TOUR NAME: ESSENTIAL PERU
TOUR DAYS: 9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS
TOUR STYLE: GUARANTEED DEPARTURE / SMALL GROUP TOUR
GROUP SIZE: Maximum of 20
LIMA – CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO - LAKE TITICACA – LIMA
TOUR SUMMARY:
Arrive in the capital city, Lima, before taking a flight to Cuzco, to join a train ride through the sacred valley of
Urubamba to the "Lost City of the Incas," Machu Picchu. Explore the ancient city of Cuzco and marvel with the
nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman fortress, an imposing example of Inca military architecture. Continue the journey, as
it takes you higher into the mountains, to the shores of Lake Titicaca where you will board a boat to the Uros and
Taquile Islands. Return to Lima, where the tour ends after spending a day to discovering this cosmopolitan coastal
city.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
•
See the world famous Inca ruins at Machu Picchu
•
Visit the impressive man made islands on Lake Titicaca
•
Admire the colonial architecture of the capital city, Lima
•
Soak up the colonial charm of the Sacred Valley and Cuzco
•
Train ride to Machu Picchu
GUARANTEED DEPARTURE DATES/PRICE:
TOUR
STARTING
DATE
From MIA
From JFK/LAX
Single Sup
Sep 24, 2014
$ 1999
$ 2199
$ 450
Oct 01, 2014
$ 1999
$ 2199
$ 450
Nov 05, 2014
$ 2099
$ 2299
$ 450
Nov 12, 2014
$ 2099
$ 2299
$ 450
Jan 14, 2015
$ 2199
$ 2399
$ 450
Feb 04, 2015
$ 2299
$ 2499
$ 450
Mar 04, 2015
$ 2299
$ 2499
$ 450
Apr 08, 2015
$ 2299
$ 2499
$ 450
Mar 06, 2015
$ 2299
$ 2499
$ 450
TOUR LODGING INFO: 8 Nights hotel
Accommodation will be provided on a twin sharing basis
CITIES
NIGHTS
LIMA
01 NIGHT
SACRED VALLEY 02 NIGHTS
CUSCO
02 NIGHTS
PUNO
02 NIGHTS
LIMA
01 NIGHT
HOTELS
COSTA DEL SOL RAMADA HOTEL
SAN AUGUSTIN HOTEL
ECO INN
LA HACIENDA HOTEL
SAN AUGUSTIN EXCLUSIVE
Only Latin America Tours is a special division of Indus Travels Inc.
233-11951 Hammersmith Way, Richmond V7A 5H9, BC, Canada
Toll Free: 1 866 978 2997 Tel: + 1 604 279 8794 Fax: + 1 604 608 3421
Web: www.onlylatinamericatours.com
Upgrade to Superior Hotels for $190/person
CITIES
NIGHTS
LIMA
01 NIGHT
SACRED VALLEY 02 NIGHTS
CUSCO
02 NIGHTS
PUNO
02 NIGHTS
HOTELS
COSTA DEL SOL RAMADA HOTEL
SONESTA POSDA DEL INCA YUCAY
TERRA ANDINA
CASA ANDINA PRIVATE COLLECTION
TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:
•
Accommodation on a twin sharing basis at listed hotels or similar
•
Daily buffet breakfast
•
2 special lunches
•
Transportation by deluxe vehicle
•
Return airport transfers
•
Baggage handling at airports and hotels
•
All train tickets and entrance fees as per the itinerary
•
Excursion to Machu Picchu aboard the expedition train
(Upgrade to Vistadome train service for an additional USD 65 per person)
•
English Speaking local guides as per the itinerary
•
Domestic airfare Lima – Cusco & Juliaca - Lima
•
International Air fare with taxes
TOUR PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
•
Meals not mentioned as being included
•
Beverages with meals
•
Items of a personal nature
•
Tips & Gratuities
•
Optional tours
•
Travel Insurance
•
Visa fees
TOUR ITINERARY:
DAY 01:
USA - LIMA
Make your own way to your gateway airport for your international flight to Lima. Enjoy in flight meals and services.
Arrive in Lima, the "City of Kings" famous for its Spanish Colonial architecture, extraordinary museums and cuisine.
Lima is internationally recognized as the "Gastronomic Capital of the Americas", and its cuisine is considered among
the most diverse and exquisite in the world on par with French cuisine. On arrival at Lima International Airport you
will be met and transferred to the hotel at the airport.
