Day 01: Arrive Lima (PERU)

Arrival in Lima and transfer from the airport to the hotel. Check in time starts from 1400 hrs.

Overnight: Hotel La Hacienda Miraflores, Lima (2 nights)

Day 02: Lima

Today explore Lima* on a sightseeing tour. Our experience starts at the Plaza de Armas with its beautiful buildings, including the government palace, the town hall, the palace of the archbishop and the cathedral, still some of the most important places in town. After that, visit the beautiful San Francisco monastery, which displays the largest collection of religious art in America. The highlight of this convent is a visit to the underground vaults known as “catacumbas” or catacombs.  Proceed through the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores to the coastline, enjoying the view over the beaches of Lima and the Pacific Ocean.  Afterwards, enjoy a guided visit to one of Lima’s most noted museums, the Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum, which houses the world’s largest private collection of Peruvian Pre-Columbian art. Rafael Larco Hoyle founded the museum on July 28, 1926, on the Chiclin sugar estate in Trujillo, naming it after his father. In 1958, he moved the collection to Lima, installing the museum in a colonial house in the district of Pueblo Libre, where it currently functions. The collection boasts approximately 45,000 objects, which have been exhibited to the public. The halls of the Larco Museum are organized by subject. The Metals, Ceramics, Stones, Culture, Great Jewellery Vault and Textile halls emphasize the technological aspects of Pre-Columbian cultures. Finally, the unique Erotic Hall gives us a glimpse of the fascinating sexual life of ancient Peruvians. Our afternoon is free to sample more of Lima’s attractions. (B)

Day 03: Lima/Cusco (Flight)/Yucay (Drive)

Transfer to the airport for our flight to Cusco (cost not included). Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel in the Urubamba Valley, known as the Sacred Valley. Here the Urubamba River, a headstream of the Amazon, passes through. On our way to the Urubamba Valley, enjoy a short visit to the sanctuary Cochahuasi. We will have the opportunity to see pumas, condors and aras at this small conservation centre. Here it’s also possible to get an insight in the Andean web techniques.

Overnight: Hotel Sonesta Posada del Inca Yucay, Yucay (2 nights) (B)

Day 04: Yucay

In the morning, you will visit the Mercado de Urubamba, an authentic market where real bartering takes place. Here the rural people of the surrounding regions sell and barter agricultural products and animals. It is also the place where locals exchange gossip and news. Journey on to Ollantaytambo, a typical Inca community. Towering above the town of Ollantaytambo, we explore the fortress of the same name. Steep stone terraces rising from the edge of town lead up to the ruins at the top of the hill. A stone stairway takes us through the terrace walls, allowing visitors to step out on them. One of the best-preserved areas lies north of the Hanan Huacaypata square, boasting 15 blocks of houses built on top of carved stone walls. We enjoy lunch at a typical restaurant on the way to Ollantaytambo. Free time in the afternoon. (B, L)

Day 05: Yucay/Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes (Drive)

Transfer by bus to the train station of Ollantaytambo. A scenic journey ahead as we take a train through through the fertile plain of the Urubamba Valley and on to Aguas Calientes. From here, small busses drive up the steep mountain to the ruins of Machu Picchu*. Called the Lost City of the Incas, this cultural heritage of mankind is a beautifully located and impressive stone city constructed with a technique incredible for its era and even for present times. Here, stone upon stone has been fitted together perfectly without any cement, with impressive delicacy, exquisite detail and discrimination worthy of the world’s greatest palaces. There are many theories about Machu Picchu, but one thing is for sure - it is one of the most impressive sites in the world. Enjoy a guided visit of the ruins (approx. 2 hours) and return by shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes.

Overnight: Hotel El Mapi, Aguas Calientes (1 night) (B)

Day 06: Aguas Calientes/Cusco (Drive)

Our morning is free. In the afternoon, return by train to Ollantaytambo (without guide assistance). Transfer to Cusco.

Overnight: Hotel Eco Inn (2020) Hotel Xima Cusco, Cusco (2 nights) (B)

Day 07: Cusco

In the morning, we discover Cusco* on a half-day tour. Our experience starts at Plaza de Armas, shown to be the exact centre of the Inca Empire. To protect the historic center of Cusco, vehicles are no longer allowed in this main square. Here we will find the cathedral built on the ruins of the ancient Inca Palace. The cathedral borders on other churches on both sides. Next stop will be the old town, with its magnificent renovated colonial buildings. Then proceed to Sacsayhuaman, a ruin located approximately 3 kilometers above Cusco. Sacsayhuaman also offers a fabulous view of the city. Afterwards visit the surrounding ruins.  Afternoon is at leisure. (B)

Day 08: Cusco/Lima (Flight)

Transfer from the hotel to the airport of Cusco for our flight back to Lima (cost not included). Upon arrival, we are transferred to our Lima hotel with the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Hotel La Hacienda Miraflores, Lima (1 night) (B)

Day 09: Lima/Quito (Flight) (ECUADOR)

Transfer from the hotel to the airport for our flight to Quito, Ecuador (cost not included). Transfer to the hotel.  The rest of the day is free at leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Alameda Mercure, Quito (3 nights) (B)

Day 10: Quito

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Quito* (approx. 5 hours), which leads us through the historical centre. Our tour walks us through the culturally diverse history of this city. Take in Independence Square with the Government Palace and the Cathedral. On the way to San Francisco Square, visit the Church of La Compañia, which has the most ornate and richly sculptured façade and interior. Afterwards, we visit the famous hill of the old town, Panecillo (“Little Bread”) where we see the angel statue “Virgen de Quito”. Then proceed to the Equatorial Line Monument called “Middle of the World”, where we get the truly rare experience of standing in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres simultaneously. The Equatorial Monument marks the spot where an 18th century French scientific expedition established the exact position of the Equator. The area has been built as a typical colonial town, with restaurants, gift shops and a Post Office. Visit the monument and the Ethnographical Museum, which shows the history of the indigenous cultures of Ecuador, before returning to our hotel. (B)

(2020) Today you will enjoy a sightseeing-tour of the city of Quito which leads you through the historical centre of Quito for a walk through the culturally diverse history of this city. We will pass the church of La Compañia, which has the most ornate and richly sculptured façade and interior, the Independence Square with the Government Palace and the San Francisco Church including a visit. Afterwards visit of the Equatorial Line Monument called “Middle of the World” where you get a truly rare experience to stand in both, the Northern and Southern Hemispheres simultaneously. The Equatorial Monument marks the spot where an 18th century French scientific expedition established the exact position of the Equator. The area has been built as a typical colonial town, with restaurants, gift shops and Post Office with philatelic sales. Visit the monument and Ethnographical Museum, which shows the history of the Indian cultures of Ecuador. Return to the hotel. (B)

Day 11: Quito

Day free to explore the city further. Or, take an optional tour to visit the indigenous handcrafts market in Otavalo. (B)

Day 12: Depart Quito

Our fascinating journey through the heritage of Peru and Ecuador comes to an end as we are transferred to the airport for our departure flight. Checkout time is by 1100 hrs. Alternatively, extend our adventure with a visit to the biodiversity hotspot of the Galapagos, or other parts of South America. (B)

* please contact us for any other programs of Peru or a tour that combines Peru with other countries in South America.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

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Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 16 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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