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| SUGGESTED PROGRAMS |
 Peru: Country of Ancient Empires 11 days / 10 nights program |
Day 1 - Lima
Upon arrival we are met and transferred to our hotel. Overnight at selected Hotel.
Day 2 - Lima
The morning is free to relax and explore the hotel surroundings. After lunch at the La Rosa Nautica, overlooking the ocean, we are transferred to the airport for flight to Chiclayo at the northern Peru. On arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight at selected Hotel. (B,L)*.
Day 3 - Chiclayo
Today we drive into the Valley of Lambayeque where we visit the Tomb of the Lord of Sipan. Between 1987 and 1988 the tomb was discovered by the Peruvian archaeologist, Dr. Walter Alva, and he is still in charge of its protection and study. There he found the intact remains of a dignitary, or Lord, of the hierarchy belonging to the Moche Culture. Lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon we visit the Royal Tombs Museum and the Valley of 26 pyramids of Tucume. The Royal Toms Museum is the result of years of effort of an archaeologist’s team, opened in November 2002 to display one of the world's greatest exhibits of historical treasures. The ancient Peruvian ruler The Lord of Sipan has been described as the "Tutankhamen of the Americas" due to the splendor of the artifacts included in his tomb. The Museum is shaped like a Moche pyramid with fiberglass bricks resembling the original site and no windows, to protect its 1,500 precious pieces from damage. Also shows a reconstruction of the Lord of Sipan tomb. Return to Chiclayo. Overnight at selected Hotel (B,L)*.
Day 4 - Trujillo
This morning after breakfast, we have a 3.5 hours drive to Trujillo. On arrival transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit to Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna (the Temples of the Sun and the Moon). Huaca del Sol, the largest Pre-Columbian structure in Peru, is a stepped pyramid of adobe brick which was once 194 feet high and rested on a base measuring 500,000 square feet. Overnight at selected Hotel. (B)*
Day 5 - Lima
Today we visit the largest Adobe City “Chan Chan”, of the Chimu Kingdom (AD 1000 – 1470). Chan Chan’s nine-square-mile complex includes nine major sub-cities, each of which was built by a succeeding ruler. Following we lunch at Huanchaco Beach where local fisherman navigate on totora reef canoes used by their early ancestors. You will also visit the Museum and ruins of Huaca Arco Iris (Rainbow Temple): one of the best-preserved Chimu Temples decorated with relief friezes depicting the creation story of Chimu Culture. Transfer to the airport for flight back to Lima. Overnight at selected Hotel (B,L)*
Day 6 - Sacred Valley
Early morning transfer to the airport for flight to Cusco. Upon arrival we are met and start our way out of the city of Cusco, into the Urubamba Valley. The first stop will be at the attractive town of Pisac and its colorful market, where natives trade their goods; also we will be able to shop a great variety of handcrafts. After lunch, we continue to visit Ollantaytambo Fortress, where ancient temples were built to protect the Sacred Valley; it is consider an architecture wonder. Overnight at selected Hotel. (B,L)*
Day 7 - Sacred Valley
This morning we interact with the people of the Andes as we visit the small village of Willoq. Willoq community, which ethnologists consider virtually unchanged in its social structure, dress and language from pre-Inca times. Such concepts as ayni (mutual help), minka (work for the common good) and mita (compulsory work for ritual tribute) are still practiced here. The inhabitants have chosen to preserve their ancient way of life, and their heritage is evident especially in their textiles, which are much in demand in other communities. Intricate designs of animals, mountains, flowers and celestial bodies are featured in brightly colored blankets, hangings and clothing. We may see parts of this process, from the carding and spinning of the wool to the handlooms where the textiles are woven. Natural dyes are used and you may gain insight into the plants used for this purpose. The visit to the Willoq community will enables us, through the interpreter, to speak with and ask questions of these hospitable, friendly people and to get a feel for the traditional Andean way of life. We will learn of the ancient agriculture of the mountains and learn the history of their use of maize, potatoes, quinoa and other staple foods. Return to Sacred Valley for lunch. This afternoon we have a choice of activities (not included on price) 1- Hike to the Agricultural Terraces of the Incas, on this walking tour, you will visit some ancient Incan agricultural terraces and a native Peruvian household. You'll learn about the local culture and farming methods of the Incas. 2-River Rafting at Urubamba River, have fun in the river while admiring the great landscape. 3- Painting or Andean cooking classes. Or just enjoy the serenity of the hotel ambiance. Overnight at selected Hotel. (B)*
Day 8 - Machu Picchu
Today we will witness another encounter with a glorious past. We are transferred to the Ollanta Railway Station for a journey to Aguas Calientes. On arrival a bus will take us to the top of the mountain for a guided tour of Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu, the "The Lost City of the Incas," is probably the best known, yet least understood of all Incan sites. The surprising perfection and beauty of Machu Picchu’s walls, built by joining stone to stone without using any cement or adhesive whatsoever, has led to many myths developing around how the city was constructed. The beauty of the site, quality of the stonework and the abundance of ornamental sites indicate that Machu Picchu must have been an important ceremonial center. Beside mysteries and myths, evidence of the wisdom and skills are in this amazing citadel. Overnight at selected Hotel. (B,L)*
Day 9 - Cusco
In the morning before the crowds arrive to Machu Picchu Ruins, enjoy a second visit on your own, or simply explore the small town of Aguas Calientes. Mid- afternoon we take the train back to Cusco, the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city and historic capital of the Inca Empire stroll along Cusco’s bustling, central streets filled with Quechua-speaking Incan descendants. Local artisans line the streets to make and sell their handicrafts and bargaining is expected. Retail shops sell everything from leather to pre-colonial ceramic reproductions. We have the remainder of the afternoon to spend at leisure in Cusco. Overnight at selected Hotel. (B)*
Day 10 - Cusco
Morning at leisure. Afternoon tour of colonial Cusco and its surrounding ruins. Cusco is set in a bowl-shaped valley and laid out in the form of a Puma. During Incan times, a massive stone fortress called Sacsayhuaman protected the city and formed the head of the Puma. Sacsayhuaman’s huge polygonal stone blocks were cut to interlock and join without mortar. The largest stone weighs more than 300 tons. The stonework of the Coricancha, the Temple of the Sun, is considered to have no equal. Overnight at selected Hotel. (B)*
Day 11 - Lima
Transfer to the airport for flight back to Lima. Upon arrival transfer to hotel. Afternoon tour of the Colonial Center visiting the Cathedral at the Main Plaza, San Francisco Church and catacombs and the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores. Drive though the stylish suburb of San Isidro and the surf of the Pacific Ocean pounds the dry cliffs of the shoreline. Following with a visit of the Gold Museum. At convenient time transfer to the airport to board our flight back to the USA. (B)*
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| *(Meals code: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) |
Includes: Accommodations, airport transfers, mentioned meals, scheduled private or regular tours as your selection, entrance fees, land transportation and English speaking guide.
Not included: International & internal airfares, airport departure taxes; tips to porters, guide and drivers, expenses of personal nature; meals not included in the itinerary; alcoholic beverages. Travel Insurance.
Our sample programs are for information only and can be customized.
For pricing, please contact us at 1-888-232-4125 or info@peru-tours.biz |
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