BJC Peru Interval Itinerary 2016

INTERVAL INTERNATIONAL

PERU – PAST AND PRESENT Including Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and Puno.

You have chosen one of the most rewarding places in the world to visit… Peru’s rich tapestry of cultures and landscapes promises enriching and unforgettable travel experiences. The country has a unique and dramatic historical legacy, encompassing both the mighty Inca Empire and the enduring influence of its Spanish Colonial heritage. The natural world is equally fascinating, from desert terrain and the Pacific coast to snow-capped mountain peaks and the seemingly impenetrable Amazon jungle.

Whatever your passions, Peru will delight you. You’ll encounter friendly people, sample great cuisine, discover vibrant artistic traditions, journey through captivating landscapes, and explore some of the greatest architectural achievements of humanity.

So no matter where your travels take you in Peru, whether it’s mountain, city, valley or jungle… get ready for one of the most memorable trips you’ll ever have!

JOURNEY SUMMARY DURATION

10 Days, 9 Nights COMMENCES ON

8th March 2017 at Lima International Airport (LIM) ACTIVITY LEVEL

Level 2 (please see the ‘Important Information’ section for level descriptions) PRE-JOURNEY

We will depart London Heathrow airport on the 7th March 2017 as we fly overnight to Lima Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) arriving on Day 1: 8th March 2017 and we will collect you from the airport.

ADDITIONAL EXCURSIONS

Not available on this tour

GUIDED GUIDEDHOLIDAY HOLIDAYTOURS TOURS| Essential Peru - Past Sights and of Present China

ITINERARY SNAPSHOT DAY 1

8TH OCTOBER 2016 Arrive in Lima

DAY 2

9TH MARCH 2017 Lima City Tour

DAY 3

10TH MARCH 2017 Fly to Lima to Cusco.

Transfer to Sacred Valley

DAY 4

11TH MARCH 2017 Sacred Valley – Moray Terraces

DAY 5

12TH MARCH 2017 Full day tour - Machu Picchu

DAY 6

13TH MARCH 2017 Machu Picchu.

Train to Cusco

DAY 7

14TH MARCH 2017 Explore Cusco and surrounds

DAY 8

15TH MARCH 2017 Train from Cusco to Puno

DAY 9

16TH MARCH 2017 Uros floating islands.

Lake Titicaca - Puno

DAY 10

17TH MARCH 2017 Transfer from Puno to Lima and onward to London Heathrow

DAY 1 • 8th March 2017

ARRIVE IN LIMA Arrive in Lima, Peru and you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure

INCLUDED MEALS

None ACCOMMODATION

Jose Antonio Miraflores Hotel ACTIVITIES

Arrive Lima

GUIDED HOLIDAY TOURS Peru - Past and Present

DAY 2 • 9th March 2017

DAY 3 • 10th March 2017

LIMA CITY TOUR

FLY TO LIMA TO CUSCO – TRANSFER TO SACRED VALLEY

Your tour starts downtown, where you will visit the Aliaga House, an ancient viceregal house delivered by Francisco Pizarro to one of his captains (Jerónimo de Aliaga) after the foundation of the city. The construction of this house started in 1535. This genuine jewel of the colonial architecture is currently inhabited by his descendants. You will then get to know 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.

There you can see the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Lima Cathedral.

Next, you will go to Saint Francis’ Church, which has an enviable collection of old books and an authentic network of catacombs open to the public.

Then you will go to the Pueblo Libre district to visit the Larco Museum. Lunch at Café del Museo. Founded by Rafael Larco Hoyle in 1926.

The visit to this museum allows understanding

over five thousand years of the high degree of development achieved by the cultures that flourished before the Inca Empire.

The museum, located inside a viceregal mansion built on a pre-Columbian pyramid of the 7th century, shows the most complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver artifacts as well pieces of erotic art.

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast & Lunch ACCOMMODATION

Jose Antonio Miraflores Hotel ACTIVITIES

Lima City Tour & Larco Museum

Upon arrival to Cusco, assistance at the airport and transfer to the Sacred Valley.

Full day tour. You will start your tour at Awanakancha, a farm of South American camelids and showroom of textiles, where local families show the entire traditional process of weaving and making garments.

You will then visit the Pisac market, which has scores of stands that exhibit and sell products manufactured by the residents of the area. It is possible to find textiles, carvings and replicas of old Inca pieces.

Lunch en Muña restaurant.

it as part of his expanding empire. Ollantaytambo shows a huge archaeological complex that, without a doubt is one of the most monumental works of the Inca Empire.

After having lunch at a local restaurant, you will go to the Ollantaytambo town, a typical example of the urban planning of the Incas, whose residents still live in accordance with their old traditions. Pachacútec (14381471) conquered the town, destroyed it and built a new one in the Inca style, to absorb

Fly Lima to Cusco. Pisac Market.

