Brinkman Travel's Peru and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu



	Home About Us News Holland BT Tours Pilgrimages Cruises Solo Travel Business Travel Travel Links Contact Us	Peru and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Join Tour Leader Ineke Brinkman to Hike the famous Inca Trail Let ancient ruins inspire you Explore Cusco and the Sacred Valley Celebrate the Inti Raymi Sun Festival June 15 – 27, 2009 Live Life! Peel back the layers of great civilizations to discover Peru's cultural treasures. Combine the convenience and value of group travel with the independence of traveling on your own, and you'll have an idea of how this journey allows you to do the things you like while discovering the region's hidden treasures that few independent visitors get to experience. Come to Peru – relive the past and walk in the present! Day 1, Monday, June 15, 2009 Toronto − Lima We depart Toronto on Air Canada flight 080 at 5:10 pm to arrive in Lima just before midnight. Upon arrival we will transfer to our hotel. Day 2, Tuesday, June 16 Lima After breakfast, we depart for a half day city tour of Lima taking in both the colonial and modern sections of this "City of Kings." Colonial sites include the lovely Plaza de Armas with its cathedral and government palace and the nearby exquisite Torre Tagle Palace, modern day seat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In modern Lima we drive along the exclusive residential areas of Miraflores and San Isidro. Continue to the Larco Museum. The museum, founded in 1926, showcases remarkable chronological galleries providing an excellent overview on 3,000 years of Peruvian pre Columbian history. Located in a unique vice royal mansion of the 18^th century built over a 7^th century pre Columbian pyramid, it is surrounded by beautiful gardens. It features the finest gold and silver collection from Ancient Peru and the famous erotic archaeological collection, one of the most visited Peruvian tourist attractions. (B) Day 3, Wednesday, June 17 Lima − Cusco After breakfast transfer to the airport for our midday flight to Cusco. Upon arrival we proceed to our hotel and enjoy a welcome drink of coca tea. This should help us to relieve altitude sickness. Cusco is perched in the Andes 3,400 meters (11,152 feet) above sea level and derives its name from the Inca word meaning navel, indicating its position at the center of the Inca Empire. The remainder of the day is to relax and slowly acclimatize. In the evening we will meet for dinner. (B, D) Day 4, Thursday, June 18Cusco On the program today is a tour of Cusco and its ruins. Cusco is the sacred city of the Inca and the archaeological capital of the Amazonas. We tour the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere, including important landmarks of enchanting Cusco, the nearby ruins of Kenko, Pucapucara and Tambomachay, and the Sacsayhuaman fortress. Modern day Cusco is a delightful combination of Inca and colonial architecture. During the tour you will visit Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun, an astronomical observatory once home to some 4,000 priests and attendants. You visit the Cathedral which features a solid silver altar, massive bell and Cusquena style paintings. You will also see the Santo Domingo Church and the Plaza de Armas. (B) June 19-20-21-22: the Great 43 km Inca Trek (3 nights/4 days); we overnight in two persons or single tents in campsites. Day 5, Friday, June 19 Cusco − Yunkachimpa We depart from Cusco by backpackers train at 06:50 am and zig-zag uphill with a series of switchbacks on to Urubamba where we have a brief stop in the Sacred Valley and then on to Chillca to start our trekking at km 82. We will have lunch in Miskay and go to see the Inca city of Llactapata before continuing through the Kusichaca River Valley to the first campsite in Yunkachimpa. Hiking time today is about 5 hours. (B, L, D) Day 6, Saturday, June 20Yunkachimpa − Pacaymayo We will have an early breakfast and start trekking to the highest point of the Inca Trail, where we can see different ecological zones and enjoy changing climates. We will cross the Warmiwanuska pass at 4,198 m (13,770 ft) above sea level. After lunch we will continue on to the campsite at Pacaymayo and enjoy dinner and a well deserved rest. Hiking time today is about 8 hours. (B, L, D) Day 7, Sunday, June 21Pakaymayo − Winaywayna We will hike approximately 45 minutes up to reach the second pass at 3,950 m (12,956 ft) above sea level, visiting the Runkurakay Inca site along the way. We will also visit the Sayacmarka archeological group and then go on to the Phuyupatamarka ruins. After lunch we head to Winaywayna where we will spend our last night on the trail. Hiking time today is about 7 hours. (B, L, D) Day 8, Monday, June 22Winaywayna − Machu Picchu After an early breakfast, we start on the final leg of the trek to Machu Picchu. We will arrive at Intipunku (the Sun Gate) for an unforgettable sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. From Intipunku descend into Machu Picchu and enter the citadel from the highest point through the "House of the Guardians." We register and start our three hour guided visit. After enjoying the ruins, we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes where you will have free time to enjoy the town and to indulge in the facilities of your lovely hotel. Hiking time today is about 4 hours. (B, D) Day 9, Tuesday, June 23 Machu Picchu − Cusco The morning is free to enjoy a leisurely breakfast and an optional massage perhaps or to further enjoy one of the most incredible sights on earth: the ruins of Machu Picchu. This UNESO