YOUR O.A.T. ADVENTURE TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE®
Real Affordable Peru 2022
Small Groups: 8-16 travelers—guaranteed! (average of 13)
Overseas Adventure Travel ® The Leader in Personalized Small Group Adventures on the Road Less Traveled 1 Dear Traveler,
At last, the world is opening up again for curious travel lovers like you and me. And the O.A.T. Real Affordable Peru itinerary you’ve expressed interest in will be a wonderful way to resume the discoveries that bring us so much joy. You might soon be enjoying standout moments like these:
As I finished the ascent to the top of Machu Picchu at sunrise, I was winded and awestruck. The air up there was thin, and it was still and quiet. Gazing silently down at the ancient town and cloudy mountain vistas, I felt so small thousands of feet high in the Andes. The only thing more awe-inspiring than the mystical landscape was the welcoming nature of the Peruvian people.
You’ll see what I mean when you experience A Day in the Life of a Chinchero community, where you’ll meet some of the students and teachers at a local primary school, supported in part by Grand Circle Foundation, and witness daily life in the Peruvian education system. Then, you’ll continue to a weaving cooperative where you’ll learn how the weavers create complex patterns in colorful cloth before sitting down to share a meal with members of the community.
The way we see it, you’ve come a long way to experience the true culture—not some fairytale version of it. So we keep our groups small, with only 8-16 travelers (average 13) to ensure that your encounters with local people are as intimate and authentic as possible. It’s also why your O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader will be a resident “insider” who can show you the culture as only a local can.
To ensure that your adventure is truly unique, put your own personal stamp on it. You can arrive early and stay later, add a pre- or post-trip extension, spend time in a Stopover city, or combine two or more trips. Plus, your itinerary offers ample free time so you can pursue your own interests.
So until the day comes when you are off to enjoy your Real Affordable Peru adventure, I hope you will relish the fun and anticipation that this O.A.T. Adventure Travel Planning Guide® will inspire. Should you have further questions, feel free to call our Regional Adventure Counselors at 1-800-955-1925.
Love and peace,
Harriet R. Lewis Vice Chairman, Overseas Adventure Travel
P.S. For further peace of mind, please know that we are EXTENDING our Risk-Free Booking Policy through 12/31/21. Learn more at www.oattravel.com/risk-free-booking.
USA Today “Best Tours” 10Best Readers’ Presented by Choice Awards Solo Traveler
2 CONTENTS
A Letter from Harriet Lewis ...... 2 The O.A.T. Difference...... 4 The Freedom to Personalize Your Experience ...... 6 Grand Circle Foundation...... 8 The Leader in Solo Travel ...... 9
REAL AFFORDABLE PERU ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS: Your Adventure at a Glance: CULTURE, ETIQUETTE & MORE Where You’re Going, What it Costs, Peruvian Culture ...... 72 and What’s Included ...... 10 Shopping: What to Buy, Customs, Shipping & Your Detailed Day-To-Day Itinerary ...... 12 More ...... 76 Pre-Trip Extensions ...... 27 Post-Trip Extensions ...... 38 DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY Dates & Prices ...... 48 Peru...... 78 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 78 Peru: A Brief History ...... 79 ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION Colombia ...... 80 Travel Documents & Entry Requirements. . . 49 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 80 No Visas Required ...... 49 Colombia: A Brief History ...... 81 Rigors, Vaccines & General Health ...... 51 Vaccines Required ...... 52 RESOURCES Money Matters: Local Currency & Tipping Suggested Reading ...... 83 Guidelines ...... 56 Suggested Film & Video ...... 85 Tipping Guidelines...... 58 Air, Optional Tours & Staying in Touch ..... 59 Optional Tours ...... 59 Communicating with Home from Abroad . . 60 Packing: What to Bring & Luggage Limits . . . 62 Suggested Packing Lists ...... 64 Electricity Abroad ...... 67 Climate & Average Temperatures ...... 69
O.A.T. Health & Safety Measures...... 88 Notes...... 89 Map ...... 91
3 EXPERIENCE THE O.A.T. DIFFERENCE in Peru
This adventure not only showcases iconic sights, but takes you beyond them to experience the culture through unique activities, engagement with the natural world, and authentic encounters with local people. Since our founding in 1978, O.A.T. has become America’s leader in personalized small group journeys on the road less traveled.
SMALL GROUPS: 8-16 TRAVELERS LOCAL MODES OF TRANSPORTATION (AVERAGE OF 13)—GUARANTEED To see the world like the locals, you should The world feels more intimate and engaging travel like one. Our small group size allows when your experience of it is also personal us to take the roads and waterways that are and genuine. That’s why our groups never less traveled, and we often follow them using exceed 16 travelers. This gives you access to the same unique modes of transportation people and places larger groups simply can’t that the locals use—be it a canoe, a camel or a reach. More authentic interactions. Deeper vintage cab. bonds with your travel mates. Personal service from your Trip Experience Leader. Smoother UNIQUE LODGINGS transitions. And a far more satisfying Our lodgings reflect the local character, experience than any traditional tour offers. from smaller family-run hotels and historic manors to comfy inns. Occasionally, larger THE BEST TRIP EXPERIENCE LEADERS hotels closer to city centers are used. Wherever Your English-speaking, O.A.T. Trip Experience you stay, you’re assured fine comfort and Leader is a resident of the region you are visiting, hospitality. so you will get a true insider’s perspective that brings each place alive—the stories, food, OUR WORLDWIDE OFFICES customs, hidden treasures and more. With 36 regional offices around the world, we are perfectly poised to leverage our local AUTHENTIC CULTURAL CONNECTIONS relationships to deliver an excellent experience Engage with local people through visits to and value. During this trip, you’ll be supported farms, factories, markets, and artisans’ studios; by our team in Cuzco. school visits; Home-Hosted meals; and more.
Marvel at ruins of the Incan Empire in Machu Picchu Delve into Peruvian culture in the village of Chinchero
4 THE PILLARS OF DISCOVERY En riching. Inspiring. Unforgettable. These features form the foundation of your Real Affordable Peru adventure.
