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South America/Turismo

Argentina	Chile	Falkland Island	Peru
Venezuela	Bolivia	Colombia	French Guyana
Suriname	Brasile	Ecuador	Paraguay
Uruguay

Peru

Arequipa	Machu Picchu	Chiclayo	Nazca
Lima

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Peru Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Easter Celebrations Cuzco Easter Celebrations Cuzco Phynn INCA TRAIL MACHUPICCHU The New Park Regulation WWW.PERUTOURISTINFORMATION.COM Four years ago the Peruvian Government proposed many changes to the administration of the Inca Trail in a bid to protect its fragile eco-structure from over-use. Most of these proposals have been aimed at reducing the number of trekkers on the trail, improving the quality of the tour operators and offering a reservation system whereby trekkers will be forced to make their reservations many weeks (even months) in advance. Some of the proposals were introduced slowly throughout 2003 and 2004 but the Government started to enforce the majority of the regulations more strictly in 2005. Further regulations have been introduced at the beginning of 2006 with the main aim improving porter welfare. All trekking companies that operate the Inca Trail must have an operating license which is issued every year in March. Summary: We recommend that you make a reservation for the Inca Trail and pay for your entrance fee well in advance. In the low season (Oct-Mar) in order to guarantee spaces we advise making a reservation at least 4 weeks in advance. For the months of April and September we recommend making a reservation 6 to 8 weeks in advance and for the peak months of June, July and August we recommend a minimum of 8 to 12 weeks in advance, preferably earlier. If you don't make a reservation and pay your trek deposit in advance it means that the tour operator won't be able to buy your trek permits. Once your tour operator has confirmed your reservation and bought your permits then it can be very difficult to change the date of trek departure and prohibited to change the name or passport number on the permit. If you turn up in Cusco in the low season (December to March) you may still find space available with some agencies 4 or 5 days prior to the trek departure date although certain dates around Christmas and New Year may be full up many weeks in advance. During 2005 there were many people who were disappointed not to find spaces available even when arriving in Cusco 3 weeks in advance. Things were even more difficult for people arriving in June, July & August with it being impossible for visitors to purchase last minute spaces on the Inca Trail upon arrival. In the last few years the prices of the 4 day Inca Trail standard pool service have increased dramatically due to a big increase in the cost of operating the trek, increased taxes and transport costs. The added difficulty of obtaining spaces on the trek also resulted in tour operators having to depart with much smaller, less economic groups. The standard 4 day trek now costs between US$350 and US$400 per person depending on the company and the service provided. A detailed account of the Inca Trail regulations can be found below: 1. Inca Trail entrance fees / Trek permits: In March 2005 the entrance fee was increased from US$50 to US$60. Students and children under 15 years old receive a US$30 discount. Trekking companies also have to buy a trek permit for each one of the porters in the group (US$12 per porter). The entrance fee for the shorter Inca trail trek costs US$25 for adults. Students and children under 15 years old receive a 50% discount. The government has announced that the price of the entrance fee will increase by 50% as from the 1st August 2006. However this has not been confirmed in writing yet. 2. Student discounts: Students with a valid International Student Identity Card (ISIC) receive a US$30 discount but you must inform the tour operator at the time of making your reservation and bring the card with you on the Inca Trail. No other forms of student identity are acceptable i.e. letters from college, international youth identity cards etc. The tour operator will purchase a student trek permit for you (clearly marked only for students). At the start of the Inca Trail your permit will be checked and you will be asked to show your ISIC card and passport. If the card is not valid or you forget to take your card then there is a possibility that you will not be allowed to start the trek. This can cause major disappointment and also delay entry of the rest of the group to the trail. In the past you could just pay an additional fee for a standard trek permit. Due to the added bureaucracy and potential problems associated with applying for a student discount and associated delays many trekking companies have stopped offering this option. 3. Restricted numbers of trekkers: Over the last five years Peru has become a more popular travel destination. There are many great treks throughout Peru but the Inca Trail is the most well known. During the peak season of 2000 many campsites became crowded and the trail became littered with rubbish. In early 2001 the Government proposed to reduce the number of people on the trail to 500 per day. This figure roughly comprises 200 tourists and 300 trekking staff (guides, cooks and porters). In 2002 and 2003 the government tried to enforce the 500 limit but, due to many complaints by the local tour operators, they gave into pressure during the busy months of July and August and allowed an extra 200 persons. In 2004 and 2005 the government strictly enforced the 500 limit, and many trekkers were disappointed that there were no spaces available. The figure of 200 tourists includes trekkers on both the 2-day and 4-day treks as well as the Salkantay 7-day trek. As an estimate we would say that about 160 trekkers per day are starting the 4-day trek, 25 on the 2 day trek and 15 on the Salkantay Trek. In March 2005, 150 tour operators in Cusco were awarded licenses to operate the Inca Trail. With about 500 tourists looking for just 160 available spaces divided between 150 companies it doesn't take much to realise that things can become a little complicated. In 2005, there were many problems during the months of June, July and August as many tour operators could not obtain the trek permits for their clients. Many tour operators were forced to cancel some of their reservations. Trek permits are now being issued on a first-come-first-served basis so in order to avoid disappointment we recommend booking well in advance and with a reputable trekking company. 4. Making an Inca Trail trek booking: Since only 500 trek permits are issued per day for the Inca Trail (trek permits are also required for the porters and cooks) it is important to try to make a trek reservation as far ahead as possible. There is no clear rule as to how far ahead is enough to to guarantee you a space since this depends on demand. As a guide, however, we recommend the following: December, January, March: 3-5 weeks in advance April, October, November: 6-8 weeks in advance May, September: 2-3 months in advance June, July, August: 3-4 months in advance 5. Independent Trekkers: Since June 2002 trekking independently on the Inca Trail has been prohibited. Regulations state that each trekker must be accompanied on the Inca Trail by a professionally qualified guide. Trying to organize a guide in advance is difficult since tour agencies just aren't interested in hiring out their guides. If you wait until you arrive in Cusco to arrange a guide then you are liable to be left with only the worst guides and the very high probability that all the spaces on the trail are fully booked. If you want to get away from it all and trek on your own then there are some excellent alternative treks such as Lares Valley, Choquequirao or Ausangate. If you do manage to organize a guide for the Inca Trail in advance you cannot have a group greater than 7 persons and you can't employ the services of other trekking staff such as cooks or porters. 6. Maximum Group Size: The maximum allowable group size is 16 persons. For groups larger than 8 persons there must be 2 guides. (on the shorter 2 day trek there must be 2 guides for groups larger than 07 persons) 7. Porters Working Conditions In April 2002 a new law was introduced to set a minimum wage for all porters on the Inca Trail. This has followed years of exploitation. This wage is about US$10 per day. It may not seem a lot but wages are all relative to livings costs. To put things in perspective teachers earn between US$150 and US$200 per month. Even though the law exists it is not being enforced and many companies are still paying their porters as low as US$5 per day. In 2002 the maximum weight that a porter can carry was limited to 25kg (20kg load + 5kg personal items). All porters have their weight checked by government officials at the start of the trail. However even this system is open to abuse and many tour operators get their guides and assistants to carry large loads across the checkpoint where they are dropped and left for the porters to pick up. Many trekkers who have hired an extra porter are also asked to carry their bags across the checkpoint to be given to the porters after they have been weighed. So even with the new regulations and a weigh-station at the beginning of the trail it is still possible to see porters carry loads of up to 40kg. 8. Inca Trail Closure during the month of February: The route of the classic 4-day Inca Trail will be closed each year during the month of February to allow conservation projects to be undertaken as well as giving the vegetation a chance to recover. This is a good month to close the trail since it is also the wettest moth of the year. Machu Picchu and the shorter 2-day trail will remain open as usual. 9. Licensed trek operators: The UGM (Unidad de Gestion Machu Picchu) is the regulatory body responsible for controlling access to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail. In order to operate the Inca Trail companies must meet certain basic requirements proving that they have professional guides and good camping equipment, radio communications and emergency first aid including oxygen. The license to operate the Inca Trail is renewed each year in early March. Due to legal problems the Government has found it hard to withdraw licenses from poor performing companies and every tour operator that has satisfied the basic requirements has so far been given a license. Legislation is likely to be introduced later in 2006 to give more power to the Ministry of Tourism and allow them to fine, suspend or close badly performing companies. Those who love french-fries with their burgers should be thrilled to learn that the potato originated in Peru. The mighty Incas cultivated potatoes in the high altitude of the Andes Mountains. There are over 5,000 registered varieties of potatoes in Peru, being only one reflection of its mega-diversity. Peru, the land of the Incas, awaits travelers with a world of adventure and excitement. The perfectly fitted stones of this glorious empire continue to be the main attraction to people from all over the world. Machu Picchu (http://www.allmachupicchutravel.com), the lost city of the Incas rediscovered centuries after the last Conquistador left, remains a web of riddles for the adventurer and the scientist to tackle. The Nazca lines -- what were they -- UFO landing sites or a pathway to the heavens and the gods? History buffs are not the only folks who will enjoy Peru. Of late, thousands of people have dared visit the still largely unexplored Amazon Rainforest (selva) in search of cures for the world's illnesses by tapping into the knowledge of shamans (medicine men) who may hold the secret to help defeat the incurable. An adventurer can have a reasonably comfortable trip to the deeps of the jungle in Iquitos, starting at the seaside, crossing the Andes Mountains, and slowly making his or her way down the other side into the selva. As Iquitos isn't reachable by road, the last two days