Affordable Route of the Condor - 11 Days - $1,995pp

The Luxury Peru Travel Company Specialists in First Class & Luxury Peru Travel www.luxuryperu.travel

Luxury Peru Travel Calle Garcilaso 265, Cusco, Peru Toll Free: 1800 298 3158 Questions: [email protected] Page 1

Affordable Route of the Condor Peru Vacation

11 Days / 10 Nights

$1,995.00pp

Lima | Arequipa | Colca Canyon | Lake Titicaca | Cusco | Sacred Valley | Machu Picchu

"In the variety of its charms and the power of its spell, I know of no place in the world which can compare with it. Not only has it great snow peaks looming above the clouds more than two miles overhead, gigantic precipices of many-colored granite rising sheer for thousands of feet above the foaming, glistening, roaring rapids; it has also, in striking contrast, orchids and tree ferns, the delectable beauty of luxurious vegetation, and the mysterious witchery of the jungle." - Hiram Bingham (1875 - 1956) on discovering Machu Picchu



Table of Contents

1st Day – Arrive Lima .......................................................................................... 4

2nd Day – Private Lima Tour (B,L) ........................................................................ 7

3rd Day – Fly Arequipa – Private Arequipa City Tour (B) ................................... 10

4th Day – Colca Canyon Tour – Small Group (B) ................................................ 13

5th Day – Cruz Del Condor Small Group Tour and Transfer to Lake Titicaca (B) 17

6th day – Full Day Small Group Lake Titicaca Tour (B,L) .................................... 21

7th Day – First Class Tourist Bus to Cusco (B,L) ................................................. 24

8th Day – Cusco City Tour – Small Group (B) ..................................................... 28

7th Day – Sacred Valley of the Inca Tour – Small Group (B,L) ............................ 34

8th Day – Machu Picchu – Small Group (B) ....................................................... 40

11th Day – Fly Lima & Home (B) ........................................................................ 42

Financial Details ............................................................................................... 43

What is Included: ....................................................................................... 44

Information & FAQ - Peru .......................................................................... 45

Optional Second Day – Revisit Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco (D,B) ............ 48



Overview

The Luxury Peru Travel Company is a First Class & Luxury Peru Vacation Operator based in Cusco, Peru. Luxury Peru Travel won “Best Tour Operator” 2012 by DIRCETUR the Peruvian National Tourist Authority for Cusco & Machu Picchu. Our mission is to provide unique, personalized Peru Vacation experiences for our clients, listening carefully to your needs, wants & desires and customizing a Machu Picchu Vacation itinerary that meets these perfectly, and at the right price. All of our vacations are Private and as such you may start any day you wish and do and see exactly what you wish. If this vacation itinerary is not perfect for you, please just let us know and we will be delighted to make further suggestions as to Hotel and Tour etc. until we have the perfect Peru vacation for you. Thank you for your enquiry and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch. Regards,

Andrew Flowerdew

Senior Travel Consultant - Luxury Peru Travel [email protected] Toll Free USA / Canada - 1 800 298 3158 Skype: LuxuryPeruTravel

www.luxuryperu.travel www.luxuryperu.travel

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.luxuryperu.travel/

http://www.luxuryperu.travel/



1st Day – Arrive Lima Service Notes / Instructions

Arrive Lima

Most flights arrive in Lima in the evening.

We meet you at the airport We will meet you outside of Lima airport arrivals hall. There will be a man with a sign

with your names on.

Private Transfer in Lima Private Vehicle with English Speaking assistance to your Hotel in Lima.

Approximately one hour.

3* Second Home Boutique Hotel

1 x Ocean View Room



Second Home Peru

When my family is visiting Peru I reserve the unique Hotel Second Home Peru for them whilst they are in Lima. Can I give a higher recommendation? Second Home Peru embodies the spirit of Peruvian culture combined with the tranquility of the Pacific. This majestic guesthouse with five bedrooms / baths is nestled conveniently in the heart of Barranco, Lima's arts district.



Outdoor pool

Art gallery and studio

Ocean and garden views

Continental breakfast included

Laundry service

Children friendly

Fast Internet connection

Cable flat screen TV

Electric heaters

Maid and linen services



2nd Day – Private Lima Tour (B,L)

Service Notes / Instructions

The Lima Gourmet Company Private Lima Tour

Pick up in your Hotel Foyer at 09:45 drop off at around 15:00.

Lunch is included.

3* Second Home Boutique Hotel

1 x Ocean View Room



The Lima Gourmet Company Tourism in Lima Peru, once omitted from travelers’ lists while visiting the country, has been steadily attracting the attention of globe-trotters and adventure-seekers. While there are an abundance of tours in Lima that follow the typical tourist circuits led by traditional guided monologues, we believe that a hands-on experience, savoring the food, chatting with real limeños and visiting the top restaurants, districts and historical points the locals prefer is a much more dynamic and exciting way to see the city. We’ve designed this Lima Peru tour to be an ideal introduction to the city and Peruvian culture so that you can get a good feel of the city in just five hours. Now you have no excuse not to fall in love with the city before heading to Machu Picchu, the Amazon or even if you’re just here for work.