GRAND CIRCLE FOUNDATION (GCF) VISIT A DAY IN THE LIFE GCF was established in 1992 to help change Do you ever wonder, “What would it be like people’s lives in the world where we live, to live here?” when you visit new lands? Let’s work, and travel. To date, we have pledged or find out during your O.A.T. A Day in the Life, an donated $200 million worldwide. exclusive, immersive experience that places you in the heart of a community where you’ll meet You’ll see GCF’s work in action when we visit various people where they live, work, and play; a local elementary school for a spirited visit the neighborhood school; lend a hand with encounter with some of the children. Here, the daily chores; and break bread with our hosts. children will introduce us to some traditional songs and dances, followed by a conversation This adventure includes A Day in the Life of the with their teachers and families and some free mountain weaving village of Chinchero. Our time with the children one-on-one. experience will begin with a visit to a local elementary school where we’ll have the CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS opportunity to meet some of the students Every culture has its joys and achievements, and teachers. Then, we’ll enjoy a walking and we celebrate them all. But every place tour of the community and visit a weaving also has its challenges, and to gloss over them cooperative where we’ll see how Peruvian would not do justice to those whose stories weavers create complex patterns in colorful need to be told—nor to you, as a traveler who cloth as their ancestors have for centuries deserves more than a sugar-coated version of before sitting down to share lunch with some things. So our Trip Experience Leaders will of the people from the community. lead frank discussions on controversial issues, and introduce you to people whose stories will HOME-HOSTED EXPERIENCES expand your understanding. Stories shared. Differences solved. Taste buds engaged. Good will extended. It’s amazing the For example, we’ll speak to an expert in things that can happen across a kitchen table, Russia about free speech and the popularity so we’ll break into groups of 4-5 to join a local of President Vladimir Putin on our Baltic family in their home for a snack or a meal. This adventure; in Zambia, we’ll have a candid is a rare opportunity to witness family life, learn conversation with a park ranger in Kafue local customs, and taste some home-cooked fare. National Park on trophy hunting, a controversial sport which generates around On this adventure, we’ll learn more about the $200 million in annual revenue across Africa; rich culture of Peru when we share a meal and we’ll meet a local Tangier woman to with a local family in their home. We’ll try our discuss women’s roles and the challenges they hand at preparing some Peruvian specialties face in contemporary society on our Morocco before sitting down with the family to savor our adventure. culinary creations. Take this opportunity to gain an intimate glimpse into daily life in Peru, and be sure to ask your hosts about cuy, a local delicacy.
5 You're in control with THE FREEDOM TO PERSONALIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE Exclusively with O.A.T. Your Choice. Your Adventure. Your Way.
It’s your adventure, so why not make it exactly what you want it to be? We offer an exclusive variety of options that let you tailor your adventure so it’s completely your own. In fact, O.A.T. is the only travel company to offer this level of flexibility and choice for a truly personalized experience.
PRE- OR POST-TRIP EXTENSIONS 2. Great value: All extensions include Every O.A.T. adventure offers at least one accommodations, daily breakfast, and optional pre-trip and one post-trip extension. airport transfers. Here’s why more than 55% of O.A.T. travelers 3. Continuity and camaraderie: You’ll usually choose to take a pre- or post-trip extension: travel with the same Trip Experience Leader who leads your main trip, enjoying 1. You’ll maximize your discoveries—often more of his or her insider expertise—and in an even smaller group than your main more time to bond with the group. adventure (on average, 6 travelers with a dedicated Trip Experience Leader)—and take advantage of your included airfare.
Optional Extensions offered with your South America adventure
The Peruvian Amazon: Treks, Cruises & Peru: Lima, Paracas & Nazca Lines Indigenous Communities 5 nights pre-trip from $1295 6 nights pre-trip from $1295
An indigenous village, Amazon River, Nazca Lines, Paracas, Peru Iquitos, Peru
Southern Peru: Lake Titicaca's Sacred NEW! Colombia: Colonial Cartagena & Landscape & Highland Culture Mountainous Medellín 4 nights post-trip from $845 6 nights post-trip from $1895
Floating village, Uros Islands, Lake Titicaca, Peru Cartagena, Colombia
6 ARRIVE EARLY, STAY LATER plan, and restaurants you visit. If you’d like Extending your time abroad—with us or ideas about how to spend this time and on your own—is the best way to broaden what to see and do, our Regional Adventure your experience. It’s also a practical way Counselors can provide recommendations to maximize the value of the international when helping you plan this option. airfare covered in your main itinerary. COMBINE ADVENTURES Expand Your Discoveries Before You’re already overseas. Why not see more or After Your Adventure and maximize your value by avoiding the cost and length of another international Arrive early in the first destination on your flight? Here’s why 2,250 O.A.T. travelers pre-trip extension or main adventure, or stay combined two or more adventures in 2019: later in the last city on your main adventure or post-trip extension. By coming early, you can • Save a total of $600-$3000 per person when rest after your flight and adjust—with time to you combine two adventures compared to explore. By staying later, you have extra time the cost of taking each trip separately. to relax, pack, or continue exploring. • Apply the 5% or 6% Frequent Traveler Credit you earn on your first trip to your This option lets you take advantage of our second trip. lower group rates, with prices from $50 per person per night—including accommodations, • Sir Edmund Hillary Club members save an private airport transfer, and daily breakfast. extra $250-$350 per person when booking multiple trips in a calendar year. • Arrive early in Lima before your main • Our Regional Adventure Counselors make adventure or Peru pre-trip extensions, all the arrangements for a seamless or stay later after your main adventure experience. or Peru post-trip extension for $50 per person, per night Combine this trip with our Chile & Argentina: The Andes to Patagonia adventure—for a total • Remain in Medellín after your Colombia cost of $6290-8590 per person—and save post-trip extension for $75 per person, $1000-1800 per person versus taking each per night trip separately. Accommodations are at the same hotels where you begin or end the main trip and optional AIR PREFERENCES extensions, so transitions will be seamless. 54% of our travelers customize their air itineraries: NEW! Stopover in any major international city • Choose your departure city and airline Travelers with O.A.T. airfare have the • Depart from one city and return to another opportunity to stopover in popular cities en • Upgrade to Premium Economy or route to your main adventure. Speak with one Business Class of our Regional Adventure Counselors to learn more about your options and to arrange your PERSONALIZED PRIVATE ADVENTURES international airfare. Travel on a private departure with as few as You are free to choose however you’d like five travelers and your own Trip Experience to spend this additional time exploring, Leader. An additional cost will apply depending including the tours you take, activities you on the number of travelers in your group.
7 GRAND CIRCLE FOUNDATION Changing people’s lives, one village, one school, one person at a time
ON THIS ADVENTURE … Dear Traveler, Since our inception in 1992, the Grand Circle In 1992 we established Grand Circle Foundation has pledged or donated more Foundation, an entity of the Lewis Family than $200 million to projects around the Foundation, as a means to give back to the world. Here are just a few of the ways we have world that had already given us so much. partnered with the communities on this trip. We’ve pledged or donated more than $200 million worldwide to support the education C r u z p a t a E l e m e n t a r y S c h o o l of young people and the preservation of Total Donations: $105,309 Cruzpata Elementary School serves 150 children international treasures and UNESCO World in Izcuchaca, an agricultural community near Heritage Sites, and the conservation of Chinchero. With the support of GCF, the school natural resources for future generations. has built new bathroom facilities and a kitchen; Of course, none of this would be possible purchased new desks and chairs; installed new without your help. A portion of the playground equipment; and purchased traditional proceeds of every adventure is donated to folklore costumes to preserve their culture by Grand Circle Foundation—so just as your practicing traditional dance and music. life will be enriched by the discoveries One Planet you’ll make on your journey, you’ll also Total Donations: $56,230 help to enrich the lives of the people With GCF funding, One Planet is training indigenous you’ll meet along the way. Thank you groups in the Amazon, such as the Maijuna for traveling with us, and for helping to community, to raise stingless bees—a species that change people’s lives. produces a highly valued type of honey known for its unique taste and medicinal qualities. This Love and peace, community-based stingless beekeeping project empowers the Maijuna to earn sustainable income, providing alternatives from other more destructive Harriet R. Lewis economic activities. This income can then be used Chair, Grand Circle Foundation for school supplies, health care, and other basic yet critically important family expenses to support the community.
