Peru the Guide - Final

8/3/2019 Peru the Guide - Final

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Peru Trek

December, 2011


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Peru Trek 2

Table of Contents

Overall Itinerary................................................................................................................................... 3

Some facts about Peru ......................................................................................................................... 4

Cusco................................................................................................................................................... 5

Detailed Itinerary - Cusco .................................................................................................................... 6

Other places to visit & things to do in Cusco ...................................................................................... 12

Lima .................................................................................................................................................. 14

Detailed Itinerary - Lima .................................................................................................................... 15

Other places to visit in Lima and recommendations ........................................................................... 18

Other general information & tips ....................................................................................................... 24


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Peru Trek 3

Peru Trek 2011 Overall Itinerary

Day Morning* Lunch time Afternoon Dinner time Night City Hotel

27-Dec Arrive to Lima - Peru / Transport to hotel not included (See transportation section) LimaCasa AndinaLima

Cusco

28-Dec - Pick up time: 4:45am

- Flight TA007 to

Cusco

- Transfer to Hotel - Resting Day

- Optional Visit to Moray and Moras (not included)

- Lunch and Dinner not included

Sacred

Valley

Casa Andina

Sacred Valley


- Full Day Excursion to

Ollantaytambo

- Buffet

Lunch

- Pisac Market - Free time - Free time Sacred

Valley

Casa Andina

Sacred Valley


- Expedition Train to

Machu Picchu

- Buffet

Lunch

- Train back to

Cusco City

- Free time - Free time Cusco Casa Andina

Cusco

Cathedral


- Half day City Tour

Cusco

- Free time - Free time - 7:30pm - Fallen

Angel's Club

(Meet in Lobby)

- Fallen Angel's

Club: NYE

Party!

Cusco Casa Andina

Cusco

Cathedral

1-Jan - Free time - Free time - Free time - 7:30pm - Pre-

Columbian Art

Museum (Meet

there)

- Free time Cusco Casa Andina

Cusco

Cathedral

Lima

2-Jan - Pick up time:

10:45am

- Flight TA010 to Lima

(1:15pm - 2:35pm)

- Pescados

Capitales

- Free time - Free time - Free time Lima Casa Andina

Lima

3-Jan - Pick up time: 10am

- Half day Colonial

City Tour

- Pardo's

Chicken

- Free time - 7:00pm:

Dinner at La

Mar

- Free time Lima Casa Andina

Lima

4-Jan - Pick-up time: 9:15am

from hotel Chincha

- Weaving

workshop

- Lunch at typical

ranch (Hacienda

Benavides)

- Free time - Pool Party at

the hotel!

Chincha Casa Andina

Chincha

5-Jan - Optional Tours Pre-

Paid: Ballestas, Nazca

(Pick up time will

depend)

- Lunch Box - Buggies at

Huacachina, Las

Dunas

- Free time - Free time Asia AquaVit Hotel

6-Jan - Pick up time: 10am

- Asia Beach

1pm: BBQ at

Asia Beach

- Asia Beach - Free time:

sleep to be

prepared!

- Caf del Mar

Party!

Asia AquaVit Hotel

7-Jan Asia Beach / 2 Scheduled Buses to Lima Airport Lima -

*All breakfasts are included

Three Golden Rules

1. Be punctual:there are a lot of people in the trek ready to have fun, respect them!2. Dont complain:we are trying our best!3. ENJOY, ENJOY, ENJOY:salud!


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Peru Trek 4

Some facts about Peru

Location: Peru covers 1.285 million

km (496,193 sq mi). It neighbours

Ecuador and Colombia to the north,

Brazil to the east, Bolivia to the

southeast, Chile to the south, and

the Pacific Ocean to the west

Population: approx. 30 million

Languages: Spanish and in a smaller

proportion Quechua (mountains)

and Aymara (mountains and forest)

Religion: 90% Roman Catholic

Economic activity:

o GDP around US$ 145bn, GDP per capita US$4,800 (important sectors: mining,

construction)

o Growth: 8.8% in 2010 and 6%-7% expected in 2011

o Inflation: 2.1% in 2010 and 3.5% expected in 2011

o Major trading partners: USA, Japan, China

o Currency: Nuevo Sol (FX: S/. 2.7 per USD, S/. 4.25 per and S/. 3.65 per approx.)

Geography & weather: the territory is divided in three main regions: coast, mountains and

forest. Weather, traditions, cuisine and culture varies among the three of them

Peru is a country that features practically all of the planet's climates, with remarkable natural, mining,

and power resources. In part due to these natural advantages,

Peru is:

The leading exporter of asparagus and paprika in the world;

The leading producer of fish meal and oil;

The leading producer of Alpaca and Vicua fibers;

The leading producer of silver world-wide,

An up-and-coming hydrocarbon exporter.

And in Latin America, Peru is:

The leading producer of gold, zinc, tin and lead;

Second in copper, in addition to a leader in other metals;

Third largest country in South America and

Second largest in area of natural forests.


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Peru Trek 5

Cusco

"The Archaeological Capital of America" is the largest and most visited tourist attraction of Peru.

Cusco was the largest city and the capital of the Inca Empire "the Tahuatinsuyo", which occupied much

of Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Chile. Won afterwards by the Spanish conquistadors,

Cuscos architecture is a fusion of Inca and Iberian style. Its people maintain with great pride their

customs and traditions. It also seems essential to know the mystic and enigmatic citadel of Machu

Picchu as the Spaniards were never able to find and that was discovered by Western culture in 1911.

Due to its historical value and beauty, Cusco, like Machu Picchu, is listed as a Cultural Heritage of

Humanity.

Location: Cusco is located in Huatanay River Valley, in the southeasts Andes of Peru, in the jurisdiction

of province and region Cusco, 3,399 meters above the sea level. The total area of Cusco totalised

71.891,97 Km2 and it is divided politically in 13 provinces. Cusco city has 8 districts: Ccorca, Cusco, Poroy,San Jernimo, San Sebastin, Saylla, Wanchaq and Santiago.

