PERU
5 - 25 MARCH 2011
Highlights:
- Lost world, Machu Picchu in Peru
- The old capital of Inca Empire, Cusco
- Ballesta Island, islands of thousand birds
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RIO DE JANEIRO > LIMA
Our small group tour ends today and we went on separate way. One couple continues their tour to the Amazon River, while the other couple and German guy headed back home. Me and my wife were transferred to the airport to make our way to Lima, Peru. Upon arrival in Peru, we were greeted by a local tour guide, which is one of the friendliest tour guide we met so far. She was very humble and kept welcoming us and thanked us for visiting Peru. After settling in our suite in Hotel Thunderbird, we were taken to the city centre for a tour. At night, we had our dinner at Piano Bar Restaurant. Hotel Thunderbird Suites & Casino |
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LIMA > CUZCO
We were transfer to the airport and took a flight to Cuzco. We were transferred to our hotel, The Picoaga Hotel, which originally was the old mansion of the Spanish noble, the Marquis of Picoaga (century XVII). It has now been converted into a comfortable Hotel; intimate and public areas beautifully decorated in colonial style, framed by fine stone archways on two levels; beautiful columns; capiteles and Spanish patio, complete an authentic sample of 17th Century architecture. The old capital of the Inca Empire, Cuzco or Q'osqo means "Navel of the World" in the native Quechua language. It was indeed the capital of the great Inca civilization from the 13th to the 15th centuries when most of its amazing stone structures were built. After the Spanish conquest, many of the Inca palaces and temples were destroyed and their foundations used for the construction of colonial buildings and churches. This has made Cuzco a rich mixture of Inca and Colonial architecture and nowadays a Unesco World Cultural Heritage site. This afternoon itinerary: Visit to the Korikancha, the ancient Temple of the Sun where the Spanish built the Convent of Santo Domingo. Then visit to the Cathedral, on the Main Square of Cuzco. The tour continues with a visit to nearby Inca ruins: the fortress of Sacsayhuaman -‐a series of imposing stone structures, Q'enqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay, the Bath of the Inca. Warning: Cuzco is located at 3,300m above sea level, and may cause high altitude sickness, which I encountered during the tour to the ruin @ around 3,800m. Had to rest and put on oxygen mask (for 10-15 mins). My wife, however, was perfectly fine. Hotel Picoaga |
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CUZCO > MACHU PICCHU
Woke up extra early today for a quick breakfast before transferirng to the station to catch an early train to Aguas Calientes, gateway to Machu Picchu! The train journey from Cuzco to Machu Picchu is a highlight of any trip to the Andes. The scenery is simply spectacular, and the recently refurbished Vistadomes with their panoramic windows allow us to enjoy it in comfort. The 3 1/2 hour journey takes us through a changing landscape. The train departs from the village of Poroy and then descends into the Sacred Valley, passing by lush, green fields and colourful villages in the foothills of the Andes. From here on, there are wonderful vistas of the mountains and, deep in its dramatic canyon, the beautiful Urubamba River running through the Sacred Valley. For optimum views of the Andes, windows have been installed into the carriage ceilings. Also, a newly enhanced food-and-drink service, plus individual slip-down tables have been added. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, make the brief walk through the town markets and over the railway bridge and boarded one of several coaches that took us up to the entrance of Machu Picchu (about 20 mins ride). Our guide followed us to the Lost City of the Incas for about 1-2 hours and we were left on our own to explore more. We stayed overnight in Aguas Calientes for another visit of the Machu Picchu the following day. Hotel Inkaterra Machu Picchu |
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MACHU PICCHU > CUZCO
Free and easy day to explore Machu Picchu again in the morning. We made our way up after having breakfast in the hotel. Today, we made our way up to Huayna Picchu, which is the towering mountain behind the actual site of Machu Picchu. Only 400 visitors are allowed to climb the Huayna Picchu a day, and we were lucky that we were among one of them :) The views of Machu Picchu seen from Huayna Picchu are breathtaking and do really give you an impression of the magnitude of the site. You will also be able to appreciate the different sectors of the site as the surrounding landscapes with some snowcapped mountains. About 330pm, we took the train back from Machu Picchu to Cuzco. Free and easy time to explore Cuzco city in the evening. Hotel Picoaga |
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CUZCO > LIMA > EASTER ISLAND
Today we make our way to Easter Island. We took a flight from Cuzco to Lima, and spend a few hours in Lima airport before taking our flight to Easter Island, arriving early morning. Hotel Altiplanico Set on a property of 1.5 ha the hotel has a panoramic view of the shoreline on one of the world’s most unique destinations, Altiplanico Easter Island is designed in the style of the traditional Easter Island boathouse, with luxurious gardens, a beautiful swimming pool viewing the sea and large open spaces to relax after encountering the seductive mysteries of the island. The deep blue of the Pacific Ocean will permeate your stay as well as the warmth of the Easter Island culture, with its music, art, history and architecture. |
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EASTER ISLAND > LIMA > PARACAS
Tour of Anakena Lost Culture Of Rapa Nui today before taking our flight back to Lima, Peru. We were then transferred to hotel in Paracas. Hotel Libertador Paracas Libertador Paracas Hotel is in a unique location, positioned on the coast, on the edge of the Paracas National Reserve. Previously Hotel Paracas, this hotel has been completely rebuilt and will reopens in November 2009 as a 5-star resort. The hotel features 133 air conditioned rooms and suites with private facilities, many with a seaview. The hotel will also feature: a spa, 2 swimming pools, restaurant, bar, lounge bar with ocean views, private gardens and various activities for guests. |
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PARACAS > LIMA
Group Tour* Ballestas Islands from Hotel Libertador (2h) These spectacular islands, eroded into many caves and arches, provide shelter for thousands of seabirds and hundreds of sea-lions. Although the islands fall just outside the Paracas National Reserve they are protected by separate legislation. The islands are home to over 150 species of marine bird including the Humboldt penguin, cormorants, boobies and pelicans. Even condors have been known to visit. On the shores can be seen large numbers of sea-lions and in the sea it is possible to encounter dolphins and even whales. After Ballestas Island, we suppose to take the small plane over Nazca Line, but unfortunately it was too windy and hence we had to cancel the trip :( Hence, we headed back to Lima. Hotel Thunderbird Suites & Casino |
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LIMA > BUENOS AIRES
Francisco Pizarro founded Lima in 1535. It was a vice royal capital during colonial times. These days, it is a modern and cosmopolitan city. During our sightseeing tour, we'll see the most important highlights of Lima's Historic Center, declared World Heritage by UNESCO: San Martin Square and the Main Square surrounded by the Government Palace, the Cathedral, the Archbishop Palace and the City Hall. The tour continues through old streets with colonial mansions and Moorish balconies and finishes at Lima's new attraction: the Circuito Mágico del Agua, an impressive collection of water fountains, situated in a very well maintained inner city park. In the evening the different fountains are illuminated with multi coloured lights and classical music played, to which the lights change in synchronisity with the water direction and flow. A special attraction here is the water maze, where the visitor can try their luck at trying not to get wet from the water jets that come from the ground. |
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