MYSTICAL PERU –
Incas & Rainforest
10 day Escorted
Peru – a country of many dimensions and exciting
adventures. Travel back in the past as you visit the
cultural centers of the pre-Columbian civilizations, enjoy
modern Lima and ponder the mystery of the great Amazon.
Day 1 Arrive Lima
On arrival at Lima International Airport, after clearing customs and immigration, you will be met by a Tourcan representative who will assist you and transfer you to the hotel.
Overnight: Sonesta Posada El Olivar Hotel
Day 2 Lima – Cuzco
Check out of the hotel after breakfast and transfer to Lima airport to board your flight to Cuzco. Welcome to Cuzco, an Andean community and former ancient capital of the Inca Empire.
Upon arrival in Cuzco, you will be met by another of our representatives and transferred to your hotel. The morning is left free to relax and acclimatize, as you are now at 3400 meters altitude. We recommend minimal activity and the local remedy of coca tea.
This afternoon enjoy a city tour which includes the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas; and the Santo Domingo Temple or Koricancha; a Dominican Church and convent built on the foundations of the Koricancha or ‘place of gold’, the Incas principal religious building, dedicated to the worship of the sun.
Afterwards your visit will take you to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, a true testimonial to Incan architectural skills. Compiled of massive stones (one weighs 125 tons!) you are challenged to try to slip a piece of paper through the cracks in between these blocks, cut and fitted together with incredible precision without a single drop of mortar to hold them in place. This ancient fortress (where the greatest battle between the Spanish and Incas took place) overlooks the red-tiled roofs of Cuzco and the breathtaking countryside surrounding the city. Also visit Qenqo (“The Labyrinth”), an Incan shrine dedicated to Pachamama (‘Mother Earth’); the small fortress of Puka Pukara; and Tambomachay, a sacred bathing place.
Overnight: Libertador Cusco Hotel in a twin deluxe room (B)
Day 3 Cuzco – Urubamba (Tue, Thu or Sun)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel prior to checking out of the hotel and departing for Urubamba Valley to the local village of Pisac, known for its famous colorful market. This bustling market attracts tourist from all over the world to try their bartering for local sweaters, ponchos, wall hangings, jewelry and goods.
You will have time to shop before enjoying lunch at local restaurant.
After lunch, continue on to the massive fortress of Ollantaytambo. The fortress of Ollantaytambo, a formidable stone structure that climbs massive terraces to the top of a peak, was the valley’s main defence against the Antis and was the site of the Incas’ greatest victory against the Spanish during the wars of conquest. Constructed of rose-colored granite, this huge installation was once a thriving complex of baths, temples and military barracks. Below the fortress lies a complete Incan town, also called Ollantaytambo, still inhabited and with its original architecture and layout preserved.
Overnight: Hotel Casa Andina Sacred Valley (B,L)
Day 4 Urubamba - Machu Picchu Vistadome Train
Please carry your passport on this day so as to get a stamp of the Machu Picchu ruins – memento!
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and you will be transferred to board the Vistadome Autorailcar bound for Machu Picchu, where a late morning arrival gives you time to begin your explorations of this breathtaking Incan citadel.
Accompanied by your guide, explore the city's ruins, and feel its pulse as you visualize the lives of the priests, craftsmen, and servants who inhabited this seemingly uninhabitable citadel. Excavations at the site have revealed skeletons, artifacts and woolen clothing, but no gold. The same precision of assembled stones exists here as in other Incan sites.
Overlooking the raging Urubamba River and discovered in a hidden tangle of vines and trees atop the mountain, the city of Machu Picchu will forever hold the secret of its destruction - the Incas left no written record.
Enjoy lunch at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge and continue your visit of this incredible monument in the afternoon. This afternoon board the bus back to Aguas Calientes town where your hotel is situated.
Overnight: Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 5 Machu Picchu – Cuzco
It is said that Machu Picchu is a place of great spirituality, and the ultimate spiritual moment of the day happens at sunrise. This morning therefore there is an option to rise early and view the world’s most spectacularly situated ruins at sunrise.
