INTRODUCTION The Chimu Collections range consists of boutique properties, cruises & itineraries, throughout Latin America, designed for travellers seeking unique experiences. Join us on this 14-day itinerary exploring some of the most incredible places of South America: Macchu Picchu & Galapagos Islands. Discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the archaeological wonder of Machu Picchu and the lesser known and less crowded Lares region which is famed for its rural atmosphere, traditional colorful dressed weavers and roving herds of alpacas and llamas. Just north of Cusco the Lares region is an authentic slice of Peruvian life. Continue after to the amazing Galapagos Islands and join our classic Galapagos Safari program, a luxury camp nestled in the wild highlands of Santa Cruz Island, offering an authentic inland experience with stunning views over the Pacific Ocean and the National Park. Come and join us on this adventure whilst living in the comfort of our hand-picked properties. ITINERARY
DAY 1: Arrival transfer in Lima On arrival into Lima you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Guided assistance is included. Lima, the capital of Peru, sits on the country's arid Pacific coast. Founded in 1535, its colonial centre is well preserved, but today Lima is a bustling metropolis and one of South America s largest cities. The city is home to the various museums including the Museo Larco that houses a collection of pre-columbian art and the Museo de la Nación, tracing the history of Peru s ancient civilizations. Lima is known as the gastronomical capital of the Americas, encompassing specialties from ceviche and traditional coastal cooking to refined global fare. It even boasts several of the top restaurants in the world. DAY 2: Lima City Tour We spend some time touring Lima, the Colonial ''City of Kings'' We visit a number of well -known sites including the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Plaza de Armas, and the Catacombs located beneath the San Francisco Convent. This is a chance to appreciate Lima's magnificent Colonial architecture as well as vignettes of its pre-colombian past. You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your outward flight from Lima. Arrival into Cusco and transfer to hotel. Cusco, set at an altitude of 3,400 metres in the Peruvian Andes, was once the capital of the Inca Empire. It is known for its Spanish colonial architecture and Incan remains. Narrow, cobblestoned streets lined by Inca walls stretch out from the main plaza in every direction. Many of the colonial buildings were built on top of Incan foundations and the stonework is unparalleled in its precision and beauty.
DAY 3: Cusco - City Tour Take a sightseeing tour through Cusco, the heart of the Inca Empire. Visit the fascinating Qorikancha Temple of the Sun, the 12-Angled Rock and the Cathedral, built on the ruins of an Inca Palace. From here head to the archaeological remains located around the city, including the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo (giant rock), the ancient site of Puca Pucara and finally the Water Temple of Tambomachay. A pre trek briefing will be held at approximately 7pm. Overnight in Cusco. DAY 4: Sacred Valley - Exploring Pisaq The town square is often the center of activity throughout this region, but so too is the town market, and none is more alive than the famous market at Pisaq. With products ranging from produce and meats to textile dyes and artisanal crafts, this market is an adventure unto itself. A morning visit to Pisaq will inspire you with a small taste of the rich culture yet to be explored. Travelers seeking inspiration in nature can opt for a short hike surrounded by amazing views of the Andes Mountains that guard this magnificent valley. Later that day, begin a more grounded exploration with a visit to the ancient hamlet of Viacha, where the sacred craft of artisanal potato farming dominates daily life. A hands-on lesson from its multi-generational farmers will show you their unique agricultural techniques and will give you some insight into the history behind the 3,800 different types of Peruvian potatoes. After lunch, this introduction to the Sacred Valley culminates in an off-the-beaten-path tour of the Pisaq archeological complex, visiting the majestic mausoleum and the beautiful architectonic sites of its surroundings.
DAY 5: Lares Region - Inca Sites & Villages Now that you have gotten a glimpse into this rich Andean tapestry, Day Two offers the opportunity to go even deeper with an exploration into the heart of the Lares region. Along the celebrated Inca Weaver s Trail, snow-capped peaks and endless herds of llamas and alpacas guide the way to local villages where close descendants of the Incas still live, and where both women and men are expert weavers. Afterwards, you will explore the hidden towns of Choquecancha and visit the unique archeological site of Ancasmarca, which is located in the main entrance of the Inca Trail towards the jungle. An optional afternoon hike further into Lares brings these illustrations to life. Finally, a night spent at the lodge in the remote village of Huacahuasi, where the locals are both our partners and the actual lodge-keepers, gives insight into the evolving role of the original Andean people in both the culture and commerce of modern-day Cusco. DAY 6: Sacred Valley - Expedition to Ollantaytambo Early in the morning explore the Huacahuasi communities and get to know their traditions and daily activities. Keep exploring the sacred valley of the Incas and visit the museum of Peruvian History. Afterwards, enjoy a country lunch near the Urubamba town. Whether you choose a fullday hike along an actual Inca trail, a mountain bike adventure through the hills, or a day of meandering through its maze-like streets and sampling its local delicacies, Ollantaytambo will delight you with its unique combination of cozy town and majestic surroundings.
