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 Spirituality, mystery and a little bit of outer-space highlight this ROmanCE VOYAGE land tour. Begin in Lima with a tour of this historic city. Inhabited as far back as 1000 years before the city proper was founded by the Spanish in 1535, as La Ciudad de los Reyes, or "The City of Kings". Travel on to Cusco and the monuments of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the fantastic Pisac Market. We overnight at the Hotel Sol Y Luna.
Travel by Vistadome train from Cusco to Aguas Calietes just below Machu Picchu. A mini-bus will take us the last few miles to this mystic place. Enjoy a guided tour, lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge, and overnight at the Hotel Sumaq, just a few miles from the Citadel. The next day you will have time to explore on your own. Return to Cusco in the late afternoon and overnight in Cusco.
Enjoy a half day tour of Cusco and the surrounding countryside. The next day, return to Lima. Travel down the coast to Ica, the wine capital of Peru. From Ica, soar in light aircraft over the mysterious Nazca lines. Finish off this journey with a visit to the Paracas Peninsula for a boat ride to the Ballestas Islands, known as Peru's Galapagos. See flocks of boobies, pelicans, sea lions and the comical Humboldt penguins. From the islands, you will have a spectacular view of the ancient geolyph, the Candelabra Lines, attributed to the Paracas Culture of the first millennium BCE.
Land package includes hotel, airport and intra-Peru land and air transfers, all sightseeing entrance fees, and most meals.
Itinerary
Day 1 - June 11, Friday
USA (Home) / Lima, Peru
Depart USA
Meal: D
Day 2 - June 12, Saturday
Lima
Arrive and check into Hotel Thunderbird Principal .
Meal:
 Arrive and check into Hotel Thunderbird Principal. Upon arrival in Lima, you will be met by ROmanCE VOYAGES representatives and transfer to Hotel Thunderbird Principal in Lima's chic and happening Miraflores district.
Enjoy the evening exploring the restaurants, shopping and nightlife of this upscale neighborhood. Just steps away you will also find examples of Lima's wonderful colonial architecture, superb museums of Inca gold and antiquities, and Lima's famed Handicrafts Market is just a five minute trip away. If pure relaxation is what you need, indulge yourself at the whirlpool bar or sauna, then enjoy a good nights sleep.
Day 3 - June 13, Sunday
Lima
City tour of Lima including the Larco Museum, the City Center, and Casa Luna. Free time to explore.
Meal: B
 Today, we get acquainted with Peru's capital city and its 2000 years of history and Spanish Colonial heritage. We will tour the highlights of the city to get a true feel for the artistic traditions and contemporary lives of its residents. We will first tour Lima's Historical Center.
The Plaza de Mayor, the cities main square, is an elegant open space with towering palm trees, manicured gardens and a huge central fountain. Around this plaza lies the Basilica Cathedral of Lima. In 1535, the conqueror Francisco Pizarro laid the first stone, The Cathedral also contains the tomb of the Spanish conquistador of Peru, Francisco Pizarro. Also around the main plaza is the Government Palace, the building we see today was built in the 1930s in the French Baroque style, and the Archbishops Palace right next to the Basilica.
After the Plaza we continue on to the Larco Museum. This museum is simply spectacular. The museum is housed in an 18th century vice-royal mansion built over a 7th century pre-Columbian pyramid. It showcases chronological galleries that provide a complete overview of 4,000 years of Peruvian pre-Columbian history. It boasts one of the world's largest collections of pre-Columbian art including Moche, Nazca, Chimú, and Inca pieces.
 The Gold and Silver Gallery showcases the largest and finest collection of jewelry used by many notable rulers of pre-Columbian Peru. The collection includes crowns, earrings, nose ornaments, garments, masks and vases, finely wrought in gold and silver and decorated with semi-precious stones.The Erotic Gallery is a must-see. Ancient Peruvian cultures represented their daily lives in ceramics. This gallery holds the world's largest collection of erotic ceramics.
