Our Trip to Peru

Peru September 20 – 26/2016

Cynthia Dugan-Terrell

Day

Day of Week

Date

Activity

Transportation AeroMexico

Notes Ticket Locator CAZMES Dugan

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Tue

9/20

Depart LAX 9:15 AM

AM 631

Arrive Mexico City 3:05 PM

Depart Mexico City AM 18 5:00 PM

Arrive Lima 10:57 PM Transfer to Jose Antonio Executive Hotel Calle Colon 325 Miraflores 15074, Peru

2

Wed

9/21

Tour Lima (Included)

Gate 1

3

Thurs

9/22

Depart Lima

Gate 1

Arrive Cuzco Eco Inn Cuzco Av. El Sol 1010, Cusco 00000, Peru

4

Fri

9/23

Travel to Machu Picchu

Vistadome Train

Verify Inca Rail or Peru Rail El Mapi Hotel

5

Sat

9/24

Return to Cuzco

Vistadome Train

6

Sun

9/25

Return to Lima

7

Mon

9/26

Depart LIM 7:03 AM

AM 79

Arrive Mexico City 1:08 PM

Depart MEX 3:44

AM 644

Arrive LAX 5:50

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Lima We have one day in Lima. The morning is taken up with the included tour.

Not sure the museum is the best use of our afternoon . See these ideas One Day in Lima http://bit.ly/28T9aNc

DAY 2, Wednesday - Lima City Tour This mornings tour of Lima, with its 2000 years of history, begins at the colonial center of the city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its historic buildings surrounding the splendid Plaza Mayor. View the impressive Palace of the Archbishop with its fine carved balcony, the opulent Government Palace, official residence of the President, and the 16th century Cathedral of Lima whose first stone was laid by Pizarro. Continue to the 17th century Monasterio de San Francisco complex with its magnificent tiles, ornate carved ceilings, exceptional paintings and world-renowned library.

Spend the remainder of the day at leisure or, join the optional not to be missed tour to the Larco Herrera Museum, considered the best museum in Lima, housed in a restored 18th century mansion. Here, admire the world's largest collection of pre-Columbian masterpieces and a stunning exhibition of gold and priceless jewels. This afternoon, join your Tour Manager for a briefing about the wonderful journey that awaits you. Tonight, perhaps attend the optional Peruvian dinner featuring delicious local specialties along with a delightful musical performance, or try one of Lima's world-class restaurants known for its fusion cuisine Optional: Half Day Larco Herrera Museum (PM) Optional: Dinner & Show in

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Cuzco DAY 3, Thursday - Fly to Cuzco, Afternoon at Leisure This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cuzco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cuzco is declared the Historical Capital by the Constitution of Peru and hosts nearly 1 million visitors every year. Time permitting, meet children at a local school before transferring to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure to explore on your own or participate in the optional Highlights of Cuzco tour that visits the Colonial Cathedral, Temple of the Sun, and the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman Flight distance: 364 miles. Flight Duration: 1 h 11 min.

Optional: Gate 1 Optional Tour: Half Day Highlights of Cuzco (PM) Trip Advisor has a City Tour http://bit.ly/28RJV95 Cuzco Markets and Ruins Tour http://bit.ly/28PFBs2 Cuzco altitude is 11,000 feet, which can cause altitude sickness, especially if you’re flying in from sea level. I had heard this advice but didn’t heed it, and regretted my decision. Altitude can do strange things: even though I’ve been to 14,000 feet and felt fine, I got very sick after just six hours in Cuzco.

Aguas Calientes, however, is only 8,000 feet, so it’s a better place to acclimate.

Meals: Breakfast

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Discover Machu Picchu DAY 4, Friday - Discover Machu Picchu Early this morning, transfer to the Sacred Valley's Ollanta Station and board the Inca Rail Executive Train for Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site arriving in the early afternoon. Also known as "The Lost City of the Incas", Machu Picchu was built circa 1450 and abandoned only 100 years later. The purpose of this splendid city is still a mystery to modern historians. Enjoy exploring the ancient citadel and marveling at its corridors, ceremonial centers, and terraces. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel We upgraded to the Vistadome.

