Peru - Lost Cities and Colonial Treasures

Itinerary

• Peru

  Peru is a country in western South America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean. Peruvian territory was home to the Norte Chico civilization, one of the oldest in the world, and to the Inca Empire, the largest state in Pre-Columbian America. The Spanish Empire conquered the region in the 16th century and established a Viceroyalty, which included most of its South American colonies. After achieving independence in 1821, Peru became a representative democratic republic. The geography varies from the arid plains of the Pacific coast to the peaks of the Andes mountains and the tropical forests of the Amazon Basin. Tourism is centered on the famous Inca city of Machu Picchu and nearby Cusco. Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake, and features floating reed islands. Arequipa's white architecture and Colca Canyon, deepest in the world, are also attractions. Amazon cruises and jungle lodges can be found in Manu and Iquitos. And Lima, the capital, has a well preserved Old City that is worth an afternoon.

• Aguas Calientes

  Aguas Calientes is the colloquial name forMachu Picchupueblo, a town on theUrubambaRiverinPeru. It is best known as the closest town to the tourist attractionMachu Picchu, which is 6 km away, about a 1.5 hour walk. It has many hotels and restaurants for tourists, as well as natural hot baths, which give the town its name ("hot waters" in Spanish). The hydro electric plant about 8 km past Aguas Calientes is the end of the train line fromCusco. A few trains leave Cusco each morning to transport tourists from Cusco to Aguas Calientes to visitMachu Picchu; they are also used by local residents.

• Arequipa

  Arequipa is the second-largest city in Peru, and is also known as the ‘white city’, since the most important colonial buildings were built of white volcanic rock (ashlar) from a nearby quarry. In 2000 the city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Both Spanish colonial and Andalusian influences are visible everywhere. Especially remarkable is the Santa Catalina Convent – a beautiful ‘city within a city’. Arequipa is a great place for hiking and mountaineering expeditions with daily excursions to the Cotahuasi and Colca Canyons, one of the deepest in the world. El Misti is a relatively easy climb and river rafting is becoming popular in the area.

• Colca Canyon

  Colca Canyon is a canyon of the Colca River in southern Peru. It is located about 100 miles (160 kilometers) northwest of Arequipa. It is more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the United States. However, the canyon's walls are not as vertical as those of the Grand Canyon. The Cotahuasi Canyon to the northwest is a deeper canyon at 11,488 ft (3,501 m). The Colca Valley is a colorful Andean valley with towns founded in Spanish Colonial times and formerly inhabited by the Collaguas and the Cabanas. The local people still maintain ancestral traditions and continue to cultivate the pre-Inca stepped terraces.

• Cusco

  Cuscowas the former capital of the Inca Empire (founded AD 1100). The city today is a fascinating mix of Inca and colonial Spanish architecture and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983. Almost every central street has remnants of Inca walls, arches and doorways that serve as the foundation for the colonial and modern buildings. Narrow alleys of whitewashed houses with sky-blue and bottle-green shutters open out onto elegant squares with stone-hewn fountains and elegant restaurants and posadas (inns). Colorful murals depicting historical scenes can be seen on countless walls, and indigenous women with braids and embroidered shawls set up makeshift stalls selling woven blankets and handmade crafts and jewelry. The elegant Plaza de Armas, or main square, is lined with arcades and houses with ornately carved wooden balconies and terracotta tiled roofs.

• Lima

  Limais situated halfway alongPeru’s desert coastline, literally stuck between the desert and the deep blue sea. The valley was once dominated by hundreds of pre-Inca temples and palaces. Pizarro chose the palace of local chief Taurí Chusko as the site of the city’s inauguration on January 6, 1535, and thus beganLima’s colonial history, reflected in the opulent mansions with Moorish latticed wooden balconies that graceLima’s plazas. The main square, Plaza de Armas, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, complete with paths, gardens and an elegant bronze fountain. Surrounding the main plaza are the Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace, the Town Hall and the impressive Palacio de Gobierno (GovernmentPalace). Cultural attractions aside, areas such as Barranco, Miraflores andSan Isidrohave much to offer the visitor in the way of shopping, restaurants and nightlife.

• Nasca

  The Nazca Lines are a series of ancient geoglyphs located in the Nazca Desert of Peru. They have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The high, arid plateau stretches more than 80 kilometres (50 mi) between the towns of Nazca and Palpa on the Pampas de Jumana. Although some local geoglyphs resemble Paracas motifs, scholars believe the Nazca Lines were created by the Nazca culture between 400 and 650 AD. The hundreds of individual figures range in complexity from simple lines to stylized hummingbirds, spiders, monkeys, fish, sharks or orcas, llamas, and lizards. The lines are shallow designs made in the ground by removing the ubiquitous reddish pebbles and uncovering the whitish ground beneath. Hundreds are simple lines or geometric shapes; more than seventy are designs of animal, bird, fish or human figures. The largest figures are over 200 metres (660 ft) across. Scholars differ in interpreting the purpose of the designs, but they generally ascribe religious significance to them, as they were major works that required vision, planning and coordination of people to achieve.