will be spent on an Amazon cruise boat. But those who want to get to the selva quickly need only fly one of the modern airlines that serves Iquitos and Tarapoto with daily flights from Lima. Despite being visited by almost 1.5 million foreigners each year, there is always a place off the beaten track where the gringo tourist will be the main attraction for the locals. On the way to the low jungle in the Amazon Basin, some tourists will find that the high jungle plateau is a good place as either a stopover or a destination -- especially since it can tend to have a slightly lower humidity level than the low jungle areas. Tarapoto is the most important city in the area, and it is the commercial trade center for the District of San Martin. Tourists aren't crowded into Tarapoto, Moyobamba and surrounding communities as might be found in some other locales in Peru, but they are generally treated very well by the locals who welcome their business. Even the not-so-adventurous can enjoy Peru. Although still considered a developing country, Peru has made progress in improving its infractructure in some areas. Five-star hotels, excellent restaurants, and vibrant nightlife will dazzle those who are looking to be dazzled. Peru is an exciting land, rich in history and culture, waiting to be explored. Readers can click below on any city to obtain information and tips to make their trip a delightful experience. The capital of Peru is the city of Lima. The principle cities in Peru are Lima (pop. 8,900,000), Arequipa (pop. 848,000), Trujillo (pop. 820,000), Chiclayo, (pop. 568,000), Iquitos (pop. 426,000), Huancayo (pop. 384,000), Piura (pop. 357,000), Chimbote (pop. 337,000), Cusco (pop. 320,000), Pucallpa (pop. 310,000), Tacna (pop. 284,000), Ica (pop. 242,000), Juliaca (pop. 239,000), Sullana (pop. 201,000), Chincha Alta (pop. 160,000), Huanuco (pop. 145,000), Ayacuchu (pop. 144,000), Cajamarca (pop. 132,000), Tarapoto (pop. 123,000), Talara (pop. 115,000), Tumbes (pop. 110,000). Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: Peru _______________Sights Edit This Woman from the Lake Titicaca in Peru Woman from the Lake Titicaca in Peru Enrique Levano Peru is a country rich in history and culture. It is very diverse and offers great places that are worth a visit. One might start the journey by the Peruvian Coast with its enigmatic Nazca Lines, the beautiful Marine Reserve of Paracas and the Oasis of Huacachina, where one can practice one of the ultimate sports of the country -- sandboarding. In the highlands one might explore one of the deepest canyons of the Americas " The Colca Canyon" and then travel by boat on the highest navigable lake of the world "Lake Titicaca". Hikers won?t want to miss the Inca Trail and discover the wonders of " Machu Picchu" -- a sacred citadel hidden in the eyebrow of the jungle. The ancient Inca capital of Cusco deserves a week-long stay with its fabulous colonial architecture, traditional festivals and wonderful nightlife. The "Sacred Valley" of the Incas with its picturesque Andean Market at the village of Pisaq is well worth the time. Those who would rather walk on he wild side might fly to Jungle and visit the National Reserve of Tambopata, a green world with gigantic trees, beautiful lagoons, winding rivers and wonderful wildlife. Contributors February 13, 2008 change by approaching genius (1 point) [Add Sight] Pachamachay Ruins Edit This It's not new, but it will be to tourists. In fact Pachamachay Ruins, located about 30 minutes south of Lima on the TransAmerican Highway, is quite old. But until now, many parts of the ruins were protected due to archeological work and the need to protect and stablize this famous site. type: Landmarks World66 rating: [rate it] accessibility: Admission S/. 5.50 (approx. $1.75) openingHours: M-F 9 a.m.-5 p.m. address: Trans-American Highway Lima Beaches Edit This Peru's Summer season kicks in on December 20. The National Police of Peru have trained 500 of its members to work as lifeguards at the 92 beaches and public pools along the Pacific Coast of Lima through the end of the Summer season the week after Easter in April. Motorboats and a helicopter will also be in use for water rescues. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] _________History Edit This ahi aparce el amor ahi aparce el amor gustavo When the Spanish landed in 1531 Peru's territory was the nucleus of the highly developed Inca civilization. Centered at Cuzco, the Inca Empire extended over a vast region from northern Ecuador to central Chile. In search of Inca wealth, the Spanish explorer Francisco Pizarro, who arrived in the territory after the Incas had fought a debilitating civil war, conquered the weakened people. The Spanish had captured the Incan capital at Cuzco by 1533 and consolidated their control by 1542. Gold and silver from the Andes Mountains enriched the conquerors and Peru became the principal source of Spanish wealth and power in South America. Pizarro founded Lima in 1535. The viceroyalty established at Lima in 1542 initially had jurisdiction over all of South America except Portuguese Brazil. By the time of the wars of independence (1820-24) Lima had become the most distinguished and aristocratic colonial capital and the chief Spanish stronghold in America. Peru's independence movement was led by Jose de San Martin of Argentina and Simon Bolivar of Venezuela. San Martin proclaimed Peruvian independence from Spain on July 28, 1821. Emancipation was completed in December 1824 when General Antonio Jose de Sucre defeated the Spanish troops at Ayacucho ending Spanish rule in South America. Spain made futile attempts to regain its former colonies but in 1879 it finally recognized Peru's independence. After independence Peru and its neighbors engaged in intermittent territorial disputes. Chile's victory over Peru and Bolivia in the War of the Pacific (1879-83) resulted in a territorial settlement. Following a clash between Peru and Ecuador in 1941 the Rio Protocol -- of which the United States is one of four guarantors -- sought to establish the boundary between the two countries. Continuing boundary disagreement led to brief armed conflicts in early 1981 and early 1995. The military has been prominent in Peruvian history. Coups have repeatedly interrupted civilian constitutional government. The most recent period of military rule (1968-80) began when General Juan Velasco Alvarado overthrew elected President Fernando Belaunde Terry of the Popular Action Party (AP). As part of what has been called the "first phase" of the military government's nationalist program, Velasco undertook an extensive agrarian reform program and nationalized the fish meal industry, some petroleum companies, and several banks and mining firms. Because of Velasco's economic mismanagement and deteriorating health he was replaced by General Francisco Morales Bermudez Cerruti in 1975. Morales Bermudez moved the revolution into a more pragmatic second phase tempering the authoritarian abuses of the first phase and beginning the task of restoring the country's economy. Morales Bermudez presided over the return to civilian government in accordance with a new constitution drawn up in 1979. In the May 1980 elections, President Belaunde Terry was returned to office by an impressive plurality. Nagging economic problems left over from the military government persisted, worsened by an occurrence of the El Nino weather phenomenon in 1982-83 which caused widespread flooding in some parts of the country severe droughts in others and decimated the schools of ocean fish that are one of the country's major resources. After a promising beginning, Belaunde's popularity eroded under the stress of inflation, economic hardship, and terrorism. During the 1980s cultivation of illicit coca was established in large areas on the eastern Andean slope. Rural terrorism by Sendero Luminoso (SL) and the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA) increased during this time and derived significant financial support from their alliances with the narcotics traffickers. In 1985 the American Popular Revolutionary Alliance (APRA) won the presidential election bringing Alan Garcia Perez to office. The transfer of the presidency from Belaunde to Garcia on July 28, 1985 was Peru's first exchange of power from one democratically elected leader to another in 40 years. Extreme economic mismanagement by the Garcia Administration led to hyperinflation from 1988 to 1990. Concerned about the economy, the increasing terrorist threat from Sendero Luminoso, and allegations of official corruption, voters chose a relatively unknown mathematician-turned-politician Alberto Fujimori as president in 1990. Fujimori's election ushered in a decade that saw a dramatic turnaround in the economy and significant progress in curtailing guerrilla activity. Nevertheless, the president's increasing reliance on authoritarian measures and an economic slump in the late 1990s generated mounting dissatisfaction with his regime. Fujimori won reelection to a third term in the spring of 2000, but international pressure and corruption scandals led to his ouster by Congress in November of that year. A caretaker government oversaw new elections in the spring of 2001, which ushered in Alejandro Toledo as the new head of government; his presidency has been hampered by allegations of corruption. Contributors February 13, 2008 change by approaching genius (1 point) ____________Practical Information Edit This The altitude of Peru is significantly higher than the US or Europe, so give yourself a few days to acclimate yourself before going off to hike to Machu Picchu. I would recommend a trip in which the altitude progresses gradually. The altitude in Peru varies from it's coastal region to it's mountain regions and of course, the jungles and deserts in between. Yes, you might be sucking for air in Machu Picchu but that is not indicative of the country as a whole. Coca tea, which is legal, will help with any altititude-related discomfort/illness. The "better" restaurants in Lima tend to charge what's called a cubito which is basically an added fee that covers nothing. It's not a tip for the wait staff. It varies from restaurant to restaurant. Don't be surprised to see it - when I asked what it was for I was told by one manager that it covered the napkins, the silverware, the bread, the decor, etc... It would appear just to be a way to rip off the consumer but they pretty much all charge it. Does anyone out there have an explanation? ___________Getting Around Edit This In Trujillo, Peru, bright yellow taxis are everywhere. 2006.10.14 In Trujillo, Peru, bright yellow taxis are everywhere. 