Optional: Upgrade to Vistadome Train available for $76 per person (AM)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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Day 5 DAY 5, Saturday - Return to Cuzco This morning, enjoy a little time at leisure before departing Aguas Calientes for your return to Cuzco. Upon arrival in Cuzco, transfer to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure Overnight: Cuzco Meals: Breakfast DAY 6, Sunday - Fly to Lima, Farewell Dinner This morning transfer to the airport for your flight back to Lima. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Enjoy one last evening with the group and say goodbye to your Tour Manager at the Farewell Dinner Overnight: Lima Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Monday - Depart Peru Transfer to the airport for your departure flight* Meals: Breakfast

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Lima: Jose Antonio Executive Hotel Calle Colon 325 Miraflores, Peru Near the beach. Be sure to read the reviews on Trip Advisor. http://bit.ly/28RdqKm No AC? We may want to upgrade Map: https://goo.gl/maps/K55ddT99owm Nearby Restaurants: http://bit.ly/28UZHTq

Review the Marriott before deciding http://bit.ly/28UL44r It is closer to the beach and of course a much larger hotel. Not sure we can depend on a free breakfast if we choose to upgrade to the Marriott but Maybe we can get our points‌ There is an Ibis (Ibis Larco Miraflores) I stayed at several in the UK and found them very comfortable – should cost less than the Marriot but they have better reviews than the Jose Antonio http://bit.ly/28PEDvR Be sure to click Room Tips on Trip Advisor reviews.

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Cuzco Eco Inn Eco Inn is a short walk from Cusco's main square and just in front of Cusco's largest craft market. It offers modern rooms with buffet breakfast included.

LCD flat-screen TV with cable channels. Free wired internet access is available throughout.

Eco Inn's Inka Tak Spa offers special treatments and relaxation massages in a unique atmosphere, using special elements and techniques of the Inca Culture that revitalizes body, mind and spirit.

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/peru/cuzco/hotels/eco-inncusco#ixzz4CU1N45Xj

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El Mapi Hotel Overnight: El Mapi Hotel Aguas Calientes http://tandl.me/28RqFId 109 Avda. Pachacutec, Machu Picchu Pueblo,

The Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel gets great reviews http://tandl.me/2934bW3

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Managing the Altitude City

Height (Ft)

Height (Meter)

Lima

5080

1550

Cusco

10800

3300

Machu Picchu

8040

2450

The following preventive measures are recommended.

If traveling by air to an area above 8,250 feet (2,500 meters), incorporate a layover of 1-2 days at an intermediate altitude.

Avoid physical exertion for the first 24 hours.

Drink plenty of fluids, and avoid alcoholic beverages.

Consume a high-carbohydrate diet.

Ask your doctor about acetazolamide (Diamox) to prevent acute altitude sickness or Nifedipine (Procardia). Nifedipine is normally used to treat high blood pressure. avoid large meals, alcohol, and being very active after you arrive. Rest, and drink plenty of liquids. Taking ibuprofen 6 hours before climbing to high elevations and then taking it every 6 hours while climbing may help prevent altitude sickness. Ibuprofen may also reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness if you do get it.

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More to Read 10 things you must take to Machu Picchu http://www.perurail.com/blog/10things-you-must-take-to-machu-picchu/ 10 Things to do in Cuzco http://www.perurail.com/blog/cusco-guide-3-10things-to-do-in-the-city-of-cusco 10 Dishes to Try http://www.perurail.com/blog/cusco-guide-4-10-dishesyou-must-try-in-cusco/ Travel Recommendations http://www.perurail.com/travelrecommendations/#salud

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Dress for the Weather

https://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=lima%2C+peru

The Peruvian winter (May – September) is the driest season and therefore the best time of year to travel. On the coast in winter it can be cool. At the same time in the mountains it can be warm and sunny during the day but very cold at night. Dressing in layers will help you cope with the temperature changes.

The Arid Tropics Lima is a famously dry city -- receiving on average less than 0.3 inches of rain each year. On the dry Pacific trench of the Andes, when other tropical areas enter the rainy season, Lima is simply engulfed in a misty coastal fog, known as the garua, with the rare and exceedingly light drizzle. This foggy season occurs during the cooler half of the year from April to November, but the humidity can make the city feel hotter. Overall, Lima's weather is on the mild side of tropical, with averages around 75 degrees Fahrenheit between December and March and around the mid to high 60s from April to November.