SCAN ME See how Grand Circle Foundation is giving back in this video Open the camera feature on your mobile device, and hover the lens over this code to scan it. A pop-up notification will take you directly to the video.
www.grandcirclefoundation.org
8 THE LEADER IN SOLO TRAVEL in Peru—and Around the World
ON THIS ADVENTURE … FREE Single Supplements: We don’t charge The leader in solo-friendly a single supplement on this adventure and travel for Americans—by optional trip extensions—a savings of up to the numbers $3795 per person compared to other travel companies. But single spaces fill quickly, so early reservations are advised. More than 50% of all O.A.T. travelers are women who travel solo One of our most popular trips for solo travelers. More than 900 solo travelers joined us on this adventure in 2018 and 2019—either In 2022, we’re offering 30,000 independently or sharing a room with a singles spaces across all O.A.T. mother, daughter, sister, or friend. adventures. That’s 86% more than High ratings: More than 95% of these solo offered in 2019 travelers rated their adventure excellent.
On average, half of your group will also be 92% of our 30,000 single spaces traveling independently, so it’s easy to forge have FREE Single Supplements. The special bonds as you experience unforgettable remaining 8% have the lowest single moments together. supplements in the industry.
You’ll be in good hands, thanks to your dedicated local Trip Experience Leader (a In 2022, we’re offering 25 exclusive resident of Peru), and the expertise of our women’s departures on some of our regional office team in Cuzco. most popular itineraries
Increased Single Space: In 2022, we have 164% more single spaces than in 2019, with up to 8 single spaces per departure. See available FREE NEW! 101+ SCAN ME single space at www.oattravel.com/rap2022. Tips for Solo Exclusive Women’s Departures: We are Women Travelers thrilled to offer a women-only departure of This complimentary, 96-page Real Affordable Peru: September 4, 2022. Space booklet is a comprehensive is limited so don’t delay. Join our traveling collection of savvy tips sisterhood today! specifically for seasoned women travelers going solo. Learn about safety for solos, packing like a pro, the best travel apps, self-care on the road, and more. Scan this code to view an online copy or to request one by mail.
9 Lower prices than last year—a value of up to $400 per person —giving you our best value in 6 years
R e a l A f f o r d a b l e P e r u Small Group Adventure Peru: Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cuzco
Countries: 1 | Cities : 3
Small groups: 8-16 travelers—guaranteed! It’s Included (average of 13)
Explore in a small group of 8-16 24 meals—daily breakfast, 9 lunches, FROM PER DAY DAYS • • travelers (with an average group and 5 dinners (including 1 Home- $2495 $227 11 size of 13) Hosted Lunch) • International airfare, airport transfers, • 8 small group activities Including international airfare government taxes, fees, and airline fuel Services of a local O.A.T. Trip surcharges unless you choose to make • FREE Single Supplement Experience Leader your own air arrangements Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and All land transportation and • • luggage porters 2 internal flights Maximize Your 5 % Frequent Traveler Credit toward Accommodations for 10 nights • Discoveries & Value • your next adventure—an average of $204
Optional extension s : SCAN ME The Peruvian Amazon: Treks, Cruises & Indigenous Communities Watch our #1 most popular video 6 nights pre-trip from $1295 for this adventure Travel from only $216 per night Open the camera feature on your mobile device, and hover Peru: Lima, Paracas & Nazca Lines the lens over this code to scan it. A pop-up notification will 5 nights pre-trip from $1295 take you directly to the video. Travel from only $259 per night Southern Peru: Lake Titicaca’s Sacred Landscape & Highland Culture 4 nights post-trip from $845 Travel from only $212 per night New! Colombia: Colonial Cartagena & Mountainous Medellín 6 nights post-trip from $1895 Travel from only $316 per night
Indigenous Quechua woman weaving traditional cloth, southern Peru
Real Aff ordable Peru
10 U
A r u b Itinerary Summary A a Lima m p POST-TRIP EXTENSIONS u b
r a i m Uros a Floating Taquile c Sillustani Islands Island Pre-trip extensions: 6 nights in The N Ollantaytambo Puno Lake Peruvian Amazon: Treks, Cruises & P Titicaca Machu Picchu Sacsayhuaman ToTo/T/To//froffrom Chucuito a Sa Indigenous Communities OR 5 nights in cred Kenko LimLimima c V alle i y Pisac PERU Copamaya Peru: Lima, Paracas & Nazca Lines f Cuzco i D c Caribbean Sea Boquilla V Cartagena E O N DAYS DESTINATION PERU E
c Z
e P U AN a A E E M L 1 Fly to Lima, Peru n A A COLOMBIA Medellín PRE-TRIP EXTENSIONS FrFroFrorom Guatape 2-3 Lima Lima S LimLimma N P apo a Explorama Lodge c i f PERU 4-5 Fly to Cuzco • Sacred Valley P Ceiba Tops i A c n I zo Ballestas a O To/From U.S. E m Islands V A Internal flight c I R e Paracas Ica Land route U a L 6-7 Train ride through the Sacred Iquitos n Rail route Boat route O Valley • Machu Picchu To/Too/frofroommL Limaimimama Nazca Lines Overflight 080Miles B
8-10 Machu Picchu • Return to Cuzco What to Expect 11 Fly to Lima • Return to U.S.
Post-trip extension: 4 nights in Southern Pacing: 4 locations in 10 days; early sightseeing on 1 day Peru: Lake Titicaca’s Sacred Landscape & Physical requirements: Travel over city streets, rugged paths, and unpaved roads; Highland Culture walk over rough, steep, and sometimes slippery trails without handrails; and climb many high and uneven stone steps at Inca ruins. Flight Time: Travel time will be 6-14 hours and will most likely have one connection
View all physical requirements at www.oattravel.com/rap2022 Arrive Early, Stay Later Prices below include accommodations, daily breakfast, and private airport Peru : The O.A.T. Difference transfer. • Arrive early in Lima before your main Our Best Value in Over 5 Years: Save up to $400 per person, and travel at the adventure or Peru pre-trip extensions, lowest price and per diems in the industry. or stay later after your main adventure or Peru post-trip extension for $50 per People-to-People Experiences: Savor local dishes that you helped prepare with person per night an Urubamba family in their home, and visit a small bakery near Cuzco, where
you’ll sample pan chuta bread and discuss this age-old tradition with the bakers.
O.A.T. Exclusives: Spend A Day in the Life of the mountaintop village Chinchero, where you’ll meet women weavers to learn about their timeworn craft, and enter the classrooms of a nearby Grand Circle Foundation-sponsored school to get to know the young students.
