A Paradise Called Peru


August 21st to September 1st, 2009   

If you have any interest in international travel, Machu Picchu likely ranks near the top of your list of places to visit before you die.

The ruins of Machu Picchu was rediscovered in 1911 by Yale archaeologist Hiram Bingham, and is one of the most beautiful and enigmatic ancient sites in the world. Whatever its origins, the Inca turned the site into a small but extraordinary city. Invisible from below and completely self-contained, surrounded by agricultural terraces sufficient to feed the population, and watered by natural springs, Machu Picchu seems to have been utilized by the Inca as a secret ceremonial city.

Our 12 day trip will pay homage to this great city as well as descend into the depths of the Amazon for an equally amazing adventure.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrive Lima
Arrive in Lima at any time. Group transfer to hotel. Overnight at Hotel Los Girasoles or similar

Day 2 Cuzco
Fly to Cuzco, meet your guide and continue to our hotel. Relax, explore the city or visit the nearby Inca sites of Sacsayhuaman and Tambo Machay. Overnight at Hotel Prisma or similar

Day 3 Sacred Valley / Ollantaytambo
Travel to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, an important source of food for the Inca, it is a lush agricultural region that continues to supply Cuzco with produce. Tour with our local guide, making stops including the picturesque town and Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo, where we prepare for the hike ahead. Overnight at Andean Moon or similar

Day 4-6 Lares Trek (3B, 3L, 2D)
Travel through the Sacred Valley. Spend the morning in the village Qeshwarani , continue through the valley and arrive at the indigenous community of Cuncani. Cross the challenging 4440m Condor Pass, with stunning views of Mount Veronica (5750m,) then descend to beautiful Ipsaycocha Lake, our last campsite. Follow the trail downhill past lookouts of Patacancha. Take the evening train to Aguas Calientes, and spend the night (Hotel Terrezas del Inka or similar)

Day 7 Machu Picchu / Cuzco
Take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu for early morning views of the lost city of the Incas. Join a guided tour after which there is time to explore on your own before leaving for Cuzco. Overnight at Hotel Prisma or similar

Day 8 Cuzco
With a friendly, colonial atmosphere, Cuzco offers nearby archaeological sites, museums, markets, churches and adventure. Options include rafting, horseback riding and mountain biking. Overnight at Hotel Prisma or similar

Day 9-10 Amazon Jungle (2B, 2L, 2D)
Fly from the Andes to Puerto Maldonado, a jungle town in the lowlands of the Amazon. Travel by motorized canoe to our lodge in the Tambopata Rainforest Area, which holds the world record for the most bird sightings in one area, and explore with our expert local guides. Overnight at Caimen Lodge or similar

Day 11 Lima
Fly to Lima via Cuzco for a final night on the town. Overnight at Hotel Los Girasoles or similar

Day 12 Depart Lima
Your tour ends today. Group transfer to airport.

GROUP TRAVEL BUDDY
Join Group Travel Buddy for Facebook to see all up-to-date discussions related to this trip and meet the travlers!

First, sign into your Facebook account and install our application: http://apps.facebook.com/grouptravelbuddy/

Second, one the application is installed (you'll have to answer some questions about your travel preferences and home airport) click on the following link to join our trip and participating in the planning: http://apps.facebook.com/grouptravelbuddy/21_trip_summary.php?tripid=218

Don't hesitate to let us know if you're having any problems.