Seat-in-Coach Tour
Explorer Line: Peru & Ecuador
World Heritage of South America
Lima – Yucay – Cusco – Puno – Quito
Duration: 11 days
Friday – Monday
plus optional extension Galápagos
GUARANTEED DEPARTURE DATES January until November 2015:
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Booking Code: LIM007-15E# (tour no.) |
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| #01: | 13.03.2015-23.03.2015 | #07: | 14.08.2015-24.08.2015 |
| #02: | 03.04.2015-13.04.2015* | #08: | 11.09.2015-21.09.2015 |
| #03: | 01.05.2015-11.05.2015* | #9: | 18.09.2015-28.09.2015* |
| #04: | 22.05.2015-01.06.2015 | #10: | 16.10.2015-26.10.2015 |
| #05: | 10.07.2015-20.07.2015* | #11: | 20.11.2015-30.11.2015 |
| #06: | 31.07.2015-10.08.2015 | ||
**Santa Cruz cruise extension not possible
Peru – Also known as The Kingdom of the Sun, Peru is one of the most representative countries of Latin America due to the mix of native Indian, afro American and European cultures. Peru is a country where the traditional customs have transcended through the years and they are the base for the current way of life. The contrast produced because of the different landscapes and people is the reason why Peru is a country so interesting for you to visit. The City of Kings was once the scenario of the war against the Spanish conquerors, who came in a ruthless search for the gold
that was hidden somewhere in Peru. However, their most wanted treasure was the Lost City of the Incas: Machu Picchu, which they never found.
Ecuador – geographically it is a small country which is uniquely endowed with a dramatic topography and a variety of climatic zones, vegetation, birds and wildlife. Without ever leaving the country, travellers can move in a matter of hours from jungle/rainforest to the high slopes of the Andeans and then down to the Pacific coast, while observing a breathtaking panorama of scenery and nature.
En route, through Ecuador’s wonderful world of nature you will be able to follow the courses of broad and narrow rivers; rest along the shores of pristine lakes; explore mysterious caves and marvel at unique plant and animal species that have evolved undisturbed on isolated islands in the Pacific – the Galapagos Islands.
From the highlands to sea level, Ecuador’s fascinating diversity is echoed by its people whose cultural origins and traditions continue to be formed by their immediate geographical environment.
Day 01 – Friday Lima
Arrival at the airport in Lima, where you will be welcomed by an English speaking guide. Transfer to the hotel and Check-in.
Lima was founded in 1535 by the Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro as “The city of the kings” and became the capital and most important city of the Spanish Viceroyalty. Today it is still Peru’s most important city as it gives home to about 9 million people, almost 30% of the national population. The historical city centre comes with splendid colonial style architecture, ample squares as the Plaza de Armas (or Plaza Mayor) and grand churches which yielded it the declaration as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. In its modern quarters such as Miraflores and San Isidro you can find present day architecture, rich entertainment possibilities and a great number of first class hotels and
restaurants. Peruvian cuisine is excellent and gets more and more famous in the world and Peruvians are extremely proud of their typical dishes.
Middle Class:
Overnight at Hotel Jose Antonio 3*+ or similar (standard room)
Comfort Class:
Overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores 4* or similar (superior room)
Day 02 – Saturday Lima – Cusco – Yucay
the Urubamba Valley including Pisac & OllantaytamboTransfer to the airport for the flight to Cusco.
Cusco – South America’s archaeological capital and oldest continuously inhabited city is now one of Peru’ s most important and most frequented tourist attractions. Nevertheless, it is still remaining its vivid legacy as the hub of the Inca Empire: Quechua-speaking Inca descendants can still be found multitudinously in the centuries-old stone-walled city streets. Cusco also boasts magnificent repositories of colonial art – fine examples can be found in the Cathedral and Museum of Archaeology.
Upon arrival transfer to the hotel located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
On the way you will visit the typical Pisac market in the town of Pisac. Here a very special and traditional market is performed every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. A large handicraft fair is organized by the Pisac and Cusco craftsmen who exhibit and sell wide variety of fine crafts such as woven goods, Alpaca rugs, tapestry, sculpture, jewellery.
Continue to the ruin site of Ollantaytambo and visit the town, the shrines and the fortification with its stairs to the sky.
Afterwards transfer to the hotel in
Yucay located in the Urubamba valley.
Middle Class:
Overnight at Hotel Sonesta Posada del Inca Yucay 3* or similar (standard room)
Comfort Class:
Overnight at Hotel Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness 5* or similar (colonial room)
Day 03 – Sunday Yucay – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Transfer by bus to the train station of Ollantaytambo where the tour starts by train that goes through the fertile plain of the Urubamba valley and on to Aguas Calientes. From there, small busses drive up the steep mountain to the ruin town Machu Picchu.
