Brochure - Battlefield Travel Inc.

297 Highway 8, Stoney Creek, ON L8G 1E5 1 866 574 8004 or 905 662 6355
TICO 2591391
Experience Peru
with an optional excursion to the Galapagos Islands or The Amazon
May 9th – 22nd, 2016
It's the multicultural layers of great civilizations that make Peru such an intriguing destination,
and the perfect choice in our series of eco-tours designed by Battlefield Travel. You will
wander around colonial cities that have preserved the legacy of the Spanish conquistadors, visit
the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco, explore the lost city of Machu Picchu and ponder the enigma
of the Nazca Lines.
Peru also has some of the most spectacular and varied scenery in South America. The Peruvian
Andes are arguably the most beautiful on the continent and they issue a siren's call to worldclass mountaineers and trekkers alike. These mountains are also home to millions of indigenous
highlanders, who still speak the ancient tongue of Quechua and maintain a traditional way of life.
Peru, the “Kingdom of the Sun“, encapsulates the essence of South America, the “New World“,
in geography as well as in the mix of native Indian and European cultures. Join us for an
adventure to a country of ancient cultures, where the traditional way of life of the Indians still
has validity; a country of great scenic contrasts, and perhaps the greatest treasure of the
Americas, the ‘lost city’ Machu Picchu. Please enjoy a brief glimpse of the Itinerary for “Peru
and the Amazon”.
“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the
adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharial Nehru
Monday May 9th, 2016
Meals included in-flight
Toronto – Lima
Our flight plan, although tentative at this time, will have us arriving in Lima after midnight on a
direct flight with Air Canada with an included transfer to the hotel. Lima, founded by the
Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizzaro in 1535, runs at a slower pace than many South American
metropolises; its rhythm is more traditional, and its people reflect a steadier, calmer
constitution. Lima's unusually amenable inhabitants give the city the feeling, at times, of a
cluster of smaller towns.
Overnight at Doubletree El Pardo by Hilton – standard room
About the Hotel...Step into the contemporary, Peruvian, art-adorned lobby of El Pardo
Doubletree by Hilton Hotel and enjoy a freshly baked Doubletree Chocolate Chip Cookie on
arrival, along with a warm welcome. The rooms are fully equipped with complimentary WiFi and
47-inch TVs with 80 channels. There is a fitness center an 11th floor pool and spectacular views
of Lima from the sun deck.
Tuesday May 10th, 2016
Meals include: Breakfast & Dinner
Lima
The morning is at leisure and in the afternoon we will enjoy a half day City Tour of Lima. Our
coach tour will acquaint us with Lima’s principal attractions: Plaza de Armas, the Government
Palace, the Cathedral, San Martín Square, the San Francisco convent, and much more. We will
also visit one of Lima’s most noted museums, the Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum,
which has the world’s largest private collection of Peruvian pre-Columbian Art.
Welcome dinner is planned tonight at Junius restaurant.
Overnight:Doubletree El Pardo by Hilton – standard room
Wednesday May 11th, 2016
Meals include: Breakfast
Lima – at leisure
Lima is a multifaceted city, and we guarantee that if you spend some time there, you will get to
know them all. The Colonial sector boasts beautiful architecture, in particular the Main Square.
San Isidro is the city’s financial hub, yet still packed with history. Another important district is
Miraflores which looks to the Pacific Ocean. Stroll along the cliffs that overlook the sea and do
some shopping at the Larcomar Mall. The entire area is quite charming.
Overnight at Doubletree El Pardo by Hilton – standard room
Thursday May 12th, 2016
Meals include: Breakfast & Dinner
Lima – Puno
After breakfast at the hotel we depart for Lima Airport to board
our flight to Juliaca. On arrival, our excursion begins on the
Panamerican Highway southbound and the road that connects Puno
with Juliaca. We are on route to the Sillustani archeological site
whose appeal is the tall, stone burial towers, some of which stand
12 meters in height and are 7.5 meters in diameter. With lovely
Lake Umayo in the background, it’s an experience you’ll never
forget.
