South America Experience June 2012 - CLOSED

Day  01 Arrive Lima. Met and transferred to your hotel in Miraflores. (B)

Day 02  Lima City Tour Lima (03 1/2 Hrs aprox) 09:00 Hrs. Guided tour of the more important and characteristic parts of Lima: the Monumental Center, where we will admire the colonial architecture of the Main Square (Plaza Mayor), the Government Palace, the Cathedral, the Archbishop Palace, and some old streets with viceroyal mansions and balconies of Moorish style. We will also visit the Convent of San Francisco and its catacombs. Continuing with the tour we will visit the more traditional and residential parts of Lima to end with a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean and Miraflores beaches (B)

Gold Museum (03 1/2 hrs aprox.) 14:30 Hrs. A spectacular collection of Peruvian Ancient Gold and the Arms of the World Collection. Peru`s Gold Museum. Ancient Peruvians were master metalworkers. The “cire perdue” or lost wax process, known across the Orient and lost in the West until the Renaissance, was the most frequent technique used by master ancient Peruvian gold and silversmiths.

On our tour of Peru’s Gold Museum, visitors will appreciate a dazzling collection of gold artefacts from various pre-Colombian civilizations, some more than 3,000 years old. Metal pieces and jewellery of incalculable value in gold, silver and precious stones used by the Incas—the children of the Sun God and monarchs of the vast Inca Empire—are shown in this collection. Five hundred years ago, the gold of Peru attracted many European adventurers who conquered the Inca and founded the Vice-Royalty of Peru under the Spanish Crown.  Peru’s Gold Museum also houses a valuable collection of old and modern weapons that ranks among the best in the world. The halls in this section show the Arms of the World Collection of armour, uniforms and various ancient war artifacts and weapons from various time periods around the world, some dating back to as long ago as 1300 B.C.

Day 03   Lima – Arequipa After breakfast transfer to the airport for our 0900 flight to Arequipa at an elevation of 7,300 feet. Upon arrival at 1025 host will meet and assist us in transferring to the hotel and in registering. Our half day sightseeing of this beautiful city, placed on the World Cultural Heritage list by UNESCO, features mixed Baroque churches and mansions from the colonial period like the Monastery of Santa Catalina where the Main Square is bordered by various arched walkways and the Cathedral, which show cases a beautiful bronze fountain of three plates crowned  figure of a sixteenth century soldier. Around the square will see three granite portals with brick and lime bases. Also known as the "White City" for its many constructions built of white volcanic stone, Arequipa is at the foothills of the Misti Volcano (the guardian of the city) and it has a splendid Cathedral that is considered one of the first seventeenth century religious monuments of the city. Overnight Arequipa. (B)

Day 04  : Arequipa Breakfast, free day at leisure. Overnight Arequipa. (B)

Day 05  Departure towards the highlands passing through Yura-Pampa Cañahuas and La Pulpera with good possibility of observing groups of wild vicuñas and fighting cattle. The road to the Colca Canyon reaches a high point of 13,000 feet before dropping down to the valley, an area of breath taking landscapes surrounded by terracing and snow-capped peaks. Far below, at a depth of 10,000 feet, the Colca River winds along the bottom of the canyon, the world's deepest. Stop en route to see petroglyphs in the Caves of Mollepunco and in the town of Callali to see natural hill formations with the appearance of enchanted castles. Continue to La Calera to enjoy the thermal baths under the stars. Overnight in Colca Canyon

Day 06 : Colca To maximize our probability of seeing condors we depart very early towards a superb natural lookout point “Cross of the Condor” from where one can watch condors wheeling across the Colca Canyon, at about an altitude of 15,000 feet. The valley also features pre-Inca ruins, pre-Inca burial grounds and archaeological remains left behind by the Collagua, the ancient inhabitants of the area. Drive further in to the canyon to observe the way of life in this remote land and to admire the impressive irrigation system and the fertile mountains terraced for farming of the Colca valley. Our guide will take us to one of the many workshops in which close to a thousand artisans, scattered throughout the towns in the canyon, turn their ancient sewing and weaving machines into paint brushes to give life to impressively intricate and colorful embroidery and shawls. On our return to the hotel we will take time to visit La Calera to enjoy the thermal baths under the stars. Overnight in hotel Colca Canyon area (B)

Day 07 Colca – Puno After breakfast we will depart by vehicle for a 4 hour overland trip to Puno. The trip will features unique natural scenery of the Peruvian Highlands. (B)

