PERU: SCENIC WONDER OF LATIN AMERICA

Itinerary

Day 1: Sunday, February 13, 2011: Lima

Today we’ll depart the United States and fly to the Peruvian capital of Lima. Upon arrival, we will meet our carefully selected Deluxe Kosher Tours representative who will take us to our hotel for the evening.

Day 2: Monday, February 14, 2011: Lima

Today we "Travel through Peruvian History," seeing the places that best reflect important episodes from Pre-Columbian times through today. Our first stop will be the archaeological complex Pachacamac, an impressive Pre-Inca ceremonial center overlooking the Pacific Ocean. On our way back to Lima, we will drive through the unique wetlands, Pantanos de Villa. These are a protected natural reserve with extraordinary bio-diversity (and a great place for birdwatchers). Driving along the coastline of Chorrillos, we will soon reach the picturesque Barranco District.

After a break for a boxed lunch, we will walk through Barranco to an antique tavern, which has become a prestigious winery and pisco distillery. Our next stop is Lima's historical city center. After viewing the fabulous exterior of the famous San Francisco Church and Convent, noted for its outstanding library and creepy catacombs, we will take a walking tour of the colonial "City of the Kings". Today’s tour ends with a visit to Parque de la Reserva, housing the world's largest fountain complex, the Magic Water Circuit. Here we will enjoy a colorful water and light show. The fountains sparkle and shine, as the water flows in unique patterns and shapes, synchronized with classical and Peruvian music.

We then return to our hotel after dinner.

Day 3: Tuesday, February 15, 2011: Lima – Cusco

After an early breakfast, we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas and the gateway to Machu Picchu. Upon our arrival, we’ll transfer to our hotel and spend the remainder of the morning at leisure. (Cusco is located 11,000 feet above sea level and we’ll need the time to rest and acclimate to the thin air). Cusco is full of incredible ancient monuments, colonial mansions, beautiful cathedrals and intriguing alleyways. The combination of traditional Incan and colonial Spanish architecture overlap in multiple styles that create a unique synergy.

In the early afternoon we’ll embark on a city tour in order to learn about the history of the Inca Empire. Our tour starts with the impressive Cusco Main Square, known in Inca times as Huacaypata, or "Warriors' Square." Centrally located, the Main Square was the scene of many important events in Peru’s rich history, including the brutal murder of the Incan resistance leader Tupac Amaru I and conquistador Francisco Pizzaro's declaration of the Spanish occupation. We will then proceed to Santo Domingo, a convent built on the original site of the most important Incan temple in Cusco Koricancha, or “Site of Gold,” which was originally consecrated to the sun god.

After lunch we’ll continue our tour of archaeological sites outside of the city including the Sacsayhuaman Fortress, the Inca Baths of Tambomachay, the Kencco Ampitheater and the Puca Pucara Red Fortress.

We will return to Cusco for the evening.

Day 4: Wednesday, February 16, 2011: Urubamba

After breakfast, our expert guides will meet us for a full-day exploration of Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The valley is full of small farming towns and ancient ruins, and was historically a gateway from Cusco to the Amazon jungle. We will begin with a visit to Pisac, a small town that hosts one of the most famous indigenous markets in all of South America as well as impressive Incan ruins. After we’ve explored the endless market stalls brimming with locally-made Indian handicrafts, we will continue through the Urubamba Valley to Ollantaytambo, the favorite residence of the Incas, with its numerous irrigation terraces running up the steep, Andean slopes of the valley walls. The terraces lead to an observation platform where Incan kings had unimpeded views of their kingdom from an ornately carved stone throne.

We return to Cusco, and have the night at leisure.

Day 5: Thursday, February 17, 2011: Cusco – Machu Picchu - Cusco

This morning we transfer to the Cusco Rail Station for a morning train ride on the luxurious Vistadome train to the unparalleled Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas". Machu Picchu is the most important attraction in Cusco and is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The citadel of Machu Picchu is an incredible feat of ancient engineering, constructed of massive stone blocks expertly fitted together into a temple complex high above the jungle floor. Scientists are still unsure how the stones were cut and transported as there are no quarries in the region and the Incas were not known to have used the wheel.

The citadel was unheard of before its discovery by the explorer Hiram Bingham in 1910 and since that time has become not only one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the world, but also one of South America’s top tourist attractions. Upon arrival in the town of Aguas Calientes we’ll board a bus for the short ride to the sanctuary. We’ll have the entire day to explore the majestic ruins on both guided and unguided excursions through the maze of buildings before returning to Cusco by train.

Upon arrival in Cusco we’ll be met at the rail station and transferred back to the hotel for the evening.

Day 6: Friday, February 18, 2011: Cusco

Today is a free day to explore the city on your own. Optional tours may be arranged.

Day 7: Shabbat, February 19, 2011: Cusco

We will spend Shabbat at leisure in Cusco, with the Chabad community in Cusco.

Day 8: Sunday, February 20, 2011: Cusco – Lima – Home Gateway

Today our incredible tour of Peru is complete and we’ll be transferred to the airport for our brief flight to Lima, connecting with our international flight home.

ATTENTION LAND ONLY PARTICIPANTS: No airfare is included. Therefore, Lima-Cusco-Lima Domestic Peruvian flights should be purchased as part of your international tickets.

ADDITIONAL COSTS

• Visa fees as required
• Snacks or items of a personal nature

HOTELS

• Lima: Libertador Golf Hotel or Doubletree Lima
• Cusco: Libertador Palacio del Inka

ITINERARY & HOTELS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
RATES MAY BE ADJUSTED IF THERE’S A FLUCTUATION IN CURRENCY OF MORE THAN 4% FROM DECEMBER 1, 2010
RATES MAY BE ADJUSTED IN THE EVENT OF AN INCREASE IN AIRLINE FUEL CHARGES

Important To Know
* There may be changes to the schedule and hotel reservations dependent upon internal flights. We will make every effort to visit every location mentioned.
* The tour organizers have no control over airline services such as seating, special meal requests, changes in departure times or delays. These remain the sole responsibility of the airline company


Insurance
Travel insurance encompassing both cancellation and medical insurance is very important and we cannot stress that enough. We strongly recommend that our clients are adequately insured when travelling. It is crucial to purchase the travel insurance within 14 days from the 1st payment that you make for this trip (flights/cruise/tour etc). Your payment is made directly to the insurance company. We highly recommend the 'cancel for any reason' upgrade option. Our preferred policies are Travel Safe (USA & Canadian residents), Travel Select (USA residents) and Global Trip Protection Elite (All other Nationalities).

Exchange Rates
Due to the frequent fluctuations in international exchange rates which cause increases in costs of services paid in US dollars, the final cost of the tour will be calculated close to the departure of the tour. Any increases will be borne by the passenger until final payment of the full price has been made.

Cancellation Terms

A $500 USD Deposit per person must be received at the time of booking in order to confirm your reservation. Payment in full is due 90 days before departure. A minimum number of participants are required to operate tour dates. If a minimum number has not been reached prior to tour departure and the tour is cancelled you will receive a FULL refund.