Play Video
North Country Public Radio presents:
Peru: Ancient Land of Mysteries
Day 1: Tuesday, April 16, 2013 Arrive Lima, Peru - Tour Begins
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. Travel through this intriguing land visiting some of the world’s greatest mysteries such as Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas." Arrive late this evening in the "City of Kings," Lima, Peru.

Day 2: Wednesday, April 17, 2013 Lima
Today enjoy a fascinating city tour through the historical center of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the artwork at San Francisco Monastery and enter the catacombs. View the Government Center, the Plaza de Armas’s elegant Cathedral, an abundance of colonial architecture, and the fashionable suburbs of San Isidro and Miraflores for insight into the daily life of the Limeños. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner showcasing Peru’s delicious cuisine and festive entertainment. (B, D)

Day 3: Thursday, April 18, 2013 Lima - Cuzco - Sacred Valley of the Incas
Fly to Cuzco, in the heart of the Inca civilization. Board your coach to descend through the Andes to the majestic Sacred Valley of the Incas, the agricultural center for the Incas. Learn the centuries-old methods of spinning, dyeing and weaving Andean traditional textiles during a visit to Awana Kancha, a living museum of the Peruvian Andes. After a short lesson on the local language, stop in Pisac village to browse the colorful handicraft market. A visit to Pablo Seminario Ceramic Studio teaches you about this internationally renowned 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. (B, D)

Day 4: Friday, April 19, 2013 Sacred Valley of the Incas - Ollantaytambo- Sacred Valley of the Incas
Experience the lifestyle of the modern Andean people and delve into their culture when you travel to a nearby community and 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 carved stone panels, these ruins reflect ancient Incan architecture and heritage. Do as the locals do and enjoy a tasting of “chicha,” a unique regional drink made from maize, at a local pub. (B)

Day 5: Saturday, April 20, 2013 Sacred Valley of the Incas - Machu Picchu
Climb aboard the Machu Picchu train for breathtaking views through domed windows as you ride through the Andes to the “Lost City of the Incas.” Hidden by mountains and semi-tropical jungle, Machu Picchu is considered the most spectacular sight in South America. Spend the afternoon with your guide uncovering the mysteries of these majestic ruins. Tonight, stay at the base of Machu Picchu for a chance to further soak up its atmosphere. Enjoy an exclusive culinary demonstration before dinner. (B, D)

Day 6: Sunday, April 21, 2013 Machu Picchu - Cuzco
With leisure time this morning, you may return to Machu Picchu on your own or explore the local markets. Return by train and continue to Cuzco, a city that blends Inca culture and Spanish colonial influence. Enjoy a visit to a local orphanage sponsored by the Collette Foundation and learn about their efforts to help the children of the region. Relax and become acclimated to the altitude this evening. (B)

Day 7: Monday, April 22, 2013 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 de Armas. Discover the important sacred Incan ruins of Sacsayhuaman Fortress. This afternoon perhaps join an optional excursion to explore the enigmatic Inca terraces at Maras and the salt mines of Moray. This evening, enjoy a dinner and performance of traditional Andean folkloric music and dance. (B, D)

Day 8: Tuesday, April 23, 2013 Cuzco - Puno
Join your tour guide this morning for a visit to the Centro Artesanal Cuzco market, where you can browse colorful displays of textiles, pottery and jewelry. Or enjoy leisure time to explore the San Blas artisans quarter or visit one of the many impressive museums. Then fly to Puno, hugging the shores of Lake Titicaca. Known as the birthplace of the Inca Empire, ancient legends say that life began here. Relax this evening at your lakeside hotel. (B, D)

