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UJ 23 BEST OF THE BEST 2019

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Private sailing on Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake.<br />

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This edition of Ultimate<br />

Journeys - Travel in Peru was<br />

produced by LimaTours’<br />

marketing team.<br />

<strong>UJ</strong> GENERAL DIRECTOR<br />

Gerardo Sugay<br />

CONTENT DIRECTOR<br />

Gerardo Sugay<br />

Ana Paula Albín<br />

Ximena Arrieta<br />

GENERAL EDITOR<br />

Ximena Arrieta<br />

PRODUCT DESIGN<br />

Dafne Vargas<br />

COORDINATION<br />

Karla Huertas<br />

ART DIRECTOR<br />

LimaTours<br />

GRAPHIC DESIGN<br />

Sergio Salazar<br />

INFOGRAPHICS<br />

Sergio Salazar<br />

EDITORIAL STAFF<br />

Ximena Arrieta<br />

FOTOGRAFÍAS<br />

Archivo LimaTours<br />

@MatthewSchueller<br />

ROUTE<br />

This edition is an adventure through<br />

the south of Peru. Join us on a<br />

journey with Maca to discover<br />

fascinating places following a<br />

mysterious map.<br />

4<br />

Sergio Salazar<br />

PromPerú<br />

Intu<br />

1<br />

3<br />

COVER PAGE PHOTO CREDIT<br />

Sergio Salazar<br />

2<br />

Naomi Tamamoto


ica<br />

SAND, BEACH AND NATURE<br />

12<br />

14<br />

16<br />

18<br />

20<br />

BALLESTAS ISLANDS: A PLACE <strong>OF</strong> BIRDS AND SEA LIONS<br />

NASCA FROM <strong>THE</strong> SKIES<br />

<strong>THE</strong> FLAVOUR <strong>OF</strong> PISCO<br />

BETWEEN <strong>THE</strong> SKY AND <strong>THE</strong> DESERT<br />

IN <strong>THE</strong> TRACKS <strong>OF</strong> <strong>THE</strong> DAKAR<br />

AREQUIPA<br />

GASTRONOMY AND HISTORY<br />

puno<br />

nature and tradition<br />

26<br />

28<br />

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32<br />

34<br />

TASTING AREQUIPA<br />

A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME<br />

<strong>THE</strong> SILLAR ROUTE<br />

<strong>THE</strong> FLIGHT <strong>OF</strong> <strong>THE</strong> CONDOR<br />

NATURAL BONDING<br />

40<br />

42<br />

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EXPERIENCING LA CANDELARIA<br />

<strong>THE</strong> LIVING CULTURE <strong>OF</strong> TITICACA<br />

SOCCA, LAKESIDE TRANQUILLITY<br />

LLACHON, A LIFE EXPERIENCE<br />

<strong>THE</strong> TWO "PIETAS" <strong>OF</strong> LAMPA<br />

machu<br />

picchu<br />

64 <strong>THE</strong> LIVING MAGIC<br />

<strong>OF</strong> MACHU PICCHU<br />

CUSCO<br />

<strong>THE</strong> INCA EMPIRE<br />

54<br />

56<br />

58<br />

60<br />

62<br />

<strong>THE</strong> O<strong>THE</strong>R FACE <strong>OF</strong> SACSAYHUAMAN<br />

CUSCO BENEATH <strong>THE</strong> STARS<br />

SACRED VALLEY, <strong>THE</strong> HEART <strong>OF</strong> <strong>THE</strong> EMPIRE<br />

ANCIENT SCIENCE IN <strong>THE</strong> LABORATORIES <strong>OF</strong> <strong>THE</strong> ANDES<br />

HANAN PACHA, <strong>THE</strong> WORLD <strong>OF</strong> <strong>THE</strong> CONDOR


EDITORIAL<br />

DEAR TRAVELLER:<br />

Can we trust you with a secret? We have in our hands an ancient map, which our woolly friend Maca the<br />

Alpaca found hidden away among her family’s old books. It shows the way to a place of dreams, full of magic<br />

and tradition, surrounded by fantastic scenery and alive with ancestral energy.<br />

You are invited to go on an unequalled adventure with Maca in search of this mysterious world. The journey<br />

begins in Lima and heads south, threading its way through the sandy dunes of the Ica desert, with the dazzling<br />

wealth of Peru’s coastal waters and the pre-Inca cultures that thrived here. Further south, we will discover the<br />

colonial heritage that the Spanish left in Arequipa, a treasury of Vice-royalty architecture which provides the<br />

setting for a local cuisine which will excite your palate in every way.<br />

Continuing to the south and the Inca world begins to shine. First in Puno, a place of legend where according<br />

to tradition, the Inca founding fathers rose up out of the mystic waters of Lake Titicaca in search of the perfect<br />

foundation on which to build the capital of their Empire. Finally, we enter Cusco, the enchanted city of narrow<br />

cobbled alleyways, impressive stone-built walls and an ancient culture which still survives in the communities here.<br />

At every step, Maca will show you the best experiences to enjoy your time to the full, chosen to satisfy the<br />

tastes of every traveller: adrenaline junkies, fans of food, lovers of history, and those who seek close and<br />

meaningful contact with nature and local tradition.<br />

Let yourself be led by the hand (or hoof) of Maca, our local expert, and enjoy everything that our glorious<br />

Peru has to offer.<br />

Happy holidays and a fantastic 2020!<br />

Your friends at LimaTours<br />

Design and management of tour programmes, in all areas of the<br />

company (quotation, product design, suppliers management, Lima<br />

operations, billing and collection)


A U N I Q U E P L A C E<br />

F O R D E E P E N C O U N T E R W I T H Y O U R NAT U R E<br />

L I V E T H E P E RU V I A N A M A Z O N AT A N OT H E R L E V E L<br />

ECOADVENTURE<br />

BIRD AND DOLPHINS<br />

WATCHING<br />

EXPERIENTAL<br />

TOURISM<br />

SUSTAINABLE<br />

ACTIVITY<br />

PRIVATE<br />

RESERVE<br />

Telephone: +511 469 4521<br />

E-mail: reservas@pacayasamiria.com.pe www.pacayasamiria.com.pe


CURRENT ISSUES<br />

LimaTours<br />

PERU ONE <strong>OF</strong> <strong>THE</strong> <strong>BEST</strong><br />

SAYS CONDÉ NAST<br />

Art in Motion - Peruvian Edition is a new project from<br />

Belmond that will bring its guests closer to contemporary<br />

national culture through arts, design and food. The venue<br />

for this work was the Hiram Bingham train, which has been<br />

re-conceived by artist Fito Espinosa to evoke the natural<br />

world. The drinks menu has been recreated by Aaron Diaz,<br />

the mixologist of the popular bar Carnaval in Lima, and the<br />

food includes dishes prepared with local ingredients of the<br />

highest quality. Also, the uniforms of the staff have been<br />

revamped by fashion designer Jose Miguel Valdivia, taking<br />

inspiration from the outfits of Hiram Bingham himself<br />

during his expedition to Machu Picchu in 1911, though with<br />

a modern touch.<br />

Prestigious magazine Condé Nast Traveler has chosen Peru<br />

as one of the best countries in the world in its latest annual<br />

Readers Choice <strong>2019</strong>. More than 600,000 readers took<br />

part in the survey, rating their travel experiences around<br />

the world, and placing our country Peru in sixth place<br />

overall. In the survey, several Peruvian hotels were ranked<br />

in the top ten in South America: Aranwa Cusco Boutique<br />

Hotel (# 1), Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness (# 2),<br />