This Lima Peru tour starts at a local roastery, where they hand-pick the coffee beans daily, for an organic Peruvian coffee. You will also tour the colonial streets of the bohemian district, Barranco, home to artists, musicians and the city’s top art galleries. From here you’ll visit a traditional market in the San Isidro district to try exotic fruits and local products and learn the ancient myths and legends associated with them. The third stop is one of the city’s top seafood restaurants (cebichería), Embarcadero 41 Fusión, on Avenida La Mar in the Miraflores district – a stop other tours in Lima won’t take you. You’ll discover the secrets to the perfect Cebiche and Pisco Sour as you prepare the dish and cocktail yourself with the head chef and bartender. The last stop is for lunch at la Huaca Pucllana, a restaurant within a pre-Incan archeological complex – undoubtedly a highlight of tourism in Lima Peru. This prestigious restaurant is so impressive that the King of Spain, Mick Jagger, Bill and Hillary Clinton, just to name a few, have made sure not to miss it during their trips to Lima. You’ll enjoy a variety of gourmet Peruvian dishes as well as four different desserts and another pisco-based cocktail.

https://www.facebook.com/embarcadero41fusion?ref=ts

http://www.resthuacapucllana.com/



3rd Day – Fly Arequipa – Private Arequipa City Tour (B)

Service Notes / Instructions Private Transfer to Lima Airport

Pick up in your Hotel Foyer at 09:00 for the

approx. 1 hour transfer to the Lima Airport.

Fly Arequipa Flight departs at 12:00 noon.

Arrives in Arequipa at 13:25.

Private transfer to your Hotel in

Arequipa

Approx. 20 minute ride to your hotel.

Private Arequipa City Tour Pick up at your hotel at 15:00 and returning to your hotel at 18:30.

4* Sonesta Posada del Inca Arequipa

1 x Superior Room



Private Arequipa City Tour

Nicknamed the 'white city', Arequipa is surrounded by spectacular mountains, including the volcano El Misti. A fascinating feature of the city is its many beautiful buildings made of a light-colored volcanic rock called sillar. The City Tour of Arequipa is a great way to get to know the impressive beauty of "La Ciudad Blanca", the White City. The tour includes sites such as the church and square of San Francisco, home of La Compañía de Jesus, colonial homes, the Plaza de Armas and the unforgettable Convent of Santa Catalina, characterized by its narrow streets and different styles and famous in the 16th century. The Convent of Santa Catalina, perhaps the most fascinating colonial religious building in the country, was until recently home to almost 450 nuns.



4* Sonesta Posada Del Inca Arequipa

Known as one of the best Hotels in Arequipa Sonesta Posada del Inca is located in the center of the Arequipa's Main Square and next to the city's beautiful Cathedral. The Sonesta Posada del Inca is just a few steps from the Arequipa's commercial and financial districts, also known as the "White City," since most of its buildings are made of white volcanic stone. The Posada's ideal location allows easy access to the city's major tourist attractions, such as the monastery of "Santa Catalina," the Museum of the "Dama de Ampato (Juanita mummy)" and others.



4th Day – Colca Canyon Tour – Small Group (B)


Transfer out Arequipa to Colca Canyon

Collection from your Hotel Foyer at 07:30.

3* Casa Andina Classic Colca Canyon

1 x Superior Room



Small Group Colca Canyon Tour Starts

We will depart at 7:30 am from Arequipa, crossing 160 Km to the town of Chivay, capital of the Province of Caylloma. At the beginning of our excursion we will enjoy the majestic views of the Misti, Chachani and PichuPichu volcanoes and then approach the National Reserve of “Pampa Cañahuas”, where our transportation will make a short stop to observe the wild Vicuñas (the most important American camel) in its natural habitat. At this point we will be around 3,400 meters above sea level. We will arrive to “Pata Wasi” (Pata=high Wasi=home) an Andean community at the opposite border of the reserve. Here you might enjoy the natural formation of rocks and the view to the backside of the Misti and Chachani volcanoes. To prevent altitude sickness we will have an original Andean “Mate de Coca” drink in Sunbay at 3,800 meters above sea level.