• Paracas

  Paracas is one of the biggest marine reserves in the world. Located only 15 km from Pisco. With one of the most interesting and richest ecosystems in the world, the desert peninsula of Paracas on the south coast of Peru encompasses Paracas National Reserve, two-thirds of which is water. This natural wonder teems with diverse species of fish, birds, and marine mammals, attractive beaches and spectacular flora and fauna, and historic Paracas culture. In Paracas you can swim or fish anytime. This bay is also the starting point for those who would like to visit the Ballestas islands.

• Puno

  Puno is the center of Peruvian folklore and hosts some of the best festivals. Spaniards were lured to the region by the vast mineral wealth and the area is dotted with both colonial churches and pre-Columbian ruins. Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, is the home of the Uros people who have for centuries built their homes and boats out on the lake using Totora reeds. Around the lake can be found pre-AD 1000 remains from the Pucara and Tiahuanaco cultures.

• Day 1: Fri, Jun 03 2011 -

  Board your overnight flight.

  Accommodation: Overnight Flight
• • Lima

  Day 2: Sat, Jun 04 2011 - Lima

  Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival in Lima, you will be transferred

  from the airport to your hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner of traditional

  Peruvian cuisine in the good company of your fellow

  travellers and tour escort.

  Accommodation: Casa Andina Private Collection

  With its stylish contemporary design, cutting-edge technology and ideal location, the flagship Casa Andina Private Collection - Miraflores hotel is the top of its class in every aspect. Once the Miraflores César's, Lima’s fondly remembered, original five-star hotel, this modern icon was dramatically transformed in 2008 into the capital’s newest luxury hotel. Its quintessential Limeño flavor reverberates in the exquisite art collection of contemporary local artists and prized colonial-era antiques, in both public spaces and accommodations.

• • Paracas

  Day 3: Sun, Jun 05 2011 - Lima - Paracas

  Transfer to Paracas today - on the way you will visit Pachacamac Temple which lies 25 miles south east of Lima. Considered one of the most important religious centres of the indigenous peoples of the central Andes, it contains a number of mystical pyramids.

  Accommodation: La Hacienda Bahia

  The La Hacienda Bahía Paracas Hotel (4*) is located at the south of Lima by the seashore. With warm weather all year roun, this particular hotel offers a perfect combination for those seeking culture, nature and leisure. The hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms each with a private terrace. There is a restaurant offering the best dishes of Peruvian cuisine with a view of the bay, a bar, end a cafeteria. The hotel has a spa, so you can relax. Also, the hotel offers many activities such as a variety of games and water sports.

• • Oasis of La Huacachina

  Day 4: Mon, Jun 06 2011 - Paracas - Nasca

  This morning you will tour the Ballestas Islands. Eroded into

  many caves and arches, these islands provide shelter for thousands

  of seabirds, hundreds of sea-lions and are home to over

  150 species of birds. See penguins, boobies, pelicans and

  even condors! In the afternoon visit the Ica Archaeological

  Museum and the Oasis of La Huacachina, a lagoon famous

  for the medicinal properties of its waters. Travel upwards and

  delight in a scenic flight over the legendary Nasca Lines. Be

  blown away by these immense, complex lines carved in the

  shape of animals, deities and geometric figures.

  Accommodation: Cantayo

  The Hotel Cantayo Spa & Resort (5*) is located about three kilometers outside of the city of Nasca, very close to the rectangular geoglyphs with the acute angle in direction of the Cerro Blanco, the highest dune in South America. Thanks to the natural surroundings and its proximity to the desert, the hotel can be defined as an oasis. The hotel has 40 Rooms with telephone, internet connection, air conditioning, mini bar, safe, hairdryer, choice of pillows and mattresses. It also has a library with magazines and books in different languages, a piano bar, a private restaurant for 120 people, piscina scoperta, kitchen with typical dishes, Peruvian and International, outdoor swimming pool, circuit for jogging, cycling and horses de Paso, dojo for kyudo and has a private heliport.

• • Arequipa

  Day 5: Tue, Jun 07 2011 - Nasca - Arequipa

  Depart on the Panamerican Highway to the beautiful city of Arequipa today.