2006.10.14 Jeffrey Maxwell Geography Peru is divided into three basic regions, the costa (coast), the sierra (Andes Mountains) and the selva (Amazon Basin). Such diversity in geography, climates, and elevations make Peru an exciting place to visit, but these conditions can also make travel a challenge, or at least a reason to plan ahead. The Coast is a strip of desert between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains. Most of the major cities of Peru are in the coastal area. Getting up and down the coast is not too much of a problem, because the country's best highway, part of the Pan-American Highway, runs the entire length of the country. The Andes are what draw a lot of folks from all over the world to Peru. Cuzco and Machu Picchu being the biggests attractions, many adventurers also come to climb the peaks of the Andes Mountains and visit the crystal clear lakes atop. Lake Titicaca is also a place of interest as the highest navigable lake in the world. Travelers to the Andes Highlands should plan a free day once they arrive to get acclamated to the high altitude before exerting a lot of physical effort. The fastest way to get to the mountains is by air, but the fast change in altitude can be troublesome for some who are not use to it. The Amazon (covering 60 percent of Peru) is the larger, yet less populated and less explored area of Peru. Snow melting from the Andes peaks and rainwater draining from the eastern slope have resulted in a vast river system that feeds the jungle and leads to the Amazon River, which starts in Peru at Iquitos. Travel in the Amazon Basin by boat can be an interesting experience, if one has the time. But air travel is the faster, somewhat more reliable method of travel. Additional areas of interest can be reached by bus within a few hours of an airport. Air Travel The only practical way to travel within Peru is by air. Most cities tourists would want to visit have an airport, or there is an airport within an hour or two away. One thing travelers should keep in mind is that flight schedules are regularly delayed because of fog, storms, or other weather in Peru. Most of the airtravel goes through Lima. Once the airlines are behind schedule due to fog in Lima in the morning, which is not unusual, then flight schedules will be behind in all parts of the nation for the entire day. So travelers must plan for time to hurry up and wait. December 17, 2006, presented a good example of possible delays in Peru, when 15 flights in Cuzco were cancelled or delayed, stranding more than 2000 tourists, due to a rain storm that lasted 12 hours. About the same number of tourists were affected who were trying to get to Cuzco from other parts of Peru. Even local soccer finals were affected by the delays, as Ciencano, the soccer team from Cuzco, had to travel to Arequipa by bus. When flying in Peru, all passengers must pay an airport tax before boarding a flight that departs from a Peruvian airport. Once travelers have picked up their tickets and boarding passes and checked their baggage, the next step is to pay the tax. Travelers will not be allowed on the plane until this has been paid, so they must not forget this important step. The only time one will not have to pay the tax is if the flight is on American Airlines, which generally charges the airport tax at the time the ticket is purchased -- even if purchased online from the passenger's home country months in advance. This is a matter of convenience so their passengers can skip this step. However, travelers arriving on an American Airlines flight in Lima, and leaving on a Peruvian airline for in-country travel, should expect to pay the tax in the airport if the ticket wasn't purchased through American. Bus Travel Buses can be a good way to get around the Lima metropolitan area, but most tourists prefer to take taxis to travel within the city. Many locals take the bus to travel across the country, because it is cheaper. But it is very time consuming. The bus is an acceptible way to run up the coast to Trujillo, or down to Ica. But it is not useful for seeing the country -- most bus rides of any length are overnight, the windows are not easy to see out, and bus lines require passengers to keep the curtains closed at night so lights won't bother passengers trying to sleep. The bus is not recommended for tourists who are traveling accross the mountains -- it is not worth the "savings." Commercial bus drivers are under a lot of pressure to meet time schedules -- that makes for dangerous travel. One North American described his trip over the Andes Mountains as the longest tires-squeeling-on-pavement roller-coaster ride he had ever experienced, but he only threw up twice. News agencies around the world reported the December 5, 2006, crash in the Andes Mountains in Southern Peru that killed approximately 45 and injured the only two people who survived. It is likely that excessive speed was the cause according to reports. This is just another of numerous accidents with commercial bus lines that kill hundreds of people in Peru each year. Peru's federal government has called for measures to improve bus safety and reduce driver fatigue, but strikes by bus drivers against some of those measures are hampering any efforts to stop bus deaths in Peru. Boat Travel The primary mode of transportation in the rainforest is on the rivers by boat. Any traveler who wants to see the "real" jungle will have river travel on the itenerary. Many excursions are available from Iquitos with guides who are wildlife experts to point out the sights. Travelers who are visiting the jungle for the first time should stick with the guided tours. Only experienced travelers who speak good Spanish (or Portuguese if going on to Brazil) should attempt to see the remote parts of the Amazon Rainforest on their own. Tourists should be aware of the fact that many boats in the Amazon Basin are not kept in good condition. So it is important to keep an eye on river condition forecasts before traveling on the water -- especially in the rainy season December through April. A level orange or red river advisory means that the rain levels have been high and currents can be swift. The river condition forecasts did not prevent the accident that happened on Friday, February 29, 2008, when the Santa Elena carrying 40 passengers and a load of wood capsized and sank in the Rio Tapiche in the Loredo District of Peru. While 25 passengers were rescued, officials believe that some of the 15 passengers who are missing might have been trapped inside the vessel. Travelers must realize that their own safety is their own responsibility, and they need to pay attention to the river forecasts when making decisions about river boat travel. Taxis and Mototaxis Every major city in Peru has taxis. Passengers must always negotiate the price of a taxi or mototaxi ride with the driver before entering the vehicle. This is very important, because if driver and passenger are not settled on the price, the passenger might find him or herself paying much more than necessary for the ride. In Lima, taxi drivers are constantly jockying to be in a position to get more fares. One thing that North Americans will notice is the size of the taxis: they are all small. However, a big person should not hesitate to wave by a sub-compact taxi in favor of a compact or midsized car. One will be along shortly. One might have to walk to a major street to get a taxi if it is very late at night. Unless they absolutely have to, people do not ride in a taxi at night if they are alone. There is safety in numbers. Most taxistas are not going to be a problem, but tourists have been robbed at night by taxi drivers who would take their money and leave them just anywhere. It doesn't happen much in the daytime. When riding in a taxi, passengers should lock the doors. It is a good idea to put bags, purses, backpacks and other possessions in the trunk. Cameras, cell phones, and other electronic devices should not be placed where pedestrians can see them. It has happened many times that a pedestrian has reached into the window of a taxi and stolen items from passengers. Trujillo has many, many taxis that are all painted yellow. In Cusco, taxis come in every size, shape and color. In Iquitos and Tarapoto, automobile taxis are available mostly for long rides, but the mototaxi is the most common mode of public transportation. A mototaxi looks like a ricksha with a motorcycle welded onto the front of it and can seem tipsy in the hills and rutts of a jungle city street. Contributors December 11, 2006 new by approaching genius (14 points) _____________Getting There Edit This It doesn't matter where in Peru one is headed, all flights into the country from outside South America go to Lima. The most common stop in the United States before leaving for Peru is Miami, but there are also many flights to Lima from Atlanta. No matter how you enter the country, you will need a passport. However, it is no problem to enter Peru without a visa first if you are visiting as a tourist. They just rubber-stamp the visa onto your passport. They will also give you an exit ticket, keep this with your passport, because you will need this when you get ready to go home. A visitors visa is good for up to three months, but can be renewed in Peru one month at a time for up to three months more. Contributors December 11, 2006 change by approaching genius (3 points) [Add Global transport mode] Iberia Edit This Iberia flies directly from Madrid to Lima, which lasts approximately 13 hours. The cheapest carrier for travelling to Peru from Europe [?-2006] type: By Air World66 rating: [rate it] Skymiles Team Edit This Skymiles members (Delta, Air France, KLM, Continental, etc) can hop from Europe to Peru via Bogota using Air France and Avianca. Most flights route through CDG (Paris). Business class ticket holders on the long haul will be rewarded with a first-class seat from Bogota to Lima. Flights are available from India that fly direct to JFK (New York, United States), then Atlanta and then into Lima on Delta. Flights in and out of the United States involve routing through either Texas or Atlanta in most cases and then branch into other destinations. The more.. type: By Air World66 rating: [rate it] _____________Economy Edit This Economy—overview: The peruvian economy has become increasingly market oriented with major privatizations completed since 1990 in the mining electricity and telecommunications industries. In the 1980s the economy suffered from hyperinflation declining per capita output and mounting external debt. Peru was shut off from IMF and World Bank support in the mid-1980s because of its huge debt arrears. An austerity program implemented shortly after the Fujimor government took office in July 1990 contributed to a third consecutive yearly contraction of economic activity but the slide came to a halt late that year and in 1991 output rose 2.4%. After a burst of inflation as the austerity program eliminated government price subsidies monthly price increases eased to the single-digit level and by December 1991 dropped to the lowest increase since mid-1987. Lima obtained a financial rescue package from multilateral lenders in September 1991 although it faced $14 billion in arrears on its external debt. By working with the IMF and World Bank on new financial conditions and arrangements the government succeeded in ending its arrears by March 1993. In 1992 GDP fell by 2.8% in part because a warmer-than-usual El Nino current resulted in a 30% drop in fish catch but the economy rebounded as strong foreign investment helped push growth to 7% in 1993 about 13% in 1994 and a gay percent of 6.8% in 1995. Growth slowed to about 2.8% in 1996 as the government adopted tight fiscal and monetary policy to reduce the current account deficit and meet its IMF targets. Growth then rebounded to 7.3% in 1997 even as inflation fell to its lowest level in 23 years. Capital inflows surged to record levels in early 1997 and have remained strong despite economic shocks stemming from the Asian financial crisis and the El Nino weather events. GDP: purchasing power parity—$110.2 billion (1997 est.) GDP—real growth rate: 7.3% (1997 est.) GDP—per capita: purchasing power parity—$4 420 (1997 est.) GDP—composition by sector: agriculture: 14% industry: 41% services: 45% (1996) Inflation rate—consumer price index: 6.7% (1997 est.) Labor force: total: 7.6 million (1996 est.) by occupation: agriculture, mining, and quarrying, manufacturing, construction, transport, services. Unemployment rate: 8.2%; extensive underemployment (1996) Budget: revenues: $8.5 billion expenditures: $9.3 billion including capital expenditures of $2 billion (1996 est.) Industries: mining of metals, petroleum, fishing, textiles, clothing, food processing, cement, auto assembly, steel shipbuilding, metal fabrication. Industrial production growth rate: 1.2% (1996) Electricity—capacity: 4.187 million kW (1995) Electricity—production: 15.6 billion kWh (1995) Electricity—consumption per capita: 648 kWh (1995) Agriculture—products: coffee, cotton, sugarcane, rice, wheat, potatoes, plantains, coca; poultry, red meats, dairy products, wool; fish catch of 6.9 million metric tons. (1990) Exports: total value: $5.9 billion (f.o.b. 1996) commodities: copper, zinc, fishmeal, crude petroleum, and byproducts, lead, refined silver, coffee, cotton partners: US 20%; Japan 7%; UK 7%; China 7%; Germany 5%. (1996) Imports: total value: $9.2 billion (f.o.b. 1996) commodities: machinery, transport, equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum, iron and steel, chemicals, pharmaceuticals. partners: US 31%; Colombia 7%; Chile 6%; Venezuela 6%; UK 6% (1996) Debt—external: $25.7 billion (1996 est.) Economic aid: recipient: ODA $363 million (1993) Currency: 1 nuevo sol (S/.) = 100 centimos Exchange rates: nuevo sol (S/.) per US$1—2.750 (January 1998); 2.664 (1997); 2.453 (1996); 2.253 (1995); 2.195 (1994); 1.988 (1993). Fiscal year: calendar year Contributors January 01, 2007 change by approaching genius _____________Day Trips Edit This The variety of things to do that can be fit into a day-trip in Peru is a never-ending list. From any point in the country, one can find historic, cultural, and even esoteric things that will be worth spending the day. From the hike up to Cristo Blanco in Cusco, to a tour of the zoo in Lima, to a visit to the city of Lamas during a stay in the Amazon Rainforest, the traveler will make good use of a day by going with their gut instincts about what they really want to do with their time. _________Festivals Edit This There is probably a major event or festival every other day in Peru. No one knows festivals like South American Catholics, who have a festival for everything. Other events include major concerts and other attractions for all ages. [Add Festival] Rock Concerts in Peru Edit This Rock music is alive and well in Peru. One of the biggest stars in Peru is Pink Floyd's Roger Waters, who has been scheduled for his first concert in Peru on March 12, 2007. The concert on Water's Dark Side of the Moon Tour is scheduled to run 2 hours and 45 minutes and will include standard Pink Floyd hits as well as songs from Waters solo albums. The concert will include a 1 hour 15 minute rendition of The Dark Side of the Moon. March 9 and 10, 2007, are the dates scheduled for concerts by popular Spanish musician Alejandro Sanz more.. World66 rating: [rate it] ::::::::::Andahuaylillas Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see A small village fairly near Cuzco and north of the road from there to Lake Titicaca. From the road its square is picturesque with a wonderful 'flame tree.' However the exterior of the church hardly matches the interior. This was one of the first churches built by the Spanish in Peru. it was built to impress and it does. It has been called the 'South American Sistine Chapel' for the quality of its frescoes but the ornamentation in precious metals is equally stunning. :::::::::Cajamarca Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Cajamarca is a pleasant and attractive town full of good examples of colonial architecture. The Inca emperor Atahualpa was captured here by Pizarro and held prisoner in the Cuarto de Rescate, which still can be visited. The Santa Apolonia hills is the place where he was captured and can also be visited. Centre of town is the Plaza de Armas where Atahualpa was executed and where you now find a 350 years' old fountain, tiopary and gardens, as well as a Cathedral without Belfry. The many old churches and mansions are worth visiting. The Bishop's Palace, the San Pedro church and the Palace od the Condes de Uceda are among the city's highlights. From Cajamarca you can make excursions to Aylambo a village where you can buy ceramics, the termal springs of Playa del Ingles and Llacanora a typical Andean village. __________Tours and Excursions Edit This List of tour operators expert in Cajamarca and the North of Peru [Add New] InkaNatura Travel Edit This The most complete tour operator in the North of Peru. With Offices in Chiclayo, Lima, Cusco and Puerto Maldonado, this operator offers excelent tour and programs in Cajamarca. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 51 1 4402022 url: www.inkanatura.com email: postmaster@inkanatura.com.pe ____________Chachapoyas Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Kuelap offers a good view Kuelap offers a good view joosts Chachapoyas is one of the main touristic centers of the North of Peru. It is centraly located, being on the Northern Pacific to Amazon Crossing, and also on the road between Cajamarca and Iquitos. The province has a strong attraction of its own, offering some spectacular destinations. The two biggest of those are the pre-inca ruins of Kuelap and the recently discovered Gocta Falls, that are the 3th largest in the world. There are a lot more ruins and spectacular landscapes worth visiting, independently or with one of the plenty tour operators active in the beautiful and tranquil colonial city of Chachapoyas. If you like trekking and don't mind bad roads, you could easily lose a week or two in these parts. :::::::::Chimbote Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Located on the west coast of Peru north of Lima and south of Trujillo, Chimbote, with a population of over 336,000, is the most important fishing center in Peru. With 30 fish canneries, Chimbote has about 75 percent of the fishing activities in Peru. A major earthquake in 1970 pretty much destroyed Chimote, so most of this city is fairly young. With buildings having been built mostly within the last 35 years. ::::::Chincha Alta Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Located about 200 kilometers south of Lima, Peru, Chincha Alta is a city of over 160,000 people. It is an important agricultural community and the location where many black slaves brought from Africa in the 17th and 18th Centuries were put to work in cotton plantations. Today it is the center for Afro-Peruano music and dance. The Verano Negro celebrating black culture is a festival held in late February in Chicha Alta. But otherwise the city is not a big draw for tourism. ::::::Chincha Alta Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Located about 200 kilometers south of Lima, Peru, Chincha Alta is a city of over 160,000 people. It is an important agricultural community and the location where many black slaves brought from Africa in the 17th and 18th Centuries were put to work in cotton plantations. Today it is the center for Afro-Peruano music and dance. The Verano Negro celebrating black culture is a festival held in late February in Chicha Alta. But otherwise the city is not a big draw for tourism. ::::::::::Huacahina Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Big sand dunes Big sand dunes Yohay Elam Huacahina is tiny oasis place 4 kms from Ica. The small pond and the giant dunes make it a good alternative than staying in Ica. Sand boards can be hired everywhere for riding down the dunes. A more intensive way to experience the sand dunes would be going on tour with buggies. Other than that, it's a laid back place. So sit back and relax. ::::::::::Huanchaco Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Crab fishermen in Huanchaco, Peru. 2006.10.14 Crab fishermen in Huanchaco, Peru. 2006.10.14 Jeffrey Maxwell Huanchaco is located at 10 minutes from Trujillo, main city at the northern coast of Peru, and has the best known surfing waves in the South Pacific. It is visited by thousands of turists because of nearby Chan Chan, the largest clay city in the world, built by the Mochican centuries before the Inca empire. Huanchaco is an extraordinary place that will undoubtedly blow your mind. It is one of those lost paradises in the world that have subsisted throughout time. It is a small bay watched from a crest of a mountain by an imposing colonial church, with a fascinating and centennial wharf. A picturesque fishing cove, Huanchaco preserves the daily use of the “little reed horse” (caballito de totora), the oldest marine ship of America and local fishermen maintain the uses and customs used from the beginning of human history, in this part of the South Pacific. ____________Things to do Edit This Beach at Huanchaco, Peru, on the Pacific Ocean. 2006.10.14 Beach at Huanchaco, Peru, on the Pacific Ocean. 2006.10.14 Jeffrey Maxwell Surfing Huanchaco is an exclusive place to practice surfing. If a tourist could not bring his board and equipment, he can rent it and enjoy a most pleasing experience. To Enjoy To walk by the levee of Huanchaco or the seashore, is a unique experience. The small and cozy bay, with its old wharf, the colonial church that stands out up in the hill, the little reed horses which shake near the seashore in their daily task of fishing and the warm climate make Huanchaco a magical scenery that is made for the amusement and rest. Gastronomy The dishes that are prepared in the north of Peru are varied, especially in Huanchaco, where they have very good taste and inexpensive prices. Here, the tourist will enjoy the local seasoning in small and almost familiar restaurants located in the ancient zone, or in other bigger ones located in front of the sea. But in the all of them, the good taste will make the tourist remember Huanchaco forevermore. Archaeology In the jurisdiction of Huanchaco, Chan Chan resides, the biggest mud citadel of the world. This historic patrimony, that was the capital of the Chimu kingdom, is one of the most spectacular tourist attractions of Peru and it is a must when it comes to destinations for all visitors. Taking a ride in the Caballito de Tortora The Caballito de totora is a singular ship used by ancient Peruvians to move across the sea and especially for fishing. The fishermen of Huanchaco take tourists to short rides in these boats and allow them to experience the sensation of riding a little reed horse, like they used to do 20 centuries ago. Photography Photography amateurs will find in Huanchaco a privileged landscape for spectacular shots. They have the sea, the old wharf, the fishing carried out in the famous little reed horses, the old urban zone full of enchantment and history. :::::::::::Huaraz Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Sign on Pastoruri Sign on Pastoruri http://enperu.blogsyte.com/ Capital of the Ancash department, Huaraz is an important tourist destination. The town itself is not very special. Most of it was destroyed in the 1970 earthquake. But it is a prime destination for hikers and ideal for climbers. The setting at the foot of the Cordillera Blanca is great. It is located in a valley called the Callejon de Huaylas. This beautiful area is comparable to the Swiss Alps... Even if you are not into hiking & climbing yourself, you should at least go to the Mirador Rataquena where you get a great view of the mountains. It is a one hour walk form the town. But it is worthwhile to continue to Pukaventana, where the views over the valley are astonishing. From the town you can also make nice day trips to Willkawain where there is an archeological site and Monterrey which has thermal baths. ___________Day Trips Edit This View from Pastoruri View from Pastoruri http://enperu.blogsyte.com/ Pastoruri Pastoruri is one of the more tiny peaks at a mere 5,240m / 17,187ft. It is a very popular day trip from Huaraz as people without hiking/climbing experience and without specialist equipment can still climb it. For those who can not manage the assent, horses are available to take you up the first half of the trail from the base camp, where there are also stalls that sell Mate de Coca to help with the affects of the altitude. Chavín The Chavín were a pre-inca and pre-moche civilisation that existed in the area that is now central Peru around 3000 years ago. The were the most ancient of the major cultures known to exist in South America. A bus trip to Chavín de Huántar takes about 4 hours, as the road, which was once a mere dirt road, is still being constructed - so traffic is obstructed and the road is quite bad. In a year or so, the road and the new tunnel ought to be complete and the journey should only be about 3 hours long. Next we went to visit the ruins the Chavín left. The site consists of a number of large ceremonial buildings with a large perfectly square (as measured with lasers) pool in the center. The Chavín had engineered a river to flow into this square through a system of tunnels/canals then out into another river. Lagunas de