DAY 02:
LIMA – CUSCO – URUBAMBA – SACRED VALLEY (B)
After breakfast walk to the airport for a short but spectacular flight over the snowcapped Andes to the oldest
inhabited city in the hemisphere, Cusco, at an elevation of 11,440 feet. Upon arrival you’ll be met and transferred to
Urubamba in the Sacred Valley. Enjoy the remainder of the day acclimatizing to the different altitude. Overnight in
Urubamba
DAY 03:
SACRED VALLEY (B)
Day at leisure or perhaps take an optional tour to visit Pisac Market and Ollantaytambo. Overnight in Urubamba
Optional: Full Day Excursion to the Pisac Indian Market and the Ollantaytambo Fortress – CAD 160 per
person This morning depart for a drive through the fertile countryside of the Urubamba Valley to the colonial village
of Pisac where the famous Indian Market takes place Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Other days
Only Latin America Tours is a special division of Indus Travels Inc.
233-11951 Hammersmith Way, Richmond V7A 5H9, BC, Canada
Toll Free: 1 866 978 2997 Tel: + 1 604 279 8794 Fax: + 1 604 608 3421
Web: www.onlylatinamericatours.com
you will tour the religious nucleus and archaeological site of Pisac. During your visit to the bustling marketplace you
will have the opportunity to bargain with the locals for many different types of Peruvian handicrafts and jewelry.
Continue on to the Ollantaytambo archaeological complex, the Incas built it as a fort that included a temple,
agricultural terraces, and an urban area. There are two distinct sectors: the religious and worship zone, and the
residential area. Ollantaytambo was an important administrative center with probable military functions if one
considers the walls and towers. There are also traces of ancient roads and aqueducts. The town of Ollantaytambo is
called a "Living Inca Town" since the inhabitants maintain very old practices and customs. Lunch is at a beautiful
country estate on the shores of the Urubamba River.
DAY 04:
SACRED VALLEY – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO (B)
This morning travel on the Expedition train through the sacred Urubamba Valley to the "Lost City of the Incas" Machu
Picchu. Perched 8,200 feet above the valley, it was hidden by mountains and semi-tropical jungles for 400 years until
discovered by Hiram Bingham of Yale University in 1911. Archaeologists believe that the Inca "Virgins of the Sun"
took refuge from the Spanish Conquistadors here. On arrival at Aguas Calientes you will transfer to a shuttle service
for a drive up the switch back road to the ruins. A knowledgeable tour guide will share the history of this mystical
place of the Inca. This afternoon take the train back to Cusco, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in
Cusco. Overnight in Cusco
Optional: Enjoy lunch at the Orient Express’ Sanctuary Lodge – USD 60 per person, located just a few steps
from the Inca citadel.
DAY 05:
CUSCO (B)
After breakfast enjoy a tour of the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere, Cusco and its nearby
ruins. This gives you a chance to see how the Andean and Spanish cultures co-existed and influenced the city. The
tour starts at Santo Domingo Convent, built on the site of Koricancha, which was an important ancient Inca palace
and center of worship of the Sun God. The tour continues to the Main Square, site of the Cathedral and the La
Compañía Church. Later we visit the imposing Sacsayhuaman Fortress, just one example of the military Inca
architecture in the area. Finally, the tour heads to the nearby archaeological sites of Qenko, Puca-Pucara and
Tambomachay, which can be found to the north east of the city. Overnight in Cusco
DAY 06:
CUSCO – PUNO (B/L)
The tourist coach trip to Puno takes most of the day stopping at various sites along the way and today is one of
South America's most extraordinary overland trips The scenery of the South Valley of Cusco is spectacular and ideal
for great photography. Lunch will be served at a restaurant en-route.
On your way visit Racchi also named the Temple of the God Wiracocha, this Inca temple is a monumental 100
meters in length, 26 meters in width and 14 meters in height. Divided in two naves, each of these still retains the
bases of eleven giant columns. The base of the walls consists of Imperial Inca stonework with a top section of adobe.
Adjacent to the temple, we can see many storehouses, used for various purposes: social, religious and military.
Andahuaylillas is referred to as the Andean Sistine Chapel because of its magnificent frescoes; the church is but one
example of the mestizo baroque architecture typical of the Cuzco School which was prominent in the 17th century.
You will marvel at the ceiling of carved panels covered with gold leaf.
The next stop will be La Raya the highest pass on the route between Cuzco and Puno, La Raya is 4,335 meters
(14,218 f.) above sea level. Beautiful landscapes await you, as well as the animals that are symbolic of the Andes:
llamas, alpacas and vicunas. This is a region situated between two cultures, Quechua and Aymara, as well as a
composite of two terrains: the dry and arid Altiplano and the more verdant Quechua valleys and rivers.
Visit Pucara the most important and oldest ceremonial site this side of Tiahuanaco. Characterized by a series of satire
platforms, the ruins also reveal some lito-sculptures and tombstones, all witnesses of a pre-Inca civilization, possibly
one at the origin of the Andean culture of the Altiplano. Upon your arrival in Puno, a host will meet and assist you in
transferring to the hotel and help you to register. Overnight in Puno
Only Latin America Tours is a special division of Indus Travels Inc.
