Peru and the Inca Trail to Macchu Picchu
Brinkman Travel invites you to join Ineke on this fully escorted tour to Peru
June 13 – 26, 2009
Some highlights of the customized Brinkman Travel Group Tour:
- Explore Cuzco and the Sacred Valley
- Hike the classic Inca Trail
- Be inspired by the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu
- Take in the famous Winter Solstice Inti Raymi Festival of the Sun
Day 1, Saturday June 13,
2008 Toronto – Lima
Our Air Canada flight departs Toronto at 5:05 pm to arrive in Lima just
before midnight. Upon arrival we will have a transfer waiting to take us
to our hotel.
Day 2, Sunday June 14
Lima
After breakfast, we have a city tour of Lima. This half day tour visits
both the colonial and modern sections of this "City of Kings."
Colonial sites include the lovely Plaza de Armas with its cathedral and
palace, and the exquisite Torre Tagle Palace modern day seat of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In modern Lima, drive along the exclusive
residential areas of Miraflores and San Isidro. Continue to the Larco
Museum, founded in 1926, It showcases remarkable chronological galleries
providing an excellent overview on 3000 years of development of Peruvian
pre-Columbian history. Located in a unique vice-royal mansion of the 18th
century built over a 7th century pre-Columbian pyramid, is surrounded by
beautiful gardens. It features the finest gold and silver collection from
Ancient Peru and the famous erotic archaeological collection, one of the
most visited Peruvian tourist attractions. (B)
Day 3, Monday June 15
Lima – Cuzco
After breakfast transfer to the airport for our flight to Cuzco. Upon
arrival at the airport we proceed to our hotel. The remainder of the day
is at leisure, until we meet for dinner in the hotel. (B, D)
Day 4, Tuesday June 16 Cuzco
Today we tour Cuzco, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western
hemisphere. The tour includes important landmarks and also the nearby
ruins of Kenko, Puca-pucara, Tambomachay as well as the Sacsayhuaman
fortress. Once the center of the Inca civilization, modern Cuzco is a
delightful combination of Inca and colonial architecture. During the tour,
you will visit Cuzco's Cathedral, Santo Domingo Church and the Plaza de
Armas. (B)
Day 5, Wednesday June 17 Cuzco – Sacred Valley
In the morning we drive through the fertile countryside to the colonial
village of Pisac. During our visit to the bustling marketplace you will
have the opportunity to bargain with the natives for many different types
of Peruvian handicrafts and jewelry. After lunch the tour continues to the
village of Ollantaytambo for a visit to its impressive Incan fortress. In
the afternoon we return to Cuzco. (B,L)
Day 6, Thursday June 18
Cuzco – Piskacucho – Yunkachimpa
We leave Cuzco and go on to Urubamba where we have a brief stop, then on
to Chillca to start the trekking. We will have lunch in Miskay after which
we trek to the first campsite. Along the way we will visit the
archeological site called Llactapata. (B,L,D)
Day 7, Friday June 19
Yunkachimpa
– Warmiwanuska – Pacaymayo
We will have an early breakfast and start trekking to the highest point of
the Inca Trail, where we can see different ecological zones and changing
climates. We will cross the Warmiwanuska pass at 4,200 meters above sea
level. After lunch we will continue on to the campsite at Pacaymayo and
enjoy dinner and a well deserved rest. (B,L,D)
Day 8, Saturday June 20
Runkurakay – Chaq'icocha – Winaywayna
We will walk approximately 45 minutes up to reach the second pass at 3,850
m, and will visit Runkurakay along the way. We will also visit the
Sayacmarka archeological group and then go on to the Phuyupatamarka ruins.
After lunch we head to Winaywayna where we will spend our last night on
the trail. (B,L,D)
Day 9, Sunday June 21
Winaywayna – Machu Picchu
After an early breakfast, we start on the final leg of the trek to Machu
Picchu. We will arrive at Intipunku where we will have a panoramic view of
Machu Picchu, one of the most incredible sights on earth.After a short
hike down to Machu Picchu, we register and start our three hour guided
visit. After enjoying the tour, we will take the bus down to Aguas
Calientes where you will have free time to enjoy the town. (B)
Day 10, Monday June 22
Machu Picchu – Cuzco
We have a free morning to further explore Machu Picchu. Take as much time
as you need to study the mysterious ruins, hike Huayna Picchu, stroll to
the Inca Bridge or walk toward the Inca Trail to find the legendary Sun
Gate. In the afternoon we return by train to Cuzco and transfer to the
hotel. (B)
Day 11, Tuesday June 23
Cuzco
We have a free day to relax after the adventure through the Inca Trail.