Continuing on the road we will pass through “Tocra” over the 4,500 meter high mountains, where we will observe lakes with migrant birds and get pictures of the “Antiplano” (high plains) with its Llamas and Guanacos. Our highest point will be “Pata Pampa” (Pata=high, Pampa=land) located at 4,820 meters, where we’ll observe the volcanoes Ampato, Sabancaya, Hualca-Hualca, Mismi (the source of the Amazon River), and the “Cordillera de Chila”. When we are getting close to the town of Chivay (3,651 meters) we will start to wonder at the spectacular multicolor view of the terraces of the Colca valley. In Chivay we will drive to our hotel and after occupying our rooms we will have time for lunch, (cost of lunch is included in program). In the afternoon we will walk to the real Indian Town of Coporaque, where we will visit its traditional main square and -optionally- go on an hike to the hill of the San Antonio ruins, where we will visit a cemetery and have a wonderful view to the terraces of the Canyon (the hike takes about 1 hr.) We then proceed onto the 4* Hotel, Colca Lodge, deep in the base of Colca Canyon.



Casa Andina Colca Classic Casa Andina Colca Classic, located in the Colca Valley, 3 hours away from the city of Arequipa. It is a rustic, relaxed and intimate hotel. It features 52 rooms, 100% non-smokers, like rustic stone houses with thatched roofs and tiled floors. Some, built recently, feature hardwood floors and tile roofs.

Among the services offered are: internet center and complimentary Wi-Fi internet. Guests can enjoy a varied breakfast buffet, as well as a varied menu for lunch and dinner. This hotel has an oven to make pizzas and a barbecue area. Casa Andina Colca Classic account with a planetarium. Daily presentations in English and Spanish help visitors learn more about the stars and constellations, and enjoy the spectacular view of the Colca sky. In addition, there is a massage room, where guests can relax after a long day of sightseeing.



5th Day – Cruz Del Condor Small Group Tour and Transfer to Lake Titicaca (B) Service Notes / Instructions

Cruz del Condor Tour – Small Group & onto Lake Titicaca

Collection from your Hotel Foyer at 06:00. (It is best to visit the Condors in

the early mornings)

Arrive to Puno (Lake Titicaca) around 18:00.

Sillustani Funerary Towers

Visit a Pre–Incan Burial Ground in transit to Puno.

Approx. 5 hour transfer.

3* Casa Andina Classic Tikarani Boutique Hotel

1 x Superior Room



Small Group Cruz del Condor and Transfer to Puno

We will have our breakfast very early in the morning (about 6:00 am), so we can leave to the famous “Cruz del Condor” point as early as possible. We’ll arrive to “Cruz del Condor” at approximately 8:00 am.After taking pictures of the majestic Condors, our guide will take you for a short walk near the Canyon. We will then drive back to Chivay, visiting the traditional town of Pinchollo and the “Antahuilque viewpoint”, where a wonderful 1,500 year old terracing constructed by the Collaguas culture well before the Incas’ time can be observed. We visit the town of Maca, an Andean community that experienced an earthquake in November of 1991 and the town of Yanque with the most beautiful church in the valley. We’ll return to Chivay for lunch at a local restaurant (cost of lunch is included in the program).



Sillustani Funerary Towers Sillustani is a pre-Incan burial ground on the shores of Lake Umayo near Puno in Peru. The tombs, which are built above ground in tower-like structures called chullpas, are the vestiges of the Colla people, Aymara who were conquered by the Inca in the 15th century. The structures housed the remains of complete family groups, although they were probably limited to nobility. Many of the tombs have been dynamited by grave robbers, while others were left unfinished. Ancestor worship and kinship were integral parts of Aymara culture, and the huge chullpas or "chulpa" at Sillustani were built to house the Aymara elite of the immediate pre-Inca and Inca period. There was used in the 19th century and comes from the Dictionary of Ludovico Bertonio (1612). Many of the chullpas at Sillustani show pre-Inca characteristics that were later redressed with Inca stone blocks. Similar chullpas are found throughout the entire south Central Andes with the above ground burial styles going back at least to mature Tiwanaku (ca AD 500-950). The insides of the tombs were built to hold entire groups of people, most likely extended families of the Aymara elite. Corpses were not intentionally mummified, but in the dry environment created by the closed tomb, they survived for centuries. Most mummy bundles indicate burial in a fetal position. Some of the tombs also have various animal shapes carved into the stone. The only openings to the buildings face east, where it was believed the Sun was reborn by Mother Earth each day.



Hotel Casa Andina Classic Tikarani A medium-size, easygoing hotel with several relaxing public areas, including a fireplace lounge and courtyard. Close to Puno’s restaurant and bar scene along the pedestrian walk — just a 5-minute walk — but just far enough removed to make sure visitors get a good night’s sleep.

50 Traditional Rooms 100% smoke-free (since June 1st, 2011) Rooms occupying 3 floors of a spacious building, with several relaxed sitting areas, are warmly decorated and considerably ample and quiet. Comfortable in size, with Queen or 2 Twin/Full-size beds; featuring writing desks or breakfast tables with 2 chairs, closets with

safes, and bathrooms. Rooms feature:

Heating

Cable TV

Down comforters

Free high-speed Wi-Fi Internet access

Direct-dial telephone

Safety deposit box

Hair dryer



6th day – Full Day Small Group Lake Titicaca Tour (B,L)


Full Day Lake Titicaca Tour Collection from your Hotel Foyer at 07:30 for the full day small group tour of Lake

Titicaca.