233-11951 Hammersmith Way, Richmond V7A 5H9, BC, Canada
Toll Free: 1 866 978 2997 Tel: + 1 604 279 8794 Fax: + 1 604 608 3421
Web: www.onlylatinamericatours.com
DAY 07:
UROS AND TAQUILE ISLANDS ON LAKE TITICACA (B/L)
Enjoy a boat excursion to the Uros and Taquile Islands on Lake Titicaca. This full day excursion will take you to the
highest navigable lake in the world to the floating islands of the Uros Indians, man-made islands by tying totora
reeds. The Uros considered themselves Lords of the Lake; they hunt wild birds and maintain traditional fishing
methods. The men have developed an extraordinary skill in weaving reeds; producing houses, boats and handicrafts,
and the women are expert knitters.
Continuing to Taquile where a native community of about 400 families still lives with the traditions and high
principals of the Incas. Taquile is a very important site on Lake Titicaca for its archeological remains, the sacred and
ceremonial sites, the festive activities and their rituals. Taquile is characterized by its friendly inhabitants, who
maintain their customs and traditional clothing. They distinguish themselves by their detailed, fine, and colorful
textiles with symmetrical decorations and symbols that reflect their way of life and Andean beliefs. Overnight in Puno
DAY 08:
PUNO – LIMA (B)
Today you will be transferred to the airport in Juliaca for a flight back to Lima. Upon arrival you will be met and
transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure or perhaps take an optional tour to explore the
capital city of Peru. Overnight in Lima
Optional: half Day Modern and Colonial Lima including the world famous Larco Museum – USD 75 per
person
This half day tour visits both the colonial and modern sections of Lima. Colonial sites include the lovely Plaza Mayor,
the Government Palace, San Francisco Church and the exquisite Torre Tagle Palace modern day seat of the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs. In modern Lima, drive along the exclusive residential areas of Miraflores and San Isidro. Then to
the Larco Museum, founded in 1926, it displays remarkable chronological galleries providing an excellent overview on
3000 years of development of Peruvian pre-Columbian history. Located in a unique vice-royal mansion of the 18th
century built over a 7th century pre-Columbian pyramid is surrounded by beautiful gardens. The Larco Museum also
features the finest gold and silver collection from Ancient Peru and the famous erotic archaeological collection, one of
the most visited Peruvian tourist attractions.
DAY 09:
LIMA - USA (B)
After breakfast you will be transferred back to Lima International Airport for your return flight back to USA.
END OF OUR SERVICES
TOUR CANCELLATION POLICY:
You may cancel your booking at any time prior to commencement of the tour by notifying us in writing, which must
be signed by the person that signed the Reservation Form. Depending on the type/style of tour you have booked the
cancellation charges will be as follows. In light of this we highly recommend travel
Land & Air Inclusive Tours:
Amount of Cancellation Charges:
100% non-refundable
Land Only Tours:
Amount of Cancellation Charges:
75-31 Days before the first day of the tour 50%
Less than 30 Days before arrival 100%
CHANGES BY YOU:
If you request any changes to your travel arrangements once we have confirmed a booking, all out of pocket
charges, including charges imposed by our suppliers, will be payable by you, plus an amendment fee of $ 50.00 per
revision per booking. If after the commencement of your tour you request any changes to your travel
Only Latin America Tours is a special division of Indus Travels Inc.
233-11951 Hammersmith Way, Richmond V7A 5H9, BC, Canada
Toll Free: 1 866 978 2997 Tel: + 1 604 279 8794 Fax: + 1 604 608 3421
Web: www.onlylatinamericatours.com
arrangements, we will do our best to implement them, but we cannot guarantee that it will be possible. In the event
of such change(s) being made, you will be liable for any cancellation charges that may be levied for the previously
booked service and for any costs incurred by us and our suppliers in attempting to secure any revised arrangements.
Any name changes must be provided to us in writing and are subject to any airline fees or penalties.
HOW TO BOOK:
If you are happy with the arrangements outlined within this itinerary and would like to book, please forward your
completed booking form and the deposit. If you would like to revise the itinerary, feel free to contact us and we can
prepare another version which will hopefully match your requirements. The deposit is 25% of the total cost for land
only packages, plus any applicable insurance premiums. For packages inclusive of international air a full payment is
required at booking time. Payment can be done d by cheque, bank transfer or credit card (Visa & MasterCard only).
PASSPORTS & VISA FEES:
All Passengers are responsible for securing proper documentation prior to joining the tour. Passports are required; in
addition travelers are advised to check with local consulates for full details regarding Visa requirements. Please note
securing a valid visa for entry is sole responsibility of the traveler.
Only Latin America Tours is a special division of Indus Travels Inc.
233-11951 Hammersmith Way, Richmond V7A 5H9, BC, Canada
Toll Free: 1 866 978 2997 Tel: + 1 604 279 8794 Fax: + 1 604 608 3421
Web: www.onlylatinamericatours.com