Day 9: Wednesday, April 24, 2013 Uros Floating Islands - Las Chullpas de Sillustani - Lake Titicaca
The Titicaca area, steeped in tradition and folklore, is the center of Incan legends. Enjoy a morning cruise to the floating islands of the Uros people of Lake Titicaca. Experience walking on the spongy surface, made from compacted beds of tortora reeds, and meet the locals, learning about their history and lifestyle. In the afternoon, visit mystical Chullpas de Sillustani – an archeological area boasting 13th century funerary monuments. Participate in a local home visit to gain insight into daily life. (B)

Day 10: Thursday, April 25, 2013 Puno - Lima - Paracas National Reserve
This morning fly to Lima; continue south to the Paracas National Reserve – Peru’s only coastal wildlife sanctuary. En route, travel through the region of Pisco, known for wine and “pisco” (Peru’s national drink) production. Visit a local bodega for a tour and tasting of pisco. (B, D)

Day 11: Friday, April 26, 2013 Paracas National Reserve
Today is yours to spend at leisure at your ecologically-designed seaside resort. Try spotting the dolphins in the bay! Or, join an optional day tour to Nazca to see the enigmatic Nazca Lines. (B, D)

Day 12: Saturday, April 27, 2013 Paracas National Reserve - Lima - Tour Ends
This morning, cruise out to the Ballestas Islands – the “Galapagos of Peru.” These islands are home to thousands of sea birds including Humboldt penguins, boobies and pelicans, who share their home with hundreds of playful sea lions. Watch for them swimming around your boat and for a glimpse of the elusive condor. Next you’ll visit an artisan workshop to learn about locally made textiles, famous in the Nazca region. Travel north and return to Lima, taking in views of the Peruvian Pacific coast. After a farewell dinner at one of Lima's finest restaurants, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home. (B, D)




April 16 - April 27, 2013
12 Days • 19 Meals
11 Breakfasts • 8 Dinners
Highlights: Lima, Sacred Valley of the Incas, Machu Picchu, Cuzco, Uros Floating Islands, Lake Titicaca, Paracas Reserve & the Ballestas Islands
Rates Per Person
Double: $5049, Single: $5899,
Triple: $4999
*Included in Price: Round Trip Air from Hancock International,Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $200 (subject to increase until paid in full),Hotel Transfers.
*Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $260 per person.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 - 2 Doubletree El Pardo, Lima
Day 3 - 4 Casa Andina Private Collection Sacred Valley, Sacred Valley
Day 5 Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, Machu Picchu
Day 6 - 7 Novotel Cuzco Hotel, Cuzco
Day 8 - 9 Sonesta Posada del Inca Puno, Puno
Day 10 - 11 Doubletree by Hilton Resort, Paracas, Paracas
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.
Essential Experiences
  • Enjoy breathtaking views through domed cars on the famed Machu Picchu train as you voyage through the Andes to Machu Picchu.
  • Spend 2 nights in the Paracas National Reserve, Peru's only coastal wildlife sanctuary.
  • Meet and learn about the lifestyle of the indigenous Uros people of the floating islands on Lake Titicaca.
  • Learn centuries-old Andean methods of spinning, dyeing, and weaving traditional textiles with a visit to a living museum of the Peruvian Andes.
For more information call
 Deb Christy
Travel Unlimited
(315) 386-8525
Included Meals Key
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

AVAILABLE OPTIONS:
No options exist for this tour.
CANCELLATION WAIVER:

Worry-Free Cancellation
Our industry-leading cancellation waiver offers travelers a full cash refund for the price of the tour, right up to the day prior to departure, minus the small cost of the waiver. Travel worry-free knowing if anything changes, you're protected.

Plus, you're covered on tour.
Our cancellation waiver and insurance plan covers you on tour. If you have to stop your trip or return home early, need medical assistance or evacuation, suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or more, you're covered.

Cancellation Waiver and Insurance is just $260 per person.

Click here for complete details.

