MACHU PICCHU AND LAKE TITICACA: PERU FAMILY ADVENTURE

Transcription

1 MACHU PICCHU AND LAKE TITICACA: PERU FAMILY ADVENTURE

2 Itinerary Overview This active Peru adventure designed for active families and travelers of all ages, ventures high into the Andes to a remote and spectacular Inca trail to Machu Picchu, protected by Peru s National Institute of Culture but without the permit requirements on the popular Inca Trail Trek that are often sold out long in advance. Our day hike on one of the most beautiful protected remnants of Inca trail leads to the recently discovered complex of Llactapata. Our expert Wildland guide takes us bushwhacking with machete in-hand to uncover hidden ruins, just like Hiram Bingham and other expedition leaders who searched for lost Inca cities. On this community-based tour we gain a deep understanding of life in the Andes by visiting indigenous Quechua families in their home. Side-by-side, we work in their fields and participate in ancient ceremonies like a pago-a-la-tierra (payment to the Earth), reminding us of our common roots to the Apus (mountain spirits) and Pachamama (Mother Earth). Discover colorful market towns in the Sacred Valley of the Incas where we learn about sustainable agriculture though traditional methods of farming, Andean weaving and pottery making, visit an alpaca and llama farm, and sample traditional Andean cuisine -- especially one day when we purchase fresh ingredients in the market and prepare a meal together with our Peruvian friends guinea pig anyone? On this Peru family adventure we climb a rock wall in the Sacred Valley and fly back down on a long zip line, mountain bike downhill from a high pass to our camp in the jungle and hike among ancient Inca ruins and terraced farmlands. On Lake Titicaca, we spend one night in a local village on Taquile Island where we kayak, meet with weavers and share stories before finally returning to the capital city of Lima to explore the historic colonial districts by bicycle. DAY OVERNIGHT HOTELS MEALS HIGHLIGHTS 1 LIMA Ramada Costa del Sol Arrival. Overnight at airport. 2 URUBAMBA VALLEY Sol y Luna BLD Pisac market & ruins, Quechua- Aymara Association. 3 URUBAMBA VALLEY Sol y Luna BL Zip lining, hiking Pumamarca & Ollantaytambo, Pachamama Ceremony 4 SANTA TERESA Deluxe Jungle Malaga Pass mountain biking, BLD Camping hiking through jungle highlands 5 MACHU PICCHU Machu Picchu Pueblo Inca Trail Hike to Llactapata and BLD Hotel Machu Picchu 6 MACHU PICCHU Machu Picchu Pueblo Guided exploration of ruins BLD Hotel 7 CUSCO Casa Andina Private Free time to revisit ruins. Train to BL Collection Cusco. 8 CUSCO Casa Andina Private Walking tour of Cusco. Market visit BL Collection and cooking lesson with local chef. 9 LAKE TITICACA Casa Andina Private Fly to Juliaca. Boat trip to floating BL Collection Uros Islands. Half-day kayaking adventure, 10 LAKE TITICACA Tika Wasi Lodge BLD hiking and overnight on Taquile Islands. 11 LIMA Casa Andina B Boat return to Puno. Fly to Lima 12 DEPARTURE BL Biking tour of Lima. Depart.