Day 08 Puno  Boat excursion to Uros and Taquile Islands on Lake Titikaka. This full day excursion will take you to the highest navigable lake in the world to the floating islands of the Uros Indians, man-made islands by tying totora reeds. The Uros considered themselves Lords of the Lake; they hunt wild birds and maintain traditional fishing methods. The men have developed an extraordinary skill in weaving reeds; producing houses, boats and handicrafts, and the women are expert knitters. Taquile island has a community of 400 native families who still live with the traditions and high principals of the Incas. Taquile is a very important site on Lake Titikaka for its archeological remains, the sacred and ceremonial sites, the festive activities and their rituals. Taquile is characterized by its friendly inhabitants, who maintain their customs and traditional clothing. They distinguish themselves by their detailed, fine, and colourful textiles with symmetrical decorations and symbols that reflect their way of life and Andean beliefs (BL).

Day 09 Today we will enjoy a wonderful journey through the Peruvian Andes from Puno to Cusco - Today one of South America's most extraordinary overland trips takes you by coach to Cusco passing through striking highland scenery and picturesque Andean villages. Brief stops at Raqchi to see the remains of the remarkable temple of Viracocha, considered by the historians an important Inca construction, and at the town of Andahuaylillas, a showcase of the colonial art in Peru, sometimes called "the Sistine Chapel of America". Lunch is included. Overnight Cusco. (BL)

Day 10 Free day Cuzco Breakfast, free day at leisure to wander around this fabulous city.

Day 11 Cusco  Wandering through this lovely city, exploring the astonishing narrow streets of this tile roof colonial town will be your unforgettable experience. You will find something astounding at every turn. Great buys are the traditional Peruvian handicrafts, alpaca-wool sweaters and rugs, ponchos, pottery, gold and silver jewelry, leather goods, etc. Because there are such a variety of products, we strongly suggest that when you like any particular item, you should buy it - you may not find the same item in other store. Many visitors to Cusco return home wishing they had some free time in Cusco to discover this imperial city on theirown, a free morning in Cusco is a MUST! Today we will tour Cusco and Nearby Ruins – Visitors are caught up in the excitement of touring the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, a delightful combination of Inca and colonial architecture. The tour visits important landmarks such us Cusco's Cathedral, Santo Domingo Church, Plaza de Armas and Koricancha “The Temple of the Sun”. This tour of the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere also includes the nearby ruins of Kenko, Puca-Pucara, Tambomachay as well as the Sacsayhuaman fortress, an imposing example of Inca military architecture.Overnight Cusco. (B)

 Day 12 Cusco – Sacred Valley of the Incas Full Day Excursion to the Pisac Indian Market and the Ollantaytambo Fortress - Morning departure for a 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. After lunch at a beautiful country estate on the shores of Urubamba River we will continue to the Ollantaytambo archaeological complex, 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 very old practices and customs. Overnight in the Sacred Valley. (BL)

On this itinerary you will be given the option of doing the Inca Trail or the easier Misminay Trek which is described below. If you would prefer to do the Inca Trail please notify us in advance to allow us to make the booking.

Day 13  Sacred Valley of the Incas Breakfast, Free day to enjoy organised optional  activities. Overnight Hotel. (B)

 Day 14  Sacred Valley of the Incas - Misminay

After breakfast we will transfer from Ollantaytambo along the route Cusco - Urubamba - Cusco to the small town of Chequerec, located in a branch of this main road heading west. From this small town will begin the walk through an extensive area, but without climbs and descents, and finally arriving at the rural community of Misminay. The trek is about 4 to 5 hours Lunch at the Community Misminay.

Afternoon visit the community and participation in basic activities of harvesting crops and preparation of bricks for houses. Dinner Overnight camp matts and sleeping bags provided

Day  : Misminay – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes After breakfast you will have the option of hiking the 1 hour to Moray or going by vehicle. On arrival we will visit the archaeological site of Moray and the subsequent visit to the salt mines of Maras, total time of an hour and a half. Then transfer to the town of Ollantaytambo and our hotel where we will collect our main luggage freshen up before departing at 18:20 Hrs Train Ollanta to Aguas Calientes. Arrive 20.10 Transfer to our Overnight Hotel. (BD)

Day 16  Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes After breakfast you will 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 will meet up with the group doing the trek and after lunch take a full guided tour of Machu Picchu. Overnight Hotel Arguas Calientel (BD)

Day 17 : Aguas Calientes – Cusco After breakfast we will depart at 09:00 Hrs. Train to Cusco. Transfer to our hotel (B)