World Heritage Site is an ancient complex of almost 200 houses, palaces and temples. This masterfully planned site once served as a center of worship, astronomical observatory and private retreat for the Inca ruler Pachacutec and his family. Take as much time as you need to study the mysterious ruins, including the Temple of the Three Windows, the Sacristy, the famous Hitching Post of the Sun and the Temple of the Sun. In the afternoon return by the backpackers train to Cusco and transfer to the hotel. (B) Day 10, Wednesday, June 24 Cusco – Sacred Valley Today we have scheduled an excursion to the Pisac Indian Market and the Ollantaytambo Fortress. We begin with a drive through the fertile countryside to the colonial village of Pisac. During our visit to the bustling marketplace you will have the opportunity to bargain with the natives for many different types of Peruvian handicrafts and jewellery. After an included lunch in a local restaurant we journey to Ollantaytambo where gigantic monoliths stand atop a grand staircase, framing the only temple that successfully withstood Spanish attack in 1537. The lovely town of Ollantaytambo is built on top of Inca foundations and is the one surviving example of Inca town planning. In the afternoon return to Cusco. (B, L) Day 11, Thursday, June 25Cusco Today enjoy one of the most incredible festivals. The Winter Solstice in the southern hemisphere and the local harvests are the driving force behind the greatest, most majestic pre Hispanic ceremony to render homage to the sun. Today, the Inti Raymi festival evokes the splendid Inca ritual of yore, being carefully scripted by Cusco professors, archaeologists and historians. The central event is acted out on the esplanade below the imposing fortress of Sacsayhuaman, 2 km outside the city of Cusco, easily reached by car or on foot. There, step by step, thousands of actors enact a long ceremony giving thanks to the sun god, Inti. The Inca ruler is borne on a royal litter from the Koricancha or Temple of the Sun to the Huacaypata, the city's main square, where he commands the local authorities to govern fairly. Then all the participants set out for Sacsayhuaman, where the ceremony calls for the sacrifice of two llamas, one black and one white. The llamas' entrails and fat are handed to a pair of high priests. The first, the Callpa Ricuy, examines the intestines to predict what sort of year lies ahead while the second priest, the Wupariruj, makes his predictions based on the smoke that wafts up from the burning fat. The high priests' predictions are then interpreted by the Willac Umo, the lord high priest, who bears the news to the Inca. Finally, at sunset, the Inca ruler orders all to withdraw from the site, and the entire city breaks out into festivities that will rage for several days. (B, L) Day 12, Friday, June 26Cusco − Lima Free morning for independent activities. You may wish to visit the Salesian Lay Missionaries. They founded "Casa Don Bosco" 25 years ago. This house is the home for children of extremely poor families from Cusco's neighboring towns. Brinkman Travel will leave a donation to extend Casa Don Bosco to accommodate more needy children. Wandering through this lovely city, exploring the astonishing narrow streets of this tile roofed colonial town will be an unforgettable experience. Great buys are the traditional Peruvian handicrafts, alpaca wool sweaters, rugs, ponchos, pottery, gold and silver jewellery, and leather goods. We transfer from hotel to the airport for an afternoon flight to Lima. We will store our luggage at the airport or check it through to Toronto and take a transfer to the historic heart of Lima, the City of Kings that has left a captivating history and a legacy of superb art, customs and rituals. Lima is also recognized as a UNESO World Heritage Site. After a farewell dinner in a local restaurant fitting for Brinkman Travel's Kings and Queens, we will return to the Lima airport around 10:00 pm. (B, D) Day 13, Saturday, June 27 Lima − Home Depart Friday night, just past midnight to arrive in Toronto on Saturday morning at 10:40 am, unless you wish to extend your stay to the Amazon and/or the Galapagos Islands. Prices: Toronto air inclusive program, June 15 – 27: $3675 CA per person based on sharing (other gateways upon request) Single supplement $ 875 Airport and fuel related taxes are extra Inclusions of this Adventure Trip: First class accommodation in Lima and Cusco Half day Lima city tour with Larco Museum Domestic roundtrip airline ticket Lima − Cusco Half day Cusco guided city tour and nearby ruins Full day Pisac Indian Market and the Ollantaytambo Fortress Pisac with lunch and guide Four day/three night Inca Trail camping package – two person tents in campsites including foam sleeping pad Porters to carry tents, food and cooking equipment along the Inca Trail Cusco – Chillca and Machu Picchu – Cusco backpacker's train ticket Full day Inti Raymi Festival All entrance fees during the excursions All transportation for the excursions Meals as indicated (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner) 24-hour emergency phone number Exclusive Extras: Monthly group hikes in preparation for our adventure starting Saturday September 27, 2008 Services of hostess Ineke Brinkman throughout the entire journey Social pre tour gathering when we hand out your travel documents and introduce you to your fellow travelers Detailed travel and destination information to assist you in your planning Not Included: Airport taxes and fuel related taxes Excess baggage charges Expenses of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, bottled water Tips to tour