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Arrival in Arequipa |
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Lima is Latin America's gastronomic capital. Ceviche, king of the exquisite Peruvian seafood, Chinese cuisine called Chifa, and Peruvian Creole cuisine are among the endless flavors you’ll discover while in Lima. |
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The National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History of Peru impresses due to its vast, varied cultural patrimony housed in its exhibition rooms and storerooms.
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The Solar Temple and Oracular Destination lies 25 miles SE of Lima in Quechua means "Pacha" world, and "camac" to animate.
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Is one of the richest ecosystems in the world and the only marine reservation in Peru. Protection has for objective the conservation of the marine and protection of the cultural and historical patrimony of the pre-Inca Paracas culture.
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A nature wonder spot full of migratory birds, hundreds of sea lions, Penguins, schools of dolphins and even the Andean Condor. The islands have been eroded to form natural caves and arches of rare beauty.
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"El Candelabro" geoglyph, Gigantic chandelier carved on a hillside on the way to Ballestas islands. It has an extension of 128 mt (420 ft) long, and 74 mt (240 ft) wide.
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This little unknown paradise offers a variety of relaxing adventure options such as sand-boarding and sand tours on special sand buggies.
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Las Dunas Hotel is set amongst spacious gardens and is situated in a well known sun resort. facilities include tennis courts, golf course, sandboard, volleyball and basketball grounds. |
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A unique place due to the mysteries of its marvelous lines and figures, drawn with spectacular perfection. The beauty and magnitude of the lines must be observed from above. |
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Hundreds of streets, pathways, doors and stairs make the visit to this amazing monastery a unique experience. You won’t stop taking pictures.
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Arequipa's central cathedral is one of the most beautiful in Peru. It is situated in the center of the city, in Plaza de Armas. |
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This is one of the oldest churches in Arequipa. La Compania was completed in 1698 and boasts an elaborate sillar stone façade. |
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The Church of San Francisco was built by local Indians in the late 17 th century, and the facade has the best of the baroque stone carving found on the old churches in Arequipa. |
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Colca Canyon from Mirador Cruz del Condor, provides an excellent view to watch the condors flight. |
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Both chic and comfortable, Zig Zag equally welcomes families and young people. The house specialty is the unique stone-grilled ostrich from their own 4,000 ostriches farm, educating their customers about ostrich as a healthy alternative to other meats. |
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The Uros originally created these artificial Islands to escape the Inca, who dominated the mainland at the time. |
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With a population of 3,500 Quechua inhabitants, it is known for its two pre-Inca temples dedicated to the earth's fertility. |
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A private 43 hectare island near the remote northern shores of Lake Titicaca. A Lake of deep blue waters and a mythical history. |
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Renovated carriages have beautiful panoramic windows offering enhanced scenic views and photographic opportunities. |
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The first Peruvian museum that shows the aesthetic aspects of the exhibited objects that belong to ancient Peruvian Cultures. |
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Puca Pucara offers impressive views of the Cusco Valley and glaciers to the south. |
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Q’enqo means “zig-zag,” a reference to the series of perfectly carved channels adorning the upper western edge of the temple’s stone. |
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Tambomachay Inca’s Bath is located on the outskirts of a hill near the main road close to Antisuyo. |
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Sacsayhuaman translates into “ Speckled Falcon” or “Speckled Head” referring to the belief that Cusco City was set out in the shape of a Puma whose head was Sacsayhuaman. Origins of this breathtaking fortress are uncertain and is generally attributed to the great Inca Pachacutec “The World Transformer". |
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| +44 207 096 1259 |
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Fly from Lima to Arequipa. You will arrive in Arequipa and be met at the airport before being escorted to your comfortable hotel. You will have the remainder of the morning and lunch free to rest and acclimatize. We recommend a very light lunch with your hotel as your body acclimatizes to the altitude. In the afternoon you will undertake a light tour of Arequipa. The city tour is taken on foot with a private guide visiting the following: Santa Catalina Monastery, Plaza de Armas, Church of the Company, and the Church of San Francisco. You will have the afternoon to spend at your leisure, and later that evening you will be able to dine in one of the many fine restaurants Arequipa has to offer. Please contact one of our Peru representatives for more information on dining in the city. |
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InThe Colca Canyon |
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After a light breakfast, you will depart for the Colca Canyon in private transportation, where you will drive through the Aguada National Reserve passing herds of Vicuñas along the way. Later that day you arrive at the Mirador de los Andes. The Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world. Beautiful unspoiled Andean villages line both sides of the canyon; the steep sides of the valley are also adorned with some phenomenal pre-Inca terraces. Arriving in Chivay in the afternoon, you will break for lunch in the valley at the lodge of your choice. In the evening you will visit the Medicinal Baths and Thermal Springs, returning for dinner at the lodge. There are a handful of comfortable lodges you can select for accommodation during your stay in the canyon; the Colca Lodge is one of the most recommendable to choose.
