PROMOTIONAL - POST - CUZCO & MACHU PICCHU
Code: liml10
Delve into the sacred and mysterious landmarks of the Inca Empire, including famed Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, and other ancient temples, all precisely constructed without mortar.
DAY 1 - Saturday, February 8th, 2014
Following disembarkation from the ship, you will be transferred as a group to the airport for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, transfer and check in at the Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco. Lunch is on your own today.
In the afternoon, you will embark on a city tour of Cusco, starting with the sacred site of Koricancha. Here, you will admire the lovely Dominican Convent of Santo Domingo that was built on the foundations of the Temple of the Sun, the most sumptuous temple in the Inca Empire. The curved, mortar-less masonry wall at the west end of the church is considered to be one of the greatest existing examples of Inca stonework.
Continuing on, you will see the splendid Baroque-style Cusco Cathedral, built in the mid-1500s on the foundations of an Inca palace. Many of the stones used in its construction were looted from the nearby Sacsayhuaman fortress, your next stop.
Strategically located on a hill overlooking Cusco, the fortress was constructed without mortar like many other Inca structures. Yet the enormous stones (some weighing 200 tons) of the remaining walls fit so tightly that not even a thin blade of grass can slide between them. The craftsmanship is a stunning example of the Inca's sophisticated construction techniques and architectural skills.
Nearby, you will see other Inca landmarks such as the Temple at Qenquo, named for its zig-zag canal, a shrine dedicated to Mother Earth, and the pinkish stone fortress of Puka Pukara.
After returning to your hotel, you will spend the evening at your leisure. As you will be dining on your own, you will receive a dinner certificate for a three-course meal and drink. The "dine around" certificate can be used at several participating restaurants.
DAY 2 - Sunday, February 9th, 2014
Following breakfast, you will drive to Cusco's train station and board the Vistadome Train, which features large panoramic windows for excellent viewing of the passing landscape.
Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, you will drive to the ruins of Machu Picchu to explore this famous "Lost City of the Incas." Constructed as a royal retreat for the Inca emperor Pachacuti in the 1400s, Machu Picchu was abandoned less than 100 years later, its population probably devastated by smallpox. Because the Spanish conquistadors never found this hidden city, Bingham discovered it largely intact.
Architectural highlights include the Temple of the Sun, designed much like the one in Cusco, several other temples, hundreds of terraces, and a mysterious carved stone situated on a raised platform that towers above the plaza. The stone may have been used for astronomical observations, but no one knows for certain. The Inca had no written language, so there is no record of Machu Picchu's ultimate purpose. Scholars are still striving to uncover clues as to its mysteries.
After visiting Machu Picchu, you will enjoy a relaxing lunch at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge Hotel at the site's entrance, and then board the Vistadome Train for a scenic ride back to Cusco. Upon arriving, you will transfer back to the Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco for the evening and dinner on your own.
DAY 3 - Monday, February 10th, 2014
After flying back to Lima, you will transfer to the Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores Hotel.
The rest of the day is at leisure with lunch and dinner on your own.
DAY 4 - Tuesday, February 11th, 2014
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel
Check out is at 12 noon. You will be transferred to the airport based on your flight details. If you have a late flight you may wish to book an additional night so as to keep your room longer than the scheduled check out time of 12noon.
Overland Program Step by Step: Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. The flights and timings indicated are approximate, and are given here for general reference purposes and are subject to change.
Day 1 - Saturday February 8th
6:30am Meet at the Callao Pier (We suggest to fly with a carry-on only - any
other suitcases will be kept in hotel storage and waiting at the hotel
upon your return to Lima.)
6:50am Transfer to the airport
7:10am Arrival at airport and check-in for your flight
8:00am Flight (Airline and flight number TBA and subject to change) to Cusco
9:15am Arrival in Cusco
9:45am Transfer to your hotel
10:05am Arrival at your hotel and express Check-in
10:25am Time at leisure to relax and get used to the altitude
Lunch is on your own
2:00pm Walk to Korikancha Temple
2:05pm Visit Korikancha Temple
2:45pm Drive to the main square
2:55pm Arrival at main square for photo opportunity and visit Cusco Cathedral
3:35pm Drive to Sacsayhuaman
3:55pm Visit Sacsayhuaman
5:10pm Drive back to hotel
5:30pm Rest of the evening is at leisure.