Lunch is included on Taquile Island.

Returns to your Hotel at approximately 17:00.

3* Casa Andina Classic Tikarani

Boutique Hotel

1 x Double Room



Full Day Lake Titicaca Tour – Small Group Lake Titicaca, at 3,820m. above sea level, is the highest navigable lake in the world. At this altitude, the pure air creates wonderful light, and the views of the snow-capped Cordillera Real rising over the lake are superb. This immense body of water is home to the Uros people, who live on reed islands they have woven, and to the people of Taquile Island, who create some of the finest crafts in the Andes.

Titicaca Express (By Speedboat - Toilet On-Board) Duration: 9.5 hours Distance: 99 kilometers round trip. 7:00 - Transfer to the port. At 7:15 a.m. depart on the speedboat "Titicaca Express", fully equipped and with on board service. 8:30 - We arrive to a secluded section of Taquile Island, Explore the less touristy and scenic area of Taquile Island (exclusive), and enjoy a pristine sandy beach there you will have plenty of time to relax and feel the serenity of Titicaca. Then Hike through a pre-Inca trail with spectacular landscapes of the island, visiting families of weavers to learn about their textile art & symbolism that has been declared by UNESCO as world heritage. At 11:30 am we leave the island, after more than 3 hours of an intensive natural and cultural approach.



11:55 - Arrival to the community of Santa Maria – Llachon, on the tip of the Capachica Peninsula, a very scenic off the beaten track destination. We are welcomed by a small community and quickly introduced to an intensive cross cultural experience, observe their traditions and participate in an ancient ceremony to learn about their magical world. Then experience the preparation of "Pachamanca" a traditional way of cooking meat, fish and potatoes using underground ovens - this is one of the main dishes of Peruvian cuisine. Enjoy these delicacies in a small, but very scenic, restaurant. 13:50 - We leave Santa Maria. 14:25 - Arrival to a remote area of the National Reserve of Lake Titicaca, and explore UROS Ccapi, these are considered as the last authentic floating islands, less commercial and little visited. The Uros are descendants of one of the oldest cultures in South America. Optional tours in reed boats. Return to Puno at 15:25 pm. 16:30 - Arrival in Puno and transfer to hotel.



7th Day – First Class Tourist Bus to Cusco (B,L)


Private Transfer out Puno We will collect you from hotel at 07:00 for an approx. 20 minute transfer to the

Bus Station.

First Class Tourist Bus To Cusco

The bus departs at 07:30.

Includes lunch and stops at Inca and Colonial Sights on route.

Arrival to Cusco at 17:00.

Private Transfer to your Hotel

in Cusco

Approx. 15 minutes.

Casa San Blas 3* Boutique Hotel Cusco

1 x Superior Room



First Class Tourist Bus between Cusco & Puno (Lake Titicaca) Departs at 07:30 and arrives at approx. 17:00. Visits the following sites of interest on route and Lunch is included. Andahuaylillas: "Sistine Chapel of America" The church is of simple construction, made of thick adobe mud-brick walls, common in colonial buildings, and features a relatively modest structure: a single nave with a bell tower and a façade with two solid stone columns that stand out against the others around the main entrance. While the exterior of the church looks rather humble, it is the interior, that makes this one of the most valuable jewels of the colonial art in Peru, sometimes called the "Capilla Sixtina" or "Sistine Chapel" of America. Raqchi: "Temple of Wiracocha" The Temple of Wiracocha is an enormous rectangular two-story roofed structure that measures 300 ft. by 84 ft. This structure consists of a central adobe wall some 18 to 20 meters in height with an andesite base. Windows and doors allow passage. It is flanked on each side by a row of eleven columns.



Felipon Restaurant - Buffet Lunch Sicuani is a relatively large highland town. The town is a major intersection, with the road to Puno/Arequipa passing through here. This town is surrounded by some very pretty hills. Afterwards, you have a buffet lunch in our exclusive restaurant with family atmosphere. Raya Pass This is La Raya pass Mountain views, 4310m – 14,172ft above sea level, here we have the chance to get out and breathe the air and take some photographs of grazing llamas and alpacas extend to the broad Altiplano horizon. This point is the conjunctions of the cordillera and the origin of the Vilcanota knot. Pukara: "Museum of Pukara"

Located 106 kms. from the city of Puno. People of potters, which retains the name of the first civilization of southern Peru, which dates back to 1600 years BC and archaeological remains of which, besides its lithic and ceramic pieces are exhibited in the Museum site. Pucara Puno has its origin in the Late Formative Period (200 BC – 200 AD) around Titicaca Lake in the Collao Plateau, was one of an Aymara speaking cultures that flourished in that region.



