MAJESTIC PERU

Welcome to Lima, founded by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro on January 18, 1535, as La Ciudad de los Reyes, or “The City of Kings.” It became the capital and most important city in the Spanish ViceroyaltyDSCN1103 – Copy of Peru. Following the Peruvian War of Independence, it became the capital of the Republic of Peru. Meeting assistance and transfer to HOTEL/tg_program]

After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Lima. Starting with downtown Lima, where you will visit the Main Square, where Lima was first founded as “The City of Kings,” in 1535, and it was already known by the name of Lima when Peru proclaimed its independence from the Spanish Crown in 1821. Photograph the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Lima Cathedral. Next visit the Aliaga House, a viceregal construction delivered by Francisco Pizarro to one of his captains (Jerónimo de Aliaga) when he founded the city. Continue to Saint Francis’ Church, which has an enviable collection of old books and an authentic network of catacombs open to the public.

Next, travel to Pueblo Libre district to visit the Larco Museum, founded by Rafael Larco Hoyle en 1926. The museum, located inside a viceregal mansion built on a pre-Columbian pyramid of the 7th century, houses the most complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver artifacts as well pieces of erotic art. Following lunch (on own) you will be driven to the bohemian district of Barranco; visit the iconic Bridge of Sighs (built in 1876) and enjoy some “picarones” (Peruvian donuts) which is a traditional dessert from colonial times turned into a classic Peruvian snack. This evening, attend a Welcome Dinner and a Folklore Show. Stay overnight at the hotel-BD

After breakfast, embark on an excursion to the Pachacamac ruins. Pachacamac is the nearest archeological site to Lima, an important religious center of the coast more than 1,000 years before the Inca Empire. Under the Inca reign, the site kept its importance and certain buildings, such as Mamaconas (House of the selected women), were built at that time. When the Spanish arrived, Pachacamac was the largest religious center and city on the coast. It was a complex of palaces and pyramid temples where people worshipped god Pachacamac. In the museum within the site, there is a wooden statue of Pachacamac. Hernando Pizarro (the governor’s brother) came to Pachacamac in 1533 to claim the gold ransom for the release of Atahualpa. Not having found gold, the Spanish killed the priests, destroyed the pagan images and plundered the temples. The ruins encircle a hill whose top is formed by the temple of the Sun. This pyramid was built in 1350 using adobe bricks and was partially restored. Mamaconas, one of the principal buildings was restored. Here the selected women learned to weave fabrics where Inca clothes were made. This afternoon will be spent at leisure or explore the city on our own. Stay overnight at the hotel- B

Transfer and board early morning flight to Trujillo, one of the first cities founded by Spanish conquerors in America. It was founded among four Chimu settlements (Huanchaco, Huamán, Moche & Mampuesto), so they could rally against the Incas. The city played a significant role in the struggle against a complete Spanish rule. It was the first important city of Peru that proclaimed its independence from Spain in 1820, serving as a temporary capital of Peru in 1825 and was the main headquarters for Simon Bolívar. HOTEL- B

Visit the Museo Casinelli, a unique museum in the basement of a gas station. The exhibits showcase pottery and artifacts spanning thousands of years, collected from local huaqueros. The Salinar, Viru, Mochica, Chimu, Nasca, Huari, Recuay and Inca cultures are represented with highlights including Mochica pots reflecting images of daily life, people, animals and anthropomorphic deities. Continue to Huaca Esmeralda, temple in the Chan Chán complex dating from about 1,300 AD. It consists of two temples, one built in front of the other and there are friezes depicting the fisher king. Next visit Huaca Arco Iris (Huaca El Dragón), a religious temple from the early Chimú period around 850-900 AD. It was part of the city of Chan Chán, although separate from any of the governors’ palaces. The temple was originally painted bright yellow and it is believed when the Spanish sailed past the coastline they saw its golden walls from the sea. The temple has some beautiful friezes of Chimú gods, with strong links to the Moche culture, which look like dragons, hence the name of the temple. Your last stop will be the Tschudi Palace, named after a Swiss explorer. It was here where the most important members of Chimu society once lived and the most elaborate friezes can be seen. The palace probably housed between 500 and 1,000 noble people and its courtyard is one of the best places to observe Chimu friezes. The palace’s sanctuary is also of elevated interest, as its walls exhibit a sort of fishnet pattern. Even though, many of the friezes have been reconstructed, there are a few which are in their original state. Rest of the afternoon will be spent at leisure.