More than 95% of travelers rated this trip excellent
Information & Reservations 1-800-955-1925 www.oattravel.com/rap2022
11 Real Affordable Peru
YOUR DETAILED ITINERARY
BEGIN YOUR ADVENTURE WITH AN OPTIONAL PRE-TRIP EXTENSION 6 nights in The Peruvian Amazon: Treks, Cruises & Indigenous Communities
Day 1 Depart U.S. • Arrive Lima, Peru Day 5 Visit Yanamono Clinic • Discover Ceiba tree Day 2 Explore Lima’s Miraflores District Day 6 Rain forest canopy walk • Explore Day 3 Fly to Iquitos • Boat to lodge medicinal gardens • Afternoon & evening rain forest excursions Day 7 Birdwatching walk • Boat to Iquitos • Fly to Lima • Begin main trip Day 4 Walk Bushmaster Trail • Visit Yagua village • Explore by boat
OR 5 nights in Coastal Culture & Ancient Mysteries of Peru: Lima, Paracas & the Nazca Lines
Day 1 Fly to Lima, Peru Day 4 Nazca Lines Overflight • Visit pisco factory Day 2 Explore Lima Day 5 Ballestas Islands & Paracas Dunes Day 3 Lima • Transfer to Paracas Day 6 Overland to Lima • Begin main trip
Day 1 Depart U.S. • Arrive Lima, Peru Communities pre-trip extension or the Coastal Culture & Ancient Mysteries of Peru: Lima, Paracas • Destination: Lima & the Nazca Lines pre-trip extension. Depending • Accommodations: Best Western Plus Urban on where we stay, our hotel will likely be Larco or similar located in the heart of the vibrant Miraflores Evening: You depart from the U.S. and fly to District and offer an on-site restaurant. Lima, Peru, arriving late in the evening or early Rooms typically feature air conditioning, morning. An O.A.T. representative will greet cable TV, minibar, telephone, and private bath you at the airport and escort you to your hotel, with shower. where you’ll meet up with travelers who took The Peruvian Amazon: Treks, Cruises & Indigenous
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
12 Freedom To Explore: During your two days and bougainvilleas, a bush typically accented in Lima, you have the freedom to explore this with vibrant pink flowers. Stop at Puente de vibrant city on your own during your free time. los Suspiros, or the Bridge of Sighs, to enjoy Below are a few recommended options for panoramic vistas of the city. Or, explore Plaza independent explorations: San Francisco, which houses the towering Iglesia San Francisco. • Explore the Gold Museum of Peru: Travel back in time and see private collections of • How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute taxi pre-Hispanic gold, ceramics, and textiles. ride, about $7 USD. Many of the gold, silver, and gilded copper • Hours: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week, but pieces the museum holds are considered the our regional associates in Peru suggest most important in pre-Columbian history. visiting from 2pm-6pm to avoid larger crowds. How to get there: About a 25-minute taxi • • Cost: Free. ride, approximately $15 USD one way. • Hours: 10:30am-6pm, daily. Day 2 Lima • Discover Miraflores district • Cost: A ticket is around $10 USD. • Destination: Lima • Experience the historic Miraflores district • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch on a Mirabus Panoramic Tour: Discover this • Accommodations: Best Western Plus Urban bustling area from a different vantage point— Larco or similar atop a double-decker bus. As you cruise along, take in sweeping views of the Pacific Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel Ocean, ornate mansions, scenic parks, and featuring Peruvian and American options, a 1500-year-old burial ground for pre-Inca beginning at 6:30am. remains. These bus tours are very popular Morning: Free for your own discoveries—you among Peruvians. Perhaps you’ll strike up may choose to relax at the hotel after a conversation with a local and learn more yesterday’s travels and get acquainted with about their day-to-day life and culture. your Trip Experience Leader and fellow • How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute walk. travelers—including those joining us from • Hours: 11am, 2pm, 3:30pm, 5pm, Monday- our optional pre-trip extension to Peru: Lima, Friday; 11am, 1pm, 2:45pm, 4pm, 5:30pm Iquitos, the Amazon or New! Peru: Lima, Paracas, Saturday-Sunday. Nazca Lines. • Cost: About $5 USD. Around 11am, we’ll gather in the hotel lobby • Stroll through the Barranco Bohemian for a 1-hour Welcome Briefing during which District: Cutting through seaside cliffs, this we will introduce ourselves and review our distinctive district once served as a walkway itinerary in more detail (including any changes to allow fisherman to easily pass through that may need to occur). Logistics, safety and the city to the beach. Now, it is a bustling, emergency procedures, and any questions will shop-lined area teeming with the smells also be discussed. This is a great chance to get of traditional cuisine wafting from local to know fellow members of your small group. restaurants and vendors peddling their Then, it’s time to begin our explorations: products. As you take in the local hustle and We’ll set out from the hotel and walk about 15 bustle, you can also enjoy the scenic beauty of minutes to a nearby restaurant. the area. The district is lined with native trees
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
13 Lunch: At a local restaurant around 12:30pm, to mingle with the fishermen and vendors, featuring typical Peruvian cuisine. and browse the day’s catch. Around 8:45am, we’ll board our small bus and drive about 45 Afternoon: Around 2pm, we’ll take an minutes to reach Lima’s Larco Museum. The orientation walk through the boulevards and museum contains an impressive collection of plazas around our hotel—situated in the stylish ceramics, gold and silver items, and textiles Miraflores district, which is a cultural and from Peru’s pre-Columbian history, all housed artistic center full of small cafés, fine shops, in a former mansion with lush gardens. We’ll and art galleries. After our walk, we’ll return spend a little more than an hour exploring the to the hotel around 3:30pm. The rest of your museum’s art and artifacts, and then board our afternoon is free for you to explore the city on bus around 10:45am to set out on a 30-minute your own. drive to Lima’s colonial downtown. Once Dinner: On your own—ask your Trip there, we explore Lima’s colonial streets and Experience Leader for local restaurant architecture—evidence of the city’s Spanish recommendations. You might like to try heritage. ceviche—Peru’s national dish consisting of raw We’ll board our bus once more around 12pm fish “cooked” in citrus juices. and head in the direction of our hotel, stopping Evening: You have the freedom to spend the along the way in the bustling Barranco rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip neighborhood in time for lunch around 1pm. Experience Leader for recommendations. Lunch: On your own—ask your Trip Experience Leader for local restaurant recommendations. Day 3 Explore Colonial Lima Perhaps you might like to try aji de gallina, a • Destination: Lima chicken dish served with a spicy pepper sauce. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Afternoon: Free for your own discoveries in • Accommodations: Best Western Plus Urban the neighborhood—ask your Trip Experience Larco or similar Leader for recommendations. Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel We’ll reconvene at the bus just before 2:45pm featuring Peruvian and American options, and drive the remaining distance to our hotel, beginning at 6am. arriving around 3pm. Morning: Today we embark on a tour of Lima’s After taking a few hours to settle in, our small colonial sites. Founded by the conquistadors group will gather at the hotel lobby around in 1535, Lima became Spain’s largest and 6:30pm. From there, a 15-minute bus ride will wealthiest city in the New World. The city has take us to our dinner destination. a proud history, including the founding of one of the first universities in South America, the Dinner: We gather for a Welcome Dinner at Universidad de San Marcos, in the middle of the a local restaurant. Enjoy the opportunity to 16th century. Today, Lima’s historic city center sample traditional Peruvian dishes as you mix is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. and mingle with your fellow travelers.
