Peru Escorted Escapes Tour 3

Arrival in Lima. Reception and transfer to your hotel.

After breakfast, full 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. After lunch, a visit to the Gold Museum. Originally from a private collection, the museum houses numerous gold, silver and copper artefacts from several pre-Hispanic cultures. The most precious piece in the collection is the solid gold Tumi (ceremonial knife) belonging to the Lambayeque culture (350AD). Return to your hotel. Free evening.

Meals: B & L

After breakfast, flight to Cuzco, reception and transfer to your hotel. 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.

Meals: B & D

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 buffet lunch at the Alhambra Restaurant, a visit to Ollantaytambo, the only Inca town which is still inhabited. Explore the ruins above Ollantaytambo before returning to Cuzco via the traditional market town of Chinchero.

Meals: B & L

An early start by Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes, accompanied on the train by an escort.. 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 in Aguas Calientes.

Meals: B

Opportunity to return to the sanctuary for a more personal appreciation of the Eighth wonder of the world. Return in the afternoon by train to Cuzco and transfer to your hotel.

Meals: B

Spectacular road journey across the stunning altiplano to Puno, accompanied by a private, group escort. Lying on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, Puno is also the folkloric capital of Peru. Accommodation at your hotel.

Meals: B & P-L

Full day excursion to the islands of Uros and Taquile. Uros, a group of islands made entirely of tortora reeds is home to a small community dating back to a pre-Inca culture. The inhabitants of Taquile are more closely related to the Aymara people of Bolivia than the Quechua Incas of Peru. Basic lunch on the island prepared by the local inhabitants. Return to Puno and to your hotel.

Meals: B & L

Flight to Arequipa, the most beautiful city in Peru. Transfer to your hotel. A brief overview of the "white city", including the 16th century convent which is built entirely of volcanic lava. The Misti Volcano stands as a sentinel behind this colonial city. Overnight accommodation at your hotel.

Meals: B

After breakfast, we drive through some wonderful scenery towards the Colca canyon, witnessing groups of wild alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos in their natural habitat. Arrival to Chivay, the main town of the canyon in time for lunch at a local restaurant. Transfer to your hotel, located in the canyon itself. Free afternoon for personal leisure.

Meals: B & L

An early start to visit the Colca canyon, the second deepest canyon in the world (the deepest canyon lies only a few kilometres from here). We shall also have an opportunity to see the huge condor, the world's largest flying bird before returning to Arequipa. Overnight accommodation at your hotel.

Meals: B

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the return flight to Lima. Arrive in Lima and connect to your international flight home.

Meals: B

Dear Amazing Peru,
We wanted to thank you for a great & well timed trip. We loved the private guides we had in Cusco, Machu Picchu, & in Lima. They were excellent & really enhanced the experience. When we had group excursion, the tour guides made sure that we understood what was going to happen & where our transportation was going to be. We were always picked up when we were told we would be & on time. I was so happy to to hear from Kathleen. It was very reassuring that we had an exclusive Customer Support Service in Peru if there were problems. We didn't have have problems.
We liked all the hotels & a few were extra special. Sumaq in Machu Picchu was probably the all round favorite because of the food & service went above & beyond expectations. Dinner was outstanding.
Thunderbird in Lima - had the best bed & breakfast
Picoaga in Cusco - had a beautiful building & great location
Jose Antonio in Puno - was very accommodating when we needed a late check out & great view
Casa Andina in Arequipa - beautiful room, building, great location
Refugio in Cola Canyon - location was stunning & great staff
All the hotel staffs were very helpful. We always felt comfortable & made welcome.
We would definitely recommend this tour & your company to other people. We were very satisfied with the service & the product. Peru is a really fascinating country with lots to see. The Peruvian government really should be commended for taking control of their historic sites.

Barbara G.
November 30th , 2010.
Peru Escorted Escapes 3