Country Club Lima (# 5), and Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel (#<br />

9). In the resorts category, the Condé Nast readers chose<br />

Tambo del Inka, Luxury Collection Resort & Spa (# 5), Hotel<br />

Paracas, Luxury Collection Resort & Spa (# 8) and Aranwa<br />

Pueblito Encantado del Colca (# 9). Finally, the Belmond<br />

Andean Explorer was named the best train in the world,<br />

and the Belmond Hiram Bingham won fifth place.<br />

Medios<br />

ART IN MOTION COMES<br />

TO MACHU PICCHU<br />

NIGHTS <strong>OF</strong> PERUVIAN FLAVOUR<br />

IN <strong>THE</strong> WORLD<br />

Maido<br />

For the third year in succession, the restaurant Maido has<br />

been selected as the best in the region in the awards for<br />

Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants, held in Buenos Aires,<br />

Argentina. Mitsuharu Tsumura, the Chef who fronts up<br />

Maido, received the award which places Maido as the top<br />

restaurant, once again ahead of Central and chef Virgilio<br />

Martinez, which took second place. Meanwhile, Peru was<br />

once again recognised as the world’s Leading Culinary<br />

Destination – for the eighth time – in the global edition<br />

of the World Travel Awards, the Oscars of Tourism. In the<br />

same awards ceremony, held in Oman, our country also<br />

triumphed in the category of Leading Cultural Destination<br />

and won Leading Tourist Attraction with Machu Picchu.


LimaTours<br />

LimaTours<br />

TWO NEW CREATIVE CITIES<br />

WERE CHOSEN BY UNESCO<br />

The selection of Peru as a location for great international<br />

sporting events distinguished <strong>2019</strong>. This year, our country<br />

was visited by thousands of sports fans of all kinds,<br />

beginning with the Dakar Rally in January, which took<br />

them through the fantastic landscapes of our coastal<br />

desert. In June, the Panamerican Games and the Para-<br />

Panamerican Games put Lima in the spotlight, as the city<br />

hosted the participants, their families and supporters.<br />

Finally, we close the year with Lima as the chosen venue<br />

for the final of the Copa Libertadores, South America’s<br />

international competition for soccer club sides. These<br />

events establishing Peru as a destination ready and able<br />

to hold such prestigious international competitions which<br />

promote foreign tourism and help the development of the<br />

industry within the country.<br />

NEW FIGURES<br />

FOUND IN NASCA<br />

Arequipa and Ayacucho have been added to Unesco’s<br />

Creative Cities, a group that aims to promote international<br />

collaboration between developing countries by<br />

establishing networks of creativity and culture. Arequipa<br />

has been selected in the category of “Gastronomy” for<br />

its contributions to Peruvian cuisine, while Ayacucho was<br />

chosen in the area of “Crafts and Popular Art” given that its<br />

handicrafts are the foundation of its economy and regional<br />

identity. The Unesco project of Creative Cities was set up<br />

in 2004 and now has 180 members around the world,<br />

focused on seven areas: Cinema, Music, Literature, Design,<br />

Digital Arts, Gastronomy, and Crafts and Popular Art.<br />

<strong>2019</strong> WAS PERU’S<br />

SPORTING YEAR<br />

On the 25th anniversary of the nomination of the Nasca Lines<br />

as a World Heritage Centre by Unesco, a new discovery puts<br />

the geoglyphs back in the headlines. After an investigation<br />

by archaeologists from the University of Yamagata in Japan,<br />

more than 140 new geoglyphs have been identified including<br />

both human and animal figures. To identify them, the<br />

scientists used fieldwork and advanced technology including<br />

satellite imagery, three-dimensional scanning and Artificial<br />

Intelligence. Masato Sakai, director of the investigating team,<br />

stressed the importance of the findings in enabling the<br />

recovery of the figures, which were found in poor condition,<br />

close to “a crisis of destruction”. Making them visible will allow<br />

them to be protected as national heritage.<br />

Medios


LIMA<br />

We head to the south of Lima, following the<br />

route on the map. After travelling for four hours,<br />

we reach Ica, an oasis set in the coastal desert,<br />

with something to suit everyone.<br />

Here you can discover the charms of this<br />

city and its surroundings. It has both history<br />

and mystery, in contact with nature on all sides,<br />

offering both adrenaline adventures and great food<br />

and drink experiences. All this with a warm and sunny<br />

climate, perfect for visiting at any time of the year.


EXPERIENCES<br />

The Ballestas Islands: a place of BIRDS and SEA lions<br />

Nasca from the skies<br />

The flavour of Pisco<br />

Between the sky and the desert<br />

In the tracks of the Dakar


LimaTours


ICA: SAND, BEACH AND NATURE<br />

Ballestas Islands : a place<br />

of BIRDS and SEA lions<br />

Nature and Experiential<br />

4 hours AM Upon Request<br />

If we ask you to think of a penguin, what first comes to mind?<br />

Ice, perhaps, at the north or south pole, or somewhere very<br />

cold. And you are right. But if we tell you that you can find<br />

penguins in the the desert, would you believe us?<br />

LimaTours<br />

The Ballestas Islands are a beautiful sight for lovers of the<br />

sea, a chance to see close up the richness of the marine<br />

environment off the coast of Peru. The islands have an<br />

ecosystem teeming with life, and also display scattered<br />

relics of the past. The islands’ proximity to Lima and their<br />

beauty make them one of the protected areas most visited<br />

by national and foreign tourists.<br />

Bird watchers will find here an enormous diversity of species,<br />

some resident and some migratory. Pelicans, boobies,<br />

plovers and seagulls are some of the inhabitants of the<br />

reserve. But the most spectacular resident, without a doubt,<br />

is the Humboldt Penguin, the only penguin that lives in Peru<br />

permanently. Colonies of sea lions and pods of dolphins<br />

complete the dramatic displays of wildlife that call these<br />

islands home.<br />

The tour of the Ballestas Islands lasts about two hours. From<br />

the boat, you can also see the beautiful rock formations up<br />

close, and let your imagination to run free perceiving fantastic<br />

faces and figures. Be sure also to see the Candelabro, a huge<br />

geoglyph almost 170 metres long drawn on a giant dune<br />

facing the sea. Although its origin is unknown, it is related to<br />

the Nasca lines.<br />

Manuel Medir / Promperu<br />

The Peruvian sea is waiting for you - are you ready to discover it?<br />

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ICA: SAND, BEACH AND NATURE<br />

