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Machu
Picchu + Iguazu Falls
9
night vacation Lima to Buenos Aires - from US$ 2199.00
This
trip can be done in reverse - Want to change it! - click
here
On
this compact trip you will visit the sprawling and historical
Peruvian capital before flying up into the mountains to the
old center of the Inca Empire, Cusco. You will then visit
the Sacred Valley and the incredible Machu Picchu. The tour
then moves to Argentina with a visit to the capital Buenos
Aires. Flying within Argentina you will visit the breathtaking
Iguazu Falls for the next 2 days before going back to Buenos
Aires to end your adventure.
Included
Highlights:
- Lima
"City of Kings"
- Cusco
"Navel of the Inca Empire"
- Machu
Picchu - Lost City of the Incas
- Sacred
Valley "Inca Garden and Playground"
- Buenos
Aires "Stylish Argentine Capital"
- City
tour including La Boca district
- Tango
show and dinner
- Iguazu
Falls - something you will never forget
The
information in this dossier has been compiled with care and
is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change,
and does not form part of the contract between the client
and Escaped to Peru. The itinerary featured is correct at
time of printing. Occasionally our itineraries change as we
make improvements that stem from past comments and our own
research. The tour leader will advise you of any changes at
the initial group meeting. VERY IMPORTANT:
Please ensure that you print a final copy of your dossier
to review a couple of days prior to travel in case there have
been changes that affect your plans.
Day
1. Arrive Lima
Arrive in Lima at any time. Your transfer driver will pick
you up and take you to the hotel. There are no planned activities
to do today so you can check into our hotel and enjoy the
city. If you wish to have a Lima City Tour you can ask reception
to arrange that for you if you have time.
| Known
as the City of Kings, Perus capital city Lima was founded
by Francisco Pizarro on the Day of the Three Kings (Epiphany)
in 1535. The Plaza de Armas is the heart of old Lima,
and it is here you find the Cathedral, Government Palace
and Archbishops Palace. The Cathedral dates back to the
1700s and houses the remains of the conquistador Pizarro.
To get a feel for colonial Lima, you could take a cab
to the Plaza de Armas and watch the changing of the Palace
Guard in the afternoon. |
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Walk
the streets surrounding the Jirón de la Unión
for great examples of Spanish-colonial architecture and to
get a taste for life in a large South American city. An optional
city tour visits many of the citys highlights, feel free to
speak to us about this.
There are many fine museums in and around the city, including
the Museo Rafael Larco Herrera, which houses an equally impressive
collection of pottery, mummies and textiles from the Paracas
and Nazca cultures. The more affluent districts of Miraflores,
Barranco and San Isidro, which are on the coast, offer good
nightlife and cafés all within walking distance. Seafood
lovers in particular should be sure to try a ceviche, for
which Lima is well known.
Day
2. Cuzco
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Cuzco. After you
arrive at the airport you will be met and transfered to your
hotel and then you will be free to relax, wander and shop.
Take it easy this first day as you are at altitude. Tomorrow
you will be sightseeing all day so save your strength. In
the evening you will be able go out to experience the famous
nightlife or dinning of Cusco.
Cuzco
is the continents oldest continuously inhabited city, and
the hub of the South American travel network. You could easily
spend two weeks just in and around the area. Inca-built stone
walls line most of the central streets and you don't have
to go far to see other major Inca ruins. It is a city steeped
in history, tradition and legend.
Cuzco
has many colonial churches and they are one of the citys
most common sights. The Cathedral was started in 1559
and took 100 years to build; it is also full of colonial
art. Immediately in front of the entrance is a vault containing
the remains of the famous Inca historian, Garcilaso de
la Vega. Also worth visiting are the churches of La Compañía,
La Merced and San Francisco. Walking the streets is a
real pleasure, with a feeling that time has almost stopped
here.
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While most ruins are just outside of the city, the main ruin
within the urban area is that of the Koricancha, once the
Inca Empire's richest temple. Today the ruin forms the base
of the colonial church of Santo Domingo. During Inca times
this temple was literally covered with gold, but within months
of the arrival of the first conquistadors this incredible
wealth had all been melted down. It is left to the individual
imagination to envision the magnificence of the original structure.
There are several good museums in Cuzco, including the Archaeological
Museum, which also houses a small art museum, the Regional
History Museum and the Religious Art Museum.
Day
3. Ollantaytambo
Today you will travel with your local guide through the Sacred
Valley of the Incas after visiting several points of interest
in and close to Cusco. This is not the standard tour offered
by many. You will visit the Cathedral, the Sun Temple or Koricancha
and also the fortress of Sacsaywaman before dropping down
into the valley.