In the afternoon return to Cuzco by auto-rail on arrival you will be met by your Cuzco representative and transferred to the hotel.
Overnight: Libertador Cusco Hotel (B)
Day 6 Cuzco – Lima – Iquitos
Breakfast at your hotel. Morning at leisure. Check out of the hotel and you will be transferred to Cuzco airport to board your flight to Lima. On arrival in Lima connect with your flight to Iquitos.
On arrival in Iquitos you will be met by another host who will assist you with you baggage then transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy dinner at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Dorado Plaza Hotel (B,D)
Day 7 Iquitos – Ceiba Tops
Breakfast at the hotel. Brief city orientation and transfer to the Explorama dock. Enjoy the 25 mile journey down the Amazon River to Ceiba Tops where private rooms with air conditioning provide adventure in luxury. Afternoon hike in the beautiful primary rainforest reserve surrounding Ceiba Tops that includes many huge trees festooned with epiphytes. After dinner enjoy local flute or guitar music at the "El Tucan" Bar and the guides are always ready to relate some of the many legends of the Amazon forest.
Overnight: Ceiba Tops (B,L,D)
Day 8 Ceiba Tops
Early morning birding excursion. Morning boat ride to visit a small village of Yagua Indians where your guide will explain their culture and how it has been affected by the passing of time. There will be an opportunity to trade for or purchase some of their local crafts and for a demonstration of the use of the blowgun which some of the Yagua elders still use for hunting. Afternoon boating excursion in search of sloth, found in Cecropia trees at the water’s edge, and the two species of freshwater river dolphin, pink and grey, found in Amazonian waters. Weather permitting; enjoy a beautiful Amazonian sunset on the river.
Overnight: Ceiba Tops (B,L,D)
Day 9 Ceiba Tops – Iquitos / Iquitos – Lima
Early morning departure from Ceiba Tops by boat to the narrow motorcar crossing connecting the Amazon and Napo Rivers to continue by boat to ExplorNapo Lodge for breakfast. Hike to the spectacular Canopy Walkway spanning over 500 meters (one-third of a mile), connected by tree platforms, and reaching a height of over 35 meters (115 feet) but accessible without any type of climbing skill or equipment. After lunch, visit the "ReNuPeRu" Ethnobotanical Garden where over 240 medicinal plants are cultivated by a local shaman who will explain the nature of Amazonian natural healing and the uses of some of the plants. Return to Ceiba Tops for check out then take the boat back to Iquitos, board your flight to Lima and upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight: Sonesta Posada El Olivar Hotel (B)
Day 10 Depart Lima
After breakfast check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for your homeward flight.
****END
OF SERVICES****
TOUR COST: from C$3220 per person sharing twin
Includes:
- All arrival & departure transfers with airport assistance
- Accommodation at hotels mentioned, or similar sharing a twin room on a bed & breakfast basis
- Domestic flights between Lima, Cuzco & Iquitos
- All tours as per the itinerary
- All meals, as mentioned B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
- Train, bus and boat transportation as per the itinerary
- All hotel taxes and service fees
- Entrance fees to sights mentioned
- Services of English speaking drivers, tour guides and representatives
Excludes:
- International flights and departure taxes; Meals not mentioned in the itinerary; Passport and travel visa fees;
Medical or Travel insurance; Items of a personal nature, such as beverages, laundry, telephone calls, gratuities, etc.
Contact
Chris
Boecker
to join this wonderful journey.
Peru Travelogue
GENERAL INFORMATION - PERU
Peru– a country of many dimensions and exciting adventures.
Travel back in the past as you visit the cultural centers of the
pre-Columbian civilizations, enjoy modern Lima, and ponder the
mystery of futuristic Nazca. And, of course, it is always fun to
bargain or trade with the natives for an alpaca wool sweater or an
exotic blowgun. To make your trip most enjoyable, we offer the
following information.
