CHASKI, DISCOVER PERU Paracas, Nazca, Arequipa, Titicaca Lake and Machu Picchu

Transcription

1 CHASKI, DISCOVER PERU Paracas, Nazca, Arequipa, Titicaca Lake and Machu Picchu ITINERARY SUMMARY DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN LIMA DAY 02: LIMA PARACAS DAY 03: BALLESTAS ISLAND - PARACAS RESERVE. PARACAS/NASCA BUS DAY 04: SCENIC FLIGHT OVER THE NASCA LINES. NASCA / AREQUIPA BUS DAY 05:. AREQUIPA CITY: HISTORICAL DOWNTOWN DAY 06: AREQUIPA COLCA CANYON DAY 07: CRUZ DEL CONDOR VIEWPOINT. CHIVAY/PUNO BUS DAY 08: TITICACA LAKE: UROS - TAQUILE - PUNO DAY 09: PUNO/CUSCO BUS DAY 10: CUSCO CITY AND SURROUNDINGS: SAQSAYHUAMAN, Q ORIQANCHA DAY 11: SACRED VALLEY: PISAQ - OLLANTAYTAMBO DAY 12: TRAIN TO AGUAS CALIENTES. MACHU PICCHU DAY 13: TRAIN TO CUSCO. OPTIONAL MACHU PICCHU 2 ND DAY, HUAYNAPICCHU DAY 14: CUSCO LIMA. INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE DETAILED ITINERARY DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN LIMA Arrival in Lima. We will pick you up at the airport and transfer to your hotel. We will welcome you and deliver the necessary documentation, and we will do a detailed review of the program. Overnight in Lima Meals: None

2 Private transfer. DAY 02: LIMA PARACAS We will pick you up to go to the terminal and to take the 13:30 first-class bus, to the city of Paracas. The journey is largely on flat ground and following a straight road along the coastal desert beside the Pacific Ocean. After 3.5 hours we will arrive and check-in to the hotel. We will be free for the rest of the afternoon. Overnight in Paracas / Meals: B Services on private basis. DAY 03: BALLESTAS ISLANDS - PARACAS RESERVE. PARACAS / NASCA BUS At 8:30 we will begin our excursion to the Ballestas Islands located beyond the Paracas National Reserve, which is the habitat of a great variety of marine fauna including the Humboldt Penguin, Piqueros, Flamingoes, Dolphins and Sea Lions. We can observe them with ease from the motor launch. Before lunch we will return to start the land journey to the Paracas Natural Reserve. We will be able to see large flocks of flamingoes feeding beside the sea. We will go to the Paracas Information Center to have a brief talk about the flora and fauna you will find at the reserve. Later we will continue our visit crossing the desert, following a muddy road to get to the beautiful beach of Lagunillas, where we will have lunch (not included) beside the sea. After lunch, those who wish can go swimming. We will return to Paracas at about 15:00 h. At 17:00 h we will take a bus to Nasca, arriving at about 20:00 hrs. You will be picked up and taken to the hotel. Overnight in Nasca Meals: B Services on private and shared basis. Bus with 160º/140º declination (*). DAY 04: SCENIC FLIGHT OVER THE NAZCA LINES. NASCA / AREQUIPA BUS We will pick you up at the hotel and take you to the airport located 4 km from the city. At the airport we will check-in. After watching a documentary about the Nazca Lines, we will board a small plane, each one having a window seat. Our pilot will give us a talk before we take flight for the Nazca Lines, which are an enormous network of lines of animal and plant drawings attributed to the Nazca culture. They are spread out over an area of approximately 350 km 2. Among the animals we will see the hummingbird, the Dog, the Monkey, the Astronaut, the Whale, and the Spider. German archeologist Maria Reiche dedicated 50 years of her life to study and research this place. She came to the conclusion that it was effectively a kind of astronomical calendar. The Nazca Lines were declared World Heritage of Humanity since At around 9 pm we will go to the bus terminal to take the bus to Arequipa (there is also a 3 pm bus as well). The bus will take direction to the south and then begin the ascent to the Andes. We will do this route at night because it is long (nine hours) and the landscape is quite monotonous. The buses are very comfortable and well

