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| LIMA - ICA - PARACAS
THE SACRED VALLEY - CUSCO - MACHU PICCHU
10 days - 9 nights
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| TRIP DESCRIPTION
This adventurous yoga journey takes you from the sea to the mountains. Learn the best-kept secrets of pisco and wine making, sand-board the giant dunes of the Huacachina Desert, sail with Humboldt penguins and sea lions, and explore the Paracas National Reserve. Then explore the heart of the Inca Empire, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu! Each day you'll have a mix of fun adventures and, once in the Sacred Valley, yoga to rejuvenate mind, body and spirit.
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Day 1: Arrival Day
After arriving at Lima's airport, take a taxi or shared shuttle to your hotel in the Miraflores district, where you can relax and explore at your own pace. Depending on your time of arrival, we have many suggestions to help you make the most of your first day in Lima. If you have arrived on time today, we invite you to meet us in the main lobby for our welcome circle. We'll then go out as a group for our first dinner!
Suggested Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel in Miraflores, Lima
Included Meal: None.
Important note: 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. 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 20US 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 based on the the total number in your group.
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Day 2: The Pisco Vineyards & Sandboarding at Huacachina Oasis
This morning we have an early start. We'll be traveling by private shuttle for 180 miles along the Panamericana. We'll be heading into the Ica Valley, 4 hours south of Lima and surrounded by the endless sand dunes of the Ica Desert. Ica is known for its warm and dry climate, which is perfect for growing grapes, so as we approach Ica we'll make a short stop for a guided tour of a historic vineyard where our famous pisco liqueurs are made. During this visit we will learn about and taste the different types of pisco that exist here in Peru.
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After a short drive from the vineyards, we head to the natural lagoon of Huacachina, known as the Oasis of the Americas. Here you will have time for a quick bite to eat before boarding powerful sand buggies to explore this beautiful "Arabian" landscape. On the way we'll stop at selected dunes to practice sandboarding and test our skills at this fun sport. As the sun sets, take some time to meditate or take fun photos with the incredible scenery that surrounds you. After watching the sunset from the vastness of the desert, we drive to Paracas and relax at our charming hotel and finish the day with a lovely seafood dinner.
Suggested Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel in Paracas
Included Meal: Breakfast
Included Activities: Pisco tour + buggy ride & sandboarding
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Day 3: Ballestas Islands & Paracas Reserve
Early this morning, after a quick pre-breakfast snack, head to the pool area for a lovely yoga session overlooking the beach and bay. After breakfast, we'll board the fully equipped speedboats that leave from the Libertador Pier for the Ballestas Islands, also known as the Little Galapagos for the variety of marine life that inhabits them. Along the way, our boat stops to observe "The Chandelier", an enigmatic figure that can only be seen from the sea. We'll circumnavigate the islands, approaching caves and other rock formations in search of the local wildlife, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins and various other seabirds.
Once back on dry land, we'll head to the Paracas Reserve, one of Peru's most important and protected natural areas. We'll visit the park's visitor center and then take a walk along a trail to try and spot the Parihuanas (Andean flamingos). We then drive along a dirt road to some cliff top viewpoints where we can admire the immensity of the ocean and beautiful beaches. We will have a delicious seafood lunch in the small fishing village of Lagunillas before returning to Lima. Tonight's dinner is at leisure. There are amazing restaurants near the hotel for you to enjoy!
Suggested Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel in Lima
Included Meal: Breakfast
Included Activities: Yoga by the pool (bring your yoga mat) + Boat tour to the Ballestas Islands + Visit of the Paracas 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 for our one hour flight to the city of Cusco. You'll see great views of the Andes from the plane. On arrival at Cusco airport we will be met by our local guide who will welcome us and take us by private transport to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Due to its low altitude (2,870 metres or 9,415 feet above sea level) and peaceful atmosphere, the Sacred Valley is the perfect place to enjoy your first few days while you adjust to the altitude of this region.
We'll start by introducing you to the archaeological site of Pisac, one of the most beautiful and impressive Inca terraced complexes in the Sacred Valley. To visit the site you have to walk along winding paths on a mountain cliff. Among the most important buildings are the Pisaca, a curving wall, the Intihuatana, a solar clock in a group of temples, and the military area called "Q'Allaqasa".
We'll also spend some time in the actual village of Pisac itself. This charming town lies just below the Inca complex and has lovely cobbled streets lined with colorful markets and restaurants. We'll have some time to explore the town and enjoy lunch and the markets before arriving at our hotel in the late afternoon. The drive to our hotel is a scenic one as we pass fields, mountains and cosy Andean villages. The drive from Cusco to Pisac takes about 1.5 hours and from Pisac to our hotel in the Sacred Valley about 45 minutes. The rest of the day is free to settle in and enjoy your first yoga practice surrounded by the beauty of the Peruvian countryside.
The Sacred Valley is where we will focus most of your yoga sessions, but there may be opportunities to practice along the way as mentioned above.
Suggested Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in the Sacred Valley
Included Meal: Breakfast
Included Activity: Guided walking tour of Pisac + Your first official yoga practice in the Sacred Valley
Flight: Included.
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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 part of the Sacred Valley to reach Moray, one of the most unusual Inca sites, consisting of circular terraces built on a natural depression that appears to have been an agricultural experiment station used to adapt crops to different temperatures. Hike around these impressive crops and photograph the stunning views of the Andean landscape in the background.