Weather: The rainy season starts in November and lasts until May. At the beginning of this season the

rain is light and becomes more intense during the months of January through March. There isn't too

much uniformity between summer and winter. Normally it is cold at night and during the first hours in

the morning the temperature rises until noon. During sunny days, the temperature reaches 20C.

Demographics: The number of people living in Cusco city is of 304,152 inhabitants and in the entire

department there are 1158,142 inhabitants.

Typical Food: In Cusco you can find a great variety of international food (@ Cusco style!). Some wellknown traditional dishes include Pachamanca, which is a variety of different meats cooked under the

surface with hot stones. If you are not afraid of exotics flavours (and views) try the guinea pig, however,

if you are less of a risk taker, the alpaca steak is a good alternative. Of course, many, many, many

varieties of potatoes!

Festivities & Traditions: Among the main festivities: the Inty Raymi(Inca Sun festival), which is held on

the 24th of June, is one the most important traditions. It was a religious ceremony of the Inca Empire in

honour of the god Inti. Since 1944, a theatrical representation has been taking place at the ruins of

Sacsayhuaman. The Qoyllur R'iti(in Ausangate) is celebrated a few days before Corpus Christi. Qoyllur

Rit'i in Quechua means 'Snow Star', a name reminiscent of the festivals pre-Columbian origins. It is oftensaid to be a pre-Inca fertility rite. Qoyllur Riti is raw culture: an intense, noisy, extremely cold,

unsanitary, and often confusing festival held at the base on a mountain glacier. It attracts devout

pilgrims from all over the Cusco region and hosts thousands of dancers. The Carnival is celebrated 7

weeks before Easter (February). Festivities start in Pisac and continue throughout the following week in

the nearby communities. The carnival at Pisac is a very colourful affair with many dance groups from

Pisac and the surrounding communities competing for prizes and community honour.


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Peru Trek 6

I. Detailed Itinerary - CuscoDay 1 - 28. Dec

Cusco

Sacred Valley

A bus will pick up us from the hotel at 4:45 am to take us to the airport

We will arrive to Cusco at 7:40 am

A bus will pick us from the airport and will take us to the Hotel in the Sacred Valley (2,875 meters

above sea level). The drive will take 1-1.5 hours

You should take this first day to adapt to the altitude

Recommendations: rest and eat very little quantities of food

If you feel strong you can make an optional visit to Moray and Maras

The sacred valley, along the Vilcanota River, is one of the most beautiful places of the archeological Peru. It is a

succession of picturesque towns (some with beautiful colonial churches), Inca platforms and archaeological

remains, as well as roomy spaces where the best corn grows (giant white corn) of the entire world and it has an

excellent weather.

Optional

Moray and Maras

Taxi and entrance fees should be very cheap (it does not

require advance booking)

Moray: You will visit huge circular agricultural terraces at

Moray, built by the Incas in natural sinkholes on a limestone

plateau overlooking the Urubamba valley. It has been suggested

that they have a cosmological meaning, but their function, other


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Peru Trek 7

than agricultural, remains a mystery.

Maras: Originally constructed by the Incas they are still

being 'harvested' over 400 years later. Salt pools areallocated to families and there are over 5000 pools on the

terraced mountain side. The source of the salt is a small

mineral spring that bubbles out of the mountain and is

channelled into different levels so that it flows into the

many terraces that hold the thousands of small salt pools

Day 2 - 29. Dec

Cusco

Sacred Valley: Pisac Market & Ollantaytambo

Full day excursion

A bus will pick up us at 9:00 am and will take us to the ruins of Ollantaytambo, where we will

spend approximately 4 hours

We will return to Urubamba village (15 minutes distance) to enjoy a buffet lunch at Tunupa, in its

outdoors terrace restaurant

Approximately at 3:00 pm, we will depart to visit the ruins of Pisac

Ollantaytambo: Here, we find some spectacular and

extensive Inca ruins, most of them enclosed with a Temple

Fortress. The unfinished temple, begun by the Pachacuti,

contains some of the largest stones ever used by the Inca

builders. This archaeological complex was a gigantic

agricultural, administrative, social, religious and military

centre in the era of the Tahuantinsuyo. The Spaniards called

it the Fortress of Ollantaytambo. Once can see the

architectural style of its streets and squares which are

distinctly pre-Hispanic, with enormous polyhedrons forming

the walls and trapezoidal doors of temples and palaces. The

urban distribution was set along rectilinear and narrow streets which have been inhabited constantly by natives

since the Incas time. In the upper and western part of the city rises a mountain which houses innumerable pre-

Hispanic constructions such as magnificent crafted temples and terraces. A striking construction is the partially

destroyed main temple, where one can see the front stone carving made up of six perfectly built red monoliths. It

also has stepped molds, a characteristic made by the Earth. This made academics to consider Ollantaytambo a

living museum.


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Peru Trek 8

Pisac:

Archeological Park:

The Inca constructions of Pisaq are admired because of the

huge platforms that surround the mountain were the remains

are located. All of the structures are made in polish rock,

perfectly aligned and all of them are surrounded by lookout

points or atalayas. On the way we will visit Awanakancha,

where South American camellias are bred. Learn about the

llamas', alpacas' and vicunas' superb fibres, as well as the

ancient weaving techniques which are still in use.

The Handmade Market:

In the main square, underneath the huge trees that are

there for ages, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays

one can see the all of the pottery and art that bring for

a diversity of bargains in the textiles and all of the

craftsmanship the locals bring to sell.

On Sundays in the old temple there is a celebration in

Quechua and the attendance is by all of the locals and

mayor of all the communities.