3 Itinerary in Detail DAY 1: ARRIVE LIMA, PERU On your arrival you will assistant at the Lima airport. Overnight at Costa del Sol Ramada DAY 2: PISAC, NATIVE ASSOCIATION FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS Airport assistance with check-in for flight to Cusco. Upon arrival we drive through the city of Cusco past the Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Kenko and Tambomachay, down the valley of Ccorao to the town of Pisac in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Winding our way up dirt roads high in the Peruvian Andes we visit the Quechua-Aymara Association for Sustainable Livelihoods, a group of six native communities who have combined their communal land titles to manage them jointly for their collective benefit. Local families open up their homes and share with us their customs, way of life and traditional knowledge, particularly farming 1,200 different varieties of potatoes. Through ancient rituals they still practice today we are reminded of our common roots and dependence on nature through sustainable agriculture as they express their deep spiritual connections to the mountain Apus (spirits) and deep reverence for Pachamama, our Mother Earth. After a picnic lunch we walk through the Pisac market en route to our hotel in the Sacred Valley. Overnight at Sol y Luna [BLD] DAY 3: SACRED VALLEY DAY OF ADVENTURE Today is a day of adventure in and around the Sacred Valley of the Incas. First, for those with a penchant for heights, but without any climbing experience necessary, we ascend the Via Ferrata fixed rope climbing wall for an exciting non-technical climb up a rock face taking you high above the valley floor to descend on an exciting 6-station 6,000 foot long zip-line back to the valley floor! We then drive further down the valley to Ollantaytambo to amble among the ruins and ancient Temple of the Moon taking time to walk around the village. After lunch at a local restaurant, we drive up to Pumamarca ruins and begin a hike downhill among the vast Inca terracing and irrigation system of Choquecancha, restored by local Quechua farmers to the outskirts of Ollantaytambo. In the tradition of the Incas, we celebrate the earth today with a special pago a la tierra - an Incan ceremony to the Pachamama asking permission for the use of the land, and giving thanks in advance for all it gives us. Overnight at Sol y Luna [BL] DAY 4: MALAGA PASS MOUNTAIN BIKE TO THE JUNGLE HIGHLANDS Today we head up into the high Andes past Ollantaytambo through the Tastayoc Valley to the Malaga Pass (4,650m). Crossing over the Andes we descend into the lush cloud forest of the Vilcabamba range where Hirim Bingham passed in his search for the last refuge of the Incas. With the support of our vehicle we have the option to ride mountain bikes down the sinuous Andean road stopping to visit many of the Quechua families living in this highland cloud forest habitat. At the small Andean village of Santa Maria we descend further to the jungle outpost of Santa Teresa and our private luxury camp on the Urubamba River where toucans call to each other and parrots screech overhead on their way to roost for the evening. Time permitting we can take a late afternoon rafting adventure. Overnight in full service jungle camp [BLD] -3-

4 DAY 5: INCA TRAIL HIKE TO LLACTAPATA AND MACHU PICCHU We depart camp in the morning for a short drive to the remote trail-head of an original Inca Trail protected by the Ministry of Culture but without the permit requirements and use restrictions on the more well-established and popular Inca Trail Trek. We hike 3-4 hours up through lush cloud forest over the Pallayata Pass (2,600m/8,500ft). This is one of the most beautiful protected remnants of an Inca Trail that leads to the recently discovered and extensive Inca ruins complex of Llactapata. Thought to have been the primary residential complex for workers who built Machu Picchu this amazing archaeological zone consists of over 80 structures including high status buildings, agricultural areas, lower status urban ruins, and a connecting Inca road network scattered over several square kilometres. Our lead Wildland guide takes us bush whacking into the dense jungle to uncover hidden structures most hikers pass by unknowingly including a sun temple, residential areas, and remnants still unexcavated just as Hiram Bingham stumbled upon them in We enjoy lunch on a meadow located just 4 km as the condor flies across a deep chasm with spectacular views of Machu Picchu s legendary Watchman s Tower. Descending a winding trail to the Urubamba River through lush bamboo forests, we cross a long, hanging bridge under a waterfall where the trail ends. We catch the local train for a short ride up the tracks to the village of Aguas Calientes to check into our hotel. Overnight at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel [BLD] 5-6 hours hiking/5 miles, feet DAY 6: FULL DAY MACHU PICCHU Be among the first to arrive in Machu Picchu. Our guide will accompany us on an orientation walk through the mysterious maze of streets and stone buildings of this magnificent site. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore and photograph the most impressive archaeological monument in the Andes at your own pace. Visit the temples of Inca royalty and see the Intiwatana, the ancient stone sun dial. Lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge or restaurant in town. Dinner & Overnight at Inkaterra Machu Pichu Pueblo Hotel. [BLD] DAY 7: HUAYNA PICCHU CUSCO Return to Machu Picchu for personal unguided exploration; enjoy contemplating, exploring and photographing the most impressive archaeological monument in South America on your own time wandering through the mysterious maze of streets and stone buildings in this magnificent citadel. You can hike up the precipitous stone stairs of towering Huayna Picchu peak to get a breathtaking view of the setting. Or, you may or chose to spend the morning in the lush tropical environs of our hotel birdwatching, wandering in the orchid collection, learning about the Andean spotted bear conservation program and enjoying spa services. Afternoon return on the Pullman train to a station in the Urubamba Valley where we transfer by private vehicle back to Cusco arriving by evening to our hotel. Overnight at the Casa Andina Private Collection [BL] DAY 8: CUSCO WALKING TOUR & COOKING LESSON We set out this morning on a walking guided tour of ancient Inca temples, Spanish churches and the surrounding ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Qenko, Puca Pucara and Tambo Machay. In the early afternoon we visit Cusco s food market, where our Chef discusses the different local ingredients and hallmarks of Peruvian cuisine. You ll be able to interact with local producers and suppliers, purchasing produce directly from them, a whole experiential sojourn in a traditional Andean market. You ll then join the Chef at his house for a private culinary lesson, starting, of course, with the preparation of the famous Pisco Sour (virgin for the kids!) then moves on to entrées and main courses. Finally, enjoy the fruits of your labors with a typical meal in a family home. Late afternoon and evening are free for shopping and enjoying the restaurants and nightlife of this vibrant city in the Andes. Overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection [BL] -4-

