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Explore fascinating colonial cities,
the legacy of the Spanish Conquistadors and ponder the enigma of
the Nasca Lines. Wonder at the structure of ancient ruins, and enjoy
the colour and vibrancy of today's Andean culture
Trip Outline
Lima - Peru's capital city, visit its well preserved Centro Historico.
Islas Ballestas Islands - a bird and marinelife reserve and the Huacachina Oasis - care to try your skill at sand boarding?
Nasca Lines - fly over the mysterious stylized lines, huge etchings
in the desert and visit the ancient cemetery of Chauchilla, see
the mummies and other burial artefacts.
Arequipa - "the white city" home to the beautiful convent
of Santa Catalina and the Ice Maiden, Juanita.
Bolivia - La Paz - the highest capital in the world, so colorful,
great markets, explore the ruins of Tiahuanacu and the remarkable landscapes of Souls Valley.
Cross the High Altiplano - Cusco to Puno by bus, stopping to visit interesting sights on the way.
Cusco - once the "Centre of the Inca World", today Cusco
is a fascinating city, a great place to take time to absorb the
atmosphere of Peru - that unique blend of Spanish and Andean culture.
Walk in the countryside, marvel at the extensive ruins of Sacsayhuaman,
shop in Indian markets.
Colca Canyon - one of the deepest canyons in the world. Here seek
the mighty Condors, see vast expanses of ancient Inca terracing
that are still in use today, explore tiny villages and overnight
near the spa town of Chivay.
Machu Picchu - The "Lost City of the Incas" is a must.
This spectacular Inca temple lay virtually forgotten for hundreds
of years before being re discovered in 1911. Today Machu Picchu
is an unforgettable sight, an awesome location and an amazing construction.
Lake Titicaca - visit the floating Uros Islands, a unique reed island habitat
Titicaca home stay with families on Anapia Island. These visits
form part of an anthropological project, developed to assist the
islanders benefit from tourism while maintaining their cultural
and social heritage. A truly unique experience.
The itinerary allows you to choose either:
A) INCA TRAIL
Walk the ancient Inca pathways,
through beautiful valleys and across high passes to reach
the "Lost City of Machu Picchu.
Is walking the Inca Trail for you? It’s the most famous walking route on the continent but please consider carefully:
- 4 days walking - although the trail is only 33 kms long, it is no “doddle”.
- Walking between 4-8 hours a day depending on your speed and the mileage involved.
- Walking at high altitude is a challenge and there are some strenuous climbs. There is no hurry but stamina is required.
- The trail is often steep and involves crossing 3 passes between 3,700 and 4,200 metres.
- 3 nights camping – two-person tents with mattresses, porters for your gear, good meals provided. Facilities are basic.
- On day 4 you will reach Machu Picchu for sunrise, spend time exploring before returning to Cusco by train.
- Although not long, this trek certainly has its challenges – high altitude hiking and the long steep Dead Woman’s Pass on Day 2. For enjoyment and safety we recommend that it should only be undertaken by those who have the fitness and stamina to handle 4 days of high altitude trail walking.
B) SACRED VALLEY PROGRAMME
Explore the heart of the Inca Civilization, there is so much to see:
- 4 days in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
- Overnight stays in Aguas Calientes, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo.
- Machu Picchu - the Lost City of the Incas.
- Visit the Pisac Indian markets, take the train to Machu Picchu. See four other amazing Inca sites;
Salinas (salt mining) and Moray (experimental Inca farming site), the Ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
- The Sacred Valley Programme does involve some walking but it is the
perfect option for those who don’t wish to walk the Inca Trail and certainly should not be considered a second best option.
Draft Itinerary Outline
Day 1. Auckland to Lima (fly via Santiago)
Day 2. Lima - Old City sightseeing.
Day 3. Paracas - by road, the Pan American Highway
Day 4. Nasca - morning cruise to
Ballestas Islands Nature Reserve, later the massive Huacachina sand dunes
Day 5. Overnight bus - fly the Nasca lines, desert Cemetery and other sights before taking overnight bus to Arequipa.
Day 6. Arequipa - moring arrival, visit Santa Catalina and Juanita
Day 7. Arequipa - 1/2 day countryside walk and lunch
Day 8. Colca - morning drive to Colca Canyon, sights
Day 9. Arequipa - early morning visit Colca canyon rim (Condors), return to Arequipa late afternoon.
Day 10. Cusco - fly, free acclimatisation afternoon
Day 11. Cusco - sightseeing of the 4-Ruins, including
Sacsayhuaman, walk
A) Inca trail
Day 12. Inca Trail
Day 13. Inca Trail
Day 14. Inca Trail
B) Sacred Valley Programme
Day 12. Urubamba - visit Pisac site and markets
Day 13.
Ollantaytambo - visit Maras (Salinas) and Moray, and Ollantaytambo site
Day 14. Agua Calientas - by train to the town at the base of Machu Picchu, hot springs
Day 15. Cusco - both groups meet at
Machu Picchu, visit site, later return to Cusco
Day 16. Cusco - a free day, sighseeing using included Visitors pass available
Day 17. Puno - bus across the high altiplano, sightseeing and lunch included
Day 18. Puno - Uros Floating islands
Day 19. Anapia - home-stay visit on Anapia island, Lake Titicaca
Day 20. La Paz - visit Tiahuanaco
Day 21. La Paz - city sightseeing
Day 22. La Paz - 3/4 day walking excursion to Souls Valley
Day 23. Flight - depart midday for Santiago and on to Auckland
Day 24. (cross the dateline)
Day 25. Arrive Auckland
Health and Fitness
The trip involves travelling at high altitude, averaging around 3,000 to 4,200 metres. For most people gaining height over a few days, taking things slowly and drinking the local tea is all that is required to be comfortable. The itinerary was created with this problem in mind so it is designed to gain altitude as slowly possible. If you have a condition which may be a concern at altitude e.g. respiratory or circulatory, you must discuss the trip with your Doctor before registering.
Trip Data
Price will include flights AKL/AKL (flight related taxes not included), hotels - all breakfasts, all meals during island stay and Inca Trail, 1 domestic flight, transports/sights/activities/entries as per itinerary. If flight connection requires a night Santiago, the will be added to the price
| Code Number: |
PB 121 |
| Departure (ex Auckland): |
11 June 2012 |
| Inca Trail Price Guide |
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| Sacred Valley
Price Guide |
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| Minimum Number: |
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| Trip Status: |
TRIP WITHDRAWN |
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS for 2012:
Pre Peru Trip Amazon Experience 6-nights/ 7-days, prior to main Peru trip
Post Peru Trip Atacama Adventure 6-nights/ 7-days, departs La Paz - follows on from Peru Trip
However, travellers who wish to join us for either of these extensions as part of their independent travels are welcome to do so, click page links above for details. |