TRAVEL TIPS:
Peru: Ancient Land of Mysteries
Listed below is important information to assist you in preparing for your upcoming trip. This information provided will help you have a more enjoyable experience while you are on your tour.
Accommodations
On some programs, there are a limited number of single and triple rooms. Double rooms usually consist of 2 beds. Triple rooms are normally a standard double room with 2 beds. A cot or rollaway bed may be added to the double room at some hotels, based on room size and fire codes. When triples are not available, appropriate charges for single and twin accommodations will be assessed. We make every effort to accommodate your specific requests and forward them to the hotels. These requests cannot be guaranteed as hotels may not always be able to honor them. Check-in times are set by individual hotel properties and vary by hotel. Depending on your arrival time, there may be a delay in gaining access to your room as most hotels offer afternoon check-in. We ask guests to observe check-out times at all properties as designated by the hotel. Some hotels require a credit card imprint or your passport information upon check-in in order to activate telephones in the rooms and for potential incidental charges. Most hotels charge an access fee for using phones in hotel rooms. Please check with the front desk personnel at each hotel for specific policies. Hotel membership programs are not applicable. In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than standard U.S. accommodations. Please be assured that we use high quality properties throughout each country.
ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply outside of the United States. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of tour participants. Persons requiring individual assistance must be accompanied by a companion who is capable of, and totally responsible for, providing the necessary assistance. Neither our personnel nor its suppliers may physically lift or assist clients onto transportation vehicles. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member who has special mobility, dietary or other like needs.
Arrival Day Suggestions
Due to varied flight schedules and different arrival times of our tour guests, your tour will not have any scheduled activities prior to dinner on Day 1. Should your flight schedule allow for an earlier arrival time that day, enjoy the great opportunity for some independent exploration.
Clothing & Packing Tips
As you prepare to explore South America, enjoy a casual dress style and be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes, especially for navigating the ruins. For this sunny destination, we recommend bringing summer clothing, a hat, sunscreen, a swimsuit and bug spray. For cooler days or rain, it is a good idea to pack a light jacket and an umbrella. In Peru, you will experience a variance in climate throughout the tour. It is recommended to bring clothing that may be worn in layers that may be added or removed as the temperature changes. For special evenings, ladies may wish to don a dress or pantsuit, while the gentlemen may wear a jacket and tie. Keep in mind, however, that casual clothing is suitable for the entire trip.
***Please note that YOU MUST BRING A SMALL OVERNIGHT BAG FOR YOUR TRIP TO MACHU PICCHU**** Your standard luggage will be waiting at your hotel in Cusco. A daypack will be very useful when touring the archaeological sites and on other excursions. Sunscreen and bug spray are highly recommended for this tour. Bring a camera, film, and batteries and be sure to bring enough photography supplies for your entire trip. If you have a video camera, bring an extra battery, plus proper recharging equipment. Due to security screening, we recommend storing your equipment in your carry-on luggage. Bring a travel alarm clock, travel sewing kit and an alcohol based gel hand sanitizer when soap and water is not accessible. Pack items that may leak in plastic bags. Do not pack any articles of value in your checked luggage. As a precaution, we suggest that you divide the contents of your suitcase with your traveling companion. Avoid over packing and leave room for souvenirs that you plan to take back home. Peru is a well-known bird-watchers destination. You may wish to bring a small pair of binoculars.
If you are taking prescription medication, please be sure to take an adequate supply for your tour and a few additional days, in original prescription containers. Medication should be packed in your carry-on baggage. Do not place it in your checked luggage. You may want to carry an extra prescription in a separate bag in case medication is lost.
Collette Foundation
The Collette Foundation and Peruvian Hearts are working together to support the Hogar de Mercedes de Jesus Molina Orphanage with a vitamin and nutrition program for the children and are funding structural improvements to the orphanage. Many travelers have inquired about in-kind donations. The Collette Foundation does not accept in-kind donations directly, however, if you would like to bring items the children are in need of, below is a list of suggestions: • Children’s books (in Spanish) • Crayons, pens, pencils • Shampoo, soap • Toothpaste, toothbrushes • Hair elastics and hair accessories • Toiletries • Children’s vitamins For more information about the Collette Foundation please visit www.collettefoundation.org.
