PERU & BRAZIL

LIMA / CUSCO/ SACRED VALLEY/ MACHU PICCHU / CUSCO / LIMA / IGUAZU / RIO DE JANIERO

   13 DAYS

 

Itinerary: 13 DAYS

Day 01  : Lima.

Upon arrival to Lima Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the fashionable district of Miraflores by the sea. This district is very open and attractive with many restaurants’, shops and good walks as well as easy access into the centre of the capital, Lima. Overnight stay.

Day 02 : Lima. Half Day City Tour.

It is always in my opinion worth a day just to visit  Limas’ historical centre and to dine in one of the many exquisite restaurant’s in and around the area of Miraflores. Peru has a high recognition in the world of international cuisine.

In the morning, visit Colonial Lima and its Cathedral, located on the main square. Originally built in 1555 it was destroyed by the earthquake of 1746 and then rebuilt on the same site under the direction of Jesuit priest, Juan Rehr, both its facade and interior are austere with its remarkable wooden choir stalls, altars and the tomb of Francisco Pizarro, who died in 1541. Latter you will visit the Church of San Francisco, its Convent, Art Museum, Cloisters and Catacombs.

Afterwards walk and enjoy the panoramic view of the main square with the Government Palace, the Municipal Hall and the old Victorian Train Station “Desamparados”, before driving through the old streets, with its spectacular and traditional old Mansions and overhanging Moorish styled balconies. Continue through classic and modern Lima before finally arriving back to Miraflores and the beautiful sea views of the Pacific Ocean.

After take an optional visit to the Rafael Larco Herrera Museu founded in 1926, which has the largest private collection of Pre-Columbian art in the world. The collection concentrates on the refined ceramics of the Moche Dynasty and the people who lived along the northern coast of Peru between 200 and 700 AD. You will learn about their religion, agriculture, transport, dance and music through their ceramic designs and shapes or free afternoon.

In the evening optional dinner in one of Limas’ well known restaurant’s and enjoy this very interesting cuisine or evening free. Overnight.

Day 03 : Lima / Cusco / Sacred Valley.

At a co-ordinated hour transfer and fly to Cusco which lies at 3,500 meters.  Upon arrival you will be collected from the airport and driven overland to the Sacred Valley, a journey which will take approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes. On the way you will stop on route to take some pictures of the valley, the rural villages and admire the Pucara Bulls on the roofs of Andean houses. These small bulls are thought to be amulets that bring wealth to each family who owns them; they are usually given as wedding gifts. Upon arrival to our hotel, rest of the day free to acclimatise and to enjoy your new surroundings. Overnight

Day 04 : Sacred Valley. Full Day tour of the Valley and overnight stay.

In the morning visit the archaeological complex of Pisac, during the course of our hike around this area; appreciate the magnificent Andean Terraces, which were built to expand the agriculture lands. After visit the artisan market of Pisac a colourful local event that over the centuries has attracted local traders and remote communities from all over the valley, dressed in their traditional and colourful costumes. Enjoy the opportunity to interact with local people and appreciate their craftsmanship, handicrafts as well as local fruit and vegetable stalls.

Buffet lunch and after we will make our way to the historical town of Ollantaytambo, with its distinct Inca urban planning, visit the religious, astronomical and military complex and observe how the ancient Peruvians moved boulders of nearly 60 metric tons from one mountain to another and across the river and valley. Finally you will be transferred to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. Overnight

Please note that this program can be changed to include other attractions such as Chincheros and the Inca Salt Mines as well as Ollantaytambo.

Day 05 : Sacred Valley / Machu Picchu.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the station to board the train to Machu Picchu, a great World Heritage Site. This archaeological site was hidden for centuries until it came to light during the early 1900s, by the famous discoverer Hiram Bingham. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the afternoon free to relax or explore the small village of Aguas Calientes and surrounding area. Overnight.

Day 06 : Machu Picchu / Cusco. Enjoy Sunrise at Machu Picchu and tour of the Sanctuary.

In the morning, early rise and journey by bus to the Sanctuary (approximately 20 minutes)  to enjoy sun-rise. It is impossible to describe in word how you will feel when faced with the citadel, a huge complex located between the mountains and the jungle and a wonderful challenge to your imagination. On arrival you will begin your tour of the Citadel where you will appreciate the history of this enigmatic and impressive place. It was built on a very special spot covered in vegetation between two mountains: the Machu Picchu (old mountain) and Huayna Picchu (young mountain), at the foot of which meanders the Urubamba or Vilcanota River (lower Jungle featuring abundant flora and fauna).  In the afternoon at a coordinated time, you will be transferred to the station to board your return train to Cusco. Upon arrival, reception and transfer to your hotel. Overnight.