The Cultures Gallery exhibits 40,000 years of Peruvian pre-Columbian history. This "time-line" gallery provides visitors a comprehensive view of cultures that existed in pre-Columbian Peru through to the time of the Spanish conquest in the 16th century.
Our final stop of the day will be a visit to Casa Luna. This is a private home, where the owners welcome you to their home and show you their unique collection of ancient and modern Peruvian art and their spectacular collection of Nativity scenes. Afterwards, you will have plenty of free time to explore on your own. Breakfast is included today; lunch and dinner are on your own.
Day 4 - June 14, Monday
Lima / Cusco / Ollantaytambo
After breakfast, we fly to Cusco. Tour of the "Sacred Valley of the Incas" . Visit the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo and walk through the quaint streets of the nearby town. Enjoy complimentary lunch then drive through the valley to bargain with the local vendors at the famed Pisac market.
Meal: B, L
 After breakfast, we fly to Cusco. Once we land in Cusco, it is important that you take it easy and do not overexert yourself. Remember, we are a towering 12000 feet and altitude sickness can ruin your vacation. Let your body adjust and you should be fine.
We depart Cusco for the Urubamba Valley also known as the Sacred Valley of the Inca. Visit the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo and enjoy a walking tour the ancient town of Ollantaytambo in the valley just below the fortress. During the Inca Empire, Ollantaytambo was the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti who conquered the region, built the town, and a ceremonial center.
Dating from the late 15th C, Ollantaytambo is the only living Incan city and has some of the oldest continuously occupied dwellings in South America. As you walk these ancient streets you will see massive Inca walls cut with grand Inca doorways (make note of the stone lintels, in the day, your status within the community dictated how massive your lintel could be) leading to courtyard homes of the locals and the original water system, fed by mountain springs, that still runs to this day. We will have time to tour one of the homes and meet the family that lives there just as they did 500 years ago.
After a complimentary lunch we will drive through the valley to Pisac where you will have time to bargain with the vendors for gold and silver, semi-precious stones, local organic textiles, and great souvenirs. Tonight we stay at the Hotel Sol y Luna in the Urubamba Valley. Breakfast and lunch are included; dinner is on your own.
Day 5 - June 15, Tuesday
Ollantaytambo/ Machu Picchu
Travel by Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes and on to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival enjoy a guided tour of the citadel, lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge, and dinner at the Hotel Sumaq.
Meal: B, L, D
 Today, we board the Peru-Rail Vistadome train which will take us on to Aguas Calientes deep in the valley below Machu Picchu. Sit back and relax as the magnificent views of the Urubamba Valley go by. As soon as we arrive, coaches will take us the last 40 minutes from the valley floor to the Citadel of Machu Picchu. We will have an extensive guided tour of this Lost City of the Incas (be sure you have good hiking shoes, there is a lot of climbing to be done but it is well worth it).
Machu Picchu is simply breathtaking; there is no other way to describe it. We will lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge then travel down the mountain and overnight at the Hotel Sumaq. Enjoy a group dinner before retiring for the night. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included today.
Day 6 - June 16, Wednesday
Machu Picchu / Cusco
After some morning exploration of Machu Picchu on your own, we return via Vistadome train to Cusco.
Meal: B
 We will have some time to travel back up to Machu Picchu for some private exploration before we return, via Vistadome train to Cusco and the Hotel Novotel .
For dinner tonight, you might want to go to Pachapapa in the San Blas district to try the local Andean specialty, Cuy. Ok, its guinea pig but it is quite tasty roasted with a local herb, Huacatay mint. It is very low in fat and cholesterol and high in protein with a taste and texture very much like rabbit. We tried it on our last trip and were very pleasantly surprised. Breakfast is included; lunch and dinner are on your own.
Day 7 - June 17, Thursday
Cusco
In Cusco, we visit the Santo Domingo convent, originally the Koricancha temple, one of the most important temples devoted to worship of the sun. Legend has it that it was covered in gold Leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. Also included are stops at the Plaza de Armas and the Santo Domingo Cathedral. After touring the city, it's off to the countryside to visit some remarkable Inca ruins: the cult center of Sacsayhuaman, the temple and amphitheatre of Kenko, and the Red Fortress of Puca Pucara.
