Lima – 1 night – Hotel La Hacienda   4 *  www.bwlahacienda.com

You will be met and transferred to the hotel where the group will become acquainted.

Chiclayo – 2 nights – Gran Hotel Chiclayo   4*  www.granhotelchiclayo.com.pe

This morning we visit the Casa Aliaga, the oldest home on the continent still family owned.  A tour of this colonial home reveals a look into colonial Peru during the 16th to 18th centuries.   Here a speaker will discuss Peru’s current political situation with an emphasis on the country’s fight against terrorism during the 80’s and 90’s.

In the afternoon a short flight takes us to Chiclayo located in Northern Peru.  While here we will tour the Witch Market where tonics and hallucinogenic beverages are sold to perform healings.   A local Shaman (witch doctor) will explain how the ancient knowledge of the medicinal properties of plants has permitted healers to develop curative methods that are integrated with religious beliefs and nature.

We visit the tomb of the Lord of Sipán discovered in 1987 which was overflowing with treasures and artefacts.  He was buried with a warrior, a priest, two women, a boy, a dog, a llama, and a guardian.  Later see the treasures found in this tomb at the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum. 

Then become acquainted with villagers of a local shanty town who will prepare a special lunch for us.

Trujillo – 2 nights  - Hotel Libertador 4*   www.libertador.com.pe

En-route by coach to Trujillo we stop at the small town of Monsefú and board “moto-taxis”, the preferred mode of transportation in rural Peru, to visit local artisans at their workshop.

We continue to a private ranch owned by the Vasquez family where the Peruvian Paso horse is bread.  One of the purest breeds in the world its distinct four beat lateral gait is why it is known as the smoothest riding horse on earth.  Following a demonstration, lunch is served at the hacienda.

The following day we visit the ruins of the adobe city of Chan Chan, a UNESCO World Heritage site.  In its time, this elaborately sculpted and painted city with nine-meter high walls and a series of ramps, courtyards, palaces, and homes, originally included over twenty square kilometres.

At the seaside town of Huanchaco a local fisherman tells us of his life, livelihood and the history of the reed boats called “caballitos de totoras”.  These boats, still used today for fishing, are depicted on 2000 year old Mochica ceramics.  For those adventurous enough you will have the opportunity to take one out in the ocean to ride the waves! 

This afternoon enjoy the beach, go for a swim, or visit the nearby restaurants for lunch.

Our hotel is located on the main square so you can soak up the local atmosphere. This evening some local street-boys will perform a musical presentation – just for us.

Ollantaytambo/Urumbaba – the Sacred Valley   - 2 nights   Hotel Pakaritampu  3*   www.pakaritampu.com

This morning we fly to Cuzco where we will transfer by coach to the Urubamba Sacred Valley. The afternoon is free to adjust to the altitude and discover this quaint town.

The following day we visit the Andean village of Chahuayire where women are the owners and drivers of a project meant to rescue and revive the historic and cultural textile production.  We will learn of the process of spinning, setting up the looms, creating the designs, gather and use natural dyes – and how all of this is fundamental to the family and social bonds of these highland communities.

Another project protecting and preserving the role and interdependency of indigenous local rights is the Potato Park.   Here over 750 species of potatoes are organically grown in a cooperative effort between eight different indigenous communities.  We will learn about local farming aspects and an explanation of the structure of work in the Andes before the Spanish arrived, and how it has survived until now.

Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) - 1 night – Machu Picchu Inn 3*

Today we take the scenic VISTADOME train to the base of Machu Picchu where we will spend the night in order to have early access to the ruins in the morning ahead of the large groups arriving mid-morning.

This evening we will witness the “Tribute to Mother Earth” – a religious ritual and presentation about Andean mythology and cosmology.

Cuzco – 3 nights – Casa San Blas  3*  www.casasanblas.com

A short bus ride up to mountain takes us to the ruins of Machu Picchu – one of the most beautiful ancient sites in the world.  This small but extraordinary city is invisible from below, and was completely self-contained including agricultural terraces sufficient to feed the population, and watered by natural springs.  It has palaces, baths, temples, storage rooms, and over 150 houses all in a remarkable state of preservation.

