Day
1 Sunday 11th May 2008 Arrive Lima
Upon your arrival in Lima, you will be met at the airport by your
Peruvian Secrets Tour Controller, who will transfer you to your
Lima hotel, the Hotel Faraona which is ideally located in the pleasant
district of Mira Flores. Here you will have time to settle in before
the group assembles to have the welcome dinner and sample the traditional
drink of Pisco Sour. After your meal your tour controller will give
you a short briefing on your coming tour and answer any questions
you may have. Your evening is then free to relax, meet the rest
of the group or get an early nights sleep, ready for your big Peruvian
adventure.
Day 2 Monday 12th May City & Museum
tour
Today you have the opportunity to rest from your international
flight and enjoy the fascinating museums of Lima, Peru’s
capital city. After a lazy breakfast your guide will return to
collect you for a 3 to 4 hour tour of a selection of Lima’s
best museums, which house some stunning collections of textiles
from as far back as 2,500 BC, all rich in colour and meaning.
The tour includes a visit to the main city square, the Plaza de
Armas, which houses the impressive Presidents' and Bishops places.
Returning to your hotel you will have the evening free to explore
this safe and interesting area, take in a restaurant or enjoy
the busy park area which is popular with local families and also
houses a small craft market.
Day 3 Tuesday 13th May flight to Ayacucho
This is a very early start but a light breakfast will be included.
You guide will collect you for your transfer to the airport where
you will check in for your short one hour flight to the Andean
city of Ayacucho. This old Spanish colonial city is less visited
by tourists but holds some of the best kept secrets in textiles
and weaving. On arrival you will transfer to your hotel and have
time to settle in and take refreshments. Your guide will give
you an introduction to the area and answer any questions you may
have. Today you will have your first weaving experience, with
someone who can only be described as a master weaver. Edwin Sulca
is know as Peru’s leading tapestry rug maker, who’s
skill in creating beautiful masterpieces is world acclaimed. You
will take a tour of Edwin’s studio where you can see his
dedicated students learning this highly skilled craft and you
will be able to experience for yourself the complexity of the
wooden hand loom. Wide selections of natural dyes are used to
create bright vibrant colours, which are carefully mixed to maximise
the range of design possibilities. You will see the preparing
of dyes and fibres and you will be taken through each process,
all the way to the finished yarns. During your tour you will have
the chance to see other works of textile art, mostly in small
cottage workshops. After returning to your hotel, you will be
able enjoy an evening at leisure, taking in the relaxed atmosphere
of this lovely old city.
Comments from previous visitors to Señor
Edwin Sulca
“As we entered through the small door
we did not know what to expect, we were astounded by the splendour
that was appearing on the walls. Some of us sat down, some of
us walked around; but it seemed as though we had entered a new
world of intricate designs and colours and could only gaze, awestruck,
at the woven objects of art that graced the friendly showroom
of Mr Sulca. We felt privileged to have been invited guests of
Edwin Sulca”
Day 4 Wednesday 14th May exploration tour
to Acosvinchos, Wari, Quinua, Yanacocha Lake and Chacco
After breakfast the group will be collected for this spectacular
tour into the surrounding area, where you will find a wealth of
interesting features. During this tour you will be fascinated
by many different attractions, including many varied landscapes;
lamas and vicuñas living in the wild; thermal springs;
archaeological vestiges of the Wari Culture (from 600 to 1,200
AD) and historic places like Quinua. It was here in 1824 that
the battle of Ayacucho took place, between the Spanish Royalist
forces and the Independence forces led by Antonio José
de Sucre. The defeat of the Royalists led to the eventual independence
of the whole of Latin America from colonial rule. In Quinua you
will visit a handicraft centre, where you will see a variety of
traditional hand made items. You will be treated to lunch in a
simple restaurant which offers healthy, local dishes. There are
also other stops during the tour for refreshments. In the late
afternoon you will return to your hotel where you will enjoy a
group dinner with invited guests. Entertainment will be provided
by local musicians, who will play a selection of traditional and
modern tunes.
