 |
| 274 Bohart Rd., Wenatchee, WA 98801, USA Toll Free: 1-(877)-415-6055, www.redlotustours.com |
Sacred Gifts Graduate Tour - Peru!
16 Day/15 Night Itinerary
May 20 - June 4, 2011
Thursday, May 19th
Travel day from Vancouver B.C. to Lima, capital city of Peru. You will arrive in the wee hours of Friday the 20th and after clearing customs and immigration in Peru you will be taken by private transport to our Lima hotel to get a good night’s rest.
Friday, May 20th
Day in Lima.
After everyone is awake and fed we will have a couple of different options for you;
1 - A city tour including the Cathedral de San Francisco and the Plaza de Armas (town square) where we will enjoy getting comfortable with the reality of being in a foreign country as well as getting used to the sound of the Spanish all around you.
2 - Orientation regarding the Nuevo sol (Peruvian currency), ATM’s, internet and other conveniences while in Peru. A stroll through the lovely neighborhood of Miraflores and the night market in the square are all part of your first day in Peru.
Saturday, May 21st
We begin our day with a morning flight to Cusco, capital of the Incan Empire and gateway to the Andes. Upon arrival, we will immediately board a private bus and drive 1-1/2 hrs to our retreat center in the Sacred Valley.
During this trip, we will take time to stop and visit Chinchero, a community known for its woven goods. We will also visit an amazing salt flats operation en route to Ollantaytambo, and for those who want to stretch their legs and get a little exercise, there is an opportunity to hike down into the valley for a while and meet up with the bus further down the road.
We’ll introduce you to Ollantaytambo and the ruins overlooking this pretty little town. Then, spend the remainder of the evening at leisure in this picturesque and magical setting.
Sunday, May 22nd
We begin with a tour of the ruins in Ollantaytambo and learn about Andean shamanic practices. Then, in early afternoon we will drive into the some of the higher villages to meet the people of Willoc and Patacancha. Options for hiking or riding as you choose. We will be at higher altitudes today.
Monday, May 23rd
We spend this day experiencing “voluntourism” , our giving back aspect here in the Sacred Valley.
There are a variety of opportunities to really get to know the locals and share your heart, love & sacred gifts with these hard working, beautiful people. We will pick meaningful projects that are sure to be a highlight of your trip depending on what the needs are in the community when we visit.
We promise that you will be inspired and full of gratitude at the end of this day!
Tuesday, May 24th
Morning train to Aguas Calientes…..the town at the base of Machu Picchu!
Get settled into your hotel and wander the streets of this small town, pulsating with the energy of the mountains and spiritual seekers from around the world. In the afternoon our guide and shaman will take us on a nature hike outside the town to a beautiful waterfall. Here we will learn more about
“Madre Tierra” (Mother Earth) as seen through the eyes of the indigenous people of this region; and experience a sacred ritual to connect with that earth energy.
Wednesday, May 25th
Machu Picchu! Today we will rise early (smile!) and catch a bus to go to the world wonder known as “Machu Picchu”. You’ve all seen the travel posters and photos online…now you will be there. Have your cameras ready as we watch the morning mist dissipate, revealing the ancient architecture of the Incas. Washington and Jesus will give us a guided tour of the ruins. Lunch to be taken at the 5 star hotel onsite followed by an afternoon of leisure amongst the ruins.
You then have the choice to either ride or hike down the mountain at the end of this magical day.
Thursday, May 26th
Machu Picchu deserves another day and for those of you who dream of climbing Huayna Pichhu, this is your time! We will have reserved a space for you to have that experience. For those of you who aren’t interested in the climb, we have options of hiking back up the Inca Trail just a short distance with one of the guides to see more views of the area and studying more about the culture of the Incas or just enjoying Machu Picchu on your own. Whatever your choice, enjoy being in this vibration and we will all meet in town in the evening for great dinner & music.
Friday, May 27th
We catch the morning train back to Ollantaytambo and then onto a bus for the trip back to Cusco…the city awaits! Afternoon will include an orientation to the city from our San Blas hotel and the evening will be casual and at leisure for those who are wanting some down time. For those who want more structured time, we have some evening activities planned after dinner.
Saturday, May 28th
Tour of Sacsayhuaman, an old Incan fortress on the outskirts of Cusco.
We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch and spend the afternoon hiking the Eucalyptus forests with our local guides and shaman. These hillsides are known for their surprises so bring your playful spirit along today.
Sunday, May 29th
City tour. The city of Cusco is, itself, a great museum that holds amazing archaeological and artistic treasures. We will visit San Pedro market for shopping and photography and then the Koricancha museum of history, a fascinating place that highlights Incan cosmology.
The afternoon is yours for leisure, to shop, visit or just soak up the ambiance of the Plaza de Armas with its people, fountain and many goings on to watch in this captivating city.
Monday, May 30th
Day at leisure in Cusco. By now you will have your eyes on a few favorite spots to revisit either for shopping, photography or learning and this is your day to set out alone or with fellow travelers to explore and immerse yourself in the magic of Cusco. Guides will be available to help you find your way around town and answer questions about local services. We will all meet in the evening for some fine dining Peruvian style. If you like to dress up a bit as this is your night!
Tuesday, May 31st
Today we will visit some of the archeological sites surrounding Cusco…Tipon, Qenko and Tambo Machay. Options today include horseback riding or hiking between the sights if you want to get off the bus. In the afternoon we will regroup in Cusco to head for the hills…..literally! As we spend our last evening in this amazing place we will enjoy a fire ceremony and the views overlooking Cusco at night.
Wednesday, June 1st
Today we will pack our bags and say good-bye to Cusco, the Sacred Valley and all things Andean as we head off to catch our flight to the Amazon!
Arriving in Puerto Maldonado we will get settled into our jungle eco-lodge and during the evening after dinner, we will be given an orientation to the area’s natural history and anthropology.
Thursday, June 2nd
Bring your boots and we’ll hike nature trails through the jungle with a local expert guide who will point out birds, wildlife and the amazingly lush flora of the area. A riverboat nature tour tops off the day as we make our way back to the lodge for an amazing sunset.
After dinner, take part an evening excursion with our guide to look for nocturnal wildlife such as Caimans (alligators)….or relax for the evening and soak up the sounds of the jungle after sunset.
Friday, June 3rd
Three options for today.
1. Lake Sandoval, acclaimed as one of the most beautiful lakes in Peru, it certainly lives up to its reputation. For the nature lovers, this wildlife experience far exceeds most rainforests.
2. A trip to the natural riverbank clay licks to observe hundreds of parrots in the wild. (Note, this requires a very early departure from the lodge)
3. A leisurely day to explore the elaborate eco-systems of the jungle with a local guide.
The day ends with a very special dinner to say our good-byes to the jungle and wrap up the Sacred Gifts Tour, with Monique as hostess.
Saturday, June 4th
Return flight from Puerto Maldonado to Lima.
You will have a day room in Miraflores to relax and store your luggage for the several hours before you catch your (very) early flight home to Vancouver B.C.
We encourage you to spend this day at leisure with your journal and soak up the moments of your recent experiences in Peru. This journey is more than what it seems on the surface. You will be taking home a new sense of yourself and the world will be much expanded for you.
We will all leave the hotel together at 10 pm to go to the airport for the flights home.
|