We begin our day around 8am by driving about Evening: You have the freedom to spend the 15 minutes to a fish market, where a local rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip guide will join us. Here, we’ll have the chance Experience Leader for recommendations.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
14 Day 4 Fly to Cuzco • Controversial Topic: Lunch: We’ll enjoy a boxed lunch during our Coca’s role in local culture and cocaine drive through the Sacred Valley. production with Fortunata Palomino • Afternoon: We continue our drive along a Explore the Sacred Valley and Pisac Ruins switchback road leading to the ancient upper • Destination: Urubamba city of Pisac, arriving around 2:30pm. These • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner mythic ruins are situated in a spectacular • Accommodations: Villa Urubamba or similar location atop a buttress ridge, with agricultural terraces—constructed by the ancient Inca O.A.T. Exclusive Activity: Today’s activities people—curling around the hill in graceful include a conversation with a coca vendor curves, and gorges on either side. When we about the Controversial Topic of the plant’s arrive, we’ll take a short trek into the ancient use in Peru. Coca leaves are an essential part of city, where we explore its well-built stone Andean culture; however, they are also used to dwellings and temples, and enjoy sweeping produce cocaine, which has made the plant a vistas both up- and downstream in the prime target in the war on drugs. Today, we’ll Urubamba Valley. Pisac’s highly defensible site discover how forced eradication has impacted guarded both the Valley and a high jungle pass local customs and livelihoods. Read more about to the northeast. this illuminating conversation below. We depart Pisac around 2:30pm and embark on Activity Note: We rise early this morning for our approximate 1-hour journey to our Sacred our flight to Cuzco. We will spend tonight and Valley hotel. On the way, we’ll stop at a market the next few nights at elevations above 9,000 around 3pm, where we’ll meet Fortunata feet. We recommend staying hydrated while at Palomino, a local vendor of fruits, coffee, high altitude. Travelers may rest at the hotel if and coca leaves. After perusing the wares for necessary. sale in her stall, we’ll head to a private room Early Morning: We have an early wake-up call at the market to speak with Fortunata about of 5:30am this morning. the Controversial Topic of coca production in Peru, and the struggle to balance the plant’s Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel traditional role in society with its high value on featuring Peruvian and American options, the black market as a key ingredient in cocaine. beginning at 6am. Fortunata grew up in the extremely remote Morning: Around 7am, we’ll check out of our Yanatile Valley, an agricultural region famous hotel and, with our luggage, board our bus for its coffee, citrus, and coca output. She and drive about one hour to the Lima airport. moved to the larger town of Lamay so her We continue our adventure with a flight to the children could attend school, but her husband mountain-ringed city of Cuzco around 9:45am. remained in Yanatile to work as a day laborer Situated at an elevation of 10,909 feet, this on the plantations. Fortunata makes the city was the capital of the Incan world and is a 120-mile journey to Yanatile once a week to UNESCO World Heritage Site. We touch down collect fruit and coffee for her produce stall. around 11:30am, and then drive by bus into the Every three months, she also brings coca leaves. Sacred Valley of the Urubamba River, where the While coca is legal for personal use in Peru, lower elevation eases our transition to the high its production and distribution are strictly altitudes of the Andes. controlled. Fortunata must be extremely careful
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15 when transporting the crop—if the police were per kilo. For impoverished Peruvians, many of to discover it during a routine stop, Fortunata whom make less than $2 per day, the choice is could be detained. clear. As a result, farmers often clash violently with authorities over the destruction of their Coca has been a staple of Peruvian culture for livelihoods. millennia. Locals, especially in the Andean areas, use the leaves in religious rituals and The efficacy of these decades-long anti-coca also chew them to alleviate fatigue, postpone campaigns is up for debate. In 2015, Peru lost hunger, and prevent altitude sickness. Some the title of the world’s top coca cultivator to research even backs up the traditional wisdom: Colombia; however, since that victory, the When taken in small doses, coca has been amount of land used for illegal coca farming has found to be both psychologically beneficial been increasing (up 14% percent between 2016 and nutrient rich. However, the plant’s role in and 2017). Of all the coca grown in Peru today, cocaine production has put it in the crosshairs nearly 90% winds up in the illegal drug trade. of international lawmakers. According to some experts, these statistics are Cocaine was first developed in 1859 for evidence that coca eradication efforts have medicinal use; its popularity as a recreational failed to stem demand for cocaine. The solution drug did not catch on until the early 20th they propose is decriminalization, which century. But as cocaine use became more could reduce drug related violence and remove widespread, so too did the world’s efforts to negative stigmas associated with cocaine and combat it. In 1961, the United Nations Single coca use, which disproportionately impacts Convention on Narcotic Drugs listed the coca the poor. Indigenous rights advocates also leaf as a Schedule 1 drug, placing it in the same take issue with the current hardline approach, category as cocaine and heroin. The convention calling the demonization of coca culturally mandated that coca chewing be abolished insensitive and in direct violation of the U.N.’s and that all illegally cultivated coca bushes be 2007 Declaration on Indigenous Rights, which destroyed. promises to protect indigenous traditions.
In the years that followed, U.N. monitoring During our hour-long conversation, Fortunata bodies have continued to advocate for the will spend approximately 20 minutes detailing eradication of illegal coca farms, and the coca’s role in Peruvian life and explaining Peruvian government has heeded the call. With how the government’s crackdown on coca significant funding from the United States, production has impacted her family and provided as part of the country’s “war on neighbors. Afterward, we’ll have approximately drugs,” Peru wipes out tens of thousands of 40 minutes to ask any questions we may have. acres of coca plants every year, with the goal We’ll also have the opportunity to try some of eradicating nearly 62,000 acres of illegal coca for ourselves to better understand why it is crops in 2021. so central to life at high altitudes.
