ECOPE07 The Best of Peru 21D/20N

Day 1: Lima arrival

Arrival in Lima. Reception at the airport and we transfer you to the hotel where our guide will give a short briefing about next day activities.

Day 2: Lima City Tour (4 hours)

Breakfast. This excursion offers the best combination of the different attractions in Lima and its three historical periods: pre-Hispanic, colonial and contemporary. In Lima, there were several different pre-Columbian cultures which are dated thousands of years back. Lima was part of the Inca Empire until was founded by the Spaniard Francisco Pizarro on January 18then, 1535.
Ancestral Lima: At the Huaca Pucllana, an archaeological precinct build in the IV century A.C., we will have a panoramic view of this magnificent ceremonial and administrative centre which was considered by the Incas a holy village. We will learn about the life and rituals of its ancient inhabitants.
Colonial Lima: The Peruvian Viceroyalty was the most important one in the Spanish Empire and Lima was its capital. The highlights of its historical centre are the Promenade of the Republic, Plaza San Martin (San Martin Square) and the Plaza Mayor (Main Square), with their different buildings: Government Palace, Archbishop's Palace, and the Cathedral. In its historic centre we shall visit one of its most beautiful buildings, the Museum of the Banco Central de Reserva. We will enter the monumental Convent of Saint Francis, which displays the biggest collection of religious art in America. The Big Patio of the Main Cloister, decorated with Sevillan styles from the XVI century, its beautiful Moorish arches and its subterranean crypts known as The Catacombs, where you will feel the presence of Lima's colonial past.
Contemporary Lima: Visit to the most traditional residential areas in the capital: The Olive Grove of San Isidro, Miraflores and Larco Mar a new distinctive tourist centre of contemporary Lima.

Day 3: Lima - Chiclayo

Transfer to the airport in Lima from where we flight to Chiclayo, located on the north coast of Peru. Transfer to your hotel. After check in we will drive north first to visit the visit Brunning Museum in Lambayeque City, which contains wonderful gold and silver pieces of the Mochica and Chimu cultures. Then we continue north to the Tucume archaeological complex composed of 26 adobe pyramids and an important settlement of the Sican culture. In the afternoon we drive to the town of Sipan where we visit to Huaca Rajada, an archaeological complex of two pyramids and where we will find the famous royal tomb of the Mochica Leader known as the Lord of Sipan. Here we will also have the opportunity to visit the Sipan Museum. Late evening return to your hotel in Chiclayo. (B).

Day 4: Chiclayo - Trujillo

This day will begin in the morning in Chiclayo with a visit to the Local Market and the "Mercado de Brujos". Then we will drive south to the city of Trujillo located in the fertile Moche River valley. Hotel check in and in the afternoon we visit to the famous Chan-Chan Ruins, considered the largest mud city in the world and declared Cultural Patrimony of the Humanity. It was the nucleus of the Chimu culture in the 12th century. By the sunset time we will be at Huanchaco Beach were we will observe the traditional artesian fishers with their "Caballitos de Totora" (reed boats). Hotel. (B).

Day 5: Trujillo – Lima - Ica

Starting early in the morning transfer from the hotel to the airport in Trujillo, from where we will be flying to Lima. Arrival in Lima and immediately private car will transport you towards the city of Ica. At 32 km. southward on the Pan-American Highway this tour will take you to the entrance of the Pachacamac Ruins. Pachacamac is the God, the creator of the universe and adored by the ancestral Andean people. These ruins are one of the most important pre-Inca Sanctuaries located near Lima, and where you can explore the Sun and Moon temples built in pyramid-shaped platforms. Later on we will stop to visit the hacienda Tacama producer of some of the best wines in the country. Here we can taste the famous pisco liquor called "Demonio de los Andes" (Andean Devil). Then we continue to Ica where we will check at our hotel. Later on we will visit to "El Catador", a pisco and wine factory where we will observe the artisanal production of the wine and pisco starting from "la pisa de uva" (grape fruit step) process until you will taste the final product. Later on we will visit Huacachina, an Oasis with a beautiful lagoon. Set among enormous dunes of fine sand, Huacachina lagoon is surrounded by dactyl palms and carob trees which give shade to the old residences and the handsome walkway. Hotel in Ica. (B).

