Peru: Ancient Land of Mystery (13 Days starting from $2,099)

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Collette > Peru: Ancient Land of Mystery

Peru: Ancient Land of Mystery
13 Days starting from $2,099

Countries Visited:
Peru

Length:	13 Days
Type:	First Class Tour
Category:	South and Central America
Operator:	Collette
Tour Code:	3437

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About This Tour

Discover the rich folklore, diverse landscapes, and colorful cultures of Peru, one of South America's greatest treasures. Begin in Lima, the "City of Kings," where you will be introduced to Peruvian culture with an evening of traditional food and entertainment. Then travel to the Sacred Valley of the Incas to get a glimpse into the daily life of a typical Andean community. Visit the fascinating Ollyantaytambo ruins, the only Incan settlement that has been continually inhabited since its inception. A breathtaking train ride through mountains and the semi-tropical jungle brings you to Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas," where you can explore what is widely considered the most spectacular sight in South America. During a two-night stay in Cusco, explore this colonial city's architecture and Incan ruins; and enjoy dinner and a performance of traditional Andean folkloric music and dance. Then enjoy a day of cruising on Lake Titicaca, where you will visit the Sun Virgins Temple and the sacred Incan fountains on Sun Island, whose waters are believed to give eternal youth and happiness. Overnight at the Paracas National Reserve, referred to as the "Galapagos of Peru," for its diverse wildlife including penguins, sea lions, and condors. And you won’t want to miss the optional flight over the mysterious Nasca Lines, said to have been etched between 900 BC and 600 AD!

What's Included
Itinerary
Dates & Prices
Sightseeing Highlights
Additional Details

Enjoy the services of a professional tour manager who accompanies you throughout your trip.

Meals
11 Breakfasts (B); 1 Lunch; 8 dinners (D)

Hotel Accommodations:
Listed below or equivalent. Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges

LIMA Doubletree El Pardo
YUCAY Sonesta Posada del Inca
AGUAS CALIENTESMachu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
CUZCO Novotel

PUNO Sonesta Posada del Inca
PARACAS NATIONAL RESERVE Hotel Paracas
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

Complimentary baggage handling.

Day 1
Overnight Flight
Journey to Peru, one of the treasures of South America. Vast in landscapes and diversity, you will experience the unchanged culture and breathtaking beauty of the Andes. Enjoy as you travel through this intriguing land visiting some of the world’s greatest mysteries such as Machu Picchu and the "Lost City of the Incas". Depart on your overnight flight to Peru this evening.

Day 2
Arrive Lima, Peru - Tour Begins
Arrive this morning in the “City of Kings”, Lima, Peru. A room has been reserved for you to check in and relax upon arrival. This afternoon enjoy a fascinating city tour. Journey through the historical center of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. View the Plaza Mayor, Government Center and discover the abundance of Colonial architecture scattered throughout the city. The fashionable suburbs of San Isidro and Miraflores will give you an inside look at the daily life of the Limeños (people of Lima). LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour. Learn key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the local people you meet. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Day 3
Lima - Cuzco - Sacred Valley of the Incas
Fly this morning into Cuzco, in the heart of the Inca civilization. Board your coach to descend through the Andes to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This majestic valley was the agricultural center for the Incas and boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of Peru. See and learn the Peruvian centuries-old methods of spinning, dyeing, and weaving of Andean traditional textiles with a visit to Awana Kancha, a living museum of the Peruvian Andes. A special stop is made at Pablo Seminario Ceramic Studio where you will learn about this internationally well-known artist''s techniques and designs inspired by ancient Peruvian cultures. Settle in this evening at your hotel nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley.

Day 4
Sacred Valley of the Incas-Ollantaytambo - Sacred Valley of the Incas
Experience the lifestyle of the Andean people of today and delve into their culture as you travel to a nearby Andean community. While here you get a glimpse at the daily activities of the village and have a chance to interact with the locals. This afternoon, visit the spectacular Ollantaytambo ruins, the only Inca settlement that has been continually inhabited since its inception. A unique terraced complex topped with an amazing set of huge carved stone panels, these ruins are a magnificent example of ancient Inca architecture and heritage.

Day 5
Sacred Valley of the Incas - Machu Picchu
Begin the day with a breathtaking train ride on the “Vistadome” through the Andes to the “Lost City of the Incas.” Hidden by mountains and the semi-tropical jungle, Machu Picchu is widely considered the most spectacular sight on the South American continent. Spend the afternoon with your guide uncovering the mysteries of these majestic ruins. Tonight you will stay at the base of Machu Picchu, allowing you the chance to further soak in the atmosphere of this special place. Finally, enjoy an exclusive culinary demonstration before dinner and celebrate the end of an unforgettable day.

Day 6
Machu Picchu - Cuzco
This morning you will have the opportunity to return once again to Machu Picchu if you choose. Say farewell to this spectacular place as you return by train to the city of Cuzco. Meaning “Center of the World” in the ancient language of Quechua, Cuzco is a fascinating blend of Inca culture and Spanish colonial influence. Relax and become acclimated to the altitude this evening.

Day 7
Cuzco
Explore this former capital of the Inca Empire during a colonial city tour, experiencing the architectural legacy visible in the Cathedral, Santo Domingo and the Plaza des Armas. Discover the important sacred Incan ruins of Sacsayhuaman Fortress and Tambomachay fountain. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to a local orphanage sponsored by the Collette Foundation. Learn about the efforts of the Collette Foundation to conquer the challenges faced by the children of the region. This evening, enjoy a dinner and performance of traditional Andean folkloric music and dance.