These eradication efforts are often met with We’ll bid farewell to Fortunata around considerable resistance. Coca is one of the most 4pm and continue making our way to our lucrative crops for Peru’s poorest farmers. Drug Sacred Valley hotel in Urubamba, arriving at traffickers will pay up to $5 per kilo of coca approximately 4:30pm. leaf, whereas legal coca and alternative crops (like bananas and cocoa) fetch less than $2
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16 Perched beside the Urubamba River under a more intimate experience, we’ll be divided Chicón Mountain, Urubamba is located among into smaller groups of no more than 5 for our some of the Sacred Valley’s most iconic Incan dinner. Read more about this activity below. ruins—including, of course, Machu Picchu. Activity Note: Today’s activities take place at It’s also a historic hub of commerce in the elevations above 9,000 feet. We recommend region; vendors from all across the Sacred staying hydrated while at high altitude. Valley come to the vibrant outdoor market Travelers may rest at the hotel if necessary. here to sell coffee, cheese, produce, fruit, and even clothes and cookware. Depending on Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel where you stay, you may have access to a hotel featuring Peruvian and American options, lounge and restaurant. Rooms may include beginning at 6am. cable TV, wireless internet, air conditioning, a private bathroom, and a personal safe. We’ll Morning: We board our bus around 8:30am check in, followed by a couple of hours to for an approximately 30-minute drive to the relax. Depending on where you stay, you may splendid Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo. We’ll have access to a hotel lounge and restaurant. walk amid the remains of this ancient fortress Rooms may include cable TV, wireless internet, of gray and rose-colored granite, discover its air conditioning, a private bathroom, and a ancient baths, and climb up the huge terraces personal safe. We’ll check in, followed by a guarding its hilltop temples. Then, we’ll enjoy couple of hours to relax. At 6:30pm, embark a chance to meet some of the local people who on an orientation walk so your Trip Experience dwell in the traditional town nearby. Leader can show you where to find restaurants, We continue our discoveries with a bus ride bars, and other entertainment that you can get of about 20 minutes to reach the banks of the to on foot in your free time. Urubamba River, where we embark on a float Dinner: At our hotel around 7pm, featuring trip aboard inflatable rafts—an enjoyable typical dishes of the region. way to experience the enchanting Andean landscape. It’s little wonder that the Incas Evening: You have the freedom to spend the regarded the Urubamba Valley as sacred rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip ground. Here their culture was born, and here Experience Leader for recommendations. they found a true life-source—the area’s mild climate and fertile soil, which yielded an Day 5 Raft the Urubamba River • abundance of fruits and vegetables. As we float Explore Ollantaytambo Inca Fortress • along the river, we’ll observe the networks of Home-Hosted Lunch terraces on either side, constructed entirely by hand, which transformed steep mountainsides • Destination: Urubamba into acres of arable land that helped feed a • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner civilization, and which remain in use today, • Accommodations: Pisonay Pueblo or similar centuries after their construction. O.A.T. Exclusive Activity: This afternoon we’ll After our rafting excursion, it’s time to whet join a local family for a Home-Hosted Lunch our whistles: An approximately 15-minute featuring typical Andean cuisine and lively bus ride takes us to a local bar where you can cultural exchange. This is a unique opportunity sip chicha, a beer brewed from corn. The bar, to connect with everyday citizens and enhance or chicheria, is a family-owned favorite of your understanding of local life. To facilitate
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17 the local farmers, so you may have a chance Dinner: At a local polleria restaurant, where to make some new friends during our time we will have the opportunity to taste one here. You’ll also have the chance to learn of Peru’s most popular dishes, pollo a la how chicha is fermented and distilled. From brasa (rotisserie-style chicken). there, we drive 15 minutes to the home of Evening: We’ll return to our hotel around 8pm. a local Peruvian family, where we’ll enjoy You have the freedom to spend the rest of your a Home-Hosted Lunch. Here, we’ll be divided evening as you wish—ask your Trip Experience into even smaller groups of no larger than 5 for Leader for recommendations. an intimate local experience.
We’ll arrive at the local family home, which Day 6 Train ride through the Sacred Valley will likely be a single-family tile-roofed home • First Visit to Machu Picchu typical of the area. A member of the family will • Destination: Aguas Calientes show us around the house and give us a glimpse into rural life in Peru, including the unique • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner structure of the home. • Accommodations: Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu or similar We’ll likely see a small garden where the family Activity Note: Today’s activities take place at grows fresh vegetables and aromatic plants elevations above 7,900 feet. We recommend featured in many Andean dishes. Homes also staying hydrated while at high altitude. typically have a small guinea pig or poultry Travelers may rest at the hotel if necessary. farm behind their houses. Kitchens are located adjacent to the home, not inside—as families Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel prefer to use firewood over gas or electricity beginning at 6:30am, featuring Peruvian and to prepare meals. We’ll head there to help the American dishes. family prepare an appetizer. Morning: Today, we set out on a spectacular Lunch: With the local family in their home. The train trip into the gorge of the Urubamba River appetizer we savor will depend on the season, and on to Machu Picchu, the legendary “Lost ranging from traditional Andean quinoa soup City of the Incas.” or black potato soup, to stuffed peppers or corn tortillas. The main course will be a Peruvian But first, around 8:30am, we are in for a special staple: roasted guinea pig. We’ll chat with our treat when we get an up-close glimpse of hosts about how this ancient dish is prepared, a curandero ceremony, a healing ritual with as well as chat about what day-to-day life looks Inca roots—performed by a mestizo medicine like in Urubamba. man—that draws on an assortment of ancient and modern substances and symbols, combined Afternoon: We’ll bid farewell to our hosts with coca leaves and the energy of the sacred around 2:15pm and drive back to our hotel in mountains and Mother Earth. Urubamba, arriving around 2:30pm. Once there, you will have a few hours of free time to rest Around 10am, we board our bus and drive to the after the day’s activities, or make independent Ollantaytambo train station, where we’ll catch discoveries in the town. At 6:30pm, our small our train to the next leg of our journey. group will meet in the hotel lobby and drive Lunch: We’ll enjoy a boxed lunch on board about 15 minutes to a nearby restaurant. the train.