Llanganuco These are the famous lagoons you will see on postcard of Huaraz or in any tourist guide. These beautiful lagoons, with their spectacular pale colours are a for everyone, trekker or not. A bus from Huaraz takes a few hours and is often combine with a visit to Yungay, Carhuaz and Caraz. Yungay Yungay was a bustling town that is no more. In an earthquake in 1970 it was completly buried by a landslide from the massive Huascaran mountain. Thousands of tons of rock, ice and mud killed around 20,000 inhabitants. The town is now a graveyard and monument, still towered over by the biggest mountain in Peru. ___________Ica Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Huacachina Oasis- Sand dunes Huacachina Oasis- Sand dunes Dany55 Ica is located in the middle of Peru's wineland and it is here that the famous Pisco is produced. This is the main ingredient of the famous Pisco Sour, which is the preferred national drink. Some wineries can be visited and make a nice excursion. The Museo Regional has some nice mummies, ceramics and skulls from the Paracas, Nazca and Inca cultures, though as usual, the really good stuff has been shipped of to Lima There are also some nice sand dunes near by. ____________Inca trail to Machu Picchu Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see at first it was flat... at first it was flat... dichoso Machu Picchu ….The very name evokes images of a fabulous lost city, hidden deep in the jungles of Peru. Most people who visit Peru take a trip to this site, and they usually travel there by train from Cuzco , a wonderful journey by the banks of the Urubamba River, a tributary of the Amazon, passing beneath towering mountains and through misty cloud forest. However, there is another way of reaching the site, and that is by hiking the Inca Trail over the mountains for four days, finally descending into the lost city from the Sun Gate at the end of the fourth day. To make a four-day trek, begin at the village of Chilca, 45 kms from Machu Picchu. You’ll have to pay a fee to join a group, which will consist of up to about 16 people, plus tour leader and trek guide and a 30-strong team of porters and cooks. Your guide will have completed the trek many times before and will most likely be a competent authority on the plants, animals, Inca ruins and other items of interest which you will be seeing for the first time. The route follows the Vilcanota River, another name for the Urubamba, sometimes by its banks and sometimes on precipitous paths high above its course. Your guide will allow you frequent stops to acclimatize to the altitude and catch your breaths, and will point out to you the various cactuses, bromelia, fuschia, broom and other plants that you would not otherwise have noticed. You’ll be captivated by the magnificent scenery all around you. Far below in the valley, the river courses its way over white-water rapids, while opposite, you can clearly see the terraced mountain sides, and will no doubt marvel at how the ancient farmers could manage to cultivate what seems to be no more than narrow strips of land on sheer mountain faces. Most of the trekking on this first day will be on undulating ground with a few very steep ascents. You’ll arrive at a high ridge late that afternoon and catch your first glimpse of an Inca ruin, Llactapata, far below you at this point, though still at a respectful altitude of 2,700m, catching the rays of the afternoon sun. This site, like most others, is situated on a steep slope, and makes extensive use of terracing, both to prevent erosion and for cultivation. All around you, the mountains rise to staggering heights, sometimes shrouded in cloud, other times, clear and starkly outlined against a deep blue sky. The snow-capped Nevado Veronica will be in your view for the first two days. At over 5,000m, it is one of the highest mountains in the region. Your first campsite is nearby, and you’ll arrive there, exhausted from the effects of the altitude. However, the magnificent team of porters will have arrived ahead of you and set everything up: your sleeping tents, the dining tent and toilet tent, and will have prepared a snack for you. They also hand out basins of hot water to wash with, for which you’ll be extremely grateful! They’ll then set out to cook your first evening meal, which you’ll be almost too tired to eat. You may even catch a glimpse of a condor that evening, gliding silently overhead. The porters are fantastic. They carry absolutely everything in 25kg packs on their backs! After you set out each day, they’ll soon catch up and pass you out, even with their much heavier loads. On the downhill stretches, they’ll pass you running, in flimsy flip-flops made from old car tyres, finding no difficulty whatsoever on the narrow, uneven, steep steps, which will have no mercy on your knees, even in your trekking boots! As there are only about 12 daylight hours in the Tropics, lasting from about 5.30 am to 5.30 pm, everyone gets up early to take advantage of the light, so still sleepy and not fully rested, you’ll be up at sunrise each morning to start the day’s trek. The second day is mostly uphill, as you’ll be heading towards the highest pass, which you’ll reach the following day. You’ll stop for a break at Huayllabamba, the last village on the trail, while you gaze with trepidation at the track winding steeply uphill ahead of you. At your lunch break, you may be lucky to meet a herd of llamas passing by, carrying packs on their backs. These proud-looking animals, with colourful ribbons in their ears, are quite curious, and will stop to stare at you, and obligingly pose for your cameras. From here, there’s a 400m climb to your next campsite at Llulluchapampa at 3,760m. The going is steep and you’ll be glad to arrive. Far above you lies the pass you have to tackle the next morning, the “Dead Woman’s Pass”, which at 4,200m, is the highest point of the trek. This pass is named for the shape of the mountain to one side, which looks like the silhouette of a reclining woman. The temperature falls swiftly once night has fallen, and you’ll be just about warm enough in your sleeping bags. The most challenging day is the third, where you have to climb about 500m from your campsite to the pass, first thing in the morning. Due to the exertion of the previous day, and the increasing effects of altitude, this 500m will take a few hours to climb, at a very slow pace. Even the porters will slow down! The effort of putting one foot in front of the other really takes its toll and you’ll have to stop for frequent rests. It’s a tradition on the trek that those who arrive first will sit at the pass and shout encouragement to those approaching. Great cheering greets each person who eventually arrives and joins those already in place. Quite a few groups will have set out that morning, so the pass could be a fairly crowded place by the time you arrive there! After a rest and a group photo, you’ll descend almost as far as you’ve risen, on a steep flight of steps, have a snack and then ascend to the next set of ruins, a small oval-shaped site called Runcuracay, used as a resting place by the Inca travelers. Another ascent and descent will bring you to the Sayaqmarca ruins on a rocky promontory, which are accessed by a narrow stairway. At this height, the weather is constantly changing, and swirling mist fills the valley below and blots out the sight of the mountains for a while, only to lift again a few minutes later, and allow you a view back over the steep paths you have already taken. Altogether that day, there will be three steep ascents and two descents, before you arrive at your campsite, totally exhausted. You’ll be asleep early that evening! The last day starts out with a traditional early morning wake-up call to watch the sunrise over Nevado Salcantay which, at over 6,700m, is the highest mountain in the region. Your path then plunges 900m on narrow, steep, slippery steps, into the dense humid forest. Far below you, you can see one of the most well-preserved ruins, Wiñay Wayna, meaning “forever young”, named after a lovely orchid. You are now on the far side of Machu Picchu mountain, in the realm of the rain forest, and the beginnings of the Amazon jungle. Huge, iridesdcent butterflies, tiny hummingbirds and furry caterpillars will be your companions on this stretch, as well as an array of beautiful orchids and other unusual plants. By lunchtime, you’ll have reached Wiñay Wayna and can spend some time exploring it. You’ll enter it at one of its highest points and won’t fail to be amazed at how the ancient builders had constructed the site on such a steep slope, incorporating a series of descending pools, where water would have cascaded from one to the other. They had also built terracing used for cultivation, and dwellings with gable ends, set out in neat rows. Excitement mounts after lunch as you’ll know by then that you’re reaching the “Intipunku”, or Sun Gate, a notch in the mountain, where you arrive at mid-afternoon. This gives you your first view of Machu Picchu in the distance, not the classic postcard view unfortunately, but a much wider view taking in modern buildings and a winding road. However, as you descend, the modern intrusions disappear from sight, and the classic view spreads before your eyes. If the day is clear, the panorama will be fantastic. You’ll feel privileged to be there, to be actually viewing a place you’ve read about, and seen in pictures and on TV so many times. Walk down through the site, and leave the tour for the next day. That evening, in the town of Aguas Calientes or “Hot Waters”, you’ll want to celebrate reaching the end of your journey by taking advantage of the hot mineral baths to soak away the aches and pains of the trek in an open-air hot pool. Next morning take your tour around the city of Machu Picchu , which is really quite a huge site. Your guide will point out to you the main buildings and temples, as well as the amazing stonework, consisting of megalithic blocks cut and shaped so precisely, and fitted together so tightly, that it would be impossible to insert even a knife blade between them in places. You’ll also have some free time to explore by yourselves, or to climb the peak in the background, Huayna Picchu, before heading back to Cuzco , or whatever your next destination will be. Although this trail is extremely popular, and can at times be overcrowded, it is a most wonderful experience, and I would certainly recommend it to anyone with an interest in the ancient past and the challenge of the mountains, and who wouldn’t be intimidated by the effects of high altitude. As the new permit system (just 500 persons are permitted to enter to the Inca trail per day and includes visitors, porters, cooks, and guides.) then reservations must be done in advance. Highly recommended companies are: Explorandes, InkaNatura Travel, Ecoinka and Trekperu. ::::::::::::Iquitos Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo On the westbank of the Amazonas river, Iquitos is the capital of Peru's jungle land and makes an excellent base for exploring the northern jungle of Peru. On the Plaza de Armas you'll find Iquitos strange landmark, the iron house, designed by Eiffel for the Paris exhibition of 1889 and shipped here by a rubber baron. The nineteenth century saw Iquitos as a rubber boomtown. Nowadays, oil and tourism have surpassed rubber. The beautiful Lake Quistococha makes a nice excursion from the city. For trips further afield, you'll probably end up using one of the numerous tour companies or book a lodge. _____________Getting There Edit This Iquitos is only connected by water and air with the rest of the world and is indeed the largest town on the Amazon without road connections. air There are twice daily flights to Lima for USD 59 and also flights to Caballococha for USD 40. boat There are boats upstream to Pucallpa every two days or less, depending on the season, for around USD 25, taking between 3 and 7 days. Ask at Bellavista, Malecon Tarapaca 596. Downstream you can go to Tabatinga in Brazil or to Islandia. nFrom Islandia you can get a boat to Manaus, but there don't seem to be any direct boats from Iquitos. ______________Tours and Excursions Edit This There are many lodges and jungle tours offered from Iquitos, there are also cruise ships that sail into the Pacaya Samiria reserve and to Manaus. [Add New] Amazon Tours and Cruises with Dawn on the Amazon Edit This Dawn on the Amazon 3 in Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Dawn on the Amazon 3 in Pacaya Samiria National Reserve photo by: Bill Grimes Dawn on the Amazon Tours and Cruises Personalized Amazon tours and cruises on the upper Amazon River and its tributaries based in Iquitos, Peru. Study rainforest flora and fauna. Add over 200 tropical birds to your list bird watching. Watch for pink dolphins. Catch the fiercest freshwater fighters on the planet, peacock bass. Or just get away from it all with a jungle walk in the middle of the Amazon rain forest. Experience the casual elegance of the Dawn on the Amazon riverboat; big enough to be comfortable and small enough to access the tributaries and lagoons where more.. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: (51-65) 223730 url: www.dawnontheamazon.com address: #185 Maldonado, Iquitos Peru email: dawnontheamazon@yahoo.com Amazon cruises and tours Edit This Amazon cruises from Iquitos, rivertrips to the Pacaya Samiria reserver, Tres fronteras, Manaus. Explore the worlds greatest wilderness waking up every day at a new trail. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: Av. Ruminahui #221 y 1ra Transversal, Quito - Ecuador tel: 1 800 747 0567 email: reservations@latintrails.com url: www.amazoncruise.net zipcode: 00000 Pacaya Samiria Amazon Lodge Edit This Pacaya Samiria Amazon Lodge offers guided excursions to the Pacaya-Samiria National Reservem which has a great and unique variety of flora and fauna, and is also known as the “Jungle of the Mirrors” due to the fact that the jungle and the sky are reflected so clearly in the dark waters of its rivers and lakes, that the visitors have the sensation of navigating throughout endless mirrors of water. There, visitors will also have the chance to observe exotic pink dolphin pf the Amazon at their natural habitat. Activities also include visits to the local communities, hikes more.. World66 rating: [rate it] email: lodge@pacayasamiria.com.pe address: Raymondi 378, Iquitos tel: (51-65) 234-128 url: www,pacayasamiria.com.pe :::::::::::Lake titicaca area Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Lake Titicaca Lake Titicaca Yohay Elam Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world at 3820 meters above the sea. The lake sits on the border between Bolivian and Peru, so each country has its part. Puno is the largest city in Peru at the lake and is a good base for exploring. The floating islands are easily reached from Puno. Tourists need only walk to the harbor and people will start offering tours. Haggling is a good idea, as prices vary wildly and everyone ends up in the same boat regarless of what they paid. The islands themselves are a bit of tourist trap, but interesting all the same. The Uros live on islands made of totora reed, which grows in the lake. They cut the reeds, put them on top of the island, while the bottoms of the islands slowly rot away. In a similar way, they make boats, which look like venician gondels, except for that they are made of solid reed. __________Sights Edit This Lake Titicaca Lake Titicaca Yohay Elam The main tourist attraction in Lake Titicaca is the Uros Islands -- also known as the floating islands. These islands are made from reed that grows in the lake's waters. It is very touristic. The Taquili island with it's special social system is very interesting and also very beautiful. The Amantani island, more remote, and more agricultural, is a beautiful and authentic place. It is a nice place to meet the locals and see beatiful sunsets. All islands can be visited independently or on an organized tour. One possibility is to take a two day tour that includes visiting all the islands and spending the night in Amantani Island. It costs 50 soles. Around the lake, there are many ruins. The most known of them is the Sillustani funerary towers. These towers, from different periods, are interesting and set in a fine location, near a small lake. For more details, click on each sight's article. Contributors July 21, 2006 new by yohay elam (2 points) February 15, 2008 change by approaching genius [Add Sight] Sillustani funerary towers Edit This Sillustani Sillustani photo by: Yohay Elam Sillustani is located on a hill near a small and beutiful lake. Both Incan and pre-Incan cultures used this site to build towers for burrying their kings and noblemen. They were burried with their familes, and also with offerings to the gods, such as llamas, alpacas, quinua, etc.. It is easy to identify the difference between the more primitive pre-Incan towers, and the more precise Incan towers. The Incas respected the culture that they conquered and kept the tradition. The Spaniards, though, wanted to destroy old religious rituals and spread more.. type: Graves and Cemeteries World66 rating: [rate it] address: Sillustani Taquili island Edit This Main square at Taquili island Main square at Taquili island photo by: Yohay Elam Taquili island is gorgeous. It is a hilly island in the lake, where a special social culture has developed. Each person has clothes according to their social status. Leaders have black hats, for example. There is a difference between single men, dating men and married men. This applies also for women. Contrary to many traditional societies, a couple must live together for one year, to see if it works out, before getting married. Weddings are held anually in a great celebration (a full week) for all the couples. Many sheep are slaughtered for the occasion. more.. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] Uros islands Edit This Uros islands Uros islands photo by: Yohay Elam The Uros islands, also known as the floating islands, are the major tourist attraction in Lake Titicaca. Nowadays, it has become very touristic. The locals jump at visitors when they land on one of the islands and try to sell them all kinds of souvenirs. They claim that they are original from the islands, but it can't really be guaranteed. Nonetheless, they look nice. The islands are made from reed that grows in the lake. The bottom rots over time, so new layers are added regularly. The islands are sometimes divided when there is more.. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] Amantani Island Edit This Amantani island Amantani island photo by: Yohay Elam Amantani Island is a beautiful island, more than 3 hours by boat from Puno. Its rather remote location makes it less touristic. The community that lives there maintains traditional agricultural life. It seems like not much has changed during time. The island is not very large, so one can hike around it. A hot spot is the highest hilltop on the island. It is both a sacred place, and a great place to see sunsets. The 300 meter elevation from the lake level could be hard if visitors are not acclimitized. Otherwise, it is a very straightforward and smooth more.. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] __________Getting There Edit This Juliaca has flights to Lima for USD59-89 and to Arequipa for USD49-69. If you fly directly, take it easy the first few days, as the height will slow you down. You might suffer symptoms of altitude sickness. There are buses to Cuzco, 7 hours and 9 USD, Arequipa, USD 11, 11 hours and Lima, up to 40 hours. You can get a direct bus to La Paz, but you might consider breaking the trip at Cococabana or even take a tour that visits some of the islands along the way. There are also trains to Cuzco, which are rather expensive, because of the special tourist prices and no longer faster. They are also infrequent, leaving only every other day or so. ::::::::::::Lamas Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Just before dusk, overlooking the Quechua-speaking community of the Lamistas, Lamas, Peru, 2006.05.12 Just before dusk, overlooking the Quechua-speaking community of the Lamistas, Lamas, Peru, 2006.05.12 Jeffrey Maxwell Lamas is an interesting place where history is still alive in the Lamistas, the Quechua people who were a mountain tribe forced to move to the selva because of the help they gave to the Spaniards to conquer the Inca civilization. They live in the valley of the town -- the Barrio Wayku -- and maintain the historic way of life. With almost no marriage outside the tribe, the Lamistas have maintained a pure race of people who still speak their native tongue, Quechua, although some has been mixed with jungle dialects. The Jungle Quechua is a distinct dialect from the Mountain Quechua now, although some words can be recognized from each. The museum in Lamas is interesting, but rather small. For those who like miniatures, they have a room with some cool paper mache dolls in panoramic scenes depicting the culture and life of the Quechua people. There is an interesting mix of natural and human history there, and the admission is only a couple of soles. Just a few doors down from the museum is a gift shop with handicrafts made by local people with local materials. Tourist might find a treasure or two to take home as souvenirs. There is also a cool shop where all sorts of alcoholic concoctions can be found -- to produce health benefits according to local tradition. Every thing from sexual stamina to long life can be expected by those who drink these liquors, or as the local lore would have one to believe. Those not used to drinking might find it fairly easy to get a buzz with just the free samples, but then one feels obligated to make a purchase. A nice selection of gifts and artifacts are available there too, like replicas of the little paper mache dolls form the museum displays. ::::::::::::Manu national park Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Amazonas Amazonas dichoso This immense 1.5 million-hectare park has successive tiers of vegetation rising from 150 to 4,200 metres above sea-level. The tropical forest in the lower tiers contains an unrivalled variety of animal and plant species. Some 850 species of birds have been identified and rare species such as the giant otter and the giant armadillo have found refuge there. Jaguars are often sighted in the park. Recognized as a natural heritage of mankind and a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, Manu is an example of intact jungle, the virgin Amazon far from civilization. On entering the labyrinth of rivers and cochas (lakes), the traveler enters a universe of repeated surprises and delights. As opposed to other places in the jungle where man has hunted, Manu offers visitors great numbers of animals that show no fear in the presence of man. Different tour operators offer reliable service in this amazing area. You can contact InkaNatura Travel, Manu Expeditions or Manu Nature tours. If you are interested in good accommodations you have to think about Manu Lodge (manages by Manu nature tours) and Manu Wildlife Center (not inside the park) but very close to the macaw clay lick. It is manages by InkaNatura. This company has also Tented camps in the park close to the famous lakes "Cocha Otorongo" and "Cocha Salvador". :::::::Northern Pacific to Amazon crossing Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Crossing the rio Marañon in Acerillo Crossing the rio Marañon in Acerillo joosts From Chiclayo to Iquitos, the Northern Amazon corridor leads from the Pacific to the heart of the Amazon forests. Most of it on good roads! Well, from Yurimaguas to Iquitos you'll have to take the boat. But if you are on a tight schedule, the boat trip might not be your best route. It generally takes three days to get to Iquitos from Yurimaguas, but the trip can take over five days depending on the season, water levels, and amount of time necessary for he boat to take on passengers in each of countless stops along the way. In