MACHU PICHHU & EASTER ISLAND TOUR ‘A’- 2021 Total Solar Eclipse flight option

Machu Picchu and Easter Island Tour offers an opportunity to explore two of the most interesting archaeological sites in South America.  Machu Picchu served as a centre of worship, an astronomic observatory, and a private hacienda for the Inca Pachacutec, and was recently named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The sun was the most important god of the Inca culture and bathed with its light the largest empire of pre-Columbian America, leaving a cultural and patrimonial heritage that shines – until today – with its own light. Easter Island, located 2,200 miles west of Chile in the Pacific Ocean, is home to over 800 Moai statues that stand up to 33 feet tall, and whose origin is still a mystery.

DAY 1. Nov. 21: SUN | ARRIVAL LIMA

Arrive at Lima, meeting assistance upon arrival and transfer you to your hotel in Lima. The Peruvian capital is a modern metropolis full of history, currently undergoing an exciting process of cultural and economic changes. Rest of the day is at leisure to adjust with time difference etc. (Note- Arrival transfer is provided to participants taking our international group air travel. Participants making own international air arrangements or arriving on non group flight plans can either purchase a private transfer or make own arrangements to reach group Hotel.)  Meet your fellow tour members this evening and tour briefing.  Welcome dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at JOSE ANTONIO DELUXE HOTEL – DINNER

DAY 2, Nov. 22: MON | LIMA – CITY TOUR

After breakfast, explore Lima’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, packed with fascinating historic buildings. The route begins at the traditional Pueblo Libre district, where you visit the Larco Museum, located in a beautifully restored vice regal mansion built on a pre-Columbian pyramid from the seventh century. The museum boasts a complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver objects, as well as pieces of erotic art. Then visit the Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion granted by chief conquistador Francisco Pizarro to one of his captains, Jeronimo de Aliaga. This is the only house from that time, still belonging to the same family. Continue with a scenic tour through the colonial downtown. See the Main Square, where you can appreciate the grandiose architecture of the Spanish Empire. Admire Lima’s Cathedral, built during the 16th century. The afternoon is free to explore city on own. JOSE ANTONIO DELUXE HOTEL – BREAKFAST & LUNCH

DAY 3, Nov. 23: TUE | LIMA – CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY

After an early breakfast transfer to Lima airport. & board flight to Cusco, the Imperial City. From the airport, begin your short tour to Awanakancha, an exhibition centre of textiles and South American camelids located at kilometer 23 of the road to Pisac. It is considered a living museum and here you can see Andean camelids, learn about the techniques to take their wool and finally acquire finely spun garments. Enjoy lunch at Rancho Wayra. Delight yourself with the surprising variety of recipes prepared under the careful tutelage of renowned chefs. The ingredients used come from the fertile Sacred Valley of the Incas, and are rich in nutrients and flavour. Witness the Peruvian Paso horse show, renowned for the smoothest gait in the world. Stunning equestrian demonstrations, to the rhythm of marinera music will render the environment favourable for tasting the quality of their cuisine. Continue to your hotel in Sacred Valley.  Rest of your evening is free. SONESTA POSADA DEL INCA HOTEL – BREAKFAST & LUNCH

DAY 4. Nov. 24: WED | SACRED VALLEY – CHINCHERO, OLLANTAYTAMBO AND LIVING MUSEUM OF YUCAY

After breakfast visit the town of Chinchero, a traditional Cusco urban centre located at an elevated point with a beautiful view of the valley. The inhabitants of this area preserve the artisan traditions and the inherited knowledge of the Incas and display them in their clothes and customs. In Chinchero there are also archaeological remains and a beautiful seventeenth-century church, one of the first Catholic buildings in Peru. Next viist the Living Museum of Yucay, a centre Andean traditions interpretations, where demonstrations of the elaboration of textile work, adobe, pottery and silverware are carried out in the same way in which they used to in antiquity; an original recreation of Inca traditions. Also, residents of the museum include llamas, sheep and alpacas, and they can be fed! Upon arriving in Ollantaytambo visit its town, inhabited uninterruptedly since Inca times, and have a superior Andean gastronomy experience in a restaurant, where the true spirit of the Sacred Valley is transmitted in a cosy atmosphere! Later, climb the iconic fortress, built next to a mountain. Return back to hotel in the evening. SONESTA POSADA DEL INCA HOTEL – BREAKFAST & LUNCH

DAY 5, Nov. 25: THU | SACRED VALLEY – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES

After Breakfast transfer to the Ollanta Station to board the train to Aguas Calientes, the nearest town to Machu Picchu. Following a scenic journey through dramatic Andean landscapes. Upon arrival  arrive at the station in Aguas Calientes. board a bus for a 25-minute ride to Machu Picchu. The ‘Lost City of the Incas’ is believed to have been built in the 1450s by Inca emperor Pachacuti as a holiday retreat, yet within a century the city would be abandoned following the Spanish conquest. The Spaniards never found it, so it was spared the destruction they brought on other Inca sites. Instead, it was slowly swallowed up by the jungle and hidden from harm. A guided tour explains the origins behind this awe-inspiring citadel, presenting its most prominent landmarks such as the monumental Main Square, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Circular Towers, the Sacred Sun Dial, and the Burial Grounds. Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch at a local restaurant and enjoy the rest of the day free. EL MAPI HOTEL IN AGUAS CALIENTES- BREAKFAST & LUNCH

