PILGRIMAGE TOUR TO PERU

Sep 18 Depart Toronto for Lima.

Sep 19 Upon arrival, we will approach the colonial history of Lima. During the conquest and the Viceroyalty, the role of the priestly orders was fundamental, and proof of that is the large number of churches we can find throughout the country. Today, we will focus on three of the most impressive in the capital|s historic center, such as the Cathedral in the Plaza de Armas, whose fascinating interior houses beautiful altarpieces and fine works of art. We will have the opportunity to enter one of the most iconic ecclesiastical spaces in Lima, the Convent of Santo Domingo, also declared Cultural Heritage of Humanity and where the relics of three Peruvian saints are found: Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martín de Porres and San Juan Macías. The Convent of San Francisco and its church cannot be absent, another representative point of Lima|s fervor and considered one of the most recognized artistic corners for its imposing baroque style façade and the fantastic pieces that contain its interior rooms. Dinner and overnight in Lima.

Sep 20 After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight from Lima to Cusco. Then transfer to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, which will show us their ingenuity as architects and farmers: Maras, Moray and Chinchero. From the top, we will have a majestic view of the ancient Maras salt mines, where the coveted Maras salt – one of the finest in the world – is collected. We will see almost 3,000 pools that in Inca times were an important center for the imperial economy. We will also arrive at the Moray archaeological site, which resembles a natural amphitheater. We will enjoy a delicious lunch based on local products before visiting the Chinchero archaeological complex, one of the most impressive in the area that during the Tahuantinsuyo, was an agricultural and livestock center, with terraces and aqueducts. Nearby, we will see the exterior of the Nuestra Señora de Monserrat church, built in 1607 on top of the old Inca palace and which today is an example of the confluence of Andean and Spanish culture during the Viceroyalty, especially in the artistic aspect of its decoration. Dinner and overnight in Yucay.

Sep 21 Today, we will learn about the tradition and history of the Sacred Valley, the traces left by its ancient inhabitants, and the culture of its current towns. We will stop at 3,200 meters above sea level. at the Taray viewpoint, from where we can obtain a stunning panoramic view of the valley. We will reach the top of the Apu Inti Huatana hill where we will find the archaeological complex of Pisac, which houses dazzling stone platforms and offers a privileged view of the traditional town that bears the same name. Walking through its buildings we will see why it is one of the most relevant in the valley, both for its urban planning and for the variety of environments or “neighborhoods” dedicated to religious ceremonies, rooms, and temples. We will also visit Pisac town, characterized by its quiet streets and its market where it proudly lives its millenary heritage represented in its textile art, ceramics, jewelry pieces and other handicrafts. We will visit the main temple, terraces, and fountains while enjoying an unbeatable view of the town. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Sep 22 After breakfast, you will be transferred to Ollanta Station.
One of the most important tourist landmarks in the world awaits us: Machu Picchu! Our adventure will begin aboard the train to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, a picturesque town at the foot of the emblematic Inca citadel. During the train ride, we can enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings, with impressive views of majestic mountains, the Vilcanota river and small towns of the Peruvian Andes; a visual feast that fills us with anticipation for the visit to the wonder that is Machu Picchu. After a short bus ride from Aguas Calientes we will find ourselves in front of one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. From there, we will explore the ancient ruins, learning all about the history and mysteries that this mystical and impressive place holds. Dinner and overnight in Aguas Calientes.

Sep 23 Transfer back to Cusco. Dinner and overnight in Cusco.

Sep 24 After breakfast, explore the picturesque, historic city center of Cusco, also known as the Imperial City, and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983. We begin with the charming neighbourhood of San Blas, also known as the ‘artists’ district’. Here we’ll visit the church, said to have been built on the site of an Inca sanctuary. Walking down the San Blashill or ‘cuesta’, we‘ll pass the legendary 12-angled Inca stone on our way to the Plaza de Armas (main square), where we’ll visit the Cathedral. We will then continue through some of the most emblematic streets in the city center towards the Koricancha, also known as the golden temple. Dinner and overnight in Cusco

Sep 25 After breakfast, you will leave for Puno, enjoying the wonderful landscapes of the Southern Valley of Cusco on the way. First you will visit Andahuaylillas, where you will find the church of San Pedro, a beautiful 17th-century building that has an impressive organ, decorated with angels and cherubs. Then, you will visit the Raqchi ruins -also known as The Temple of God Wiracocha- which have different areas that were used for various purposes.Then, you will head to La Raya, the highest point between Cusco and Puno, where you will make a short stop to appreciate the landscape. Afterwards, you will go to Pucará, where you will visit the town and the museum of this Inca military construction, which also functioned as an administrative center. Dinner and overnight in Puno.

Sep 26 Private | Full Day Uros and Taquile

After breakfast, tour Lake Titicaca, home to unique communities with which we will share unforgettable moments learning about their culture and traditions. As we hike to the top of the island, we can see different types of crops with the lake and the Illimani Mountain range in the background, a fascinating combination of green and blue. After touring the island and connecting with its customs, we will share a moment with the community amidst dances and traditional music. Dinner and overnight at Lake hotel.

Sep 27 After having breakfast, we tour Sillustani, an unmissable spot on any visit to Puno. Later, we will head to the Atuncolla district to meet local alpaca herding families who will share some dishes that showcase the best of their cuisine. After tasting its diversity of potatoes, fresh cheese, and chaco, we will visit the community to learn more about its customs, crafts, natural medicine, and all the richness of its Andean origins. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima. Dinner and overnight in Lima.

