June 15th, 2023 Thurs

USA-LIMA

Arrive on your own arrangement and you will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel for the 1st night of our tour, the Hotel Britania.

Wonderfully located 30 minutes away from the International Airport and 20 minutes from the Lima's old town, the hotel is placed in the heart of Miraflores, just three blocks from the Kennedy Park, where cultural activities and daily crafts fairs are held.

The rooms include exquisite décor in warm colors and modern furniture, where our Peruvian roots are combined with avant-garde touches to create a warm and quiet atmosphere.

They are equipped with air conditioning, full bathroom with shower and hairdryer, LCD TV with satellite channels, minibar, in room safe and electronic doorbell.

June 16th, 2023 FRI

LIMA-PARACAS

Breakfast included at our hotel

This morning we will enjoy an Old and Modern Lima City Tour with our local English speaking guide.

Early afternoon we will be driven to the coastal city of Paracas

Upon arrival we will check into our beachfront hotel, the Hotel San Agustin.  We will be staying here for two nights.

The hotel has a restaurant and bar on site for you to enjoy dinner at your leisure tonight

The hotel is half a block from the new "El Chaco" port, ideal for the convenience of excursions to the Ballestas Islands, which we will enjoy tomorrow.  Our hotel is the only hotel in Paracas where all rooms have a sea view. The hotel also has a pool with an ocean view.

The restaurant "La Reserva" offers its guests a wide and exclusive variety of marine, national and international dishes.

The bar "El Candelabro" offers an exquisite fusion of national and international cocktails with typical fruits of the area to the delight of our customers.

• The hotel offers free WIFI in the public areas (as do all of the hotels on our trip itinerary). 

Rooms at our hotel have

• private bathroom with shower
• hairdryer
• 32 "LCD TV with cable
• national and international direct dial phone
• safe deposit box
• Mini bar

(B)

June 17, 2023 SAT

PARACAS -BALLESTAS-ISLANDS – ICA - PARACAS

This morning we will be guided on a walk of one block to the port where we will board our morning wildlife cruise

At 10am we will Enjoy a 2 hour wildlife cruise along the Ballestas Islands to see countless birds, sea lions, penguins and more!  There are so many species of aquatic wildlife along the Balllestas islands that it is sometimes referred to as a mini Galapagos islands or the Peruvian Galapagos, a reference to the famous Galapagos islands which are off the coast of Ecuador

The Ballestas Islands are one of Peru’s least known highlights, although their proximity to the capital (Lima) means that an overwhelming majority of visitors to the country will end up visiting them nevertheless. One of those rare treats which reveal themselves only upon arrival, the Ballestas are a collection of rocky islets, just a few km off the western coast of Peru. The islands are revered for hosting the ideal habitat for various species of birds and an eclectic mix of larger wildlife like seals, sea lions and Humboldt penguins. Come here on a sunny day and you’ll catch glimpses of lazy sea lions making siesta, Peruvian Pelicans diving for lunch and countless birds stretching to dry their wings.

Add a dolphin or two to accompany you on your boat trip, and groups of Humboldt penguins waddling about, and you’ve got yourself a pretty unforgettable and treasured find with plenty of things to do.

Birds reign supreme on the Ballestas Islands, with the colonies of resident and migrating birds being so colossal that the government can’t even guarantee an accurate headcount. Among the hundreds of species you’ll spot Peruvian Pelicans, Red-legged Cormorants, Inca Terns, Peruvian boobies (of the aviary kind, naturally) and plenty of penguins too. Over 200 species make yearly migrations

 Photo of some of the abundant Birdlife along the Ballestas islands



Photo of Humboldt Penguins on the rocks along the Ballestas


Photo of the sea lions on the rocks along the Ballestas islands

What makes the Ballestas bewildering – and all of the area covered by the Paracas Reserve in fact – is that above-ground flora is all but non-existent. This entire region sees very little rain, so nothing grows out here. However, the richness of the region (and the reason why the Ballestas Islands can support this much life) is discovered underwater. Favorable currents spawn over 300 different types of algae, attracting mind-boggling colonies of fish which, in turn, keep all the birds happily fed.