In the late afternoon – on arrival at the hotel – the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Dinner is included at the hotel
Overnight: Casa Andina Private Collection Puno – standard room
About the hotel… Casa Andina Private Collection Puno is nestled on the shores of Lake Titicaca
and enjoys a spectacular location with stunning views. It is a small hotel of only about 45 rooms
100% non-smoking, with internet center and complementary Wi-Fi available.
Friday May 13th, 2016
Meals include: Breakfast & Lunch
Puno area sightseeing
After breakfast, we depart on a full day tour including Taquile and the
Uros Islands. The trip begins early as we leave Puno for Taquile
Island. The culture on the island dates back to Pre-Incan times. The
islanders still live according to the traditions and beliefs of their
ancestors and are world renowned for their lovely outfits and
incredible textiles. In fact, UNESCO has declared the textile art of
Taquile Island as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible
Heritage of Humanity. Next, while still on the island, you will visit
the community of Huayllano, whose members will show you their
normal artistic, handicraft, and farming activities. After this
time of sharing, you will enjoy a traditional lunch and then sail
over to the famous Uros Islands, a set of man-made floating
islands in the middle of the Lake Titicaca National Reserve. Here,
you will meet the islanders, hunters and gatherers and
descendants of the first altiplano inhabitants, who still live on totora reed platforms.
Overnight:Casa Andina Private Collection Puno – standard room
Saturday May 14th, 2016
Puno - Cusco
Meals include: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast this morning you will be driven by private vehicle and guide to Cusco, so you can
enjoy the wonderful scenery on the way. Our first visit will be La Raya, the highest point on the
road between Cusco and Puno, where we will get excellent photo opportunities. Then we will visit
the Racchi ruins, known as "The Temple of God Wiracocha". The last stop before arriving at
Cusco will be Andahuaylillas, a town where a precious church from the 17th century boasts an
amazing organ decorated with angels and cherubs.
Lunch is included in a local restaurant on route.
Late afternoon we arrive at our hotel where dinner is included this evening.
Overnight:Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco – standard room
About the hotel… Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco Hotel is one of the newest hotels in
Cuzco inhabiting one of the city's loveliest colonial structures, an 18th-century mansion on a
small square in the heart of the old city. Sensitively
restored, it is built around four interior patios. The
rooms are spacious and cleanly outfitted, with a
minimalist take on Andean decor. The gorgeous, deep-red
sitting room, with its massive, roaring fireplace, is the
perfect place to sip a pisco sour or coca tea. The gourmet restaurant, named for the plaza it
sits on, features stone arches, strong colors, and Cusco-school paintings, as well as a very fine
haute Andean menu.
Sunday May 15th, 2016
Meals include: Breakfast
Cusco
After breakfast enjoy the day at leisure in Cusco. Today,
Cusco is probably the most famous tourist destination in Peru
and has so much to offer. Colonial Architecture and Inca
Architecture sit next to each other in perfect harmony, such
as the belief of the local people. The best example for this is
Coricancha the ancient Inca Temple that now is the Iglesia
Santo Domingo. The same is true for the religion of the
descendants of the Inca. While most of them are Christians
believing in God they also pray to the Earth, the Mountains
and the Sky. Cusco was the historic capital of the Inca Empire from the 13th into the 16th
century until the Spanish conquest. In 1983 Cusco was declared a World Heritage Site by
UNESCO. Enjoy your day at leisure
Overnight: CASA ANDINA PRIVATE COLLECTION CUSCO HOTEL
Monday May 16th, 2016
Cusco – Machu Picchu
Meals include: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning, after breakfast, we board the morning train (Vistadome) that winds through the
steep Urubamba Valley to its final destination at Aguas Calientes. The 112km train ride from
Cuzco to Machu Picchu is a truly spectacular journey, zigzagging up Huayna Picchu and then
through lush valleys that hug the Río Urubamba, with views of
snow capped Andean peaks in the distance. When we reach
Aguas Calientes, small coaches will take us up the steep
mountain to the ruins of Machu Picchu. The Incas hid Machu
Picchu so high in the clouds that it escaped destruction by the
empire-raiding Spaniards, who never found it. It is no longer
lost, of course, but Machu Picchu retains its perhaps
unequalled aura of mystery and magic. Although no longer
overgrown with brush, as it was when it was rediscovered in
1911, from below it is still totally hidden from view. The majestic setting the Incas chose for it
remains unchanged. The ruins are nestled in the brooding Andes Mountains which are frequently
swathed in mist. When the early morning sun rises over
the peaks and methodically illuminates the ruins row by
row of granite stones, Machu Picchu leaves visitors as
awestruck as ever. By staying the night below in the
town of Aguas Calientes, we can remain at the ruins
later in the afternoon after most of the tour groups
have gone home.
