DAY
1: ARRIVE LIMA PERU
Depending on your flight schedule you may arrive in Lima on Day 1 in the late
evening. In this case, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
DAY
2: LIMA, PERU
Guests arriving early this morning will be met and transferred to the hotel, where
your room is ready for early check-in. This afternoon, your holiday begins with a
special visit to the Casa Diez Canseco, the private home of the Diez Canseco family.
A guided tour shows you the house, plus you will hear stories of Spanish conquerors
and Peruvian Presidents, all family ancestors. Savour a 'Be My Guest' home-cooked
Peruvian meal before heading out for a city tour. See colonial sights such as the Plaza
San Martin and the Cathedral. Next, visit the Church of San Francisco, with its unique
wooden cupola over the imperial staircase. On to Miraflores and the district of San
Isidro. Return to the hotel, where the evening is free. (B BG) Hotel: Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores (SF)
DAY
3: LIMA - CUZCO - SACRED VALLEY
Fly to Cuzco this morning to begin your adventure in the Sacred Valley. Head
into the scenic countryside and stop at the market in Pisac. There is time to
bargain for Peruvian arts and crafts before driving across the Valley. This is one
of the most beautiful areas found anywhere in the world. At Ollantaytambo, a
walking tour introduces you to the quaint village. Just outside of town, admire
the ruins of a mighty Inca fortress. Later, travel to your hotel in Yucay. (B L D) Hotel: Sonesta Posada del Inca Yucay (F)
DAY
4: SACRED VALLEY - MACHU PICCHU
This morning, transfer to the train station for the Vistadome Valley train journey
to Machu Picchu. There is time to explore the magnificent ruins of the “Lost
City of the Incas” on your own after a guided walking tour with a local expert.
Enjoy lunch before making the short trip to your hotel in Aguas Calientes, at the
foot of spectacular Machu Picchu. (B L D) Hotel: Sumaq Hotel (F)
On the train to Machu Picchu, only hand luggage can be taken. Your main suitcase will
be transferred to Cuzco and stored.
Machu Picchu is built on a steep hill, with uneven pathways, rocky terrain and no
handrails. Visitors should be in good health and be able to walk without assistance.
DAY
5: MACHU PICCHU - CUZCO (2)
Return to Machu Picchu with your local guide for last impressions of this
extraordinary monument. Hiking enthusiasts may want to climb Wayna Picchu.
The view from the top of the mountain is unforgettable! Later, travel by
train and coach back to Cuzco, where the evening is free. (B L) Hotel: Casa Andina Private Collection Cuzco (F) (2 nights)
The altitude of Cuzco is 11,444 feet.
DAY
6: CUZCO
Cuzco is a city enveloped in myth and legend. With a history of more than 3,000
years, it is one of the oldest existing cities in the Americas. Traces of its Incan and
Spanish heritage can still be seen today. A morning city tour shows you the Plaza
de Armas and the impressive Cathedral. Then, visit the San Blas district, with its historic church and its wealth of arts and crafts. Also, visit several Inca ruins including
the fortresses of Sacsayhuaman and Tambomachay. The remainder of the day is
free to continue exploring the city the Inca called the “home of the gods” on your
own. (B)
DAY
7: CUZCO - PUNO (2)
A day of great scenery and history as you head to Lake Titicaca, the cradle of the
Aymara civilization, the birthplace of the Inca Empire and a sacred site to the Inca.
Along the way, visit the charming highland villages of Racchi, with its interesting and
important archaeological complex, and Andahuaylillas, known for the 7th century
church, considered the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” because of the beautiful
works of art and wall murals. Your last stop is ancient Sillustani and its necropolis,
where you can see the intriguing “chullpas” or burial towers of the Colla people. This
site pre-dates the Inca in Peru. End the day in Puno, founded in 1668 and 12,600 feet
above sea level. Tonight, relax at your hotel, which overlooks Lake Titicaca. (B BL D) Hotel: Libertador (SF) (2 nights)
The altitude of Lake Titicaca is 12,600 feet.