The spectacle of countless birds dive-bombing for their dinner is one of the highlights of a visit here.
The Paracas National Reserve covers an impressive 330,000 hectares of the Peruvian coastline. Its wind-eroded rock formations are simply amazing and one of the famous ground-carvings of all – the Candelabro – remains a mystery to this day. You’ll see plenty of these hidden treasures on your boat trip around the Ballestas Islands.

After our stunning 2 hour wildlife boat cruise we will have free time for lunch at our leisure at a café along the waterfront and then we will be driven from Paracas back to Ica, 1 hour (44 miles)

Optional Afternoon dune buggy ride and sand-boarding experience $45

The last time we offered this tour everyone loved this optional afternoon activity.  Nobody imagines Peru to have a vast desert.  One normally imagines that to find such an activity, one would need to fly to a destination in the middle east.  But to have the opportunity to add a dune buggy ride, driven be a professional local guide, across the vast sand desert – In Peru – is a bonus treat that everyone loves!
During our optional dune buggy ride across the desert sands, we will make one brief stop for another brief but always fun activity – Sand Boarding.  Sand Boarding is like surf boarding except instead of riding the board on water, you will ride the board down a small hill in the vast sandy desert. 

Some people like to ride the board standing up and others like to ride the board laying flat on their belly.  It’s your ride so it’s your choice how to enjoy it your way.  The ride lasts maybe a minute or less and no matter how you choose to experience it, you will enjoy the fun ride!

Just before the end of our dune buggy ride through the desert, the professional local driver of each dune buggy will make one final stop.  This is just as the sun is setting over the desert.  Everyone will have the opportunity to get out of their dune buggies and admire the unique panoramic vista of the sun setting over the vast Peruvian desert.  This provides an incredible and memorable photo opp!
We will be returned to the hotel San Agustin in Paracas for the evening at leisure to enjoy the sunset over the ocean, along with relaxing in the ocean view pool and/or time at leisure to relax on the beach.
Dinner is at your leisure at our hotel.

(B)

June 18, 2023 SUN

PARACAS-LIMA-CUSCO  

     SONESTA CUSCO

Breakfast is included at our hotel and then we will check out and be driven pack to Lima and to the Lima airport where we will fly to Cusco.

Around 1pm   flight to Cusco. The flight is approx. one hour.

Arrive  Cusco airport. We will be met on arrival and transferred to our hotel

Mid afternoon  We will enjoy a Traditional Cusco City tour with our English speaking local guide. We will see the Temple Square, the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, the San Blas market and more. The city tour lasts approx.. 3 hours and then we will be taken back to our hotel for the evening at leisure.  There are many local restaurants within walking distance of our hotel so you can enjoy dinner at your leisure tonight.
Our hotel is the Sonesta Cusco.

The Sonesta Hotel Cusco is just an 8-minute drive from the International Velasco Astete airport and a few blocks from the Main Square of Arms of Cusco, offering its guests quick and easy access to the train station and the main tourist attractions such as the Koricancha Palace, Sacsayhuamán and the most important Artisan Center in the city
Rooms have air conditioning, LCD TV and bathroom with shower and hair dryer
Cusco lies at an altitude of approx. 11,000 feet.

(B)

June 19, 2023 MON

CUSCO-SACRED VALLEY-CUSCO

     SONESTA CUSCO

Breakfast is included at our hotel this morning

Full day tour to the Sacred Valley visiting Pisaq Market and Ollantaytambo ruins.  The visit to Pisac is always enjoyed, as it is an outdoor, open air market filled with countless stalls of local vendors selling everything from clothes, to crafts and always at negotiated prices, so don’t be shy in bartering to negotiate your piece and never accept the first price offered by a local vendor in this market.
 