We will enjoy a guided visit of the ruins with lunch
included at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, and
tonight, dinner will be served at Hotel Sumaq.
Overnight:HOTEL SUMAQ
About the hotel…Hotel Sumaq is the only five star hotel in the town below Machu Picchu,
located only 20 minutes from the Machu Picchu archaeological
site. Sumaq, meaning “a great stay”, is the newest upscale
hotel in Aguas Calientes, with stonework designed to echo
Inca masonry. It offers spacious tiled-floor rooms with
excellent bedding, soft linens,
and
Andean
motifs
in
bathrooms
and
on
the
headboards. Many rooms have
small balconies. Guests can enjoy the full-service on-premises
Aqlla spa, where they can pick up a relaxing massage or indulge
in the steam sauna. The restaurant terrace, with views of the
surrounding mountains, is a good spot to celebrate making it to
Machu Picchu.
Tuesday May 17th, 2016
Meals include: Breakfast & Dinner
Machu Picchu - Cusco
After a morning at leisure, we depart, late afternoon, on the Vistadome train back to Cusco. On
arrival you will transfer back to the Casa Andina Private Collection Hotel Cusco for the late
afternoon at leisure but dinner is included.
Overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco – standard room
Wednesday May 18th, 2016
Meals include: Breakfast & Dinner
Cusco
Enjoy buffet breakfast at the hotel. We depart this morning for a half day city tour and nearby
ruins and learn more about the city of Cusco a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. The tour
begins at the Koricancha Temple, an old Incan palace and main center for the worship of the sun
god, Inti. Once the Spanish conquered Peru, the Dominican order built a lovely church over top
this temple’s foundations: the church of Santo Domingo that is still there today. Your next
destination is the Main Square, and then the adventure continues at the Sacsayhuaman Fortress
built of enormous stone blocks expertly shaped by the Incas. It is strategically located at the
top of a hill overlooking the city of Cuzco. What a view of the city! The tour continues with
visits to three archeological sites: Qenko, Puca-Pucara, and Tambomachay, important religious
and administrative centers for the Incas. Finally you will visit the art workshop named Inkas
Expression for artists working on silver and wood pieces. It is an ideal place to buy and see
Andean art.
After we return to the hotel the afternoon is at leisure. In the evening we will enjoy dinner
away from the hotel at the Inka Grill restaurant.
Overnight:Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco – standard room
Thursday May 19th, 2016
Cusco – Sacred Valley
Meals include: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After buffet breakfast at the hotel we depart on a full day Chinchero, Moray and Maras tour
including lunch.
We will spend part of the day at the town of Chinchero, 35 kilometers northwest of Cuzco. The
townsfolk are famous for having preserved traditional Andean weaving techniques. They also set
up a market in the town square to sell handmade crafts from around the region to visitors.
Thursday May 19th, 2016
Sacred Valley - continued
It’s a lively affair as they dress in their colorful outfits. Nearby is the town of Maras, and we
will visit its salt pans where the finest salt in the world is extracted. Next we travel to Moray
and tour the enormous circular and semi-circular agricultural terraces built into the top of a hill
overlooking the Urubamba Valley and used by the Incas as a botanical laboratory. Lunch will be
served at a local restaurant before we arrive at our hotel where dinner is included this evening.
