Cross the natural landscapes of Peru

Transcription

1 Cross the natural landscapes of Peru If you want to explore some of the world's most enigmatic and captivating places, with their mysterious history and surrounded by amazing landscapes, then this is a truly special trip for you. A journey which will never cease to amaze: fly over the mystifying lines and figures of Nazca; marvel at the unique nature found in the Paracas National Reserve, a place teeming with life yet just a stone's throw from an arid desert; admire the spectacular canyon carved out by the River Colca leading out to the valley; or discover the immense inland sea that is Lake Titicaca. But let's not forget its cities brimming with ancestral history, such as the capital itself and its old quarter, the white city of Arequipa, and especially Cuzco, the once centre of the world, home to colonial treasures and gateway to unique constructions from the Inca Empire. And, of course, the simply jawdropping lost city of Machu Picchu, nestled in its spectacular scenery. Departures: October 2018 Cities: Paracas, Nazca, Puno, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lima, Sacred Valley, Chivay and Arequipa. Categories: Nature. Day 1: UNITED KINGDOM LIMA Accommodation Arrival at departure airport at the prearranged time for the scheduled flight to Peru. Arrival at Lima International Airport. Arrival and customs procedures. Assistance from our incoming agents, who will provide information and advice on the tour programme. Transfer to the hotel, check in and overnight stay. Day 2: LIMA PARACAS Bed and Breakfast Breakfast at hotel. In the morning, walking tour through the main streets to discover the capital city. Founded by Francisco Pizarro under the name of City of the Kings, its location was strategically implemented, as there was a need for a city on the ocean. The settlement of Lima demoted the city of Cuzco, which had been the capital of the powerful Inca Empire. The new capital was built in the middle of an arid coastal desert within a valley irrigated by the engineering works of its former settlers. Silver from Potosí and several other minerals would be shipped out of its port, Callao, which would also receive goods coming from Europe to be distributed across South America. In the seventeenth century, the capital enjoyed a period of great splendour, perturbed at times by pirate attacks. The visit starts at Parque del Amor in the shopping district of Miraflores, from where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean, and then heads towards the archaeological ruins of Huaca Pucllana, the ceremonial centre of Lima culture. It was originally formed by a group of pyramids, plazas, courtyards and walkways, built using adobe and a pebble inlay, with an interesting construction technique that consisted of stacking the adobes in a vertical position, giving a truly unique appearance. The walls can reach up to eight metres high and are covered by layers of yellow tinted clay. Onward to San Isidro, the residential and financial hub of the city, to discover the Huaca Huallamarca, which was a pre Inca sanctuary or religious temple. The tour continues to the Plaza de Armas, heart of the colonial city and home to major buildings such as the Government Palace and the Municipal Palace. Visit of the Cathedral, which is actually a rather austere building yet stills boasts a Renaissance style façade with Plateresque adornments, while several different styles can be seen inside, from Late Gothic and Renaissance to Baroque and Plateresque. The walk continues to the Convent of Santo Domingo, the corridors of which were transited by San Martín de Porres and Santa Rosa de Lima in the seventeenth century. At the prearranged time, transfer to the bus station to head to Paracas National Reserve, a truly unique place standing just a stone's throw from the arid desert and teeming with rich fauna thanks to its unique microclimate. Arrival, assistance and transfer to hotel. Day 3: PARACAS NAZCA Bed and Breakfast Breakfast and departure to the pier for boat to the Ballestas Islands. En route you'll see the image of "El Candelabro", engraved on one of the hills overlooking the sea in the Bay of Paracas. This huge design is related to the mysterious Nazca Lines, even though there are many theories about its authors and its meaning. The boat trip from the port to the islands takes around ninety minutes and once there we'll observe the varied fauna, especially seabirds such as cormorants, seagulls and 23/11/2017 1