An
important source of food for the Inca, the Sacred Valley is
a lush agricultural region that continues to supply the city
of Cuzco with much of its produce. We will visit the very
impressive Pisaq Ruins and take a quick look at the colorful
artisan market (varies in size depending upon the day) and
the lovely village itself. After our lunch in Urubamaba, included
today, the day trip finishes in the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo,
with a visit to the impressive Inca site. Here you can catch
your breath and spend the night.
Spending
the night in Ollantaytambo / the Sacred Valley gives you a
change of environment, a lower altitude and means you do not
have to get up really early the next day to catch the train!
Day
4 . Machu Picchu
After breakfast you take a taxi or take the short walk
down to the station where you board the train winding
through the increasingly steep Sacred Valley. Arriving
in the village of Aguas Calientes (2100m) you will check
in to your hotel and meet your guide for a guided tour
of one of the most spectacular places on earth. After
our 2-hour guided tour you will have time to wander around
this magical place before getting a bus back down to the
town and the train back to Cusco. |
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Day
5 Cusco
Today you will have a free day to explore this lovely city
more. Wander, do some more sightseeing, shop, eat and drink.
Do as you wish and relax.
Day
6 Cusco to Buenos Aires
After some free time in the morning in Cusco you will have
an afternoon transfer to Cusco airport you will fly to Lima,
where you will connect with your early morning flight to Buenos
Aires. Please note: Flights change constantly
and we cannot guarantee which flight you will use to arrive
in Argentina so you may arrive either tonight or tomorrow.
Upon arrival you will be transfered to your hotel in the center
of the city.
Day
7 Buenos Aires Today you are free to relax, wander
this very interesing city, shop, eat and drink etc. Its a
day to recover from the flights and get used to a totally
new stylish environment. If you wish to keep busy just let
us or your local agent know!
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Day
8 Buenos Aires
This morning you will have a guided city tour visiting
various places of interest around the capital. Places
visited will include the Colon Theatre, the Obelisc,
the Plaza de Mayo to see the Casa Rosada, San Telmo,
La Boca including El Caminito with its colored houses,
Puerto Madero, Retiro and Recoleta. In the evening you
will enjoy dinner and a Tango Show and the truely amazing
Piazolla venue.
http://www.piazzollatangoshow.com/index.php?ididioma_session=2
Day
8 Iguazu
Today you will fly to Puerto Iguazu and be transfered
to your hotel. You will spend the afternoon exploring
the absolutely fantastic Iguazu Falls. These falls are
simply mind blowing. In the evening you will be back
at your hotel in the town.
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Day
9 Iguazu
This is a full day exploring the Brazilian side of the
falls. You will visit these amazing falls and see them
from walkways, passing very close to the falls, and
then from a speedboat actually in the river below the
cascades. Be prepared to get wet, see the photo! At
the end of the day its back to rest at your hotel.
Overnight
Puerto Iguazu.
Day
10 Iguazu back to Buenos Aires
Today you will have a transfer to the airport for the
1.30 hour flight back to Buenos Aires where your tour
with us ends. |
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If
you wish to add other countries and/or activities to this
tour just let us know.
Included:
9
nights accomodation with breakfast included (twin share basis
unless single supplement paid)
Domestic
flights Lima - Cusco, Cusco - Lima, Buenos Aires - Puerto
Iguazu and Puerto Iguazu - Buenos Aires.
International
flights Lima - Buenos Aires.
All
ground transfers and transport as stated.
Private
Cusco city and Sacred Valley tour, entrance fees for all sites,
with lunch, all privately guided.
Visit
to Machu Picchu on Vistadome train (First Class service) and
including all buses and tickets and a private guided tour.
City
Tour, Tango Show and evening dinner in Buenos Aires
Tours
of both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of Iguazu Falls
Boat
trip on the river below the falls
Not
Included:
International
flights to your joining and leaving city (unless specifically
booked with us).
End
of tour arrangements (unless specifically booked with us).
Meals
(other than those stated) and personal spending money.
International
and Domestic airport taxes.
Your
Fellow Travelers:
As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the
pleasures and maybe some of the small frustrations of traveling
in a mixed group. Your fellow travelers will probably come
from all over the world and are likely to be of a variety
of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various
needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow
travelers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's
travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities
to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain
time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting.
We have found time and time again that the very best trips
we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work
well - this takes just a little effort on your part.