Electricity
An adaptor (which changes the physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the plug. When packing your electronic items for travel, please review the converter electric current level to make sure it is the same or greater than the items you are planning on using. If you plan on utilizing or transporting a sleep apnea machine, please remember to pack an extension cord and adapter plug to ensure proper function.
Elevation
Highest elevation included on tour 12,421 feet above sea level, in Puno. Seven days of this tour are spent at approximately 11,000 feet above sea level. If you have particular health concerns, we recommend you check with your doctor before departure for recommendations on how to alleviate the possible effects of altitude sickness.
Helpful Hints
Bring a copy of your passport/identification and pack it separately from the original. Leave a copy of your tour itinerary at home with your emergency contact and a copy of your passport. Remember when flying you can only take one quart size bag with no more than 3 ounces of any one liquid. Liquids that do not fit in the one quart size bag and are larger than 3 ounces will be discarded by security. Remember to hydrate and get up and stretch while flying. If you are considering using your cell phone while traveling internationally, you should check with your cell provider concerning their access and charges for overseas calls, texting and emailing for the specific destination you are traveling to.
Included Features
The following are included in your tour package: transportation via motorcoach, accommodations, hotel luggage handling, meals, sightseeing, admission charges (as outlined in your itinerary), and applicable gratuities for bellmen, doormen and dining room wait staff. Customary gratuities for cruise ship personnel, overnight/train personnel, hotel housekeeping staff, local sightseeing guides, drivers and tour managers have not been included.
Local Guides
In order to further enhance your experience of this destination, four local guides have been arranged throughout this tour. Customary gratuities for these guides are not included in the cost of the tour. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary and individual basis at a suggested amount of 1-2 USD per day, per guide. Your tour manager will review customary tipping amounts and timing with you when you are on your tour.
Luggage
Please consult with your scheduled airline as luggage fees and restrictions vary by carrier and destination. Due to the limited motorcoach capacity, one checked luggage (62 inches in length, height and width; weight not to exceed 23kg/50lbs) is allowed on tour. We also encourage just one carry-on bag per individual (for carrying items that might be needed during the day’s sightseeing excursions or camera/video equipment). Dimensions for carry-ons should not exceed 17" x 12" x 10", allowing it to fit under the seat or in the overhead rack of most motor coaches. If you exceed the limit of 2 bags, we cannot guarantee that your additional luggage will be able to fit in the touring vehicle. Storage or shipment of additional luggage will be at your own expense. If we are able to accommodate your additional luggage, we will assess a fee of 4 USD per bag per hotel. Please remember to label your luggage and important items with your name, home address and telephone number. We recommend labeling your luggage on both the outside and inside of the bag. Please attach only the plastic luggage tag included in this mailing to your checked luggage before checking in for your flight. Your paper luggage tag is to be attached at the first hotel. We cannot assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft or normal wear and tear that results from hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is in your best interest to have adequate insurance (such as our comprehensive “No Worries Travel Protection”) to cover these eventualities.
Miscellaneous
Vaccines may be required for travel to South America. Consult your physician for further information on recommended vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can provide you with the most up-to-date information on current inoculation requirements. This information can be accessed via the international travelers' hotline (404) 332-4559 or via the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/vaccinat.htm.
Name Badges
Collette Vacations provides name badges to our travelers in order to facilitate conversation among fellow travelers. The name badge also ensures that a Collette Vacations representative can easily recognize you, especially at airports upon arrival.
Reading List
Interested in reading about your destination before you depart? We have pre-selected travel guides, novels and books on history, nature and art to help enhance your total vacation experience. You can access the complete list by typing the following into your web browser. Select the region of the world to find your tour: http://www.longitudebooks.com/find/d/2588/r/CV/mcms.html
