1 800 047 987 The perfect introduction for those travelling to the country for the first time, this comprehensive journey spans the rich diversity of Peru s landscapes and heritage, taking you from the historic City of Kings up onto the high Andean Plains to Lake Titicaca. Staying in some charming boutique hotels along the way, this is an ideal taster of one of South America s most fascinating destinations. Your journey begins in Lima, your gateway onto the mysterious Nazca Lines and the marine wildlife of the Ballestas Islands. Flying on to Cusco, you ll then explore the stunning Sacred Valley and the lost city of Machu Picchu, without doubt one of the most awe-inspiring sites anywhere in the Americas, before boarding the Andean Explorer for your train journey across the spectacular Andean Plains. Lake Titicaca provides an opportunity to visit the amazing floating Uros Islands and to spend time amongst the famous weavers of Taquile Island, before flying back to Lima and journey s end. HIGHLIGHTS: Marvel at the Nazca Lines from the air & explore the Paracas peninsula by dune buggy Travel by boat and spot a variety of marine life at the Ballestas Islands Explore the Inca ruins of the Sacred Valley & visit neighbouring Maras Take the train to Aguas Calientes and the Lost City of the Incas at Machu Picchu Sail across Lake Titicaca visiting local communities and the famous reed islands TOUR INCLUDES: 10 Nights in boutique accommodation, 2 nights in three star hotel 12 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners Private driver and vehicle, normally a saloon car for one or two people Local English speaking guides for sightseeing on a private basis, including all entrance fees Private transfers to and from all airports Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu return and Cusco to Puno *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
ITINERARY DAY 1: LIMA On arrival to Lima you will be met by one of our local representatives and taken to your hotel where you will have the afternoon to settle in and recover from your long journey. Depending on your flight arrival time you may have time to begin to explore the city at your own leisure this afternoon. DAY 2: LIMA - ICA - PARACAS Transfer to the bus station for the public bus from Lima to Ica. Upon arrival, transfer to your vineyard excursion in Ica. Visit a pisco distillery and sample the local product. Afterwards continue the journey to Paracas. (B) DAY 3: PARACAS - NAZCA - PARACAS Today take an overflight of the Nazca Lines aboard a modern small airplane. During the flight you can see and take pictures of the most famous figures: The Condor, the Hummingbird, and many more. Best viewed from the air, these huge geometric patterns and hundreds of perfectly straight lines were carved into the desert sand, by the Nasca people centuries ago. Afternoon at leisure. (B) DAY 4: PARACAS - LIMA Before returning to Lima this afternoon you will be taken out to see the marine wildlife of the Ballestas Islands. The islands are inhabited by boobies, pelicans, sea lions and Humboldt penguins. After your boat trip you will return to Lima by bus, where you will spend a second night. (B) DAY 5: LIMA - CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cusco. When you arrive in Cusco you'll be taken straight out of the city to the Urubamba Valley, where you will be able to enjoy a magnificent view of the sacred Valley of the Incas before visiting the village of Chinchero. The main square of the town is bordered by an Inca wall, and its church is decorated with unique frescoes. After lunch in Urubamba you will continue to the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, which is a site built by the Spaniards when they arrived in the area. You'll have the afternoon to learn about the construction of the fortress and wandering through the towns cobbled streets. You'll spend the night in the Sacred Valley. (B,L)
DAY 6: SACRED VALLEY Today you'll enjoy an excursion to the town of Maras by horseback. After visiting the salt plans at Maras, your ride continues to the Incan agricultural terraces at Moray. (B,L) DAY 7: SACRED VALLEY - MACHU PICCHU This morning you'll be taken to the train station at Ollantaytambo for your train journey to Aguas Calientes. When you arrive you will meet your local guide and hop straight on the bus that will take you to the "Lost City of the Incas" where you will have a guided tour of the citadel. You'll see the Main Square, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Sun Dial, amongst other things. At the end of the day you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night. (B,D) DAY 8: MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO Today you will have the morning at leisure, and if you'd like to return to Machu Picchu this can be arranged at extra cost and with plenty of warning. If you can face a very early start, it's a great time to visit the citadel as it's much quieter than in the afternoons. This afternoon you will return to Ollantaytambo by train and then be transferred to Cusco by car. (B) DAY 9: CUSCO This morning you'll have a guided tour of Cusco with your guide, starting at the Santo Domingo Monastery. The former colonial monastery was previously the Koricancha Temple, which was the temple devoted to the worship of the sun. You'll also visit the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral. After a morning exploring Cusco city you will be driven out of Cusco to the Sacsayhuaman ruins, and the temple and amphitheatre of Kenko and finally the red fortress of Puca Pucara. In the early afternoon you will return to your hotel in Cusco. (B) DAY 10: CUSCO - PUNO A ten hour bus trip takes you through picturesque Andean landscapes dotted by small villages and herds of llamas and vicunas. Your final destination is Puno, however you make three important stops along your way: the first one is Andahuaylillas known by its baroque church dating from the 17th century. Your bus will climb to La Raya Pass (4335m) to enjoy a panoramic view of the snow-capped Andes. Then your tour continues to Raqchi to visit the Viracocha Temple. This was the only Inca temple featuring cylindrical columns covered by fine clay layers. Lunch will be served in a typical restaurant in Sicuani. Upon arrival in Puno, you will be transferred to the hotel. (B,L)