We will return to the hotel at around 6:00 pm

Night: enjoy free time

Day 3 - 30. Dec

Cusco

Machu Picchu

Full day excursion to the Citadel of Machu Picchu

We will leave the hotel at 5:00 am and will take the 6.10 am Expedition train (1.5 hours)

The journey takes you through a changing landscape, passing by lush, green fields and colourful

villages in the foothills of the Andes. From here on, there are wonderful vistas of the mountains

and, deep in its dramatic canyon, the beautiful Urubamba River

Upon arrival, at 8:00am we will take a 30-40 minute shuttle up to the "The Lost City of the Incas"


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Peru Trek 9

Machu Picchu

Most archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacutec (1438

1472). Often referred to as the "Lost City of the Incas", it is perhaps the most familiar icon of the Inca World.

The Incas started building the "estate"

around AD 1400, but abandoned it as an

official site for the Inca rulers a century later

at the time of the Spanish Conquest.

Although known locally, it was unknown to

the outside world before being brought to

international attention in 1911 by the

American historian Hiram Bingham. Since

then, Machu Picchu has become an

important tourist attraction.

Since the site was never known to the

Spanish during their conquest, it is highly

significant as a relatively intact cultural site.

Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian

Historical Sanctuary in 1981 and a

UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. In

2007, Machu Picchu was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide Internet poll.

Machu Picchu was built in the classical Inca style, with polished dry-stone walls. Its three primary buildings are

the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of the Three Windows.

There are different theories about the main purpose of this magnificent construction. Many believe Machu Picchuto be a sacred religious site. This theory stands mainly because of where Machu Picchu is located. Johan Reinhard

calls it "sacred geography" because the site is built on and around mountains that hold high religious importance

in the Inca culture and in the previous culture that occupied the land. At the highest point of the mountain in

which Machu Picchu was named after, there are artificial platforms which had a religious function, as is clear

from the Inca ritual offerings found buried under them (Reinhard 2007). These platforms also are found in other

Incan religious sites. The sites other stone structures have finely worked stones with niches and, from what the

Spaniards wrote about Inca sites; we know that these types of buildings were of ritual significance (Reinhard

2007).

Another theory maintains that Machu Picchu was an Inca llaqta, a settlement built to control the economy of

conquered regions. Yet another asserts that it may have been built as a prison for a select few who hadcommitted heinous crimes against Inca society. An alternative theory is that it is an agricultural testing station.

Different types of crops could be tested in the many different micro-climates afforded by the location and the

terraces; these were not large enough to grow food on a large scale, but may have been used to determine what

could grow where. Another theory suggests that the city was built as an abode for the deities, or for the

coronation of kings.


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Peru Trek 10

At 10:00 am we will climb the Wayna Picchu

1:00 pm end of the guided tour. Enjoy some free time before coming back to have lunch

We will take the shuttle at 2:30 pm to go back to Aguas Calientes and enjoy a lunch Buffet at

Totos House restaurant

5:15 pm Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo (arrive approx at 7:15 pm), where a private vehicle will

take us to the hotel in Cuzco city (Casa Andina Cusco Cathedral)

We will arrive to the hotel in Cuzco city at around 9:00 pm

Enjoy some free time at night and see the restaurant section for options to eat if hungry!

Day 4 - 31. DecCusco

Cusco City

At 9:15 am the bus will pick us up and we will venture outside of the city to visit one of the

remarkable Inca ruins of the Inca Empire; the culture centre of Sacsayhuaman, the temple and

amphitheatre of Kenko and the Red Fortress of Puca Pucara

Sacsayhuaman

Located on a steep hill that overlooks the city, it contains an impressive view of the valley to the southeast.

Surface collections of pottery at Sacsayhuaman indicate that the earliest occupation of the hill top dates

back at least a millennium and excavations have revealed that there was a substantial early-Inca occupation.

The complex was greatly expanded during the period of Inca imperial rule and has now become one of the

most famous archaeological sites in the Americas. Because of its location high above Cuzco and its immense

terrace walls, this area of Sacsayhuaman is frequently referred to as a fortress.

Some writers also believe the complex was built specifically to represent the head of a puma, the effigy

shape which Sacsayhuaman together with Cuzco forms when seen from above. Much of the fighting

occurred in and round Sacsayhuaman as it was critical for maintaining control over the city.


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Peru Trek 11

Afterwards we will return to Cusco for a guided walking city tour. We will visit the Santo Domingo

Convent, constructed over the most important monument of the Inca Era, the Koricancha or

Temple of The Sun

Later on, we will continue to The Basilica Cathedral of Cusco, one the most important structures of

the city. Not only because it is the icon of the Catholic Church but because of its beauty and

splendour. It has three independent churches of incomparable magnificence

Santo Domingo Convent- Koricancha

Called in the times of the Inkas "Intikancha", it was the main temple of the Quechua in the valley of Cusco this

temple at the beginning was dedicated to everything that had to do with agriculture. Church and convent that was

built in top of a structure of the Qorikancha (gold precincts), the main temple Inca (dedicated to the sun cult); the

walls inside this temple are covered with a sheet of gold. It was dedicated to worship of the sun and was

apparently a glittering palace, with hundreds of

gold panels lining its walls. There were life-size

gold figures, solid-gold altars, and a huge golden

sun disc. The sun disc reflected the sun and bathed

the temple in light.

The Cathedral

Was built in 1560 and finished 1668. Located at

one side of the main square of Cusco, it was build

over one of the most important temple in the Inca

period dedicated to the God Wiracocha. The

platform of the construction has the shape of a

Latin cross, and its composed by five naves in

roman style. It has gothic characteristic,

Renaissance and Baroque.