The Andes highlands have two seasons: wet and dry. During April – November it rarely rains and the days of endless sunshine offer an even better view of the rugged mountain peaks against a clear blue sky. Machu Picchu is in cloud forest so the humidity is greater. A lightweight waterproof is a good idea, especially if you are going to get up early to see the sun rise. Cusco will undoubtedly mean lots of walking to take in the sights, and comfortable shoes are a must (we love Hotter shoes). Because of its altitude it will be cooler at night, so you will need your fleece. Up this high you will be rewarded with views of the Milky Way that you feel you can reach out and touch.

Dress for the Season Natural fabrics that breathe well such as linen and light cotton are always a better bet than synthetics or jeans. Most locals prefer loose-fitting long pants and buttoned shirts that can be adjusted throughout the day. Women will be comfortable in sundresses or pants and blouses. For slight chills at night, layers with long-sleeved shirts or a light jacket come in handy. pack

Accessorizing The bumpy streets of central Lima make comfortable closed shoes the best option. Lima is best appreciated on foot, so be prepared to walk -- especially if you want to visit the ruins of Pachacamac 45 minutes outside the city. Air conditioning is rare is central Lima, but locals often carry a handkerchief, and hand-held fans are popular among women.

Fitting In Violent crime is relatively uncommon in Lima, but pickpocketing can be a problem in tourist districts. A jacket with inside pockets or a money belt is ideal for safely storing valuables and photocopies of your passport or health insurance information.

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/clothing-bring-lima-peru110641.html

Destination

Cusco - Machu Picchu Traditional Dates Ch'iaraje From: January 20, 2016 To: January 20, 2016 Ritual combat between the residents of the communities of Checa and Quehue, who go head-to-head in a battle meant to contribute to the soil’s fertility. The winning community is the one that succeeds in occupying the most land. The man, armed with slings, leather whips, and sticks, don vests decorated with flowers. The women help by caring for the horses and egging the men on with their songs.

Carnival of Cusco From: February, 2016 To: March, 2016 A celebration that brings the population of Cusco together through joy and light-hearted play. The Carnival of Cusco begins with the Compadres y Comadres festivity, two Thursdays before the central day of Carnival. This date is followed by the Yunzas or Cortamontes, this festival’s main attraction. Also not to be missed is the parade through downtown Cusco, accompanied by the carnivalesque culinary festival and Cusco’s famous T'impu or Puchero dish.

Combat of Tocto From: February 2, 2016 To: February 4, 2016 Held at the site known as Tocto, located on the border of the Districts of Yanaoca and Livitaca. The combat lasts three days, recalling the ancient struggles to gain more farmland. On the first day, participants get set in place. The second day marks the start of one-on-one fights, after which groups of five or even ten people are formed. After eating and drinking heartily, the combatants face off until the third day, during which they gather the wounded and perform the qhaswa (circles celebrating the losers and winners).

Lord of Torrechayoc From: May, 2016 To: May, 2016 The origins of this festival date back to 1860, when an enormous cross was erected in the snow and a mass was held to inaugurate a stretch of the road between Urubamba and Lares. Years later, that cross was taken to Urubamba, where it is worshipped. After mass, the cross is borne in a procession with all of its jewels.

Festivities include fireworks, traditional dances, bullfights, and cockfights featuring Peruvian gallo navajero fighting roosters.

Inti Raymi From: June 24, 2016 To: June 24, 2016 Inti Raymi, or the Festival of the Sun, is held on the Southern Hemisphere’s winter solstice. The ceremony takes place on the terrace of Sacsayhuaman, following an elaborate script that includes the simulated sacrifice of two llamas in order to foresee the future. The ceremony is presided over by the Inca who urges the government leaders, at the Plaza de Armas of Cusco, to faithfully perform their duties. The event comes to a close at sunset, giving way to festive celebrations.

Location: Terrace of Sacsayhuaman (3,600 m.a.s.l.) located 2 km from the city of Cusco.

Services: Cusco’s Municipal Festivities Office offers all the necessary services, including comfortable fiberglass seats, portable toilets, a tourist information booth, first aid, and security (police and private security) for you to enjoy the Festival of the Sun in absolute comfort.

Corpus Christi From: June, 2016 To: June, 2016 A procession featuring 15 patron saints widely venerated in the city. Music and folklore groups join the processions. The traditional dish of this festivity is chiri uchu (roast guinea pig with jerky, toasted maize, rocoto chili pepper, boiled hen, cheese, cochayuyo kelp, sausage, fish eggs, and maize tortilla). On the main day, all of the saints and virgins take part in a procession around the Main Square, after which the figures are taken into the Cathedral for the greeting ceremony.

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