Ollantaytambo is a village in the Sacred Valley of south Peru, set on the Urubamba River amid snow-capped mountains. It's known for the Ollantaytambo ruins, a massive Inca fortress with large stone terraces on a hillside. Major sites within the complex include the huge Sun Temple and the Princess Baths fountain. The village's old town is an Inca-era grid of cobblestoned streets and adobe buildings.

A typical Inca doorway still used in the town: The single stone lintel is a sign of importance.

"The bath of the princess", a fountain at the base of the ruins

Terraces of Pumatallis

Lunch is included today at a local restaurant.

Late afternoon we will be returned to our hotel in Cusco

(B,L)

June 20, 2023 TUE

CUSCO-MACHUPICCHU

     EL MAPI (D)
Superior Deluxe room

This morning we will be transferred to the train station to board the Vistadome train to Machu Pichu
RT train tickets are included in your tour.
Upon arrival we will be escorted to our hotel, The El Mapi Hotel where we will check in. 
Lunch is included today at the El Mapi Hotel

This afternoon Afternoon we will be taken to the public shuttle bus for the short (approx.. 5 to 10 minutes) ride to the ruins of Machu Pichu.  Our private local guide will check us in at the entrance gate.  Our tour includes all entrance fees.
We will enjoy a private guided tour of the sacred temples and ruins of  Machu Picchu which will last approx.4 hours
At the end of our tour we will be escorted back to the public shuttle bus for the shirt 5-10 minute ride back to our hotel.
Dinner is included tonight at our hotel.
After dinner, the evening is at your leisure to enjoy a walk through town to explore the many shops of the town. The town is called Aguas Calientes and is filled with local charm and plenty of shopping opportunities.  There is also a hot springs which is located a short walk from our hotel, for anyone interested in a visit.  The hot springs has a small entrance fee which any visitor can pay at the entrance.  The entrance fee includes access to changing rooms.  There is a beautiful view of Machu Pichu from the large hot spring.

The famous ruins & temples of Machu Pichu Peru

Our hotel is the El Mapi and our rooms are the Superior Deluxe category rooms
Step into the smart, contemporary and cozy confines of El MaPi, amidst the picturesque Machu Picchu Pueblo. Discover an efficient, lively and friendly atmosphere, welcoming guests expecting an unfussy, down-to-earth break. The flowing lobby creates a sense of vitality. Lofty ceilings, panoramic windows and an open café allow natural light to filter between tall eucalyptus dried branches, creating an ambience of order and wellbeing.
Relax in a pleasant and wholesome ambience after your enlightening visit to Peru’s most famous destination: the Machu Picchu Archaeological site.

• Superior Deluxe Rooms at El Mapi hotel (20 sq.m./215 sq.ft)

122 rooms with panoramic windows and blackout curtains, Twin/King size beds, 100% cotton sheets, duvet covers, hypoallergenic pillows, tight-focus reading light, cotton bath robes, bedside table, armchair, reading lamp and full size mirror.

• Hair dryers
• Natural herbal amenities
• Direct TV
• Wi-Fi
• Minibar
• Safe-box
• Telephone

Spa del Bosque is an elegant organic spa located on the top floor of El MaPi hotel in Machu Picchu village, with a panoramic view of the cloud forest. Four private treatment rooms are part of a circuit that includes: a pine sauna, hydro massage showers, heated plunge pool and hydration zone. This creates an holistic environment specially designed for the energetic well-being of our travelers through comprehensive body treatments, led by professional therapists.

All products used in our treatments are 100% organic, derived from botanical extracts, as well as Andean herbs and grains that complete the comprehensive experience of the visit to Machu Picchu Sanctuary
Machu Pichu and the village of Agues Calientes lie at an elevation of approx.. 9000 feet.

