Peru Land of Mysteries April 14 th April 29 th, 2016 Your tour leader for this fully escorted program is Donna Huget Visiting Peru is a magical adventure for every traveler. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Andes, mystical Machu Picchu and a culture where time has stood still.
P a g e 2 Day 01 - Thursday - April 14, 2016 - Calgary/Lima, Peru Our adventure starts this morning as we depart Calgary and travel to Lima the capital of Peru. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and check-in. (In-flight meals included) Day 02 - Friday April 15, 2016 Lima This morning we will enjoy a city tour of Colonial Lima visiting the Cathedral, located in the Main Square, which was rebuilt on the same site from 1555, under the direction of Jesuit priest Juan Rehr after the 1746 earthquake. oth its façade and interior are austere with its remarkable wooden choir stalls, altars and the tomb of Francisco Pizarro, who died in 1541, are to be noted. We will visit the Church of San Francisco, with its convent, museum of colonial art, cloisters and catacombs. Afterwards, enjoy a panoramic view of the Main Square (Plaza de Armas) with the Government Palace, the Municipal Hall, the Desamparados Train Station, and finally drive through the old streets with their vice traditional mansions and Moorish style balconies. Continue through the most traditional residential and commercial areas of contemporary Lima, passing by sites of pre-columbian civilizations dating back to the beginning of the Christian era. You will then enjoy lunch along the Pacific Ocean. After lunch we will visit the Larco Museum where you will appreciate a unique and amazing collection of pieces which will give you an in-depth story of Peruvian history. Overnight in Lima. Day 03 - Saturday - April 16, 2016 - Lima/Nazca Lines/Paracas This morning we travel to Ica. Our journey will take us down the Pan American Highway, along the Pacific Ocean and into the desert. We will then be transferred to the local airdrome of Ica in order to board for the over flight of the Nazca Lines an unforgettable experience. In the late afternoon, we will transfer to Paracas and check into our hotel by the ocean. Overnight in Paracas. Day 04 - Sunday April 17, 2016 - Paracas/Lima After breakfast we will board our boat for a tour of the allestas Islands where Sea Lions, Humboldt Penguins, Flamingoes or Pariguanas and seabirds can be closely observed. On arrival back in Paracas, we will enjoy some free time before driving back to Lima. Overnight in Lima Day 05 - Monday - April 18, 2016 - Lima/Arequipa This morning we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Arequipa. In the afternoon we will enjoy a city tour visiting the Santa Catalina Convent, the most important in Peru - a walled citadel, which for four centuries served as the only physical world for several generations of Cloistered Nuns. During the city tour we will visit the Church Cloisters of the Company, a tremendous collection of Domes and Arches which can all be found in its galleries and Alters. Other places of interest are the Main Square, the Complex of San Francisco, which is comprised of a public square, two temples, a convent and the Fierro Foundation (where there is a museum and a handicraft market). The Cathedral, located in the main square which was destroyed by fire in 1844 and restored in 1868 by Arequipa-native Lucas Poblete in Neo-Renaissance style with French influence is considered to be one of the biggest in South America. Finally, we will visit the Spanish Colonial district of Yanahuara, 2 km from the city s centre, consisting of narrow cobblestone streets and old white volcanic stone houses. From the viewpoint there is a magnificent view of the city and its three volcanoes: Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu. Overnight in Arequipa.
P a g e 3 Day 06 - Tuesday - April 19, 2016 - Arequipa/Colca After breakfast we will begin our journey, an unforgettable tour to one of the deepest Canyons in the World "The Colca". The tour begins with the winding road that leaves the "White City" of Arequipa crossing the snow capped Misti, Chachani and the Ampato Volcanoes, to arrive at the Colca Canyon. Here you will find the famous and majestic Eagle, the Andean Condor, where elegant Vicuñas (a relative of the llama) wander the high plains, past the villages of Torja, Chucura, Patapampa, with its Colonial Churches and Inca farming terraces. In the afternoon, visit the village of Chivay or enjoy La Calera thermo-medicinal baths. Overnight in Colca Valley. D Day 07 - Wednesday April 20, 2016 - Colca/Puno This morning we will travel to the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, the most strategic area to see the Colca Canyon and the flight of the Condors. Along the way we will observe the pre-inca tombs around the villages of Pinchollo, Maca, Yanque, Cabanaconde, Coporaque and the amphitheatre of Ocolle, Chichinea and Colcas. In the afternoon, we will begin our drive to Puno, passing by Lagunillas, where we will see the typical flora of the area, wild birds, sheep, vicuña and llama, along with the ever impressive Andean Mountain Range. Overnight in Puno. Day 08 - Thursday - April 21, 2016 Puno / Lake Titicaca / Puno Today we will enjoy a full day visit of the Floating Island of Uros in Lake Titicaca. Located 4 km from Puno, the original inhabitants of these floating islands are said to descend from one of the most ancient peoples of the Americas and still to this day practice their ancient traditions. Their dwellings made of totora reed are built on the surface of Lake Titicaca. Afterwards, we will make our way to the unique Island of Taquile, where time appears to have stopped. The Mediterranean atmosphere of this place is striking, with its steps of stone and its houses centered around the square. The indigenous community that lives here, around 350 families, are descendants of the Incas and known for their textile activities, such as their beautifully woven chumpis (belts), chullos (caps), and ojotas (sandals) and according to the custom, officials are distinguished by black or brown caps. Taquile also offers a magnificent lake landscape from where the impressive snowfalls of the Cordillera Real (Real Mountain Chain) can be seen. Overnight in Puno. Day 09 - Friday - April 22, 2016 - Puno/Cusco After breakfast this morning, we will depart for the city of Cusco, viewing the villages of Andahuaylillas, Racchi and Pucará along the way. Cusco, a true Inca town, is built on and around an original Inca wall. Cusco is located in the Peruvian Andes 3350 meters above sea level. The town is so picturesque, the air so fresh and history so amazing that everyone visiting here is spellbound. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel to rest and acclimatize. Overnight in Cusco. Day 10 - Saturday - April 23, 2016 Cusco This morning we will visit Cusco s Historical Inca and Spanish Colonial Monuments, such as the Main Square, known in Inca times as Huacaypata or the Warrior s Square which was the scene for many key events in Cusco s history. The Cathedral, originally built on the site of the old temple of Suntur Wasi (House of God), is now the church of El Triunfo. Of particular interest are the choir cloisters, the pulpit, and the engravings on the altar and furniture. We will continue on to the Church and Convent of Santa Domingo, a Spanish construction belonging to the Dominican Order built upon the foundations of the Inca temple of Koricancha (Temple of the Sun). Koricancha was the main religious building of the Incas dedicated to the worship of the Sun and whose walls, according to the chroniclers, were plated
P a g e 4 with sheets of gold. Magnificent blocks of finely carved stone were used in its construction. We will then visit the surrounding ruins of the city of Cusco Sacsayhuamán. This huge Inca fortress is built on three overlapping platforms. We will then travel onto Tambomachay, known as the Inca aths. It was apparently a site dedicated to the worship of water and a resting place for the Inca monarch. Kenko is said to have been a worship site. There is a huge 5.9m high stone block that looks like a puma. There are also passages, canals and stairways with stone engravings representing animals. Finaly, we will see Puca Pacara, which was a administrative and military centre formed by terraces, stairways, passages, turrets and vaulted niches. Overnight in Cusco. Day 11 - Sunday - April 24, 2016 - Cusco/Sacred Valley Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before we begin our scenic journey into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. As we meander through the valley, observe the many Inca terraces which dominate the sides of the valley. In the morning, travel to Pisac the world famous indigenous market. The main square in Pisac hosts a huge market with locals traveling from all over the area to display and sell their goods. The people of the Andes still maintain their traditional dress with each village having its own distinctive costumes. This market is a shopper s delight with handicrafts from all over the area displayed at excellent prices. Enjoy lunch before going to Ollantaytambo, a small town surrounded by an ancient Inca settlement where parts of the original Inca wall still stand. From the top of the village there is an impressive view of the Andes and local landscape. Overnight in Sacred Valley. Day 12 - Monday - April 25, 2016 - Sacred Valley This morning we will travel through the picturesque countryside of the Sacred Valley in the heart of the Andes. Enroute we will visit the small village of Chinchero, surrounded by white mountains. From there we will visit Moray, an Incan open air coliseum known as the green house of the Incas and a wonderful place for contemplation. Our tour continues with a visit to the Inca Salt Mines (Maras) which are still mined today. A relaxing lunch will be served in one of the villages and during our journey through the valley we will have plenty of opportunity to observe the Inca terraces which dominate the sides of the valley as well as local inhabitants in their colorful authentic clothing. Overnight in Sacred Valley. Day 13 - Tuesday - April 26, 2016 - Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu Early in the morning we will transfer to the train station and take a spectacular journey crossing valleys, mountains and typical communities to visit the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Crossing two different regions from the sierra to the rainforests - snow peaks, eucalyptus, deep canyons and orchids are also part of the sceneries. This stone citadel, located 112 km from Cusco, was discovered by Hiram ingham in 1911. The citadel was built on a very special spot covered in vegetation between two mountains: the Machu Picchu (old mountain) and Huayna Picchu (young mountain), at the foot of which meanders the Urubamba or Vilcanota River (lower Jungle featuring abundant flora and fauna). Upon arrival we will tour The Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Overnight in Aguas Calientes. Day 14 - Wednesday - April 27, 2016 - Machu Picchu/Cusco This morning enjoy a private tour of the sanctuary with your guide. This is the best time as there will be few tourists and it will therefore offer you time to experience the spiritual energy of this amazing area. This afternoon we will return to Cusco by train. Overnight in Cusco.
P a g e 5 Day 15 - Thursday - April 28, 2016 Cusco Today you have a totally free day to explore the beautiful old ancient city of Cusco. Day 16 - Friday - April 29, 2016 Cusco/Home Today we will leave Cusco, fly to Lima and connect to our flight home to Canada. D TOUR INCLUDES: TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE: - Return economy class airfare from Calgary - Accommodation in four star hotels throughout - Daily meals as shown - All transfers - All sightseeing tours by private coach with English speaking guide - GONETRAVEL N tour leader - Cancellation and medical insurance (mandatory if not with GoneTravel n then you must send a copy of your policy to us) - Tips $200.00 CAD (to be collected with final payment) - Air Tax $300 CAD (est) - Items of a personal nature ALL COSTS IN CANADIAN DOLLARS COST PER PERSON (based on double occupancy) Land & Air Land Only Single Supplement $6500.00 $5800.00 $1000.00 A deposit of $1000.00 per person will guarantee participation in this program. This tour needs a minimum of 18 participants to run. FINAL PAYMENT DUE February 25, 2016 GONETRAVEL N 403-357-0542 / 403-347-5844 TO OOK CALL This program is subject to the terms and conditions of the GONETRAVEL N brochure