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18 Afternoon: After a scenic train ride through the Incas’ devotion to their sun god. (The fact that Sacred Valley, we arrive in the village of Aguas nearly all the unearthed human remains are Calientes around 1pm, where we’ll return after female also points to Machu Picchu as a site of our exploration of Machu Picchu this afternoon. religious sacrifice.) Most travelers visit Machu Picchu on a day trip, As for the fate of Machu Picchu’s people, which makes for a hectic pace and only limited the theories are even more far-reaching time at this unique archaeological wonder; our (and theory is all we have, for the Incas overnight stay in Aguas Calientes allows us to left no written record). It is known that explore at a more relaxed pace and return to smallpox decimated the population in the continue our discoveries of this famous city the early 16th century, but the remainder may next morning. have succumbed to drought or disease, been We’ll board a bus around 1:30pm and travel conquered by the Spanish, or simply abandoned about 30 minutes to Machu Picchu, which—like the site. Lima and the city of Cuzco—is also a UNESCO We can consider this mystery as our own World Heritage Site. This ancient city was a expedition alights on this mountaintop site place little known not only to foreigners, but this afternoon, as our expert Trip Experience also to the Inca people—only a select few were Leader and a local assistant give us a complete ever allowed to visit this mysterious sanctuary. and compelling look at this fabled “Lost City,” Even though it was “discovered” by Hiram explaining the speculation surrounding Machu Bingham in 1911, Machu Picchu remained Picchu’s place in the Inca world. Beginning inaccessible until the 1940s, when the Inca Trail around 2pm, we’ll trek across its terraced was found by an archaeological expedition. landscape, stroll its ancient streets, and Inching up to the edges of cliffs high above discover remnants of its Ritual Baths, Palace the Urubamba River—and seemingly floating of the Princess, Main Fountain, and Sun and among the clouds—the mystical stone city Condor temples. We’ll have ample time to stretches boldly across a high ridge in the explore, reflect, and ponder the enigma of Andes Mountains. Much of the mystery this man-made wonder, both with our Trip surrounding Macchu Picchu stems from the Experience Leader and on our own. Inca’s seemingly impossible engineering Around 5pm, we return to Aguas Calientes by feats; without mortar, they somehow placed bus and check in to our hotel, where amenities the stones so perfectly, and built underground will likely include laundry service and an foundations so strong, that when earthquakes ATM. Each room typically features cable TV, hit, the stones simply “dance” and then fall a safe, wireless Internet access, and a private right back into place. They are also so expertly bathroom with a hairdryer. You’ll have a little arranged that the cracks between rocks can’t more than an hour to settle in and freshen even be penetrated by a credit card. up. Then, our small group will reconvene Ensuing explorations uncovered relics just before 7pm for a 5-minute walk to our indicating that the “Lost City of the Incas” dinner locale. may have been the religious center of Inca life. Dinner: At a local restaurant around 7pm, The temples, astronomical observatory, and a featuring dishes typical to the Andean region. remarkable solar clock named Intiwatana, or “hitching post to the sun” are all signs of the
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19 Evening: We’ll return to our hotel shortly after the ruins in a different light, well before other 8pm. You have the freedom to spend the rest visitors arrive on the train from Cuzco later of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip this morning. Among the enigmatic remnants Experience Leader for recommendations. of this Incan sanctuary we find an observatory meant for solstice worship and a stone altar Day 7 Second visit to Machu Picchu marking the holy center point between the nearby sacred peaks. You can wander the • Destination: Aguas Caliente sprawling ruins on your own or embark • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch on a hike. • Accommodations: Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu or similar Whichever option you choose, our group will reconvene around noon and descend by bus to Activity Note: We have an early wake-up call Aguas Calientes below. Upon arrival, we’ll walk this morning to reach Machu Picchu before about 15 minutes to a nearby restaurant. the crowds. Lunch: At a local restaurant around 1pm, Early Morning: We rise early today—between featuring traditional Peruvian dishes. 5am and 6am, depending on when you’ll visit Machu Picchu—to make the most of our second Afternoon: Our small group will return to our day here. hotel around mid-day. We’ll spend our second night in Aguas Calientes—a recently added Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel feature—giving you ample time to rest after beginning at 5:30am, featuring Peruvian and today’s hike, or explore more of the town. American options. Dinner: On your own—ask your Trip Morning: You’ll have two options for returning Experience Leader for local restaurant to Machu Picchu this morning. If you choose recommendations. Perhaps you’ll sample causa, the earlier departure, we leave our hotel around a mashed potato dish that is served a variety of 6:30am and return by bus to Machu Picchu, ways with meat and vegetables. ascending toward the ruined city as the sun crests the peaks of the Andes. We’ll arrive Evening: You have the freedom to spend the around 7:15am for an early-morning hike rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip of your choosing. One brings you to the Inca Experience Leader for recommendations. Bridge, where a trail built with impressive Inca engineering crosses a cliff face. In one spot, the Day 8 Train ride through the Sacred Valley Incas left a deep gap, which they bridged with • Explore colonial Cuzco logs that could be removed to render the trail impassable to enemies. The second option is • Destination: Cuzco an ambitious hike to the Sun Gate at the Machu • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Picchu end of the Inca Trail, which offers a fine • Accommodations: José Antonio Cuzco Hotel view over the ruins. Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel beginning at 6am, featuring Peruvian and Or, if you’d like to catch some more sleep, American options. join the second group departing for Machu Picchu at 8am, arriving at around 8:30am. You can remain at the hotel if you wish, but most travelers appreciate this second chance to see
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20 Morning: We’ll check out of our hotel around the cathedral and go inside to view its many 8am and walk about 10 minutes to the Aguas interior paintings and sculptures, as well as its Calientes train station. From there, we’ll return collections of colonial art and religious relics. by train to Ollantaytambo, a ride of about Head for the San Blas neighborhood to see more 1.5 hours through the spectacular Urubamba of Cuzco’s historic architecture and the shops Gorge. We then continue traveling by bus of artisans along picturesque hilly, narrow for about two hours to reach Cuzco, arriving lanes. Or take in the city’s Inca Museum (Museo around 12:30pm. Inka), which is housed in a colonial mansion and known for its collection of Inca mummies. Lunch: At a local restaurant in Cuzco around 12:30pm, featuring Peruvian staples. Dinner: On your own—ask your Trip Experience Leader for local restaurant Afternoon: We set out to explore Cuzco on a recommendations. walking tour around 1:30pm. Called “the navel of the world” by the Incas, Cuzco was laid out Evening: You have the freedom to spend the in the shape of a puma, a sacred beast in Inca rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip lore. We’ll visit the site of the Qoricancha Sun Experience Leader for recommendations. Temple, Cuzco’s most important ceremonial structure during the Inca era. Historical Day 9 A Day in the Life of Izcuchaca records of the time note that its walls were & Chinchero villages • Grand Circle once covered with 700 sheets of gold studded Foundation visit: Cruzpata School with emeralds and turquoise. When sunlight • Controversial Topic: Building of streamed through the windows, the reflection the Chinchero airport with local of light off the precious metals was blinding. community leaders Then we’ll stroll through the heart of the city at the Plaza de Armas. When the Spanish • Destination: Cuzco conquistadors arrived here, they often built • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch atop Inca structures, leaving behind a blend • Accommodations: José Antonio Cuzco Hotel of architectural styles. At the Plaza de Armas, O.A.T. Exclusive Activities: Prepare for a full you’ll view the outside of the 17th-century day of immersive cultural discovery as we cathedral that was built on the foundation of spend A Day in the Life of the Izcuchaca village an Inca palace. This massive structure is one of and the Chinchero community. We’ll get a the significant colonial buildings in the city. See glimpse into Andean culture as we navigate a whether you agree with many that it is also one local market and visit a school supported in part of the most beautiful churches in Latin America. by Grand Circle Foundation. Later, we’ll learn After our walking tour, we’ll check in to our about a Controversial Topic as we meet locals hotel around 4pm. Depending on where we who will discuss the impact of the building of stay, our hotel will likely offer an on-site the new nearby Chinchero airport. Read more restaurant serving Peruvian cuisine, a currency about these activities below. exchange, a souvenir shop, and a hairdresser. Please note: Alternate activities may be arranged Each room may feature a minibar, cable TV, if today’s school visit falls on a weekend or holiday, safe, and wireless Internet access. You’ll have as school will not be in session. the rest of the afternoon free to make your own discoveries. You could spend return to
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21 Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel Around 11am, we’ll arrive at the local school in featuring Peruvian and American options, Cusco, which is supported in part by donations beginning at 6:30am. from Grand Circle Foundation.