Day 8
Cuzco - Andahuaylillas - Raqchi - Puno
Travel the Sacred Valley and enjoy spectacular views of mountain scenery, charming Inca villages and countryside. Visit the 17th century church of Andahuaylillas, a jewel of the mestizo baroque architecture. A special stop is made at the ancient Inca ceremonial center of Raqchi (Temple of Wiracocha God). Visit this former Inca church known for its monumental dimensions, 200 round stone houses, and well-preserved Inca adobe architecture. Hugging the shores of Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake at 12,400 feet above sea level, Puno is said to be the birthplace of the Inca Empire - in fact, ancient Incan legends say that life began here. Relax this evening at your hotel surrounded by spectacular vistas of the lake and mountains.

Day 9
Uros Floating Islands - Las Chullpas de Sillustani - Lake Titicaca
The Titicaca area is steeped in tradition and folklore and is the center of Inca creation and legends. Enjoy a morning cruise to the floating islands of the Uros people of Lake Titicaca, one of the most unique cultures in the world. Made from compacted beds of tortora reeds, experience walking on the spongy surface, meet the locals and learn about their history and lifestyle. In the afternoon you visit Chullpas de Sillustani, an archeological area of gigantic funerary monuments dating from the 13th century.

Day 10
Puno - Lima - Paracas National Reserve
This morning fly to Lima and continue south to the Paracas National Reserve, Peru’s only coastal wildlife sanctuary, travelling through the region of Pisco. Known for its wine and pisco (Peru’s national drink) production, this fertile valley lies in the middle of the central desert. Visit a local bodega for a tour and tasting of pisco. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure at your ecologically-designed seaside resort – try spotting the dolphins in the bay!

Day 11
Paracas National Reserve
This morning cruise out to the Ballestas Islands. Referred to as the “Galapagos of Peru,” these islands are home to thousands of sea birds, including Humboldt penguins, boobies, pelicans and cormorants. These fascinating sea birds share their home with hundreds of playful sea lions, and you may see hundreds of them lazing on the rocks or swimming around the boat during your cruise. You may even catch a glimpse of the elusive condor. Enjoy leisure time this afternoon to relax or perhaps take a flight over the enigmatic Nazca Lines. These mysterious lines, dating back to pre-Inca civilization, were etched in the sand between 900 BC and 600 AD.

Day 12
Paracas National Reserve - Lima
This morning you’ll travel north and return to Lima, taking in final views of the Peruvian Pacific coast en route. Your day ends with a delightful farewell dinner at one of Lima''s finest restaurants.

Day 13
Lima - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in Lima.

To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301. Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
4/16/2008 - 4/28/2008	$2,249	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
4/17/2008 - 4/29/2008	$2,249	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
8/20/2008 - 9/1/2008	$2,099	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
9/10/2008 - 9/22/2008	$2,099	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
10/15/2008 - 10/27/2008	$2,099	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
10/22/2008 - 11/3/2008	$2,099	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
11/5/2008 - 11/17/2008	$2,099	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
11/12/2008 - 11/24/2008	$2,099	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
1/28/2009 - 2/9/2009	$2,099	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
2/25/2009 - 3/9/2009	$2,099	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
3/11/2009 - 3/23/2009	$2,099	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
3/18/2009 - 3/30/2009	$2,099	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
4/15/2009 - 4/27/2009	$2,099	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us

Package Notes: *Rooms have been reserved at the Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores for use upon arrival in Lima. In general, hotels outside of Lima are small with one or two levels and do not have elevators which may require you to climb 10-15 steps to get to/from the room. Each person is responsible for proper documentation and inoculations that may be required and/or recommended to participate on this tour. Please contact your local travel clinic or doctor for specific details on the destinations you are traveling to and from. Highest elevation is approximately 13,000 feet (La Raya Pass, en route to Puno) If you have not purchased air through the tour operator and wish to purchase transfers, you must transfer at our pre-scheduled times. Itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven, uphill terrain, heavy walking on uneven terrain or heavy walking at times. Wheelchairs and walkers cannot be accommodated on this tour. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. For your comfort, we recommend bringing good walking shoes.

Journey through Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Lima, Cusco and more.

Enjoy the breathtaking voyage through the Andes to Machu Picchu aboard the Vistadome train.

Meet and learn about the lifestyle of the indigenous Indians of the floating islands of the Uros people on Lake Titicaca.

Spend 2 nights in the Paracas National Reserve, Peru's only coastal wildlife sanctuary.

See and learn centuries-old Andean methods of spinning, dyeing, and weaving traditional textiles with a visit to a living museum of the Peruvian Andes.

Package Notes:
*Rooms have been reserved at the Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores for use upon arrival in Lima. In general, hotels outside of Lima are small with one or two levels and do not have elevators which may require you to climb 10-15 steps to get to/from the room.
Each person is responsible for proper documentation and inoculations that may be required and/or recommended to participate on this tour. Please contact your local travel clinic or doctor for specific details on the destinations you are traveling to and from.
Highest elevation is approximately 13,000 feet (La Raya Pass, en route to Puno)
If you have not purchased air through the tour operator and wish to purchase transfers, you must transfer at our pre-scheduled times.
Itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven, uphill terrain, heavy walking on uneven terrain or heavy walking at times. Wheelchairs and walkers cannot be accommodated on this tour. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. For your comfort, we recommend bringing good walking shoes.

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Note: All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.