Enjoy the afternoon, take a nice walk and choose your place to have lunch (See recommendations

of restaurants if needed)

At 7:30 pm well walk to Fallen Angels Club (15 min walk) for dinner and New Years party (The

place is a trendy-style bar-club). Dress code: We will recommend wearing nothing extremely

sophisticated since is not a super fancy club. The theme of the party this year is hope, therefore

you need to bring something green to wear on. Girls: skirt / jeans with a nice top or casual dress /

Guys: jeans with shirt / T-shirt is ok. You will notice that Cusco is a very relax/bohemian city

Day 5 - 1. Jan

Cusco

Cusco City

Just relax, sleep and recover...then enjoy the city! (See other information for recommendations)

At 7:30 pm we will have a good bye Cusco dinner at MAP Caf (Pre-Columbian Art Museum). We

will meet directly there (short distance walking


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Peru Trek 12

II. Other places to visit in Cusco & Recommendations1. Archeological places:

Tambomachay: Tambomachay is located 7 km outside Cusco, 30 minutes by car. It is commonly referred

to as the Inca baths because Tambomachay was a site for ritual bathing and - maybe - an important

centre of worship of water. The bath shows the Incas architectural talents and their huge knowledge of

hydraulics.

Zone X: this is a rocky limestone formation that has little holes due to erosion. These stones are placed by

ancient people and have been very interestingly transformed into temples and underground and carved

passages.

2. Handicraft Markets: There are little stores all over around in the centre. Beautiful and cheap silverjewellery, bags with Andean designs, chullos, paintings, etc (it is usual to bargain a little bit).

Main market at plaza San Francisco (near the main square)

Intersection of Av. del Sol and Av Tullumayo (around 20 min walking)

3. San Blas District & Church:This neighbourhood housing artisans, workshopsand craft shops is one of the most picturesque sites in the city. Its streets are

steep and narrow with old houses built by the Spanish over important Inca

foundations. Numerous artists and artisans, such as the family Mendivil, Olave

and Mrida reside in this neighbourhood. From the Cathedral walk through

Hatun Ramiyuq street up and stop by the Stone of Twelve Angles , which is

viewed as marvel of ancient stonework and has become emblematic of the city's

history.

One of the first churches to be built in Cusco by the order of the king Francisco Toledo which its original

construction was destroyed by the earthquake of 1650. The most important things of value in this church are

the paintings collection, its wonderful altar that was made all from one piece made out of cedar and to be

considered the finest piece of work ever made in the Americas.

4. Other Churches & Templesa. Santo Catalina Convent and Art Museum:

Location: 190 Santa CatalinaIt was founded in 1605; the church and the monastery should have been built after the earthquake of

1650. The church has beautiful baroque altars and a superb pulpit. The altars were a piece of work of

Pedro de Oquendo and Diego Martinez de Oviedo (both of c.XVII). Its oils are signed by Juan Espinoza de

los Monteros y Lorenzo Sanchez de Medina in the second third of c. XVII.

It has an awesome museum and also the nuns are well-know because of their masapan and almond jelly.

b. Others:i. Church of San Franciscoii. La Merced Church


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Peru Trek 13

iii. Church of La Compaia de Jesusiv. Belenv. San Sebastian

vi. Santa Teresa Monasteryvii. La Recoleta Convent

5. Adventure Sports: there are spots to do rock climbing, parachuting & delta flying, canoe and kayakamong others.

6. Restaurants, Cafes & Bars: you will find a lot of international, typical and fusion food (remember welove to mix everything!). From French to Chinese, you can find almost all varieties of food here. There

are a great deal of small cafes, restaurants and bars around and close to the main square (Plaza de

Armas), which in general offer good food although service varies. Calle Procuradores is a small street

(to the left side when looking to the cathedral) full of small, nice and cheap places to eat (from

breakfast to dinner). If you are looking for a quick lunch/dinner Bembos (Peruvian version of

hamburger in front of the main square) or Chez Maggy (tasty pizzas in Calle Procuradores) are good

alternatives.

This is a small list of more formal/fancy restaurants (make a reservation if possible. You can ask for

help at the hotel reception):

Type of food Name Budget Location

Traditional / Fusion Cicciolina US$20-30 Calle Triunfo 393 | 2nd

Floor

Fusion Chicha US$20-30 Calle Plaza Regocijo 261-2 piso

International / Fusion Illary (Hotel Monasterio) US$25-35 Plaza NazarenasFusion Marcelo Batata US$10-20 Calle Palacio 121

([email protected])

French Le Soleil US$10-20 Calle San Agustin 275

Traditional / Fusion LIMO US$10-20 Portal de Carnes 236 | 2nd Floor

International Divina Comedia US$10-20 Pumacurco 406

Traditional /

International

La Granja de Heidi US$10-20 Cuesta San Blas 525

Traditional Kusikuy US$5-15 Plateros 348

Recommendations for the altitude sickness

1. Dont eat too much or too heavy the day before arriving to Cusco. The first day in Cusco also try

to eat soup or light, no greasy food!

2. Dont move too much or too fast the first day in Cusco, just relax

3. Drink a lot of water and mate de coca

4. Bring some lemon candies

If you take it easy the first day, you will probably be OK; otherwise you will suffer the

consequences!


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Peru Trek 14

Lima

Lima is the capital and largest city of Peru. It is located in the valleys of the Chilln, Rmac and Lurnrivers, in the central part of the country, on a desert coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Together with

the seaport of Callao, it forms a contiguous urban area known as the Lima Metropolitan Area. With a

population fast approaching 9 million, Lima is the fifth largest city in Latin America, behind Mexico City,

So Paulo, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro.

In 1532, a group of Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro defeated the Inca ruler Atahualpa and

took over his Empire. As the Spanish Crown had named Pizarro governor of the lands he conquered, he

chose the Rmac valley to found his capital on January 18, 1535 as Ciudad de los Reyes (City of the

Kings). In August 1536, rebel Inca troops led by Manco Inca besieged the city but were defeated by the

Spaniards and their native allies.

