Peru : Culture and Ecology Tour
Technical Notes
| Tour Lenght: | 13 days / 12 nights |
|---|---|
| Activities : | Cultural, Archaeological, Ecological. |
| Places to be visited: | Lima / Pisco / Nasca / Arequipa / Cusco / Puno |
| Minimun Number of Pax: | 02 pax |
Itinerary
Day 01: International arrival in Lima
Arrival in Lima. Meet and greet upon your arrival and transfer to Selected Hotel.
Day 02: Lima / CUSCO: City tour and visit to nearby ruins
Early in the morning transfer to Lima airport to board your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, transfer to Selected Hostel. Remaining morning free to rest in your hotel in order to avoid altitude sickness. In the afternoon, we will visit the city of Cusco on a guided tour visiting the Main Square, the Cathedral and the Temple of the Sun or Korikancha. Then, we drive out of the city to visit the Inca sites of Kenko, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara and the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, strategically built on a hill overlooking Cusco, famous for its enormous carved stones, some of them standing over 9 m / 30 ft high and weighing over 350 tons.
Return to your hotel and get ready to enjoy a dinner in a typical restaurant with a folklore show where the musicians play their melodies with Andean instruments of beautiful sounds while typically dressed dancers will show you different ancient Peruvian dances. The most enthusiastic spectators will be invited to form part of the show.
Day 03: CUSCO: Sacred Valley of the Incas
Early morning excursion to the UrubambaValley, the SacredValley of the Incas.
Visit to the picturesque Indian Pisac Market held on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, the shopping paradise of the Andes where barter is still practiced.
Enjoy the unique atmosphere during a typical buffet lunch.
In the afternoon, passing through the towns of Calca and Urubamba, we visit the Inca Fortress and Citadel of Ollantaytambo, built to guard the entrance to this part of the valley, and protect it from possible invasion from the tribes in the lower jungle. You can walk through the quaint streets of the nearby town, and get a good idea of what this strategic military, religious, and agricultural center was like during the era of the Inca Empire. Late afternoon return to Cuzco and transfer to the hotel for overnight.
Evening free. We suggest strolling around the Main Square and enjoy the night atmosphere trying a delicious Pisco Sour in some of the many pubs around the Square.
Day 04: CUSCO / Machu Picchu – Inca Trail (Cusco - Piscacucho - Wayllabamba)
Very early in the morning our guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco to transfer you by bus to the town of Piscacucho, where we will have a snack. After approximately three hours of walking we will stop for lunch. Then, we will continue walking heading for the first camp in Wayllabamba; we will visit the archaeological complex of Llactapata en route. Dinner and overnight in the camp.
Day 05: INCA TRAIL (Wayllabamba - Warmiwañusca - Pacaymayo)
After breakfast, the hardest part of the trail begins, with a steep ascent, followed by 3 hours walking until reaching the first step, Warmiwañusca called (Dead Woman), up to 4.200 m.a.s.l. approximately. You will not only enjoy incredible panoramic views from here but you will also have the satisfaction to have reached the top. After lunch in Vizcachayoc we will descend towards Pacaymayo (3500 m.a.s.l.) for dinner and camp.
Day 06: INCA TRAIL (Pacaymayo - Phuya Patamarka - Wiñay Huayna)
After breakfast the ascent will begin until the second more important step of the route, up to 3,900 m.a.s.l., where you will enjoy a guided visit to the archaeological complex Runkurakay and the Inca citadel of Sayacmarca (3,600 m.a.s.l.). Lunch in Chaqquicocha. Then, you will continue walking towards Phuya Patamarka (town in clouds), another important archaeological monument. After a brief rest, we will continue walking until arriving at Wiñay Huayna (Always Young), for a guided visit to this archaeological complex spectacularly located. Dinner and overnight in the camp.
Note: The above are the regular camp sites according to the circuit operated by Turismo Inkaiko, however, these can vary according to disposition levied by the Machu Picchu Management Unit without previous warning, which will not affect the itinerary.
Day 07: Wiñay Huayna - Machu Picchu - Cusco
After breakfast (05:00 approx.), start walking for one hour by the forest until the Inti Punku (Door of the Sun), known like the front door to Machu Picchu, from where we will be able to have an impressive panoramic view of the Inca citadel. Upon arrival to Machu Picchu, you will have a guided tour of the ruins and monuments, such as the Main Square, the CircularTower, the Sacred Solar Clock, the Royal Quarters, the temple of the Three Windows and the cemeteries. Free time to stroll around the citadel and then meet the rest of the group to be transferred by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch. In the afternoon return to Cusco by train. Upon arrival in Cusco, transfer to El Condado de San Agustin Hostel.
Evening free. We recommend to dine out at any of Cusco's downtown restaurants and stroll by the Main Square.
Day 08: CUSCO / MANU
Early departure from Cusco on one of our vehicles especially equipped for the road, crossing amazing Inter Andean valleys and picturesque peasant communities. At midday, we will visit the pre-Incas tombs of Ninamarca known as "Chullpas" and then Paucartambo, a typical colonial town of great importance those years and that still preserves its essence. Going on with our journey, we will go up to the Valley of Acjanacu at 3,850 m.a.s.l. From here, we will start going down, passing by the Cloud forest, a rich area in endangered species such as the Spectacle Bear and the Cock of the Rocks, orchids, bromeliads, ferns, etc. Finally, we will have our first night at a comfortable campsite
Day 09: MANU – Cloud Forest and Atalaya
Very early, comfortably installed on an observation platform called "Lek", we will be able to appreciate the flirting dance of the Cock of the Rocks, the national bird of Peru that has showy bright red and orange fur. After having breakfast, we continue our journey on our vehicle (see Optional 1 – mountain biking) crossing the high jungle, towards the town of Pilcopata(see Optional 2 – river rafting). After 30 minutes bus ride we will arrive to the AtalayaPort, situated at the shore of Alto Madre de Dios River, at 700 m.a.s.l., where our river equipment is installed. Once the motor boat is loaded with the needed equipment, we will start our way down by AltoMadre de DiosRiver towards our private reserve of "Erika Lodge" where we will spend the next two nights. Short walk around the lodge.