DAY
8: LAKE TITICACA EXCURSION
Set sail for a fascinating day on Lake Titicaca. Bordering Peru and Bolivia, this is one
of the highest navigable lakes in the world. First, visit one of the floating islands of
the Uros. For hundreds of years the livelihood of this unique “water tribe” has been
based on the benefits of the totora reed. The reed is used to build their homes,
boats, and the islands they live on. Call in on one of their traditional communities
and learn of their intriguing lifestyle. Next, travel to Taquile Island and meet the
Quechua-speaking natives who are renowned for their hand-weaving techniques,
an art developed over the centuries. After lunch, return to Puno. (B L D)
DAY
9: PUNO - LIMA - ICA (2)
Depart from Puno this morning and fly to Lima. From here, coach along the famous
Pan American Highway, dotted with villages and vistas of the blue Pacific. Arrive in
sunny Ica, founded in 1563, and where some of the best “Pisco,” the local wine, is
made. (B BL D) Hotel: Hotel Las Dunas - Sun Resort (F) (2 nights)
DAY
10: ICA - NAZCA LINES FLIGHT
Start the day with a highlight: board your aircraft for the flight over the mysterious
Nazca Lines – a series of drawings of animals and geometric figures etched into
the parched soil thousands of years ago, some up to 1,000 feet long. The drawings
include the “Spaceman,” the “Monkey” and the “Condor.” After this breathtaking
experience, enjoy lunch, then on to visit the Hacienda El Catador. Here, see how
Pisco is distilled. There is a chance to taste it and perhaps buy a bottle or two to bring home with you. Finally, visit the Ica Archaeological Museum with its collection
of Nazca Indian artefacts. (B L D)
DAY
11: ICA - BALLESTAS EXCURSION - LIMA
Board a motorboat and cruise to the Ballestas Islands, which are inhabited by
a wide variety of sea mammals and exotic birds, including sea lions, boobies,
and Humboldt penguins. The bay’s beautiful red and white flamingos
supposedly inspired General San Martin to design the independence flag
for Peru. The huge Candelabro, a candelabra-shaped etching on the Paracas
cliffside, can also be seen as you cruise back to shore. Leave Ica, stopping for
lunch at a favourite restaurant. Later, savour a Farewell Dinner in Lima. (B L FD) Hotel: Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores (SF)
DAY
12: DEPART LIMA
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
Depending on your destination and connection, some guests will transfer to Lima airport
in the late evening of Day 11 for an overnight flight home.
Altitudes in Peru are quite high. We recommend you speak with your health care
professional about ways to avoid altitude sickness.
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DAY 1 to DAY 10
As Land of the Incas Tour LLI
DAY
11: ICA - BALLESTAS EXCURSION - LIMA - QUITO (2)
Board a motorboat and cruise to the Ballestas Islands, which are inhabited by a wide
variety of sea mammals and exotic birds, including sea lions, boobies, and Humboldt
penguins. The bay's beautiful red and white flamingos supposedly inspired General
San Martin to design the independence flag for Peru. The huge Candelabro, a
candelabra-shaped etching on the Paracas cliffside, can also be seen as you cruise
back to shore. Leave Ica, stopping for lunch at a favourite restaurant. Arriving in Lima,
head to the airport for your flight to Quito. (B L) Hotel: Dann Carlton (F) (2 nights)
DAY
12: QUITO
Quito's colonial quarter is so well preserved that it has been designated a World
Heritage Cultural Site. The architectural wonder of old churches, monasteries and
convents in the ornate colonial baroque will be highlighted on your morning city
tour. You will also stop at the Equatorial Monument, which marks the middle of
the world. Here, you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere! Your afternoon
is free. (B)
DAY
13: QUITO - BALTRA ISLAND - SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
This morning fly to Baltra, one of the remote Galapagos Islands, then transfer to
your ship, the M/V Santa Cruz. This afternoon, a panga ride through mangrove
swamps reveals boobies, frigates and pelicans. Often seen are marine iguanas,
turtles, rays and sharks. Disembark for an easy hike to Dragon Hill, where you will
see land iguanas and a variety of birds, including flamingos, stilts, pintail ducks,
Darwin's finches and flycatchers. (B L D)
DAY
14: BARTHOLOME ISLAND - SANTIAGO ISLAND
Bartholome Island is best known for its volcanic features. After a short hike past red
and white mangroves, salt bushes and cactus, delight in the view. Next, stop in a
cove with a chance for snorkeling next to Galapagos penguins, the only penguins
north of the equator. Perhaps, ride on a glass bottom boat. This afternoon visit
Santiago Island with it's black beach and dramatic rock formations. Keep an eye
open for fur sea lions, marine iguanas and oystercatchers. (B L D)
DAY
15: RABIDA ISLAND - NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND
Disembark at Rabida Island for a stroll along the red-coloured beach. Here you can
see marine iguanas, sea lions, yellow warblers and more. This afternoon, cruise to
North Seymour Island, home to sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and
frigate birds. Vegetation found in the dry interior areas of the island include prickly
pear cacti, palo santos trees and salt bushes. (B L D)
DAY
16: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Take a bus ride to the highlands of Santa Cruz to see the island's giant tortoises
in their wild habitat. View the Scalesia Forest (an endemic giant daisy tree) before
heading to Puerto Ayoro. After lunch, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and
the rearing in captivity program for giant tortoises. Then there is time to wander
through the town and browse in the handicraft shops. (B L D)
DAY
17: SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND - DEPART GUAYAQUIL
Disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Islands. Visit the
Interpretation Centre that focuses on the history and wildlife of the area. There is
a chance to stroll through town and shop. Later fly to Guayaquil to connect with
your homebound flight. (B)
Do not schedule your flight before 5 p.m.
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