A combined expedition of Argentine and Chilean patriots under General Jos de San Martin managed to

land south of Lima in 1820 but did not attack the city. Faced with a naval blockade and the action of

guerrillas on land, Viceroy Jos de la Serna was forced to evacuate its capital on July 1821 to save the

Royalist army. Fearing a popular uprising and lacking any means to impose order, the city council invited

San Martin to enter Lima and signed a Declaration of Independence at his request. However, the war

was not over; in the next two years the city changed hands several times and suffered exactions from

both sides.

Following the Peruvian War of Independence, it became the capital of the Republic of Peru. Today,

around one-third of the Peruvian population lives in the metropolitan area.

Weather: It is neither cold nor very hot. Temperatures rarely fall below 12 C (54 F) or rise above 29

C (84 F) throughout the entire year. Two distinct seasons can be identified: summer, from December

through April; and winter from June through October.

Some interesting facts:

The National University of San Marcos, founded on May 12, 1551 during Spanish colonial

regime, is the oldest continuously functioning university in the Americas

Lima has, by far, the largest ethnic Chinese community in Latin America and one of the biggestJapanese communities as well


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Peru Trek 15

I. Detailed Itinerary - LimaDay 6 - 2. Jan

Lima

Lima City

The bus will pick us at 10:45 am to take us to the airport

(Flight TA010 to Lima 1:15pm 2:35pm)

A bus will pick us from the airport and take us directly to

Pescados Capitales to try Peruvian sea food

The bus will bring us back to the hotel

Afternoon and night at leisure (See other places to visit

for recommendations)

Day 7 - 3. Jan

Lima

Lima City Colonial and modern Lima and Archaeological Museum

A trip to the essential Lima, The City of Kings including the most important architectural icons of

the city, such as the Main Square, where you can find the Government Palace, the City Hall, the

Cathedral and the Archbishops Palace

We continue with a visit to the San Francisco Convent, an architectonic jewel dating back to the

16th century

On our way to the modern area of the city, we will cross the exclusive district of San Isidro, the

new financial heart of the city, to take a look at Pre-Inca Huaca Huallamarca

Finally, we conclude our circuit in Miraflores, where we will

visit the Parque Del Amor (Love Park) an excellent spot to

enjoy a great view of the Pacific Ocean

Lunch at Pardos Chicken in Larcomar, an open shopping

centre in the heart of Miraflores. Roasted chicken with fries

(pollo a la brasa) is one of the most popular meals for

Peruvians. Imagine a Nandos, but 10 times better!

Afternoon: time at leisure (See other places to visit for recommendations)

The bus will pick you up from the hotel at 7:00 pm to have dinner (Place to be confirmed)

After that you can go to sleep, or join us for another night out!


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Peru Trek 16

Day 8 - 4. Jan

Lima

Chincha - South of Lima

We will leave the hotel at 9:15 am to Chincha. Along this way, you will pass through the different

types of desert and landscapes while your guide will introduce you to the new Peru coastal

population as well as to the various vestiges of ancient civilizations

At 12:30 pm we will arrive at a weaving workshop where we will able to see the production of

looms

Lunch at 2:00 pm at a traditional ranch. Peruvian food is

very diverse, but this is probably what most people

recognize as the original Peruvian food, Criolla. This kindof food is what most of the people will normally eat for

lunch

The bus will drive us to the hotel, where you can relax and

have some drinks at the pool

Day 9 - 5. Jan

Lima

Chincha - South of Lima

Ballestas Islands:

o We will leave the hotel at 8:45 am

o The boat leaves at 10:00 am from the Paracas

Bay. The motorboat excursion lasts for two

hours. These beautiful islands, located in front

of the Paracas National Reserve, are the biggest

natural sanctuary in our shores and are home

to thousands of migratory birds, which share

their habitat with huge groups of sea lions and


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Peru Trek 17

fur seals. During the excursion, you will find a mysterious design over the hill, called El

Candelabro (The Chandelier) According to the legends, it was a reference for pirates or sign

for the independence army to disembark

o We will come back to the Paracas Hotel at 12:00 m

Nazca lines:

o We will leave the hotel at 7:15 am

o The ride lasts for 1.40 hours

o Many theories have been formulated about

these lines and incredible designs, some almost

300 meters long, runways for alien spacecraft,lines of a giant seismograph however, Maria

Reiche, who spent her life studying them, has

come up with the most plausible theory: that

they form a gigantic astronomical calendar based on the movement of the sun. The lines

themselves run from simple designs to more than 30 complex animal figures, such as a

monkey, spider, and hummingbird. Come and enjoy this spectacular experience

o A shuttle will take you to the Paracas hotel to wait for the other group

Lazy option:

o Sleep and enjoy the pool

o A bus will take you to the Paracas Hotel at 11:45 am

The bus will leave at 12:30 pm to Ica. You will receive a

lunch pack on our way

Arrive at Huacachina Dunes at 1:30 pm

Buggies and sand boarding until 5:00 pm

At 5:30 pm the bus takes us to Asia Beach, AquaVit Hotel. We will arrive approximately 7:30-8:00

pm

Leisure time. If you are hungry you will find many options in Asia Boulevard which is just next to

the hotel. Some good alternatives are: El Piloto (good traditional-home style food), El Hornero

(meat), La Carreta (meat), Toshi (Japanese), Antica (Italian food), La Granja Azul (Pollo a la Brasa),

Bembos, among others


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Peru Trek 18

Day 10 - 6. Jan

Lima

Asia South of Lima

Well pick you from the hotel at 10:00 am and spend the whole day at one of the beach clubs

(Playa del Sol). Well have a BBQ for lunch, with beers included

Youll be back at your hotel around 6pm for some free time. Well meet again around midnight to

go to Caf del Mar club, where you can party until 10:00 am!

