Day 1: Tuesday, April 20, 2010
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: Wednesday, April 21, 2010
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 showcasing the best of Peru’s world-renowned cuisine.
Today Dinner is included.
Day 3: Thursday, April 22, 2010
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.
Today
Breakfast and Dinner
is included.
Day 4: Friday, April 23, 2010
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.
Today Breakfast is included.
Day 5: Saturday, April 24, 2010
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.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.
Day 6: Sunday, April 25, 2010
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. Before arriving at your hotel, 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. Relax and become acclimated to the altitude this evening.
Today Breakfast is included.
Day 7: Monday, April 26, 2010
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 and Qenko Temple. This evening, enjoy a dinner and performance of traditional Andean folkloric music and dance.
Today
Breakfast and Dinner
is included.
Day 8: Tuesday, April 27, 2010
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.
Today
Breakfast and Dinner
is included.
Day 9: Wednesday, April 28, 2010
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.
Today Breakfast is included.
Day 10: Thursday, April 29, 2010
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!
Today
Breakfast and Dinner
is included.
Day 11: Friday, April 30, 2010
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. These mysterious lines, dating back to pre-Inca civilization, were etched in the sand between 900 BC and 600 AD.
Today
Breakfast and Dinner
is included.
Day 12: Saturday, May 01, 2010
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. 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.
Today
Breakfast and Dinner
is included.
EXTEND YOUR VACATION WITH...
optional Royal Tombs of Sipan Pre Tour Extension
Rate: $1199 USD per person, double, land and air included
6 Meals 3 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinners
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 Trujillo, Peru - Tour Begins
Transfer through Lima and arrive in Trujillo, the “City of Eternal Spring,” known for its beautiful colonial architecture. Enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure to explore the main square and city center before dinner at your historic hotel, located right on the Plaza de Armas.
Today Dinner is included.
Day 3 Trujillo - Chan Chan - Chiclayo
This morning you visit one of the most important centers of the ancient Moche, a pre-Incan civilization whose warrior culture once dominated the valleys of the northern coast of Peru. Admire the amazing adobe engineering of the Temple of the Sun, the tallest pyramid in the Americas whose construction is estimated to have involved over 200,000 workers laying more than 140 million adobe bricks. Tour the Temple of the Moon, the Moche political center where recently uncovered friezes of mystical images are believed to belong to a divinity of sacrifices. Continue on to Chan Chan, the former capital of Chimu Empire, which reached its peak in the 15th century before falling to the Incas. The planning of this huge city, the largest in pre-Columbian America, reflects a strict political and social strategy, marked by the city's division into nine 'citadels' or 'palaces'. From Chan Chan you will visit the seashore village of Huanchaco, known for its totora seahorses - a typical small reed boat used for fishing - before arriving in Chiclayo.
Today
Breakfast and Lunch
is included.
Day 4 Chiclayo - Sipan - Sican
Begin your morning with a visit to the complex of Huaca Rajada, where two huge pyramids made of adobe mud mark the royal mausoleum of "The Lord of Sipan". In the fourth century AD, the Moche people buried this great warlord, with his nose and ears covered with gold relics, his feet clad in silver, and his sacrificed subjects - women, children and llamas, to accompany him to the Afterlife. Continue to the Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum. Rated one of the most outstanding archaeological museums in South America, the building is modeled after an ancient pyramid of the region. Here you can find a reconstruction of the tomb of Sipan, dubbed the "Tutankhamen of the Americas" because of the golden splendor of hundreds of pieces of pottery and exquisite gold jewelry found at the site. Continue to the Sican Museum, opened in November 2001, and dedicated to both the scientific research of the Sican culture and protecting their precious artifacts. The Sican Museum exhibits a treasure of pure gold artifacts discovered in the tombs which reveals the culture’s surprising command of metallurgy and its exquisite artistry in gold and silver.
Today
Breakfast and Lunch
is included.
Day 5 Chiclayo - Lima - Base Tour Begins
This morning you transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima to start your tour.
Today Breakfast is included.
