"The Empire Time Forgot"

Details

Tour Operator

Tara Tours

Offer

Offer valid through 4/30/2010

Duration

16 Days

Escorted

Escorted - No

Itinerary

Day	Destination	Description
Day 1	Depart USA	U.S.A-LIMA : Depart for Lima, Peru. Upon arrival you will be taken to hotel selected. (Dinner on board ).
Day 2	Lima	LIMA-NAZCA-LIMA : Transfer to the airport for your 40 minute flight to Ica. Then -on smaller plane flight to Nazca and for about 45 minutes, fly over the enigmatic plains of the pre-inla civilization called Nazca. The fabulous pre-Inca lines, huge birds that resemble a landing field, geometrical lines, spirals, etc. Return to Ica for lunch at Hotel Las Dunas and visit the Archaeological Museum. Early in the afternoon return to Lima and transfer to your hotel. (B,L)
Day 3	Arequipa	LIMA-AREQUIPA : Transfer to the airport for flight to Arequipa also known as "The White City" because of the many buildings constructed of white volcanic rock. Providing a beautiful backdrop - the Volcano "El Misti" stands at 19,200 feet . Upon arrival you will be taken to hotel selected . In the afternoon tour of the city -whose restored colonial architecture gilded churches vividly illustrate Peru in the days of the Viceroys, then your tour guide will take you to visit the famous Monastery of Santa Catalina which was closed to the public for more than 300 years. (B).
Day 4	The Colca Canyon	AREQUIPA-THE COLCA CANYON : Full day excursion to see the deepest canyon in the world "Colca" and with good luck you will see one of the biggest birds on earth "The Condors". The canyon Is reached via new paved roads that both leave from Arequipa city and lead to the small town of Chivay. The shortest road is 92 miles it takes about 2 1/2 hours approx. It travels northwest from Arequipa towards Yura and then climbs to the "puna" or high plateau and desolate plains of Pampa Canahuas and Tocra. This is the area inhabited by Vicunas, Huanacos and Chinchillas. This rewarding area is also rich in native flora of the Andean Paramo with spectacular views of the Andean mountains. Late afternoon return to Arequipa and to your hotel. (B,L)
Day 5	Puno	AREQUIPA-JULIACA-PUNO : Transfer to the airport for flight to Juliaca. Arrive and transfer to your hotel in Puno. In the afternoon you will visit the Inca tombs of Sillustani. (B)
Day 6	Puno	PUNO : In the morning, depart for Lake Titicaca " the highest navigable lake in the world", at 12,000 feet high- to visit one of the oldest races of man -The Uros- You will see them standing on their floating islands made of reeds. Afternoon free(B)
Day 7	Cuzco	PUNO-CUZCO : Early in the morning transfer to the train station for a full day ride across the Altiplano as you pass through many villages and small towns. Late in the afternoon arrive in Cuzco -at one time Capital of the Inka Empire- and transfer to your hotel. (B)
Day 8	Cuzco	CUZCO : In the morning, sightseeing tour of Cuzco -the center of the universe for the Inka civilization- visiting the Temple of Koricancha or Sun God, the Cathedral the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, Puca-Pucara and Tambomachay.(B)
Day 9	Ollantaytambo	PISAC-OLLANTAYTAMBO : Full day excursion to visit the colorful indigenous market of Pisac (only Tue, Thu, Sun) where hundreds of natives come to town wearing their unique customs, to exchange or buy products. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue with your tour guide to see and learn about the impressive fortress built the Inka General Ollantaytambo. Return to Cuzco and to your hotel late afternoon. (B,L)
Day 10	Machu Picchu	CUZCO-MACHU PICCHU : Full day excursion by train to the most mysterious and energetic place of the Inca civilization. Early morning your tour guide will pick you up and transfer you to the train station for your 1 1/2 hour trip with spectacular views of the Urubamba River and the Andean mountain range to Machu Picchu. Temples, palaces, towers and staircases are built into the side of the mountain. Here your tour guide will take you from site to site explaining the advanced world of the Incas. Overnight in Machu Picchu at hotel selected (B)
Day 11	Cuzco	MACHU PICCHU-CUZCO : At leisure to explore the Lost City on your own. Mid-afternoon return by train to Cuzco and your hotel. (B)
Day 12	Lima	CUZCO-LIMA : Transfer to the airport for flight to Lima. Arrive and transfer to your hotel. (B)
Day 13	Explorama Lodge	IQUITOS - EXPLORAMA LODGE : Reception at the airport, brief city orientation and transfer to the Explorama dock. Fifty mile journey down the Amazon River to Yanamono Stream where Explorama Lodge is located. Afternoon hike along the "Lake trail" through lowland rainforest which is seasonally flooded. During the high water season, this excursion is done by canoe! Night walk or canoe ride to enjoy the sounds of the rainforest and stars of the Southern sky. (B,L,D) Note: You will have a choice of staying at Explorama Lodge or La Ceiba Lodge. ABOUT EXPLORAMA: Established in 1965, 80 km. (50 mi.) down the MAIN AMAZON RIVER, the Lodge is deep in primary jungle and offers two days or longer excursions. Romantic kerosene torches and lamps illuminate palm-thatched houses with 10 to 17 sleeping rooms. Covering connecting walkways lead to the Tahuampa Bar, the Dining Room, the Sun Porch and two Hammock Houses. Showers and toilet facilities adjoin each house. A variety of treks are offered, including the Seven Bridges Trail.
Day 14	Explorama Lodge	EXPLORAMA LODGE : Morning walk along the "Bushmaster Trail", where scientific studies by the Missouri Botanical Gardens have found the world's highest biodiversity of trees per square hectare. Your guide will point out many plants used in medicine today and many that we may use in the future. Afternoon canoe trip along the Amazon in search of either of the two species of freshwater dolphin found in the river and a chance for an afternoon swim. (B,L,D)
Day 15	Iquitos	EXPLORAMA LODGE - IQUITOS : Morning walk along a local Amazon River trail with stops along the way to visit the local "riberenos" or river people, visit a river school, see the local sugar cane rum factory and visit our resident American medical doctor in her clinic sponsored by the Rotary Club. Transfer back to Iquitos for your departure flight to Lima and to hotel selected. (B)
Day 16	Return USA	LIMA-U.S.A : Transfer to the airport for flight to Miami, New York or Los Angeles. Along the many souvenirs, you will carry memories of your unforgettable journey through the Land of the Incas- Peru. (B)