This morning’s tour commences with a visit to the desert Valle de Moche, a complex of Moche ruins showcasing two impressive rounded-off and weather-beaten adobe pyramids. Built by the Moche people around 500 AD, they are about 7 centuries older than the ruined city of Chan Chan. The first pyramid, the Huaca del Sol (Temple of the Sun), is nearly 70 feet high and most probably the largest man-made structure in the Americas. The pyramid was believed to be constructed by 250,000 men and with 140 million adobe bricks. Across the field, burial sites were discovered also living quarters once erected. Continue to Huaca de la Luna (Temple of theMoon), which is better conserved and inside the adobe walls are polychromatic friezes of large rhomboids, featuring a repeated motif of the fearsome anthropomorphic figure Ai-Apaek, known as El Degollador (the decapitator) and several less important figures.

Travel overland to Chiclayo, en route stopping at San José de Moro, a small village on the banks of the Chaman River. It is one of the most vital cemeteries and ceremonial centers of the Mochica and subsequent trujilio chicalayo Peru 057cultures. Tombs, objects and architectural proof of these cultures are still buried at the site. An incredible discovery of the San José de Moro Archaeological Project (SJMAP) was the burial site of the most important women in the Andean region, tombs of Mochica priestesses. Around this type of tomb, Mochica pottery, adorned with a technique known as fine line painting, has been discovered, remnants of some of the most spectacular artistic works produced by the Mochica society. On arrival, transfer to HOTEL – B

Visit Sipan, the burial site of the Moche culture, a civilization that flourished on the north coast of Peru between 100 and 800 AD. The burial grounds, which are extensive, contain several royal tombs, the 1,700 year old funeral offerings, among them pieces worked in precious metals, stone, pottery, textiles and decorated in gold. The original pieces are exhibited in the Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum, located 17 kilometers from Chiclayo. This museum is a replica of the Moche Pyramid, under which the tombs were discovered. Finally, visit the vast archaeological complex of Tucume, situated 35 kilometers north of Chiclayo also known as the Valley of the Pyramids. It was originally constructed by the Lambayeque people between 1,000 and 1,400 AD and is home to the largest adobe structure in the world. Your last stop will be the Huaca Rajada, a significantly important archaeological site where the high society of the Moche culture was buried. Climb to the largest of the adobe brick pyramids to drink in the panoramic view of the pyramid valley. The pyramid is 2,300 feet long, 910 feet wide, although it may have originally been three times this height. HOTEL – B

Fly this morning to Cusco and continue overland to the valley of the Urubamba River the so called Sacred Valley of the Inca. Visit the Pisac market, where the main town square is daily filled with dozens of stands that display and sell products created by the residents of the area. Find beautiful alpaca textiles, musical instruments, paintings, carvings, necklaces and replicas of ancient Inca pieces. Next visit the new and impressive Inkariy museum, which presents a new vision of the pre-Hispanic cultures of ancient Peru through dioramas that recreate iconic scenes composed of hyper realistic characters, reflecting the native man with the clothing and ornamentation specific to each era. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. We will stop at a local “Chicheria” and learn about the different ways of preparing this popular Andean corn beverage. Continue to the studio of Pablo and Marilu Seminario – artisans who have devoted 20 years to the study of Pre-Colombian pottery techniques and designs, incorporating these ancient traditions into their own beautiful works. Upon completion of tour check in to our HOTEL – BL

After Breakfast visit the Quechua community of Huilloc where the Inca ancient customs are still alive. The villagers are proud of their heritage and are delighted to share their authentic Inca way of life with visitors from all over the world. Join in to perform a traditional Inca practice called Kusi Runa, our local guide and interpreter will lead us to the house of the owner of the Chakra, who will welcome you to muña infusion. To be an integral part of the community you will be dressed with typical clothes of Huilloc (ponchos for men and blankets for women) and use traditional tools. Males will do farming while the women cook for them with local organic products, ending in a spiritual ritual with local music and dance. An excellent opportunity to live and experience the everyday way of seeing and acting of the Andean Runa (male). Taste a delicious home-cooked Andean lunch prepared with local products harvested in traditional and sustainable ways. Afterwards drive along the valley to Ollantaytambo, where the Temple of the Sun (formed of six gigantic monoliths, whose total weight exceeds 50 tons) and the Terrace of the Ten Niches stand out. Ollantaytambo was the site of the only successful Inca battle against the Spanish conquerors and the only town in the area to retain its original Inca layout.HOTEL- B

After breakfast, transfer to the train station to board Vistadome to Aguas Calientes. The train offers beautiful panoramic windows, unsurpassed scenic views and photographic opportunities. With glass surrounding on all sides, you feel as if you are part of the remarkable surroundings. Snacks and soft drinks will be served on board the train. On arrival at Aguas Calientes check in at Hotel, located a short walk from the train station. This afternoon board the shuttle bus for a short ride up to Mach Picchu. Built by the Inca Pachacutec and comprising stone brooks fitted with masterful precision, Machu Picchu harmoniously blends into the mountain landscape. There are many theories as to the origins behind Machu Picchu but three of the most popular ideas include a temple to the sun, a fortress against the jungle inhabitants or a sanctuary for the Incas. This fabulous city has houses, temples, warehouses, a large central square, all connected by narrow roads and steps, surrounded by terraces cut into the mountain side which were used for agriculture. Upon completion of the tour board the shuttle bus back & transfer to the hotel. Dinner & stay overnight at Hotel – B