Day 11 - 7. Jan

Lima

Asia - South of Lima

Well pick you up again to take you to the beach, but with no schedule, so everyone can rest

properly after the big party. There is no programme, just enjoy the beach

There will be two scheduled buses that will leave from Aquavit and take you back to the airport

(times TBC).

II. Other places to visit in Lima and recommendations1. Museums

Museo de arte de Lima MALI: 3000 years of Peruvian art

Location: Paseo Colon, Parque de la Exposicin (Tue to Sun 10:00am to 8:00 pm (Sat only to 5:00 pm)

Museo Pedro de Osma: Mix of Peruvian virreinal art

Location: Av. Pedro de Osma 423, Barranco (Tue to Sun 10:00 am to 6:00 pm)

Museo de la Nacin: There are replicas of pre-colonial life, along with ceramics from various cultures

and reproductions of the country's main archaeological sites

Location: Javier Prado Este2465 (Tue to Sun 9:00 am to 6:00 pm)

Museo de Oro: The museum 'Gold of Peru' displays exhibits of gold and silver from the different Pre-

Columbian cultures

Location: Alonso de Molina 1100, Monterico, Surco (Mon to Sun 11:30 am to 7:00 pm)

2. Markets and Shopsi. Handycraft Market in Miraflores (Av. Petit Thouars, close to Hiraoka store):Souvenir shopping

for all kinds of typical Peruvian crafts like alpaca sweaters, cheap silver souvenirs and other trinkets for


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Peru Trek 19

very low prices. You wont find the same prices that you do in small towns but for Lima it is the perfect

place to pick up small gifts that you didnt want to lug around through your trip

ii. Dedalo Gallery (295 Av. Saenz Pena, Barranco 477-5131. Mon Sat 11:00 am-9:00 pm ): This artshop, located in a beautiful old mansion, is packed with wonderful, modern arts and crafts of all

varieties. Ceramics, paintings, jewellery, books, clothes. Each room has a different theme and a couple

of rooms at the back are dedicated to prominent artists like the Peruvian ceramist Roque Saldias. All the

way at the end is a large terrace overlooking a garden where plants are sold and you can get coffee, tea

and cakes

iii. Shopping Centres / Streets

Larcomar:At the end of Avenida Larco in Miraflores, overlooking the ocean, on top of the cliff, is

a somewhat touristy mall with shops, restaurants, bars. They have a food court where you can

get budget eats, some American chains like Tony Romas and Hooters, as well as some moreupscale restaurants and bars. A caf on the edge of the mall overlooks the ocean from atop and

serves very good ice cream. You can sit on the outside patio while you enjoy the view and eat

your ice cream. Alpaca111, a famous alpaca store that makes not only the typical native designs

but also more modern ones of very good quality, has a store in this mall

Jockey Plaza: One of the biggest shopping centres in Peru. You will be able to find a broad

variety of stores from big international brands, to department stores to nice restaurants and

cafes

El Polo Shopping Centre:Open air shopping centre, nice to drink a coffee or just walk around

Av. Conquistadores: Street with some nice stores, mainly clothes and accessories. Some

restaurants as well

iv. Jewellery stores

Ilaria (Av. Dos de Mayo 308, San Isidro): Ilaria has been making beautiful and unique silver

crafts and jewellery for generations. This is the best store to get some high quality silver

decorations and jewellery, not cheap trinkets and souvenirs. This is also where many Peruvian

couples traditionally register for their wedding gifts

Mili (Av. Angamos Oeste 1041, Miraflores): nice designs in silver

La Paz Street in Miraflores: this street is extremely close to your hotel. You can find many

jewellery stores.Migue is particularly good for gold designs.

3. Other interesting placesi. Barranco district: Barranco maintains a very active cultural sphere that encompasses a wide diversity of

artistic expression -rock, minstrel and criollo music; book fairs, folk and handy craft exhibitions and many

others such spontaneous manifestations of human creativity as to be seldom encountered elsewhere in


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Peru Trek 20

Lima. By day, Barranco is endowed with shady retreats such as the "Puente de los Suspiros" (the Bridge of

the singhs) a 19th century wooden structure erected over a gully leading down to the ocean shore, replete

with terraced wooded gardens and colonial dwellings and renowned in past times as the "de rigueur"

prelude setting for a formal romantic proposal. In addition there are the various small plazas, the

numerous old manorial homes, the Parque Central, the "Bajada de Baos" (The elaborated walkway that

discourses underneath the "Bridge of Sights" down to the original 19th century sea baths), the Pedro de

Osma Museum, the Municipal Library, the venerated Tramway Museum, a number of streets among

which Calle Domeyer represents an outstanding example. These and so many other examples constitute

an "open book" that depicts the magnificence of 19th century Barranco.

ii. Capon Chinatown: Chinatown in Lima, locally known as Barrio chino. There are over 6000 Chinese

restaurants in Lima called "chifas". Peru is by far the country with the most Chinese restaurants in Latin

America. The Chinese food has been greatly influenced by Peruvian ingredients and culture. Chifas are

considered a fusion between the original Chinese food and the Peruvian culture.

In the late 19th century, the Chinese came to work in the 'haciendas' along the Coast, at the time lacking

labour force as a result of the liberation of black slaves. Throughout the next 25 years, approximately

100,000 Chinese entered Peru. At that time, not only did they work at the 'haciendas'; they also worked at

building the railroad and at extracting guano.

iii. Parque Kennedy: Between Diagonal and Avenida Jos Larco to the west and east and Schell to the

south. Parque Central is adjacent directly to the north.

iv. Water circuit:The Magic Water Circuit, recently inaugurated in

the Reserve Park, has become one of the newest and most

visited attractions in our city. Honoured with a Guinness Record

and unique in America, this circuit offers thirteen impressive

fountains that combine movement, lights, sounds and images.