3 equipped for this type of route. Overnight on board Meals: B, D Private transfers. Flight on shared basis. Night bus with 160º/140º declination (*) DAY 05: AREQUIPA CITY: HISTORICAL DOWNTOWN If the bus departs at pm we will arrive to the city of Arequipa (2,350 meters above the sea level) around 7.00 am. If the bus departs at pm it will arrive at 12 noon. Transfer to the hotel. *Depending on the time of your arrival it will be needed an early check-in at the hotel (ask for supplements). Arequipa is a city of colonial origin with its own strong identity and an interesting and well-preserved architectural heritage. Its main houses are located in the historic area, which can be reached by foot. Many of its houses are built with Sillar, a white volcanic stone, for this reason it is known as the "white city. The whole area is surrounded by volcanoes and one of them, the Misti ("Lord" in quechua), dominates over the city. In the morning or afternoon (decided locally), accompanied by our tour guide, we will visit the Carmen Alto and Yanahuara viewpoints where we can see the landscape of the valley and the surrounding volcanoes. We will then walk the downtown area and the main square. We will stop to see the Cathedral with its imposing towers and the Jesuit Church of the Company of Jesus with its baroque style a representation of the seventeenth century. This Main Square, (one of the best of the continent) which is still the point of social life. Only a couple of blocks away, the convent of Santa Catalina occupy an entire walled block. In the past was the home of over 400 recluse nuns, many of them belonged to high society? These days the number has been reduced to less than thirty the chapel, cloisters and rooms are connected by a maze of colorful alleyways offering a fascinating view of how the nuns used to live: A city within a city. The City of Arequipa is a World Heritage Site since Overnight in Arequipa Meals: B Services on private basis. DAY 06: AREQUIPA COLCA CANYON We will pick you up at the hotel at 7:30 am to travel a 160 kilometers to the village of Chivay, capital of the Caylloma Province. This road will give us the opportunity to observe the impressive geological formation of the Andes Mountains. On our way to "Pampa Cañahuas" which is in the Natural Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca, we will see the Misti, Chachani and Pichupichu volcanoes. In Pampa Cañahuas" we will stop to see groups of vicuña in their wildlife. The vicuña is a threatened species that has been hunted to near extinction and is now protected by the Peruvian Government in this National Reserve. We will have reached an altitude of 3,400 meters above sea level.

4 Continuing our journey we will get to "Pata Wasi (Pata = high. Wasi = home), an Andean community located on the opposite side of the reserve where we will see interesting rock formations and the back side of the Misti and Chachani volcanoes. To prevent altitude sickness we will take a "Mate de Coca" (coca leaf tea) at a local restaurant. Then we will continue the journey passing through the area of "Tocra" ( 4,500 meters above the sea level) we will have left behind lagoons inhabited by migratory birds and an extensive view of the plateau that is visited by groups of grazing llamas and wild guanacos. Our highest point is " Pata Pampa " ( Pata = high, Pampa = ground ) located at 4,850 meters above the sea level from where you can see the Chila Mountains in which the Ampato, Sabancaya, Hualca Hualca,and the Misti (the source of the Amazon River) volcanoes can be observed. Approaching the village of Chivay (3,651 meters above the sea level) on our way down we will see the multicolored terraces of the COLCA Valley. At Chivay we will go to the traditional village of Coporaque, where we will have lunch (not included). After lunch (optional), the guide will offer us a walk through Coporaque and its main square, the ruins of San Antonio to visit an old cemetery with an excellent view of the Pre-Inca terraces of the canyon (about 60 minutes walk), la Calera with natural hot springs where we can bath. (Tickets and towels are not included). At the end of the day we will go back to the hotel. Overnight in Colca Meals: B Services on privat or shared basis. DAY 07: CRUZ DEL CONDOR VIEWPOINT. CHIVAY/PUNO BUS After an early breakfast we will go to "Mirador de la Cruz del Condor, where we can appreciate the depth of the Colca canyon, a canyon twice as deep as the Nortn America s Grand Canyon. If the weather allows it we can see the spectacular flight of the Condor, a bird considered a sacred in Inca culture. Then our guide will take us for a short walk (about an hour) through the margin of the canyon. in our way back to Chivay we will visit the traditional village of Pinchollo and the Antahuilque viewpoint where we find wonderful terraces about 1,500 years old built by the Collagua people ( Pre Inca ). Within the terraces we will stop at the Choquetico viewpoint where we could see "hanging graves and Lito model engraved with the picture of the terraces. We will have a brief visit to the town of Maca and its Yanque church considered the most beautiful church of the valley. Return to Chivay, lunch in town (not included). After lunch, approximately at 13:30 pm, we will depart to the city of Puno which we will reach at 20:30 hrs. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred directly to the hotel. Overnight in Puno Meals: B Services on private or shared basis. Chivay-Puno bus shared basis only. DAY 08: TITICACA LAKE: UROS - TAQUILE - PUNO