Sep 28 After breakfast, we go on a journey full of art, culture, and flavour awaits us in Lima’s bohemian neighbourhood par excellence: Barranco. We will explore its streets that still keep their colonial and republican legacy as the Saenz Peña Boulevard, which stands out for its old houses influenced by the Gothic style.Barranco is characterized by the energy breathed into its beautiful boardwalk, with an extraordinary view of the Pacific Ocean. Following it, we will arrive at the Bridge of Sighs or |Puente de los Suspiros|, one of the most important attractions of the district, inspiring unique legends and motivating songs and poems. For the shopping fanatics, we will take a look at some Peruvian art and handicraft stores to take a souvenir home before ending our adventure in Barranco. Dinner and overnight in Lima.

Sep 29 After breakfast, transfer to airport for your flight home.

TOUR COST CAD$4,990.00 INCLUDES:

– air transportation including local flights Lima – Cuzco, Cuzco – Lima,
– 4* hotel accommodation, based on double occupancy
– All taxes and tips
– 2 meals breakfast and dinner daily
– all sightseeing as per itinerary with English speaking guide

NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR:
– Single Supplement $900
– Lunches that are not specified, insurance, documentation.

HOW TO BOOK:
A non refundable deposit of $300.00 per person is required at time of booking. Insurance with premium(if desired) must be purchased at the time of booking.

BALANCE OF PAYMENT
Balance due is payable 105 days prior to departure
For late bookings /within 105 days/ full payment is due immediately.

CANCELLATION:
If cancellation is necessary, please advise QS Travel & Tours immediately in writing. Cancellation charges are as follows:
105 days before departure ……………………………..…………….$300.00 per person
Between 104 and 61 days before departure …..……………… 40% of the total cost
Between 60 and 45 days before departure ……………………. 60% of the total cost
45 days or less …………………………………..……………………… 100% of the total cost

IF YOU CHANGE YOUR BOOKING:
A $25 administration charge will be applied for changes you make to your booking outside the 90 days to departure period. Please note name changes are not allowed and such will be treated as cancellations.

IF QS TRAVEL & TOURS CHANGES YOUR BOOKING:
QS Travel & Tours will advise you of any change we feel significantly alters the holiday which you have purchased from us. Occasionally, changes might occur close to departure time. In such cases, you will be notified as early as possible. Due to circumstances beyond our control, the local tour operator may have to make last minute changes in hotel or schedule. In case the standard of the accommodation is changed, QS Travel & Tours will offer the choice of a full and immediate refund or comparable alternate travel services acceptable to you.

UNUSED SERVICES:
No refund or adjustment can be made for any portion of holiday not used.

GOOD VALUE AND EXPECTATIONS:
The Ministry of Consumer Relations requires that Ontarians traveling abroad be advised that they may encounter different living standards and practices than those at home.

FLIGHT CONNECTIONS:
In the event of a change in our flight times, with or without notice, we cannot accept responsibility for any special connecting fares which you might purchase and which cannot be changed without penalty.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION:
A valid Canadian passport is required for all visits outside of Canada. It is the sole responsibility of the passenger to ensure proper and valid documentation. Failure to provide valid documentation may result in denied boarding of the aircraft and cancellation of your flight arrangements without refund. If you are holding a passport other than Canadian, please contact QS Travel & Tours to determine whether or not a visa is required for entry into the country you will be visiting.

BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE
One piece of luggage of 23kg per person plus a carry-on-bag /weighting not more than 5 kg/

FLIGHT TIMES
All flight times are subject to change with or without prior notice to the passengers or his/her agent. QS Travel & Tours does not accept liability for missed connection or any expenses resulting from an off-schedule, rescheduled or late flight operations.

PRICES
Prices in this brochure are given in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated. Prices are correct at the time of going to press. In the event of any change beyond QS Travel & Tours control, including but not limited to increase in the price of fuel, currency fluctuations affecting our costs, or increases in government taxes or levies. QS Travel & Tours reserves the right to surcharge the passenger/s up to 7% of a tour cost.

LIABILITY
QS Travel & Tours Inc. is a tour operator and has made the advertised holiday arrangements with the airline/s/, hotel/s/, cruiseship/s/, other operator/s/ and other. Each of these organizations has its own specific terms and conditions for doing business and you will be bound by them. QS Travel & Tours accepts no responsibility for /A/ the acts or omissions of any party/ies/ other than QS Travel & Tours employees./B/failure by the passenger to be properly documented; /C/ failure by the passenger to comply with departure or joining or baggage requirements;/D/ aircraft delays, government actions, priests change their commitments as spiritual directors, etc, act/s/ of God or any factor beyond our direct control; /E/ cancellation or delay to any tour or holiday or change to the itinerary; /F/ expenses resulting from lost or damaged baggage. QS Travel & Tours accepts no responsibility for additional expenses due to delays or changes in air, rail, road, sea or other service, quarantine, sickness, war, weather or other causes All such expenses will have to be borne by the passengers. QS Travel & Tours reserves the right to refuse any person as a member of these tours at its sole discretion. QS Travel & Tours reserves the right to cancel any or all departure/s/ with or without prior notice and QS Travel & Tours sole responsibility shall be to refund all monies paid for such cancelled departures. The laws and courts which govern this contract are those of the Province of Ontario.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
When you book you QS Travel & Tours, an agreement is made between you and QS Travel & Tours and others who will provide services. Please read carefully the information on this page for it sets out the conditions governing the provision of these holidays.

TRAVEL INSURANCE 
Please contact our agents for insurance quote.
Insurance rates subject to change any time.
Once purchased insurance premiums are not refundable.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL:
Tel 905-412-3355, 1-800-565-3619
Email: group@qstours.com