Day 6: Ica – Nasca - Ica

Early morning will be driving to Nasca for the optional Nasca Lines over-flight. The Nasca Lines are one of the greatest mysteries of South America with the giant geometrical lines resembling land strips, intriguing figures such as a condor, monkey spider, etc. If the weather conditions allow it, we will also over flight The Aqueducts. In Nasca will be time to visit the Nasca Artesian and Cultural Centre where the Italian Museum is and which contains original pieces of the Nasca Lines. We also can observe how the artesian people do in ceramic copies of the original Huacos (buried ancestral elements). Transport back to our hotel in Ica. B.

Day 7: Ica – Ballestas - Lima

In the morning will be driving north-east to the shores of the Pacific Ocean. From here we take a boat to make a visit to the Ballestas Islands, where we will observe sea lions, cormorants, pelicans, gannets and other abundant sea birds together with nice views of the Ocean. Afterwards we visit the Paracas National Reserve and the Julio C. Tello Museum. Transport back to Lima where we arrive late in the afternoon. Hotel accommodations. B.

Day 8: Lima - Arequipa

Transfer to the airport in Lima and flight towards the city of Arequipa. This is one of the most charming cities in Peru and located in a beautiful area surrounded by high volcanoes which gives to the city a wonderful appearance. The city has many colonial-era Spanish buildings built of sillar, a pearly white volcanic rock, from which it gets the nickname La Ciudad Blanca ("The White City"). The historic centre of Arequipa was named a UNESCO world heritage site in recognition of its architecture and historic integrity. Up on arrival transfer to the hotel followed by a 3 hours guided tour to visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, visit to la Mansion del Fundador and El Molino de Sabandía. Hotel in Arequipa. B.

Day 9: Arequipa – Chivay (Colca Canyon Tour)

Morning drive towards the Salinas and Aguada National Reserve. Located north of Arequipa city, at an altitude between 3,600 and 6,000 meters, the National Reserve is the habitat to wild cameloids, such as vicuña and guanaco, and the home to a wide range of migratory and sedentary birds that breed around various mountain lakes, dams and rivers. Created in 1979 to preserve the endangered flora and fauna of the area, it occupies some 370,000 hectares in the southern departments of Arequipa and Moquegua. The volcanoes Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu are found here, as well as the beautiful Salinas lagoons, a birdwatchers favorite place due to the consistent number of flamingos, and the Indio lagoon, an important refuge for aquatic birds. The Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve is the habitat to animal species (23 mammals and 138 birds). Some of the most representative are the vizcacha, the Andean huemul, the culpeo fox, the vicuña (which goes through a repopulation program), the flamingo and the guanaco. In Pampa Cañahuas and Tocra there is significant population of vicuñas and it is an attractive stop on the way to Chivay. Lunch box on the way and finally arrive to Chivay Town. Hotel. B, LB.

Day 10: Chivay - Colca Canyon - Arequipa

Colca Canyon is formed by the Colca River. Located about 100 miles (160 kilometers) northwest of Arequipa it is more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the United States, however, the canyon's walls are not as vertical as those of the Grand Canyon. In the surroundings, the Colca Valley is a colorful Andean valley with towns founded in Spanish Colonial times and formerly inhabited by the Collaguas and the Cabanas Indian communities. The local people still maintain ancestral traditions and continue to cultivate the pre-Inca stepped terraces. The canyon is home to the Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus), a species that has seen world-wide effort to preserve it. The condors can be seen at fairly close range as they fly through the canyon walls and are a popular attraction. 'Cruz del Condor' is a popular tourist stop to view the condors, the pass where condors soar gracefully on the rising thermals occurring as the air warms. The condors are best seen in the early morning and late afternoon when they are hunting. At Cruz del Condor, the canyon floor is 3,960 ft (1,200 m) below the rim of the canyon. Other attraction is "La Calera" natural hot springs which is located at Chivay, the biggest town in the Colca Canyon. Transport back to Arequipa where we will arrive late in the afternoon. Transfer to your hotel. B.

