PAT 2000 - TREASURES, LEGENDS AND PASIONS II

Upon arrival, our staff will be waiting for you at the airport to transfer you to the selected hotel. Remainder of the day off to rest or take an excursion (on request) if time allows. Overnight in Lima.

Breakfast at the hotel. Between 08:45 and 09:15, we will pick you up from your hotel to start the panoramic city tour where we will visit the Colonial Center, the Plaza Mayor, the Palace of Government, the Cathedral Basilica, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Municipality of Lima. Also, we will be visiting San Francisco, a convent with cloisters and catacombs of the Colonial period.

The tour starts with a panoramic view of the Huaca Pucllana and the traditional, residential, and commercial areas of Lima to continue with the historic center of Lima and end with a spectacular panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and the beaches of the Miraflores district.

At 14:00 hr., we will transfer you to the station to board the bus to the city of Paracas (Approximate duration of the trip: 3.30 hours approx.). Upon arrival our staff will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Paracas.   (B.)

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast we will transfer to the Paracas pier to board the boat in which we will start the excursion out to sea towards the Ballestas Islands. During the ride we will be able to appreciate the gigantic Candelabra outlined on the side of a hill facing the sea, and our local guide will tell you the various theories that have been woven around this enigmatic design. When you arrive at the Ballestas Islands, you will be able to observe different species that make up part of the local marine fauna, including Humboldt penguins, sea lions, seagulls, boobies, Zarcilillos, pelicans, etc. (some of them are almost extinct).

NOTE: (The exact time of departure to the Ballestas Islands is subject to the weather, and it is necessary for the port captaincy to give the go-ahead for navigation).

After doing the tour of the islands we will return to the mainland and, after some free time, we will transfer you to the bus station to continue the trip to Nasca. Upon arrival, our staff will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel.    (B.)

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time we will pick you up from your hotel to transfer you to the aerodrome of the city of Nasca, where we will have to wait for our turn to start the overflight to the Nasca lines, which lasts approximately 25 minutes, time in which you will be able to observe the gigantic zoomorphic and geometric figures, traced in low relief on the sands of the desert.  in the pampas of San José de Nasca. For some, these lines represented a gigantic astronomical calendar related to agriculture, for others it is a navigation plane and extraterrestrial airport.   At the end of the flyby, you will be able to draw your own conclusions. After the experience we will start the trip to the beautiful city of Arequipa. Upon arrival, reception and transfer to the selected hotel.    (B.)

Breakfast at the hotel. At agreed time, we will begin a guided tour of the main tourist attractions of the city, where we will visit the Monastery of cloistered nuns of Santa Catalina, built in the 16th century and opened to the public since 1970. Santa Catalina is one of the most notable and beautiful buildings in the city, and behind its walls is more than 400 years of history. The city of Arequipa has various Spanish-type buildings and old churches built based on ashlar (white volcanic stone), among which the Cathedral and the church of the Company of Jesus stand out.    (B.)

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport to board the flight to the city of Cusco. Arrival, reception, and transfer to the hotel. Free time to rest.

Between 12:30 and 13:15 hours, our staff will pick you up from the hotel to start the tour of the colonial city, built on the bases of Inca palaces. In the tour we will visit the Plaza de Armas, the Temple of the Sun, also known as Qoricancha, and the Cathedral of Cusco, where we can see beautiful paintings and sculptures. Then we will continue to the archaeological center of Sacsayhuaman, a multipurpose place where the Sun, the Moon and the Earth were worshiped, and which was also used as a military fortress and an astrological center. Later we will arrive at Q’enco, a cult center related to the fire element. Finally, we have Puca Pucara, a place used as a supply center and Inca checkpoint, where wind ceremonies were also held. At the end of the tour we will arrive at Tambomachay, center of cult to water and fertility. Return to the hotel.   (B.)

Breakfast at the hotel. Between 07:20 and 07:40 hrs., we will start our tour visiting the beautiful town of Pisac, its handicraft market and its narrow streets. Continuing the tour through the Sacred Valley of Urubamba, where you can enjoy a nice lunch.

