Mystical Machu Picchu Three-night adventure to South America s spectacular archaeological site Pre-cruise itinerary for Voyage 5303 Fabled Machu Picchu The mystical mountain fortress-city of Machu Picchu is South America s best known and most spectacular archaeological site. For hundreds of years, it remained lost to the world, concealed in semi-tropical vegetation on a saddle between two peaks. On July 24, 1911, American historian Hiram Bingham rediscovered the site and shared it with the world. Discover Machu Picchu for yourself with this once-in-a-lifetime experience. For an even more comprehensive introduction South American history and culture, this program also includes an exploration of Lima and Cusco. Wednesday January 28, 2015: Lima Welcome to Lima! On arrival, you will be met and assisted with your transfer to the hotel. Dinner and Overnight at BELMONT MIRAFLORES PARK Thursday, January 29, 2015: Lima/Cusco Breakfast at the hotel. You will be picked up from your hotel at the appointed time and transferred to the airport for your flight to Cusco accompanied by a representative.
Upon arrival to the airport you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel. You will find a representative to orientate you regarding the attractions and services that the city has to offer. Lunch at hotel. Start by visiting the Coricancha, also known as "The Temple of the Sun" (or "Golden Enclosure"), which was built by Pachacuti Inca and at the arrival of the Spaniards became the foundation for the construction of the Santo Domingo Convent. Here, homage was paid to the Sun ("Inti") during the Inca era, a time when its walls were entirely covered with gold sheets and its courtyards planted with golden maize and life size llamas. Then visit the Cathedral, the most imposing monument in the Plaza de Armas. Its construction began in 1560 and ended only in 1654, almost a full century later. Sand for cement was taken from the main square or Haucaypata the same that the Inca ordered be brought all the way from the coast of Arequipa. In addition, thousands of stones were extracted and transported from the Sacsayhuaman Fortress under the command of the Ecclesiastical Council. Then wonder around this magnificient building, an emblematic work of the Incas that guarded the Sacred City. Thought and built by Inca Pachacutecin the fifteenth century, the Sacsayhuaman complex was erected with megalithic blocks whose transport and lift remain a fascinating mystery. Every year on June 24th during the winter solstice the Inti Raymi festival is recreated here, honoring the sun. Move on to Qenqo, located 4 kilometers from the city of Cusco, it is an archaeological complex of mainly religious use where agricultural rituals were performed. Finally explore Puka Pucara or Red Fortress, located 7 kilometers from the city, an architectural complex of alleged military use with multiple plazas, fountains, aqueducts, walls and towers. It is believed the Incas entourage occupied the site while the Lord rested at Tambomachay nearby. Return to your hotel. Dinner at Limo Cocina Peruana & Pisco Bar Overnight at BELMOND PALACIO NAZARENAS Friday, January 30, 2015: Cusco/ Machu Picchu/ Cusco Breakfast at the hotel. Roundtrip transfer between the hotel and the train station, and assistance at the train station. Train travel has always had a romantic appeal. Slow travelling across the Andean landscape from Cuzco to Machu Picchu is even more nostalgic. Yet doing it aboard the gleaming blue and gold Hiram Bingham is reliving a XIX century novel journey. Enjoy welcoming aperitifs, brunch and an excellent selection of wines. A top Machu Picchu the tellurian force of Nature is unequivocal, this place is the center of a Sacred Landscape. Explore the site at your own pace; walk the last section of the Inca Trail to the Intipunku or Sun Gate, take the hidden pathway to the Inca. Share your thoughts with fellow travelers over a cup of English Tea at the Sanctuary Lodge. Take the Hiram Bingham back to Cuzco, dancing to local music and enjoying dinner. Step out to the open-air observation car, the sun setting over the mountain peaks. Overnight at BELMONT PALACIO NAZARENAS Saturday, January 31, 2015: Cusco/Lima Following breakfast at your hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima. Flight to Lima. Upon your arrival in Lima, we will provide assistance at the airport to proceed with your tour. Your tour begins in the center of the city stopping at the Plaza Mayor where you will visit the Presidential Palace and the Cathedral of Lima, imposing buildings still in use. You will continue your tour at Casa Aliaga, a former home of the viceroyalty delivered by Francisco Pizarro in 1535 to one of his captains (Jeronimo de Aliaga) after the foundation of the city. You will then proceed to the Cathedral of Lima, Peru's largest church. Its construction began in 1542 and was completed in 1622. However, it has been rebuilt and enlarged several times. From there walk to the church of San Francisco, which stores an enviable collection of ancient books and has a network of catacombs open to the public. At the end of the visit of Lima, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Enjoy lunch in a great ambiance and at privileged location by the sea at CALA restaurant.
