2009-10 Escorted Peru New Years 3

December 28: Lima

Arrival in Lima. Reception and transfer to the hotel of your choice.

December 29: Lima - Sacred Valley (B & L)

After breakfast, flight to Cuzco. For those wishing to continue with their discovery of Peru, a full-day excursion to Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit the village of Pisac, founded during Colonial times. On Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays the Indians barter their products, and artisans from all over the area sell their woven alpaca wool blankets and ponchos, engraved gourds, antique reproductions and jewellery. On Sundays, it is also the meeting place for the local Mayors of the region, who come dressed in their traditional costumes, to attend morning mass. After a buffet lunch, a visit to Ollantaytambo, the only Inca town which is still inhabited. Explore the ruins above Ollantaytambo before transferring to the hotel of your choice in the Sacred Valley.

December 30: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu (B)

An early start by Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes. Guided visit of the most spectacular ancient city in the world. This fabulous city contains houses, temples, warehouses, a large central square; and all connected by narrow roads and steps that are surrounded by terraces cut into the mountain side. After the tour, free time to enjoy this spiritual wonder. Opportunity for a guided trek (approx 1 hour) up to the sungate (Intipunku), which is a part of the Inca Trail, for a magical view of the sanctuary or alternatively an unguided climb to the top of Wayna Picchu, with a magnificent view of the whole Sanctuary (recommended for fit individuals only). Accommodation at the hotel of your choice.

December 31: Machu Picchu – Cuzco (B, L D)

Opportunity to return to the sanctuary for a more personal appreciation of the Eighth wonder of the world. Lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge Hotel located in front of Machu Picchu. Return in the afternoon by train to Cuzco and transfer to the hotel of your choice.  New Year’s Gala and dinner at the exclusive Monasterio Hotel.

January 1: Cuzco (B)

A free day to acclimatize to the altitude and an opportunity to explore the ancient capital of the Incas on foot. Our tour leaders will be available to accompany you around this fascinating city.

January 2: Cuzco (B & D)

Afternoon guided visit of the four ruins nearby; the Sacsayhuaman Fortress overlooking the city of Cuzco, a pre Inca architectural masterpiece; Kenko, a rock sanctuary whose main attraction is the monolithic altar representing a puma, the red Fortress of Puca-Pucara and Tambomachay, a beautiful fountain fed by a spring forming a series of basins continue to the city of Cuzco; the Main Square, the Cathedral and the Koricancha or Temple of the Sun.  Dinner and folkloric show in the evening.

January 3: Cuzco – Puerto Maldonado - Tambopata Jungle (B, L D)

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Puerto Maldonado. Reception and transfer to the Tambopata River port in Puerto Maldonado for the canoe trip to your jungle lodge. After arrival a short orientation and a complete briefing on the lodge before visiting a 35 metre scaffolding tower for a spectacular view of the river, the surrounding forest and an opportunity to observe birds from the canopy including parrots, toucans and macaws. Return to the lodge.

January 4: Tambopata Jungle (B, L D)

Early wake at dawn for a visit to the Tres Chimbadas oxbow lake. Here we will take a long, easy canoe ride around the lake looking for giant river otters, turtles, hoatzin, and wading birds. The giant river otters that are seen in Tres Chimbadas belong to a resident family of nine. Return to the lodge for lunch before embarking on your afternoon outing to the community’s ethno botanical center. We will hike the trails around the centre with one of the residents who will explain the everyday uses of forest resources in medicine, construction, food and fiber. Return to your lodge.

January 5: Tambopata Jungle – Puerto Maldonado – Lima (B)

After an early breakfast departure by boat back to the city of Puerto Maldonado, directly to the airport, for your return flight to Lima. Half day city tour of modern and colonial Lima, declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1991. Tour in an air conditioned bus with a bilingual guide. The tour includes a visit to the Cathedral, Main Square, San Francisco Convent and its Catacombs, and the residential areas of San Isidro and Miraflores. Lunch at the internationally acclaimed Rosa Nautica seafood restaurant, strategically located on a pier and extending into the Pacific Ocean. In the evening, return to the airport for your return flight home.

• 6 night’s accommodation in twin/double rooms at recommended hotels with private bathroom, including breakfast and 2 nights at a comfortable jungle lodge.
• All transfers, tours and excursions as per itinerary with local English speaking guides.
• All meals as per itinerary.
• Flight tickets: Lima – Cuzco, Cuzco – Puerto Maldonado - Lima
• Train tickets: Cusco - Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) – Cuzco in Vistadome class.
• All entrance fees and tips.

• International air tickets and associated taxes.
• Meals not specified on the itinerary.
• All domestic flights require a US$5.00 charge (airport tax), payable at the airport.
• Personal expenses such as telephone bills, laundry expenses, beverages, etc.
• Insurance against theft, loss, illness and/or accident.
• Baggage porterage and other extras not specified