Travel Idea Including Peru

Itinerary:

Day 1. Lima

After your arrival into Lima airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel of choice.The rest of the day is free.

Day 2. Lima - Cusco - Sacred Valley - Chincheros with weaving demonstration Pisac Ruins & Ollantaytambo - Sacred Valley

A full day excursion to the Pisac Indian Market and the Ollantaytambo Fortress in the Heart of the Sacred Valley. With a early start we drive through the fertile countryside of the Urubamba Valley to the colonial village of Pisac where an Indian Market takes place Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

Other days 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 natives for many different types of Peruvian handicrafts and jewelry.

We visit the Inca archaeological remnants of Pisac known as Inca Pisac, which lie atop a hill at the entrance to the valley. It features an irrigation system, an astronomical observatory, and a solar clock and calendar (Intiwatana). The hillside is lined with agricultural terraces constructed by the Inca and still in use today. With military, religious, and agricultural structures, the site served at least a triple purpose. Besides a country estate, it is thought that Pisac defended the southern entrance to the Sacred Valley, while Choquequirao defended the western entrance and the fortress at Ollantaytambo the northern.

We then continue on down the valley to the Ollantaytambo archaeological complex. Conjectures suggests 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 ancient practices and customs with the town itself being a living museum of Inca construction, irrigation and housing.

Lunch is at a beautiful country estate on the shores of the Urubamba River. BL

Day 3. Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes

Today we board our train for the ride through the sacred valley of Urubamba 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. Guided tour of the ruins upon arrival.

Lunch is at the Orient Express' Sanctuary Lodge located just a few steps from the Inca citadel.

We return to Aguas Calientes at the base of the ruins in the late afternoon where you are free to explore the many restaurants of this mountain village. BD

Day 4. Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Free morning to enjoy one of the most incredible sights on earth, the sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Take as much time as you need to study these magnificent ruins, hike the steep stone-paved trail of Huayna Picchu, the pyramid-shape mountain above Machu Picchu for a breathtaking view of the site, or stroll to the Inca Bridge a secret entrance used by the Inca's army or walk toward the Inca Trail to find the historic Intipunku or Sun Gate.

We return to Cusco in the evening where you are free to explore the many restaurants of this magical city. B

Day 5. Cusco - Lima - Santiago

Today you are transferred back to Cusco airport to return to Lima where you connect to your flight to Santiago.

As there is a choice of flights to Santiago from Lima there is a chance to explore the beautiful city of Lima (not included).

One of the first to be established in South America by the Conquistadores with many amazing Colonial jewels to be discovered. Enjoy a tour of the city including the Larco Museum with its interesting collection of ceramics, textiles and gold and silver work. There is a room which contains erotic ceramics and a vault containing pieces of gold and jewellery. A half-day tour also 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 Lima was one of the fist cities established in South America by the conquistadors and holds many amazing colonial jewels to be discovered.

"The Checkerboard of Pizarro", founded by this conqueror in 1535. The city was organized until the beginning of this century as the center of life and economy. It was the Peruvian capital where the conquerors and the viceroy lived with people like "Perricholi". It was the City of the Kings. Witness of thousands of tales, The Historic Center occupies the oldest part of the city and is a cultural legacy of Peru.

It covers the original Spanish layout - known as Pizarro's Checkerboard, the old gardens and haciendas by the Rimac river and the Barrios Altos section. Its buildings reflect the wealth of Lima architecture through the centuries, combined with modern buildings and shopping areas. Walking its streets and observing her churches, mansions, fountains, monuments, walks, boulevards and homes, the visitor notes different styles existing side by side, and feels as though he has traveled briefly through time, each different from the other.

The balconies that Lima displays, singly or in long rows, are unique in Latin America and constitute one of the most picturesque aspects of the streets of old Lima. The architecture of French influence (18th century) enhanced the charm of houses and churches with the freshness given to them by the mestizo builders who gracefully used materials like clay and plaster.

The most important squares and parks got a face-lift and look attractive these days. The mayor of Lima "Andrade" recently has been reelected and will continue the good work. He and his staff designed an action plan to turn Lima in the tourist capital of Latin America.

New residential areas, San Isidro, Miraflores, Barranco, have grown up on the shore, sheltered by Lima's old spas. Through these streets with long and noisy strides there is commercial activity, banks, shows, art galleries. Surfing is practiced on its beaches. A new city is developing and growing among the gay bougainvillea of Miraflores, and the patriarchal olive trees of San Isidro. The city overlooks the sea, and a long rosary of beaches at Costa Verde, Chorrillos and La Herradura.

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.

The Larco Museum, founded in 1926, 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.

On arrival into Santiago you will be transferred to your hotel. As you will depart early the following day for Easter Island we recommend the airport hotel. B

Day 6. Santiago - Easter Island (Rapa Nui)

Today you fly to Mataveri airport in Easter Islands where you will be met with the traditional reception of a flower necklace and welcome drink made from typical fruits from the island - remember this is a Polynesian Island! After the welcome you will be transferred to your hotel of choice (see below). The rest of the day is free to relax. L

Day 7. Easter Island (Rapa Nui)

It is one of the most isolated islands in the world but 1200 years ago a double-hulled canoe filled with seafarers from a distant culture landed upon its shores. Over the centuries that followed a remarkable society developed in isolation on the island. For reasons still unknown they began carving giant statues out of volcanic rock. These monuments, known, as "moai" are some of the most incredible ancient relics ever discovered. The people of Easter Island called themselves the Rapa Nui.