Day 07 : Cusco. City Tour and Surrounding Ruins.

In the morning you will be collected for your City Tour visiting Cusco’s Historical Inca and Spanish Colonial Monuments, such as the main square and known in Inca times as Huacaypata or the Warrior’s Square; it was the scene for many key events in Cusco’s history. Then the Cathedral, originally built on the site of the old temple of Suntur Wasi (House of God), now the church of El Triunfo, with its choir cloisters, pulpit and the engravings on its altar and furniture. Continue onto the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo, a Spanish construction belonging to the Dominican Order built upon the foundations of the Inca temple of Koricancha or Temple of the Sun. Koricancha (in quechua, site of gold) was the main religious building of the Incas who were dedicated to the worship of the Sun and whose walls, according to the chroniclers, were plated with sheets of gold. Magnificent blocks of finely carved stone were used in its construction. After, you will visit the surrounding ruins of Cusco: Sacsayhuaman a huge Inca fortress built on three overlapping platforms, each of them over 360 meters long. Then we continue onto Tambomachay, known as the Inca baths, it was apparently a site dedicated to the worship of water and a resting place for the Inca monarch.  Kenko, it is said to have been a worship site. There is a huge 5. 9 meter high stone block that looks like a Puma and there are also passages, canals and stairways with stone engravings representing animals. Finally, Puca Pucará, which was an administrative and military centre formed by terraces, stairways, passages, turrets and vaulted niches. Return to hotel and the evening free to rest or explore this magical place. Overnight.

Day 08 : Cusco / Lima. Fly to Lima and overnight.

Transfer and fly to Lima and connect with your flight to Iguazu. On arrival transfer and overnight.

Day 09 : Iguazu: Full day tour of Iguazu on the Argentinian side.

The Iguazu Falls are one of the most beautiful natural wonders on the planet and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Around 275 individual falls cascade down in the largest waterfall system in the world, truly a remarkable sight to behold. Discover one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and enjoy a full day tour on the Argentinian side. In the morning short transfer from Brazil to Argentina from where we will begin our tour which can be completed via 3 circuits best known as Lower Path, Higher path and the Devil´s Throat Path. The Lower Path winds through verdant jungle offering fantastic views of most of the rapids and falls from a lower point. The Higher Path, as its name suggests follows elevated walkways affording stunning views from a cliff-point lookout. The Devil’s Throat can only be accessed via the Ecological Jungle Train and with 14 cascades tumbling over 260 feet into the frothing water below, the views are simply spectacular. End of the day transfer to your hotel. Overnight.

Day 10 : Iguazu / Rio de Janiero.

Morning free to explore on your own the falls from the Brazilian side and in the afternoon fly to Rio de Janiero, on arrival transfer and overnight.

Day 11 : Rio de Janiero. Full day tour by jeep of Rio’s highlights, including the world famous Statue of Christ the Redeemer and the Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Today enjoy an exhilarating full day tour of Rio de Janeiro one of the most famous and iconic cities in the world by open-topped jeep. Your day starts with a visit through the tropical fruit-laden vegetation of the Tijuca forest, the largest urban forest in the world before continuing onto one of the 7 wonders of the world – the Statue of Christ Redeemer. From here enjoy wonderful sweeping panoramas of the city and is a must see on a visit to Rio. After lunch continue by jeep to the neighbourhood of Urca where we will find the iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain, here you will will board a cable-car heading first to Urca Hill. At this vantage point of 215 meters, you will have beautiful views of Guanabara Bay and its islands, the Rio-Niterói Bridge, and Corcovado Mountain. A second cable car will take you to the top of Sugar loaf, from where you can enjoy the amazing view of Rio spread before you, with its hills, beaches, favelas and bays. The excursion finishes with a visit to Rio’s botanic garden. Overnight.

Day 12 : Rio de Janiero.

A free day for you to continue exploring this fascinating city at your own pace or just relax and soak up some sunshine on one of Rio's many famous beaches, likes Copacabana or Ipanema. It's possible to jump on board the old tram system across the viaduct into the quaint cobblestone neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, or embark on a walking tour of Rio's historic buildings. In the evening you could take in one of the many live Samba dance shows or simply soak up the unique Brazilian atmosphere. Overnight.

Day 13 : Rio de Janiero / Home.

At a coordinated time transfer and board your International flight home.

End

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