Boutique Hotel Casa San Blas

At the Hotel Boutique Casa San Blas we are a home away from home. But is not just the splendid décor of our hotel that lends comfort to your stay. For us, it is service that really counts and we aim to personify the warmth and character of the city of Cusco and its inhabitants. Hospitality has always been the virtue of this city in the Andes which once received pilgrims from the whole Inca Empire, and now welcomes guests from all over the world. We chose to locate our hotel in an 18th century colonial-style house in the historic artisan's quarter of San Blas in order to provide our guests with a sense of Cusco´s magnificent history. The restoration of a modest merchant's house was achieved without sacrificing the pleasing proportions of what had once been a family home. We retained and even recovered elements of the original design, and incorporated other elements we unearthed during the work - including original Inca masonry - to create a unique style.



8th Day – Cusco City Tour – Small Group (B) Service Notes / Instructions

Half Day Small Group Cusco City Tour

Pick up in your Hotel foyer at 14:00.

Returns at approx. 17:15.


1 x Superior Room



Small Group Afternoon Cusco City Tour Cathedral | Sacsayhuamán | Coricancha | Tambomachay | Puca Pucara | Qenko

We start the tour at the Inca ruins of Tambomachay. This was an Inca sanctuary dedicated to the cult of water, a place reserved for Inca Royalty. Consisting of a group of walls that are united by stairs, there are springs that cascade to a pool through several channels. The waterfalls in these ruins form part of a terrace to the second wall where the drainage cascades to the first and forms a small pool. The window sills, holes or niches are 2m height, and was the place, according to the historians, that the Inca and important people of his court offered water rights to the Sun God, Inti.



We then proceed on to visit Puca Pucara (Quechua for red fortress). This is an Inca archaeological site located again on the peak of a hill and is thought to be a military position and an administrative centre. Due to its proximity to Tambomachay, it is believed to have had a relationship with its defense, as well as the control of the route to Calca.



We proceed on to visit Qenko; a sanctuary dedicated to the adoration of animals, and consists of ruins formed by a rocky site with stairs in a zigzag, and a main building similar to a circular amphitheatre where 19 window sills are located as a way of seats. It is presumed that this place was a site of adoration, and supporting this presumption is the presence of an enormous stone block of 5.9m height that resembles the appearance of a puma. There is a labyrinthine entrance towards several underground galleries, passages, channels and stairs with signs of an earlier culture. These reveal themselves in a series of drawings and engravings including outstanding figures of pumas.



We then visit one of the most important Inca sites in South America the enormous Fortress of Sacsayhuamán.

Its construction took over seven decades and required the work of 20,000 men approximately, both for the foundations and hewn stone works, the transportation of materials, carving and stones setting. Hewn stones could have been located at Muina, Huacoto and Rumicolca, 20 kilometers away from Cusco, and at closer places such as Sallu, Rumi, Chita, Curovilca and Viracocha. Thereafter, we will visit Cusco Cathedral which is one of the finest Colonial Cathedrals in the Americas. Building started in 1560 and was declared completed in 1664. The design is constituted by a Latin - Cross base, the facade has a Renaissance style, very ornamental, and it contains the best manifestations of colonial goldsmith and wood carving, as well as a valuable collection of canvases from the Escuela Cusqueña (Academy of Cusco). There are two auxiliary chapels on its both sides: Capilla del Triunfo and Jesus, Maria y Jose.



Finally we proceed on to visit Coricancha (from the Quechua word Quri Qancha meaning 'Golden Courtyard'), originally named Inti Qancha (' Temple of the Sun') was it the most important temple in the Inca Empire, dedicated primarily to Inti, the Sun God. It was one of the most revered and respected temples of the city of Cusco, Peru. The walls and floors were once covered in sheets of solid gold, and the courtyard was filled with golden statues. Spanish reports tell of its opulence that was 'fabulous beyond belief'. The Church of Santo Domingo was built on the site, using the ruined foundations of the temple that was flattened by the Spanish in the 17th century, and is a fine example of where Inca stonework has been incorporated into the structure of a colonial building. Major earthquakes have severely damaged the church, but the Inca stone walls, built out of huge, tightly-interlocking blocks of stone, still stand thanks to the sophisticated stone masonry. Nearby is an underground archaeological site museum containing a number of interesting pieces, including mummies, textiles and sacred idols.



7th Day – Sacred Valley of the Inca Tour – Small Group (B,L) Service Notes / Instructions

Full Day Tour of the Sacred Valley of the Inca – Small Group

Pick Up in your Hotel Foyer at 08:00.

Lunch is included.

Returns at approx 18:30.

Lunch at Posada Tunupa

Buffet Lunch at Posada Tunupa.