(Meals – B, L)
CAT Tip - Make the Most of Your Trip: Choose to stay an additional night in the Colca Canyon which will give you the opportunity to undertake a full day light hike into the deepest canyon in the world.
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Out of the Colca Canyon |
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During the early morning you will begin your journey back to Arequipa with a few stops on the way. The first stop will be at the Cruz de Condor, where you will spend time looking out over the expanse of the canyon. Here you will have the opportunity to witness the world's largest bird, the Giant Andean Condor, soar from the depths of the gorge on thermal currents and spiral upwards. One is likely to see more than ten of these graceful condors on the average day. You will then proceed to the town of Yanque where you will have the opportunity to taste an Alpaca steak or trout cooked over a woodburning stove at the renowned Albergue El Mirador de los Collaguas. Following the days tour you will return to your comfortable lodge for your last night in the Canyon.
(Meals – B, L)
**Private passengers travel from Colca to Puno in a private car, while Group passengers travel in a private minibus. |
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Blue Titicaca |
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Following breakfast you will be collected from your comfortable hotel in order to make your way to Puno and Lake Titicaca. The ride upwards through the Andean plateau is incredibly scenic and you may, should you wish to, stop on the way in order to take photos of the numerous valleys you pass over and around. You will have the remainder of the afternoon to prepare for the full day on the lake that follows; many of our hotels in the area are on lakeside and offer superb views and great places to relax. A light dinner is suggested with the restaurant at your selected hotel for your initial evenings stay in Puno. Again, if you would like recommendations for dining please contact your CAT Travel consultant.
(Meals – B)
CAT TIP – Make the most of your trip: Should you wish to, you can return to Arequipa from the Colca Canyon and catch a flight onwards to Puno. This option however takes far more time and is less scenic. Please ask your Sales Representative for more details. |
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Islands of Titicaca |
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Today you will venture out on Lake Titicaca in order to visit the magnificent Floating Islands of Uros, as well as explore the paths of Isla Taquile where quaint little houses line cobbled stone streets. This tour is taken on a private speedboat that reaches the island of Taquile in 2 hours, allowing you much more time to enjoy the islands beautiful trails and lookouts. In the evening we will return you to your hotel in Puno.
(Meals - B, L)
CAT Tip - Make the Most of Your Trip: There is also the option of spending the evening with a family on Isla Amantani, or on Suasi Island. . If interested, please advise your CAT travel consultant. |
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The Valley between Titicaca and Cusco |
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Following breakfast you will be escorted to either the airport or the train station. You have the choice of either taking a First-Class train to Cusco or a flight. Upon arrival in Cusco you will be escorted to your hotel where you will have time to rest and be briefed on your travels in the area. You will then be collected for a visit to a Curandero (a traditional Andean Shaman/faithhealer). Using coca tea leaves, the Curandero will interpret your future. This breathtaking experience is truly unforgettable. In the evening you will be transferred back to your hotel and be given some time to spend at your leisure. A light dinner is suggested with the restaurant at your selected hotel for your initial nights stay in Cusco.
(Meals - B, L)
*Group Tour travels to Cusco in First Class Bus which includes small tours along the route which visit Rachi, Andahauyillas, and la Raya. |
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Through the Sacred Valley of the Incas |
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Today will be spent visiting the Urubamba Valley with your private guide. You will make your first stop at the ruins above Pisac and the market that lies in the village below (T/Th/Su). During the early afternoon, enjoy lunch at Huayocari Hacienda, hosted by the owner of a private residence with an impressive collection of Inca and colonial art and artifacts. In the afternoon you will be able to explore the impressive ruins at Ollantaytambo, while the evening is spent in a very comfortable hotel in the Sacred Valley.
