the hotel.(B,L)
(*) Additional fare if travelling by train. Ask for availability.
DAY 15 UROS AND TAQUILE ISLANDS
You will be picked up from your hotel at 6:30 a.m., to go to the
port of Puno to take a tourist motor boat and to direct towards
the wonders floating islands of the Uros. After a 2 hour motorboat
ride, you will arrive at the Uros island in the Titikaka lake.
Fishermen and hunters inhabit the floating islands of the Uros.
The residents of the Uros are known as the “water tribe”,
because they must construct its own Islands periodically, adding
new layers of totora reeds, which grows in the lake, to create
the conditions that ensure the islands stay afloat. The dense
roots that the plants develop support the island. The roofs are
waterproof and the houses are extremely humid because of the surrounding
water.
They used it as home and trade centers for the natives, who use
hand-made boats of the same material as their means of transportation.
At present, they speak Quechua and Aymara. Following this exciting
tour, you will be led to the Island of Taquile, , place where
the form of typical and rustic experience was appraised, the place
is colorful and landscaping, where they even maintain its customs,
ritual, religious and folkloric traditions, in the town of Taquile
we will taste a typical lunch with fresh fish (trout). There is
also a craft fair on the plaza that sells exceptional wool goods
which are of very fine quality and somewhat expensive. Taquile
Island is famous for its craft production, particularly for its
beautiful textiles. The island is narrow at about 1 Km. wide and
6 to 7 Km. long. The visit could be exhausting because of the
altitude (13,000 ft above sea level). On Taquile there are numerous
pre-Inca and Inca ruins as well as Inca terracing. We will return
in Puno in the afternoon, overnight (B,L)
DAY 16 SILLUSTANI - LIMA
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Lima
(airfare NOT included). On the route to the airport, we will visit
at the Sillustani Chullpas (pre-Colombian funeral towers). The
scenery is desert but impressive, in a beautiful setting on a
peninsula on Ayumara lake about 32 Km. from Puno. Most of the
towers date from the period of Inca occupation in the 15th century;
the engineering involved in their construction is more complex
than anything the Incas built. (B)
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Lima Plaza de Armas
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