1 x Superior Room



Full Day Sacred Valley of the Inca Tour Pisac Market | Pisac Ruins | Lunch Posada Tunupa | Ollantaytambo

Introducing The Sacred Valley Tucked under the tawny skirts of formidable foothills, the beautiful Río Urubamba Valley, known as El Valle Sagrado (The Sacred Valley), is about 15km north of Cusco as the condor flies, via a narrow road of hairpin turns. Long the home of attractive colonial towns and isolated weaving villages, in recent years it has become a destination in its own right. Star attractions are the markets and the lofty Inca citadels of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, but the Valley is also packed with other Inca sites. Trekking routes are deservedly gaining in popularity. Adrenaline activities range from rafting to rock climbing. Spend the day exploring this peaceful, fetching corner of the Andes. The archaeological sites of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero can be visited with a boleto turístico, which is included in the tour.



Pisac Market A famed hill town, Pisac is a great place to purchase top quality Andean knitwear at lower prices than visitors will find in major cities during their travels in Peru. Woven blankets, tapestries, and alpaca garments such as sweaters and mittens, colorful fabric and accessories are found in abundance at the Pisac market in addition to pottery, jewelry, and other handicrafts. Though Pisac’s biggest crafts market takes place on Sunday, you will find fewer tourists and smaller crowds in general if you visit the weekday craft markets. The village’s largest produce market is also held on Sunday, bringing a multitude of vendors from the countryside to supply the local population with produce, fresh from the fields.



Pisac Inca Ruins It’s not hard to succumb to the charms of sunny Pisac, a bustling colonial village at the base of a spectacular Inca fortress perched on a mountain spur.

Its pull is universal and recent years have seen an influx of expats and new age followers in search of an Andean Shangri-la. Located just 33km northeast of Cuzco by a paved road, it’s the most convenient starting point to the Sacred Valley. The ruins are separated along the ridge into four groups: Pisac, Intihuatana, Q'allaqasa, and Kinchiracay. The Intihuatana group includes the Temple of the Sun, baths, altars, water fountains, a ceremonial platform, and an Intihuatana, a volcanic outcrop carved into a "hitching post for the Sun" (or Inti). With military, religious, and agricultural structures, the site served at least a triple purpose. Researchers believe that Pisac defended the southern entrance to the Sacred Valley, while Choquequirao defended the western entrance, and the fortress at Ollantaytambo the northern. Inca Pisac controlled a route which connected the Inca Empire with the border of the rain forest.



Ollantaytambo After lunch, we proceed onto Ollantaytambo an attractive little town located at the western end of the Sacred Valley. The town has been built on top of original Inca foundations and is the best surviving example of Inca town planning.

The town is located at the foot of some spectacular Inca ruins which protected the strategic entrance to the lower Urubamba Valley. The temple area is at the top of steep terracing which helped to provide excellent defenses. Stone used for these buildings was brought from a quarry high up on the opposite side of the Urubamba River - an incredible feat involving the efforts of thousands of workers. The complex was still under construction at the time of the conquest and was never completed.



Posada Tunupa Lunch Lunch at Posada Tunupa is included. Posada Tunupa serves perhaps the finest buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley.

The Posada itself is set in extensive gardens with beautiful views across the Valley. Chinchero Chinchero was once one of the most important Inca towns in Peru. There is a lovely Colonial Church and a great plaza where a local market is held.



8th Day – Machu Picchu – Small Group (B)

Service Notes / Instructions Small Group Transfer out

Cusco and Expedition Train to Machu Picchu

Pick Up in your Hotel Foyer at 07:30 for the small group transfer to Poroy train station. Catch the 08:25 First Class Expedition Train

to Machu Picchu, arriving at 12:11.

Machu Picchu Tour Small Group

2-3 Hours with plenty of time to ask questions.

Return To Cusco

Catch the 17:00 Expedition Train to Cusco, arriving at approx. 20:30.

Transfer in Cusco Approx. 30 minutes.

Casa San Blas

3* Boutique Hotel Cusco

1 x Superior Room



Guided Tour of Machu Picchu (2 – 3 Hours) Your tour to Machu Picchu will take you through the most important sites that comprise the citadel, where you can learn more about the incredible Inca civilization.

Within Machu Picchu there are a number of specific treasures that you can explore at your own pace. There are over 150 different palaces, temples, dwellings, and other structures within the citadel. Take time to get lost in its 75 acres of wonder and climb some of the citadel’s 10,000 steps. Famous Machu Picchu attractions include the Intihuatana stone, which points toward the sun at the winter solstice and may have acted as an astronomical calendar, and the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of Three Windows, both of which were devoted to the sun god Inti. The central buildings of Machu Picchu use the classical Inca architectural style of polished dry-stone walls. The Incas were masters of this technique, called ashlar, in which blocks of stone are cut to fit together tightly without mortar. Many junctions in the central city are so perfect that it is said not even a blade of grass fits between the stones.



11th Day – Fly Lima & Home (B)


Private Transfer out Cusco

At the appropriate time a private transfer to Cusco Airport.