An amazing show to enjoy with all the family. Recommendable

to go at night. Entry price is 1.

v. La Dama Juana (Larcomar 301, basement): They offer a

buffet during lunch and dinner, nice view to the ocean and a nice

show dancing show with typical dances from different regions of

Peru.

vi. Sports: You can choose to do Paragliding or Hang gliding in the costa verde (there are some

places/agents close to Larcomar). For runners, you could have a nice run through the coast in Miraflores

(not too far from your hotel in Lima).

4. Restaurants, Cafes & Bars

Almost unknown until recently, Peruvian Cuisine is steadily conquering the palates of the best chefs

worldwide. The wild choice of fresh ingredients and the gentle blend of immigrant traditions -such


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Peru Trek 21

as Spanish, African, Chinese, or Japanese- have created one

of the World's most unique and delicious cuisines.

Ceviche, the Peruvian flag-dish, is the epitome of fusion: Inca

hot peppers and limes, Spanish onions, and Japanese

approach to preparing fish. Among other main dishes from

the coast of Peru: causa, aj de gallina, lomo saltado, tacu

tacu and anticuchos must be highlighted.

In the desert section we recommend you to try Suspiro de

Limea, lucuma ice cream, arroz con leche with mazamorra

morada (typically cold combinado) and picarones.

The following list is a selection of restaurants that we highly

recommend to try. We have tried to include a selection for different budgets are preferences in

terms of type of food.

Name Type Budget Address

Tanta Traditional $15 - $20

Pancho Fierro, 115 - San Isidro 421-9708, Avenida 28 De Julio, 888 -

Miraflores 447-8377, Av. Primavera, 698 - Surco 372-3528

Manos Morenas Traditional $15 - $20 Pedro De Osma 409, Barranco, 467-0421

La Preferida Traditional $15 - $20Av. La Encalada 908, Monterrico 358-9049 / Arias Araguez 698,Miraflores 445-5180

Seoro de Sulco Traditional $20 - $25 Malecn Cisneros, 1470 Miraflores 441-0183 / 441-0389

Panchita Traditional $20 - $25 Av. Dos de Mayo 298, San Isidro 242-5957

Chala Traditional $25 - $35 Bajada de baos 343, Barranco Tel : 2528515 / 2476150

Jose Antonio Traditional $25 - $35 Av. La Floresta 124 (esquina con Av. Primavera), Surco, 372-6868

Brujas deCachiche Traditional $25 - $35 Calle Bolognesi 472, Miraflores, 447-11-33

Astrid y Gaston Traditional $30 - $40 Calle Cantuarias, Miraflores Telf: 242-5387

La Rosa Nautica Traditional $30 - $40 Espign 4 - Circuito de Playas, Miraflores Telf: 447-0057

Huaca Pucllana Traditional $30 - $40 Gral. Borgoo cdra. 8 s/n Miraflores,Telf: 445-4042

Mi causita Sea food $10 - $15 Av. La mar 814, Miraflores, 222-6258


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Peru Trek 22

Segundo Muelle Sea food $15 - $20 Av. Conquistadores, San Isidro 490 717-9998

Francesco Sea food $15 - $20 Malecon de la Marina 526, Miraflores / 442-8255

La mar Sea food $20 - $30 Av. La mar 770, Miraflores, 421-3365

Central Sea food $30 - $40 Calle Santa Isabel 376 | Miraflores, 511-242-8515

La 73 Fusion $10 - $15

Av. El sol oeste 175 (next to the studio 4, a TV channel), Barranco

247-0780

Fusion Fusion $30 - $40 Choquehuanca, 714, San Isidro Telf: 422-7600

Malabar Fusion $30 - $40 Av. Camino Real, 101 San Isidro Telf. 440-5200

Edo Japanese $10 - $20

Calle Berlin, 601, Miraflores / 243-2448, Av. San Borja Sur, San

Borja 663 225-0881

Hanzo Japanese $25 - $35 Av. Primavera 1494, Surco / Av. Conquistadores 598, San Isidro

Matsuei Japanese $25 - $35 Manuel Ban, 260, San Isidro Telf. 4224323 / 4428561

Osaka Japanese $30 - $35 Conquistadores 999, San Isidro 222-04-05

Antica Italian $15 - $20 Av. Dos de mayo 732, 222-8437 San Isidro / Av. Primavera 275,Surco 372-2698

Danica Italian/Peruvian $15 - $25

Av. Cavenecia 170, San Isidro 421-1891 / Av. Armendariz 524,

Miraflores 445-8743

Symposium Italian $20 - $25 Santa Luisa 122, San Isidro Telf: 221-3397

La Bodeguita Italian $20 - $25

Gral. Borgono 784, Miraflores, 241-6899 / Av. Primavera 712, Surco

372-7572

San Ceferino Italian $30 - $35 Av. Dos de Mayo, 793, Miraflores Telf: 422-8242

International Chinese $10 - $15 Av. Republica de Panam 5915, Miraflores, 445-3997

Kam Men Chinese $10 - $15 Av. Republica de Panam 6271, Miraflores, 447-0528

Wa Lok Chinese $15 - $20 Av. Angamos Oeste 700, Miraflores, 447-1329

Madam Tusan Chinese $30 - $35 Santa Cruz 858 (near Ovalo Gutierrez), San Isidro 505-5090

El Hornero Meat $20 - $30 Malecon Almirante Miguel Grau 983, Chorrillos, 467-1721