Ollantaytambo town

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast & Lunch ACCOMMODATION

Inkallpa Sacred Valley Hotel ACTIVITIES

GUIDED HOLIDAY TOURS Peru - Past and Present

DAY 4 • 11th March 2017

DAY 5 • 12th March 2017

SACRED VALLEY – MORAY TERRACES

FULL DAY TOUR - MACHU PICCHU

Half day tour. Your day will start with a tour that takes approximately one and a half hours, to visit the Moray terraces and the Maras salt mines.

Moray’s archaeological vestiges are composed of mysterious concentric circular terraces which, according to some scholars, would be an agricultural research center.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today will be an unforgettable day you will visit one of the 7 wonders of the World: MACHU PICCHU. Full day tour. You will be transferred to the Ollanta train station to travel to Machu Picchu, a masterpiece of engineering and architecture that served as a sanctuary and retreat for the Inca Pachacutec (1438 - 1572). Machu Picchu, which means “Old Mountain”, is considered a World Heritage by the UNESCO and one of the new seven wonders of the world.

The higher external terraces would be at a higher temperature than the inner terraces and could simulate the conditions of the different ecological strata of the empire. Maras is a surreal view.

It is near Moray and it is an impressive salt exploitation complex. Its huge salt deposits were used to trade them for other products with other parts of the empire.

In the afternoon we have a chance to take part in an Andean experience. La Pachamama, Mother Earth, was held sacred by Ancient Peruvians.

The traditional practice of giving offerings to Pachamama, passed down from the time of the

Inca, remains a part of daily life for many who live in the regions surrounding Cusco. With a shaman as guide to this mystical practice, travelers discover a realm beyond the physical world, and often experience profound emotional and spiritual healing. Coca, a traditional Peruvian

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast ACCOMMODATION

Inkallpa Sacred Valley Hotel ACTIVITIES

Moray terraces and Maras Salt mines. Shaman traditional practice. Afternoon at leisure

Your tour to Machu Picchu begins with a train ride to Aguas Calientes in approximately one hour and 30 minutes. This town is also known as “Machu Picchu pueblo” and is the last stop before the entrance to the remains of the most important archaeological site in Peru.

In Aguas Calientes are the railway station, a crafts market, restaurants and accommodation of different categories for those who prefer to spend the night at the foot of the mountain and climb it early. Finally, after a short transfer

you will reach Machu Picchu, a masterpiece of engineering and architecture that is believed served as a sanctuary and retreat for the Inca Pachacutec (1438 - 1572).

Machu Picchu, which means “Old Mountain”, is considered a World Heritage by UNESCO and one of the new seven wonders of the world.

Lunch at Café Inkaterra and the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner ACCOMMODATION

El Mapi Hotel ACTIVITIES

Machu Picchu

GUIDED GUIDEDHOLIDAY HOLIDAYTOURS TOURS| Essential Peru - Past Sights and of Present China

DAY 6 • 13th March 2017

MACHU PICCHU. TRAIN TO CUSCO Breakfast at the hotel.

OPTIONAL. Second entrance to Machu Picchu & Huayna Picchu mountain + second roundtrip bus.

In the afternoon return by train to Cusco.

Arrive to Ollanta train station and transfer to your hotel.

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast ACCOMMODATION

Sonesta Cusco Hotel

DAY 7 • 14th March 2017

ACTIVITIES

EXPLORE CUSCO AND SURROUNDS

Machu Picchu

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast we take a walking tour of the city, starting out at the Santo Domingo convent monastery. This former Colonial monastery was previously the Koricancha temple, one of the most important temples devoted to worship of the sun. According to the chronicles, it was covered in gold Leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. Then we proceed to the Catedral of Cusco, where we can find exclusives collection of the cusquenian painting school.

national drink. Choose from a single grape varietal, a Master Distiller’s inspirations across various varietals, Elevation, North to South or our house favorites.

Afternoon at leisure.

Cusco walking tour. Pisco tasting

In the evening, take a walk to the Museo del Pisco. Pisco Tasting Night – Your choice of four different varieties culled from hundreds of piscos already vetted by our resident experts.

You’ll get an up close and personalized introduction to its history, diffusion, the process and how to best appreciate Peru’s

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast ACCOMMODATION

Sonesta Cusco Hotel ACTIVITIES

GUIDED HOLIDAY TOURS Peru - Past and Present

DAY 8 • 15th March 2017

DAY 9 • 16th March 2017

TRAIN FROM CUSCO TO PUNO

UROS FLOATING ISLANDS. LAKE TITICACA - PUNO

Breakfast at the hotel.Transfer to the train station various snacks and a continuous Restaurant and to board the train to Puno.

Bar service is available at an additional cost.