Nasca from<br />

the skies<br />

Archaeology and History<br />

5 hours AM Upon request<br />

What do a dog, a hummingbird, a llama, an iguana, a seagull,<br />

a spider and a whale have in common? The answer lies<br />

below you while you fly over Ica’s desert, where these and<br />

other figures are drawn. They are part of the Nasca Lines,<br />

astounding drawings chosen as a World Heritage Site by<br />

Unesco.<br />

Janine Costa / Promperu<br />

The Nasca Lines are a complex of geoglyphs covering the<br />

broad desert plains close to Ica. On an area of 450 square<br />

kilometres, the ancient inhabitants from the Nasca culture<br />

laid out up to 800 figures, some as much as 270 metres long.<br />

How have these simple lines in the sand managed to survive<br />

all this in time? That is part of the mystery they embody.<br />

The German scientist Maria Reiche dedicated her life to the<br />

study and protection of this conundrum. She concluded that<br />

the lines function as an astronomical calendar, related to<br />

the motions of several stars and, can thus be used to mark<br />

critical times of the agricultural year. Also, their vast scale<br />

gave the drawings a ceremonial significance, calling out to<br />

the gods to send water down to the lands.<br />

After flying over the geoglyphs for half an hour, you can learn<br />

Medios<br />

more about the history of these people by visiting the pre-<br />

Inca cemetery of Chauchilla and its mummies. You can also<br />

walk by the aqueducts of Cantayoc, spiral stairs leading down<br />

to underground passageways of flowing water, to sustain the<br />

crops of the Nasca people.<br />

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LimaTours


LimaTours


ICA: SAND, BEACH AND NATURE<br />

The flavour<br />

of Pisco<br />

Gastronomy<br />

From 2 days / 1 night PM Upon Request<br />

The southern region of the Peruvian coast has exceptional<br />

soil. Since colonial times, landowners settled there have<br />

enjoyed a rich and fertile land, farming the grape and<br />

producing its by-products which have won an iconic place in<br />

the Peruvian economy.<br />

Pisco 1615<br />

From a process of distillation using the fruits comes Pisco,<br />

the national drink. The taste of this product is distinctive<br />

due to the use of specific varieties of grapes known as<br />

“pisqueras”: Quebranta, Mollar, Criolla Negra, Uvina, Italia,<br />

Moscatel, Torontel and Albilla. Pisco masters work with them,<br />

obtaining three types of drinks: “Pisco puro” or pure, derived<br />

from a single grape variety; “Mosto Verde”, collected from<br />

the distillation of fresh musts interrupting its fermentation;<br />

and the “Pisco acholado”, obtained from the mixture of<br />

grapes and musts at different stages of fermentation.<br />

Even if its incomparable flavour and aroma are enjoyed<br />

throughout the country, it is in Ica where the most prestigious<br />

vineyards and wineries are found, offering tastings and<br />

hospitality to visitors.<br />

The vineyards of Ica are an ideal place to get away from the<br />

noise and grime of the city. In the hands of a sommelier, you<br />

will learn everything about the process of making Pisco. Start<br />

with a walk amongst the vines to learn about grape varieties;<br />

then visit the distillery to see the production process. Finally,<br />

Unsplash<br />

enjoy a special tasting to finish of the day. An unforgettable<br />

way to get to know our Pisco!<br />

17


ICA: SAND, BEACH AND NATURE<br />

Between the sky<br />

and the desert<br />

Adventure<br />

4 hours AM | PM Upon request<br />

To enter into the heart of the desert is an adrenaline-filled<br />

adventure! Surrounded by dunes which appear to go on<br />

forever, you can be sure of spectacular landscapes, where<br />

sand and sky come together to set the stage for unforgettable<br />

sunsets.<br />

Paracas reserve has an area of more than 3,335 thousand<br />

hectares, much of which is Peruvian coastal desert. What<br />

better way to discover it than by having fun in it? Onboard a<br />

tubular, or dune buggy, you can leave the roads behind and<br />

race across the sands. Climb the dunes feeling the wind in<br />

your face, with only tracks insight being those left by your<br />

wheels!<br />

LimaTours<br />

Your first stop will be on the highest point of the dunes,<br />

where the silence of the desert is broken only by the whistle<br />

of the evening wind. While the sun slowly sets beyond the<br />

sea, you can take in the panorama. Sitting on the top of the<br />

dunes, letting the sand run through your fingers, you can<br />

relax and breath in the tranquillity that surrounds you. After<br />

a few minutes, you will be ready for action – pick up your<br />

sandboard and head downhill in a rush of adrenalin.<br />

LimaTours<br />

With the last rays of the sun, a picnic will be awaiting you<br />

on the peak of the dunes. Relax with a glass of champagne,<br />

some appetisers, fruits and drinks until it is night. If the sky<br />

is clear, the first stars will make their appearance, giving a<br />

silvery gleam to the end of the day.<br />

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LimaTours


LimaTours<br />

APPROVED


MACA’S DISCOVERY<br />

In the tracks<br />

of the Dakar<br />

Adventure and Nature<br />

8 hours AM Upon Request<br />

Sergio Salazar<br />

it is said, the liberator Don Jose de San Martin landed, and<br />

dreamt of flamingos flying over the bay. He chose their colours<br />

to create the Peruvian flag. The route continues between the<br />

dunes past remote and tranquil beaches, revealing the richness<br />

of the coastline. Soon you will arrive at Gallinazo beach, deep<br />

into the reserve.<br />

There is another way to experience the desert. If a trip on the<br />

sand buggies is too much, you can also explore the dunes<br />

in four-by-four vehicle as used in the Dakar Rally, one of the<br />

world’s most famous off-road races, which has chosen Paracas<br />

as the venue for a stage on four occasions.<br />

You will enter the Paracas National Reserve and head towards<br />

the sea. The first stop is at the historic Independence Bay: here,<br />

Here you leave the trucks behind and discover the surroundings<br />

on foot. Let the sound of the waves soothes yourself and feel<br />

the pull of sea as you walk along the coast. You can cool off with<br />

a dip in the waves, rest on the shore or search out the perfect<br />

spot for photographs. You are far from other tourists here, just<br />

you and nature.<br />

The richness of this coastline lies not only in the spectacular<br />

landscape but in the wildlife that inhabits it. Peruvians have<br />

been fishing here for thousands of years, so your lunch today<br />

will be a gift from the ocean. You will enjoy delicious dishes<br />

of fresh fish prepared with incomparable Peruvian ingredients<br />

before you return to the starting point of your adventure.<br />

Sergio Salazar<br />

21


GREENING<br />

LIMATOURS<br />

We are aware of the importance of protecting the environment.<br />

And so we take part in various activities and promote actions to<br />

add our little grain of sand to the great work of caring for the<br />

planet.<br />

At the same time as we<br />

are reducing the use of plastics,<br />

we aim to do the same for paper. This<br />

is why our guides and representatives<br />

use electronic tablets to carry information<br />

for guests about Peru and their itineraries,<br />

without printing.<br />

We give our clients the<br />

chance to compensate for their<br />

carbon footprint by planting trees in<br />

the Tambopata National Reserve. This<br />

planting not only helps to mitigate the<br />

contamination effects of travelling, it also<br />

replaces lost biodiversity and improves<br />

the environment for wildlife in the<br />

protected areas of forest.<br />

We develop strategic<br />

alliances with our providers to<br />

establish water refill points<br />

throughout our activities. In this way, we<br />

encourage our travellers and staff to invest<br />

in reusable water containers, reducing the<br />

need for throw-away plastic water<br />

bottles.<br />

Since our foundation, we<br />

have been part of recycling<br />

campaigns such as ReCusco, which<br />

aims to reduce the level of waste in the<br />

tourist circuit of Cusco and the Sacred<br />

Valley. Also, this initiative has enabled<br />

local recyclers to establish themselves<br />

and has spearheaded awareness<br />

campaigns in the local<br />

communities.<br />

TOUR OPERATOR<br />

Our NEPCon/Rainforest Alliance certification has been validated once more with a 98.38% rating.<br />

This audit confirms that the chain of services that we offer promotes viable tourism for the future,<br />

and also that our providers and clients respect these values.