(Meals - B, L,)
*Group Tour includes lunch at Tunupa Riverside Restaurant and evening return to Cusco Hotel – upgrade to private tour available |
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Encounter the Majesty of Machu Picchu |
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You depart in the late morning for an hour and a half train ride to Machu Picchu from the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival at the station in Aguas Calientes, our representative will retrieve your luggage and deliver it to your hotel while you head out directly for the ruins of Machu Picchu that lie just a short drive from the small town. Following your tour of Machu Picchu you will then have the rest of your afternoon free to explore the ruins at your leisure. Transportation is provided to the base of the mountain, where you can return to your hotel for the evening and experience the very subtle night life of the town of Aguas Calientes. If you so desire, you can spend the evening relaxing in the hot springs just outside of town.
(Meals - B)
*Please note Private Tour of Machu Picchu is 4 hours and Group Tour is 2 hours; upgrades to private are available. |
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First-Class Train back to Cusco |
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Today you will have at your leisure and you may decide to return to the ruins for more exploration if you wish. Your train back to Cusco departs in the afternoon and will arrive in Cusco just after sundown. CAT highly recommends a ride in the first class VistaDome train, which allows for a spectacular view of the scenery and starlit sky as you wind your way back to Cusco. Once in Cusco, you will be met at the train station and transferred back to your hotel. The evening is free for you to pass as you wish. You may decide to explore the city a little on your own - perhaps having dinner in one of the many fine restaurants the city has on offer. Please feel free to ask your Peruvian Sale Representative for more information.
(Meals - B)
*Group Tour does not include a visit to the funeral towers at Sillustani. |
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Captivating Cusco |
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After enjoying a leisurely breakfast your privately guided tour of Cusco and the Archaeological sites located outside of town will commence. Your tour begins at the impressive Colonial Cathedral in Cusco that contains over 400 paintings from the Cusqueña School and several altars. Next you will visit the Temple of the Sun (or the Korikancha) which was the main religious center of the Incas who worshipped the Sun God. According to Spanish chronicles, when the conquistadores first arrived the walls of the Korikancha were thickly gilded in gold. From here you make our way to the outskirts of Cusco in order to the visit the four ruins that lie less than 8 km from the city center; these archaeological sites include Sacsayhuaman- famous for its enormous carved rocks, the ruins of Puca Pucara, Q´enqo, and Tambomachay. In the evening you will be collected and transferred to the Garcilaso Theatre, where you will enjoy a production Kusikuy, performed by a cast of some 40 local artists. The performance presents a wonderful and culturally intriguing look into the myths, beliefs and customs of the traditional inhabitants of the Andes.
(Meals - B )
CAT Tip - Make the Most of YourTrip: You may wish to stay an additional night in the Sacred Valley or Cusco in order to see and do more. CAT provides a number of extra options in the area. |
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Out of the Andes and Into the Amazon |
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We have included Reserva Amazonica as a CAT Favorite for your Peruvian Experience, however please know that we can replace this lodge with any of our other selected lodges if you so desire. Your flight will leave mid-day for Puerto Maldonado where you will be received at the airport and escorted to the port where you head upriver to the elegant ecolodge of Reserva Amazonica. The lodge offers 13 A-La-Carte excursions with a duration of ¼ day (2 hours), ½ day (3 hours), or full day (7 hours), each at different levels of intensity (I, II, III). Upon arrival at the lodge you will be able to plan in further detail your day-to-day activities - feel free to request an outline of options from one of our Peru Travel Specialists. All of these tours will be done in groups. However, please keep in mind that you can pay an additional $50/day and have your own private guide. All meals are included during your stay with Reserva Amazonica.
(Meals – D)
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Excursions with the Lodge |
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Following breakfast you will begin your jungle adventure. Please note that you can request to see a CAT sample itinerary put together from the many options available at Reserva Amazonica from one of our Peru CAT specialists. However, if you would like to learn more about our other options on adventures, see our page that will give you an overview of more Lodges.
(Meals - B, L, D) |
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Excursions with the Lodge |
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Today your jungle adventure continues. Please note that you can request a CAT sample itinerary put together from the many options available at Reserva Amazonica from one of our Peru CAT specialists. You can also however, find out more by visiting our Amazon lodge section.
(Meals – B, L, D) |
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Return to Lima and End of Tour |
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Following breakfast you will board a lodge boat for your cruise back to Puerto Maldonado. Before boarding your flight we recommend you visit the Butterfly Farm where over 3,800 species of butterflies are on display. Your flight will arrive back in Lima in the afternoon. A member of our staff will be waiting for you in Lima to assist you with your travel arrangements before you take your flight home.
(Meals - B) |
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