Day 11: Arequipa - Juliaca - Puno

Morning transport to the city of Puno on the shores of the great Titicaca Lake. This journey is plenty of beautiful views of the high Andean plateaus and of the high volcanoes. We will follow the road Arequipa – Juliaca – Puno. Short before arriving to Puno, we make a visit to the Chullpas de Sillustani known as the burial site of the ancient Hatun Colla chiefs and located on the shores of the solitary Umayo Lake. On their own and after arrival in the hotel, passengers can visit the main square and have the opportunity to appreciate the interesting Indian Market in the city of Puno. Hotel. B.

Day 12: Puno – Titicaca Lake (Uros & Taquile Islands)

Shared (in pool) tour:
From your hotel transfer to the shores of Titicaca Lake and by boat (shared tour) travel to Uros, the unique floating islands located on Titicaca Lake. On this group of 40 big island-like packs of floating totora (reeds), Uros natives continue living like their ancestors, preserving its costumes and idiosyncrasy, but above all, their own system of communal life. Later on we continue to visit the Taquile Island, where are still living descendants from the Incas and they spin the finest woven goods in Peru. Late afternoon return to Puno and transfer to your hotel. (B, L).

Day 13: Puno - Cusco

Shared (in pool) tour:
In the morning we take the comfortable tourist bus Inka Express transport to Cusco. During the 8 hours drive to Cusco, we visit to the communities of Pukara where we visit the interesting museum. Later on we make a stop at La Raya where we can enjoy nice views of the high snow covered Andean peaks and also we can observe herds of Vicuñas. Later on we stop at Sicuani town for lunch. Afterwards we continue towards Racchi to visit the interesting Temple of Wiracocha. Later we make our last stop in Andahuaylillas to visit the famous Chapel of Checacupe. Hotel. B, L.

Day 14: ½ Cusco City tour

In the morning we make a city tour in Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire. We will stroll on the beautiful cobbled narrow streets visiting the Plaza de Armas (Main Square) with its beautiful colonial buildings, then we go for a visit to the impressive Koricancha Temple (Temple of the Sun) now known as the Santo Domingo Church. Later on we go for a visit to the nearby Inca ruins of Cusco: Sacsayhuaman, Qenko, and Tambo Machay. Return to the hotel in Cusco. Free afternoon. (B).

Day 15: Cusco – Incas Sacred Valley

In the morning we depart by car for full day tour to visit Urubamba, known as the Incas Sacred Valley. The Valley is generally understood to include all the tourist attractions between the towns of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. The Urubamba River (known also as Vilcanota River or Wilcamayu), as this Sacred river is called when passing through the valley is fed by numerous rivers which descend through adjoining valleys and gorges. The valley was appreciated by the Incas due to its special geographical and climatic qualities. It was one of the empire's main points for the extraction of natural wealth, and the best place for maize production in Peru. Here we find numerous archaeological remains and villages: the beautiful Pisac Inca Ruins, The Ollantaytambo Inca Fortress, the Pisac town and its colorful Indian market, the Ollantaytambo Inca town. Overnight in a local Hotel in the Sacred Valley. B.

Day 16: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Early morning transfer to the Ollanta train station and departure with a local train to Aguas Calientes. The scenic train ride follows the side of the Urubamba River until it arrives to the town of Aguas Calientes. From this point and using a public tourist bus we will go up to the entrance of the famous Lost City of the Incas: Machu Picchu, one of the most impressive Inca Citadel in the world. The site is located 2400 meters (7875 ft) above sea level, and situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley. Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and it is especially important as a cultural site and is considered a sacred place. Machu Picchu was built in the classical Inca style, with polished dry-stone walls. Its primary buildings are the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of the Three Windows. These are located in what is known by archaeologists as the Sacred District of Machu Picchu. In September 2007, Peru and Yale University reached an agreement regarding the return of artifacts which Hiram Bingham had removed from Machu Picchu in the early twentieth century. In the afternoon by tourist public bus transport to Aguas Calientes and the train back to Ollantaytambo from where by car we transport you to Cusco. Hotel. (B).