LIMA<br />

The country’s second-biggest city is the next<br />

stop on the map. Like Lima, its colonial legacy is<br />

impressive and evident in its spectacular churches,<br />

enigmatic convents, and imposing mansions that<br />

grace the streets of its historic centre.<br />

Discover Arequipa, known as the White City, and<br />

its renowned cuisine, with and “picanterias” that<br />

are places to meet for the locals. And don’t miss the<br />

extraordinary natural beauty of the countryside around,<br />

part of the life of the city dwellers, which is laid out beneath the<br />

towering volcanic peak of the Misti.


EXPERIENCES<br />

Tasting Arequipa<br />

A journey through time<br />

The sillar route<br />

The flight of the condor<br />

Natural bonding


Inés Menacho / Promperu


AREQUIPA: GASTRONOMY AND HISTORY<br />

TASTING AREQUIPA<br />

Culture and Gastronomy<br />

5 hours AM | PM Upon Request<br />

Eating well in Peru is guaranteed. Every region has something<br />

different to offer, with traditional specialities made from<br />

local ingredients. Distinctive flavours to tempt the taste<br />

buds of each visitor. But Arequipa regional food has an<br />

exceptional reputation, so much so, that it has been named<br />

as a “Creative City” by Unesco in the “Gastronomy” category.<br />

If we talk about the food of the White City, we have to<br />

discuss the picanterias. These iconic Arequipa restaurants<br />

have their origins way before the Spanish foundation of<br />

the city. Historically they were known for serving “chicha” –<br />

the traditional drink made from fermented maize which is<br />

characteristic of Andean communities – accompanied by<br />

dishes that were picante (spicy). The introduction of new<br />

ingredients and cooking techniques has transformed the<br />

Arequipa kitchen, leading to such famous dishes today as the<br />

Solterito, the Ocopa and the Rocoto Relleno.<br />

LimaTours Medios<br />

You can enjoy the intense flavours of the most typical of<br />

Arequipa dishes on a stroll through a couple of picanterias.<br />

You will see that they have their own culture and customs,<br />

such as having a “special” which changes daily and serving<br />

the food not at individual tables but on large tables with<br />

benches, where everybody eats together.<br />

lookout, with a spectacular view of the city and its sheltering<br />

The finishing touch to a meal here is the Queso Helado or<br />

cheese ice-cream, the most traditional of Arequipa’s desserts.<br />

And there is nowhere better to try it than at the Yanahuara<br />

volcanoes, and the lookout’s beautiful arches of bright white<br />

ashlar (sillar in Spanish) carved with quotes from the most<br />

famous sons and daughters of the White City.<br />

27


AREQUIPA: GASTRONOMY AND HISTORY<br />

A journey<br />

through time<br />

History and Archaeology<br />

8 hours AM Upon Request<br />

Wandering through Arequipa is like taking a trip in a time<br />

Medios<br />

machine. Its streets and museums are a doorway to the past,<br />

a heritage that the White City and its inhabitants preserve to<br />

delight the world.<br />

One of the most impressive historical legacies of the<br />

city belongs to the Inca period and rests in the Andean<br />

Sanctuaries Museum. She is the Lady of Ampato, or the<br />

Mummy Juanita, a young girl who was sacrificed hundreds of<br />

years ago, and whose frozen body was found in the snowy<br />

crater of the Ampato volcano.<br />

Unlike other mummies, Juanita’s body was not given the<br />

usual treatments to preserve it. After her death from a blow<br />

on the head, she was placed in the snow where the cold<br />

temperatures maintained the body intact until her discovery.<br />

With her were found offerings such as jewellery, food and<br />

ceramics.<br />

LimaTours<br />

The centre of Arequipa is also pure history, with colonial<br />

buildings which illustrate how important the city was during<br />

the Vice-royalty. And between the churches and mansions<br />

you will find a giant wall, four metres high, which surrounds<br />

one of the architectural gems most characteristic of the<br />

period: the Monastery of Santa Catalina.<br />

Founded in 1579, the monastery is like a small village isolated<br />

from the outside. Its colourful corridors, spacious patios<br />

and austere monastic cells evidence the building styles of<br />

the colonial period, combining Spanish features with others<br />

more indigenous. The monastery’s great beauty lies as much<br />

in its history as the aesthetics of its miniature world of lanes<br />

and dwellings, with a character that makes it unique.<br />

28


LimaTours


LimaTours


AREQUIPA: GASTRONOMY AND HISTORY<br />

The sillar route<br />

Culture and History<br />

3 hours AM | PM Upon Request<br />

Arequipa is known as the White City for a reason. If you look<br />

around at the most significant buildings in the centre of the<br />

city, you will see that they have all been built of ashlar, a<br />

volcanic stone that paints the streets white, according to<br />

popular tradition.<br />

LimaTours<br />

The ashlar or sillar quarries of nearby Cerro Colorado are<br />

the oldest that are still in use. Just a few kilometres from the<br />

city, they are open to visitors, and you can see the stone in<br />

its natural state and discover how the blocks are quarried<br />

since the demand for this spectacular stone continues<br />

undiminished to this day.<br />

Walking amongst the giant walls of sillar is an eye-opening<br />

experience, as you learn how these rough blocks become finely<br />

carved sections of an elegant townhouse facade. The Sillar<br />

Route is a back-stage exploration of Arequipa architecture.<br />

31


AREQUIPA: GASTRONOMY AND HISTORY<br />

The flight of<br />

the condor<br />

Nature<br />

From 2 days / 1 night AM Daily<br />

The region of Arequipa is full of surprises. In addition to its<br />

marvellous historical legacy, it boasts a natural beauty that<br />

runs from its fertile farmlands to its towering volcanoes. And<br />

if you want to know all its attractions, you must not miss the<br />

Colca valley and canyon.<br />

LimaTours<br />

More than four thousand metres deep, the Colca Canyon<br />

is one of the most profound in the world. Its formation lies<br />

in the uprising of the volcanoes of Sabancaya and Hualca<br />

Hualca, giving rise to its name of “Valley of Fire”. These<br />

natural forces have created the canyon as it is today, with a<br />

series of ecological niches at different heights that are home<br />

to dozens of different species of flora and fauna, as well<br />

providing farmland for the people that live around.<br />

LimaTours<br />

In addition to the area’s unique beauty, there is an unmissable<br />

spectacle for which the canyon offers a front-row seat. Take<br />

your place at the Cruz del Condor lookout, have a little<br />

patience, and you may be blessed with a close-up view of<br />

the elegantly soaring condors. These birds, threatened with<br />

extinction, have a sanctuary here between the steep walls of<br />

the canyon and perform their imperial flights in plain sight.<br />

The majesty of the Colca Valley is matched by the lifestyles of<br />

its close communities, who have learnt to live in harmony with<br />

nature. This is an exceptional experience in the depths of Peru.<br />

32


LimaTours


LimaTours<br />

APPROVED


MACA’S DISCOVERY<br />

Natural bonding<br />

Nature<br />

8 hours AM Upon Request<br />

LimaTours<br />

The importance of this reserve lies not only in the<br />

preservation of the several ecosystems within the area, but<br />

also the protection of endangered animal species. The vicuña,<br />

for example, is an Andean camelid under threat which has its<br />

home in the Salinas and Aguada Blanca. Watching them run<br />

freely here is a hopeful sign for the survival of this beautiful<br />

animal. The same is true of the parihuana, or flamingo,<br />

another threatened species found here.<br />

Today, Salinas and Aguada Blanca is also one of the principal<br />

sources of water for Arequipa, thanks to its woods, lakes and<br />

marshes that store the water and regulate the water cycle.<br />

There are times when connecting with yourself is the same<br />

as connecting with nature. Experiences which allow you to<br />

contemplate the immensity of what Pachamama, or Mother<br />

Earth, has to give, light up something in the human spirit.<br />

They need to explore, to understand, to seek out a space to<br />

appreciate the beauty that surrounds us, accompanied only<br />

by silence.<br />

This also benefits the nearby communities, who keep up their<br />

ancient ways of working together in harmony with nature.<br />

LimaTours<br />

The Salinas and Aguada Blanca Natural Reserve, located<br />

between volcanoes, is a large conservation area with several<br />

natural attractions. There are more than 360 thousand<br />

hectares which offer possibilities including hiking to the<br />

Misti and Chachani volcanoes, cycling, looking at birds and<br />

animals, and visiting rock formations and cave paintings.<br />

35


WHAT<br />

DO OUR<br />

PASSENGERS SAY<br />

FATIMA<br />

IBARRA<br />

Argentina<br />

Excellent organisation, we spent seven days with LimaTours. Everything was<br />

organised: they guided us from the airport, transported us to the hotel, even<br />