Approx. 15 minutes.

Flights to Lima Airport

The first flights to Lima Airport arrive at 09:00 so your International flights home

should not be before Midday or 13:00 even better.

At this time our services end with your arrival to Lima Airport.

Depending on the time of your flights home we can add a final Dinner in Lima here if you wish.



Financial Details

Affordable Route of the Condor Peru Vacation – 11 Days

$1,995.00pp

Book Now

Add a Second Day at Machu Picchu $220.00pp

Add Flights: Lima / Arequipa and

Cusco / Lima – Both Flights

+$300.00pp

Upgrade to the Luxury Andean

Explorer Train Cusco / Puno

Please Ask (Price varies by season)

Deposit would be $500.00pp Balance due 60 Days before travel

Book Online Address

https://luxuryperutravel.rezdy.com/13651/affordable-route-of-the-condor-11-days






What is Included:

All Tours with Qualified English-speaking guides All Private Transfers

All Entrance Fees 10 Nights in Recommended Hotels inc. Breakfasts

10 x Breakfasts, 4 x Lunches (B,L) First Class Expedition Train - Cusco / Machu Picchu / Cusco

First Class Tourist Bus Cusco / Puno Optional - All Peru Internal flights: Lima / Arequipa & Cusco / Lima

What is not Included:

International airfare to Peru and Taxes National Departure Taxes at airports

Other Meals unless specifically stated in the Itinerary Personal expenses such as telephone bills, laundry expenses, beverages, etc.

Baggage porterage and other extras not specified.



Information & FAQ - Peru

IMPORTANT - Baggage Restrictions Luggage Allowance: Train to Machu Picchu All trains to and from Machu Picchu now have a 5Kg Limit on baggage, basically an overnight bag and your day pack. Luggage Allowance: Amazon Jungle All Jungle Lodges have a 5Kg per person weight limit basically an overnight bag and your day pack. You may safely leave your excess baggage at the Jungle Lodges offices at Puerto Maldonado Airport

Useful Travel Information Departure Tax Departure taxes at airports are not included as a part of your tour. We have indicated below current amounts (although these can change at any time). For international flights departing from Lima a departure tax of US$30.25 is applicable per person. For domestic flights a departure tax of US $6.05 is applicable per person.

Hotel vouchers for your trip We do not issue individual hotel vouchers; your full day by day itinerary represents exactly what is included in terms of hotel accommodation and meal basis.



Passports Please double check your passport is valid for six months beyond the date of return from your trip. Immigration Card Upon arrival in Lima you will receive an immigration slip that should be kept for your departure. This slip of paper will be required at all hotel check-in so please keep it with you at all times. Visas UK / USA / Canadian & Australian citizens do not currently require a visa to visit Peru. A valid passport for at least 6 months after date of departure from Peru is required by all visitors. Tipping Tipping for good service is an accepted fact. Amounts are obviously discretionary, but as a rough guide our ground agents recommend US$6-10 per day for guides and US$4-5 for drivers Electricity 220 volts/110 volts. The plugs are either two pronged round (not the European pins) or flat pins. Time GMT minus 5 hours or 6 hours Communications The phone code for Peru is 0051 Major tourist centers have numerous internet centers where you can also make reasonably priced international phone calls, and send faxes.



Money & Expense The Peruvian currency is the new sol, it is currently worth approximately $0.30 Change is always in short supply. Automatic cash dispensers are available in the major cities and towns. Most machines take all debit cards, as well as Cirrus and Plus cards. Visa and Amex are widely accepted (MasterCard to a lesser degree). If you want to bring traveler’s cheques, they should be in US dollars, and not sterling. Peru is a good value destination. Allow about $15-20 a day for meal and drink expenses, a local beer will normally cost around 1.00, a 2 course lunch $5 and a 2 course dinner $20. (Prices based on good local restaurants). Health No vaccinations are compulsory but tetanus, polio, typhoid, hepatitis A and yellow fever are advisable. Please check with a GP or Travel Clinic for other up to- date immunization advice, including malarial areas. Do not drink the tap water. Up to date health information available at: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationPeru.aspx Altitude sickness ('soroche') is a possibility in the highland areas, precautions include resting when you first arrive, avoiding caffeine and alcohol and drinking coca tea. Nearly everyone will have a headache and feel out of breath and possibly nauseous for at least the first day at altitude, if symptoms worsen hotels and guides will have oxygen handy, the only cure for acute sickness is to descend to a lower altitude. The power of the sun at high altitudes is magnified, take sunglasses and sun cream.

http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationPeru.aspx



Optional Second Day at Machu Picchu (D,B)

Optional Second Day – Revisit Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco (D,B)


4* El Mapi Hotel

1 x Superior Room (Dinner is included at the Hotel tonight)

Machu Picchu

We include Bus & Entrance Tickets today but No Private Guide.