Called the Lost City of the Incas, this cultural heritage of mankind is a beautifully located impressive stone city constructed with a technique incredible for its era and even for present times. Stone upon stone, fitted together perfectly without any cement, with impressive delicacy, exquisite detail and discrimination worthy of the world’s greatest palaces.
There are many theories about Machu Picchu, but one thing is for sure – it is one of the most impressive sites in the world.
Enjoy a guided visit of around 2 hours of the ruins and return by bus and train to Ollantaytambo station. Transfer to your hotel in
Cusco.
Middle Class:
Overnight at Hotel Eco Inn 3* or similar (standard room)
Comfort Class:
Overnight at Hotel Aranwa Cusco Boutique 5* or similar (classic room)
Day 04 – Monday Cusco
In the morning the half-day city tour begins. It will be shown the exact centre of the Inca Empire, the Plaza de Armas. There one can find the cathedral built on the ruins of the ancient Inca Palace. The cathedral borders on other churches on both sides. Next stop will be the old town with its magnificent renovated colonial buildings; some of them are being used as hotels. Then proceed to Sacsayhuaman, a ruin located approx. 3 km above Cusco. Sacsayhuaman also offers a fabulous view of the city. Afterwards visit the surrounding ruins.
The afternoon is free at leisure.
Middle Class:
Overnight at Hotel Eco Inn 3* or similar (standard room)
Comfort Class:
Overnight at Hotel Aranwa Cusco Boutique 5* or similar (classic room)
Day 05 – Tuesday Cusco – Puno
A full day bus journey from Cusco to Puno leads through the Peruvian highland along snow-covered peaks, passes up to 4.300m above sea level and then goes down to Puno, which is right on Lake Titicaca. On route we will visit the town of Andahuaylillas, the ruins of Racchi, and the small town of Pucara.
Lunch in a typical restaurant en route is included. After arrival in Puno transfer to your hotel.
Puno – The beauty and charm of Puno town is made up by its habitant’s kind personality and by its mixture of typical Andean architecture that is to be found all way down from the sides of the hills until the bank of the Titicaca Lake. Its archaeological, cultural and architectural variety and richness owes Puno to the fact that it once has been inhabited by three different civilizations on the banks of the Titicaca Lake: Aymara, Quechua and Spanish. This multicultural origin has created a mestizo race that is also found in their artistic and cultural expression and especially in an incomparable folklore which is second to none and has made Puno the “Folklore Capital of Peru”. But the main attraction of Puno is the Titicaca Lake, a must for any visitor. The Sacred Lake of the Incas is one of the most enigmatic places in the world. It is the highest navigable lake and combines beautiful sights, culture and history.
Middle Class:
Overnight at Hotel Jose Antonio Puno 3*+ or similar (standard room)
Comfort Class:
Overnight at Hotel Libertador Lago Titicaca 4* or similar (superior room)
Day 06 – Wednesday Puno
Full day excursion on Lake Titicaca to visit the Uros floating islands. The Aymara Indians build their houses over floating artificial islands that elaborate themselves on the waters of the Titicaca in which they inhabit in organizations and with ancestral customs.
Continue to Taquile Island where you find numerous pre-Inca and Inca ruins and Inca terracing. The island is narrow, only about 1km wide, but 6-7km long. The people here still wear their traditional clothes and there is a co-operative shop on the Plaza where one can buy woollen goods of very fine quality.
A typical lunch at Taquile Island is included.
Middle Class:
Overnight at Hotel Jose Antonio Puno 3*+ or similar (standard room)
Comfort Class:
Overnight at Hotel Libertador Lago Titicaca 4* or similar (superior room)
Day 07 – Thursday Puno – Lima
Transfer from the hotel to the airport of Juliaca.
Flight to Lima and transfer to the hotel.
In the afternoon you will explore the city on a sightseeing tour through Lima. The Plaza de Armas with the beautiful buildings of the government Palace, the town hall, the Palace of the archbishop and the cathedral are still the most important places in town. After that you will visit the beautiful San Francisco monastery which displays the largest collection of religious art in America. The highlight of this convent is the visit of the underground vaults known as “catacumbas” or catacombs.
Proceed through the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores and to the Coastline enjoying the view over the beaches of Lima and the Pacific Ocean.
Afterwards enjoy a guided visit of one of the Lima’s most noted museums, the Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum which houses the world’s largest private collection of Peruvian pre-Columbian Art. Mr. Rafael Larco Hoyle founded the museum on July 28, 1926, in the Chiclin sugar estate in Trujillo, naming it as his father as an expression of filial homage. In 1958 he moved the collection to Lima, installing the Museum in a Colonial house in the district of Pueblo Libre, where it currently functions. This locale was adapted to the characteristics style of the 18th century Colonial houses from Trujillo. The approximate 45,000 objects of the collection have been exhibited to the public in the Permanent Hall, Jewelry Vault and the Classified Storage Area ever since.
