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| LIMA - ICA - PARACAS -
THE SACRED VALLEY - CUSCO - MACHU PICCHU
10 days - 9 nights
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| TRIP DESCRIPTION
Peru has one of the most dramatically diverse landscapes that can be explored from one day to the next. On this exciting adventure escape, you will experience the striking contrast between the endless sand dunes of the Ica desert and the vibrant highlands of the Andes in Peru. As the journey unfolds, you will find yourself learning the best kept secrets about Pisco and wine elaboration process, sand-boarding the giant dunes of the Huacachina desert, sailing with Humboldt penguins and sea lions around the Ballestas Islands and discovering the incredibly unique and stunning landscape of the Paracas National Reserve. We save the best for last; discovering the heart of the Inca Empire, the Sacred Valley, Cusco and finally, the magnificent Machu Picchu! All the while travelling through Peru with other fun like-minded souls, eating amazing delicious foods and undoubtedly living a few unexpected adventures along the way.
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Day 1: Arrival Day
Upon arrival to Lima's Airport, make your way by taxi or shared shuttle to your hotel in the Miraflores district where you are free to relax and wander around at your own pace. Depending on the time of your arrival, we have plenty of suggestions so you can make the most of your first day in Lima. You can also meet with the rest of the group later for a welcome dinner.
Suggested Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel in Miraflores, Lima
Included Meal: None today.
Note that we have included every breakfast in this package and have kept lunches and dinners extra as food choices are quite varied and inexpensive in Peru. You can therefore choose what to eat, share or even skip a meal if you want! All meals will be held together as a group in wonderful restaurants along the way. Budget between 20-50US per day for food and alcoholic beverages. Credit cards are accepted in most restaurants.
Recommendations: We recommend trying to arrive in Lima between 10am and 4pm so you have some time to relax in the city today. Otherwise, consider arriving a day earlier. Airport taxis to your Miraflores hotel cost approximately 25US and can be booked directly at the arrivals gate (look for Green Taxi). Additionally, there is also an airport shuttle bus that costs $8 and drops you downtown Miraflores (Airport Express Lima). Finally, if you arrive in a group and would prefer to be picked up by a private van we can coordinate this for you. Price to be determined based on the number of passengers.
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Day 2: The Pisco Vineyards & Sand-boarding at Huacachina Oasis
This morning we have an early departure. In our private transport we’ll be driving for 300km along the Panamerican Highway. We’ll be heading to the valley of Ica, located 4 hours south of Lima and surrounded by the endless sand dunes of the Ica desert. Ica is well known for its warm and dry climate, which is perfect for growing vines, so, when approaching Ica, we’ll make a short stop for a guided tour through a historical vineyard where our famous Pisco liquors are made. During this visit, we will learn about and taste the various types of Pisco that exist here in Peru.
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After our Pisco tour, we'll head to the natural lagoon of Huacachina, known as the Oasis of the Americas. From this beautiful “Arabian-like” landscape, enjoy some free time to grab a quick bite and then we’ll venture into the desert dunes aboard powerful sand buggies. During the ride we’ll be stopping at selected dunes away from the crowds where we can practice some sand boarding and test our skills in this fun sport. After observing the sunset from the vastness of the desert we go back to Paracas and relax in our charming hotel for the evening.
Suggested Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel in Paracas
Included Meal: Breakfast
Included Activities: Pisco tour + buggy ride & sand-boarding.
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Day 3: Ballestas Islands & Paracas Reserve
After breakfast, we’ll board the fully equipped speedboats departing from the Libertador Pier towards the Ballestas Islands, also known as the little Galapagos because of the great variety of marine wildlife that inhabit them. En route, our boat stops to observe "The Chandelier", an enigmatic figure that can only be seen from the sea. We’ll be circumnavigating the islands as we approach caves and other rock formations while we intent to spot the local wildlife which, amongst others, consist on Sealions, Humboldt Penguins and various other marine bird species.
Once back on dry land we’ll drive to the Paracas Reserve, one of Peru’s most important and protected natural area. First, we’ll visit the park’s visitor center and then walk along a trail to try and see the Parihuanas (Andean flamingos). From here we'll drive through a dirt road to some cliff top lookouts where we can admire the immensity of the ocean and beautiful beaches. We'll finish our time here with lunch (not included) in one of our favourite seafood restaurants in the tiny fishing village of "Lagunillas" and then we return to Lima.
Suggested Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel in Lima
Included Meal: Breakfast
Included Activities: Boat tour to the Ballestas Islands + Visit of the Paracas National Reserve.