accompany us when boarding the trains. The private tours in Cusco and the<br />

Sacred Valley are a must-see. Our guide, Saul, made it an excellent trip. I definitely<br />

recommend LimaTours, and if I have the opportunity to return, it will be with them.<br />

The trip was very good, everything went well and we had no problems. We had a great<br />

time because everything was organized perfectly (transfers, plane tickets). We were<br />

accompanied by very friendly and prepared guides, and of course, the places we saw<br />

were wonderful! We really liked the fact that we organized the tour starting in Lima<br />

to get to Cusco and Machu Picchu. We must also mention the Amazon rainforest: a<br />

unique experience! I highly recommend it. Thank you so much for everything!<br />

ELISABETTA<br />

COLOMBINI<br />

Italy<br />

JANE<br />

MAUCK<br />

United States<br />

I would highly recommend LimaTours. They were always there on time and ready<br />

for the next adventure. They kept the groups moving and on time as well. I really<br />

appreciated having a rep escort us to the airport at Puno to ensure we were all checked<br />

in with no issues. Most helpful. It was such a great time while in Cusco and Puno.<br />

My wife and I took an excellent 6 Day Peru trip organized by LimaTours. It was a<br />

private, hassle-free and enjoyable experience. Everywhere we went, we were met<br />

with and accompanied by a guide, along with a car and driver. Even when we<br />

requested last minute changes, LimaTours made the required arrangements. I can’t<br />

find enough words to express my appreciation for the great work they did.<br />

RAMAN M.<br />

United States<br />

36


37


LIMA<br />

Welcome to the doorway to the Inca cosmos.<br />

According to legend, Manco Capac and Mama<br />

Ocllo emerged from the waters of Lake Titicaca<br />

to civilise humankind and seek the promised<br />

land where the Sun God would establish his<br />

empire. So it was that they reached Cusco, the<br />

now-famous Inca capital which charms the world.<br />

Puno is a magical mix of cultures, maintaining<br />

its pre-Hispanic inheritance together with colonial<br />

influences. Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world,<br />

is an exceptional destination for community tourism, and its<br />

immensity will astonish you. It is a spectacular emerald jewel in the<br />

heart of the Andes.