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For those interested in walking, we will hike from Moray to the small town of Maras through beautiful countryside with stunning views of the Andes. Maras is an impressive salt production complex consisting of thousands of small terraces. During the dry season, the pans are filled every 3 days with salty water from a natural spring, and once the water has evaporated, they collect the salt, which has been sold in the region's markets since before Inca times. After an entertaining explanation and some time to explore the site, you can enjoy the many small shops selling salt and other local products such as maca, quinoa, handicrafts and more. We should return to our hotel around 4 or 5pm today, in time for another relaxing yoga session before dinner.
Suggested Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in the Sacred Valley
Included Meal: Breakfast
Included Activities: Guided tour of Moray & Maras + Yoga
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Day 6: The Sacred Valley of the Incas: Ollantaytambo & Yucay
This morning we'll return to the southern part of the Sacred Valley. We start our day in the enchanting Inca town of Ollantaytambo, a village surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It's famous for the Ollantaytambo ruins, a massive Inca fortress with large stone terraces on a hillside. Important sites within the complex include the huge Temple of the Sun and the Fountain of the Princess Baths. The old town is an Inca-era grid of cobbled streets and adobe buildings. You'll have all morning to explore the site and enjoy the colorful markets.
After lunch in this quaint little Andean town, we head to a live museum where you'll meet local weavers and see South American camelid species, including llamas, alpacas, guanacos and vicunas. This interactive look at life in the Andes will give you a great introduction to this unique culture. Surrounded by the Sacred Valley, the museum is also the perfect setting for your next yoga session.
We won't have to go far for dinner! On tonight's menu is an optional traditional Pachamanca dinner, where we'll have the pleasure of having our food blessed by a Paco, also known as an Andean shaman. The Andean meal is a mixture of spiced meats and vegetables buried under hot stones and cooked for several hours in honor of Pacha Mama (Mother Earth). Fairy lights and traditional music surround us as we enjoy this unique meal under the moon and stars.
Suggested Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in the Sacred Valley
Included Meal: Breakfast.
Optional meal: Traditional Pachamanca dinner. Buffet style, includes one non-alcoholic drink. Dessert and additional drinks are extra. Vegetarians and vegans will have plenty of options if not eating from the earth. More information will be provided upon arrival.
Included Activities: Guided visit of Ollantaytambo and the Yucay Live Museum.
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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 for Machu Picchu town. The train ride is a spectacle in itself, as we'll take in the changing landscape from green fields and eucalyptus forests to lush jungle, all the while travelling along the meandering Urubamba River. On arrival, we'll drop our bags off at the hotel and have some time to relax. At lunchtime we'll head up to Machu Picchu. We take a 20 minute bus ride up the steep, zigzagging road to the citadel of Machu Picchu, set in an impressive mountainous landscape.
On arrival, we'll take you to one of the best viewpoints to see the site and take photos. There we'll give you a short introduction before heading into the citadel for a full tour of Machu Picchu. Afternoons are always best as most travellers will have left by then. We'll be able to explore the site until it closes at around 5pm, at which point we'll head down to the village.
The rest of the evening is at leisure. Enjoy some time to explore the small town of Aguas Calientes and its many colorful markets. We'll also have dinner at a really fun restaurant serving delicious Peruvian food.
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
This morning, join us for an optional visit to the most impressive Inca site in the country: Sacsayhuamán (often pronounced "sexy woman"). See the giant stones used to build the foundations of many of their most treasured monuments and buildings. These same stones were then used by the Spaniards who arrived in the early 16th century to build what is now known as Cusco. Enjoy the rest of the 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 we will have some free time for a last stroll through Cusco's shops and markets and then at the coordinated time you will be transferred to Cusco's airport to board your flight to Lima and international connecting flights to your next destination.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Note that the airport transfer is not incldued. Cost of a taxi is approx. $10USD per taxi and can be shared with those flying out together
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YOUR ACCOMMODATION
Below is a list of potential hotels that we will be using for the trip. The hotels are subject to availability at the time of booking. If unavailable, similar options will be suggested.
Day 4- Sacred Valley - Tierra Viva
Day 5 - Sacred Valley - Tierra Viva
Day 6 - Sacred Valley - Tierra Viva
Day 9 - Cusco - Tierra Viva
Day 10 - Departure Day
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YOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES
- Twin shared occupancy in lovely above standard hotels as mentioned in the program above.
- Your domestic flight from Lima to Cusco on Day 4
- All delicious breakfasts including fresh juices, Peruvian coffee and tea.
- All tours and entrance fees as mentionned above including your fun visit to MACHU PICCHU.
- All private transportation for the group including the trains to and from Machu Picchu town.
- Energizing yoga sessions in the Sacred Valley and other fun locations around Peru. (Be prepared to practice in natural settings and make sure to bring your yoga mat!
- English-speaking Peruvian guide and your RR Escape host accompanying you from start to finish!
EXTRAS
- International flights (we can advise).
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure (budget more or less 30US).
- Your return domestic flight from Cusco to Lima on Day 10. We can book it for you for a fee or you can book it yourself. We will advise.
- Lunches and dinners (budget +/- 40US per day.)
- Extras like travel insurance, water and tips while on tour.
COST
See main invite for cost. Includes taxes. Based on twin shared occupancy. Add 575US for a single occupancy upgrade!
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WHAT'S NEXT...
Contact us for more information and to join our exciting Peruvian yoga adventure in South America. Spots are limited so grab yours now! Once you register, we'll send you a complete packing list and more information on how to prepare for this exciting yoga escape in Peru!
If you have a Q, we have an A.
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