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Day 4: The Sacred Valley of the Incas: Arrival into Cusco + Pisac
After an early breakfast we have a short drive to the airport to take our one hour flight to the city of Cusco. Some of the best views of the Andes can be seen from the plane. Upon arrival to Cusco airport we will be met by our local guide who will welcome us and take us on our private transport towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Because of its lower elevation (2,870 meters or 9,415 feet above sea level) and its peaceful atmosphere, the Sacred Valley is the perfect place to enjoy your first few days as you adapt to the high altitude of this region.
We'll first introduce you to the archaeological site of Pisac, one of the Sacred Valley's finest and most impressive Inca complex with terraces built on its hills. To visit the site, you must walk along winding paths on a mountain cliff. Among the most important buildings are Pisaca, which is a curved wall; the Intihuatana, a solar clock among a group of temples and the military zone called "Q'Allaqasa".
We'll also spend some time at the actual village of Pisac itself. This charming town is located just under the Inca complex and features lovely cobblestone streets lined with colourful markets and restaurants. We'll have some time to explore the town, shop and enjoy our lunch before reaching our hotel in the late afternoon. The drive to our hotel is a scenic one as we drive pass fields, mountains and cozy Andean villages. It will take us about 1.5 hours to drive from Cusco to Pisac and then about 45 minutes from Pisac to our hotel in the Sacred Valley. The rest of the day is free to get settled in and enjoy the beauty of the rural countryside of Peru.
Suggested Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in the Sacred Valley
Included Meal: Breakfast
Included Activity: Guided walking tour of Pisac
Flight: Not included. Price is based on flight and ticket class selected. We will advise.
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Day 5: The Sacred Valley of the Incas: Maras & Moray
This morning we'll set off on a tour of the Southern segment of the Sacred Valley to reach Moray, one of the most unusual Inca sites consisting of circular terraces built upon a natural depression which seem to have been an agricultural experimental station used to adapt crops to different temperatures. Hike around these impressive crops and photograph the stunning views of the Andean landscape in the backdrop.
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For those interested in walking, we will hike from Moray to the small town of Maras crossing through beautiful countryside surrounded by impressive views of the Andes. Maras is an impressive salt-extraction complex consisting of thousands of small terraces. During the dry season they fill the pans every 3 days with salty water that comes from a natural spring, once the water is evaporated, they collect the salt they have been selling at the markets of the region since before the Inca times. After a fun explanation and some time to visit the site, you can enjoy the many little shops selling salt and other local products like maca, quinoa, crafts and more. We should be returning to our hotel around 4 or 5pm today allowing you some time to relax before dinner.
Suggested Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in the Sacred Valley
Included Meal: Breakfast
Included Activities: Guided tour of Moray & Maras.
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Day 6: The Sacred Valley of the Incas: Awanacancha & Ollantaytambo
This morning we'll set off yet again in the Southern segment of the Sacred Valley. As we leave our hotel and on our way to Ollantaytambo, we'll stop at Awanacancha where you can meet native weavers and see South American camelid species, including llamas, alpacas, guanacos and vicunas. After this stop, we continue to the enchanting Inca site of Ollantaytambo, a village in the Sacred Valley of south Peru, set on the Urubamba River amid snow-capped mountains. It's known for the Ollantaytambo ruins, a massive Inca fortress with large stone terraces on a hillside. Major sites within the complex include the huge Sun Temple and the Princess Baths fountain. The village's old town is an Inca-era grid of cobblestoned streets and adobe buildings.
Return to the lodge this afternoon for some rest and maybe a spa treatment or massage if available. If we have enough interest in the group, we may also invite you to join us for a rejuvenating complimentary yoga class.
On tonight's menu is a traditional Pachamanca dinner where we'll have the pleasure of having our food blessed by a Paco, otherwise known as an Andean Shaman. The Andean meal involves a mixture of spiced meats and vegetables buried amidst hot stones and cooked over the course of several hours in honor of Pacha Mama (Mother Earth).
Suggested Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in the Sacred Valley
Included Meal: Breakfast
Included Activities: Guided visit of Awanacancha & Ollantaytambo + Optional yoga class
Optional: Traditional Pachamanca dinner (40US per person) - Highly recommended! Vegetarians and vegans will have plenty options if not eating from the earth oven. More information will be given to you on arrival as this meal must be booked in advance for the group.