EXPERIENCES<br />

Experiencing La Candelaria<br />

The living culture of Titicaca<br />

Socca, lakeside tranquillity<br />

Llachon, a life experience<br />

The two “Pietas” of Lampa


LimaTours


PUNO: NATURE AND TRADITION<br />

Experiencing La<br />

Candelaria<br />

Culture and History<br />

2 hours AM / PM Upon Request<br />

Peru is a land of traditions, and many of them have<br />

strong religious overtones. Church processions and saints’<br />

festivals are fervently celebrated by devotees, in a cultural<br />

syncretism which has become a part of Peruvian life over<br />

hundreds of years.<br />

Renzo Giraldo / Promperu<br />

Puno is no exception. On the contrary, the southern city<br />

is known as a cultural capital of the Americas thanks to its<br />

celebration of the Virgin of Candelaria, one of the world’s<br />

best-known festivities, recognised by Unesco as one of<br />

Humanity’s outstanding Intangible Cultural Heritages.<br />

Every February, heaven and hell have a date in Puno. Angels<br />

LimaTours<br />

and devils take over the streets to dance in honour of<br />

Mamacha Candelaria, wearing exotic costumes, accompanied<br />

by bands and musicians which fill every street corner with<br />

life and colour, performing traditional dances such as La<br />

Diablada, La Morenada and Los Caporales.<br />

Transform your visit to Puno into an unforgettable<br />

experience by getting deep into the heart of the Candelaria<br />

festival. Discover the meticulous craftsmanship of the local<br />

workshops as they create the masks and costumes on show<br />

in the parades in honour of the Mamacha, learning also<br />

about their history and meaning. Later, let the experts guide<br />

yourself as you try out the dance steps to some of the most<br />

popular rhythms of the festival.<br />

You can experience Candelaria all year round and feel some<br />

of the spiritual energy that Puno has to offer you.<br />

41


PUNO: NATURE AND TRADITION<br />

The living culture<br />

of Titicaca<br />

Culture and History<br />

8 hours AM Daily<br />

Besides its spectacular scenery, lake Titicaca is home to<br />

communities which have learnt to adapt to the environment<br />

with their particular lifestyle. They are the guardians of<br />

ancient customs respecting the spirituality of the natural<br />

world, that is an essential part of their identity as a people,<br />

and that they still maintain.<br />

LimaTours<br />

On the Uros islands, you can see some of the most popular<br />

and curious customs. When you set foot there, you quickly<br />

realise that these are, indeed, floating islands built by their<br />

inhabitants. The Uros people are expert in working with<br />

totora, a reed which grows in the lagoon. It can be used for<br />

almost anything, including the construction of their houses<br />

and boats.<br />

The Uros people were here before the Incas. In order not<br />

to be conquered, their ancestors chose to occupy these<br />

islands in the middle of the lake. Ever since, the men of the<br />

community have been taught how to build and maintain the<br />

islands, developing their unique lifestyle with customs such<br />

as cooking daily in the open air.<br />

Heinz Plenge Pardo / Promperu<br />

The history of the island of Taquile is different, with an Inca<br />

and Spanish past. Walking down its narrow lanes, you enter<br />

another world: modernity appears to have had no impact<br />

here. Their traditions have survived the passage of time and<br />

the islanders have their own unique form of dress, using the<br />

beautiful textiles for which they have become famous. From<br />

the top of the island, the view is spectacular. It is a privilege<br />

which they enjoy every day, and that now they are sharing<br />

with the world.<br />

42


LimaTours


Gihan Tubbeh / Promperu


PUNO: NATURE AND TRADITION<br />

Socca , lakeside<br />

tranquility<br />

Nature, Culture and History<br />

8 hours AM Upon Request<br />

Who hasn’t enjoyed a day at the beach? The bright blue sky,<br />

the golden sand, and the peaceful sound of the waves give<br />

travellers the ultimate peace. Now imagine the same, but on<br />

the shores of the world’s highest navigable lake, on top of<br />

the Andes.<br />

Head to the other side of Titicaca, and the roads will take<br />

you away from the tourist route to find some beautiful and<br />

private scenes. Socca is a small community close to the shore<br />

of the lake, and the starting point for a less travelled path<br />

in the Peruvian highlands. As you walk, you can see the<br />

local people working in the fields, using thousand-year-old<br />

methods inherited from their ancestors.<br />

The beaches of the lake have a unique charm which you<br />

will soon appreciate. Let yourself be touched by the cool,<br />

refreshing breeze, while you stand on the shore and look out<br />

across the immensity of the clear water. It’s an unbeatable<br />

chance to relocate yourself in a place where nature reigns<br />

supreme.<br />

45<br />

Saenz Peña Ave. 208, Barranco. Lima


PUNO: NATURE AND TRADITION<br />

Llachon , a life<br />

experience<br />

Culture and Nature<br />

From 2 days / 1 night AM Upon Request<br />

To truly appreciate the lifestyle of the Andean communities,<br />

there is no better way than to live with them. To be “a local”<br />

for a few days will open your eyes to a different world, full<br />

of customs and traditions which are closely guarded, a<br />

testament to the cultural diversity hidden in Peru.<br />

LimaTours<br />

Llachon is a community on a peninsula in Lake Titicaca. Like<br />

other villages similarly positioned, its distance from the city<br />

has enabled it to preserve its traditional way of life, from<br />

how they dress to the collaborative working practices of the<br />

inhabitants. The beauty of the surroundings and the warmth<br />

of the people makes it a perfect place to enjoy “experiential<br />

tourism.”<br />

LimaTours<br />

When you reach Llachon, the people of the community will<br />

welcome you. Some villagers here make cloth by spinning<br />

and weaving, others are farmers or fishermen, while some<br />

maintain the household. All these activities complement<br />

each other for the benefit of all.<br />

You can spend the afternoon exploring around and<br />

about until the evening, a time for relaxing beneath the<br />

spectacularly starry sky to the gentle lapping sound of the<br />

lake waters.<br />

After spending the night in one of the villagers’ houses, you<br />

will head back to Puno, but not before visiting a fine white<br />

beach that fringe lake Titicaca. This is a dreamy landscape<br />

where you can enjoy nature in all its greatness.<br />

46


LimaTours


Yael Rojas / Promperu<br />

APPROVED


“<br />

MACA’S DISCOVERY<br />

The two “ Pietas<br />

of Lampa<br />

Archaeology and Nature<br />

8 hours AM Upon Request<br />

LimaTours<br />

After this, the Pope ordered the destruction of the first<br />

copy, but this was never carried out. In 1972, Michelangelo’s<br />

original sculpture in the Vatican was severely damaged<br />

by vandals. For the reconstruction, a special committee<br />

travelled from Italy to Lamp to take the exact measurements<br />

of the replica that had been made in plaster.<br />

In addition to the colonial influence here, we can see also the<br />

pre-Inca legacy. On the way to Lampa, we pass by Sillustani,<br />

with its impressive twelve metre high mausoleums, built by<br />

the Colla people to store the remains of their ancestors. One<br />

more sight to enjoy in the unique journey through history<br />

that Puno offers the visitor.<br />

Lampa is a charming little community near Puno. Its buildings<br />

of volcanic ashlar, with a rosy tinge, have won it the title<br />

of “the pink city”, and it appears to be lost in time. Among<br />

its colonial houses and bridges is the church of Santiago<br />

Apostol, the most important in the town: this church houses<br />

a replica of Michelangelo’s famous Pieta, made on the orders<br />

of a Pope.<br />

Martín Pauca / Promperu<br />

How did this Pieta reach the Andean altiplano? In the 1960s,<br />

Peruvian senator Enrique Torres asked Pope John XXIII for<br />

a copy of the famous sculpture to put on the dome of the<br />

church. When it arrived in Lampa, it was clear that it was<br />

too heavy for the building and threatened to bring down the<br />

dome. So a second replica was made, in black aluminium,<br />

which can still be seen today inside the church. The original<br />

plaster copy remained in the municipality.<br />

49


LOOKING<br />

TO <strong>THE</strong><br />

FUTURE<br />

OUR<br />

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS<br />

At LimaTours our objective is always to be leading the<br />

tourism industry in Peru, innovating and seeking<br />

accreditation to ensure we are providing a service of<br />

the highest quality and to international standards.<br />

OUR ADVANCED<br />

TECHNOLOGY<br />

OUR<br />

CERTIFICATIONS<br />

BUSINESS CREATIVITY <strong>2019</strong> FINALIST<br />

We were named finalists in the Tourism and<br />

Recreation category with our digital platforms<br />

Masi and Aurora.<br />

TOUR OPERATOR<br />

QENTE AWARD <strong>2019</strong><br />

We offer a personalised help service and chatbot<br />

for travellers to keep them informed about their<br />

trip before, during and after their visit.<br />

The renewal of this certification shows that our<br />

operations meet all the requirements of<br />

sustainable tourism practices.<br />

We were winners in the Travel and Tourism<br />

Agency category, recognising our social work,<br />

sustainability practices and the quality of service<br />

of our Cusco operations.<br />

LATA ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS <strong>2019</strong><br />

Our virtual platform is live 24 hours to enable<br />

our clients to plan their reservations in<br />

real-time.<br />

This certification in Corporate Social<br />

Responsibility validates our good labour and<br />

social policies with our work team, and good<br />

environmental practices to support nature and<br />

communities.<br />

We were selected as the second-best DMC of<br />

the year by LATA (Latin American Travel<br />

Association) for our quality of service, product<br />

innovation, work towards the well-being of our<br />

employees and the positive impact we have on<br />

communities and the environment.


LIMA<br />

Immerse yourself in the depths of the<br />

Inca world, something that never fails<br />

to wonder with its way of life and its<br />

sophistication. Cusco, as the capital<br />

of the Empire, is a heaven for lovers<br />

of history, where nature and culture<br />

come together to create fabulous<br />

memories.<br />

You will be amazed by more than just the<br />

Inca and colonial architecture. You can also<br />

experience the local communities and discover<br />

at first hand their traditions, which have survived<br />

for hundreds of years and will take your experience to<br />

another level.


