PERU TOURS - PERU MASTERPIECES TOUR

                        PERU MASTERPIECES
                           13 Days - 12 Nights

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".

Unique Features:
- Enjoy a voyage through the Andes to Machu Picchu aboard the Vistadome Train
- Meet and learn about the lifestyle of the indigeneous Indians of the floating islands of the Uros people on Lake Titicaca
- Spend 2 nights in the Paracas National Preserve, Peru's only coastal wildlife sanctuary
- See and learn centuries-old Andean methods of spinning, dyeing and weaving traditional textiles with a visit to a living museum of the Peruvian Andes
- Enjoy spectacular Machu Picchu, ancient Inka ruins high atop the Andes Mountains

Departure Dates: October 15, 22, November 5, 2008; January 28, February 11, 25, March 11, 18, 25, April 15, 22, 2009


Day 1   Home City
Overnight flight to Lima, Peru's capital city, the "City of Kings".

Day 2   Lima - City Tour - Welcome Dinner
Meet and Greet upon arrival to the Airport, and Transfer to the Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores. 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 Limenos (Lima's residents). Today, your Tour Manager will help you to 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.   D
 
Day 3   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 the Peruvian cultures. Settle in this evening at the Sonesta Posada del Inca, your hotel nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley.   B, D

Day 4  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.   B

Day 5   Sacred Valley of the Incas - Machu Picchu
Begin the day with a thrilling 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, and is also listed as one of the newest 7 Wonders of the World.  Spend the day with your guide unclovering the mysteries of this great place before overnighting at the base of Machu Picchu.   B, D

Day 6   Machu Picchu - Cuzco
This morning you will have the opportunity to return once again to Machu Picchu if you choose. This afternoon you return 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. Check-in to the Casa Andina Private Collection Cuzco, relax and become acclimated to the altitude in the evening.   B

Day 7   Cuzco - Colonial City Tour - Sacsayhuaman Fortress
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 Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman Fortress and Tambo Machay fountain. Next, meet Peruvian children with a special visit to a local orphanage sponsored by the Collette Foundation. This evening, enjoy a dinner and performance of traditional Andean folkloric music and dance.   B, D

Day 8   Cuzco - Andahuaylillas - Raqchi - Lake Titicaca - 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 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 birthpalce of the Inca Empire - in fact, ancient Inca legends say that life began here. Relax this evening at your hotel Sonesta Posada del Inca Puno surrounded by spectacular vistas of the lake and mountains.   B, D

Day 9   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. 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 archaeological area of gigantic funerary monuments dating from the 13th century.   B

Day 10   Puno - Lima - Paracas National Reserve
This morning fly to Lima and continue south to Paracas National Reserve, Peru's only coastal wildlife sanctuary. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure at your charming seaside resort property or perhaps take an optional dune buggy ride in the nearby desert.   B, D

Day 11   Paracas National Preserve
This morning cruise out to the Ballestas Islands. Referred to as the "Galapagos of Peru", these islands are home to thousands of sea birds, including Humboldt penguins, boobies, pelicans and cormorants. These fascinating sea birds share their home with hundreds of playful sea lions, and you may see hundreds of them lazing on the rocks or swimming around the boat during your cruise. You may even catch a glimpse of the elusive condor. This afternoon an optional flight over the enigmatic Nazca Lines will be offered. These mysterious lines, dating to pre-Inca civilization, were etched in the sand between 900 BC and 600 AD. The how remains a mystery to this day.   B, D

Day 12   Paracas National Preserve - Lima
This morning return north to Lima, traveling through the region of Pisco. Known for its wine and pisco production, this fertile valley lies in the middle of the central desert. Visit a local bodega for a tour and tasting of pIsco, Peru's national drink. Your day ends in Lima with a farewell dinner at one of Lima's finest restaurants. Check in to the Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores.   B, D

Day 13   Lima - Home City
At the appropiate time, Transfer to the Airport for flight homeward or next destination.

B   Breakfast     L   Lunch     D   Dinner

Tour Includes:
- Meet and Greet at the Airport upon arrival, and Transfer to your hotel
- Sightseeing Excursions and Local Guide as described
- 2 Nights Accommodations in Lima at the Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores*
- 2 Nights Accommodations in the Sacred Valley at the Sonesta Posada del Inca Yucay*
- 1 Night Accommodations in Aguas Calientes at the foot of Machu Picchu
- 2 Nights Accommodations in Cuzco at the Casa Andina Private Collection Cuzco*
- 2 Nights Accommodations in Puno at the Sonesta Posada del Inca Puno*
- 2 Nights Accommodations in Paracas at the Doubletree Guest Suites* or Ica at Las Dunas*
- 11 Breakfasts, 8 Dinners
- Departure Transfer to the Airport

*On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

Not Included in Tour Price:
The land price of the tour does not include Air Travel, Airline Fees, Airport or Departure Taxes, Transfers, Visas, customary end of trip Gratuities for your Tour Manager, Driver, Local Guides, Hotel Housekeepers, and any Incidental Charges.

Important Notes:
- Travelers must be in good health as sightseeing requires walking on uneven terrain, wheelchairs and walkers cannot be accommodated on this tour. Many activities in this itinerary include walking on uneven terrain, or require significant walking at times. Some of the unique experiences, such as visiting historical areas, means accessing locations by foot because motor coaches are restricted.
- This tour is an adventure! You will view spectacular scenery while experiencing the culture and heritage of the region. Hotels selected outside of Lima are small with one or two levels and do not have elevators which may require you to climb 10-15 steps to get to/from your room.
- Highest elevation is approximately 13,000 feet (La Raya Pass, en route to Puno).
- The days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilize your time on tour.

Sample Air Inclusive Rates:
Starting at $2999.00 Per Person from Miami.
Includes fuel surcharges at the time of print. Based on double rate. Taxes and fees are additional. Availability of prices in the brochure is limited, and at the time you purchase your tour, prices may be higher. Internal flights are included with the vacation if you purchase air through Collette Vacations -Escorted Latin America Tours. Ask about our Business Class upgrade.

Deposit and Payment Policy:
- A $300.00 non-refundable deposit is required at time of booking to secure your reservation.
- Balance is due 65 days prior to departure.

Cancellation Policy:
- More than 65 days prior to departure, a non-refundable deposit will be retained
- 64 - 21 days prior to departure: 25% of total price
- 20 - 2 days prior to departure: 40% of total price
- 1 Day prior to Departure and afterward: 100% of total price

Travel Insurance is strongly recommended.
  




 


 


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