DAY 6, Nov. 26: FRI | AGUAS CALIENTES – CUSCO

Morning at leisure or take an optional tour of Machu Pichhu. In the afternoon, transfer & board the train to Ollanta station. Transfer to hotel in Cusco where rest of the evening is free to acclimatize.  Enjoy Dinner with folklore show. SONESTA COSTA DEL SOL HOTEL- BREAKFAST & DINNER

DAY 7, Nov. 27: SAT | CUSCO / CITY TOUR & ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy a guided tour of this charming city, which was the capital of the Inca Empire. The tour starts with a visit to Santo Domingo Convent, a large Renaissance-baroque complex, which was built over the Inca Coricancha temple. It was one of the most important temples dedicated to worshipping of the sun, and its foundations are still prominent at the base of the convent. Ancient chronicles say the temple was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. Next visit the Cathedral, the most imposing monument of the Main Square. Head to the hills above Cusco to visit the remains of the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, whose imposing ramparts offer a stunning panoramic view of Cusco, and the ruins of the temple and amphitheatre of Qenqo, where it is believed the Incas practised agricultural rituals. Admire Qenqo and finally visit Puka Pukara (‘Red fortress’ in Quechua) an Inca military complex located on a prominent hill. Its dwellings squares, bathrooms, aqueducts, walls, and towers can still be appreciated. Enjoy lunch at the local restaurant and rest of the afternoon is free to explore Cusco on own. SONESTA COSTA DEL SOL HOTEL- BREAKFAST & LUNCH

DAY 8, Nov. 28: SUN | CUSCO/ LIMA/ SANTIAGO

After breakfast, transfer for the flight to Lima and onward connection to Santiago. Upon arrival walk to the Hotel across from the airport terminal. Santiago mixes the “Mapuche” legacy- (the natives that inhabited this land during the Pre-Columbian era), Spanish colonial past and the modernity of any thriving city of the world. HOLIDAY INN AIRPORT HOTEL – BREAKFAST

DAY 9, Nov. 29: MON | SANTIAGO/ EASTER ISLAND

Fly to Easter Island, which was declared by UNESCO in 1996 as `Patrimonio Cultural de la Humanidad’, home to old culture of Rapa Nui. Upon our arrival at the Mataveri airport in Hanga Roa we will be welcomed with a traditional flower necklace. After a short transfer to the hotel we will have the rest of the day to spend as we please. A visit to the nearby church and village is recommended. There we will have the opportunity to observe both Catholic and indigenous symbols and statues (Sunday mass available if time permits).  Next to the church we will find the local market and museum rich in Rapa Nui artefacts and culture. HOTEL ALTIPLANICO RAPA NUI – BREAKFAST & DINNER

DAY 10, Nov. 30: THU | MOAIS OF EASTER ISLAND

After breakfast, we will learn more about the fascinating history of Rapa Nui and begin the day heading south along the coast. As we travel along the road we will be able to observe the shoreline with black volcanic rocks and the amazing views of the vast Pacific Ocean. Our first stop will be a place known as Hanga Te’e where we will be able to view a variety of toppled Moai (statues) of Ahu Vaihu. From there we will continue on and arrive to Rano Raraku. This volcano is home to an ancient quarry that supplied stone from which about 95% of the island’s sculptures were carved. Here we will enjoy a box-lunch and explore our surroundings. Subsequently we will make our way to the next highlight, Ahu Tongariki. This is the largest restored Ahu on Easter Island and features 15 moai. Afterwards, we will drive towards the east coast and arrive to Te Pito o Te Henua. This location is considered the “bellybutton” of the world boasting the nearby Ahu Te Pito Kura. Last, but not least we will reach the beach of Anakena known for its beautiful white sand and coconut palm trees. After visiting the nearby restored Ahu Nau Nau we will have time for a little rest and refreshing swim in the warm Pacific Ocean. HOTEL ALTIPLANICO RAPA NUI – BREAKFAST & LUNCH