Eating:
This is a big part of traveling. Traveling with Escaped to
Peru you will experience the vast array of wonderful food
that is available. Generally meals are not included in the
trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give
you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with
whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility,
though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together
to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy
each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though.
Your tour leader or guide will be able to suggest favourite
restaurants during your trip.
Domestic Flights:
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless
otherwise stated. It is important that we have your correct
passport information and full names at the time of booking
in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets
are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight
departure.
Single
Travelers:
We believe single travelers should not have to pay more to
travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation
and do not involve a single supplement (If a single room is
absolutely necessary please speak to us when booking). Single
travelers joining group trips are paired in twin share accommodation
with someone of the same sex, and as close to the same age,
for the duration of the trip, but after speaking with your
tour leader or guide you may be able to rotate if the rooming
allows.
Joining
Hotel: To be Confirmed
Joining
Instructions:
Jorge Chavez International Airport, in Callao Lima, is approximately
a 45-minute drive from the Miraflores district, where our
joining hotel is located.
Upon leaving the baggage claim area you will see a large open
area with sign boards all around. Look for your name on a
sign board. As there are many people and signs in this area
it may be difficult for you to spot the sign immediately.
Please take your time in doing so and if at that stage you
do not see a sign board with your name please wait. In the
event that your driver does not arrive within 30 minutes please
ask the information desk to arrange an official taxi for you
which should cost approximately $25 USD and this money will
be reimbursed by your tour leader or Escaped to Peru representative
in Cusco.
IMPORTANT - There will be many drivers holding
signs with agency or passenger names as well as taxi drivers
asking you if you require their services. These are NOT our
drivers and you should NOT accept their services. Please wait
for our designated transfer person with your name or follow
the instructions above.
Arrival Delays:
If for any reason you are unable to start your trip on the
scheduled date due to problems with your international flights
or other reasons, please contact your starting point hotel,
requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip
leader. If you are unable to get in touch with your leader,
please refer to our emergency contact details.
Emergency
Contacts:
Should you need to contact Escaped to Peru during a situation
of dire need, it is best to first call our local office in
Cusco. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer,
please leave a detailed message and contact information, so
we may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
For all our contact details
please click
here.
What
to Pack:
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in
South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes,
the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night.
A good size daypack is also very useful.
Suggested
checklist: (to be selected from for trekking or non-trekking
needs)
- Passport
(with photocopies)
- Travel
insurance (with photocopies)
- Airline
tickets (with photocopies)
- USD
cash and travelers cheques (Note: Travelers cheques can
only be changed on working days)
- Credit
or debit cards (see personal spending money)
- Any
entry visas or vaccination certificates required
- Camera
and film
- Reading/writing
material
- Binoculars
- Cover
for backpacks
- Fleece
top
- Windproof/waterproof
jacket
- Small
towel and swim wear
- Shirts/t-shirts
- Sun
hat
- 1
pair of shorts
- 2
pairs of long trousers
- 1
pair hiking pants/track pants
- Hiking
boots/ sturdy walking shoes
- Sport
sandals
- Knee-length
socks (to be used with rubber boots, if provided at the
jungle lodge)
- Sun-block
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries
(biodegradable)
- Watch
or alarm clock
- Water
bottle
- Purification
tablets or filter
- Flashlight
- First-aid
kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine,
Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration
powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
RECOMMENDED FOR THE INCA TRAIL:
- Inner
sheet (for sleeping bag)
- Fair
sized daypack
- Wool
hat, mitts or gloves (preferably waterproof)
- Rain
poncho
- Strong
plastic bags to help keep gear dry
- Sleeping
bag (this can also be hired locally for approximately $15
USD)
- Mattress
(a foam mattress is included as part of the hike; self inflating
type mattresses are available for hire locally, $15 USD)
- Anti-inflammatory
tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen)
Note: If bringing a walking stick, it must be rubber tipped
as steel tips are not allowed on the Inca trail.
All other camping equipment is provided for the Inca Trail
excursion. Porters carry the camping gear, food, and a portion
of your personal belongings. All you will need to carry
is a day-pack, containing waterproof jacket, fleece top,
camera, water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, and hat during
the hike.
Laundry:
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a
charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to
do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable
soap.
Visas and travel documents:
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months
validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the
most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.
IT
IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.
Personal Expenses :
Every traveler is different and therefore spending money requirements
will vary. Some travelers may drink more than others while
other travelers like to purchase more souvenirs than most.
Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to
allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember
the following specific recommendations when planning your
trip.
Changing and getting money:
Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances.
Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. ATMs are widely
available. Check with your bank to see if your cards are OK
for Peru and any other South Amnerican countries you visiting
with us, and the likely charges involved.
Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of
money. A combination of US dollar cash, travelers cheques
and cards is best, although you will usually be charged a
commission or given a less-favorable exchange rate for travelers
cheques. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want
to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn
notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may
be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly
good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).
As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that
you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates:
www.xe.com
Local
Payment:
Most of our adventure tours involve a Local Payment that is
paid to the Tour Leader or Company Representative in cash
on a specified day of your tour, usually in Cusco. This Local
Payment is put towards local expenses, such as arranging internal
flights as well as entrance and guide fees. Local Payments
also reduce the need to wire or transfer funds which can become
very expensive. This lowers our operational costs so we can
pass the savings on to you. The local payment is in addition
to, and is not included in, the base tour price.
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional
USD200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used
when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster)
require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
International Airport Departure Tax: $31
USD
Tipping: It is customary in Latin America
to tip service providers depending on the level of service.
Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component
of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with
the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it
may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance
to the people who will take care of you during your travels.
The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a
guideline $20 USD per person, per week could be used.
Optional
Activities:
There are a number of optional activities that you can do
while on tour and you should speak to your tour leader or
guide for information and prices.
Health:
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel
information well before departure. We recommend that you carry
a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements.
Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and
away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders
are prohibited from administering any type of drug including
headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip
please carefully read the itinerary and assess your ability
to cope with our style of travel.
Proof of Yellow Fever inoculation will be required before
you depart for the Amazon. You should be aware that there
is a 10 to 15 day period before the inoculation becomes fully
effective.
Please take into account your travels to high altitude. This
is medically defined as anything over 8,000 feet (2,440 meters).
Most people can travel to 8,000 feet with minimal effects.
However, everyone reacts to altitude differently and altitude
sickness can on set with some people irrespective of fitness
and age. For details on
how to best prepare and what to do in the unlikely event you
are affected on your adventure, please consult your physician.
Safety
and your Security:
We recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while
travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets,
travelers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your
valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while traveling.
Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which
is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is
recommended for securing your luggage. When traveling on a
group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority
to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is
deemed necessary due to safety concerns. During your trip
you will have some free time to pursue your own interests,
relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your
group leader will assist you with options available in a given
location please note that any optional activities you undertake
are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations
about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators
running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting
an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited
on tour are generally very safe during the day, there can
be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night,
especially if you have had a few drinks! It is our recommendation
to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants,
or during night time excursions.
Care should be taken when wandering around on your own in
central Lima, as some areas can be dangerous and pickpockets
are daring.
Medical Information:
Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages.
It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an
'average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake
our easiest programs. Travelers must be able to walk without
the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step
on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum.
Travelers over the age of 70, or travelers with a pre-existing
medical condition must let us know of any limitations. This
is to ensure that senior travelers have the necessary fitness
and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While
our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travelers are
catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help
individuals who can not complete the day's activities unaided.
Your Tour Leader will pass around a form at the intro meeting
and you should note there anything you have forgotten to tell
us, or tell your Tour Leader or guide in confidence.
Some Tour Guidelines:
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing
or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but
also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana
and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the
world but is not acceptable for Escaped to Peru travelers.
Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone
we encounter, and in particular the local people who make
the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes
is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader
has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are
found in their possession or they use prostitutes.
Insurance:
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on
any of our trips. When traveling on a group trip, you will
not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel
insurance has been seen by your leader, guide or coordinator.
When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at
a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency
repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers
personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of
luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance
we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit
card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your
bank for details of their participating insurer, the level
of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Being
a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what Escaped
to Peru is all about. From the start we have been committed
to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveler and host
alike. Unlike many companies out there we are limiting our
groups to 8 travelers, this means lower impact, smaller buses.
less pollution and a more intimate experience for you.
If you need to be contacted while traveling we recommend that
you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road,
rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming
increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions
we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our
leaders and travelers to stay in touch. If someone wishes
to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our
trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent,
or refer to our Emergency Contact. We recommend that family
and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels
en route, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel
receptions often don't have good English speaking staff.
Price:
See below
Price
on request as this will depend upon the hotel standard
you choose and if you intend to add any extra days along the
route. Feel free to choose Voyager
or Luxury Class
or a combination of the two accommodation levels.
Booking
enquires should be made as far in advance as possible as sometimes
train and plane tickets are difficult to get hold of in high
season.
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