While
In Cusco Make sure you leave plenty of time to explore Cusco.
This city, which dates from around 1200 AD, is the historic heart of
Incan civilization. Wander the network of ruined temples and palaces,
and learn of the Incas´ ancient religious practices, centered
in the majestic Temple of the Sun. Just as fascinating is the
colonial history of Cusco-see how the Spanish built their lavish
churches on the sites of the Inca temples.
CUSCO - MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO BY VISTADOME TRAIN
Route: Cusco – Poroy - Ollanta - Machu Picchu - Ollanta - Poroy - Cusco
The train journey from Cusco 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 1/4 hour journey takes you
through a changing landscape.
First
there is a steep climb out of Cusco 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 America’s most spectacular archaeological site.
Holidays In Peru
- January 1st New Year
- Easter Good Friday
- May 1st Labor day
- June 29th San Pedro and San Pablo
- July 28 and 29 Independence day
- August 30th Santa Rosa de Lima
- October 8th Combate de Angamos
- November 1st All Saints
- December 8th Inmaculada Concepcion
- December 25th Christmas day
Days
Most Popular Museums and Tourist Sites are closed
Lima
Gold
Museum: January 1, May 1, July 28
Rafael Larco Herrera
Archaeological Museum: Never closes
Archaeological and
Anthropological Museum: Mondays, January 1, May 1, July 28, July 29,
November 1, December 25.
Museo de la Nacion: January 1, May 1,
July 28, December 25.
Pachacamac Ruins: January 1, December
25.
Cusco
Cusco Cathedral: Sundays
Documents: A valid passport is required to enter Peru. Canadian citizens
do not need a Visa. Others should contact the Peruvian consulate for entry requirements.
Valuables: We suggest that while touring or shopping leave your passport and the
bulk of your money in the hotel; only take with you the money you
intend to spend or exchange at that particular time.
Valuables: We suggest that while touring or shopping leave your passport and the
bulk of your money in the hotel; only take with you the money you
intend to spend or exchange at that particular time.
It
is also helpful to take a copy of the picture page of your passport
to carry in your wallet because it is sometimes needed to exchange
traveler's checks. This copy can also be useful in the event your
passport is lost or stolen.
Altitude Sickness, Health and Vaccinations: To minimize the chances
of altitude sickness in Cuzco we strongly recommend you rest for two
hours to allow your lungs to adjust to the altitude.
A yellow fever vaccination is not required for Peru. If you plan to
continue to Brazil, the Brazilian Government requires the yellow
fever vaccination for visitors coming from Peru.
Currency and Exchange Rates: The currency of Peru is the NUEVO SOL.
Bills are for 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Nuevos Soles. Coins are for 5, 10, 20
and 50 cents of a Nuevo Sol. And also coins for 1, 2 and 5 Nuevos
Soles.
Dollars and traveler's checks may be exchanged at banks at the official rate,
at most hotels (exchange rate somewhere between the official and the
parallel rates) and on the street at the parallel rate. Traveler's
checks command a slightly lower rate than actual currency.
Major credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and in many
shops; however, credit card purchases will be billed at the official
rate of exchange.
Tips and Taxes: As in most countries, taxes are unavoidable and
tips
are given on the basis of the quality of service rendered. It is
helpful to carry a small quantity of US $1 bills for tips and easy
change.
Airport
departure taxes: On international departures there is an exit
tax
of $28.00. Within Peru, passengers must pay about $5.00 airport
security tax for each domestic flight.
Time
Difference: The time in Peru is the same as Eastern Standard
Time in North America. Daylight savings time is not observed.
Electric Voltage: The electric voltage in Peru is 220 volts, 60
cycles and
the electrical outlets require a connector with 2 small round prongs.
Although
some major hotels also have outlets with 110 volts and others have
adapters for use, we find it much more convenient to bring our own.