Day 17: Cusco free day.

Enjoy a last free day in this beautiful city, the Incas Capital. Hotel. B.

Day 18: Cusco – Pto. Maldonado (Jungle Tour).

Monkey Island (Isla de los Monos)
In the morning transfer to the airport in Cusco and flight to the city of Puerto Maldonado. Up on arrival we will transfer you to the river dock where we board our boat and go for an unforgettable journey down the Madre de Dios River and towards our lodge. Along the way we can observe caimans, turtles (charapas) and other fauna, as well as herons, king fisher and other varieties of bird species. Upon arrival at the Lodge we will enjoy an exquisite –and typical- welcome drink and you will be settled in our comfortable bungalows. Lunch ensues shortly. Afterwards, in the company of our specialized guide, we visit the Monkey Island ("Isla de los Monos"). Located only five minutes from the Lodge, in the middle of the Madre de Dios river, the Monkey Island hosts an ample variety of species of monkeys: These range from the noisy ones such as the Maquisapa (Spider Monkey), the happy Achuñi (Nasua nasua d.), the very impressive Fraile (Squirrel Monkey) to the very little and funny Leoncito, "little lions" (Tití –Cebuella pygmaea). The trip to the island affords very beautiful sightseeing of the local landscape as well as the flora and fauna that they host. B, L, D.

Day 19: "Cocha Perdida" (Lost Lake)

After breakfast we go for an adventure through the virgin jungle. Our indigenous guide will take us for a hike to the "Cocha Perdida" (Lost Cocha). This site constitutes a unique protected Ecosystem, Refuge and Feeding ground for a great diversity of jungle fauna including Nutria, Otter (Lutra incarum), Cayman (New World Crocodile), Turtles (Charapas), Sachavaca (Amazonian Tapir) the majestic Jaguar, or Otorongo (Panthera onça).As well as many birds of striking plumage as well as an ample variety of species of fish. This area is unique and distinctively particular to the Amazon Rainforest Reserve remained unaltered and conveniently surrounded by large swamps and wetlands. One of the highlights of today's tour is certainly the ascent to the "Mirador" (the "Amazonian Overlook") built a top the greatest of treetops in the Amazonian forest, the revered "Shihuahuaco" (Diptrax alata), a relative of the Mimosa and Copaiba family and from where a grand view of the great and magical forest can be admired. This is complemented by a pleasant canoe tour around the lake, after which we return to the Lodge for a well earned lunch. In the afternoon optional visit to a local family and to the botanical gardens. Return to Lodge and enjoy a delicious dinner. B, L, D.

Day 20: Jungle Lodge – Pto. Maldonado – Cusco (or Lima)

Early morning breakfast and then with our canoe we will transfer you to the city of Pto. Maldonado and to the airport for your flight to the city of Lima. Hotel in Lima and free time. B.

Day 21: Lima – Transfer Out

In the morning transfer to the airport for your flight back home. End of our services (or program extension). (B).

Gross Rates per Person in US$:

Included:

Transport + English speaking guide + all entrance fees + Hotel based in DWB or twin bed accommodations + Noted meals (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch).

Not included:

Over flight to the Nasca Lines (2009: us$ 85.- pp – can change), Nasca Airport fee, Train tickets Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Cusco (Vista Dome: $131; Back Packer: $91.-pp), domestic and international flights, airport taxes, extras, tips and personal expenses, other meals.

Train tickets and air tickets rates may vary without any previous advice from Peru Rail or the airlines respectively