Overnight: Casa Andina Private Collection Sacred Valley – standard room
About the hotel… Casa Andina Private Collection Sacred Valley resembles a refuge in the
mountains, with fabulous views of the Andes from all rooms. This is a cozy hotel and has a local
inspired design with rustic details. Among the services that are offered are: complementary
WiFi Internet (in public areas), Fitness Center, sauna & spa.
Friday May 20th, 2016
Sacred Valley – Pisac - Ollantaytambo
Meals include: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart on a full day excursion to Awanakancha, Pisac Market,
and Ollantaytambo fortress including lunch. We start off early this morning and travel to the
town of Pisac, but enroute we will visit Awanakancha, a store where
you will find Peruvian Handicrafts. Next we visit famous Pisac
Market which is quite captivating. We will have time to shop at the
Pisac Indian Market where hundreds of stalls crowd the central
square and spill down side streets. Sellers come from many
different villages, some from remote populations high in the Andes,
wearing the dress typical of their village. The goods for sale at
the market include sweaters, ponchos, ceramics and rugs, and while
tourists shop for colorful weavings and other souvenirs, locals are busy buying and selling
produce on small streets leading off the plaza. In the afternoon we continue to the ruins of
Ollantaytambo, where we visit the massive buildings of the Incas. Ollantaytambo, which means
something like "Storehouse of my Lord," is thought to be the only remaining example of preColumbian urban planning. Enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Overnight:Casa Andina Private Collection Sacred Valley – standard room
Saturday May 21st, 2016
Meals include: Breakfast & Lunch
Sacred Valley – Cusco - Lima
After breakfast at the hotel we are transferred to Cusco airport to board your flight back to
Lima. You have included lunch at a local restaurant in Cusco before transferring to the airport.
On arrival at Lima airport, walk to your hotel which is across the street and spend our last night.
Sleep fast as our direct flight home departs at 2:15AM
Overnight: Costa del Sol Hotel - Wyndham Lima
Sunday May 22nd, 2016
Homeward Bound
Arrive home mid- morning.
Experience Peru
May 9th – 22nd, 2016
Our Tour Includes…
*
*
*
*
Return Airfare from Toronto
All Internal Airfares in Peru
All transfers from airports & hotels
13 night’s accommodation in carefully chosen hotels
* All breakfasts, 6 lunches & 8 dinners
* Motor coach touring in Lima, small passenger vans in Cuzco
* All sightseeing as per above itinerary
* Guided tours in Lima, Uros and Taquile Islands, Moray and Maras, Cuzco, Machu
Picchu, Pisac &, Ollantaytambo
* Vistadome train journey from Cuzco to Aguas Calientes
* Local English speaking guide for all full day and half day tours
* English speaking Peruvian Tour escorts throughout the tour
* Hotel service charges, taxes, & porterage at hotels
* Taxes & gratuities included for all included meals & for hotel staff
* Escorted from Toronto by Paul Attack.
Cost: Only $6,495.00 per person plus $595.00 tax*
Single Supplement $1,795.00
*Not Included in this cost – and payable only in Peru - are the local airport departure taxes.
This is a highly anticipated new tour in our series of eco tours. The deposit required is
$1,100.00 per person. ** We will try to accommodate singles by finding shares.
To reserve or inquire further please call Wendi or Shelley at
Battlefield Travel at 1 866 574-8004 or (905) 662-6355.
Optional extension to The Amazon
May 22nd – May 27th, 2016
Sunday May 22nd, 2016
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cusco – Lima – Iquitos
We fly to Lima this morning to connect to our flight to Iquitos.