Chiclayo you see the typical buzzy lifestyle of the coastal cities. Just a few miles away you can go the beach or to one of the 20 best musea in the world. From Chiclayo travel trough the desert into the mountains, crossing the Porculla mountain pass, the lowest in the entire Andes. Heading down to the local "metropolis" of Jaén, the landscape remains rather dry and the climate becomes ever warmer. Have cuy (local specialty of guinea pig) and go for a refreshing swim in the Río Huancabamba. It goes back into the mountains via a spectacular canyon to Chachapoyas, home to the spectacular ruins of Kuelap and to the Gocta Falls, third highest fall in the world. Further inland is Tarapoto, where you begin to feel the Amazon way of life. You must go to Yurimaguas to take the boat to Iquitos. Plan ahead though, because you cannot travel the road to Yurimaguas during the day because of major road construction that will take years to finish. So one must get on a bus at 4 a.m. in order to go there by road. Discover the real jungle from Iquitos, a big but pleasant riverlocked city. For those coming from or going to Ecuador, look up Jaén and San Ignacio. The border crossing at La Balsa leads you up to tourist destination Vilcabamba and Loja. It sees on avarage one tourist a day. Roads aren't exactly comfortable out there, but do an earnest attempt making that up with landscapes. Don't forget to stop for coffee in San Ignacio. Plus, the guys working at the border crossing in Peru are really nice fellows. Where to go from Iquitos? It is possible to take boats all the way down to Manaus. Most people just take a plane, to Lima or Cusco. If you choose to go back upstream, remember the boats take a whole lot longer. When you get back to Chachapoyas, you could head to the colonial mountain city of Cajamarca via Celendin. Note: This is one of the least developped areas of Peru, especially when it comes to tourism. People treat tourists with great interest, especially if they find out you speak good spanish. Hurry to be here before the crowds start arriving. Amazing diversity in landscape, culture and wildlife await you. Another reason to hurry is the encroachment of mining companies in the region: you could be the last to see some of the landscapes in their virgin state. :::::::::::Pacasmayo Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Sunset in Pacasmayo Beach Sunset in Pacasmayo Beach Felipe Polo-Wood Pacasmayo is on the Pacific seaboard. It is north of Lima and is located near the three most important cities of northern Perú. It lies between the cities of Trujillo and Chiclayo and is on the way to Cajamarca city. It has a population of approximately thirty thousand people. Pacasmayo is located on a large bay. It has a beach of stone and sand, and also has a nice seafront with old houses. Near Pacasmayo, in the bay, there is lighthouse Known as "El Faro". It lights the sea in the night and guides small fishing boats and ships. Near "El Faro" people love to go surfing and also practice windsurfing. Pacasmayo is a warm coastal town where the easterly wind blows all the time. In Pacasmayo there is an old pier. It was built in the nineteenth century circa 1860. During this time, Pacasmayo was an important seaport. When it was built, its length was one thousand five hundred meters. But in the 1920's a big wave cut the pier in half. Pacasmayo had a nice train system which transported agricultural products from other outlying towns into Pacasmayo in order to export them by sea. It was also used to transport people. The arrival of the Panamerican road greatly affected this business and the train station was forced to close. There are beautiful sunsets all the year round, but in winter they are not quite as spectacular. There are two good hotels named "Pakatnamu" and "La Estación". The first one is older, but the food in the second , newer one is much better. There are a lot of Spanish style houses and the hotels also follow this same decor. There is a social security hospital. There are also four banks, a market where people can buy groceries, and many conmercial stores that sell domestic products as well as other electric appliances. In Pacasmayo, a lot of people work in the factory. Cementos Norte Pacasmayo is the main employer. However, some people are fishermen. Another important economic activity is agriculture, where they cultivate rice, sugarcane, and other products. Near Pacasmayo is the Jequetepeque river, and a valley and town with same name. There is a dam in the river. It is called "Gallito Ciego", that is newer than San Lorenzo in Piura or Tinajones in Lambayeque: An artificial lagoon has formed where the dam ends and extends to the town of Tembaldera. Its length is fifteen kilometers aproximately. The road to Cajamarca city slopes toward the river. Close to Jequetepeque town there is a "huaca" called "Cerro de Dos Cabezas". It was used as a temple to worship the moon. The ancient residents in this territory first were the Mochicas and afterwards The Chimus, they lived here and built a city called "Pakatnamu". Today this city lies in ruins. The material they used to make their building was adobe, a brick made of a sandy kind of clay, which had the signature of the person who had made it. Because of the phenomenom of "El Niño" and all the rain it caused, these buildings disintegrated. A town near Pacasmayo is San Pedro de Lloc. It is the capital of the province. There are viceroyalty style houses and there is an old church. It is a tradition for the people in San Pedro to eat a kind of lizard in typical dishes such as "ceviche" "aji de gallina", "tortilla" and other dishes. The lizard's meat is white and soft. San Pedro is famous for candles that had the trademark "velitas misioneras". They also made crayons. The factory that made these famous candles burned down in 1972. Another city near by is Guadalupe, which is the main center of agriculture production. There is an old church and near the town there is a hill, wich has a statue of a virgin on the top, which is called "Virgen de Guadalupe". They have a famous fair to honor this virgin in the month of November. San Jose is another small town that is near Pacasmayo, its main economic activity is also agriculture. It's famous because of a "huecero" (a "huecero" is a person who fixes bones whenever a person has a bone pain) called Cerna who was the grandfather of famous goalkeeper named Rubiños who was goalkeeper of the Peruvian soccer selection in Mexico 70. Pacasmayo is a very beautiful and quiet town and has a lot of interesting things to visit and places to go where one can relax, learn, and have a great time. ::::::::::Pucallpa Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see anaconda anaconda julio b Pucallpa is a fast growing jungle town that can be reached by boat from Iquitos or road from Lima and the highlands. For travelers it is a good base to see some more jungle, to visit the Nature Park - actually more like a zoo, that offers good opportunities to see jungle animals, or to go to a Shipibo Indian village on the banks of lake Yarinacocha. The lake is very pretty and worth a visit. Also worth seeing are the motocross races that take place about once a month. People from all over Peru often come to participate in this adrenaline-pumping sport. the spectators love it, and Julio Chiang, two-time South America Motocross Champion lives and races in Pucallpa, with the Mil Palmeras Racing Club. :::::::::: Trujillo Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Northern city in the coast of Peru, with almost 800,000 people is known by its precolombian ruins in Chan Chan, Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna. It has plenty of Spanish buildings dated more than four hundred years ago. Nearby Huanchaco is a town near the Pacific Ocean and is popular for those who wish to watch the fishermen on the reed boats or hang at the beach. Trujillo is definitely a fun place, but it is also a place to keep an eye open. In the marketplaces, where tourists are most susceptible, pick pockets are the most expert at their craft. They work in groups, so it would be good practice for visitors to try to avoid large gatherings of people, and try not to show a wallet or money too much, even when making purchases.

Grazie a http://www.atacama.it/

______________IL MEGLIO DEL PERU’ L'Impero del Sole Il MEGLIO DEL PERU’ Come definire il Perù se non una magica alchimia tra capolavori umani e bellezze naturali. Nulla é monotono e scontato in questa meravigliosa terra abitata da gente semplice, erede di un passato glorioso. Le prime culture dominanti in Perù furono quella Chavin e quella Paracas. Verso i secoli III e IV spiccarono la cultura Mochica nel Nord, particolarmente importante per la sua oreficeria, e la cultura Nazca, famosa per la sua ceramica. Nel secolo XIII si sviluppò l'Impero Incaico con il suo apogeo nella città di Cusco e la sua cultura ancora oggi radicata nei villaggi andini. Tutte queste culture hanno lasciato in Perù un tesoro straordinario di architetture, oreficeria, lavorazione dei tessuti e ceramica. Dopo la conquista degli spagnoli l'architettura e l'arte subirono l'influenza coloniale, visibile ancora oggi nei magnifici altari scolpiti in legno, con ornamenti d'argento e nelle belle sculture e pitture sparse in tutto il territorio. Il Perù possiede molti enigmi del passato che non sono mai stati risolti e continuano a costituire un mistero. Tra questi i disegni di Nasca non ancora interpretati con certezza. Si mantengono inoltre le tradizioni e le feste antiche, dando alla nazione una ricchezza folclorica ineguagliabile. IL VIAGGIO Il viaggio per chi desidera scoprire con tutte le comodità il Perù, per conoscere la sua affascinante storia e il suo straordinario folclore. Dalla millenaria cultura preincaica del deserto costiero del Sud alla bella città coloniale di Arequipa, dal Canyon del Colca alla sorprendente testimonianza dell’epoca Inca di Cusco e Machu Picchu, fino al paesaggio magico del Lago Titicaca. Il tour prevede nuove soluzioni di percorso per permettere il miglior acclimatamento alla quota ed anche per visitare luoghi tralasciati dai circuiti classici. L’organizzazione prevede tutti i trasferimenti privati con mezzi di trasporto confortevoli, assistenza di personale qualificato e la possibilità di scegliere le sistemazioni in HOTEL Lo sviluppo turistico degli ultimi anni in Perù ha favorito gli investimenti, anche di catene alberghiere internazionali. Attualmente l’offerta di hotel 5 e 4 stelle riguarda solamente le città di Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, Puno. Nelle località di Paracas, Ica, Nasca, Chivay, Valle Sagrado, Aguas Calientes, sono previsti hotel di categoria 3 stelle standard e superiore, strutture controllate di buon livello. IL PERU' Gradisci altre informazioni sul viaggio in Perù? clicca qui Gradisci informazioni sulle localita'? HANNO SCRITTO DEI NOSTRI VIAGGI IN PERU'... Dicembre 2005 Indimenticabile Perù IL PROGRAMMA 1° giorno ITALIA-LIMA Partenza individuale da tutti gli aeroporti collegati con Amsterdam o Madrid dai servizi Klm o Iberia. Coincidenza in mattinata per Lima. Volo diurno. Pasti, films a bordo. Arrivo nel pomeriggio. Sistemazione in hotel. Cena libera. 2° giorno LIMA In mattinata, visita della "Ciudad de los Reyes", sede dei viceré di Spagna durante l’epoca coloniale. Nella Plaza Mayor (antica Plaza de Armas) si visiteranno la Cattedrale e il suo museo religioso, ammirando le facciate del Palazzo di Governo e del Palazzo Comunale. Dopo la visita del convento di San Francisco, si prosegue per i rioni residenziali di San Isidro e Miraflores, concludendo l’escursione nel Mirador, da dove si osservano l’Oceano Pacifico e le spiagge del litorale di Lima. Pranzo libero. Pomeriggio a disposizione. Cena libera. 3° giorno LIMA/ CUSCO Trasferimento in aeroporto. Volo alla volta di Cusco. Sistemazione in albergo. Pomeriggio a disposizione. Pasti liberi. 