DAY 7: Sacred Valley - Discovering Ollantaytambo From its beginnings as the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti to a stronghold against the Spanish conquistadors for Manco Inca Yupanqui, the fortress at Ollantaytambo was regarded by the Incas as one of their most important ceremonial centers. As your guide leads you through a morning tour of its grandeur and explains its strategic architectural planning, you will also get a sense of its mystical history a perfect introduction to the wonder of Machu Picchu. At noon, with the storied history of Ollantaytambo still on your mind, you will embark on a scenic train ride through the Andes along the famous Urubamba River to the town of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. A somewhat ramshackle town reminiscent of the American Wild West, its charm lies in a history that began as a small railway stop and evolved into a bustling town whose streets still flank the train tracks. DAY 8: Machu Picchu - The Sanctuary At dawn, you begin your journey to Machu Picchu with a rollicking uphill bus ride. As you enter the Sanctuary (as locals refer to it), the morning sun rises over the iconic Sun Gate and washes the structures and terraces with resplendent light. Prepare to be awed by the imposing and skillful architecture of the Watchtower, the Temple of the Sun, and the royal Inca residences, among many others. Take a moment to quietly sit and listen to the wind or to meditate and absorb the mystical energy that envelops you. Your imagination will soar as you contemplate the history of Machu Picchu and its mysterious origins. Some may even choose an uphill hike on Huayna Picchu for dramatic views from the Urubamba River valley to the edge of the Amazon Jungle. Either way, you will be touched by a feeling of peace and rejuvenation which will linger even as you journey back to the city lights and hustle and bustle of Cusco.
DAY 9: Transfer to the airport for onward destination You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport for your flight from Cusco. On arrival into Quito you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Sitting at 2,850 metres above sea level high in the Andean foothills lies Quito, the capital of Ecuador. The city, a short distance from the Equator and with an amazing backdrop of snow-capped mountains, is known for its stunning colonial architecture and art-work. Founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city, Quito has one of the largest, least-altered and best-preserved historic centres in the Americas. It was declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1978. DAY 10: Transfer to the airport for onward destination At the appropriate time, you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your onward flight. Welcome to the Galapagos! An English-speaking naturalist guide meets you at the VIP lounge at Baltra Airport to escort you on your excursion of the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Enjoy a delicious, locally-sourced lunch at a farm in the western hills. Take in the area s natural beauty, pit craters, lava tunnels, and learn more about the Scalesia and Guayabillo forests. At the Tortoise Reserve, share some time in the giant tortoises natural habitat, surrounded by the abundant bird life of the area. End this day at Galapagos Safari Camp with a sunset cocktail followed by dinner. DAY 11: Explore neighboring islands Days 2 & 3 Early morning finds you on a motor vessel to one of the neighboring islands: North Seymour, Bartolomé, Plazas, Santa Fé, Floreana or Isabela. Each island is an endemic treasure to explore and enjoy. The Galapagos Marine Reserve is the second largest marine reserve in the world, and snorkeling off the boat is highly recommended. Destinations will be given when we have your dates.
DAY 13: Experience the east A morning drive takes you to the eastern part of the island. At 490m above sea level, Cerro Mesa Reserve offers spectacular views of the largest crater on Santa Cruz Island, exotic plants, and seven unique subspecies of finch and the elusive vermilion flycatcher. After lunch explore Garrapatero Beach, with stunning contrasts of mangroves, black lava, white sand, and turquoise water including a flamingo lagoon. Kayaking and mountain biking are optional. DAY 14: Sunrise walk and departure Enjoy the serenity that Galapagos Safari Camp has to offer. Relax, walk, or enjoy the sunrise from our observatory before departure to your next destination. (Here s where you ll wish you had extended your journey!). INCLUSIONS & DETAILS Accommodation Inclusions Deluxe Accommodation with breakfast everyday All meals during Lares adventure to Machu Picchu (days 3 to 8) and during the Safari Camp in Galapagos (days 10 to 14) All airport transfers Services of English speaking experienced guides throughout the trip Activities as specified in the detailed itineraries Permit to hike Huayna Picchu All entrance fees to sites Boat excursion with snorkeling or scuba diving in Galapagos Islands English-speaking naturalist guide (private for land tours and shared for boat excursions) in Galapagos A combination of private land activities with shared boat excursions to neighboring islands in Galapagos. Difficulty Rating Single Surcharge Notes Price Dependent upon 2 (light adventure) Available upon request Contact us for more details Season and availability
SUSTAINABILITY Chimu Adventures undertakes a number of sustainability measures within its operations including: 1) Only using local guides and office staff to both maximise local employment opportunities and minimise carbon footprints. Local guides also ensure you benefit from the intimate knowledge, passion and culture of the country you re visiting. 2) Where possible, using locally owned and operated boutique hotels to maximise the return to the local community. 3) Chimu s Pass it on programme has provided funding to hundreds of local community projects in Latin America. Our aim is to empower local communities, helping them to develop their own infrastructure for the future. Since 2006, we have been working with Kiva (a well-known Non-Governmental Organisation), providing hundreds of loans to local businesses all over South America. 4) In our pre tour information we provide a range of tips and advice on how to minimise your impact on both local environments and communities. 5) Chimu Adventures offices also take a number of sustainability measures including carbon offsets for company vehicles and most staff travel. Chimu Adventure s internal processes are also structures to create a paperless office and to reduce waste. There are also internal programmes to help staff minimise their carbon footprint such as our staff bike purchase assistance plan which encourages office staff to commute to work via bicycle. Currently almost half of our office based staff commute to work via bicycle.