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This Gate of the Sun -
Viva Expeditions overland tour of Peru will take you back to a
time when the region was ruled by ancient civilizations...
In the Sacred Valley
of the Incas
From the colonial capital
of Lima on the Peruvian coast right through to the cultural
capital of La Paz in the Bolivian Highlands this tour of Peru
will take you back to a time to when the region was
ruled by ancient civilizations. From the Nazca people and the
Incas through to the period of Spanish conquest Peru is a land
rich in history and culture. From an abundant coastline to
desert dunes rich in archeological treasure, from lush green
cloud forests to beautiful colonial cities, from majestic Inca
ruins to the remote islands of Lake Titicaca we will explore a
truly remarkable region.
Abounding in natural
beauty and alive with a vibrant and colourful culture this
journey through Peru will be an exhilarating and
unforgettable experience.
| OVERLAND EXPEDITION
VEHICLE |
Our Overland
Expedition vehicles are truly unique. They are custom designed
and purpose built with two key factors in mind:
1. Client Comfort
Our vehicles are custom designed with your comfort in mind. We
have allowed plenty of space on board such that you do not feel
cramped or confined in any way. Our comfortable, reclining coach
seats offer ample leg room (we allow 1 metre space between seats
while standard spacing is only 85 90 cm) and there is plenty
of space to move about and stretch your legs.
Large panoramic
windows offer optimal viewing and there are plenty of onboard
services such as a toilet (we are the only overland company in
South America providing toilets onboard our vehicles), safe
filtered drinking water, refrigerator, library, sound system and
much more. Spacious compartments allow us to carry your luggage
and souvenirs, and we provide under seat storage for your day
bags. Our vehicles are insulated and heated for cooler climates,
and contain a cooling system for warmer climates.
2. Strength & Durability
Our vehicles are Scania 93 series, 4x2 trucks, with a minimum
250 horsepower.
Our powerful and strong vehicles enable us to pass through most
terrains we may encounter on our journey. While most of the
roads in South America are in good condition others can be
pot-holed or un-sealed and if wet can be quite muddy. Our
vehicles are designed to deal with all of these circumstances
without causing disruption to the tour, and to allow us to reach
some of the more remote areas for which standard land transport
is unsuitable.
We carry ample
spare parts, fuel, water and other necessities. Our drivers are
trained mechanics whose roles not only include driving but also
maintaining the vehicle to a very high standard.
EQUIPMENT
All of our
expedition vehicles are equipped with:
Comfortable
reclining coach seats with seat-belts
Onboard Toilet - we are the only overland company in South
America with toilets on board our vehicles
12 volt cigarette sockets for recharging camera/video
batteries
Internal & external lighting
Refrigerator for food and drinks
Onboard stereo with adaptors for MP3, I Pod, CD walkmans
Intercom system for communication with the crew
Extra storage space for excess baggage and souvenirs
Internal heating and cooling and full insulation
Lockable safe for storage of money, passports and small
valuables
On board library
Professionally compiled expedition medical kit
Extensive range of spare parts
Tables and chairs for outdoors
Food preparation equipment
Safe, filtered drinking water
Large water & fuel carrying capacity
| LIMA to LA PAZ
ITINERARY (23 days, 22 nights): |
Day 1 4
We leave Lima, the colonial capital of Peru, and head
out along the coast to the Paracas Marine reserve, the
most important wildlife sanctuary on the Peruvian coast.
A short drive inland takes us to Huacachina, a tiny
desert oasis nestled amongst huge sand dunes, and to
Nazca, named after the ancient culture that inhabited
the area in around 200 AD. We will take a flight over
the mysterious Nazca Lines that, to this day, remain
unexplained by scientists and archaeologists alike.
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Day 5 8
We visit the fascinating Chauchilla cemetery, and stop
at the ancient inca port of Puerto Inca, before climbing
in altitude to arrive in Arequipa, a beautiful city
surrounded by spectacular mountains. Explore the
Monastery of Santa Catalina and visit Juanita the
Ice Princess, a frozen Inca sacrifice recently
discovered at the summit of Mount Ampato. We then arrive
at Colca Canyon, arguably the world's deepest canyon,
and home to numerous Andean Condors. |
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Day 9 12
We will take an early morning trip to view the Condors
circling on the thermals rising up from the canyon floor
and enjoy some time hiking in the area. Travelling
through the Peruvian high country, we arrive in Cusco,
the archaeological capital of the Americas, and our base
to explore the Inca culture and the famous ruins of
Machu Picchu. |
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Day 13 16
After exploring Cusco we head off into the Sacred Valley
of the Incas to visit the colonial village of Pisac,
famous for its lively market, and the massive fortress
of Ollantaytambo. Following the footsteps of the ancient
Incas we walk the
Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu (4 days, 3 nights). You will be amazed
and intrigued to learn all there is to know about this
mysterious race from your local guide. |
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Day 17 23
Returning from Machu Picchu we have some time to relax
in Cusco before driving south across the Andean plains
to arrive on the shores of Lake Titicaca. We will visit
floating reed islands and have a chance to experience
the local culture with an overnight Island homestay.
Visit Taquile Island, famous for its traditional
handicrafts and isolated way of life, before finally
leaving Peru and crossing into Bolivia to arrive in La
Paz, our final destination. |
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Note about
the Inca Trail: Due to tight regulations on the Inca trail
availability is limited on a first in first served basis only.
