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LEGENDARY
PERU
A World Heritage Sites Tour of Peru |
 |
From
the mysterious Inca ruins of Machu Picchu to the colonial
city of Arequipa and the ongoing excavations of more historical
sites along the Northern coast and the highlands, Peru
is indeed one of the most exciting destinations in archaeology
and history. Beyond this, Peru is filled with spiritual
history and powers, becoming a world center for healing
and personal growth. |
Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01 |
Lima |
|
02 |
Lima |
| 03 |
Lima
/ Arequipa |
|
04 |
Arequipa
/ Cuzco |
|
05 |
Cuzco
/ Sacred Valley |
|
06 |
Sacred
Valley / Machu Picchu/Cuzco |
|
07 |
Cuzco
/ Puno |
|
08 |
Puno
/ Lima |
|
09 |
Lima |
|
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
|
World Heritage Sites in Peru covered on this tour |
|
City of Cuzco (1983) |
Located
in the Peruvian Andes, Cuzco developed, under the Inca
ruler Pachacutec, into a complex urban centre with distinct
religious and administrative functions. It was surrounded
by clearly delineated areas for agricultural, artisan
and industrial production. When the Spaniards conquered
it in the 16th century, they maintained its structure
but built Baroque churches and palaces over the ruins
of the Indian city. |
| Historic
Sanctuary of Machu Picchu (1983) |
At
2,430 metres / 2657 yards above sea level, on a mountain
site of extraordinary beauty, in the middle of a tropical
mountain forest, Machu Picchu was probably the most amazing
urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height, with
its giant walls, terraces and ramps, which appear as though
they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments.
The natural setting on the eastern slope of the Andes
encompasses the upper Amazon basin with its rich diversity
of species. |
| Historic
Centre of Lima (1988) |
Although
severely damaged by earthquakes (in 1940, 1966, 1970 and
1974), this "City of Kings" was, until the middle of the
18th century, the capital and most important city of the
Spanish dominions in South America. Many of its buildings,
such as the San Francisco Convent (the biggest in this
part of the world) are the result of joint creations between
local craftsmen and masters from the Old Continent. |
| Historical
Centre of the City of Arequipa (2000) |
The
Historic Centre of Arequipa, built in volcanic sillar
rock, represents an integration of European and native
building techniques and characteristics, expressed in
the admirable work of colonial masters and criollo and
Indian masons. It is illustrated by its robust walls,
archways and vaults, courtyards and open spaces, and the
intricate Baroque decoration of its facades. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day
1: Arrive Lima
Bienvenidos a Peru! We receive a Lima style welcome at the
airport and are subsequently transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Casa Andina Private Collection Hotel, Lima (2 nights)
Day 2: Lima
Our afternoon tour of the city begins with the centrally located
Plaza Mayor (main square) designed and built by the famed Francisco
Pizarro. The Cathedral, Palacio de los Virreyes, Palacio Arzobispal
and Palacio Municipal. We also visit the San Francisco Convent,
arguably the most beautiful architectural complex in the city.
(B)
Day 3: Lima/Arequipa (Flight)
A short flight gets us to Arequipa, where this afternoon we
tour the Santa Catalina Convent, Plaza de Armas, La Compañía
cloisters and the districts of Yanahuara and Chilina where
we enjoy a breathtaking view of the Misti Volcano.
Overnight: El Cabildo Hotel, Arequipa (1 night) (B)
Day 4: Arequipa/Cuzco (Flight)
A scenic flight conveys us to Cuzco. Afternoon tour includes
the beautiful church of Santo Domingo, the Cathedral, the Hatunrumiyoc,
as well as the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman - a most remarkable
Inca building. Our tour continues to Quenqo, believed to have
been an important sanctuary during the Inca period, Puca Pucara,
a strategically located “red fortress” that dominates
the entire area and Tambomachay with its two distinctive aqueducts
that continue to provide clean water year round.
Overnight: El Dorado San Augustin, Cuzco (1 night) (B)
Day 5: Cuzco/Sacred Valley (Drive)
This morning we head out to the valley of Urubamba’s
River (also called River Wilcamayu or Vilcanota) or “Sacred
Valley” because grain and maize were cultivated for the
Inka, his family and the upper class. Visit includes the Indian
Market of Pisac. Pisac is famous for its peasant farms, native
handicrafts and interesting Indian market that takes place
three times a week (Tue, Thu & Sun). Our next stop is the
fortress of Ollantaytambo, one of the most important examples
of Inca military architecture. The complex has temples, palaces
and a lot more to discover.