EXPERIENCES<br />

The other face of Sacsayhuaman<br />

Cusco beneath the stars<br />

Sacred Valley, the heart of the Empire<br />

Ancient science in the laboratories of the Andes<br />

Hanan Pacha, the world of the condor


Intu


CUSCO: <strong>THE</strong> INCA EMPIRE<br />

The other face of<br />

Sacsayhuaman<br />

Adventure, Archaeology and Nature<br />

8 hours AM Upon Request<br />

The archaeological park of Sacsayhuaman is much more than<br />

Intu<br />

the mighty fortress that we all know. In fact, the complex has<br />

three thousand hectares of woodlands, villages and other<br />

attractions that are well worth the time to explore. One of<br />

these is the Balcon del Diablo (Devil’s Balcony).<br />

If you like hiking but you don’t have much time, or you want to<br />

gently acclimatise to the altitude of the Imperial City, this walk<br />

may be just the job. The route runs through the Yuncaypata<br />

valley, allowing you to enjoy the scenery and learn about the<br />

life of the locals as they go about their daily work.<br />

Despite its closeness to Cusco, the area is an oasis of calm.<br />

The peaceful surroundings with the soft sound of running<br />

water are utterly relaxing. A giant rock outcrop signals your<br />

destination, with the river running below it creating a splash<br />

of greenery with trees and plants all around. High above,<br />

there is a crack that appears to be a viewpoint.<br />

The Balcon del Diablo demonstrates the harmony between<br />

nature and architecture that is characteristic of the Inca<br />

world. If you look closely, you will see signs of their carvings<br />

and stonework around the area, where it is thought that<br />

water rituals were carried out.<br />

You can head back to the city passing by the Temple of the<br />

Moon with its caves and channels carved in the rocks. Follow<br />

the old Inca road for Antisuyo to enter Cusco through San<br />

Intu<br />

Blas, the famous barrio of local artists.<br />

55


CUSCO: <strong>THE</strong> INCA EMPIRE<br />

Cusco beneath<br />

the stars<br />

History, Culture and Gastronomy<br />

4 hours PM Upon Request<br />

Cusco at night is an exceptional experience. The cobbled<br />

lanes are filled with aromas from restaurants preparing<br />

the evening meals for their guests, the lights reflecting on<br />

the Inca stonework give it a magical glow while the fresh air<br />

refreshes you as you walk. The crowds thin out, so that you<br />

can better appreciate each detail of the city as you stroll.<br />

LimaTours<br />

The Cusco sky is full of colour when the sun goes down, so<br />

you should seek out the best place from which to enjoy it. The<br />

San Cristobal lookout, a few minutes from the Main Square,<br />

offers a spectacular view over the city. Here you will find the<br />

church of the same name, built on the foundations of an<br />

Inca palace. The trapezoidal niches in the walls still standing<br />

around the church square demonstrate the blend of Spanish<br />

and Pre-hispanic, which is typical of the Imperial City.<br />

LimaTours<br />

From San Cristobal you can walk to San Blas, an iconic Cusco<br />

barrio. Historically, it was home to the Inca nobility, and<br />

today it is known for housing the studios of famous artists.<br />

Walk through its narrow alleys and feel the unique spirit<br />

of the place while you descend towards the Main Square<br />

between imposing walls of stone.<br />

Finish off the night with a delicious dinner in the local style.<br />

Treat yourself to traditional cuisine with a modern touch,<br />

and be taken on a journey of the rich flavours of typical local<br />

ingredients perfectly combined.<br />

Enjoy yourself. That is what a stroll through the Inca capital<br />

is all about.<br />

56


LimaTours


LimaTours


CUSCO: <strong>THE</strong> INCA EMPIRE<br />

Sacred Valley , the<br />

heart of the Empire<br />

History, Culture and Archaeology<br />

8 hours AM Daily<br />

In the Inca Empire, everything had a reason for being.<br />

The cities were built in their chosen place for one reason,<br />

the buildings faced in a particular direction for another,<br />

and almost everything had a common denominator: its<br />

connection with the natural world.<br />

The Sacred Valley is nourished by the waters of the Urubamba<br />

river, which was the earthly parallel of the Milky Way.<br />

Because of its moderate altitude and mild temperatures, it<br />

was possible to grow several vital crops to the Inca Empire,<br />

such as coca leaves and maize. Beyond the cultivated fields,<br />

the main religious and military centres are placed along the<br />

valley, and we can appreciate them even today as examples<br />

of the Inca’s astonishing building work.<br />

LimaTours<br />

Chinchero is one of the most traditional towns of the valley.<br />

Its colonial church is integrated with what was once an Inca<br />

palace. The inhabitants keep up the ancient Inca ways, such<br />

as their traditional dress, and weaving techniques for which<br />

they have become famous. It is this culture, that can be seen<br />

throughout the valley, that is displayed in the Living Museum<br />

of Yucay, where you will also learn about other aspects<br />

such as working with gold and the breeding of the Andean<br />

camelids.<br />

Ollantaytambo is a gem. The village remains just as it<br />

was built, laid out according to Inca town planning. The<br />

impressive fortress raises the mountainside, where it stood<br />

as a military and religious focal point in the heart of the<br />

valley. The beautiful view from the top, the same that the<br />

Inca enjoyed five hundred years ago, gives us some idea of<br />

why this area was so special.<br />

@MatthewSchueller<br />

59


CUSCO: <strong>THE</strong> INCA EMPIRE<br />

ANCIENT SCIENCE IN<br />

<strong>THE</strong> LABORATORIES <strong>OF</strong><br />

<strong>THE</strong> ANDES<br />

Archaeology, Culture and Gastronomy<br />

5 hours AM Upon Request<br />

Pachamama, Mother Earth, was generous to the Inca, giving<br />

them fertile valleys, beautiful scenery and valuable crops which<br />

continue to supply much of the people’s diet until today.<br />

LimaTours<br />

The development of agriculture during the Inca empire was<br />

advanced, even so far as creating “laboratories” to monitor<br />

the crops. This is what happed at Moray, one of the most<br />

mysterious archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley, with its<br />

circular terraces on descending levels. Each level has a different<br />

temperature, so they could be used to plant various crops and<br />

see which growing conditions – and which region – would give<br />

the best results. A particular irrigation system in each terrace<br />

allowed the zones to grow up to 250 different products.<br />

LimaTours<br />

Tubers have been a key component in the diet of Andean<br />

communities for centuries. With technological advances<br />

and new growing techniques, these foods have evolved and<br />

spread to every dining table in the world. But on the heights<br />

of Chinchero, the oca – a particular type of Andean tuber - is<br />

not only filling the plates but also the cups and glasses.<br />

Manuel Choqque is an agricultural engineer. After years<br />

of working in his father’s fields, he decided to turn things<br />

around. And so his oca wine project was born, creating a<br />

drink with a remarkable flavour which has been perfected<br />

over time. Today, Manuel offers a tasting experience to<br />

explain his creation and how he has been able to improve<br />

oca production using natural methods to increase its health<br />

benefits. Are you tempted to try it?<br />

60


Sergio Salazar


Alex Bryce / Promperu<br />

APPROVED


MACA’S DISCOVERY<br />

Hanan Pacha , the<br />

world of the condor<br />

Nature<br />

8 hours AM Upon Request<br />

Musuk Nolte / Promperu<br />

considered divine. Its imposing size and its graceful majesty<br />

in flight will make an impression on any observer. For the<br />

Incas, this bird was a messenger between human beings<br />

and the gods, the only creature that could reach the upper<br />

world of Hanan Pacha. Today the condor is still important in<br />

the Andean communities and is part of traditional festivities<br />

such as the Yawar Fiesta.<br />

To see the condor in all its splendour, you have to seek out<br />

particular viewpoints. A few hours from Cusco, you will find<br />

the little village of Chonta, surrounded by the spectacular<br />

scenery of mountains and lakes. From here, you can walk<br />

For the Incas, nature was not only the bounty that surrounds<br />

us on Earth and gives us everything we need to live. The stars<br />

and the animals also represented divine beings in the Inca<br />

cosmovision and formed part of the universe which turned<br />

around them.<br />

The Inca world was divided into three: that of the gods, the<br />

world above (Hanan Pacha); of the living, the world here on<br />

Earth (Kay Pacha); and the place of the dead, the world below<br />

(Uku Pacha). Each was identified with a creature considered<br />

sacred, as we can see on ceramics or even, according to<br />

some studies, represented in the form of their constructions.<br />

These animals were the condor, the puma, and the serpent.<br />

to the canyon where the lookouts are situated. Patience<br />

will be rewarded when you see these birds appear, soaring<br />

overhead, inheritors and guardians of a mythical past.<br />

Gihan Tubbeh / Promperu<br />

It is not difficult to understand why the condor should be<br />

63


LIMA<br />

We have come to the end of our journey. Each<br />

stop along the way has revealed a different<br />

facet of wondrous Peru, with its natural<br />

beauty and vibrant culture, treasures that<br />

astonish the world and make the country<br />

one of the most visited tourist destinations<br />

in South America.<br />

Now it is time to discover the last point on<br />

the map: Machu Picchu. This world’s wonder<br />

never fails to surprise locals and overseas<br />

visitors alike, whether for its extravagant five<br />

hundred year history, the spiritual energy of the site,<br />

or the astounding landscape that surrounds it.