guides, drivers, and bell boys Services, entrance fees not listed in the itinerary Insurance protection; inquire about needs and premium with Brinkman Travel Inc Important to Know: The currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol (S/.) It is not possible to buy these in North America or take more than a small number out of Peru. We strongly advise you take US dollars with you including some small bills. We recommend you drink and use bottled water. Food is generally of high standard. Typical Peruvian dishes tend to be spicy. Classic Peruvian spirit is Pisco – a white grape brandy; normally served as a Pisco Sour – a cocktail made of Pisco, sugar, lemon, egg and angostura bitters. The principal language in Peru is Spanish, with Cequa being spoken in the mountain region around Cusco and Machu Picchu. (study your Lonely Planet Latin-American phrase book) Peru is 5 hours behind GMT or one hour behind Toronto time Climate: June is the dry season. Average high temperatures are 20 degrees Celsius during the day but can be below freezing at night in the Andes. Luggage: restricted to one check in piece (maximum 44 pounds) and a small carry on. Itinerary may change due to local conditions. This program operates in high altitude locations and many excursions involve an element of walking, as some of the finest attractions are not closely accessible by motor coach. The trek combines the visit of mysterious archaeological sites, amazing mountain scenery and lush forest rich in Andean flora and fauna. Book by October 31, 2008 and receive the Lonely Planet guidebook to PERU for free! Terms and Conditions for Peru 2009 How to Book Early reservations are recommended by completing the registration form and writing a cheque made payable to Brinkman Travel Inc for $500 plus payment of the optional insurance premium. A second payment of $ 1,000 is due by December 1, 2008 and final payment is due by April 1, 2009. Cancellation Fees Cancellations are subject to the following maximum cancellation charges: For cancellation up to December 1, 2008 the deposit is forfeited For cancellations between December 1 and April 1, 2009 a penalty of $ 1500 applies For cancellations from April 1 onward 100 % of the tour costs will be charged If you need to cancel, Brinkman Travel Inc will refund all money paid towards the tour less the applicable cancellation fee. These charges apply to the tour only, and do not include cancellation charges for any other arrangements. Price Guarantee: In order to guarantee this price, a minimum number of 10 people is required. Health Suggestions Contact your local Public Health Department for proper advice. Insurance We strongly recommend you purchase insurance coverage through Brinkman Travel to protect you in the event of trip cancellation, protection to baggage, possessions and valuables, and to cover against personal accident. Insurance premium is due at time of booking and is non-refundable. Passport and Visa Canadian and U.S. citizens must be in possession of a passport that must be valid for at least six months after your return date. Travel Documentation Your tour itinerary, accommodation list, vouchers and airline tickets, passenger list, suggested packing list and luggage tags will be handed out/mailed three weeks prior to departure. Airline Responsibility Clause The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time the passengers are not aboard their conveyance. The passenger contract in use by the airlines concerned when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the airline and the purchaser of the ticket. Responsibility Brinkman Travel Inc of St. Catharines, Ontario acts as an agent for the various companies, owners and contractors providing means of transportation, accommodation or other services. Brinkman Travel Inc assumes no responsibility or liability in connection with the service of any aircraft, vessel, carriage or other conveyance which is used wholly or in part, in the performance of this duty to the passengers. Neither will Brinkman Travel be responsible for any act, omission or error, or for any injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity, or any neglect or default of any company or person engaged in carrying out the purposes for which tickets or coupons have been issued; neither can we be liable for errors or omissions resulting from acts of God, strikes, weather, quarantines, sickness, government regulations or any loss or expense resulting from the above contingencies. Expenses for said losses shall be borne by the tour members. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable for any reason to alter the itinerary or arrangements, Brinkman Travel retains the right to do so. Additional cost for such alterations shall be borne by the passengers. Notice to Travelers You should be aware that different living standards and practices and different standards and conditions with respect to the provision of utilities, services and accommodations might exist outside of Canada. Travel arrangements are made by Ineke Brinkman, CTM, Owner of Brinkman Travel Inc. Ineke reached the roof of Africa in February 2003 and Mt. Everest Base Camp in May 2007. She stood on the Inca Trail in June 1993 and is ready to hike it – with you in June 2009!
	Brinkman Travel Inc, 3 Mountainview Drive, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada L2T 3H3 Phone: 905.988.9100 Fax: 905.988.9400 Email: mail [at symbol] brinkmantravel.com Website: brinkmantravel.com TICO Reg. 4396230 (Note: Email address is altered to fool spammers. Insert the @ symbol when sending us an email.) © 2008 Brinkman Travel Inc. All rights reserved.