Overnight: Casa Andina Private Collection Hotel, Sacred Valley
(1 night) (B)
Day 6: Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu/Cuzco (Drive/Train/Drive)
Our day starts with the incredible 3-hour scenic train ride
to Aguas Calientes from where we take a coach transfer to South
America’s most famous World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu.
Our tour of the majestic Machu Picchu begins with the citadel,
by far the most important attraction in the area. Discovered
in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham, the citadel
is one of the most extraordinary examples of landscape architecture
in the world. We walk through the many stairways and canals
carved out of stone that are recurrent throughout this remarkable
archaeological site.
Overnight: El Dorado San Augustin, Cuzco (1 night) (B, L)
Day 7: Cuzco/Puno (Drive)
A pleasant 8-hour bus (seat-in-coach) trip takes us through
picturesque rural landscapes dotted by small villages and herds
of llamas and vicuñas. Our destination is Puno, however
we make stops along our way to include visit to the Andahuylillas
town and the Raqchi ruins. Arrival at Puno’s bus station,
meet & transfer to hotel.
Overnight: Casa Andina Private Collection Hotel, Puno (1 night)
(B, L)
Day 8: Puno/Lima (Flight)
Another exciting day as we embark on a two-hour motorboat excursion
on Lake Titicaca to visit the floating islands of the Uros.
Formed from layers of totora, these floating islands are inhabited
by the descendants of the ancient people known as the Urus
who, having been rejected by the Aymaras, had no choice but
to live in isolation from other communities. Living in extreme
poverty, these people earn a living by fishing and selling
small handmade crafts to the tourists visiting the islands.
Afternoon transfer to the airport for a flight to Lima, we
stop en route to visit Sillustani, an ancient pre-Inca burial
ground. The ancient people of Peru believed in a mother earth
that created and regulated life; at Sillustani we see where
the mummified bodies were kept, evidence of their great respect
for “Mother Earth”. Arrive Lima and transfer to
the hotel.
Overnight: Casa Andina Private Collection Hotel, Lima (1 night)
(B)
Day 9: Depart Lima
Lima is one of the few capitals to have been designated a World
Heritage Site. This morning we bid farewell to Peru as we are
transferred to the airport for our departure flight. (B)
Possible pre-tour at the beginning of the tour using
public transportation without guide
Nasca and Paracas
Day 1: Arrive Lima
Bienvenidos a Peru! We receive a Lima style welcome at
the airport and are subsequently transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Casa Andina Private Collection Hotel, Lima (1
night)
Day 2: Lima/Paracas/Nasca
At sunrise, departure to Paracas on our private bus for
an approximately 3.30 hrs ride. At 0800 hrs we take a motorboat
to Ballestas Islands, which could be delayed or cancelled
due to weather conditions. Continue onto Ica for a short
visit before heading out for another 3 hours ride to Nasca.
Overnight: Cantayo Hotel, Nasca (1 night) (B)
Day 3: Nasca/Lima
Morning transfer to the local airport for the flight of
approximately 30 mins over the Nasca lines and figures.
Flights may be delayed or cancelled due to weather conditions.
After the flight return to Lima to join the Legendary Peru
program. (B)
|
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
|
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Departure Dates |
2008
Jan 09, Feb
13, Mar 19, Apr
16, May 14, Jul
23, Aug 06, Sep
03, Oct 08, Nov
12 &
Dec 17
|
| Prices |
| Season |
Tour
Price US$ / CA$ |
Single
Sup US$ / CA$ |
| 2008 |
1495 |
350 |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
- Hotels
as mentioned (or similar)
- Meals
as mentioned
- All
sightseeing and transfers by seat-in-coach services
- Services
of local Spanish/English speaking guides
- Entrance
fees (except a second visit to Machu Picchu)
- Vistadome
train tickets
|
- Any
airfares & departure taxes
- Any
visa fees
- Drink/beverages
with meals
- Tips/gratuities
|
| Estimated
International Airfare(not
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1000 |
| West
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1200 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of N/a
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 206–8678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
30
years in small group journeys
|
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Site
updated April 04, 2008
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