<strong>THE</strong> LIVING MAGIC<br />

<strong>OF</strong> MACHU PICCHU<br />

History, Archaeology and Culture<br />

4 hours AM | PM Upon Request<br />

LimaTours<br />

Some experiences leave a mark forever on the life of a<br />

traveller. Some places can render the most adventurous of<br />

us breathless, and give the most spiritual of us a glimpse<br />

into their innermost being. For many, Machu Picchu is one<br />

of those spots, a locale with an enchanting atmosphere that<br />

you have to visit before you die.<br />

Machu Picchu is an Inca gem. Set in a dreamlike landscape, the<br />

stone city hovers six hundred metres above the Urubamba<br />

river, on a saddle of hillside suspended between the twin<br />

mountain peaks of Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu.<br />

Since its discovery in 1911 by Hiram Bighman, millions of<br />

visitors have walked its pathways and stairs, fascinated<br />

by the skills of the ancient Peruvians who created such a<br />

spectacular complex without tools.<br />

Built by order of the Inca Pachacutec, Machu Picchu served<br />

as a rest centre for the elite. The spiritual harmony and<br />

peace created here for the ruler of the empire are yours to<br />

experience if you climb to the citadel in the early morning,<br />

away from the hustle and bustle of the valley. Explore its<br />

hidden corners and experience the mysteries of one of<br />

South America’s most fascinating cultures. You will discover<br />

a network of temples, plazas and terraces, superbly designed<br />

with hand-hewn stones each fitting perfectly with the next.<br />

Don’t miss the Inti Punku or Sun Gate, the entrance door<br />

to Machu Picchu, marking the beginning of the Inca Trail.<br />

And if it’s available, ascend to the top of the Huayna Picchu<br />

mountain. From there, you can look back down on the<br />

archaeological site and savour the fantastic panoramic view<br />

of its surroundings. Unforgettable!


MACA’S PHOTO ALBUM<br />

LimaTours<br />

CANDELARIA,<br />

PUNO<br />

SANTA CATALINA<br />

CONVENT, AREQUIPA<br />

LimaTours<br />

BALLESTAS<br />

ISLAND, ICA<br />

66


MACA’S PHOTO ALBUM<br />

LimaTours<br />

CUSCO<br />

One 1<br />

Camera<br />

@MatthewSchueller<br />

MACHU PICCHU,<br />

CUSCO<br />

OLLANTAYTAMBO,<br />

CUSCO<br />

LimaTours<br />

67


Thanks for joining me in this fabulous adventure! I hope you have<br />

enjoyed it as much as I have. Peru is a fantastic country with so much<br />

to offer to travellers. So what have I learned from this experience?<br />

There is always something<br />

new to discover in Peru. It<br />

doesn't matter how<br />

many times you visit.<br />

Our natural resources in the country<br />

are astounding. So we must<br />

protect the environment and be<br />

responsible travellers.<br />

Communities maintain their<br />

ancestral traditions and<br />

lifestyles, which we should<br />

respect.<br />

Our history lives on in the<br />

archaeological sites which can be<br />

found throughout the country, and<br />

we must learn to appreciate them.<br />

FOLLOW <strong>THE</strong>SE TIPS TO MAKE <strong>THE</strong> MOST <strong>OF</strong> YOUR TRIP<br />

1<br />

Think about the weather. You<br />

should remember that in the<br />

Peruvian Highlands, the rainy<br />

season is from December to<br />

March and the dry season<br />

from June to October. On the<br />

coast, it is summer from<br />

December to April, after which<br />

temperatures will drop. In the<br />

lowland forests, it is hot and<br />

humid almost all year round.


2<br />

The essentials. You should<br />

always carry your passport<br />

and money in cash with<br />

you. We suggest a small<br />

backpack to carry your<br />

camera, water bottle,<br />

sunblock, a hat and<br />

sunglasses during the day.<br />

PASSPORT<br />

3<br />

Be a green tourist. Don't leave your<br />

footprint on the natural world and<br />

choose reusable water bottles.<br />

LimaTours provides water re-filling<br />

points to help you stay hydrated<br />

throughout your travels.<br />

<strong>23</strong> KG<br />

4<br />

Take note of restrictions. Airlines and<br />

trains have limits on the weight and<br />

size of your luggage. Internal flights<br />

take cases up to <strong>23</strong> kilos, according<br />

to your class of flight. Trains to<br />

Machu Picchu only accept hand<br />

baggage of less than five kilos.<br />

5 KG<br />

5<br />

Look after yourself and be smart. To<br />

deal with weather as changeable as<br />

we have in Peru, choose clothing you<br />

can quickly put on or take off if you<br />

get too hot or too cold. You should<br />

also have comfortable shoes that<br />

allow you to walk around the city, as<br />

well as deal with more challenging<br />

terrain.<br />

Scan this code and read<br />

everything you need to know<br />

before you travel to Peru.


ica<br />

DAY 1<br />

BALLESTAS ISLANDS AND<br />

CONVERSATION WITH A FISHERMAN<br />

SUNSET OVER <strong>THE</strong> DUNES<br />

DAY 2<br />

AWAKENING IN <strong>THE</strong> VINEYARDS<br />

PARACAS NATIONAL RESERVE IN <strong>THE</strong><br />

DAKAR STYLE<br />

DAY 4<br />

SANTA CATALINA AND<br />

ANDEAN MUSEUMS<br />

TASTING <strong>OF</strong> "PICANTERIAS"<br />

DAY 3<br />

OVERFLIGHT <strong>THE</strong> NASCA LINES<br />

DAY 5<br />

ASHLAR ROUTE<br />

FULL DAY AT SALINAS AND AGUADA<br />

BLANCA NATIONAL RESERVE<br />

AREQUIPA


CUSCO<br />

DAY 11<br />

DEVIL'S BALCONY<br />

CUSCO NIGHT WALKING<br />

TOUR<br />

DAY 14<br />

CHINCHERO, LIVING<br />

MUSEUM <strong>OF</strong> YUCAY<br />

AND OLLANTAYTAMBO<br />

DAY 12<br />

OBSERVATION <strong>OF</strong><br />

CONDORS IN CHONTA<br />

DAY 15<br />

VISIT MACHU<br />

PICCHU<br />

DAY 13<br />

MORAY AND<br />

EXPERIENCE <strong>OF</strong> OCA<br />

DAY 16<br />

INTERNATIONAL<br />

FLIGHT<br />

DAY 6<br />

COLCA AND CRUZ DEL CONDOR LOOKOUT<br />

TRANSFER FROM AREQUIPA TO PUNO<br />

DAY 7<br />

CANDELARIA COSTUME AND<br />

DANCE WORKSHOP<br />

TREK TO <strong>THE</strong> SOCCA PENINSULA<br />

DAY 8<br />

UROS AND TAQUILE<br />

EXPERIENCE <strong>OF</strong> VIVENTIAL<br />

TOURISM IN AMANTANI - DAY 1<br />

PUNO<br />

DAY 10<br />

SILLUSTANI AND LAMPA<br />

TRANSFER FROM PUNO<br />

TO CUSCO<br />

DAY 9<br />

EXPERIENCE <strong>OF</strong> VIVENTIAL TOURISM<br />

IN AMANTANI - DAY 2

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