Optional 1: Descend with mountain bikes from the San Pedro Lodge (1,700 m.a.s.l.) in the Cloud Forest to Pillcopata (700 m.a.s.l.). Additional price $25
Optional 2: In Pilcopata town we will make all the final settings for 1 ½ to 3 hour rafting trip down the Kosñipata river where we will have the opportunity for a dip and of course enjoy the spectacular view of the KoñeqCanyon. Continuing down the Alto Madre de Dios river to Erika Lodge. Additional price $25
Day 10: MANU – Erika Lodge
After breakfast, we will start walking near the riverbanks, during the hike our guide will talk about insects, medicinal plants, trees, reptiles, mammals, etc. Early afternoon we will start a short ride by boat to visit a small lake near to the AltoMadre de DiosRiver, here we are going to have the chance to see the Hoatzin, a primitive bird, white caimans, many species of birds, etc. Short night walk. This will be our last night in the wonderful Amazon jungle. Overnight in the lodge.
Day 11: MANU – Parrot Lick Collpa
This day we will get up very early to board our boat, and after five minutes, we will arrive to a Parrot Lick "Collpa", which is a wall of clay in the riverbanks, where many species of parrots such as the blue headed parrot, white-eyed parakeet, feed for mineral and salt supplements to their diet of seeds and fruits. After this we will take the boat to Atalaya, to take our transport that will take us out of Manu gateway to the civilization. Arrive Cusco by night, transfer to the Hotel.
Day 12: CUSCO / Lima
At appropriate time, transfer to Cusco airport to board your flight back to Lima. Upon your arrival, transfer to the Hotel.
Day 13: Lima – International Departure
Morning at leisure (see optionals below). In the afternoon, transfer to Lima airport for your international departure flight.
OPTIONALS:
1. Lima - City Tour
In the morning, guided city tour by the most attractive and important sites in Lima: the "City of Kings". The tour includes Lima's HistoricalCenter, visiting San Martin Square, the Main square, the GovernmentPalace, the City Hall, the Cathedral, the CathedralMuseum, the Church of Santo Domingo with the tombs of Saint Rose and Saint Martin of Porras and Lima's Colonial Balconies.
We will visit the Convent and Church of Saint Francisco, the greatest monumental complex of Colonial Art in America and Cultural Heritage of the Humanity. The tour includes a visit to the Basilica of 21 altars, convent of cloisters, Capitulary and Clementine Rooms, the chorus and the library of the priests, a museum showing 11 paintings of Rubens school, the sacristy with paintings of Surbaran y Ribera, its great patio decorated with Seville tiles of XVI century, Moorish arcs and undergrounds buries.
We then drive through the residential district of San Isidro and Miraflores, passing by the Huaca Pucllana: a ceremonial and administrative center of Lima Culture built in the II century A.C. that the Incas considered as "ñaupallaqta" or sacred town. We will also visit El Olivar Park with olives trees brought from Spain in the XV century, The central Park of Miraflores and Larcomar: a symbol of modern Lima and a Tourist and Entertainment center as well as a privileged site to enjoy an amazing view of Pacific Ocean.
2. Post Tour: Nasca – Paracas
Day 13: Lima / Ica / Nasca Lines
Breakfast. Early in the morning, transfer to the bus station to board public touristic bus Lima to Ica. After arrival to Ica, we will transfer to Ica airport to take an aircraft for 1 hour and 15-minute flight over the enigmatic Nasca Lines. These enormous lineal drawings of animals, birds and geometric figures, remain etched in the desert and they can only be appreciated from the air.
After flying over the Nasca markings, we will do a guided city tour of Ica including modern and traditional districts, the Sanctuary of Luren, the Regional Museum of Archaeology to learn a little more about the Nasca and Paracas pre-Inca cultures and the legendary town of wizards and witches called Cachiche. Then drive to the Huacachina Lagoon, to explore its natural beauty and taste some of the most delicious wines and piscos of the region. Transfer to selected Hotel for overnight.
Day 14: Ica / Paracas: BallestasIslands / Lima
Breakfast. Early in the morning, transfer in private car to ParacasPeninsula, where we can find the most important wildlife sanctuary on the PeruvianCoast. Boat excursion to the BallestasIslands, where we can observe sea lions, boobies, pelicans, penguins and marine birds. On the way back, from the water, we can also see the "Candelabro"(Candelabrum), a giant figure etched in the sand on the side of a hill in the style of the Nasca Lines. Free time for lunch in a Paracas restaurant. We suggest having lunch at the Paracas Hotel because its food is excellent and you will have the opportunity to take a refreshing and relaxing swim at the pool.
In the afternoon board to your public touristic bus to return to Lima. Upon arrival, immediate transfer to the airport to board your international departure flight.
Tour Inclusions
OUR PRICES INCLUDE:
- Accommodation at the selected hotels.
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
- All bilingual guided tours as described in the itinerary.
- All entrance fees.
- All transfers and land transportation.
- All applicable taxes.
- All bilingual guided tours as described in the itinerary.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Domestic flights.
- Airport taxes.
- Baggage excess.
- Alcoholic drinks, soda or bottled mineral water.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips.
- International or National personal telephone calls
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