Next, we will visit Ollantaytambo, an Inca city still inhabited that conserves a complex system of irrigation canals and foundations of that time, on which a large part of the town was built. The archaeological center of Ollantaytambo has large groups of platforms, forts, plazas, canals and the Real Casa del Sol, a megalithic temple of great mystical value. Overnight in the Sacred Valley.   (B. L.)

Breakfast at the hotel.  At the agreed time transfer to the train station to begin the excursion to the Sacred Citadel of Machu Picchu, recognized as one of the wonders of the world and declared Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

The train takes us to the town of Aguas Calientes and then upon arrival we will take the bus to go up to the Archaeological Center and then begin the guided tour that lasts approximately 2 hours. During the visit you can appreciate temples, squares, terraces, houses, barns, as well as the great biodiversity that exists in the surroundings. It is worth mentioning that because of where Machu Pichu is located its beauty is exalted. A National Reserve has been formed around the citadel that has an area of 32,500 hectares, and which includes a constellation of archaeological monuments, which, in our opinion, were built as part of the Machu Picchu complex and not in isolation. After our visit in the Archaeological Center, we will take the bus to go down and back to the town where you will enjoy a delicious meal. Finally, you will board the train back to the city of Cusco. Upon arrival, our staff will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel.   (B. L.)

Breakfast at the hotel.  At the indicated time we will transfer you to the airport to board the flight to Puerto Maldonado. Upon arrival we will transfer you to our boat to travel along the Tambopata River to the lodge. On the way we will observe the changes in vegetation, from colonized and deforested areas to virgin forest. Arriving at the Lodge, we will have a welcome drink and meet the rest of the staff who will accompany us during the trip.  In the afternoon we will have an introductory walk on dry land, in a forest dominated by giant chestnut and Chihuahuaco trees. The mammals that are most frequently seen on this trail are the Pichico Monkey or Leoncillo, the Capuchin Monkey, the Agoutis, the Pacas, the Blue Morpho Butterflies, the Trogons, Toucans and many other species of birds. After dinner, we will take a night walk where we can find nocturnal animals or insects, which can be located by the brightness of their eyes when illuminated with a flashlight.  Approximately 50% of the animals in the jungle are nocturnal. Overnight at Lodge.   (B. L. D.)

After breakfast, we will start our day arriving by boat to the trail from where we will start an exploratory walk. Then we will take a ride on the Condenado 1 and 2 lakes in our rowing canoes. The surroundings of both lakes boast an impressive variety of birds and aquatic life. Often, you can see a family of giant otters or river wolves living in the lake.   Likewise, we will be able to observe the Brindle Herons, the White Herons, the Tuqui Tuqui, the Shanshos, the noisy Black-headed Donacobius bird and many others.

Remember to bring your hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun because there is no shade in the lakes. After our excursion, we will return to the Lodge just in time for lunch.  During the afternoon you can explore the surroundings of the lodge or relax and bathe in a clear and cool stream that is located near the lodge.  At dusk, we will head out to the Tambopata River aboard a motorized canoe in search of caimans and other nocturnal animals.    (B. L. D.)

It is necessary to leave at dawn to start the return boat to Puerto Maldonado and on the way, we will have the opportunity to capture memorable views of the sunrise over the river. In the early morning you can see thewild life, which is particularly active at this time and you can frequently hear howler monkeys or coto monkeys. Arriving in Puerto Maldonado, transfer to the airport and assistance on your departure flight. Arriving in Cusco, our staff will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Cusco.   (B.)

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the bus terminal to board the tourist bus to the city of Puno. On the way we will visit the church of Andahuaylillas, also known as the Sistine Chapel of South America, the archaeological center of Raqchi (one of the main temples to the god Wiracocha), the “La Raya” pass, which is the highest point of the route (4335 meters above sea level) and the Pucará site museum. Arriving in the city of Puno, our staff will be waiting to transfer you to the selected hotel. Overnight in Puno.   (B. L.)

