Peru is lively, mystical and magical! On this one week itinerary you will visit Lima, Cuzco, Machu Picchu, and the Amazon Rainforest! See the wonders of modern-day Lima and the ancient city of Cuzco. Visit the fortress ruins at Sacsayhuaman. Discover the secrets of the Sacred Valley and explore the extensive ruins at Machu Picchu. Experience the enigmatic adventures in the Amazon Rain Forest on this exceptional program of exploration.
PROGRAM DAY-BY-DAY
DAY
DESCRIPTION
1
Arrival in Peru's capital city (Lima)
After clearing customs and immigration, proceed to the reception area, where our local representative will be holding a board with your name on it. You will be greeted with a “Bienvenidos a Lima” and transferred to your hotel. The Miraflores and San Isidro districts offer excellent restaurants and nightlife options. We recommend you check with the concierge for expert advice on dining venues and nightlife.
Everything Lima
Lima, known as The City of Kings, was once the city of the Spanish Empire, now the Capital of Peru. Today you will be introduced to the colonial and modern parts of Lima. Pass old streets filled with colonial houses with Moorish-style balconies. Visit the Basilica Catedral and see San Francisco Church, San Martin Square, and Miraflores brimming with its shops, restaurants, cafes and wide avenues. At tiny Love Park, facing the ocean, see the sculpture featuring the love kiss of an Andean couple.(B,D)
On to Cuzco
Today board a flight bound for Cuzco, the oldest inhabited city in the Western Hemisphere and gateway to the Incas treasures. The Incas laid out the city in the form of a puma. See the most important Cuzco landmarks from both the Inca and Spanish Colonial times -- Korikancha (the ancient temple of the Sun) and the Colonial Cathedral. Then visit the wonderful ruins of Sacsayhuaman, the Inca fortress overlooking Cuzco, the nearby shrines of Kenqo (funeral worship), Tambomachay (cleansing water rituals), and the ancient Tambo of Pukapukara. (B,L)
Machu Picchu with overnight included
Early morning departure transfer for the Ollanta train station. Once there board the train bounded for the Lost City of the Incas. You will ride along a flat patched landscape of vegetable orchards and cereal harvests. After dropping off the adventure hikers at km 104, enter the semi-tropical jungle that forms the natural threshold of Machu Picchu. The train ascends into the mountains, guided by the Urubamba River, until reaching a small village set in a narrow valley flanked by precipitous peaks, in a landscape of impossible beauty. Machu Picchu, the last refuge of the Inca Virgins of the Sun, the private retreat of the Inca Pachacutec, the lost city found by Hiram Bingham, sits on the saddle of a mountain overlooking the deep canyon. It is time to discover. (B,L,D)
Investigate Machu Picchu. Afternoon train return (Cusco)
We let you decide your morning plans. Take as much time as you need to study the mysterious ruins, hike up Huayna Picchu, stroll to the Inca Bridge, visit the orchid gardens, relax at the hot springs, or walk to the legendary Sun Gate. In the afternoon, board the comfortable Vistadome train for your ride back to Cusco. Upon arrival our local team will be waiting at the station to transfer you to your hotel. (B)
On to the jungle (Puerto Maldonado)
Board a flight for Puerto Maldonado. Your rainforest experience begins with a river boat ride to the Rainforest lodge. This afternoon enjoy a guided walk through the jungle to see tropical trees, medicinal plants and butterflies. Stop at a lookout to observe toucans, macaws and other birds gathering about sunset. Then enjoy a twilight river excursion and search for caiman crocodiles that live on the river banks. (B,L,D)
Exploring the jungle (Puerto Maldonado)
Rise early for the trek through more of the rainforest to a parrot clay-lick. Normally at least five bird species are present, creating a cacophony of sound, movement and color. After breakfast take a river cruise to Monkey Island and then to the Tambopata-Candamo National Reserve. The nature walk here includes giant trees and possible sightings of snakes, monkeys, birds and even the illusive jaguar. At Sandoval Lake watch for kingfishers, cormorants, hoatzins, howler monkeys and Giant River otters. Return to the lodge for a well-deserved dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)
Departure: Independent Guided Journeys: Daily year round. Escorted: December 21, 2010
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Type of services: Private services throughout with bilingual local guides except in the jungle where all services are operated in small groups.
Highlights: The beauty of the enigmatic Sacred Valley; bargaining at the bustling Indian Market in Pisac; an unforgettable train ride to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas; exploring the Inca ruins outside Cuzco; the pristine Tambopata Reserve.
Inoculations: There are no mandatory inoculations required to travel anywhere in Peru. Yet, we strongly recommend that you speak with your physician.
Travel documents: American, Canadian and European Union citizens only need a valid passport for stays of up to 30 days.
Inclusions: All ground transportation at the destination; lodging, meals and tours per itinerary; hotel taxes; English-speaking assistance.
Not included: International airfares; Peru domestic airfares (Approx $590pp); airport departure taxes; tips of any kind; incidentals at hotels; any meals not included in the itinerary; alcoholic beverages; souvenirs.
VISA INFORMATION
It is the travelers responsibility to have all proper travel documents which can include passports and foreign visas. Learn more here: Passport & Visa Information
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel Insurance is highly recommended to protect your travel investment and for any emergencies that could occur while traveling. Learn more here: Travel Insurance
IMPORTANT NOTES
All rates are “From Prices”
and correspond to the lowest season in the year.
Expect moderate to high increases for high season
and holiday periods. Low season dates vary from
destination to destination. Please inquire for details.
All rates on this website are per person and based
on double occupancy, unless otherwise indicated.
If a hotel included in a program is not available
at the time of the reservation, we will substitute
it for a hotel of similar category.
Room and cabin upgrades are available at most hotels
and cruises. Please inquire at the time of reservation.
Most programs can be customized.
All itineraries are subject to change without notice.
Website is for research purposes only.
To receive an estimate, please contact Toll Free at 1-800-255-4266 us
or send
an email to us.
Maupin Journeys
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