At the end of the tour you will be transferred to Callao Port to begin your cruise. $7800.00 per person double occupancy $8700.00 per person single occupancy Important Air Information for Cruise-Only Guests: This pre-cruise program starts in Lima, Peru. Guests should schedule flights arriving Lima Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) on January 28, 2015. Guests may arrive at any time but please note that check-in time at the hotel is 3 PM. Please e-mail your flight information to Crystal Cruises Land Programs Department embarkdebarktransfers@crystalcruises.com at least 30 days prior to departure. Transfers will be arranged accordingly. Luggage Restrictions Luggage for domestic flights is limited to one piece per person, not to exceed 45lbs. Additional luggage will be secured at the hotel in Lima during the program. Due to airlines new regulations regarding luggage restrictions, please kindly note the International flight included with this program has a luggage restriction of 45 lbs) plus a carryon baggage restriction of maximum allowed weight of 8 kg (17.6 lbs.). Increased security and new laws require that every passenger boarding a train must submit, along with his or her train ticket, an original or photocopy of their passport. Without appropriate identification, a passenger will be denied boarding. Peru Rail reserves the right to verify identification documents on board, or through the police if necessary. For safety reasons, passengers are prohibited from crossing from coach to coach during transit. Schedules are preestablished and strictly adhered to. Peru Rail will do everything possible to accommodate passengers needs and requests, however leeway is limited due to operational and security concerns. Luggage space on the trains is limited; oversized pieces block entrances and corridors, and are therefore prohibited by law. Therefore, Peru Rail reserves the right to deny the boarding of large bags. Passengers are requested to carry on only what is absolutely necessary and are encouraged to leave the bulk of their luggage at their hotel in Cusco. TRAIN POLICIES: Carry-on Baggage Allowance Each passenger may take 1 bag or backpack 05kg/11lb 62 inches/157cm (length + height + width) Baggage that exceed the measures will not the allowed Note: This excursion involves strenuous walking over uneven and unpaved surfaces at high altitudes, and is not recommended for guests with physical and/or walking difficulties. Guests must be in good physical condition in order to participate. This excursion is not wheelchair accessible. Due to the high altitude at Cusco, we strongly recommend that guests consult their physician before making reservations. Altitude sickness is common. Guest with heart or respiratory problems should not attempt this excursion. The program of sights visited will be flexible due to many circumstances; it is not possible to schedule an exact itinerary. Hotels, dining venues and some sights may change; however, alternative properties will be of an equal or better standard. Price includes all accommodations, sightseeing, transportation, meals as indicated, porterage, and tips. Inbound international airfare, optional excursions, excess baggage charges, personal and incidental expenses (telephone, fax, etc.) and visa and inoculation charges, reciprocity fee, laundry, telephone calls and beverages are not included. Based on the number of participants on the program, smaller vehicles (sedans, minivans, etc.) may be used in place of motor coaches. Although we have arranged for the best possible transportation in Cusco, please be aware that vehicles may not be air conditioned.