2 around ninety minutes and once there we'll observe the varied fauna, especially seabirds such as cormorants, seagulls and penguins, as well as sea lions, seals and even dolphins, which sometimes swim alongside the boat. After the visit, we'll head back to dry land and take a transfer to the bus station for our journey to the town of Nazca, famous for its lines, but which also boasts a fascinating history of its former settlers, warriors and artists, particularly renowned for their pottery works. Arrival, assistance and transfer to hotel. Overnight stay in Nazca. Day 4: NAZCA AREQUIPA Bed and Breakfast Breakfast. In the morning, transfer to the local aerodrome to take a flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines. These are enormous drawings that can only be appreciated from the air (as on ground level you can only make out grooves engraved in the sand), so they remained practically unnoticed until the turn of the last century. The most spectacular geoglyphs depict various insects and animals, such as monkeys, hummingbirds, condors or spiders, although these are just a small part of all the engravings, as the majority are geometric lines, in some cases reaching more than 10 km in length. Their origin, the way in which they were made and the reason for their existence all still remain an enigma. There are many theories, one of which suggests they were a huge astronomical calendar. After the tour, return journey to the hotel and rest of the day at your leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities and its surroundings. In the afternoon, transfer to the bus station for departure to Arequipa, with arrival later in the evening. Arrival, assistance and transfer to hotel. Overnight stay in Arequipa. Day 5: AREQUIPA Bed and Breakfast Breakfast at hotel and morning at your leisure to relax and get acclimatised to the altitude. Located at 2300 m above sea level, in a setting protected by three large volcanoes, this was an area populated by different cultures for thousands of years, beginning with the Wari culture, then the Incas, and after that a colonial settlement, although at that time it was a city of simple adobe buildings with thatched roofs. The lack of resistance of these buildings, particularly when faced with earthquakes, forced the settlers to create more solid constructions, using the white volcanic stones of the area. Little by little, Arequipa changed its colour, becoming known as The White City. Its streets still retain many of the colonial buildings from its time of splendour in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, when it was an obligatory stopover on the route of minerals being transported between the mines of Potosi and the coast. In the afternoon, we'll head out on a tour of this city, starting with the beautiful colonial district of San Lázaro, the oldest neighbourhood in the city and in the heart of the historical quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here, we'll stroll through the picturesque geranium lined streets up to the Carmen Alto vantage point, which provides a spectacular view of the Inca terraces, agricultural wonders which adapted the land to take full advantage of the unfavourable relief, transforming the mountain slopes into arable land. From here you can also see the three volcanoes that surround the city: Misti, Chachani and Picchu Picchu. Then on to the colonial district of Yanahuara, in the metropolitan area of??the city. This is a traditional neighbourhood which has its historic quarter with narrow cobbled streets and majestic villas, yet is also one of the most modern districts in the entire country. It is famous for its church, built in an Andalusian and mestizo style, with stunning architecture featuring a baroque façade and a rather simple interior surrounded by arches of volcanic rock. It's also commands a strategic location, with an excellent vantage point from where you can admire all the landscapes of the Yanahuara neighbourhood. Onward to the Monasterio de Santa Catalina, an impressive cloistered convent spread across a true labyrinth of pastel blue and salmon coloured buildings, arranged along several streets with alleys, plazas and gardens, recalling to some extent the old quarters of Seville or Granada. The final stop of the tour is the Plaza de Armas, one of the largest squares in the country, lined with granite arches in a Neo Renaissance style. Here you can also see the largely rebuilt Cathedral, as the original building was affected several times by seismic movements and also ravaged by a fire. Still in the square, we'll visit the Church of the Compañía de Jesús, founded in the seventeenth century by the Jesuits, and which has resisted the various earthquakes that have hit the city better than other buildings. This is one of the most beautiful churches in Peru, with particular highlights being the richly ornamented cloisters and façade, as well as the altarpieces covered in gold leaf and the famous Dome of San Ignacio. After the visit, return to the hotel. Overnight stay. Day 6: AREQUIPA