(available at extra cost please ask)

First Class Expedition Train to Cusco

Catch the 17:27 train service returning to Cusco (Poroy Station) at 20:40.

Private Transfer in Cusco Approx. 30 minutes to your Hotel.

Casa San Blas

3* Boutique Hotel Cusco

1 x Superior Room



Optional Second Day at Machu Picchu

Hotel El Mapi Smart and contemporary are the defining elements of this hotel, amidst the commercial village of Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), from where you can admire and interact with the quaint folksy town and get a different perspective. Hotel El Mapi includes Dinner in the Hotel.

The hotel is efficient, playful and people friendly; it welcomes a wide range of guests expecting an uncomplicated visit. Turn into an amiable and healthy environment after your enlightening visit to Perus most distinguished destination, the Machu Picchu Archaeological site. 48 Rooms Each room is equipped with blackout curtains, 100% cotton sheets, down duvets, hypoallergenic pillows, cotton bath robes, natural herbal amenities, 32" flat screen TVs and tight-focus reading lights. El Bar Comfortable bar/lounge with Plasma TV and complimentary Wi-Fi, features a delectable variety of snacks and tapas, a wide selection of Piscos, and organic wines.



Revisit Machu Picchu We include your Bus & Entrance Tickets today but no Private Guide (available at extra cost please ask). Tickets for climbing either Huayna Picchu or Apu Machu Picchu are included (subject to availability).

Machu Picchu: Inti Punku (Sun Gate) (2 Hours round trip) Inti Punku the Sun Gate marks the entrance to Machu Picchu. It is a one hour uphill hike to the southeast of the Sanctuary, climbing more than 300 meters. The hike is on the original Inca trail and is paved with Inca stones. There is a spectacular view from the gate (pictured right).



Apu Machu Picchu (4 to 5 Hours Roundtrip) The hike to the summit of Apu Machu Picchu is 2 ½ hours and can be quite steep in places. This trail, accessed from Machu Picchu, joins parts of the Inca trail leading to the Sun Gate before climbing to the mountain's highest point. From there, enjoy the view of soaring eagles as well as Machu Picchu and other significant ruins in the area, such as Putukusi, Huayna Picchu, Salkantay mountain and the Vilcanota River view. This is a breath-taking hike with a lot of orchids along the way, birds in the bushy areas, and with every stop the view gets better and better. The climb is 600 meters uphill, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. *** Access to Apu Machu Picchu is controlled by special tickets which need to be purchased in advance by us. Access is 07:00 – 11:00. Please ask to have these tickets included in your tour if desired***



Inka Bridge (Bridge 1 Hour Round Trip) This hike is to the south west of Machu Picchu, a nice original trail that overlooks the Aobamba valley and the Hydro-electric plant. This Inca Bridge is a part of a mountain trail that heads west from Machu Picchu. The trail is a stone path, part of which is cut into a cliff face. A twenty-foot gap was left in this section of the carved cliff face, over a 1,900 foot drop that could be bridged with two tree trunks. When the tree trunks were removed, the trail became impassable to outsiders. The path is narrow and paved with original Inca stones. The steep trail continues on and climbs the side of the mountain, leading adventurous travelers to a remote corner of this archaeological site. In addition to a magnificent bird's-eye view of Machu Picchu, the summit also offers a perfect vantage point to the canyon of the Vilcanota River, the mountain of Putukusi, and the distant snow-capped Andean peaks.



Huayna Picchu (3 - 4 Hours) Huayna Picchu (Huayna Picchu or Young Peak) is the mountain you see behind Machu Picchu. Towering above the north end of Machu Picchu this steep mountain is often seen in the backdrop to the classic photos of the ruins. The mountain is steep, but stone steps are laid along most of the way and where the mountain is steeper you will find steel cables used as handrails. It is not a difficult climb for relatively fit people. On wet days you have to be very careful as things can turn dangerous quickly. Very Limited Access! Only 400 people are allowed to hike Huayna Picchu each day. You have to sign in at the entrance gate. The first 200 can enter at 7:00am, and are often gone in less than an hour on busier days. The second 200 are available at 10:00am. ***You should buy these special tickets in advance with us to be sure you are guaranteed a spot for this hike*** There are breath-taking views on your way up and some ruins near the top which many like to visit.



The most important thing about Huayna Picchu is the bird’s eye view of the whole of Machu Picchu from the top. More on the level of difficulty: You will be glad to see that the path is almost two meters wide, but at the beginning only, later it becomes narrower, and one side there is a steep fall. There are some accidents and even deaths every year so be aware this can be a quite dangerous hike. After a while you will find the path becomes really narrow - only a couple of feet wide and here the slope is really steep. In some parts the rocks are uneven and sometimes slippery as well but you will find hand rails along these areas.

Documents

Affordable Route of the Condor - 11 Days - $1,995pp