DAY 11: LAKE TITICACA Unlike the classic tour, this full day trip by speedboat offers a reduced time en route. Our tour takes you against the flow to avoid the busy tourist crowds, offering a more genuine way to experience Titicaca Lake. The first stop is on Taquile, the weavers' island. Across the centuries, 'Taquilenos' have preserved traditions, such as a communitarian life where everything is shared. Men always seem to be walking around the island knitting the woolen caps they wear. Around noon you reach the remote community of Luquina on Chucuito Peninsula. Locals in this lesser known area are not visited by mass tourism yet. After lunch including typical Andean dishes take time to soak up the mesmerizing views - the deep earthy red color of the soil in the strong highland sunlight contrasts magnificently against the deep blue of Lake Titicaca. The backdrop of the snowcapped Cordillera Real on the far side completes a splendid picture. On your back to Puno there is a last stop to visit one of the floating reed islands of the Uros. (B,L) DAY 12: PUNO - LIMA Morning transfer to Juliaca airport for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, you will be transferred to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. (B) DAY 13: LIMA Morning transfer to Juliaca airport for your flight to Lima, where your services will end. (B)
ACCOMMODATION AGUAS CALIENTES EL MAPI El Mapi is a small hotel in the centre of Aguas Calientes, owned by the Inkaterra chain. Unlike the majority of the Inkaterra properties, this is a 3 star contemporary hotel and it is right in the centre of the town. The hotel claims to be efficient, playful and people friendly and does succeed in that. There are 48 rooms; the majority of the rooms are superior rooms with a contemporary design and no clutter. The Deluxe rooms have a small separate living room, but their design is not so user friendly and potentially not worth the extra money. The hotel is divided into three blocks and at the back there is a hot tub for guests to enjoy. There is a café restaurant serving all meals and a bar too with outdoor seating, offering happy hour everyday between 5.30 and 7pm. This is an affordable contemporary hotel in a great location; while the rooms could be a bit more spacious they are perfectly comfortable and have all of the amenities for an enjoyable stay. CUZCO CASA SAN BLAS Located in the historic centre of Cuzco, Casa San Blas is a charming hotel offering 18 rooms and 6 suites, all with stylish, boutique decor. The rooms feature rustic furniture, luxurious bedding and views of the inner courtyard. There is a lounge area, bar and on site restaurant serving local delicacies, as well as a hot tub and a sun terrace offering views of the main square. LIMA CASA ANDINA PREMIUM MIRAFLORES The Casa Andina Premium in Lima is a centrally located in the heart of Miraflores, and is spread over 17 floors, with 148 contemporary rooms and suites. The higher floors offer fantastic views across the city and towards the coast. The hotel is in a great location, close to some of Lima's best shopping and restaurants. Traditionally a residential neighbourhood, Miraflores has recently become one of the trendiest parts of the city, known for its nightlife and gastronomy. The hotel itself has a gourmet restaurant, a café, a heated covered pool, a gym, spa and business centre and the rooms each have en-suite bathrooms and all of the facilities you would expect from a 4-5 star hotel. This is a great hotel for those looking for a hotel within walking distance of shops and restaurants, but it is quite some way from old town Lima, so a taxi would be required to see the old town. PARACAS HACIENDA BAHIA PARACAS The Hacienda Bahia Paracas is a lovely hotel on the edge of Paracas beach, surrounded by the Paracas National Reserve. The hotel has 120 rooms and suites, designed in traditional Peruvian design and architecture. There is a fantastic swimming pool with views out to the bay, a restaurant, lounge bar and café, as well as the Oceano Spa. The hotel also offers a wide range of excursions to enable guests to enjoy the surrounding reserve, wildlife and beaches. This is a fantastic option just a few hours drive from Lima.
PUNO CASA ANDINA PREMIUM This boutique chain hotel on the outskirts of Puno offers guests personalised service in traditionally decorated rooms. The hotel has just 46 rooms and suites with varying views and each with a small balcony. While the rooms are not huge, they are comfortable and interesting. The hotel has a restaurant set away from the main building with views to the lake, above which there is a terrace area where guests can also enjoy meals or a drink from the bar. There is a bar just off the main lobby serving tapas everyday between 5 and 8pm. The Casa Andina Premium is a boutique style hotel offering personalised service about 10 minutes from central Puno. SACRED VALLEY ARANWA SACRED VALLEY HOTEL AND WELLNESS The Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel and Wellness is part of a chain of hotels in Peru. This hotel has been built on a seventeenth century colonia hacienda by the Vilcanota River. With 115 well appointed rooms of differing standards, the hotel's rooms are decorated in traditional colonial style as well as having more modern and minimalistic decor. The hotel has two main restaurants, a pisco and sushi bar and also a wine cellar. Other facilities include a spa, outdoor swimming pools, a library and a museum. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel 1 800 047 987 Fax +44 (0) 20 8741 3610 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com