COLCA VALLEY Half Board Breakfast and departure to the spectacular Colca Valley to climb the foothills of the Chachani volcano, from where the view of the Misti and Picchu Picchu volcanoes is spectacular. The route passes through the vicuña reserve of Pampa Cañahuas, where you can see these relatives of the llama roaming the high Andean lands at their leisure. We'll then pass through some of the stunning villages typical of this region, an excellent valley of fertile land which has been home to various cultures over the centuries. Lunch (included) en route to the hostel. Afternoon at your leisure to relax and enjoy the facilities of the hostel, or perhaps take an optional trip to the local thermal baths. Overnight stay in the Colca Valley. Day 7: COLCA VALLEY COLCA CANYON PUNO Half Board Breakfast and early morning departure to hike up a path that runs along the edge of the canyon to the vantage point of Cruz del Cóndor, which provides breath taking views of the graceful flight of condors among the rocks. These huge endangered birds are the symbol of the Andes Mountains. The spectacular view from this point gives an idea of the sheer size of the canyon, considered one of the deepest in the world. It's an enormous steep gorge through which the River Colca flows. The canyon itself stretches for about 50 km, with the gorge opening out to give rise to a fertile valley for agriculture, the reason why numerous towns have been established here over the course of history. Some of them still remain today, brimming with life and oozing colour. During today's tour, we'll stop at the small villages of Maca and Yanque, which still retain their old colonial churches. After the river passes through Maca, the canyon truly begins as such. From here, the slope drastically increases away from the valley bed, which in turn is home to a mish mash of villages. In the afternoon, departure to the city of Puno, a five hour trip to this inland port on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, mythically considered the origin of the great pre Hispanic civilisations. Assistance on arrival and overnight stay in Puno. 23/11/2017 2

3 Day 8: PUNO LAKE TITICACA PUNO Half Board Breakfast and departure to spend the day exploring Lake Titicaca, a huge inland freshwater sea with intensely blue waters, into which some twenty rivers flow. Just like the ocean it has a tidal pattern, dawning with a completely smooth surface and breaking mid afternoon with waves that rock the typical totora reed boats. This is also a mythical and legendary place, closely linked to the origin of the Incas. The trip begins with a visit to the community of the Uros, an indigenous people that since ancient times have been living on artificial islands made from totora reeds, keeping alive their customs and rites without major changes despite the passing of time. This fascinating opportunity will give you an insight into the traditions and ways of life of this peculiar community. The journey across the lake will then take us to Taquile, an island located at 3800 m above sea level where the inhabitants uphold ancient traditions and dress in vibrantly coloured clothes. The higher part of the island, with impressive views over the lake, is full of slopes and steep paths. Here you can buy some of the locally made handicrafts, mainly featuring alpaca wool, such as hats, gloves or waistcoats. We'll enjoy a typical lunch on the island (included) before setting off in the afternoon back to the city of Puno. Day 9: PUNO CUZCO Half Board Breakfast at hotel. In the morning, departure by coach to the city of Cuzco, located about 390 km away. The journey today will pass through some stunning landscapes with many a sight to see. There will be several stops to visit and discover the attractions dotted along this fascinating route. The first will be at the Museo de Sitio in Pucará. This is the oldest ceremonial centre of the Altiplano plateau, of Tiahuanaco origin, characterised by a series of stepped mounds. The museum showcases vestiges of the Pukara culture, recovered on the site and including monoliths, steles and zoomorphic sculptures, as well as ceramics of different shapes and sizes, such as vases, huacos, plates and jars, all perfectly preserved. Make sure you take home one of the classic toritos from the town. The next stops will be for lunch (included) and to enjoy the beautiful views in La Raya, the natural border between Puno and Cuzco. We'll now be halfway along our journey and at the highest point, some 4335 m above sea level, so we'll have the chance to observe the many types of Andean camelids, such as llamas, alpacas or guanacos, in their natural habitat. Onward journey to Racchi, an Inca archaeological settlement, also known as the Temple of the Wiracocha God. The complex consists