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Peru Trek 23

La Carreta Meat $30 - $40 Av. Rivera Navarrete 740, San Isidro 442-2690

If you want something faster or cheaper, the following options are good and the average budget is

around US$5 - US$10

A quick bite

Bembos Burguers

Av. Conquistadores 120, San Isidro / Av. Larco 461 Miraflores /

Larcomar / Ovalo Gutierrey and many more

La Gran fruta Juices and sandwiches

Reducto 1350, Miraflores / Benavides 474 Miraflores / Cine alcazar

/ Conquistadores 510 / Centro Comercial el Polo

Zimmermann Sandwiches Centro Comercial Chacarilla

Pasquale Sandwiches Av. Comandante Espinar 651, Miraflores

San Antonio Caf & salads

Av. Vasco Nuez de Balcoa 770, Miraflores / Av. Angamos Oeste

1494, San Isidro / Av. Primavera 373, Surco

Delicass Caf & salads Miguel Dasso 131 San Isidro / Av. Primavera 654 Surco

Manolos Churros Av. Larco 608, Miraflores

Bars District Address

Huaringas Miraflores Calle Bolognesi 460 (Second Floor)

Bizarro Miraflores Francisco de Paula Camino 220, Miraflores (bar-lounge-club)

Entre copas Miraflores Ovalo Bolognesi, Miraflores (In front of Huaringas)

Rodrigo (also restaurant) Miraflores Francisco de Paula Camino 231, Miraflores

Cala Miraflores Costa Verde, Playa Barranquito, Barranco

Rafael (also restaurant) Miraflores Calle San Martin 300, Miraflores

La calesa San Isidro Manuel Banon 255, San Isidro

Ayahuasca Barranco Av. San Martin 130, Barranco

Picas Barranco Bajada de Baos 340, Barranco

Santos Barranco Jr. Zepita 203, Barranco


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Peru Trek 24

Other general information & tips

1. Transportation Taxis from airport: we strongly recommend you hire Taxi green. It is a serious and reliable

company and prices should be around $20 per cab to the city centre

Taxis:

a. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER take a taxi from the street!b. Recommended taxi companies are (see last page to figure out how to dial):

i. Taxi Seguro: 425-2525

ii. GPS Taxi: 614-6666

iii. Taxi Real:215-1414

iv. Alo Taxi: 217-7777 / 273-3406

v. Taxi 5000: 200-2001

vi. Lima Remisse: 425-7686

vii. Happy Taxi: 368-0500

Public transportation: is chaotic! Be aware of your bag, cell phone, camera, etc if you decide to

experiment

2. Safety and Security Dont carry around more money than you need and don't keep it all in one place. For example,

keep some in a deep pocket and some in your wallet

Be aware of your surroundings; be careful with the cameras and bags. If you are bringing your

laptop, be especially cautious

Dont wear too much jewellery or you will risk yourself

Small bags are preferable

If you are in a crowded market or bus; be very aware of your valuables

Keep photocopies of important documents, passports and credit cards-- and leave copies at

home with a friend in case you lose yours

3. Recommendations: things to include in your luggage Bring a rain coat/jacket: It will probably rain in Cusco and the temperature drops at night

Comfortable shoes to walk: Could be hiking shoes or tennis shoes (probably better since they

are lighter)


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Peru Trek 25

2 3 outfits to go out for: (i) New Years Eve, (ii) Night out at the beach (Girls: a dress, skirt,

leggings to go out should fine / Guys: jeans with a shirt is more or less the standard) and (iii)

additional outfit if you want, just in case. For dinners, the dress code is smart casual (nothing

too fancy). There is some free time as well so it would depend on what you want to do there. In

general, places in Lima are casual.

Summer clothes for Lima: Temperature will probably be around 25C and we will go to the

beach so include bathing suit and shorts or skirts

Sun cream

Moisturizing cream specially for Cusco

4. Luggage restrictionsa. Flight Lima-Cusco-Lima5. Each passenger can carry: 23kg of check-in luggage (could be distributed in max. two bags) and

10kg of hand luggage (1 piece)

a. Train to Machu Picchu (VERY STRICT) Each passenger can carry: 01 BAG, no more of 5kg/11lb or 62 inches/157cm (length, width and

height)

Hang luggage permitted

1 bag 05kg/11lb62 inches/157cm (length,

width and height)

The luggage that does not fulfil these measures will be not embarked

6. Money and FX People will accept US$ in stores (probably not the best rate you would get), however not that

much in the street (for example to pay a cab)

We believe the best option is to travel with some US$ and then withdraw local money from the

ATMs. The exchange rate given is not bad


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Peru Trek 26

7. Other tips DONT drink water for the tap. All water served in restaurants will be treated/filtered water

which is OK. If you need to drink water on the road, buy a bottle of water ALWAYS!

The roaming charge to activate your phone is going to be very expensive. If you really want to

have a number, we suggest either to (i) Buy a pay-as-you-go chip (further recommendations will

be given) or (ii) rent a local cell phone at the airport, otherwise enjoy some time away from your

phone!

Electrical outlets vary in Peru, but newer places will have outlets that are compatible with flat

North American pins (some locations may require adaptors with two round pins). UK devices

will need an adaptor

8. The PeruviansOrganizing team & contact details (if you are calling from abroad you need to include +511 to call

home numbers or +51 to call mobiles, if you are calling from a local number you need to include 01

before the home number, nothing otherwise)

Team Local Mobile Home phone

Gonzalo 437-2440

Vane 435-2996

Rocio 372-2990

Gabriel 441-4783

Martin 368-0766

Thomas 368-0693

Alejandro 440-4811 / 441-9333

Ricardo 99-735-4622 372-1845


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Peru Trek 27

Hotels

1. Casa Andina Lima:Location: Av. La Paz 463, Miraflores,Telephone: 213-97-39

2. Casa Andina Sacred ValleyLocation: 10km from train station, Yanahuara, Urubamba

Telephone: (84) 26-26-99

3. Casa Andina CathedralLocation: Av. Catalina Angosta 149, Cusco

Telephone: 23-36-61

4. Casa Andina ChinchaLocation: Panamericana Sur km. 197.5,Chincha alta

Telephone: (56)26-24-51

5. AquavitLocation: Boulevard de Asia, Panamericana Sur Km 97.5, Asia,

Caete

Telephone: 530-78-01

Documents

Peru the Guide - Final