Revisit Machu Picchu on your own and enjoy some time at the Citadel. We recommend visiting the Intipunku (“Sun Gate”), which is the last stop before entering the Inca sanctuary. Another interesting option is the Inca Bridge, which is part of the Inca Trail and is made of vegetable fiber or straw. The bridge is woven with ancient techniques and each year several area communities come together to renew and keep this wonderful tradition. In the afternoon we will board the Vistadome train to Cusco. Cusco is the historic capital of the Inca Empire. The Killke occupied the region from 900 to 1200 AD, prior to the arrival of the Incas in the 1200s. Carbon14 dating of Sacsayhuaman, the walled complex outside Cusco, had demonstrated that the Killke culture constructed the fortress about 1100 AD. The Inca later expanded and occupied the complex in the 1200s and after. Transfer & overnight at Hotel–B.

Tour of Cusco starts at Sacsayhuaman, one of the most emblematic constructions of the Incas (located just minutes from the city, a World Cultural Heritage Site listed by UNESCO) built by Pachacutec in the 15th century. It is a huge fortress made of large stones transportation of which is still a mystery. Continue along the San Blas neighborhood, originally inhabited by the Inca nobility who built impressive stone constructions within walking distance of the Plaza de Armas. Unmistakable Inca walls can still be seen at the base of many buildings. Today the neighborhood is a delightful cluster of cobblestone streets popular among artisans who sell their handcrafts on the street. Next visit the cathedral, one of the most impressive monument in the Plaza de Armas. Its construction began in 1560 and ended only in 1654. For this purpose hundreds of stones were extracted and transported from the fortress of Sacsayhuaman under the command of the Ecclesiastical Council and the burden of thousands of Indians. The tour ends at the Coricancha also known as “The Temple of the Sun”(or QuriKancha ‘Golden Temple’), was built by Inca Pachacutec (1438- 1572) becoming the base of the Santo Domingo Convent at the arrival of the Spaniards. At the Coricancha homage was payed to the Sun (“Inti”) during the Inca Empire, a time when the whole building was covered with gold. Enjoy lunch at Tupananchis restaurant. After lunch rest of the day at leisure to relax at your hotel or stroll around the city on your own.  HOTEL-B

Fly this morning to Puno by the shores of an extraordinary body of water: Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake. The rest of the afternoon is free to get acclimatize with the high altitude or take a leisurely walk through the City Squares or browse through the shops, Festival. HOTEL. B.

This morning enjoy Dance parade in honor of Virgin of Candelaria (pre-reserved seating arrangement). The festival is linked to the pre-Hispanic agricultural cycles of sowing and harvesting, as well as mining activities in the region. It is the result of a blend of respectful Aymara gaiety and ancestral Quechua seriousness. The dancers, blowing zampoña panpipes and clad in spectacular costumes and outlandish masks, make their offerings to the earth goddess Pachamama. The most impressive masks, for their terrifying aspect, are those of the deer fitted with long twisted horns similar to the Devil, and Jacancho, the god of minerals. Time to have fun and enjoy! A boxed lunch will be provided. Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the festival.  HOTEL-B

Take a boat ride to the floating islands of the Uros. Uros are an ancestral society that inhabits a series of artificial islands built with totora, a reed that grows in the lake. The islands are built by weaving this reed in the places where they grow the thickest and form a natural layer. Residents build their totora houses over it and cook in the open air to prevent possible fires. After tour of Uros continue to the Taquile Island. Unlike

other islands, inhabited by Aymara-speaking people in the lake, its residents speak Quechua. It was part of the Inca Empire and it is possible to note vestiges of said culture in their buildings. Nevertheless, when the Spaniards arrived, they forced its residents to get rid of their typical clothes and forced them to wear traditional farmers’ clothes. After briefing on the island enjoy a cultural presentation and lunch. Return to Puno where time free to enjoy the festivities. HOTEL- B

After Breakfast check out and visit the Sillustani Archeological Site .located on the shores of the Umayo Lagoon. The site is famous for its Chullpas, which are large, circular stone towers built to house the remains of the most important leaders of the ancient Incas. Visit one the world’s largest necropolis, in which stand out over 90 chullpas, huge and primitive stone mausoleums of over 12m high, designed with a wider top than the base. After the tour board flight to Lima and onward international connection.