The Halls of the Larco Museum are organized by subjects. The Metals, Ceramics, the Stones, the Culture, the Great Jewelry Vault and Textile Halls emphasize the technological aspects by Pre-Columbian cultures. Finally the World’s unique Erotic Hall gives us a glimpse of the fascinating sexual life of ancient Peruvians.
Middle Class:
Overnight at Hotel Jose Antonio 3*+ or similar (standard room)
Comfort Class:
Overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores 4* or similar (superior room)
Day 08 – Friday Lima – Quito
Transfer from the hotel to the airport.
In the early afternoon transfer from the hotel to the airport and flight to Quito.
Reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
Quito is set in a hollow at the foot of the volcano Pichincha and in addition to its gorgeous landscape, surrounded by hills and several snow-capped mountains. It is known for its treasures of Colonial churches, monasteries, paintings, sculptures and carvings and the magnificent blend of Spanish, Flemish and Moorish architecture. Therefore, in 1978 it has been declared by UNESCO “Patrimony of Mankind”. Altogether the city has to offer 86 churches and monasteries of the 16th and 17th century. Due to its beautiful churches and monasteries, Quito is called and known as the “Convent of America”. This attractive city is located only 22 km (13,7 mi) away from the “Middle of the World”, the Equatorial Line.
Middle Class:
Overnight at Alameda Hotel Mercure 4* or similar (standard room)
Comfort Class:
Overnight at Hotel Hilton Colon 5* or similar (deluxe room)
Day 09 – Saturday Quito
Today you will enjoy a sightseeing-tour of the city of Quito which leads you through the historical centre of Quito for a walk through the culturally diverse history of this city.
We will pass the church of La Compañia, which has the most ornate and richly sculptured façade and interior, the Independence Square with the Government Palace and the Cathedral including a visit. Afterwards, we will visit the famous hill of the old town, Panecillo (little bread) where you will see the angel statue “Virgen de Quito”.
Afterwards visit of the Equatorial Line Monument called “Middle of the World” where you get a truly rare experience to stand in both, the Northern and Southern Hemispheres simultaneously. The Equatorial Monument marks the spot where an 18th century French scientific expedition established the exact position of the Equator. The area has been built as a typical colonial town, with restaurants, gift shops and Post Office with philatelic sales. Visit the monument and Ethnographical Museum, which shows the history of the Indian cultures of Ecuador.
Return to the hotel.
Middle Class:
Overnight at Alameda Hotel Mercure 4* or similar (standard room)
Comfort Class:
Overnight at Hotel Hilton Colon 5* or similar (deluxe room)
Day 10 – Sunday Quito
Day at leisure.
Optional: Full Day Tour Otavalo Indian Market (approx. 8h)
On the approximately two-hour bus ride to famous Otavalo market, you will use the Panamericana Norte. We will visit the small town of Calderón, where the typical miniature bread figurines are made, and then the road descends into the spectacular same-time arid and fertile Guayllabamba gorge and village. With a bit of luck, a few minutes’ later you can enjoy the opportunity of looking out the snow caped Cayambe. The Ecuadorian Line goes directly through the glacier of the immense volcano, which shows the highest worldwide point on the Ecuadorian line. Pass the Lago San Pablo with its great background – the rock massive Taita Imbabura.
In Otavalo you will discover the worldwide known Indian handcrafts market.
The local Indians have achieved economic prosperity as a result of their skill in weaving a tremendous variety of designs in belts, tapestries, ponchos and other clothing items. Here you will enjoy the unique variety of handicrafts and textiles that offer this giant colourful market and certainly, you will be able to carry some new souvenirs with you.
Before continuing to Cotacachi, the group can visit Laguna Cuicocha, a crater lake at an altitude of 3.000m. The small town Cotacachi itself is Ecuador’s center of leatherworks. Here you can stroll through the small streets choosing one of the various shops as your favorite. Return to Quito.
Middle Class:
Overnight at Alameda Hotel Mercure 4* or similar (standard room)
Comfort Class:
Overnight at Hotel Hilton Colon 5* or similar (deluxe room)
Day 11 – Monday Quito – Galapagos
After breakfast transfer to the airport for the departure flight back home or to the Galapagos Islands.