*The trip can also be by air, but we recommend the land route because of the attractions that are visited.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the agreed time we will transfer you to the Titicaca Lake pier to begin our excursion to Taquile Island, a place of spectacular beauty where its inhabitants maintain ancestral customs with whom we can share some of their experiences. Continuing with the trip, we will visit the floating islands of the Uros; artificial islands, handcrafted by its inhabitants based on Totora, a plant that grows in the same lake. The Uros lives basically from fishing, hunting and gathering, as well as from the sale of handicrafts and multicolored knitted products. During the tour, we will be able to see and hear the legends of the Uros, their customs and folklore. It should be noted that the entire route of this day is done sailing on Titicaca Lake, the highest navigable lake in the world. Overnight in Puno.    (B. L.)

Breakfast at the hotel.  At the arranged time, we will pick you up from your hotel to visit Sillustani, a necropolis of Pre-Inca origin, located 34 km from the city of Puno (35 minutes by car) and at an altitude of 3,840 masl. During this visit we can enjoy magnificent landscapes and the imposing pre-Inca architecture, located on the top of a peninsula surrounded by the beautiful Umayo lagoon. The Sillustani archaeological site is a cemetery that was built in the 12th century by a civilization that occupied the area, before the Inca domain: The Kolla culture. The most imposing towers that we will observe in this place were built for the most important chiefs and priests. For the ancient civilizations that spread throughout Peru, the cemeteries were resting places for their dead and that is why they strategically chose places beautiful that were considered sacred spaces.

As we walk around Sillustani we can feel the energy that emanates from the entire peninsula and the harmony that constitutes a landscape so perfect for our hearts to recharge with peace.

Arriving in the city of Lima our staff will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Lima.   (B.)

Breakfast at the hotel. At the coordinated time we will transfer you to the station to board the bus to the city of Huaraz (Departures at 08.00 hrs.). Upon arrival, our staff will be waiting for you to guide you and transfer you to the hotel. Free time to rest. Overnight in Huaraz.   (B.)

Breakfast at the hotel. This day we are heading to the “Chavín de Huántar Archaeological Centre”, one of the oldest civilizations in America (2000 years BC) that still hides the mysteries of its origin. Inside Chavín you will be able to appreciate the impressive Monolithic Lanzón (lithic sculpture), the underground galleries in the form of labyrinths, underground channels, “Cabezas Clavas”, ceremonial squares, “The Falcónidas gateway”, different stairway systems and complex ventilation systems. On the way we will be able to observe mining towns, we will visit the Querococha Lagoon and we will pass through the Cahuich Tunnel, located at 4,178 m.a.s.l, which crosses the Cordillera Blanca linking the “Callejón de Huaylas” with the “Callejón de Conchucos”. Lunch, visit to the Chavín museum and return to Huaraz   (B. L.)

Breakfast at the hotel. Day off. In the evening, transfer to the station to board the bus to the city of Trujillo (The bus leaves at 21:00 hrs. and arrives approximately at 05:00 hrs).

Note: (If you hire a private service, the trip is made during the day and on the way you will enjoy extraordinary landscapes. In addition, we will be able to visit Sechín, one of the most important archaeological centers on the Peruvian coast, given its antiquity, architectural beauty, conservation and cultural content. Its façade was built with stone slabs that have insinuating motifs of warriors in procession whose meaning is not yet fully defined.    (B.)

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, we will start our visit Chan Chan, the largest mud city on the planet, ancient capital of the Chimú kingdom, a culture that descends from the Mochicas (Mr. De Sipán).

During our tour we will visit the monumental area and the entrance to the Tschudi Palace, which in its 11.5 hectares of extension shows us all the apogee and splendor of one of the most advanced civilizations of its time, through the management of its spaces, the exquisite beauty of its friezes and the solidity of its constructions

Next, we will visit Huanchaco, an ancestral fishermen’s cove where we can appreciate the old boats called caballitos de totora, thanks to which the millenary tradition of artisanal fishing is maintained and to which the beginnings of the practice of surfing are attributed.

Next, we will visit the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, imposing monuments built by the Moche culture, ancestors of the Chimú, where in their friezes you can appreciate the rich mythology that enveloped this people.  These “pyramids” or “huacas” are enormous adobe buildings built in the fifth century, which have countless superimposed tombs and polychrome murals in which they represent their deity Ai Apaec.  It is believed that both pyramids were complementary, one for administrative purposes and the other more for religious purposes. Overnight in Trujillo.   (B.)

