GeoTours Trip to PERU – JULY 8-18, 2011
TRIP IS FULL FOR 2011
Peru Trip Cost = $990 – Land only (hotels, transportation by bus, train, and boat, entries/activities, some meals)
International and Domestic Airfare is extra, costs about $1000 (including taxes)
Optional extension to Amazon Rainforest (July 4-8) costs $595, including round-trip airfare from Lima to Iquitos
Friday July 8 – Depart USA to Peru
Depart LAX in the early morning (1 am) (about $800 round-trip on Copa or Taca), arrive in Lima, and connect to afternoon flight ($100) to Arequipa. Arequipa is beautifully located at the edge of the Andes with Misti Volcano towering behind. Check in to Casa de Melgar Hotel, formerly the residence of the archbishop.
Saturday July 9 – Arequipa
Visit Arequipa’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One highlight is Santa Catalina Monastery with beautiful architecture and murals. Take in the scenic views overlooking Arequipa towards Misti Vocano. Enjoy Arequipa’s beautiful Plaza de Armas with plenty of restaurants and shopping. Night #2 in Arequipa.
Sunday July 10 – Colca Canyon
Two-day excursion to Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. See rare vicunasat the Aguada Blanca Vicuna Reserve. Soak in hot springs at Chivay.
Monday July 11 - Colca Canyon to Puno
Morning visit to Cruz del Condor viewpoint to see Andean condors. Stop in small villages to see indigenous culture. Scenic viewpoints of ancient terracing. Continue to Puno on the shore of Lake Titicaca, 12,500’ elevation. Two nights at Mosoq Inn in Puno.
Tuesday July 12 – Puno
Morning is free to relax or shop in Puno. Afternoon tour of the pre-Inca tower tombs at Sillustani. Night #2 in Puno.
Wednesday July 13 – Lake Titicaca
Take a boat trip on Lake Titicaca, first to the Uros Islands, floating islands made of tortora reeds. Continue to Amantani Island where you’ll spend the night in a non-touristy village. Learn about traditional lifestyles. Hike to an ancient temple on a hilltop for sunset over the lake.
Tuesday July 14 - Lake Titicaca to Cusco
From Amantani Island we take a boat across Lake Titicaca back to Puno. Continue to Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire 500 years ago and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Two nights in Cusco.
Friday July 15 – Cusco
Explore Cusco – Plaza de Armas, San Blas Church, excellent shopping and restaurants.
Saturday July 16 – Cusco-Pisac-Sacred Valley-Aguas Calientes
Leaving Cusco we take in the beautiful views at various viewpoints. In Pisac we attend the annual Fiesta of the Virgin of Carmen, with vibrant dancing and colorful costumes. Visit the ancient salt mines at Salineras. Travel through the beautiful Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo. Afternoon train ride along the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu. One night in Aguas Calientes.
Sunday July 17 – Machu Picchu
Morning bus ride up to Machu Picchu, the greatest archeological site of the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the ruins around sunrise before it’s crowded with tour groups. Explore the site, and consider climbing Huayna Picchu peak for an additional great view of Machu Picchu. Afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo, and bus to Cusco. One night in Cusco.
Monday July 18 – Cusco to Lima; return to USA or continue to the Amazon
Morning flight from Cusco to Lima. Either fly home to the USA or continue your adventure with a trip to the Amazon. .
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Peru, July 2011
