PERU: LAND OF THE INCA WITHIN THE MOUNTAINS OF PERU LIES A WEALTH OF ANCIENT INCA TEMPLES,
Spanish colonial towns, and breathtaking Andean vistas. Discover the magnificent capital of Cusco, hike to ruins in the Urubamba Valley, and meet artisans and archaeologists. Then spend the night just steps away from the enchanting ruins of Machu Picchu, excavated by Hiram Bingham with funding from National Geographic. EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS
• Spend two days exploring the mountaintop Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. • Join archaeologist Peter Frost for talks on his archaeological finds in Peru, which have been featured in National Geographic magazine.* • Attend a private demonstration of traditional Andean weaving techniques by a National Geographic grantee. • Listen to a performance by a local musician playing indigenous instruments.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPERT Born and raised in a small Peruvian village, Ernesto Ore is well versed in the rich history, traditions, and modern life of his people. He is currently president of the Fundación Apu Kuntur, a nonprofit dedicated to saving the endangered Andean condor, and he has served as an apprentice to a high priest and healer from the Andes. Ernesto has been introducing travelers to his native culture for more than a dozen years, lecturing on topics ranging from local wildlife and Inca ruins to traditional Peruvian perspectives on astronomy. ERNESTO WILL ACCOMPANY SEVERAL DEPARTURES. SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR HIS DEPARTURE DATES. THIS TRIP IS OFFERED IN ASSOCIATION WITH LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS.
The National Geographic Society funds research, conservation, and exploration, including excavations of early Inca religious sites in Peru.
46
I T I N E R A RY
| 8 DAYS
DAY 1 LIMA, PERU
Arrive in Lima, Peru’s capital, founded in the 1500s by conquistador Francisco Pizarro, and transfer to our hotel. WYNDHAM COSTA DEL SOL LIMA AIRPORT HOTEL DAY 2 CUSCO/SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCA
Fly from Lima to Cusco this morning and drive into Urubamba Valley, known as the Sacred Valley of the Inca. Continue to the Inca site of Moray— believed to have been an agricultural laboratory where priests would test soils and crops. Enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch at the parador overlooking the ruins. Stop at a colorful local market before an optional visit to the pottery studio of Pablo Seminario, featuring ceramics made with ancient Peruvian techniques and designs. HOTEL SOL Y LUNA (B, L, D)
Peter Frost, an archaeologist, writer, photographer, and National Geographic grantee, joins us on Days 2 and 3 of our expedition.*
DAY 3 SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCA
After breakfast, enjoy a talk by National Geographic grantee Peter Frost*, who has been exploring the Andes for 35 years. In 2001 and 2002, Peter led National Geographic Society– sponsored expeditions into the remote region of Vilcabamba, Peru, finding and exploring the previously unknown Inca and pre-Inca site of Qoriwayrachina (see National Geographic magazine, February 2004). Travel further into the valley to Ollantaytambo and explore the massive stone fortress where the Inca won their greatest victory against the conquistadores. Visit the family-owned hacienda Casa Orihuela for lunch;
*On departures that coincide with Peter’s field work, either anthropologist Jean-Jacques Decoster or ethnomusicologist Holly Wissler—both Peter’s colleagues—will join us instead. Above: Perched on a secluded hilltop in the Peruvian Andes, the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most celebrated archaeological sites.