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Do you want to experience village cultures and local festivals and immerse
yourself in the history, culture, and landscape of the Andes? Then this is a
trip for you! Join cultural anthropologist Barbara Knox-Seith, PhD, for an
adventure in the southern Andes of Peru. As you visit villages and homes,
explore on foot and travel by vehicle, she'll share her expertise and love for
Andean cultures.
The trip is organized as three 1-week modules, offering a length and intensity to fit every schedule:
In the optional first week, we travel to two regions in the southern Andes, each with distinctive customs, costumes, breathtaking scenery, and wildlife. First, we fly to Arequipa and spend three days exploring the spectacular scenery, villages, and wildlife of the Colca Canyon. Next, we spend two days in island villages on Lake Titicaca, the highest lake of its size in the world. The overland journey to Cuzco across the high plains of southern Peru is another highlight. This week has the advantage of easing altitude acclimatization.
The core one-week tour is timed so we can join in the centuries-old celebrations of Easter week in Cuzco. Your guide's favorite, the procession for El Seņor de los Temblores, the Lord of Earthquakes, is truly awe-inspiring. We also explore Inca ruins, small towns and markets, and, of course, Cuzco and Machu Picchu. In villages and homes, we meet local people and observe and learn about agriculture, weaving, and other aspects of Quechua daily life.
The optional third week takes us to more remote areas. We camp two nights by the Quechua village where your guide Barbara lived and researched for two years (only recently accessible by road). You'll meet villagers and explore the countryside in this unique opportunity to gain an insider's view of an Andean village. Next, we fly to Puerto Maldonado, in the Amazon jungle, and travel by boat to a lodge in the Tambo Pata Reserve. We spend three days exploring this ecologically diverse area of the Amazon with expert guidance from a resident naturalist.
Guides
The trip is operated by Peruvian Andean Treks and their knowledgeable local
guides. Tour organizer and guide Barbara Knox-Seith, PhD, is a cultural
anthropologist and photographer who has specialized in Andean cultures for more
than 13 years and is eager to share her passion and extensive knowledge of Andean
cultures. She speaks Spanish and is conversant in Quechua, the local native
language. She is currently completing a book about Peru.
Group size
Limited to maximum of 10 participants.
Accommodations
For most of the trip we stay in mid-range hotels. Week 1 includes a 1-night home
stay with very basic accommodations. Week 3 includes 2 nights of camping. Tour
staff will set up and take down camp and serve delicious meals from local foods.
Participants provide their own sleeping bag.
Safety
The political and economic atmosphere in Peru has improved and stabilized in
recent years. All areas traveled to on this tour are safe for tourism.
Physical condition
This trip is designed for reasonably healthy and fit individuals with no heart or
respiratory problems. We'll be at 9,000-12,000 feet for much of the trip and do
much walking on paths, streets, and trails. If you are comfortable walking 2-5
miles on uneven and hilly terrain, you'll have no trouble on this trip. The
itinerary is designed to ease acclimatization to the high altitude.
For more information and to sign up
Contact tour organizer, Barbara Knox-Seith. Ask about dates and times of slide
shows in Seattle or the San Francisco Bay area.
Barbara Knox-Seith
PO Box 31571
Seattle, WA 98103
email: bknoxs@scn.org
Dates & Costs
Discount for early registration!!
Included in cost
All lodging & accommodations (shared occupancy); about three-fourths of meals;
all internal transportation, including airport transfers with group, internal
airfare, train & bus services; sightseeing arrangements & entrance fees; &
camping services.
Not included in cost
International airfare (to Cuzco); airport departure taxes & excess baggage fees;
some city meals (for freedom of choice); beverages; laundry & other personal
expenses; tips to guides, drivers, camp crew, & others providing special
services; personal gear or clothing; immunizations; passport fees;
travel/medical/emergency evacuation insurance; cost of delays due to weather,
transportation problems, illness, political disputes, or other contingencies for
which reasonable provision cannot be made.
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Created some time in February 2000 Revised 5/1/00 by mtz |