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About Peru
Mystical Inca citadels, breathtaking snowcapped mountains, and a vibrant traditional culture are only a few reasons why Peru has been a prime adventure destination for thousands . Join us to trek the Inca Trail, experience Machu Picchu, enjoy an in-depth cultural journey into the world of the Incas. Board the train bounded for the Lost City of the Incas. Enter the semi-tropical jungle that forms the natural threshold of Machu Picchu. The train ascends into the mountains guided by the Urubamba River, until reaching a small village set in a narrow valley flanked by precipitous peaks, in a landscape of impossible beauty. Machu Picchu, the last refuge of the Inca Virgins of the Sun, the private retreat of the Inca Pachacutec, the lost city found by Hiram Bingham, sits on the saddle of a mountain overlooking the deep canyon. Cusco, Capital of the Inca Empire, wears the title of "Archeological Capital of the Americas" with pride, since there is no other place on the entire continent where the monumental remains of a great culture are so easily accessible and in such good conditions. But Cusco is, in addition, a city museum, in which a fascinating combination of natural beauty and unique architecture gives the City a mystical beauty. Cusco City, with its ruins, temples, churches, mansions and archaeological sites; Machu Picchu, "The Lost City of the Incas" considered one of the world's archaeological jewels; and, The Sacred Valley of the Incas with a pleasant climate, fertile lands and spectacular views surrounding picturesque communities.
Tour Sites/Attractions
Lima - We will be beginning and ending our tour in Lima, Peru’s capital and largest city. Lima was founded by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro on January 18, 1535, as La Ciudad de los Reyes, or "The City of Kings."
Cusco - Located in southeastern Peru, near the Urubamba Valley (Sacred Valley) of the Andes mountain range. It is the capital of the Cusco Region as well as the Cusco Province. The city has a population of about 300,000, triple the figure of 20 years ago. Located on the eastern end of the Knot of Cusco, its altitude is around 10,800 ft. Cusco is the historic capital of the Inca empire. The original Inca city, said to have been founded in the 11th century, was sacked by Pizarro in 1535. There are still remains, however, of the palace of the Incas, the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Virgins of the Sun. There are still Inca building remains and foundations, which have been in some cases been proved to be stronger than the foundations built in present-day Peru. Among the most noteworthy buildings of the city is the cathedral of Santo Domingo and the statue of Jesus “Christo Blanco”.
Nazca – The spectacular Nazca lines, gigantic drawings and figures engraved in the desert, some of which are over 2000 years old. The Nazca culture flourished in the Nazca region between 300 BC and 800 AD,. They are sometimes credited with creating the famous Nazca lines, and they also built an impressive system of underground aqueducts that still function today. Near the aqueducts there is an overlook point which includes an Inca building added after the Inca conquest of the area. On the pampa, on which the Nazca lines were made, the ceremonial city of Cahuachi (1-500 AD) sits overlooking the lines.
Lake Titicaca – Covering some 8300 square kilometers, Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America, The area of the lake is divided between Peru and Bolivia. Approximately 60% of the lake is in Peru and 40% of the lake is in Bolivia. Group will take a boat tour of the reed islands of Uros. A visit to the Aymara island of Taquile before returning in the afternoon to Puno.
Machu Picchu / Sacred Valley - Often referred to as "The Lost City of the Incas", Machu Picchu is probably the most familiar symbol of the Inca Empire. It is considered one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. It was built around the year 1450, but abandoned a hundred years later, at the time of the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. Its primary buildings are the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of the Three Windows. These are located in what is known by archaeologists as the Sacred District of Machu Picchu.
Arequipa - Group will visit the second deepest canyon in the world (the deepest canyon lies only a few kilometers from here). We shall also have an opportunity to see the huge condor, the world’s largest flying bird before returning to Arequipa.
Amazon Rainforest Option - Please see this PDF file for more information.
Please click the links below to learn more information (PDF files):
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