5 DAY 9: LAKE TITICACA Transfer the airport for flight to Juliaca. On arrival transfer to your hotel, a short distance outside of Puno, right on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Board a private boat and explore The Uros Islands, a group of 70 man-made islands floating in Lake Titicaca at an altitude of 12,500 feet in the altiplano, or high plains of the Andes between Peru and Bolivia. For centuries, the native Uros people have centered their life around one plant, the totora reed. The Uros created their own island habitat out of reed: the foundation, their homes and boats and using a part of the plant in their diet. Today, the Uros maintain agricultural lands on the mainland and invite travelers to visit their island communities. Your guide will help explain the mythology of the Uros islands and the history of their people and you may have a chance to ride in one of their reed boats. Return to the mainland for Overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection Puno [BL] DAY 10: KAYAKING LAKE TITICACA & TAQUILE ISLAND STAY Depart your hotel in the early morning and travel by car to the town of Llachón on the Capachica Peninsula. In the village of Llachon, you ll have breakfast and meet and interact with members of the community as they prepare for their day of fishing, farming and sailing. After a safety briefing and equipment demonstration, kayak across the channel from Llachon to Taquile. We paddle for approximately 3 hours, though boat support is provided should we tire. Afternoon arrival at Taquile Island. The island is rich in vibrant images - from the busy main square with colorful markets and weavers to Pre-Incan ruins crowning the central hills. Our guide escorts us on less-visited footpaths around the island and introduce us to locals and town elders. Explore the town, enjoying lunch, followed by dinner and over night at a lodge run by local community members. Accommodations are simple yet comfortable and we are offered an exclusive glimpse of island life after the tourist boats have departed. Overnight at Tika Wasi Rural Lodge [B, Boxed L,D] DAY 11: LAKE TITICACA-LIMA Early morning and breakfast on Taquile, observing the rich weaving traditions of the island (an art that uniquely, is performed almost exclusively by the men.) Boat departure back to Puno, stopping to collect excess luggage at our mainland hotel. Departing the shores of Lake Titicaca en route to the airport we stop to visit the Chincheros Hacienda, a breeding farm for llamas and alpacas, and time permitting the ancient Sillustani Burial Tombs. Fly to Lima and transfer to our hotel in Miraflores. Overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection [B] DAY 12: LIMA CYCLING TOUR DEPART We spend our last day in Peru on two wheels exploring colonial and modern Lima, the capital of Peru. Starting at the hotel with the support of vehicle our cycling guide leads us through the residential streets of Miraflores and San Isidro, the historic and elegant neighborhood of Santa Beatriz, Exposition Park, San Martin Square, the Main Plaza, the Cathedral of Lima, and the San Francisco monastery, stopping at historical Cordano restaurant near the Governor s Palace for lunch. Return to Miraflores to relax and refresh at the hotel (room available for day use) before evening transfer to the airport our international departure. [BL] Note: If biking is not possible due to weather, a city-tour with vehicle assistance will be substituted. END OF SERVICES Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives. -5-