4° giorno CUSCO VALLE SACRA CUSCO Giornata dedicata all’escursione alla Valle Sacra degli Incas; si visiterà il mercato indio di Pisaq, dove avviene il baratto di prodotti agricoli fra i contadini locali, e dove sono in vendita interessanti oggetti di artigianato (NB nei giorni in cui il mercatino non opera, si visiteranno invece le rovine del vicino sito archeologico). Si discende poi lungo la spettacolare Valle Sacra per giungere infine alla fortezza di Ollantaytambo, suggestivo insediamento militare posto a chiusa della valle. Pranzo in ristorante. Ritorno a Cusco prima di sera. Cena libera. Pernottamento. 5° giorno CUSCO Mattinata dedicata alla visita dei rioni storici della città: l’antica Cattedrale coloniale, alcuni stretti vicoli il cui disegno urbanistico risale ancora all’epoca Inca e il Tempio solare inca della Qorikancha, sul quale gli spagnoli costruirono il convento di Santo Domingo. La visita prosegue poi per la visita delle rovine inca di Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, Qenqo e Sacsayhuaman. Pranzo libero. Pomeriggio a disposizione per riposo o escursioni facoltative. Cena libera. Pernottamento. 6° giorno CUSCO MACHU PICCHU CUSCO Trasferimento in tempo utile alla stazione ferroviaria e partenza in treno turistico per Aguas Calientes, alla quale si giunge dopo circa tre ore e mezza di viaggio. Dalla stazione; un minibus Vi porterà sulla cima della montagna che nasconde la massima espressione culturale e architettonica degli Incas : Machu Picchu. Visita approfondita del sito e pranzo in ristorante. Nel pomeriggio, ritorno a Cusco in treno turistico. Cena libera. Pernottamento. 7° giorno CUSCO / PUNO In mattinata, partenza per Puno in Bus granturismo in servizio di linea con guida bilingue inglese - spagnolo al seguito. Il viaggio durerà otto ore circa. Durante la strada, sosta e visita alla spettacolare chiesa di Andahuaylillas ed alle rovine archeologiche di Raqchi. Pranzo libero. Puno: sistemazione in albergo. Cena libera. 8° giorno PUNO Mattino dedicato all’escursione in motobarca sul lago Titicaca, il lago navigabile più alto del mondo, e alla visita delle isole galleggianti degli Indiani Uros. Pranzo libero. Nel pomeriggio escursione (facoltativa) alle rovine di Sillustani, cimitero dell’élite pre-incaica regionale, le cui enormi tombe circolari in pietra finemente rifinita. si affacciano sull’affascinante lago Umayo (4.000 m. slm). Cena libera. Pernottamento. 9° giorno PUNO / AREQUIPA Di buon mattino, trasferimento ad Arequipa in pullman privato. Pranzo e trasferimento in albergo. Pomeriggio dedicato alla visita del Monastero di Santa Catalina, gioiello architettonico nel cuore della città, della Plaza de Armas, della chiesa della Compagnia, in stile barocco, dei rioni residenziali di Yanahuara e Cayma; la visita si concluderà fuori città, in un osservatorio dal quale si avvistano i tre vulcani che fanno corona alla città. Cena libera. Pernottamento. 10° giorno AREQUIPA / LIMA / ITALIA In mattinata, ultime ore a disposizione. Nel pomeriggio, partenza in aereo per Lima. Coincidenza per il volo di rientro in Europa con KLM o Iberia. Volo notturno. 11° giorno ITALIA Arrivo nel pomeriggio e coincidenza per l’aeroporto italiano di origine del viaggio. Le Sistemazioni Alberghiere Hotel previsti LIMA: Mariel o similare CUSCO: Munai Wasi o similare PUNO: Qelqatani o similare AREQUIPA: Samana o similare Possibilità, su richiesta, di soggiornare in hotel di categoria superiore: 4 o 5 stelle. INCLUSO ed ESCLUSO Sono inclusi: • Voli internazionali con la compagnia aerea indicata in classe economica, con collegamento dalle varie città italiane effettuato dalla stessa compagnia. • Sistemazione in camera doppia negli hotel indicati o similari di pari categoria con prima colazione ovunque • Tutte le visite ed escursioni indicate (ingressi compresi) con guida in lingua italiana, o, dove non disponibile, spagnola o inglese • Tutti i pasti indicati nel programma • Tutti i voli interni o gli spostamenti con altri mezzi indicati nei programmi • Assistenza di un accompagnatore, con un minimo di 20 partecipanti • Tasse e percentuali di servizio. Sono esclusi : • Le bevande in genere • I pasti non specificamente indicati nei vari programmi • Le spese a carattere personale • Le Mance • Le tasse aeroportuali ed il fuel surcharge; prevedere circa euro 230 (cifra in continua variazione) • Tasse d’imbarco in Perù, da pagarsi in loco (voli interni USD 10; volo internazionale USD 31; cifre in continua evoluzione) • Tutto quanto non espressamente indicato in "Sono inclusi" PARTENZE e QUOTE 11 giorni / 9 notti Pernottamento e prima colazione Partenze da Roma e Milano Data di partenza Quota per persona in doppia Supplemento per persona in singola 5 e 19 febbraio 2008 € 1.890 € 165 4 e 18 marzo € 1.890 € 165 1, 8, 15, 22 e 29 aprile € 1.950 € 165 6, 13, 20 e 27 maggio - - 3, 10, 17 e 24 giugno - - 1 e 8 luglio - - 24 e 31 luglio - - 7 e 14 agosto - - 21 e 28 agosto - - 2, 9, 16 e 23 settembre - - 7 e 21 ottobre - - 4 e 18 novembre - - 27 dicembre - - Quote confermate al raggiungimento dei 2 partecipanti Partenze individuali a date libere su richiesta ___________PERU’ "Ande e Amazzonia" Un viaggio completo tra le altissime cime andine, i colori e il folclore degli indios, la selva amazzonica, gli affascinanti siti archeologici e le città coloniali. viaggio in PERU’ "Ande e Amazzonia" Come definire il Perù se non una magica alchimia tra capolavori umani e bellezze naturali. Nulla é monotono e scontato in questa meravigliosa terra abitata da gente semplice, erede di un passato glorioso. Le prime culture dominanti in Perù furono quella Chavin e quella Paracas. Verso i secoli III e IV spiccarono la cultura Mochica nel Nord, particolarmente importante per la sua oreficeria, e la cultura Nazca, famosa per la sua ceramica. Nel secolo XIII si sviluppò l'Impero Incaico con il suo apogeo nella città di Cusco e la sua cultura ancora oggi radicata nei villaggi andini. Tutte queste culture hanno lasciato in Perù un tesoro straordinario di architetture, oreficeria, lavorazione dei tessuti e ceramica. Dopo la conquista degli spagnoli l'architettura e l'arte subirono l'influenza coloniale, visibile ancora oggi nei magnifici altari scolpiti in legno, con ornamenti d'argento e nelle belle sculture e pitture sparse in tutto il territorio. Il Perù possiede molti enigmi del passato che non sono mai stati risolti e continuano a costituire un mistero. Tra questi i disegni di Nasca non ancora interpretati con certezza. Si mantengono inoltre le tradizioni e le feste antiche, dando alla nazione una ricchezza folclorica ineguagliabile. IL VIAGGIO Tour del Perù - il percorsoMezzi di trasporto e guide: il tour viene condiviso con altri passeggeri. I trasferimenti, le visite e le escursioni il 1°, dal 3° al 8°, dal 10° al 15 giorno includono la guida locale in italiano. Fanno eccezione i trasferimenti da Lima a Paracas (2° giorno) e da Puno a Cuzco (9° giorno), effettuati in bus di linea con guida in inglese/spagnolo. La visita a Machu Picchu (12° giorno) è effettuata in treno (vagone “Vistadome“ di 1° classe), con guida locale in italiano a bordo. I trasferimenti da e per la stazione ferroviaria includono solo l’autista parlante spagnolo. Le strade in Perù: generalmente asfaltate ed in buone condizioni. Per questioni di sicurezza è possibile che siano previsti due autisti e che vengano effettuate soste tecniche lungo il percorso. Il sorvolo delle linee di Nazca: in caso di condizioni meteorologiche più favorevoli, può essere effettuato in giorno diverso rispetto al programma di viaggio. Altitudine: La tappa più elevata dell’itinerario è a Puno (3.827 m). Sono possibili problemi di acclimatazione dovuti alla rarefazione dell’aria. Le sistemazioni: hotel di categoria turistica, semplici ma confortevoli. Essendo assegnati in base alla data di prenotazione, è possibile che partecipanti allo stesso tour alloggino in strutture diverse. In questo caso vanno tenuti in considerazione tempi di trasferimento più lunghi. Supplementi per sistemazione in hotel di categoria superiore disponibili nella tabella prezzi. A Paracas (2° giorno) e nel Parco Naz. Tambopata (dal 13° al 15° giorno) non esiste la possibilità di scegliere tra diverse categorie di hotel. IL PERU' Gradisci altre informazioni sul viaggio in Perù? clicca qui Gradisci informazioni sulle localita'? HANNO SCRITTO DEI NOSTRI VIAGGI IN PERU'... Dicembre 2005 Indimenticabile Perù IL PROGRAMMA 1° giorno PARTENZA PER LIMA Partenza dall’Italia. Arrivo a Lima e trasferimento in hotel. Pernottamento. 2° giorno LIMA - PARACAS Prima colazione e partenza per la visita della città. Nel pomeriggio partenza con bus di linea (Royal Class) diretti a Paracas. Arrivo e trasferimento in hotel. Pernottamento. 3° giorno PARACAS ISOLE BALLESTAS ICA - NAZCA viaggio in PERU’ "Ande e Amazzonia"Prima colazione ed imbarco sul mezzi via mare per la visita delle isole Ballestas, con possibilita' di ammirare colonie di leoni marini, otarie e pinguini. Al ritorno, partenza in direzione di Nazca, con sosta ad Ica per la visita del Museo Regionale. Arrivo a Nazca, visita del Museo Antonini e sistemazione in hotel. Pernottamento. 4° giorno NAZCA - AREQUIPA Dopo la prima colazione, se le condizioni del tempo lo permettono si effettuerà il sorvolo delle misteriose Linee di Nazca. Al termine, partenza per Arequipa. All’arrivo, sistemazione in hotel. 5° giorno AREQUIPA Prima colazione e mattinata a disposizione. Pomeriggio dedicato alla visita guidata della città coloniale, sovrastata dal panorama dei vulcani Misti (5822 m) e Chachani (6057 m). Visita della Plaza de Armas, delle chiese barocche e dei Monasteri di Santa Catalina e dei Gesuiti. Pernottamento. 6° giorno AREQUIPA - CANYON DEL COLCA Prima colazione e partenza in direzione della Valle del Colca, attraverso la Pampa Canahuas, habitat delle vigogne. Pranzo. All’arrivo a Chivay, sistemazione in hotel. Pernottamento. 7° giorno CANYON DEL COLCA - PUNO viaggio in PERU’ "Ande e Amazzonia"Prima colazione e partenza per Puno, attraverso uno dei territori più belli e selvaggi di tutto il Paese. Sosta presso la “cruz del condor” dove, con un po’ di fortuna, sarà possibile avvistare questo maestoso uccello. Pranzo al sacco. All’arrivo a Puno, sistemazione nell’hotel prescelto. Pernottamento. 8° giorno PUNO - LAGO TITICACA - PUNO Prima colazione e partenza per l’escursione sul Lago Titicaca. Mete della giornata sono le isole flottanti della popolazione Uros e l’Isola di Taquile, che offre un toccante contatto con gli abitanti locali. Pranzo al sacco. Rientro in hotel a Puno. Pernottamento. 9° giorno PUNO - CUZCO viaggio in PERU’ "Ande e Amazzonia"Dopo la prima colazione, trasferimento a Cuzco con soste per la visita delle rovine di Pucará, del tempio di Raqui e della chiesetta di Andahuyallas. Pranzo. All’arrivo a Cuzco, sistemazione in hotel. Posta a 3350 metri di quota, Cusco, che in lingua quechua si traduce in “l’ombelico del mondo”, è l’antica capitale dell’Impero Inca. I siti archeologici, i tesori dell’epoca coloniale, i mercati, le chiese e le piazze, fanno di Cusco la più affascinante città del Sud America. Pernottamento. 10° giorno CUZCO Prima colazione. Mattinata libera. Nel pomeriggio, visita a piedi della città, cuore del potente impero inca. Si prosegue con la visita delle rovine più importanti: Puca Pucara, Kenko e Sacsayhuaman. Rientro in hotel. Pernottamento. 11° giorno CUZCO - VALLE SAGRADO - URUBAMBA viaggio in PERU’ "Ande e Amazzonia" Dopo la prima colazione, partenza per la visita del folcloristico mercato di Pisac, della massiccia fortezza inca di Ollantaytambo. Questa fortezza inca di cui il nome significa locanda di Ollantay (il nome di un guerriero), fu una delle città dove inca e spagnoli si sono battuti quando Manco Inca cercava a raggruppare la resistenza inca dopo la disfatta di Cusco. Pranzo. Al termine, sistemazione in hotel. Cena e pernottamento. 12° giorno VALLE SAGRADO - MACHU PICCHU - CUZCO Dopo la prima colazione, trasferimento alla stazione ferroviaria di Ollantaytambo. Partenza in treno per Aguas Calientes e proseguimento in minibus verso il parco archeologico di Machu Picchu. Visita guidata della cittadella. Machu Picchu, che nella antica lingua quech