Please Note:
• Taxes/fees to be paid in local currencies upon exiting domestic airports are approximately $15 USD.
• Extensions not purchased at time of deposit are subject to availability and applicable charges at time of request. A minimum of 2 passengers is required for this extension to operate.
• This extension is fully escorted by a local representative who will provide all included services.
EXTEND YOUR VACATION WITH...
optional Peruvian Amazon Post Tour Extension
Rate: $1149 USD per person, double, land and air included
11 Meals 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners
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 dinner at one of Lima's finest restaurants.
Today
Breakfast and Dinner
is included.
Day 13 Lima - Puerto Maldonado - Peruvian Amazon Basin
Fly from Lima, arriving at the Puerto Maldonado airport where you meet your naturalist guide for the canoe transfer up the Tambopata River to the Libertador Tambopata Lodge. A box lunch is provided. Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome drink followed by a late afternoon introductory walk into the "terra firme" forest, dominated by giant Brazil nut and Dipteryx trees. Frequently seen mammals on this trail are saddle-back tamarinds, brown capuchins, agoutis, pacas, blue-morpho butterflies, trogons, toucans and many other species of birds. After dinner, a night walk in search of nocturnal animals and insects is planned. Approximately 50% of rain forest animals are nocturnal.
Today Lunch and Dinner is included.
Day 14 Hike to Lake Condenado
After an early breakfast, join your naturalist guide on a foot and paddle canoe adventure exploring the lake system of Lake Condenado. Known for its abundance of bird and aquatic life, during your excursion you may observe giant otters and many species of birds including the tiger-herons, great egrets, wattled jacanas, hoatzin, and the noisy donacobius. Lunch is included at the lodge and is followed by an afternoon of exploring the nearby forest. You may also choose to relax and swim nearby in the Gallucunca stream or climb the tree platforms (extra cost) for a bird's eye view of the forest, arboreal orchids and the many other species of plants and animals that are never seen near the ground. Dinner is followed by a Tambopata River motorized canoe excursion in search of caiman (alligators) and other nocturnal animals.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.
Day 15 Hike to Lake Sachavacayoc (Tapir Lake)
An early breakfast is followed by a boat excursion to a spectacular hidden lake. Your naturalist guide leads you on a fascinating walk viewing giant Lupuna trees (kings of the jungle), the elusive black caiman, giant otters and many more aspects of the forest and its animals. Return to the lodge in time for lunch followed by an afternoon of relaxation or independent exploration.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.
Day 16 Puerto Maldonado - Lima - Tour Ends
Depart at dawn for the canoe trip back to Puerto Maldonado. En route, enjoy memorable views of the sunrise over the river. Be on the lookout for the early morning wildlife activity, including the sounds of the howler monkeys as they stake out their territories. Your guide will take care of you on arrival in Puerto Maldonado and will deal with all the necessities at the airport prior to your departure to Lima. The remainder of the day is at leisure to shop, relax or visit one of Lima's many fine museums. Tonight, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.
Today Breakfast is included.
Please Note:
• Taxes/fees to be paid in local currencies or USD for domestic flights are approximately $6 USD. Airport departure tax for international flights is approximately $31 USD.
• This extension is handled by a local representative who will provide all included services. Extensions not purchased at time of deposit are subject to availability and applicable charges at time of request.
• Collette Vacations prides itself on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. When traveling in the Amazon you will encounter full days of sightseeing, frequently in warm temperatures. You will be travelling by small river boats to reach the lodge and by canoe during some excursions and should be reasonably fit in order to board comfortably. In order to most fully experience the wildlife, you will be walking on nature trails which may be muddy and over one mile in length. To experience the Amazon fully, Collette recommends that all travelers be in reasonably good health and prepare properly. Unfortunately, wheelchairs cannot be accommodated on this trip. In addition, passengers who require assistance walking or who travel with oxygen tanks will not fully enjoy this trip and Collette strongly recommends a different Collette tour. The Libertador Tambopata Lodge is fully situated in the Tambopata National Reserve and has fully screened bungalows, mosquito net protection and private bathrooms in each room. Snacks and beverages are available 24 hours.