Day 5 Thursday 15th May returns to Lima
connection to Arequipa
After breakfast you will transfer back to the airport for your
short flight to Lima, here you will have a short wait for your
connecting flight to Arequipa. This one hour flight follows the
coast southward, before crossing over the Andes, offering you
spectacular views of snow capped peaks. Upon arrival in Arequipa
you will be collected and transferred to your hotel, the La Casa
de mi Abuela, where you can relax from the days travel and discover
the “White City”. You guide will offer you any assistance
you may require and give you a short briefing about the activities
planned for you during your time in the area. Arequipa is home
of the Alpaca so beware!! Many shops sell irresistible fabrics
and clothes, so a shopping day is an excellent way to pass your
time. Your evening is free to enjoy the hotel or the vibrant night
life, which can be found in the city centre.
Day 6 Friday 16th May special visit to the Michell group
alpaca factory
After breakfast you will be taken to the Michell factory, where
you will be given a tour to see how the Alpaca fibre is turned
from the fleece into the finished product. Here you will be given
demonstrations of the traditional local methods of spinning the
delicate alpaca fibres. The brightly clothed women will demonstrate
a variety of topics from natural dyes to simple weaving techniques.
After lunch you will have a guided tour, which includes the beautiful
Monasterio de Santa Catalina and the nearby museum, which is home
to the mummy of Juanita ‘the Ice Maiden’. She was
found on the summit of Ampato (a volcano in the region) and is
considered to be an Incan sacrifice. It is thought that she would
have been chosen at birth and marched all the way from Cuzco to
her final resting place near Arequipa. Your evening is again free
to explore the many restaurants or places of entertainment of
the city.
Day 7 Saturday 17th May Transfer Colca Canyon Tour
Today you will be collected for the start of your tour of the
stunning Colca Canyon. You will be taken on a fascinating drive
through the National Reserve of Alpacas and Vicuñas into
the high plateaux region you will stop to see local knitting and
weaving techniques, before descending into the beautiful Colca
Canyon. Your night will be in a very comfortable and cosy country
inn, La Casa de Mamayacchi, with spectacular views of the surrounding
volcanoes covered in snow. After your evening meal you will be
invited to try drop spinning and weaving as you join in with local
ladies as they share their skills with you.
Day
8 Sunday 18th May Vista Del Condors onto Puno
This morning you will take the spectacular journey to the Vista
Del Condors, the best viewing place to see the giant condors as
they ride the rising thermals. You will then return to have lunch
before taking the journey to Puno. This scenic journey will take
you past lakes and mountains before you descend down into Puno
with spectacular views of the Great Lake Titicaca (highest commercially
navigable lake in the world). Here you will check into your comfortable
hotel the Casa Andina and have time to prepare for your evening
meal.
Day
9 Monday 19th May visit to Taquile Island
Today we take our tour on the Great Lake Titicaca visiting one
of the floating islands of the Uros Indians and Taquile Island.
You will be met again by your private guide and be transferred
to the small harbour were you board your boat. Leaving Puno behind
you head out into the lake making your first stop at one of the
floating reed islands of the Uros. Here your guide will explain
the way they live on the lake and how these strange islands are
constructed. Rejoining your vessel you continue to the island
of Taquile, famous for its handmade textiles, which are regarded
as among the highest quality handicrafts in Peru: Here you will
need to make the steady climb up the steps to the village. On
arrival you will meet your expert weavers who will introduce you
to the highly skilled art of Taquile weaving. All weaving is done
on pre-Hispanic fixed and pedal looms. The most characteristic
items made are the chullo, a knitted hat with earflaps, and the
calendar waistband, depicting the annual cycles connected to ritual
and agricultural activities which date back to pre Inca period.