  Accommodation: Casa Andina Private Collection
• • Mirador de Yanahuara

  Day 6: Wed, Jun 08 2011 - Arequipa - Colca Canyon

  Enjoy a guided city tour of Arequipa starting with a visit to the

  Santa Catalina Monastery, a city within a city, founded at the

  end of the XVII century and only opened to the public a few

  years ago. Stroll through the magnificent main square the Plaza

  de Armas, the Cathedral, the Jesuit Cloister and the charming

  residential areas of Cayma and Yanahuara. Today’s journey

  ends at the “Mirador de Yanahuara” for breathtaking contemplative

  landscapes and a superb view of the volcanoes. From

  here you will depart for Colca Canyon, the deepest canyon in

  the world.

  Accommodation: Casa Andina Colca (3*)

  The Casa Andina Colca Hotel (3*) lies in the center of the colonial town of Chivay, the starting point for a great tour to the Colca Canyon. At the hotel, guests can enjoy their comfortable rooms in addition to typical lunches and dinners, the perfect prelude to a stirring folk show. 

• • Colca Canyon

  Day 7: Thu, Jun 09 2011 - Colca Canyon - Puno

  Discover the enchanting beauty of Colca Canyon. This colourful

  Andean valley holds towns dating back to Spanish Colonial

  times. The local people still maintain ancestral traditions and

  continue to cultivate the Inca stepped terraces. Drive to the observation

  point “Cruz del Condor”. Appreciate the grandeur

  of the canyon and keep your eyes open for Andean condors,

  the largest flying bird in the world. Afterwards, enjoy a scenic

  drive to Puno.

  Accommodation: Casa Andina Private Collection
• • Uros Islands

  Day 8: Fri, Jun 10 2011 - Puno

  Today will take you to Uros and Taquile Islands for a private excursion. Visit Lake Titicaca and cruise through the legendary Uros Floating Islands. Here the Uros people live in the style of their ancestors preserving their customs and communal way life. Travel to Taquile Island, a peaceful island and discover the ruins of a bygone time.

  Accommodation: Casa Andina Private Collection
• • Lampa, Peru

  Day 9: Sat, Jun 11 2011 - Puno - Cusco

  Today transfer to Cusco. Visit the charming rose coloured town of Lampa, as well as other mountain villages of interest en route.

  Accommodation: Casa Andina Private Collection
• • Cusco

  Day 10: Sun, Jun 12 2011 - Cusco

  High in the Andes, 3000m above sea level, lies the historic

  capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco. A unique blend of Spanish

  and Incan cultures, you’ll take in the best of Cusco: the Koricancha

  Temple (Temple of the Sun) and the Cathedral with its magnificent

  chapels, baroque altars and paintings from the Cusquenian

  School. The tour also includes the surrounding ruins: the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the Inca bath of Tambomachay, the

  labyrinth of Puca Pucara and the amphitheatre of Kenko.

  Accommodation: Casa Andina Private Collection
• • Pisac Ruins

  Day 11: Mon, Jun 13 2011 - Cusco

  Discover majestic Pisac ruins located on the top of a hill overlooking the Vilcanota (Urubamba) River, consisting of a series of terraces, canals, houses and temples. The most notable is the

  “Intihuatana” or solar calendar made out of a big piece of red stone. Pay a visit to the Pisac Market where artisans from all over the region congregate to sell their crafts.

  Accommodation: Casa Andina Private Collection
• • Machu Picchu

  Day 12: Tue, Jun 14 2011 - Cusco - Aguas Calientes

  Today you’ll voyage to the legendary ruins of Machu Picchu, considered one of the Wonders of the World. Take a picturesque journey by rail to this epic archaeological marvel. Enjoy an amazing tour of the Inca Citadel. There are many theories as to the purpose of Machu Picchu: a temple to the sun? A fortress against jungle inhabitants? A sanctuary for the Incas? This mysterious lost city awaits you.

  Accommodation: Sumaq Hotel

  The new luxury accommodations at Sumaq Hotel inMachu Picchuare remarkable, with unparalleled natural surroundings and solitude. The 60 rooms offer stunning views of the river flowing below, as well as private balconies. Enjoy high-quality toiletries and bath products. The hotel's considerate staffs are willing to go to all lengths to ensure guests are pleased with their stay. Chefs whip up mouth-watering cuisine, with ingredients and methods taken from across the world. Local specialties are also available. Test out the hotel spa, or take a short walk to the train station, where more restaurants and markets are available.

• • Cusco

  Day 13: Wed, Jun 15 2011 - Aguas Calientes - Cusco

  Spend the morning at leisure before returning by train to Cusco this afternoon. Enjoy a farewell dinner of traditional Peruvian cuisine in the company of your tour escort and travelling companions.