Upon arrival we have a brief city orientation and transfer to the
Explorama dock for a 40km journey down the Amazon River to
Ceiba Tops Lodge. Ceiba Tops, recently opened in the year 2000,
is located on the banks of the Amazon River, and offers air
conditioned rooms with private bath in a luxurious Amazonian
Rainforest setting. The Lodge boasts elaborate gardens, a swimming pool, water slide, hammock
house and the Esmeralda lounge all built to compliment the surrounding exotic environment. In
the afternoon you can walk in the beautiful primary rainforest reserve surrounding Ceiba Tops
which includes many huge trees festooned with epiphytes. After dinner there may be local flute
or guitar music at the El Toucan Bar or the guides are always ready to relate some of the many
legends of the Amazon forest.
Overnight: CEIBA TOPS LODGE
Monday May 23rd, 2016
Ceiba Tops Lodge
Meals include: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today’s sightseeing may include (daily sightseeing may vary) a morning boat ride (look for
dolphins as we go) to visit a small village of Yagua Indians where your
guide will explain the Yagua Indian culture and how it was affected by
the arrival of Europeans and the passing of time. There will also be an
opportunity to see some of the local crafts and for a demonstration of
the blowgun which some of the Yagua elders still use for hunting. In the
afternoon we may visit the neighbouring town of Indiana, which was
originally a Franciscan mission. Indiana has grown into a large river
community with its own market, high school and small hospital.
Overnight: CEIBA TOPS LODGE
Tuesday May 24th, 2016
Ceiba Tops / Canopy Walkway / Ceiba Tops
Meals include: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today’s sightseeing may include an early morning departure from Ceiba Tops by boat
to the narrow crossing connecting the Amazon and Napo Rivers to continue by boat to
ExplorNapo Lodge for breakfast. You may want to hike to the spectacular Canopy
Walkway which spans over 500 meters (one-third of a mile), connected by tree
platforms, and reaching a height of over 35 meters, but is accessible without any type
of climbing skill or equipment. After lunch, we may visit the "ReNuPeRu" Ethnobotanical Garden
where over 240 medicinal plants are cultivated by a local shaman who will explain the nature of
Amazonian natural healing and the uses of some of the plants.
We return to Ceiba Tops in time to enjoy the pool or hammocks before dinner.
Overnight: CEIBA TOPS LODGE
Wednesday May 25th, 2016 Ceiba Tops Lodge
Meals include: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today’s sightseeing may include some early morning birding or a boat excursion to "Monkey
Island", a private reserve where more than five species of tropical primates including small
tamarins, saki, titi and large woolly monkeys are protected. In the afternoon you may partake in
another boating excursion in search of sloth, found in Cecropia trees at the water’s edge, and
the two species of freshwater river dolphin, pink and grey, found in Amazonian waters. Weather
permitting, enjoy a beautiful Amazonian sunset on the river.
Overnight: CEIBA TOPS LODGE
Thursday May 26th, 2016
Lima
Meals Include: Breakfast & Lunch
Your choice today - maybe a morning walk to
further enjoy the rainforest and Amazon River or
time just to relax by the pool until it is time for
departure. Sadly, we leave Ceiba Tops today, and
take the boat back to Iquitos for our flight to Lima. On arrival at Lima airport you will connect
directly for your direct overnight flight with Air Canada home to Toronto.
Friday May 27th, 2016 Arrive Home
Your extension includes….
* Return Airfare from Toronto to Lima (included in main tour cost)
* Internal Airfare Lima – Iquitos - Lima
* All transfers from Airports & Hotels
* 4 nights’ accommodation at Ceiba Tops Lodge
* 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 3 dinners (4th dinner dependent on transfer time)
* All sightseeing as per above itinerary
* Experienced multilingual, local naturalist guides
* Entrance fee to the Canopy Walkway
* Taxes & gratuities included for all included meals & for hotel staff
Cost:
$1,890.00 per person double
$2,065.00 per person Single
These costs are only available if booked as an extension tour with our Experience Peru Tour
The deposit required for Experience Peru & the Amazon Extension is
$1,500.00 per person.
To reserve or inquire further please call
Wendi ext 11 or Shelley ext 15 at
Battlefield Travel at 1 866 574-8004 or (905) 662-6355.