Dates/Pricing

Lodging

	3* Hotels : Faraona-LIM; Dorado-CZO; Machu Picchu Inn-MPC; Casa Andina-PUN; Casa Andina-AQP.		4* Hotels : Las Palmeras-LIM; D.Carlos or Novotel-CZO; El Pueblo-MPC; Esteves-PUN; Libertador-AQP.
	5* Hotels : Marriot-Sheraton-LIM; ; Libertador-Monasterio-CZO; Santuary M.Picchu-MPC; Esteves-PUN; Libertador-AQP.

Disclaimer

*SEASONS: From Jan.02 to Apr.16 and Jun.15 to Aug.15 add $100 p.p. From Dec.10 to 31 -please add $250 per person. AIRFARES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME

ADD-ONS VIA AMERICAN AIRLINES: For same package.....
Add $300 from LAX, SFO, DEN, LAS; Add $200 from ATL, ORL, SJU, TPA & ZONE 1; Add $250 from DFW, HOU & ZONE 2; Add $300 from BDL, BOS, BWI, CHI, EWR, NYC, WAS, ZONE 3;. Add $350 from JAC, PDX, SEA and ZONE 4,5,6.
RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME.

DEPOSITS: US$250.00 at the time of booking.
FINAL PAYMENT: 45 days before departure.
CANCELLATIONS: Prior to departure: at any time US$100.00 per person;45 to 30 days US$150.00 pp; 29 to 15 days 50% of total cost; 14 or less no refunds.
INSURANCE: Tara Tours Inc. strongly recommends that you purchased travel insurance. Insure America has designed a policy for Tara Tours clients. Cost for this program is US$340-$655.