End of our services
We offer the following individual pre-stay tours:
We offer you the following individual Galapagos post-tours:
Option I: Island Hopping Programme
Option II: Galapagos Cruise on Santa Cruz
Option III: Hotel Silberstein
Price Information
with accommodation in (room) Double Single
Seat-in-coach rates from 2 pax on:
Valid from January until December 2015:
Middle Class hotels
per person in USD 2.089,00 2.635,00
Comfort Class hotels
per person in USD 2.539,00 3.433,00
You can book this tour on private basis (from 1 pax on):
Valid from January until December 2015:
with accommodation in (room) Double Single
Middle Class hotels
Basis 1 pax: per person in USD 4.723,00
Basis 2 pax: per person in USD 2.854,00 3.448,00
Comfort Class hotels
Basis 1 pax: per person in USD 5.415,00
Basis 2 pax: per person in USD 3.218,00 4.151,00
*Rates are not valid during Rally Dakar in Peru, Carnival, Easter, Inti Raymi in Cusco, Christmas, New Year, public holidays, congresses and events!
The Galapagos Portion is NOT included in the above package rates. Please see separate documents for the Galapagos programmes.
The following entrance fees are included in our package rate and are subject to change without prior notice:
San Francisco Monastery Lima USD 4,00 per person
Larco Herrera Museum Lima USD 11,00 per person
Cusco tourist tax USD 56,50 per person
Cathedral & Koricancha USD 15,00 per person
Vistadome Ollanta/Aguas Calientes/Ollanta USD 128,00 per person
Machu Picchu Entrance Fee USD 56,00 per person
Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu and vv shuttle bus USD 18,50 per person
Andahuaylillas, Racchi, Pucara USD 12,50 per person
Uros floating islands USD 2,00 per person
Taquile island USD 2,00 per person
Price Information – Flights
Additional airfares – PR is not responsible for any changes made by the airlines and the resulting costs (i.e. airfares, schedule changes, cancellations, taxes, fuel- and other charges). Airfares can only be guaranteed upon ticketing and may vary with the number of passengers. Airport taxes are subject to change.
The airfares given below are only valid for groups with a minimum of 10 passengers. For groups with less than 10 passengers, airfares may be higher.
LIM/CUZ + JUL/LIM/UIO
January – December 2015:
With long haul carrier LA, IB, JJ:
p.p. USD 673,00 incl. Q-tax and national airport tax
With other long haul carrier except TP, UX, AR, AV, TA, CM, DL, DE, S3, NK, 2K:
p.p. USD 823,00 incl. Q-tax and national airport tax
With long haul carrier TP, UX, AR, AV, TA, CM, DL, DE, S3, NK, 2K:
p.p. USD 1.445,00 incl. Q-tax and national airport tax
Attention:
Price Information – Additional Nights
Pre-night and transfer in Lima:
January – December 2015:
| Middle class
Hotel Jose Antonio Lima 1 overnight/breakfast, standard room per person in double room USD 62,00 per person in single room USD 124,00 |
Comfort class
Hotel Casa Andina PC Miraflores 1 overnight/breakfast, standard room per person in double USD 111,00 per person in single USD 221,00 |
When the additional night(s) are booked via PR, the transfers on arrival and departure days are included in the roundtrip rate from 2 persons on. In case further transfers are needed, the following costs will apply:
Transfer airport LIM/Hotel or Hotel/airport LIM (one way):
Basis 1 USD 139,00
Basis 2 USD 70,00
Basis 3/4 USD 48,00
Post-night and transfer in Quito:
January – December 2015:
| Middle class
Hotel Alameda Hotel Mercure 1 overnight/breakfast, standard room per person in double room USD 75,00 per person in single room USD 144,00 |
Comfort class
Hotel Hilton Colón 1 overnight/breakfast, standard room per person in double USD 93,00 per person in single USD 166,00 |
When the additional night(s) are booked via PR, the transfers on arrival and departure days are included in the roundtrip rate from 2 persons on. In case further transfers are needed, the following costs will apply:
Transfer airport UIO/hotel or hotel/airport UIO (one way):
Basis 1 USD 155,00
Basis 2 USD 80,00
Basis 3 USD 65,00
Basis 4 USD 50,00
General Conditions
for land programme without Galapagos
the obligatory luggage fees at the airports and in the hotels. Meals are included as and when mentioned in our program (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
are based on bookings made by non-resident foreign visitors. For nationals or foreigner residents in this country and also for tourists staying longer than 60 consecutive days, rates are not valid and a surcharge of 18% local tax (IGV) applies on all hotel services
. This surcharge also applies in case the booking is based on one foreign passenger and one Peruvian passenger sharing the same room. At check-in at every hotel in Peru
a copy of the first passport pages and also from the immigration card, filled in upon entering the country, will be made. This procedure is necessary for the exoneration of this tax. In case these conditions are not fulfilled, clients will have to pay this tax on the spot. Important: Cancellation charge for hotel services may increase to 118% of the sales rate in case of no-show or last-minute cancellation. In case of loss of the migration card, the 18% local VAT tax will be charged directly to the passangers.
Authorities regulations.
Conditions of Payment:
Unless otherwise agreed, the full payment is due 40 days prior to arrival.