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Day 7: Discover the Lost City of the Incas: Machu Picchu
Today is the big day! Early in the morning, we'll board the train heading to Machu Picchu Town otherwise known as Aguas Calientes. The train journey is a spectacle in itself as we'll be able to appreciate the changing landscape from green fields and eucalyptus forests to lush jungle, always travelling beside the meandering Urubamba River. Upon arriving we’ll drop our bags at the hotel and have a little time to relax. Then at midday we’ll head up to Machu Picchu. We take a 20-minute bus up the steep zigzagging road to Machu Picchu Citadel, located on an impressive mountain setting.
On arrival, we’ll decide if we would like to first hike up to the Inti Punku viewpoint (Sun Gate), a nice spot located about 1 hour away from the main site on the actual Inca Trail. Then, at around 2.30pm, it’s the ideal time to take our guided tour around the main areas of the citadel as most travelers should already be leaving at this point. We can tour the site until it closes around 5pm, at which time we’ll head down to the village.
The rest of the evening is free to relax. Enjoy some time exploring the small town of Aguas Calientes and the many colourful markets. We'll also dine at a really fun restaurant that offers a delicious Peruvian gastronomic experience.
Suggested Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes
Included Meal: Breakfast
Included Activities: Guided visit of Machu Picchu
Included Transportation: Train to Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes)
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Day 8: Scenic Train Journey to Cusco
This morning, depending on the time we depart by train, you may have some time to explore more of the town and markets. We then return by train to Ollantaytambo where we will board our comfy bus for a short journey ride by road to Cusco.
Once in Cusco, you will have some free time to settle into your space and enjoy exploring the many shops and courtyards of this beautiful UNESCO heritage city.
This evening, meet us for a lovely dinner or stay back to rest and order in. We'll be introducing you to one of our favorite restaurants surrounding the town square and main Cathedral. In fact, the main square is considered one of the most beautiful in the world! Enjoy the mountains dotted with city lights, cobblestone streets and the crisp breeze of Cusco tonight.
Suggested Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Cusco
Included Meal: Breakfast
Included Transportation: Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
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Day 9: Cusco At Leisure
Cusco is one of the most interesting places in all of Peru and South America. This morning join us as we visit to the most impressive Inca site in all of the country: Sacsayhuamán (often pronounced sexy woman). See the immense stones used to construct the base of many of their most cherished monuments and buildings. These same stones were then used by the Spaniards that came in the early 16th century to build what is now known as Cusco. Enjoy the rest of your day to explore the streets and plazas of this UNESCO World Heritage City at your own pace.
This evening we meet for our last group dinner in one of the many amazing restaurants in the City.
Suggested Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel in Cusco
Included Meal: Breakfast
Included Activity: Visit of Sacsayhuamán with your RR Escape host. The entrance into the site is included but the transportation to get to the site is extra (expect under 10US per taxi return to share)
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Day 10: Departure Day
Today, you'll have some free time to maybe take a last walk around Cusco's shops and markets and then, at the coordinated time, you'll head to Cusco's airport to board your flight to Lima and international connecting flights to your next destination.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Airport transfer: Extra but very inexpensive. Approx. 7USD per taxi.
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YOUR ACCOMMODATION
Below is a list of potential hotels that we may be using for the trip. We love Tierra Viva boutique hotels and can't wait for you to stay and experience their warm service and beautiful spaces. The hotels are subject to availability at the time of booking. If unavailable, similar great options will be suggested.
Day 4- Sacred Valley - Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado
Day 5 - Sacred Valley - Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado
Day 6 - Sacred Valley - Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado
Day 10 - Departure Day
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YOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES
- Double occupancy accommodation in lovely above standard hotels as mentioned in the program above.
- All delicious breakfasts including unlimited fresh juices, Peruvian coffee and tea.
- All tours and entrance fees as mentioned above including your fun guided visit to MACHU PICCHU.
- All private land transfers for the group including the trains to and from Machu Picchu town.
- English-speaking Peruvian guide and your RR Escape host accompanying you the whole way.
EXTRAS
- International flights (we can advise).
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure (max 30US private or less if shared).
- Domestic flights if not already included in your specific package. (See main invite). From 100US to 350US return.
- Lunches and dinners for added flexibility (budget +/- 30US per day.)
- Extras like travel insurance, water and tips while on tour.
COST
See main invite for cost. Includes taxes. Based on double occupancy. See main invite for single occupancy upgrade!
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WHAT'S NEXT...
Contact us for more information on how to join us in Peru. Spots are limited to only a few so join now as spaces will fill up fast! Once you sign up, we'll send you a complete packing list and more information on how to prepare for this exciting Escape!
If you have a Q, we have an A.
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