Shopping
One of the best parts of traveling is coming back home with souvenirs that really reflect the place you’ve just been. Peru provides one of the greatest shopping experiences in all of South America with its diversity of products. You will find many handicraft markets as well as top-end ceramic shops, art galleries, jewelry stores and clothing boutiques, particularly in Lima and Cuzco. The Andean heritage is still very alive in Peru. Look for colorful Andean textiles in the form of blankets, ponchos, shawls, and scarves -- some of the most popular items. Peru is known for its fantastic Alpaca textiles as well. A great souvenir is a bottle of Pisco. At stores and in open markets, bargaining -- gentle, good-natured haggling over prices -- is accepted and even expected. US dollars and credit cards are accepted at most shops in Lima and Cuzco, however in the open air tourist markets it is best to trade in local currency. The local markets in Pisac, Cuzco, and Aguas Calientes are especially popular, as well as the artisan crafts available on the Uros Islands.
If you purchase DVDs or other electronic equipment abroad, check that it is compatible with your PC or other home equipment.
Smoking
Smoking Restrictions: Our tours are non-smoking throughout. If you require a smoking room, please alert your agent upon tour booking. Please be mindful of locations where smoking is prohibited: the motorcoach, at dining venues and other restricted areas on tour including most hotels. Customers are responsible for any fines incurred for failure to comply with smoking restrictions.
Time Zone
Peru is one hour behind Eastern Standard Time.
Tour Manager
We pride ourselves on having the best-trained and most experienced tour managers in the industry. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary basis and should be in direct proportion to the level of professionalism and personal service extended to you throughout the tour. Past experience has shown that a guideline of 4-6 USD per person for each traveling day is a customary amount for the tour manager. A customary amount of 1-2 USD per person per day is suggested for the driver.
Transportation
Flight Information, Departure Taxes & Fees Land Only Vacations: If you chose to purchase a land only vacation, pay particular attention to flight segments that occur during the tour which are not included in your land only rate. You must purchase these internal flight segments and the schedule must match the flights that we utilize on the group tour. Please provide us with your flight schedules for the entire tour six weeks prior to departure so we may secure services if you purchased transfers from us, as well as maintain emergency contact. Air Inclusive Vacations Air inclusive vacations cover air transport to and from your origin gateway as well as all internal air segments on tour. In order to comply with Homeland Security’s “Secure Flight” mandate, all passengers must provide full name, date of birth and gender at time of reservation. Your airline ticket must match the name on your valid, non-expired, government issued photo ID to be shown at the airport (including middle name, first or middle initial). If you are a member of a participating frequent flyer program, provide the number upon booking and retain the passenger copy of your ticket and boarding pass to ensure that you receive proper credit of your mileage. Some air tickets are not eligible for mileage accrual. Whenever possible, we will add charges for air departure taxes to your invoice. Some international arrival and departure fees are not included in your air ticket and must be paid by you on tour in local currency.
Transfers We are pleased to provide you with complimentary airport to hotel, and hotel to airport transfers at the beginning and end of an escorted tour when you purchase an air-inclusive vacation. Land-only clients who have purchased round trip transfers will be accommodated at the same times as air inclusive clients. Arrival meeting locations and transfer departure times are provided on your document booklets. On some programs there may be a waiting period at the airport due to varying flight schedules of other arriving passengers. If you have secured your own transfer, you may meet your tour manager at the hotel. Motorcoach Information: We do not own or operate vehicles. We charter quality coaches that are temperature controlled vehicles. Coach size may vary based upon the number of tour patrons. In certain countries, lavatory equipped motorcoaches are not available or the lavatory is for emergency use only. Frequent stops will be made en route for comfort and convenience. Seat Rotation: Seats are rotated for the benefit of our tour guests. This fosters communication and enables our guests to enjoy a variety of vantage points on the motorcoach. Guests will rotate seats at least once a day, as directed by the tour manager. In fairness to all, there will be no exceptions to this policy.