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.
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I T I N E R A RY
| 8 DAYS
DAY 1 U.S./LIMA, PERU
Depart for Lima, Peru’s capital, founded in the 1500s by conquistador Francisco Pizarro. Transfer to our hotel and enjoy an evening to relax. WYNDHAM COSTA DEL SOL LIMA AIRPORT HOTEL DAY 2 CUSCO/SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCA
Fly to Cusco and drive into Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Inca, stopping for a visit to Awanacancha, a llama and alpaca farm. Settle into private bungalows nestled in tropical gardens and enjoy a talk by National Geographic grantee Peter Frost* before dinner. In 2001 and 2002, Peter led National Geographic Society–sponsored expeditions into the remote region of Vilcabamba, Peru and discovered the Inca and pre-Inca site of Qoriwayrachina (National Geographic magazine, February 2004). 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 journey.*
DAY 3 SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCA
Travel further into the valley to Ollantaytambo and join Peter to explore the enormous stone fortress where the Inca won their greatest victory against the conquistadores. Back at the lodge, watch a weaving demonstration by National Geographic grantee Nilda Callañaupa, who has helped preserve traditional Andean textile arts. After a barbecue lunch, witness the delicate dance of Paso horses. Gather for a performance of folk stilt-dancing tonight. (B, L, D) DAY 4 MACHU PICCHU
An exhilarating train ride brings us through the
*On departures that coincide with Peter’s field work, either anthropologist Jean-Jacques Decoster or ethnomusicologist Holly Wissler—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.