Our guided tour through the ruins will be followed by some free time to explore the site on your own. Later we return to the train Ollantaytambo and continue by coach to Cuzco.

We become familiar with the former capital of the Inca Empire, Cuzcu, one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in Peru.  Cobblestone streets and a colonial history collide with traces of the Incas.  The Spaniards replaced temples with churches and palaces with mansions, but signs of the Incas are still everywhere.  Visits include the baroque Cuzco Cathedral and Korikancha, or Temple of the Sun. 

We will have lunch with Teo Allain Chambi, the grandson of Martin Chambi, an indigenous photographer. 

“It is thought that Indians have no culture, that they are uncivilized, that they are inferior compared to whites.  More eloquent than my opinion, however, are graphic testimonies.  It is my hope that impartial and objective witnesses will examine this evidence.  I feel that I am a representative of my race; my people speak through my photographs.” - Martin Chambi

We will see some of his photographs and walk through the areas where they were taken.

Your final day in Cuzco is free day to explore your own interests further.

Amazon – 3 nights -   Heath River Wildlife Center    http://www.inkanatura.com/heathriverwildlifecenterlodge.asp

We head off the beaten path to a seldom visited part of the Amazon.  After a 4 1/2 hour boat journey we arrive at small jungle lodge sandwiched between Bolivia and Peru.

While here we will see the area’s most spectacular feature: the Parrot and Macaw clay lick” where we will observe these birds from a concealed floating platform reached by boat.  Our jungle stay also includes walks where our guide will point out dozens of plants and trees, birds, monkeys, and other native animals.  During a night walk we may come across such bizarre nocturnal creatures as camouflaged frogs, hairy tarantulas, night monkeys, toads the size of rabbits, and an unpredictable array of other nightlife.

We will be welcomed at a local community and learn about life and living in the Amazon.

We return to Lima for a farewell dinner including “Pisco”, the local drink, and traditional Peruvian “Tapas”, before returning to the airport for a late flight home.

One two week departure;
April 23 - May 7 /2010

In order to make each tour a special experience, space is limited to 20 people. Book early to avoid disappointment!

IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING OUR PRICING:
- Unlike many companies that offer several “optional” tours, we already include a variety of interesting stops without leaving you exhausted at the end of the day.
- Many meals are included.
- This is a full 2 week fully escorted tour with a Canadian tour leader and Peruvian guides..

“Our experience has been that compared with other tours we have taken, Discovery Tours are great value for our travel dollar, with loads of highlights that are not mentioned in the brochures.”
- Linda McNair, Graysville, MB

Price includes:

• 14 nights accommodation based on double occupancy
• Meals: All breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners (Many meals are at local restaurants rather than the hotels for a more local atmosphere)
• All admissions and cultural visits listed in itinerary
• Air conditioned motor coach transportation and the train to Machu Picchu
• Fully escorted by Canadian Tour Director and Peruvian guides
  

Not included: Taxes, optional cancellation and medical insurance.

Singles wishing to share: We often get requests for single travelers wishing to share accommodation. If you are interested in traveling with a companion please let us know and we can try to match you up with a suitable traveling partner.

Insurance:Optional cancellation and medical insurance is strongly recommended. The price depends on your age and the cost of the tour. Insurance will be discussed and prices quoted at the time of booking.

Payment Schedule:

Deposit: $250.00 on tour portion plus an additional air fare deposit which will be advised at time of booking.

Balance: 60 days prior to departure

Forms of Payment: Deposit by cheque, Visa and MasterCard.
Final payments made by credit cards will be subject to a $65 per person processing fee.

Cancellation Policy  In the event that you have to cancel you must notify Cuba Discovery Tours immediately in writing. The following scale of charges will apply according to the date that notice is received. Air fare penalties may differ and will be discussed at the time of ticket purchase.

For more information contact:
Cuba Discovery Tours
K-435 Rosser Avenue
Brandon, MB. R7A 6S2
PHONE 204-727-2305, FAX 204-726-5856
1-800-417-0250 from anywhere in Canada or the USA
info@cubadiscoverytours.com

Bookings: click here