Arrive in Puno and transfer to the hotel.

Ten-hour train ride to city of Puno, across the

Breakfast at the hotel. Upon your arrival at Puno’s lake port, a vessel will take you to the floating islands of the Uros. Uros are an ancestral society that inhabits a series of artificial islands built with totora, a reef that grows in the lake. The islands are built by weaving totoras in the places where they grow the thickest and form a natural layer. They build their totora houses over it and cook in the open air to prevent possible fires. After a one and a half-hour tour, you will continue your trip to the Taquile Island.

scenic high Andean landscape dotted by only small native villages and herds of llamas and vicunas.

The Andean Explorer runs between Puno and Cusco, it is exquisitely decorated in the fine manner of the great Pullman trains of the 1920’s and boasts a full fleet of refurbished coaches including dining cars and an open-air observation bar car, which is unique in South America.

On the journey we are served a three course lunch in the dining car followed by coffee served in the observation-bar car. This service, full of romance and style, unites two of Peru’s top tourist destinations. In additional to the complimentary lunch a snack menu, along with

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast & Lunch ACCOMMODATION

Posada Del Inca Puno Hotel ACTIVITIES

Scenic train ride from Cusco to Puno

Unlike other islands, inhabited by Aymaraspeaking 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. Upon your arrival, you will receive a brief explanation on the island and will attend a cultural activity. You will return to Puno after lunch.

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast & Lunch ACCOMMODATION

None ACTIVITIES

visit the floating islands of Uros

GUIDED HOLIDAY TOURS Peru - Past and Present

JOURNEY PRICE

£2799 per person

*Price based on 2 people sharing a cabin/ room. £320 single room supplement.

VALIDITY FOR TRAVELLING 8-17th March 2016

DAY 10 • 17th March 2017

A non-refundable deposit of £400 per person is due at the time of booking. Full balance will be due 14 weeks prior to departure.

TRANSFER FROM PUNO TO LIMA AND ONWARD TO LONDON HEATHROW

US Dollar price is based on exchange rate of $1.600 to £1.00; The Big Journey Company reserves the right to amend the price should the exchange rate fluctuate by more than 2%.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for flight to Lima. Arrive in Lima and assistance at the airport for our international departure flight.

ADDITIONAL FLIGHT INFORMATION All flights are included in the cost of the tour.

INCLUDED IN JOURNEY PRICE • International economy return flight from London to Lima Jorges Chávez International Airport (LIM) • One way internal economy flight from Lima Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) to Cusco, Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ), and one way internal economy flight from Puno (PE) to Lima Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) to including transfers to/from airports.

• Meet & Greet at the airport on arrival and transfer to the hotel.

• Transfer from the hotel to the airport on the final day.

• Transfers as detailed in the itinerary.

• Accommodation as detailed in the itinerary.

• Meals as detailed in the itinerary.

• English speaking tour guide

EXCLUDED FROM JOURNEY PRICE • Transfers on arrival or departure, to/from the airport(s), outside of the tour dates • Luggage handling • Drinks • Gratuities to drivers, guides or rangers etc • Visas, travel and medical insurance • Any personal items and anything not mentioned under included in price above • Any meals not mentioned in itinerary • Any optional activities offered

IMPORTANT INFORMATION Please let The Big Journey Company know prior to travelling if you have any medical needs or take any medication that we need to be made aware of to ensure that you have a safe and pleasant tour. Check-in is after 2-3pm and check out is before 10am unless otherwise specified in the itinerary. Cancellation 90 – 0 days prior to departure cancellation fee is 100%. It is your responsibility to ensure the correct travel insurance in place to protect you against the need to cancel your holiday. Deposits are nonrefundable.

Further terms and conditions apply and will be provided upon request or at the time of booking. The Big Journey Company reserves the right to withdraw any offer prior to accepting a reservation request. This does not affect your statutory rights. This offer is subject to availability and space is limited.

ACTIVITY LEVELS 1

Involves moderate physical activity on relatively level surfaces and gentle terrain

2

Requires moderate physical activity. You need to be able to participate in physical activities such as longer walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing steps and be comfortable with some periods of standing. Not suitable if you have limited mobility.

3

Involves a high level of physical activity over an extended period, in terrain that may often be uneven, slippery and steep. You would be expected to carry your own backpack and equipment. Not suitable if you have limited mobility.

CONTACT US A: The Big Journey Company Ltd, Marron Bank, Branthwaite, Cumbria, LA14 4SZ, England.

T: 0844 3350 197 | E: info@thebigjourneycompany.com | www.thebigjourneycompany.com

This holiday tour is operated by The Big Journey Company Limited registered in England No: 6532140.

The Big Journey Company Limited is a member of The Travel Trust Association member number U5675 and holds an Air Travel Organiser’s License number T7282.