(B,L,D)

June 21, 2023 WED_________________

SONESTA CUSCO
Deluxe room

June 22, 2023 THURS

CUSCO-PUNO

Breakfast is included at our hotel this morning.

After breakfast we will check out of our hotel and enjoy a:

Full day Tourist Bus tour from Cusco to Puno which is along the shores of Lake Titicaca. Our tour will make stops along the way, for sightseeing of local ruins, churches etc.

We depart this morning for a picturesque bus ride thru the Andean mountains. Stops will be made at Andahuaylillas, noted for its colonial chapel with beautiful Creole frescoes –also call the Sixtine Chapel of South America, then Raqchi, where a 6 mile Inka wall surrounds the Temple of the Inka God Wiracocha. 

Continue to "La Raya Pass" at 14,500 feet high with spectacular views of the white snow peaks. Time to take some pictures. Then, buffet lunch at typical restaurant. Final stop will be made at Pucara where you'll find an interesting small museum with some statues from the Pucaras - a Pre-Inka civilization.

Lunch is included at a local restaurant on today’s tour and our tour bus has air conditioning and individual reclining seats.

Arrive in Puno where we will enjoy a private transfer to our hotel for the last two nights of the trip. We will be staying at the Casa Andina Premium hotel with Superior class rooms.

Our Casa Andina Premium Puno is a lovely hotel that has a perfect location: on the shores of Lake Titicaca, from our hotel you can have the best lake view room in the world.

It has 45 non-smoking rooms with bottle wáter, small balcony and services like: internet center, free WiFi, restaurant, lobby bar, room service, concierge, among others.

Enjoy the traditional local food and drink in our Alma Bar Restaurante, where you can also have a delicious breakfast buffet

Room with balcony
Desk or breakfast table
Coffee kit
Safety box
Bathtub
Hair dryer
Free WiFi
Puno and Lake Titicaca lie at an altitude of approx.  15,000 feet.

(B,L)

CASA ANDINA PREMIUM

Superior room

June 23, 2023 FRI

PUNO- UROS- PUNO

CASA ANDINA PREMIUM

After our included breakfast we will enjoy a half day sightseeing tour along the shores of scenic Lake Titicaca

9:00 am tour to see the amazing Uros floating houses/Islands (1/2 day)

This morning we will enjoy a tour to see the amazing floating homes of the native Uros indans.  There houses are made of reeds which are anchored into the lake and literally float. We will visit and enter one or more of their floating home and learn about the culture, traditions and customs of their fascinating native society.

This afternoon is at leisure to relax at the hotel, walk the tourist shops, which are walking distance from our hotel or take an optional PM tour to Sillustani for an optional $43

One of Puno’s most enigmatic attractions lies 35km (21mi) from the port city, overlooking Lake Umayo with dignified mystery. Tours are easily arranged; consider coming around sunset, and staying to enjoy the starry skies.

The Chullpas of Sillustani are a collection of striking burial towers, among the finest examples of such architecture in the Andes. Though no one can be sure of their age, they appear to have been under construction just prior to the Inca conquest of the local Aymara-speaking Colla people, around 1300 AD. They most resemble, however, the neat stonework of the Tiwanaku people, who controlled the southern shore of the lake from about 500 AD to 1100 AD.
More advanced than even the Inca’s finest masonry, these towers reach with neatly squared geometric regularity toward the clear, high-desert sky.

Superior room

June 24, 2023 SAT

PUNO-JULIACA-LIMA-USA

Morning at leisure to relax or do last minute shopping.  Mid/late-afternoon we will be transferred to Juliaca airport for our included flight back to Lima, arriving a 9:30pm to connect with your own international return flight home.  (flights from LIMA to the US traditionally all leave late at night between 11:30pm and 1:00am. For example – flights from Lima to NY-JFK leave at 12:15am on American; flights to LAX leave at 1:50am on American; flights to Atlanta leave at 1:05am on Delta; Dallas 11:53pm on American; Houston 12:35am on United)

(B)