The calendar waistband has attracted the interest of many researchers
as it depicts elements of the oral tradition of the community
and its history. Although the design of Taquile textile art has
introduced new, contemporary symbols and images, the traditional
style and techniques are still maintained. You will after have
the opportunity of sampling the delicious freshwater fish of Lake
Titicaca. We will then rejoin our boat and return to Puno (approx
4 hrs) for one further night.
“Many
tourists are attracted to Taquile for its elaborate and sophisticated
textiles. During the 1980s, local weavers formed two community-run
artisan stores, the Manco Capac Cooperative, to sell their diverse
and increasingly numerous products. Most men, women and children
over the age of seven now earn money by producing handicrafts.
Taquile textiles are much sought after for their hand-woven quality,
but they are considerably more expensive than mass-produced handicrafts
found in other parts of Peru. Locals are usually more reluctant
to haggle than are artisans in other parts of Peru. (Often they
simply refuse to bargain), so you will find that prices are fixed.
This is to avoid harmful competition with a small percentage retained
for cooperative maintenance. With the exception of a few vests,
chullos (traditional knitted male headgear) and belts which can
be bought in Puno or in some shops in Lima, Taquile textiles can
only be purchased on the island.”
Day
10 Tuesday 20th May visit to the Ichuna communities
Today you take a short journey to meet the women’s co-operative
of Ichuna, 56 miles southeast of Puno. Here you will discover
the real community spirit of the campasinos who work and live
in this remote and often harsh environment. Knitting is the main
craft here with many different styles to study you are bound to
find a new way of knitting. You will be warmed by the hospitality
and friendliness of these people as you learn more of their traditions
and life farming in this little visited area. A simple but healthy
lunch is provided before we return to the town of Puno for our
last night by the Great Lake Titicaca
Day 11 Wednesday 21st May Andean Explorer train to Cuzco, evening
free
This morning you will be met transferred to the train station
to take the remarkable train journey to Cuzco across the high
Altiplano. The comfortable ‘Orient Express’-style
carriage of the Andean Explorer offers restaurant service (lunch
included) and a carriage attendant providing beverages and light
snacks during your journey. To the rear of the train is a glass
observation carriage that offers spectacular views out over the
remote Andean wilderness. This journey is one of the highlights
for many people. Set amongst stunning hillsides and boasting a
lively and varied nightlife, Cuzco is a destination itself. Its
proximity to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu help in making
it one of the most visited and best-loved cities in all of Peru.
On arrival in Cuzco you will be met off the train and transferred
to your Cuzco hotel, the historic Royal Inca I, where your local
guide will give you a short briefing on your stay in the Cuzco
region; the remainder of your evening is then free to relax and
explore the vibrant atmosphere of the city by night.
Day
12 Thursday 22nd May Sacred Valley Tour
Today you start your relaxed tour of the Sacred Valley and a different
style of textiles. Travelling out of Cuzco the first stop is Sacsayhuaman,
one of the best existing examples of Inca stonework with spectacular
views of Cuzco below and far-away snowy peaks. From here we will
travel to a variety of sites on the way into the valley including
Qenko, Puca Pucara and Tambo Machay, before arriving at the small,
picturesque village of Pisac. This is the gateway to the Sacred
Valley and home of the famous daily Pisac craft market; here you
have an opportunity to view the many artisans’ wares on
display including textiles, jewellery and ceramics. Part of today’s
tour will take you into the homes of people who work to produce
some of the best fabrics to be found today anywhere in the world.
Small cottage industries keep traditions alive as families pass
down each skill to the younger members. We will then continue
on to Ollantaytambo which saw the Incas last stand against the
Spanish Conquistadores. You will return by road to Cuzco and your
centrally located hotel. Your evening is free to explore and relax.