Language:
Peru has two official languages, Spanish and Quechua. English is
spoken in most hotels, tourist shops and major visitor centers.
Business
Hours: Banks: 9:00am/6:00pm Monday - Friday. 9:00am/12:00pm
on
Saturdays. Shops: 10:00am/1:00pm and 4:00pm/8:00pm Monday - Saturday
Taxis:
All taxis should have a red and white "Taxi" sign in the
windshield. There are no meters so settle on a price prior to
entering the car. Taxis at many hotels and at the airport have
higher, set rates than those you may hail on the street and they are
better and much more reliable. Taxi cab drivers do not expect a tip.
Imported
Items: Items not made in Peru are much more expensive than
elsewhere and often not available for purchase. Some of these
commonly needed items include film and camera equipment, insect
repellent, sun screen, contact lens solutions and binoculars. If you
use these items, bring them from home.
Souvenirs
and Such The best buys in Peru are silver and gold jewelry
as
well as a wide variety of handicrafts such as hand-woven shawls,
llama and alpaca furs, sweaters, rugs and blankets, wall hangings,
ceramics, woodwork, straw and leather items.
Hint:
That extra expandable suitcase really comes in handy when it is time
to return home with all your purchases.
Photographs:
It is customary in many Indian populated areas to give a small tip to
the subject of your photographs. These tips can be monetary or
souvenir type items such as a ball point pen. In addition, items such
as cosmetics, pens, T shirts and pocket calculators often can be
traded in the Indian markets for native handicrafts.
Climate
Arid
Coastal Areas: (Most important tourists centers - Lima, Trujillo,
Ica, Nazca, Paracas) In general the climate is temperate to
warm
throughout the year with very little rainfall. The highest
temperatures in this area are around 85 F and lowest around 50 F.
June through October are the coolest months in Lima with the weather
being somewhat humid and foggy.
Sierra or high elevation valleys: (Tourist centers - Cusco, Puno, Machu
Picchu, Arequipa, Huancayo, Huaraz). Most days are mild and
sunny
(79 F highest temperature) with cool to cold nights (32 F coldest
temperature). There is a dry season from May through November and
rainy season from December through April. Machu Picchu is the warmest
of the tourist centers mentioned above with the highs averaging 75 F
and the lows averaging 55 F while Puno is the coldest (66 F/32 F).
Puno often receives light snow during the rainy season.
Jungle:
(Tourist centers - Puerto Maldonado, Iquitos) The climate is
hot
and humid (100 F/70 F) with frequent rains year round.
Clothing:
Dress informal for destinations outside Lima. For most
destinations you will want to dress in layers for climatic changes.
The cosmopolitan city of Lima calls for a bit dressier clothing:
Sport outfits for day wear, dresses and jackets for dinner in fine
restaurants.
Useful items to include in packing list:
- Medium weight jacket for cool evenings (all year, higher elevations)
- Lightweight plastic raincoat / umbrella
- Small flashlight (jungle excursions)
- Mosquito repellent (jungle excursions/Machu Picchu)
- Sneakers or hiking boots (jungle walks/Machu Picchu)
- Extra pair of sneakers (jungle excursions - these may get wet)
- Suntan lotion, sunscreen, wide brimmed hat and sunglasses (Machu Picchu, jungle excursions)
- Warm jacket and heavy socks (Excursions to Puno)
- Binoculars, camera, batteries and plenty of film
- Windbreaker or sweatshirt style jacket (Machu Picchu)
- Small backpack (Machu Picchu, jungle excursions)
Luggage:
You will want a small bag for excursions to Machu Picchu and
the
Amazon. Bring a duffle bag to pack for the Amazon, your main suitcase
will stay in the city office of the jungle lodge. There is no room
for all the luggage on the jungle boats. We suggest one of the
fold-up, expandable types -- can be carried in a larger suitcase, it
is perfect for overnight and handy to carry souvenirs when you pack
to return home.
Contact us to book this journey of discovery.