Breakfast at the hotel. At the coordinated time we will pick you up from your hotel and transfer along the North Pan-American Highway, crossing extensive sugar cane plantations to reach the Huaca Cao Viejo of the El Brujo archaeological complex, an important ceremonial center where through the iconographic language expressed in its polychrome murals, the past tells us about the rituals practiced by the Moche culture. El Brujo owes its name to the constant influx of the so-called sorcerers or northern healers (shamans) to this place, who performed and still carry out healing ceremonies in mountains or pre-Hispanic ruins such as the Huaca Cao Viejo, considering that in these places there are notable sources of energy.   In this way, being an important ceremonial center, the main constructions of “El Brujo” were made to worship the gods, and the ornamentation of them, show us representations of ritual scenes and dedication to their princes.

Similarly, the high reliefs on the walls of the temple (Huaca Cao Viejo) show a variety of themes, from everyday images to representations of sacred figures such as the inevitable image of the “Decapitator”, a supernatural, anthropomorphic image with feline features found on the main façade, which would be the representation of the main Mochica deity, the god Ai Apaec.

Next, we will continue with the excursion to the archaeological complex of Huaca Rajada, located 35 kilometres from the city of Chiclayo. There we can observe two large and eroded pyramidal structures joined by a platform and it that very same space the preserved tombs of the Lord of Sipán, the Priest and the Ancient Lord of Sipán were discovered.  It was 1987, when the tomb of the most famous of all of them was found, that of the Lord of Sipán, now it’s one of the main attractions of this place due to its importance and the excellent state of conservation in which it was found. Along with this, samples of goldsmithing were found (especially funerary masks), and numerous pieces that covered his skeleton, such as the breastplate, the bracelets, the command sceptre, as well as the gold clothing and jewellery, signs of the Moche grandeur and nobility.

Its ornaments and the high degree of development in goldsmith work make it considered the most important archaeological discovery of the century. During the tour we will also visit the Site Museum, built in a place where excavations and explorations were also carried out, finding tombs and other minor finds. Overnight in Chiclayo.    (B.)

After breakfast, we will go to the city of Lambayeque to visit the museum: “Royal Tombs of the Lord of Sipan”, located 11 km from the city of Chiclayo. The exhibition shows us the hierarch along with his valuable jewels, some Moches warrior tombs and important pieces of gold, the result of the hard work done by the Peruvian archaeologist Walter Alva.

The architecture of the Museum is inspired by the ancient Mochica Sanctuaries, where platforms and ramps are combined, resulting in being considered one of the best museums in South America.

After the visit, we will transfer you to the station to board the bus and start the trip to the northern beaches, a perfect place to rest, have fun and get away from the fast-paced life of the cities.

These paradisiacal beaches, among which Máncora, Pocitas and Vichaito stand out, are characterized by their light sand, surrounded by palm trees and coconut trees, their warm waters, the sun shining brightly from dawn and the exquisite marine cuisine. Likewise, some of these beaches are excellent for surfing. Upon arrival transfer to your beach hotel.    (B.)

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to enjoy the paradisiacal beaches of northern Peru.

For this day you can request some additional excursions, such as:

– Humpback Whale Watching (Between July and October)

– Snorkeling with sea turtles

– Boat ride and fishing

– Surf Lessons

– Tour to Cerro de Amotape National Park.

– Visit to Catacaos: Here it is possible to admire fine straw fabrics, cotton and filigree work in gold and silver. (B.)

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to enjoy the paradisiacal beaches of northern Peru.

For this day you can request some additional excursions, such as:

– Humpback Whale Watching (Between July and October)

– Snorkeling with sea turtles

– Boat ride and fishing

– Surf Lessons

– Tour to Cerro de Amotape National Park.

– Visit to Catacaos: Here it is possible to admire fine straw fabrics, cotton and filigree work in gold and silver. (B.)

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time we will transfer you to the airport of Talara or Tumbes to board your flight to the city of Lima. Upon arrival, our staff will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Lima.   (B.)

Breakfast at the hotel. At the appropriate time we will transfer you to the airport to continue with your itinerary.    (B.)

Meals included in the program:    B=BREAKFAST         L=LUNCH          D=DINNER