  Accommodation: Casa Andina Private Collection

• Day 14: Thu, Jun 16 2011 - Cusco

  Take an airport transfer in Cusco before your domestic flight to

  Lima to catch your flight home.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• • Casa Andina Lima Front

  Casa Andina Private Collection

  With its stylish contemporary design, cutting-edge technology and ideal location, the flagship Casa Andina Private Collection - Miraflores hotel is the top of its class in every aspect. Once the Miraflores César's, Lima’s fondly remembered, original five-star hotel, this modern icon was dramatically transformed in 2008 into the capital’s newest luxury hotel. Its quintessential Limeño flavor reverberates in the exquisite art collection of contemporary local artists and prized colonial-era antiques, in both public spaces and accommodations.

  • More information
• • La Hacienda Bahia

  La Hacienda Bahia

  The La Hacienda Bahía Paracas Hotel (4*) is located at the south of Lima by the seashore. With warm weather all year roun, this particular hotel offers a perfect combination for those seeking culture, nature and leisure. The hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms each with a private terrace. There is a restaurant offering the best dishes of Peruvian cuisine with a view of the bay, a bar, end a cafeteria. The hotel has a spa, so you can relax. Also, the hotel offers many activities such as a variety of games and water sports.

  • More information
• • Cantayo Hotel
  • Cantayo Guest Room

  Cantayo

  The Hotel Cantayo Spa & Resort (5*) is located about three kilometers outside of the city of Nasca, very close to the rectangular geoglyphs with the acute angle in direction of the Cerro Blanco, the highest dune in South America. Thanks to the natural surroundings and its proximity to the desert, the hotel can be defined as an oasis. The hotel has 40 Rooms with telephone, internet connection, air conditioning, mini bar, safe, hairdryer, choice of pillows and mattresses. It also has a library with magazines and books in different languages, a piano bar, a private restaurant for 120 people, piscina scoperta, kitchen with typical dishes, Peruvian and International, outdoor swimming pool, circuit for jogging, cycling and horses de Paso, dojo for kyudo and has a private heliport.

  • More information
• • Casa Andina Private Collection, Arequipa

  Casa Andina Private Collection

  Casa Andina Private Collection proudly shares with travelers to Arequipa its newest acquisition, converted from an old mansion and opened in early 2008. The 41 rooms are immaculately kept, each designed with a fusion of contemporary and traditional decor so that one may embrace the history of this city in each hallway. For those who will spend time learning the history of Arequipa, the hotel is just a few blocks from the main square and the monastery. One will appreciate the quiet and convenience this placement offers.

  • More information
• • Casa Andina Colca

  Casa Andina Colca (3*)

  The Casa Andina Colca Hotel (3*) lies in the center of the colonial town of Chivay, the starting point for a great tour to the Colca Canyon. At the hotel, guests can enjoy their comfortable rooms in addition to typical lunches and dinners, the perfect prelude to a stirring folk show. 

  • More information
• • Casa Andina Private Collection, Lake Titicaca Puno

  Casa Andina Private Collection

  The Casa Andina Private Collection hotel in Puno sits in a convenient spot on the banks of Lake Titicaca, about 3,800 meters above sea level. There are 46 clean, cozy rooms, many of which offer lake views and balconies. Meals are served at the cafe and lobby bar. The hotel is centrally located, though, so one may venture into town and try out the local fare. Be sure to get familiar with the bars and sights in town, though many visit simply to learn more about the Uros people and their manmade islands.

  • More information
• • Casa Andina Cusco, Private Collection

  Casa Andina Private Collection

  The Casa Andina Private Collection in Cusco is a beautifully renovated 18th-century manor house, just 3 blocks from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, replete with authentic colonial character. It offers the intimacy of a boutique hotel but the comforts and services of a much larger property.

  • More information
• • Sumaq Hotel, Machu Picchu

  Sumaq Hotel

  The new luxury accommodations at Sumaq Hotel inMachu Picchuare remarkable, with unparalleled natural surroundings and solitude. The 60 rooms offer stunning views of the river flowing below, as well as private balconies. Enjoy high-quality toiletries and bath products. The hotel's considerate staffs are willing to go to all lengths to ensure guests are pleased with their stay. Chefs whip up mouth-watering cuisine, with ingredients and methods taken from across the world. Local specialties are also available. Test out the hotel spa, or take a short walk to the train station, where more restaurants and markets are available.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • * All accommodation as per the itinerary * Local escort * Services of local specialty guide(s) * Tours as per the itinerary * Airport transfers as per the itinerary * Domestic flights: Cusco - Lima * All meals as mentioned per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner) * Welcome and farewell dinners * Entrance fees

• What's not Included:

  • * Tips * Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages including mineral water * Domestic and international airport departure tax * International airfare * Visas * Optional activities * Travel insurance * Airport taxes * Other items not mentioned in itinerary

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price). The balance is due 120 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Cancellations 121 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund less $300 and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise, or hotel deposits). 91 - 120 days will be subject to loss of 25% of trip cost. 61-90 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 60 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
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