5 On this day we will visit the legendary Lake Titicaca, a gigantic portion of the sea captured at meters high, making it the highest navigable lake in the world. In the morning, we will go to the port of Puno (3,800 m above sea level). At 7:30 am we will start our journey by motor boat that will allow us to see the vastness and beauty of Lake Titicaca. The first destination will be the Uros floating islands and their community, one of the oldest in the continent. Although today it is said that little remains of the original Uros, their descendants have certainly preserved the knowledge and techniques to twist and shape the reeds ( Totora ) as a remarkable cultural legacy. With them they create huge floating islands on which their homes, schools and medical centers are built. The Uros are descendants of what it s considered the oldest people in South America. We will continue the journey to the Taquile Island for about three hours. The people of this island are of Quechua origin, most of them are farmers, and however Tourism has been growing in this area to become one of the most classic destinations of the Lake. Since the mid seventies the natives offer their services and during high season they get lot of visitors. We will arrive at the island on the north pier and walk for an hour to the village, where we will have lunch. Later on the opposite side of the island, we will descend 530 steps to the dock. We will return in the same boat towards Puno. Overnight in Puno Meals: B, L Services on private or shared basis. Traditional wooden motorboat. DAY 09: PUNO / CUSCO BUS Early in the morning, we will head to the bus station. Departure to Cusco at 7:30 am on a tour bus with onboard service. The trip takes eight hours, but our stops and the passages that we take will make this a fun and rewarding day trip. We will have guided tour to the museum of Pukara, passing by La Raya (highest path 4,335 mts over sea level), the archaeological complex of Raqchi and Andahuaylillas temple. Then, we will approach to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and one of the most important cities of the Viceroyalty of Peru. Declared a World Heritage Site in 1983 by UNESCO. Arrival in Cusco (3,399 mts above sea level). We will be in dry season from April to August, it will be really cold in the mornings and freezing in the evenings. Reception at the bus station and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Cusco. Meals: B Services on shared basis only. Tours and museum entrances included in Bus ticket. DAY 10: CUSCO CITY AND SURROUNDINGS: SAQSAYHUAMAN, Q ORIQANCHA Today we will leave the city heading to Sacsayhuaman, an imposing Inca building that dominates Cusco from the north heights of the city. We will visit Puca Pucara, Tambomachay And Q'enko;all these archaeological sites will help us understand the history and Inca Cosmo vision as they are related to the cults of the Inca state and the astronomical observation, critical to the development of the agricultural economy in the Andes. In our way back, we will visit two important sites of the city; The Cathedral and the Qoricancha Temple of the Sun which is the true sacred center of the ancient Inca capital. Overnight in Cusco. Meals: B Services on private or shared basis. DAY 11: SACRED VALLEY: PISAQ - OLLANTAYTAMBO The day starts very early. We will go to the Incas Sacred Valley. It is the valley formed by the Vilcanota or Urubamba River on their way to the jungle. We will travel about an hour and a half. This Valley was a strategic area in ancient pre-hispanic times because many agricultural products were distributed and exchanged throughout the empire. So we find here some of the most important Inca sites such as Pisac, or Ollantaytambo. The mountains surrounding the river form a landscape of rugged beauty. At its heights, and in the distance, we