(B)
Day 12, Wednesday June 24
Cuzco
Today enjoy one of the most incredible festivals. The Winter Solstice in
the southern hemisphere and the local harvests are the driving force
behind the greatest, most majestic pre Hispanic ceremony to render homage
to the sun. Today, the Inti Raymi festival evokes the splendid Inca ritual
of yore, being carefully scripted by Cuzco professors, archaeologists and
historians. The central event is acted out on the esplanade below the
imposing fortress of Sacsayhuaman, two km outside the city of Cuzco,
easily reached by car or on foot. There, step by step, thousands of actors
enact a long ceremony giving thanks to the sun god, Inti. The Inca ruler
is borne on a royal litter from the Koricancha, or Temple of the Sun to
the Huacaypata, the city's main square, where he commands the local
authorities to govern fairly. Then all the participants set out for
Sacsayhuamán, where the ceremony calls for the sacrifice of two llamas,
one black and one white. The llamas' entrails and fat are handed to a pair
of high priests: the first, the Callpa Ricuy, examines the intestines to
predict what sort of year lies ahead; while the second priest, the
Wupariruj, makes his predictions based on the smoke that wafts up from the
burning fat. The high priests' predictions are then interpreted by the
Willac Umo, the lord high priest, who bears the news to the Inca. Finally,
at sunset, the Inca orders all to withdraw from the site, and the entire
city breaks out into festivities that will rage for several days. (B,L)
Day 13, Thursday June 25
Cuzco – Lima
Today is a free morning for independent activities such as wandering
through this lovely city. Exploring the astonishing narrow streets of this
tile roof colonial town will be your unforgettable experience. Great buys
are the traditional Peruvian handicrafts, alpaca-wool sweaters and rugs,
ponchos, pottery, gold and silver jewelry and leather goods. Transfer from
hotel to the airport for a 3:00 pm flight to Lima. Farewell dinner in
Lima with a last night on the town! (B, D)
Day 14, Friday June 26
Lima –
Toronto
Our Air Canada flight departs Lima at 01:25 am to arrive in Toronto at
10:35 am, unless you wish to extend your stay to the Amazon and/or the
Galapagos Islands.
Prices:
- Land only program: June 14 – 25: $2675
- Air inclusive program: June 13 – 26: 3675
- Additional are airport taxes, currently $115 and subject to change
The above prices are in Canadian dollars and are per person based on double occupancy. The single supplement is $875.
Inclusions:
- Half day Lima city tour and Larco Museum
- Domestic roundtrip airline ticket Lima to Cuzco
- Half day city tour of Cuzco and nearby ruins
- Full day Pisac Indian Market and the Ollantaytambo Fortress with lunch
- Four day/three night Inca Trail Package with three meals a day
- Vistadome train tickets
- Full day Inti Raymi Festival with box lunch
- All entrance fees during the excursions
- All transportation for the excursions
- Meals as indicated (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- Baggage handling at airports and hotels
- 24-hour emergency phone number
Exclusive extras:
- Monthly group hikes in preparation for our adventure starting Saturday September 27, 2008
- Services of hostess Ineke Brinkman throughout the entire journey
- Social pre tour gathering when we hand out your travel documents and introduce you to your fellow travelers
- Detailed travel and destination information to assist you in your planning
- Four star hotels to be used or similar
Not Included:
- Entrance fees during free days, such as the entrance fee on your second day in Machu Picchu ($30)
- Excess baggage charges
- Expenses of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, bottled water
- Tips to tour guides, drivers, and bell boys
- Services not listed in the itinerary
- Insurance protection, inquire about needs and premium with Brinkman Travel Inc
Brinkman Travel Inc, 3 Mountainview Drive, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
L2T 3H3
Phone: 905.988.9100 Fax: 905.988.9400 Email: mail@brinkmantravel.com
Website: brinkmantravel.com
© 2008 Brinkman Travel Inc.
All rights reserved.