6 PRICING Group Size Land cost per adult $4375 $4195 $3995 Teens $4275 $4095 $3895 Children 12 and under $4100 $3920 $3720 *Single supplement $1,225. Child pricing based on sharing with 2 adults. Internal airfare Lima- Cusco-Lima of approx $375 not included, Wildland can assist in booking this flight. INCLUDED SERVICES All guided tours and excursions English-speaking naturalist guides 2 entrance fees to Machu Picchu, 2 bus tickets Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu Airport-hotel transfers, land transportation 11 nights hotel accommodation as indicated Meals as indicated [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner] Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services NOT INCLUDED SERVICES International airfare Internal airfare Lima-Cusco-Lima of approx $375, Wildland can assist in booking this Tips and gratuities Airport departure taxes Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals other than listed above Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation Any other items not mentioned above -6-

7 Accommodations COSTA DEL SOL RAMADA, LIMA Located within the Lima airport complex, the Costa del Sol is an easy stop after a late arrival from Quito. The hotel features 130 guest rooms all with high speed Internet access, air conditioning and a marble bathroom. Enjoy a delicious meal in the restaurant offering a variety of local and International cuisine or relax in the pool. SOL Y LUNA, URUBAMBA VALLEY Nestled in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the Hotel Sol y Luna combines comfort with a rustic Andean ambience. Clustered in a landscape of flowers and majestic Andean peaks, individual hotel bungalows offer doubles, family bungalows, and one suite. Each bungalow features a colorfully decorated interior, private bathroom and shower, king-sized beds and a private terrace. The hotel features a swimming pool, restaurant with brick oven pizza, and the welcoming warmth of an open fireplace, featuring typical Peruvian dishes as well as international plates. MACHU PICCHU PUEBLO, MACHU PICCHU The Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is an intimate 85-cottage luxury hotel in sprawling Andean style village within the secluded 12 acres of exquisite beauty, where guests follow stone pathways to their rooms, located in comfortable one- or two-story whitewashed casitas. The hotel has the world s largest native species orchid garden open to the public with over 372 species. A lush garden, stone-paved paths and canals flowing with spring water set the tone for a relaxing atmosphere. Large and bright rooms are furnished with wooden furniture specially made by local craftsmen. The UNU Spa features massage, sauna and aromatherapy. CASA ANDINA PRIVATE COLLECTION, CUSCO A beautifully renovated 18th-century manor house, Casa Andina PC in Cusco is just 3 blocks from the Plaza de Armas and retains much of its colonial charm. It offers the intimacy of a boutique hotel but the comforts and services of a much larger property. The hotel is distinguished by its 3 interior patios with wooden balconies and gurgling central fountains. In the hotel s cozy lounge is a massive stone fireplace that s always crackling, while the romantic gourmet restaurant invites guests to dine by candlelight in connected salons richly decorated with 18th-century Cusco School paintings. -7-

8 CASA ANDINA PRIVATE COLLECTION, PUNO Perched at water s edge outside of the city of Punu, the hotel offers extraordinary views and most of the 46 guest rooms boast unparalleled lake views. A gourmet restaurant is enclosed by a glass wall framing the lake and gardens; and a large, sunny terrace invites guests to contemplate Lake Titicaca s seemingly endless expanse. Unique among Puno hotels, oxygen is available in all rooms. The hotel is a reflection of its altiplano location, built with rustic local materials, including stone, wood and clay tiles, while stone fireplaces warm the lobby lounge and restaurant. CASA ANDINA PRIVATE COLLECTION, MIRAFLORES The Casa Andina Private Collection is a contemporary hotel located in Miraflores. Surrounded by the greatest density of restaurants, shopping and nightlife, Miraflores has become the most fashionable, upscale district of Peru s cosmopolitan capital, renowned for its gastronomic scene. Spacious rooms are well-equipped featuring cable TV, Wi-Fi access, a safety deposit box, and air conditioning. The property features two restaurants, a coffee shop, spa, gym and heated swimming pool, all available for your convenience and relaxation. -8-

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