Program Details BELMOND PALACIO NAZARENAS Belmond Palacio Nazarenas Plaza Nazarenas 144, Cusco, Peru Tel: +51 84 58 2222 Belmond Miraflores Park Av. Malecón de la Reserva, 1035 Miraflores, Lima 18, Peru Tel: +51 1 610 4000 Hotel Accommodations Every effort is made to obtain accommodations at the best available hotel properties existing at each destination. Room category upgrades are not available for purchase with this program. Accessibility This excursion involves strenuous walking over uneven and unpaved surfaces at high altitudes, and is not recommended for guests with physical and/or walking difficulties. Guests must be in good physical condition in order to participate. This excursion is not wheelchair accessible. Due to the high altitude at Cusco, we strongly recommend that guests consult their physician before making reservations. Altitude sickness is common. Guest with heart or respiratory problems should not attempt this excursion. Flight Arrangements The program price includes economy class seating from Lima to Cusco and Cusco to Lima; upgraded seating is not available on domestic flights within Peru. Luggage on domestic flights is limited to 45 lbs per person. All flight information is tentative and is subject to change. Date Carrier/Flight From/To Flight time Departure Arrival 28-JAN-15 TBA LIM/CUZ 1 hr 10 min TBA TBA 31-JAN-15 TBA CUZ/LIM 1 hr 05 min TBA TBA LIM Jorge Chavez Airport (Lima) CUZ Velazco Astete Airport (Cusco) Important Visa/Vaccination Information Guests holding United States passports do not require a visa to visit Peru. Please note, your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months from date of entry. Citizens of other countries, for whom requirements may vary, should contact their nearest embassy or visa service. Please contact your travel agent or visa service for applications. Packing Information It is recommended that comfortable, layered clothes are packed for daytime and a sweater or light jacket for evening. Clothing: Smart casual attire for the day Jackets and raincoats are recommended Evening attire is informal Footwear: Comfortable flat walking shoes Other Items: Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant Binoculars, travel umbrella Weather Lima. Peru MONTH CELSIUS FAHRENHEIT Low High Low High JANUARY 14.0 27.0 57.2 80.6 Cusco, Pero MONTH CELSIUS FAHRENHEIT Low High Low High JANUARY 9.0 18.0 48.2 64.4 Money Matters The official currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol (S/.) which is divided into 100 cents. Coins in circulation include the amounts of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, as well as 1, 2 and 5 Nuevos Soles. Paper bills come in 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Nuevos Soles.
US Dollars are accepted in most commercial establishments, restaurants and service stations, at the current exchange rate. Most of the establishments accept the most popular credit cards, such as Visa, Master Card, Diners and American Express. Traveler s Checks are used with some limitations. Inquire at the establishment as to whether or not they are accepted. BANKS Banking hours in Peru are normally from Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. In addition, most banks open for the public half day on Saturdays. In the streets of the main cities there are ATMs installed by the different banks. MONEY EXCHANGE It is recommended that money should be exchanged in hotels, banks and authorized money exchange offices (Service hours: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., approximately). The exchange rate against the US Dollar is variable. Inquire before changing your money. For exchanging other currencies inquiry at money exchange offices TOURIST VISAS This is not required for citizens of most countries in the Americas and Western Europe. Citizens of Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil and Chile do not need to have a passport or visa to visit certain regions in Peru. In these cases they are authorized to stay up to 90 days (extendable by Immigration authorities). Inquire with the Peruvian consular representation in your country if you need further information. ELECTRIC POWER 220 volts. Most four and five-star hotels provide 110-volt electric current SECURITY Take normal precautions against pickpockets. Carry a copy of identification documents and keep originals and your valuables in the safety deposit box of your hotel and make sure to list down what you deposit and verify the responsibility assumed by the establishment. Carry valuables discreetly and try to not carry large amounts of cash Tipping Tips for hotels, restaurants, and airport porters are included in your program price. Tips for your local guides and drivers are not included in your program price and are at your discretion.