Today is spent exploring one of the more famous areas of the Island Rano Raraku site of the quarry where the many Moai were carved and to this day remain many unfinished statues.

The slightly inland quarry at "Rano Raraku" is where the moai carvings were born, out of the hillside of the volcanic rock where hundreds of laborers must have carved full-time. This 300 foot volcano remnant provided the stones for the great figures and is where a visitor can see various stages of the carving, as well as scattered partially-finished figures. A climb to the left side of the crater, over the top, and into the bowl, is well worth it. Hiking to the opposite lip of the crater, where the most moai are found, is one of the most dramatic sites on the island.

Continue to Ahu Tongariki, where many of the huge moai were toppled by a large "seaquake" in 1960. Finally the tour ends at Anakena beach with its two beautiful ahu. Time for a bathe in the sea before returning to Hanga Roa in the late afternoon. BL

Day 8. Easter Island (Rapa Nui)

AM Half Day Excursion to Akivi (Puna Pau & 7 Moai)

Ahu Akivi is the archaeological center of the Roihi sector and was the first site to be properly restored in the 1960's. It is a ceremonial site which is particularly interesting not only because of its location (in the Centrex of the island) but also because of the legends which surround the Seven Moai which are situated on the platform or Ahu. The tour also visits Puna Pau, to the east of the town of Hanga Roa which is situated in a small crater of red stone. This is where the "pukao" or hats (topknots) which crowned the moai were made. On the way it is possible to see the path where they were transported, including some examples of the pukao which have fallen by the wayside.

PM Half Day Excursion to Orongo (Rano Kau, Vinapu)

Ahu Vinapu is made up of two ahus or temples in ruins, one of which bears a remarkable resemblance to the stonework of the Inca people. The tour continues to Rano Kao Volcano, where the former ceremonial village of Orongo is to be found along with many petroglyphs. There are images of the "bird man"" Tangata Manu, the creating god Make Make and Komari, symbol of fertility. From the edge of the cliff, it is possible to view the three islets of Motu Iti, Motu Nui and Moto Kao Kao which played an important part in the bird man culture. Return to Hanga Roa. BL

Day 9. Easter Island (Rapa Nui) - Santiago

Today after breakfast you have a chance for some last minute shopping before being transferred to the airport for your return flight back to Santiago. If you are returning home we recommend staying at the airport hotel. If you plan to extend your trip and enjoy the beauty of Chile we recommend a hotel in downtown Santiago. B

Day 10. Santiago - Home

Today you are transferred back to Santiago airport to connect with your onward journey. B

Did you know you can continue your journey onwards and to Tahiti and or to New Zealand and Australia from Easter Island? Ask us for more information on how to turn your Easter Island getaway into an amazing South Pacific stop over!

Additional nights are available on request.

PRICES FROM:

Exchange rates differ from time to time. For the most up-to-date prices of this holiday idea please fill out our Latin America Travel Quote form or call us on 1 888 469 2949.

NOTES:

• Chilean international departure tax $30 USD. This fee should be included in your international airfare
• US$160(CA$132) reciprocity fee, payable in USD cash on arrival is charged. The receipt is regarded as a multiple entry visa and is valid until expiry of passport.
• Chilean domestic departure tax $10 USD
• Local currency is Pesos
• Time Zone: GMT/UTC -4
• Dialing Code: 56
• Electricity: 220V, 60Hz
• Weights & measures: Metric

• Peru interantional departure tax $30 USD
• Peru domestic departure tax $8 USD
• Local currency is Soles
• Time Zone: GMT/UTC -5
• Dialing Code: 51
• Electricity: 220V ,60Hz
• Weights & measures: Metric

Easter Island is one of the world's most isolated inhabited islands. It is 3,510 km (2,180 mi) west of continental Chile at its nearest point (between Lota and Lebu) and 2,075 km (1,289 mi) east of Pitcairn and despite its Polynesian heritage is the property of Chile.

DEPARTURE:

Daily

PRICE INCLUDES:

• International and domestic Arrival and Departure transfers
• All accommodation
• Baggage handling at airports and at hotels
• Guided tour in Machu Picchu
• Entrance to Machu Picchu ruins
• Entrance to Ollantaytambo ruins
• Bus transfers to and from the ruins
• Train / bus from Machu Picchu to Cusco
• Accommodation Aguas Calientes
• Tours on Easter Island
• All meals as listed B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

NOT INCLUDED

• Flights
• Visa fees (if required)
• Passport & Visa Costs
• Vaccination Costs
• Personal Spending Money
• Meals where not listed
• Drinks
• International Flights
• Travel Insurance
• Airport departure taxes
• Border taxes or fees

Package Departures

Please call us to inquire about departure dates

Visas:

At the time of booking we will advise you of any visas or other documentation that will be required prior to your arrival.

Costs relating to the issue of visas or related documentation are the responsibility of the traveler.

As visa requirements change it is your responsibility to ensure that the correct documentation and visas are obtained before traveling. Failure to do so may result in your not being able to join the trip.

 

Travel Insurance:

It is a condition of booking that all clients have comprehensive travel insurance. AI can offer Travel Insurance for your trip. Please request a quote when booking.

Disclaimer:

Prices based on per person, twin/double share, unless otherwise noted, and pre-set group minimum numbers. Prices & itineraries are correct at the time of printing. Itineraries & prices may change due to currency fluctuations, local conditions or events outside the control of A.I and her local operators. Please see our booking terms & conditions for full details.