Meal: B
 Today we have a great tour of Cusco. We visit the Santo Domingo Basilica built on top of the remains of the Koricancha temple, most important temple devoted to worship of the sun. Legend has it that it was covered in gold Leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. Note that many of the government and religious structures built by the Spanish in the 15th and 16th centuries were built atop destroyed Incan monuments. Cusco is very seismically active and the frequent earthquakes reveal the quality of Incan construction. The Spanish structures were completely destroyed or at least severely damaged but not a single stone of the Incan buildings was harmed. We also include stops at the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral.
After touring the city, it's off to the nearby countryside to visit some more remarkable Inca ruins: the cult center of Sacsayhuaman, the temple and amphitheatre of Kenko, and the Red Fortress of Puca Pucara. Breakfast is included today; lunch and dinner are on your own.
Day 8 - June 18, Friday
Cusco / Lima / Ica-Nazca
Fly from Cusco to Lima then travel south by coach to Ica, the wine capital of Peru. Fly over the Nazca lines in light aircraft and visit the Ica Museum.
Meal: B
 After breakfast we fly from Cusco to Lima then travel south via the Pan American highway. Bring a book or your needlepoint; it is a 4 hour ride by coach to Ica, the wine capital of Peru.
Once in Ica, we will enjoy a 45-minute flight in high-wing light aircraft over the desert and the mysterious Nazca Lines, also known as the Nazca markings. Because of their sheer size, they can only be appreciated from the air. Made centuries ago, the Nazca Lines are massive geoglyphs located in the Nazca Desert on a high arid plateau that stretches for more than 50 miles between the towns of Nazca and Palpa on the Pampas de Jumana. They are believed to have been created by the Nazca culture between 700 BCE and 200 BCE. The figures range in complexity from simple lines to stylized hummingbirds, spiders, monkeys, fish, sharks or orcas, llamas, and lizards. The lines were created when the reddish pebbles of the desert floor were removed revealing the white earth below.
 The reasons for their creation will probably never be revealed but some theories say they are religious, ritual lines to summon the water gods, mere irigation schemes, giant astronomical calendars, or (our favorite) landing paths for spaceships and communication with ancient astronauts.
Afterwards, we will visit the regional museum in Ica, where you will be able to view its extensive collection of archaeological remains including ceramics, mummies, and textiles. These artifacts have been gathered from the Paracas Nasca, Wari, Ica-Chincha and Inca civilizations. We will spend the night at the Hotel Las Dunas. Breakfast is included today; lunch and dinner are on your own.
Day 9 - June 19, Saturday
Ica-Nazca / Lima
Drive north to the Paracas peninsula for a boat ride to the Ballestas Islands, known as Peru's Galapagos. From the islands you have a fantastic view of the mysterious Candelabra Lines. Afterwards, transfer to the airport and your flight back to the Home.
Meal: B
 After breakfast, we drive north to the Paracas peninsula for a boat ride to the Ballestas Islands, known as Peru's Galapagos. They are inhabited by boobies, pelicans, sea lions, and comical Humboldt penguins. Humans are not allowed to step foot on the islands, but our boats will closely hug the banks of the islands. From here, you will be able to appreciate this marvel of nature up close. The marine life is awesome, sea lions will greet us up close and penguins will be romping in the water. Thousands of marine birds fly between the islands and their nesting areas are apparent amongst the rocks on shore. So, you will also have a great view of the mysterious Candelabra Lines. Like the Nazca lines, this geoglyph is shrouded in mystery. The monument is said to have been created by the Paracas culture sometime during their zenith between 600 BCE and 175 BCE, but no one knows for sure.