of different areas, each one destined to a specific function. The enormous walls and walkways of the site are the true highlights. Back on the road again, and shortly before arriving in Cuzco, we'll stop at the beautiful Andahuaylillas Chapel, which is known as the Sistine Chapel of America, with its interior murals among the most stunning examples of Andean popular religious art. Late in the afternoon, we'll end our journey in Cuzco, known as the "Navel of the World". The city and its surroundings are packed with sights and attractions to please any visitor. Assistance, transfer and overnight stay at hotel. Day 10: CUZCO Bed and Breakfast Breakfast and departure to visit the surroundings of the capital of the Inca Empire, today called Cuzco. The journey kicks off with the impressive citadel of Sacsayhuamán, full of colossal constructions and nestled amid breath taking landscapes. With a triple wall built from huge rocks, even today it's flabbergasting to imagine how it was possible to handle, cut, transport and place these enormous blocks of stone. But, on top of this, we know that at that time the Incas didn't have metals for cutting rocks, nor carts or oxen, so its construction is even more mysterious. From what's visible, it seems that inside the enclosure there were three towers, two square and one circular, of which today only the base remains. The circular one is said to have had walls lined with gold, and is where the monarchs would have been accommodated. There was also a fountain with abundant water and the two square turrets, believed to be for the soldiers guarding the fort. Even so, the purpose of this magnificent construction is a mystery: it's not known for sure whether it was a refuge, a monument or a ritual centre. The route continues towards the Inca worship centre of Qenqo, which is another of the complexes surrounding the imperial city of Cuzco. It is a sanctuary located on the Socorro hill, but like other centres, the true purpose of this massive construction is unknown; it could well have been used as a court, an amphitheatre or the tomb of a high up Inca dignitary. However, it's most likely that the centre was used as a shrine and an astronomical observatory. Particularly interesting are its semicircular gradient and its maze like underground passageways marked out with zigzag channels, as well as its altar embedded in the inner part of a rock formation, carved out with mind blowing expertise. The tour then continues to the Puca Pucará fortress watchtower. This is a military construction featuring huge walls, terraces and stairways, which once formed part of the defence network of Cuzco. An excellent example of military architecture that functioned at the same time as an administrative centre, the site is ideal for strolling along passageways where mythical characters of the Inca empire would once have walked. Near Puca Pucará is Tambomachay, an architecturally stunning monument considered one of the cornerstones of the Andean Cosmovision. The building was entirely constructed from carved stone and is formed by four walls or stepped terraces embracing the hill, with a perfectly assembled construction of stone blocks. Lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon, we'll set off on an exclusive tour of the city, starting with a visit to Plaza San Cristobal, where we'll enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the local area, and then on to Mercado San Pedro, where we'll be able to soak up the atmosphere and discover some of the everyday products on sale at this market that has practically everything and supplies the entire city. Then we'll head off to the Temple of Koricancha with all its magnificence. The Golden Enclosure is its name in Quechua and its splendour is still felt between walls that were once completely adorned with gold. We'll also visit the Church of Santo Domingo, built like many other colonial buildings on the walls of former Inca buildings. Here we can see the straight walls of the colonial building superimposed on the curved walls of the Inca palace. From the artsy district of San Blas, we'll walk down Calle Hatun Rumiyoc to see one of the most famous stones in the world, the so called Twelve Angle Stone, named after the corners of the rock laid in the wall of the former Palacio del Inca Roca, today the Archbishop's Palace. Onward to the Plaza de Armas, raised on what was once the main square of the Incas, the nerve centre of their great empire. Here is the Cathedral with three naves, supported by fourteen columns, housing colonial works of incalculable value. Overnight stay in Cuzco. Day 11: CUZCO SACRED VALLEY Half Board Breakfast at hotel and departure to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This valley was highly valued by the Incas, thanks to its special climate conditions and fertile soils, and was one of the main hubs of agricultural production. Irrigated by rivers that flow 23/11/2017 3