Day 18 Cusco – Inti Rami Festival After breakfast we will be participating in the most impressive festival of the Inti Raymi at the Sacsayhuaman fortress. We will experience  this ritual celebrated since Inca times. Box lunch. Full day tour. Overnight Cusco. (BL)

Day 19  Cusco –  Puerto Maldonado - Tambopata

Breakfast time. Then you will be transferred to the airport to take the flight Cusco/Puerto Maldonado. Welcome to Puerto Maldonado and register at the Butterfly House. Transfer to the boarding wharf / After 45 minutes by boat, arrive at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica / Enjoy the Trail System adventure and the Twilight River excursion or the nature presentation at the Eco Center with available cocktails / Dinner at the main dinning room

Overnight Reserva Amazonica 

Day 20, Tuesday  June 26^th : Tambopata Breakfast starting at 5 a.m. until 10 a.m. / Enjoy the excursion to Lake Sandoval and Inkaterra Canopy Walkway & Anaconda Walk / Dinner Overnight Reserva Amazonica 

Day 21, Wednesday June 27th   : Tambopata – Puerto Maldonado – Lima Breakfast / Visit Inkaterra Butterfly House / Fly to Lima Arrival in Lima and transfer to the hotel. Overnight Lima

Day 22: Free day Lima. June 28th 

Day 23 Friday 29th  Lima/Iguazzu Falls Transfer to the airport for your flight to 1245 flight to Iguazzu Falls arrival time 1758. Transfer to the hotel Sheraton waterfall view room (B) 

Day 24 Saturday 30th June  Private full day Iguazu Falls Argentinian side National Park tickets Great adventure navigation on inflatable boats plus 4WD ride Overnight Sheraton waterfalls view room(BD) 

Day 25 Sunday 1`st July Private half day Iguazzu Falls Brazilian side with English Speaking guide and transfers. National park ticket included. Overnight waterfalls room (BD) .

Day 26 Monday 2nd July  Transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires Private transfers to your hotel. Hotel 725 Continental with bfast.

Day 27  Tuesday 3rd July Private Buenos Aires city tour with English Speaking guide. Evening Tango Show with dinner and beverages  (BD)

Day 28 Wednesday 4th July   Free day in Buenos Aires. Overnight hotel (B)

Day 29 Thursday 5th July End of Tour

airport for your flight to Lima transfer to the international airport for your  flight to Buenos Aires.

Day 20 BuLima - Buenos Aires. Transfer to the enos Aires. Arrive 0630 transfer to your hotel to rest. Afternoon city sightseeing tour of Buenos Aires (B).

Day 21  Buenos Aires After breakfast you will enjoy a full day sightseeing tour taking in the famous Recoletta and enjoy a cruise on the Delta. In the evening we will enjoy a wonderful dinner and Tango Performance. Overnight hotel (B)

 Day 22  Buenos Aires –– Iguazu Falls. After breakfast we will depart for the airport to connect with your 0830 flight to Iguazu Falls Arrive 1000 met and transferred to the Sheraton Hotel which is situated inside the national park. (B)

Day 23   Full day sightseeing on both the Brazil and Argentina side of the falls. Overnight Sheraton Hotel (B)

 Day 24 Free morning before departing to Buenos Aires transfer to the International Airport for your onward journey Trip ends

The tour includes:

 All Flights within Peru 

• 03 hotel Buenos Aires
• All internal flight within Peru
• 02 nights Amazon Jungle all meals
• 03 Hotel nights in Lima.
• 02 Hotel nights in Arequipa
• 02 Hotel nights in Colca.
• 02 Hotel nights in Puno.
• 05 Hotel nights in Cusco.
• 02 Hotel nights in the Sacred Valley.
• 02 Hotel nights in Aguas Calientes.
• 23 breakfasts.
• 02 Buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
• 01 Buffet lunch on the way Cusco – Puno.
• 01 Buffet lunch on Tequila Island
• 02 Dinners in Aguas Calientes
• Misminay trek breakfast/lunch/dinner
• 2 nights Iguazzu Falls Sheraton hotel falls view room plus bfast and sightseeing
• 3 nights Buenose Aires including  b'fast, fTango Show Dinner, sightseeing transfers

There are many optional extras on each departure which include the Galapagos Islands, Brazil etc., You can even lengthen or shorten our scheduled 3 weeks trip, for example if you feel that you cannot manage the 3 day trek to Machu Picchu we will offer an easy day hike and overnight stay at a village near the Sacred Valley. The other days will be spent sightseeing and staying at a hotel in the Sacred Valley before taking the train to Arguas Caliente where we will meet up with the Inca Trail group for our visit Machu Picchu.