6 can spot small groups of houses and farmland, belonging to hundreds of indigenous peasant communities engaged in agriculture and livestock. They grow their products at different heights or "ecological zones" between the valley and the mountains. When we reach the valley we will find the village of Pisaq (2,950 mts above the sea level). We can go up to visit one of the main Inca architectural complexes. The archaeological site of Pisac, located in the hills of the village, dominate the valley from the south, offering a spectacular view. Its sophisticated system of platforms (agricultural terraces) allows us to understand the importance of agriculture in the Andes, and the technology used in the Inca Empire. We will then visit the handcraft market. We will continue our trip following the course of the Urubamba River, and we will stop to eat on the way. Early in the afternoon we will arrived into the Inca town of Ollantaytambo. The ruins of Ollantaytambo are beautiful, and are surrounded by mountain ranges, the vastness of the valley, the river, and the village of cobbled streets with houses and tiled roofs. The set is endearing. We will visit Ollantaytambo, the fortress and citadel, built to guard the entrance to this part of the valley and protect it from enemies. Walk the streets of the town to have a clear idea about how was this military, religious and cultural center during the Inca Empire. Overnight in Cusco / Meals: B Services on private or shared basis. DAY 12: TRAIN TO AGUAS CALIENTES. MACHU PICCHU Early morning we will go to Ollantaytambo train station to take the train to Aguas Calientes ( 1:45 hrs.) Arriving at Aguas Calientes we ll be met at the station to take a bus to the citadel ascending 400 meters using a zigzag road for about 30 minutes. Then we will arrive at the sanctuary of Machu Picchu where at 7:45 am (alternatively at 10 am.) we will begin a guided tour of approx. 2 hours. We ll visit the Main Square, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sundial, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and the cemeteries; then we will still have time to explore the archaeological site at our own leisure. You can even walk the last part of the Inca Trail to Intipunku. Overnight in Aguas Calientes Meals: B Train in Expedition service. (see supplements for up-grades). DAY 13: TRAIN TO CUSCO. OPTIONAL MACHU PICCHU 2 ND DAY and/or HUAYNAPICCHU Today is a free day to return to the citadel of Machu Picchu and / or climb Huayna Picchu Mountain. It is a walk of about 3 hours (round trip) at a gentle walk on a steady rise. Although it is not a difficult hike, it is necessary to

7 be in good physical condition. Alternatively for another spectacular climb which is less steep, Machu Picchu Mountain offers incredible views. At a specific time we will board the train back to Cusco. Arrival to Cusco and transfer to the accommodations. Overnight in Cusco Meals: B Services on private or shared basis. DAY 14: CUSCO LIMA. INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE In the morning we will take the flight to Lima. And make the connection to the international flight. -. Meals: B Private transfer. END OF THE ITINERARY B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; BL: Boxed Lunch; D: Dinner (Dinner onboard the bus is simple). Bus Lines- They are local intercities bus transportations companies. When ever possible we always buy VIP category seats, bed-seat with 145ª or 160º reclining positions depending of the company. These VIP seats are on the first floor of the bus and there are a limited number of seats. (*) VIP seats subject to availability (maximum 12 seats per bus). If not available, seats of 145º reclination will be purchased. The BTC or Cusco Tourist Ticket, allows you the entrance to 16 places surrounding Cusco and Sacred Valley. INCLUDED Local flights Reception and transfer from/ to airport to hotel and bus terminals Bus lines tickets (Lima/Paracas, Paracas/Nasca and Nasca/Arequipa) Overflight and flight taxes in Nasca Tourist Bus to Puno/Cusco Expedition Train to Machu Picchu: Ollantaytambo / Aguas Calientes / Cusco. Entrances to each archaeological site and/or natural reserves included in the trip. Official local guide All meals included in the program (excepted when the pickup is before the hotel breakfast) BTG (Cusco Tourist Ticket) BTC (Colca Tourist Ticket) Printed local flights boardingpass (and International flight too if locator is sent) Follow up phone service and 24 hours emergency phone NOT INCLUDED

8 Heart Entrance to Cusco or Arequipa Cathedral Entrance to Huaynapicchu Mountain Tips. Overweight Luggage Meals not specified in the program Personal expenses and any other items not specified in the program Travel insurance LIABILITY All itineraries are subject to our Terms and Conditions. You can read them in the link below: DESIGN AND TECHNICAL ORGANIZATION Arawi Perú Expediciones Av. Primavera 1771, oficina 15, 2do piso Lima 33, Perú T: (Lima office) (Lima mobile) (Barcelona mobile) Information and reserves on this route: RUC: Registered in the National Directory of Qualified Tourism Services of Foreign Trade and Tourism Ministry; and registered in the TOUR OPERATORS SPECIAL LIST BY SUNAT. Ι