4 special climate conditions and fertile soils, and was one of the main hubs of agricultural production. Irrigated by rivers that flow down ravines and small valleys, it boasts a wealth of archaeological monuments and indigenous peoples. Even today it's possible to spot the former Inca terraces used for agriculture and the difference between these, located in the heights, and the colonial Spanish constructions, built on the river banks. The visit begins with the Awanacancha complex, where you can meet and feed some Andean camelids, such as llamas and alpacas. What's more, local villagers will show us their traditional techniques of weaving and dyeing textiles. Then we'll head to Pisac to discover one of the most beautiful Inca archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley, on top of the mountain that dominates this colonial town. A steep tunnel carved into the rock leads to the main part of this settlement, which houses the Temple of the Sun, the ritual baths and other buildings where the exquisite architecture is a true eye catcher, with perfectly fit polished stones. Then we'll take a leisurely stroll through the colonial town, discovering authentic treasures such as wood fired ovens (where typical empanadas are made) and crafts shops selling hand woven alpaca wool garments, as well as other handmade wares. Free time for shopping at this crafts market and buffet lunch (included) at a restaurant. In the afternoon, we'll visit the workshop of the artist Pablo Seminario, a renowned Peruvian ceramist and sculptor whose works are exhibited at major museums around the world. After the visit, return to the hotel in the Sacred Valley. Overnight stay. Day 12: SACRED VALLEY AGUAS CALIENTES (MACHU PICCHU) Full Board Breakfast and departure to explore the off the beaten track corners of the Sacred Valley. First stop is Moray, where we'll enjoy a spectacular view thanks to the colossal concentric terraces that look like a huge amphitheatre. The ring like terraces get wider the higher they climb, always supported by sturdy stone built walls. It is thought that the Incas used the terraces to create different microclimates to test and analyse the acclimatisation of products brought in from other areas, as well as to apply their measurements for the improvement of the Empire's agricultural output. That said, some people think that these constructions may have also been used for civic religious ceremonies and not just for agricultural purposes. After lunch at a restaurant (included), we'll continue to Maras, an important town due to its widely revered salt mines, used first by the Incas and then the colonists to extract this mineral. The contrast of its white wells with the green valley is fascinating, providing a unique image to remember the spectacular Sacred Valley. The tour then continues to the archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo, a monumental work of Inca culture, built on two mountains and at a strategic point that dominates the entire valley, being at the same time a military, religious, administrative and agricultural site. This is the only Inca city that is preserved almost intact, and where you can discover the technique that the Incas used to carve stone. We'll then catch a train from Ollantaytambo station to Aguas Calientes. This pocket sized town is the gateway to the must see Machu Picchu. Arrival at station, assistance from our incoming staff and transfer to hotel. Dinner and overnight stay. Day 13: AGUAS CALIENTES MACHU PICCHU CUZCO Half Board Departure at dawn to enjoy this unforgettable day. We'll set off at first thing to head up the winding road that leads to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, which incidentally commands spectacular views of the River Urubamba and the famous canyon. A place brimming with mystery, thanks to its unique location and lack of knowledge about its past. Although the construction doesn't match the perfection and finesse of the polished walls of other Inca cities, it is impressive for the place chosen for its location, nestled amid lofty verdant mountains and where access today is still arduous. This is in fact the jewel in the crown of Old Peru, the pièce de résistance of Inca creations and one of the most famous archaeological sites in the whole world, as well as being the country's top tourist attraction. It is a monument to divinity, apparently built for a military religious purpose. The citadel was enclosed by a six metre granite wall, featuring wooden gates and frames and straw ceilings. It was not discovered by the Spanish conquerors, so it remained hidden away under vegetation until the beginning