Dinner with "dine around" certificate
Overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco or similar hotel
Day 2 - Sunday February 9th
5:00am Wake up call
5:30am Buffet breakfast at hotel (not private)
6:15am Drive to train station to board train to Aquas Calientes
8:00am Board Vistadome Train
8:29am Vistadome Train to Aguas Calientes
9:52am Walk to bus station
10:10am Bus drive to Machu Picchu Citadel
10:45am Guided visit of the Citadel
1:15pm Lunch at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge Hotel
2:20pm Bus drive back to Aguas Calientes
2:50pm Walk to train station
3:00pm Board the Vistadome Train
3:20pm Vistadome Train return trip
5:10pm Drive back to your hotel
7:00pm Arrival at hotel. Rest of the evening is at leisure and dinner is on your
own tonight.
Overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco or similar hotel
Day 3 - Monday February 10th
7:15am Wake up call
7:45am Buffet breakfast at hotel (not private)
8:15am Drive to Cusco Airport
8:40am Arrival at airport and check-in
9:50am Flight (Airline and flight number TBA and subject to change) to Lima
11:10am Arrival in Lima
11:45pm Drive to hotel in Lima
12:25pm Arrival at the hotel and express check-in
The remainder of the day is at leisure
Lunch and dinner are on own
Overnight at the Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores Hotel or similar hotel
Day 4 - Tuesday February 11th
AM Enjoy buffet breakfast at the hotel (not private)
12:00nn Check out.
Transfers arranged based on your flight details. Luggage storage is
available at the hotel for guests with late flights.
ADDITIONAL NIGHTS: Should you book any additional nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per your flight details. Any meals other than breakfast as well as any activities are on your own after the program officially ends on the morning of Day 4. Should you book any additional nights independently of the cruise line, transfers will not be included.
Expected Weather:
February is normally rainy in the highlands. Average temperature in the highlands is 65ºF max /43ºF min while in Lima it is 80ºF max/68ºF min.
What to Bring:
o Comfortable, casual clothing in natural, "breathable" fabrics. Temperatures will
change as altitudes and time of day change, so it's best to bring shorts as well as
long trousers, and clothing we can layer. Cathedrals, churches, and other religious
sites require conservative dress. Both males and females should cover their arms,
legs and shoulders.
o Local standards dictate a neat, clean outfit for dining in restaurants and touring
urban areas. For men: long trousers and a shirt with a collar. For ladies: trousers
or a knee-length (or longer) skirt with a modest top. Formal clothing is not
necessary.
o A sweater or lightweight jacket for the cooler evening temperatures common in
highland regions.
o A lightweight (preferably non-plastic) raincoat or poncho; an umbrella.
o Comfortable walking shoes with low or no heels. Sandals may not be comfortable for
some sightseeing activities.
o Sunglasses (with a strap), sun block and a sunhat as well as insect repellent.
o Please note that the use of walking sticks is prohibited in Machu Picchu unless they
are needed by guests with mobility problems
Currency:
Peru's currency is the Nuevo Sol (S/.). The exchange rate with the U.S. Dollar varies although the current approximate exchange rate is S/. 2.80 per 1 US dollar.
Electricity:
The current is 220 volts AC. In most hotel bathrooms, there is an electrical outlet with 110 volts for electric shavers, but this should not be used for travel irons or hair dryers. Most hotel rooms are equipped with hairdryers.
Luggage:
For domestic flights in Peru, it is permitted to check one piece of 23Kg (50 pounds) per person and 1 carry-on of 8Kg (17.5 pounds) per person. Excess luggage will be stored at your hotel in Lima. It is important that any stored luggage is sufficiently labeled with your full name and ship suite number.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
Foreign passenger entering Peru must have a passport valid at least 6 months past the day of arrival in Peru.
Accommodations: We will only substitute hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are substituted, they will be of equal ratings and standards.
Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores Hotel or similar hotel in Lima (superior room) & Casa Andina Private Collection Hotel in Cusco or similar hotel (superior room)
Program includes:
" English-speaking drivers and tour conductor
" All entrance fees
" Gratuities for luggage porterage and restaurants
" Buffet lunch at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge
" Non-alcoholic drinks with lunch at Sanctuary Lodge
" Dinner "dine around" in Cusco
" Breakfasts daily
" Bottled water and snacks on coaches
" Internal flight from Lima to Cusco and return to Lima
" Airport transfers (may not be private)
" Accommodations per the program
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the most current and updated departure information so your transfer can be arranged. Should you book any additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided
Program Excludes:
" Any drinks and meals not listed above
" Personal expenses and hotel incidentals such as laundry, phone calls, minibar
" Gratuities to drivers and guides
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion.
Due to the nature of this program, guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
PROMO: POST - MACHU PICCHU
Price: $499.00 per guest based on double occupancy.