Day
13 Friday 23rd May train to Aguas Calientes, free day
This morning you will be transferred to the station of the Machu
Picchu train. From here you will take your beautiful train journey
through the changing microclimates as the ride takes you into
the higher reaches of the Amazon, to the small yet lively town
of Aguas Calientes. Here you will be transferred to the very tranquil
setting of the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. You room is set in beautiful
tropical gardens with nature walks to see the many orchids and
humming birds found. You will be free to explore the small but
lively town of Aguas Caliente which offers a varied nightlife.
You can relax in one of the restaurants or bars and watch life
go past or take a walk along the fast moving river. You may care
to take a nice hot thermal bath as the Incas did in the hot springs
this village is named after.
Day 14 Saturday 24th May Machu Picchu
This is an ideal opportunity to take the first transport up to
the city ruins of Machu Picchu giving you the chance to witness
the spectacular sight of the ruined city appearing like magic
through the early morning cloud. In order to maximise your enjoyment
from your visit, Peruvian Secrets provides the services of a professional
local guide who will reveal some of the mysteries that surround
this fascinating place. After your visit we return for mid afternoon
to Aguas Calientes where we will take the return train journey
to Cuzco. Upon arrival we transfer back to your Cuzco hotel where
you will have the evening free to explore Cuzco by night, perhaps
to take in a fine restaurant and sample one of the many places
of entertainment.
Day
15 Sunday 25th May Flight to Lima
Today you will be met by your guide and transferred to the airport
for your flight to Lima. You will be met by your guide and transferred
to you hotel and have the rest of the day to relax and explore
this safe family area. Your guide will be happy to escort you
to any area you may care to visit (optional local payment to guide)
Day
16 Monday 26th May Depart Lima with KLM
This morning you will need to prepare for your departure before
your international return flight. You may like to do some last
minute shopping for gifts or mementoes of your time in Peru, or
alternatively you could to take our optional Lima city tour; your
options can be discussed with your guide at the time and would
be a local payment to guide. At the appropriate time your Peruvian
Secrets Tour Controller will meet you and transfer you to the
airport for your international departure.
Further Details
Price Guide:
The price of this tour as stated in the itinerary, based on two
people sharing a double room is £1,475.00 per person
The maximum
number of persons on any tour is 16
Hotel
Details:
Please see below for a list of our preferred 3-5 star accommodation.
These are specially selected on the basis of service, location
and comfort and are primarily independent or family-run establishments.
LIMA Hotel
Faraona www.faraonagrandhotel.com
AREQUIPA La Casa de mi Abuela www.lacasademiabuela.com
COLCA CANYON La Casa de Mamayacchi www.lacasademamayacchi.com
CUZCO Royal Inka I www.royalinkahotel.com
AGUAS CALIENTES Machu Picchu Pueblo (5-star) www.inkaterra.com
PUNO Casa Andina www.casa-andina.com
Please note
that we will always try to use hotels as stated however these
may be subject to availability at the point of booking.
What’s included?
• All transport as stated in the itinerary - this includes
internal flights, bus journeys, train journeys
• All transfers in private
• All accommodation on a specially selected three-star basis
with 5* at Machu Picchu
• Breakfast daily in Peru
• The services of your Peruvian Secrets Tour Controller
• Personal guides
• Tours and excursions included as stated
• National park entrance fees included
• ‘Safe Seat’ Travel Fidelity Policy issued
in association with the Travel Trust Association (this is for
your financial protection only and is not a certificate of personal
travel insurance, www.traveltrust.co.uk)
Not included:
• International flights
• Peruvian departure tax ($30.25 pp as of March, 2006)
• Peruvian domestic flight taxes (currently $6.05 pp per
flight)
• Personal Travel Insurance
• Optional activities with a local payment
• Lunches and evening meals (unless otherwise stated)
And finally, Peruvian Secrets strive to adhere to your itinerary
as closely as possible however there may occasionally be unforeseen
circumstances out of our control (e.g. local strikes, adverse
weather conditions) in which changes may be necessary. Under these
circumstances we reserve the right to make any changes that we
deem necessary, in order to ensure that your tour runs as smoothly
as possible.
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