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In Search of Spirits Tour Itinerary
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Date |
Destination |
Arrive |
Depart |
| 11 June |
Home / Lima, Peru |
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| 12 June |
Lima |
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| 13 June |
Lima |
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| 14 June |
Lima / Cusco / Ollantaytambo |
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| 15 June |
Ollantaytambo/ Machu Picchu |
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| 16 June |
Machu Picchu / Cusco |
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| 17 June |
Cusco |
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| 18 June |
Cusco / Lima / Ica-Nazca |
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| 19 June |
Ica-Nazca / Lima |
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Itinerary is subject of change |
Amenities Included
• Deluxe hotel accommodations as detailed
• Coach class intra-tour flights: Lima / Cusco / Lima, and all ground transfers within Peru.
• All meals as detailed.
• Private guide / escort on all included tours.
• Complete program of tours as described.
• International airport arrival and departure transfers and baggage handling.
Amenities Not Included
International airfare, passport and visa expenses (check with your local immigration office for visa requirements), Travel insurance, meals other than those specified in itinerary, personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, faxes, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, gratuities to guides, and drivers.
Romance Voyages
Romance Voyages is about culture, class, and fun. Our intimate voyages are designed for sophisticated travelers grown beyond the simple party scene. Romance Voyages was born when we realized that many in our gay family were looking for a more in-depth travel experience rather than another circuit party. But that doesn't mean we don't know how to have fun! We focus on a fun yet sophisticated atmosphere where gay couples (both men and women), singles, and friends will feel completely comfortable and can see the world on their terms.
Hotel Thunderbird Principal - Lima
Thunderbird Hotel Principal is ideally located for easy exploration of Lima. This 4-star hotel is in the hip Miraflores district, mere steps from amazing shopping, fine restaurants, clubs, and museums. The hotel offers a swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna and gym, a piano bar, two restaurants and a beautiful garden terrace. Deluxe rooms offer queen and king sized beds, Wifi (free of charge), full bath with tub, sitting area, in-room safe, cable television, minibar, 24 hour room service, and telephone.
Hotel Sol Y Luna - Cusco
Situated in the Urubamba Valley, the Hotel Sol Y Luna has dramatic views of mountains, valleys, and meadows. Stay in the bungalows or Muyus, circular free-standing buildings with light yellow walls, red-tiled roofs, and flower-rimmed verandahs. Each bungalow has a verandah, king bed, private bathroom with hot water, telephone, and a safe.. They are constructed with adobe, wood, stone, and clay, typical building materials for this region. Restaurant Killa Wasi (house of the Moon) features Novo Andino cusine, a blend of Andean, coastal and international flavors. The Yacu Wasi (house of Water) spa contains a fully-equipped gym, sauna, steamroom, Jacuzzi, and Spanish bath.
Hotel Sumaq - Machu Picchu
A 4-star luxury Hotel Sumaq located a short distance from Machu Picchu, featuring suites decorated in the local style. Comfy queen beds are dressed with anti-allergic pillows, 100% alpaca wool blankets, and sheep wool bedspreads. Enjoy cable TV, wireless Internet (fee charged), telephone, safe, 110v outlets, and a living room area with minibar. Bathrooms sport marble vanities, sinks with imported faucets, amenities with aromatherapy, and shower/tub. Qunuq restaurant has great views of the sacred Urubamba River. The cuisine combines local Andean traditions and flavors with the techniques of modern international cuisine. Aqlla Spa has all the amenities of the finest European spa.
Hotel Novotel - Cusco
This 4-star property is located in the heart of Cusco's historic centre, close to the Plaza De Armas, the Cathedral and the Koricancha Temple. Hotel Novotel standard rooms are equipped with the modern amenities of a fine European hotel. La Cave offers international and local cuisine in an elegant and cozy atmosphere or on the heated patio covered with a spectacular glass ceiling. Cote Jardin serves buffet breakfast.
Hotel Las Dunas - Ica/Nazca
Another amazing hotel and the embarkation point to see the Nazca Lines. Rooms are of nice quality and quite luxurious seeing the fact that you are in the middle of the desert. Rooms feature queen beds, private bathroom with shower, refrigerator, TV and telephone. Set in a park-like setting the hotel grounds feture three pools, three restaurants, golf, "sandboarding", horseback riding, gym, sauna, massage, and even a planetarium!
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