We cannot guarantee your place until we have received your
booking and deposit and have processed the request for an Inca
Trail ticket. To ensure your space on the trail we advise you
book early. However if space is unavailable we offer alternative
treks which all include a visit to the ruins Machu Picchu.
| LA PAZ to LIMA
ITINERARY (23 days, 22 nights): |
Day 1 5
Leaving from the cultural city of La Paz we head north
across the border into Peru to arrive on the shores of
Lake Titicaca. We will visit floating reed islands and
Taquile Island, famous for its traditional handicrafts
and isolated way of life and have a chance to experience
the local culture with an overnight Island homestay.
Driving across the Andean plains, we arrive in Cusco,
the archaeological capital of the Americas, which will
be our base to explore the Inca culture and the famous
ruins of Machu Picchu. |
|
Day 6 11
After exploring Cusco we head off into the Sacred Valley
of the Incas to visit the colonial village of Pisac,
famous for its lively market, and the massive fortress
of Ollantaytambo. Following the footsteps of the ancient
Incas we will walk the
Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu (4 days, 3 nights). You will be amazed
and intrigued to learn all there is to know about this
mysterious race from your expert guide. |
|
Day 12 15
Returning from Machu Picchu we have some time to relax
again in Cusco before travelling through the Peruvian
high country to Colca Canyon, arguably the world's
deepest canyon, and home to numerous Andean Condors. We
will take an early morning trip to view Condors circling
on the thermals rising up from the canyon floor and
enjoy some time hiking in the area. |
|
Day 16 19
We head down now to Arequipa, a beautiful city
surrounded by spectacular mountains. Explore the
Monastery of Santa Catalina and visit Juanita the
Ice Princess, a frozen Inca sacrifice recently
discovered at the summit of Mount Ampato. Descending
down to the coast of Peru we stop at the ancient Inca
port of Puerto Inca. |
|
Day 20 23
A short drive inland will bring us to Nazca, named after
the ancient culture that inhabited the area in around
200AD. We will take a flight over the mysterious Nazca
Lines that, to this day, remain unexplained by
scientists and archaeologists alike and visit the
mummies at the Chauchilla Cemetery. We visit Huacachina,
a tiny desert oasis nestled amongst huge sand dunes
before arriving at the Paracas Marine reserve, the most
important wildlife sanctuary on the Peruvian coast. This
is our last stop before arriving into the colonial city
of Lima and the end of our tour.
|
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Note about
the Inca Trail: Due to tight regulations on the Inca trail
availability is limited on a first in first served basis only.
We cannot guarantee your place until we have received your
booking and deposit and have processed the request for an Inca
Trail ticket. To ensure your space on the trail we advise you
book early. However if space is unavailable we offer alternative
treks which all include a visit to the ruins Machu Picchu.
 22
nights accommodation 18 nights in comfortable tourist class
hotels and guesthouses, 3 nights camping on the Inca Trail, 1
night local Homestay.
Transport in our custom built all-terrain expedition vehicle
22
Breakfasts, 16 Lunches, 15 Dinners
Expert Western tour leader and local guides throughout
Experienced Western Driver/Mechanic
All
National Park Entrance fees
Activities...
Paracas Marine Reserve Paracas
Ballestas Islands Boat trip - Paracas
Pisco vineyard Tour Ica
Sand
Buggy desert excursion Huacachina
Fossil tour - Ica
Nazca Flights Nazca
Chauchilla Cemetary - Nazca
City
tour Arequipa
Flight of the Condors Colca Canyon
Hiking Colca Canyon
Walking Tour - Cusco
Sacred Valley tour
Inca
trail to Machu Picchu (or alternative)
Overnight Lake Titicaca Excursion Puno
What is a Local Payment?
Local Payment is part of your overall tour
cost and is the easiest and most economical way for us to get
hard currency to South America to help run your trip. It goes
toward a variety of day to day local costs which cannot be
prepaid such as locally organised activities and meals at
restaurants.
Why do we have a Local Payment?
Paying this money locally ensures tour
leaders have a supply of money as access to banking facilities
can at times be limited or non existent. Having a Local Payment
also allows us to keep the cost of our tours competitive and
save on operational and administrative costs, so we can pass the
savings on to you.
How do we pay the Local Payment?
This is payable to your tour leader on the
first day of your tour and needs to be in US Dollars cash
only. Please note: US Dollar Travellers Cheques cannot be
changed into US$ cash in most countries we visit, they can only
be changed into local currency (banks will often tell you
differently, this is incorrect). In the few places where you can
sometimes buy US$ cash, you will pay excessive charges.
Make sure that all your notes are in good condition. Old, torn
or marked notes are often refused by the banks. Do not bring all
of your Local Payment in $100 notes and please make sure that
they are post 1996 and not of a serial number starting with CB.
Personal travel insurance is compulsory for all clients
whilst on a tour organized by Gate of the Sun - Viva
Expeditions. This must be organized prior to commencing any
travel arrangements you have with us and it is your
responsibility to ensure you are covered for the regions through
which we will travel and for all activities you wish to
undertake. A suitable policy must provide adequate cover for all
necessary medical expenses and repatriation costs, loss of
baggage, and cancellation or curtailment of your holiday.
See the travel insurance policies we recommend for residents of
the USA & Canada through
Travel
Guard International... |
