HIGHLIGHTS: TOUR INCLUDES: +44 (0)

Transcription

1 +44 (0) A perfect itinerary for those looking to sample the best of Peru s cultural highlights and great outdoors, this action packed trip offers the maximum in adrenaline and the minimum in cross-country travel. Beginning in Lima, Peru s historic City of Kings, you ll have a chance to explore one of the country s cultural and gastronomic highlights, taking in some of Peru s finest monuments and museums, before moving on to enjoy Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. There will be plenty of time to acclimatise and soak up the rich cultural legacy of the country s Inca and Spanish heritage, before launching into a host of outdoor pursuits that includes trekking, mountain biking, kayaking and white water rafting along the exhilarating waters of the Urubamba River. A fitting end to this stunning adventure sees you standing before the iconic majesty of Machu Picchu, without doubt one of the most awe-inspiring Inca sites anywhere in the Americas. Lost for centuries amongst the Andean landscapes, today this spectacular setting is one of the most famous archaeological sites on earth. HIGHLIGHTS: Hike through the stunning Sacred Valley visiting lesser known ruins on deserted trails Mountain bike past glistening glaciers, snow-capped peaks and pre-inca salt mines Ride easy to intermediate rapids down the beautiful Urubamba river Enjoy the ultimate photo opportunity at Machu Picchu TOUR INCLUDES: 8 nights in boutique hotels Two domestic flights in economy class 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches Private guided sightseeing including all entrance fees Private driver and vehicle Private guided transfers to and from all airports *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room

2 ITINERARY DAY 1: LIMA Upon your arrival in Lima you will be welcomed at the airport and escorted to your hotel. DAY 2: LIMA - CUZCO This morning enjoy a guided tour of Larco Herrera which is Lima's most important archeological museum. This will give you an initial insight into the Inca Empire that flourished in Peru for so many years. Although this is the most celebrated culture in the country, many peoples preceded the Incas and their creations are exhibited across 3000 years of pre-columbian history. The artefacts here are world renowned and the museum is an attraction in itself, since the colonial mansion housing the exhibition was built on top of a pre-inca pyramid from the 7th century. At the end of your museum visit, you will be transferred to the airport for your short flight to Cuzco. (B) DAY 3: CUZCO Today you will have a brief city tour and introductory hike around Cuzco's nearby ruins. Your tour starts at the cathedral with its magnificently carved woodwork, ornate altar and many hundreds of canvases from the 17th-century Cuzco Painting School. You continue exploring the cultural wealth of Cusco at the Temple of the Sun where you can check out the incredible Inca masonry. Then drive to Tambomachay (the resting place of the Inca) and only a short walk from this archaeological site you will find Puka Pukara (the red fortress). From here a gentle path leads you to Kenko, the temple dedicated to Mother Earth before you reach Sacsayhuayman - a hilltop fortress that overlooks the city. Finally you walk through the narrow cobblestone streets of San Blas to get back to Cusco. (B) DAY 4: CUZCO - SACRED VALLEY There is no better way to explore the Sacred Valley than by mountain bike and this tour combines ancient towns with spectacular Andean landscapes. It is suitable for beginners as well as for experienced bikers so the difficulty level can be tailored for you. You start across the fertile plain of Chinchero where you can join a local family in their courtyard for a demonstration of the Andean weaving process. Later in the morning you will arrive at the circular Inca terraces of Moray where a picnic lunch is provided. This site is believed to be an Incan open-air agricultural lab used to improve high altitude crops. In the afternoon you drop down to the age-old terraced salt mines in Maras covering the whole of the hillside. The dominant color is an intense white that burns like snow on a sunny day - an impressive sight for any visitor. At the end of the day you will be transferred to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. (B,L)

3 DAY 5: SACRED VALLEY This is arguably the most thrilling part of your trip as you take on the rapids of the Urubamba river. Your guide and equipment will be waiting for you and after receiving a safety briefing and short practice on the flat parts of the river, you will start your journey on easier waters while admiring the spectacular views of the mountains and archaeological ruins. Afterwards you will continue towards Ollantaytambo and its amazing Inca terraces. In this part you will experience class 2-3 rapids, until you reach El Resbaladero (the slide), a strong class 3 rapid that includes waves and small whirlpools. At the end of this exhilarating run, you will be taken back to your hotel. (B) DAY 6: SACRED VALLEY Today's excursion is a highlight for hikers. You head to Huchuy Qosqo which is an important Inca site located amongst some of the finest trails in the country. You will follow a path along the valley sides, passing through tiny rural communities, fields cultivated with corn, potatoes, quinoa and with snowy peaks ever-present on the horizon. Located on a plateau and surrounded by Inca agricultural terraces, Huchuy Qosqo has a spectacular setting and offers superb views of the Vilcabamba range. Reaching this site takes some effort, but you will experience it without tourist crowds and practically have huge scenic areas to yourself. Picnic lunch included. (B,L) DAY 7: SACRED VALLEY After breakfast you will head toward the Huaypo Lagoon for a day of kayaking. Huaypo, a lagoon located near Urubamba, awaits you withits intensely blue waters for a delightful day of paddling. The lagoon is one of the most beautiful in the Sacred Valley and is a picture of tranquility. At lunch time, you be served a delicious picnic on the banks of the lagoon. You will have the chance to go back on the lake in the afternoon before being transferred back to your hotel in the early evening. (B,L) DAY 8: SACRED VALLEY - MACHU PICCHU - CUZCO Today is the climax of your tour as you travel to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu. In the morning you will be transferred to Ollantaytambo train station for short journey to the Lost City of the Incas. On arrival a small coach takes you up the steep roads to the entrance of the citadel. Machu Picchu remained undiscovered by the Spaniards for centuries, only to be found in 1911 by American explorer Hiram Bingham. During a guided tour you will see the uniqueness of its location and the genius that went into its construction, making this Inca site one of the new 7 wonders of the world. In the afternoon return by train from Aguas Calientes to the Sacred Valley and afterwards transfer to your hotel in Cuzco. (B)

4 DAY 9: CUZCO Morning free at leisure before your transfer to Cuzco airport and onward international flight. (B)

5 ACCOMMODATION CUZCO CASA SAN BLAS Located in the historic centre of Cuzco, Casa San Blas is a charming hotel offering 18 rooms and 6 suites, all with stylish, boutique decor. The rooms feature rustic furniture, luxurious bedding and views of the inner courtyard. There is a lounge area, bar and on site restaurant serving local delicacies, as well as a hot tub and a sun terrace offering views of the main square. LIMA ARAWI HOTEL The four star Arawi is located in the main cultural district of Miraflores and offers modern luxury in a small hotel. The 30 elegant rooms with marble finished ensuites are smartly furnished and feature all mod cons including LED TV and wifi. The interior design is contemporary with the corridors exhibiting local art. Aklla, the on site restaurant / bar, is a lovely introduction to Peruvian cuisine, serving up fresh ceviche, lomo saltado and of course the signature cocktail pisco sour. SACRED VALLEY SONESTA POSADAS SACRED VALLEY Originally a small hotel designed within a 300-year old monastery, this delightful character property now boasts 87 well- appointed rooms. This hotel has beautiful gardens near the Urubamba River and guests can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, whilst being conveniently located near the main attractions of the area. Today the hotel is like a village unto itself with multiple buildings situated around picturesque plazas and attractive gardens. Each room is equipped with LCD flat screen and cable, individual climate control, hairdryer and safety deposit box. The hotel also features free Wi-Fi. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0) info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com