of the last century. We'll enter the Citadel to follow an original Inca trail that steadily climbs though the stunning agricultural terraces to Intipunku (aka the Sun Gate), once the main entrance to Machu Picchu and the perfect place to breathe in the energy and feel the mystique that surrounds this sacred site. At the prearranged time, we'll start the tour of the Lost City of the Incas (Machu Picchu itself), visiting its passageways, stairways and the main sites. We'll find ceremonial and religious centres, such as the Temple of the Sun, with the characteristic semicircular walls, or the Sacred Square, surrounded by temples and higher than any other square, or the Room of the Ornaments, which would have been used to store ritual objects. There are also buildings that would have been set aside for royalty, such as the Palace of the Princess, with its vast central courtyard that provided access to the different rooms. We'll also explore the passageways and stairways, some with fountains running in parallel, as well as the Barrio Alto, formed by a series of buildings and staggered alleyways hugging the slope of the land. After the guided tour, you'll have time at your leisure to continue exploring this enigmatic and truly breath taking citadel. Lunch (included) at one of the restaurants in the area. At the prearranged time, return train journey to Cuzco. Arrival and transfer to hotel. Overnight stay. Day 14: CUZCO UNITED KINGDOM Bed and Breakfast Breakfast at hotel. At the prearranged time, transfer to the airport for the scheduled flight back to United Kingdom. Check in and boarding procedures. Night on board. Day 15: UNITED KINGDOM Arrival at the airport of departure, end of the trip and our services. Services included in the trip Return flight 1 night in Lima, 1 night in Paracas, 1 night in Nazca, 2 nights in Arequipa, 1 night in Colca Valley, 2 nights in Puno, 3 nights in Cuzco, 1 night in the Sacred Valley and 1 night in Aguas Calientes. 23/11/2017 4

5 nights in Cuzco, 1 night in the Sacred Valley and 1 night in Aguas Calientes. Assistance upon arrival and airport transfer to hotel in Lima and from hotel in Cuzco. Transport by air conditioned minibus or coach. Tours and excursions as per itinerary with local English speaking guides. 13 nights' accommodation in selected hotels (or similar) as per the chosen category on a bed and breakfast basis. 7 lunches en route (drinks not included), on the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 11th, 12th and 13th days, as indicated in the itinerary. 1 dinner (drinks not included) on the 12th day. Flight over the Nazca Lines (30 minutes). Machu Picchu: Ticket included non refundable Expedition Train or Inca Rail Executive Class to Machu Picchu. Local English speaking guides during the visits Assistance from our local representative is available throughout your stay Travel insurance Services NOT included Airport taxes. International flights: USD 31 per person. Domestic flights: USD 8.72 per person (subject to change without prior notice). Airport taxes for flight over the Nazca lines, which must be paid directly by passengers. Drinks at the indicated meals, extras at hotels, personal spending and anything not mentioned as included. Early check in, late check out, hotel extras and personal spending. Any service not mentioned as included Important remarks The Cathedral of Lima is closed for visits on Saturday afternoons and on Sunday mornings. If our time in Lima coincides with these days, we'll visit Huaca Huallamarca instead of the Cathedral. Hotel rates are exempt from the national sales tax of 19%. This exemption is valid only for non resident foreign citizens spending a maximum of 60 days in Peru. To benefit from this exemption, at each hotel you must provide your passport and the so called Andean Immigration Card (issued at the airport upon arrival in Peru) with a legible entry stamp. There's a limit of 2,500 visitors per day in Machu Picchu and 400 per day in Huayna Picchu. Therefore, it's important to have the data required for buying entrance tickets as far in advance as possible (full passenger name, passport number, date of birth and nationality), as the only way of guaranteeing admission is by buying said tickets. Once bought, this amount (USD 65) is non refundable in the event of cancellation. The trip to the Ballestas Islands and the flight over the Nazca Lines are subject to weather conditions, which could possibly cause some delays to the pre defined itineraries. The flight over the Nazca Lines may be confirmed for the 3rd or 4th day, depending on availability. In exceptional circumstances, in very busy periods or during special events, the itinerary may be modified at any point. However, the number of nights and destinations will remain the same.. 23/11/2017 5