DAY 11, Dec. 1: WED | CEREMONIAL VILLAGE ORONGO & AKIVI

In the morning, we will take a drive up the Rano Kau extinct volcano. Along the way we will be able to appreciate panoramic views of the entire island as well as make a brief stop at an outlook point that showcases a crater lake. From there we will head to the ceremonial village known as Orongo. There, we will learn about its past, culture and the history of the birdman cult. We will also be able to observe a variety of petroglyph images and be able to spot 3 islets situated opposite of the coastline. Afterwards we will drive down the volcano to the Ahu Vinapu that includes an ahu with interesting stonemasonry. Subsequently our last stop of the morning before heading back to the hotel, will be a cave where we will find interesting wall paintings. In the afternoon we will travel to Ahu Akivi which features seven re-erected moai situated inland. The legend claims that these statues represent the seven explorers who were sent to Rapa Nui by the late king Hotu Matua. From there we will continue on to Hanga Poukura; this is an extraordinary ahu site where a number of tumbled moai statues and scattered top knots are located. Next, we will visit the important quarry of Puna Pau that provided the sole source of the red scoria that the Rapa Nui villagers used to carve the Pukaos. For the last visit of the day we will head to the ceremonial site of Tahai boasting 3 ahus, restored statues, remains of boat houses and a boat ramp. This is a day filled with history, culture and breath-taking sights! HOTEL ALTIPLANICO RAPA NUI – BREAKFAST & LUNCH

DAY 12, Dec. 2: THU | EASTER ISLAND/SANTIAGO

After Breakfast transfer to airport and fly to Santiago. Upon arrival walk to the Hotel across from the arrival terminal. Rest of the evening is free. HOLIDAY INN AIRPORT HOTEL– BREAKFAST

DAY 13, Dec. 3: FRI | SANTIAGO PUNTA ARENAS

Early this morning, board flight to Punta Arenas. Punta Arenas is a city near the tip of Chile’s southernmost Patagonia region. Located on the Strait of Magellan, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, it’s the base for excursions to the surrounding wilderness and Antarctica. Meeting assistance on arrival and transfer to Hotel. This afternoon explore the cultural and natural wonders of this southern city.  An attractive tour of the Plaza de Armas surrounded by historic buildings, next to the monument to Hernando de Magallanes. Depending on the chosen option you can visit one of its very complete museums such as the Braun Menéndez Palace to learn about the lifestyle at the beginning of the 20th century or the Salesian Museum with exhibitions of culture, history, religion, art, flora and fauna. We will visit the municipal cemetery of beautiful gardens and mausoleums. Then the traditional monument to the Ovejero. You will cross the coast of the Strait. We will finish at the Cerro de la Cruz Viewpoint with a beautiful panoramic view of the city center, the Strait of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego Island. This evening join for a pre-eclipse dinner & briefing on flight and eclipse viewing by our Astronomy expert. DREAM  HOTEL- BREAKFAST & DINNER

DAY 14- SAT. Dec. 4 | ECLIPSE FLIGHT OPTION or Optional tour or Free day

Early wakeup call and transfer to airport to board a specially chartered Eclipse flight departing well before dawn from Punta Arenas in southern Chile. We’ll fly eastbound to a location near the at-altitude sunrise point on centerline over the ocean. More details will be advised as they become available. This evening join fellow tour members for a celebratory Dinner & a report by our Eclipse experts. DREAM  HOTEL- BREAKFAST & DINNER

ECLIPSE FIGHT:

View More Details

Note: Pre Eclipse fight briefing and celebratory Dinner is only included for participants taking eclipse flight.

DAY 15- SUN. Dec. 5: PUNTA ARENAS / SANTIAGO/ DEPART

We will have breakfast at the hotel and then go to the Punta Arenas Airport to catch our flight homewards via Santiago. – BREAKFAST

LAND TOUR PRICE – $5,250.00 per person sharing

SINGLE ROOM- $6,648.00

CASH/ CHECK PAYMENT PRICE:

$ 4,898.00 per person sharing

SINGLE ROOM- $ 6,225.00

Supplement for Pre Eclipse flight briefing, Post eclipse celebratory dinner- $ 50.00 per person. 

TERMS & CONDITIONS: per person

• A deposit of $350.00 per person is required at time of booking. ($150.00 is non refundable).
• Balance payment is due on or before Aug. 20, 2021.
• 25% of tour payment is non refundable +$150.00 administrative fee, if cancelled between Aug. 21 & Sep. 20, 2021
• 50% of tour payment is non refundable +$150.00 administrative fee, if cancelled between Sep. 21 & Oct. 20, 2021.
• 100% of tour payment is non refundable, if canceled on or after Oct. 21, 2021

Cancellations must be made in writing and sent by email, fax, or mail.  Terms are applied effective date of receipt by A Classic Tours Collection. We reserve the right to treat the reservation as cancelled if payments are not received when due. No refunds will be given in such case.

Payments are refundable in full (less $350.00 administrative fees), if ACTC is unable to deliver the tour up to 31 days prior to start of tour. Travelers are strongly recommended to purchase travel insurance to protect their travel investment.

PLEASE NOTE: Group air rates from major US cities will be negotiated with the airlines and offered to participants (usually 11 months prior to departure). Airlines may require purchase of International air to receive low domestic travel (internal Chile) rates or rates may be combined for both International and Domestic Chile travel.

First arrival transfer and final departure transfers are included for participants arriving on group travel flights or at same time as group travel airline. Those making own International & Internal Chile flight arrangements can either join at Hotel on own or purchase a private transfer. Additional costs apply.

FOR MORE INFORMATION & RESERVATIONS, CALL – 888 605 TOURS (8687) OR 310 373 1001. E.MAIL: [email protected]