Morning: We begin a day filled with Peruvian Grand Circle Foundation cultural discoveries around 8am, when we Cruzpata School journey by bus to Izcuchaca, a village in the Total donated: $105,309 Anta Province of Cuzco surrounded by farm Partner since: 2014 fields. Our first stop in our A Day in the Life experience, around 8:45am, is a visit to a The children will welcome us warmly with a local market. Once we arrive, we’ll meet our presentation on Peru’s culture—including community leader for the day, Julio Callañaupa. traditional songs and dances— followed by a conversation with their teachers and Julio was born in Yanacona—a community families and some free time with the children within the Chinchero district—in 1969, as the one-on-one. Many travelers find this chance to youngest of five children. Like many children meet the children of Peru to be the emotional of the countryside, his fondest childhood high point of their adventure as well. memories involve helping his parents on the farm. Julio attended public school and loved to Cruzpata School is attended by around 150 learn; though he left after high school to work students from ages 6 to 11 from neighboring several jobs and help his family, he continued villages and communities. Many of the children to teach himself in subjects that interested him. come from farming families and speak only In 1998, he married Liberata Sallo Huaman, and Quechua, the language of Peru’s indigenous they’ve raised four children together. people. As such, teachers are multilingual, tutoring English to both Quechua-speaking Julio will take us through the local market in and Spanish-speaking students and helping Izcuchaca; and we’ll check out the produce and to preserve each student’s family history and other foodstuffs for sale, mingle with the stall culture to the best of their ability. Since first owners, and watch as locals go about their daily partnering with the school in 2014, Grand Circle shopping. The economy of Izcuchaca is largely Foundation has supported the purchase of based on agriculture and livestock, which we’ll new playground equipment, traditional dance see during our market explorations. We’ll also costumes, new desks and chairs, and more. experience a traditional mode of transportation here, the tuk-tuk (moto-taxi), which will We’ll spend about an hour and a half at take us from the market to the main town Cruzpata, during which the children will walk square. We’ll get to know our drivers, perhaps us through the school; show us some of their chatting with them about what it’s like to be books and learning materials; and perhaps even self-employed in the village. teach us a few Quechua phrases. We’ll even get the chance to help teach the students a short Around 9:45am, we’ll hop back on our math or English lesson. motorcoach to embark on the approximate hour and 15-minute drive to a local elementary After our school visit wraps up just before school (when in session). On the way, we’ll stop 12:30pm, we ride about 20 minutes to the to meet local Izcuchaca shepherds and farmers mountain weaving village of Chinchero, for a glimpse at their daily lives. which—at an elevation of 12,500 feet—is a literal high point of our exploration of the
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22 Sacred Valley. Chinchero was also the site of a and layouts carved out by the Incas still 16th-century Inca emperor’s estate, as well as a remain. Plus, the economy here is rooted in its resting place on the Inca Royal Road. agriculture—and some locals are worried all that will change with the construction of the At around 12:45pm, we arrive in Chinchero new airport. village, where we’ll enjoy a walking tour of the community and savor lunch together. Because the Cuzco airport bustles with so much activity, the Chinchero airport was launched Lunch: Shared with the community in to decrease traffic coming in and out of Cuzco. Chinchero around 1pm—our Trip Experience Already in the first phase of construction, Leader will help us converse with the local the Peruvian government has committed to people, providing another excellent opportunity finishing the Chinchero airport by 2023—much to learn about daily life in Peru. We’ll also try of the land has already been bulldozed over. our hand at helping the community members Many residents, archaeologists, and art prepare lunch, which will consist of typical historians have opposed the construction from Andean cuisine. the beginning, arguing that the airport is being Afternoon: After lunch around 2pm, we’ll built right atop some of the precious Incan head to the local weaving cooperative owned remnants so many come to Peru to see. by Julio and his wife. About a decade after their We’ll first speak to Julio himself and his wife, marriage, Julio and Liberata saw an opportunity Liberata, about this issue. As community with the rising tourism industry in Chinchero leaders who pursue the preservation of to not only help their family and others in Peruvian art and culture, they oppose the new the village, but to preserve the culture of airport being built over land they’ve fought their ancestors. They opened the Wiñay Awaq tirelessly to protect. Plus, they’re concerned Textile Centre in 2008, the goal of which is to about the air pollution that will occur once preserve the ancestral techniques of weaving the airport is up and running. Liberata and and wool-dying while providing employment Julio fear that they’ll be forced to give up opportunities for their fellow villagers. their culture and to withstand negative Here we see how Peruvian weavers create environmental impacts the airport will have on complex patterns in colorful cloth as their the village and community health. ancestors have for centuries. The women who But the addition of the airport is not without work there will show us how they clean and dye positives—many younger villagers are excited the wool, spin it into thread, and finally weave for the opportunity to get involved in tourism their many-hued threads on traditional looms. by way of the airport, as new tourist traffic Feel free to ask any questions you have about there will create new jobs. One such young the weaving process, and about the weavers’ person is Ms. Rossi Amau Llihuac, who has been lives. After about a half hour, we’ll steer the honing her craft at the weaving center since she conversation to today’s Controversial Topic: was 11 years old. Rossi will chat with us about the new Chinchero airport. growing up in Chinchero, helping her family As we’ve learned throughout our time in on their farm, and following her ancestors’ Chinchero village today, it is considered by textile traditions. She’ll also speak to her hopes many to be a sacred time capsule of Incan for making her mark in Chinchero’s growing culture, where many of the original roads tourism industry.
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23 Our presenters will share their experiences for Lunch: At a local restaurant around 11:45am, about 20 minutes, after which we’ll be able to featuring the traditional Peruvian dishes we ask any questions we may have. have come to know.
Around 3:45pm, we bid farewell to our friends Afternoon: Around 12:45am, we drive into the at the cooperative and drive about 45 minutes hills surrounding Cuzco to visit two important back to our hotel, and you’ll have the rest of the Inca sites. First, around 1pm, we’ll explore the day free to do as you’d like. expansive Sacsayhuaman archaeological site on a hilltop overlooking the city and adjacent Dinner: On your own. You might like to seek out valley, which the Incas built from huge stones, quinoa, a fiber-rich grain that is native to Peru some weighing nearly 300 tons. Massive stone and used in everything from soups to salads. terraces line the site, along with ruins of large Evening: You have the freedom to spend the structures whose origins are, like much of what rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip the Incas left behind, shrouded in mystery. Experience Leader for recommendations. Then, we drive about 10 minutes to the Inca ceremonial center of Qenqo, an ancient worship Day 10 Southern Valley of Cuzco • site that also displays impressive stonework. Archaeologists believe this was a significant site Sacsayhuaman & Qenqo where ritualistic sacrifices and mummification • Destination: Cuzco took place. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner After exploring Qenqo, we’ll drive about 30 • Accommodations: José Antonio Cuzco Hotel minutes back to Cuzco, arriving at our hotel Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel around 3pm. You’ll have almost 4 hours of free featuring Peruvian and American dishes, time to continuing exploring the hilly streets beginning at 6am. of Cuzco on your own. Then, we’ll reconvene around 6:45pm in the hotel lobby and drive Morning: Today we explore the valley south about 10 minutes by bus to a nearby restaurant. of Cuzco. Beginning at 8am, we depart our hotel and drive about 30 minutes by bus to Dinner: We’ll enjoy a Farewell Dinner at a local Oropesa. This small town is known for special restaurant—enjoy typical Peruvian cuisine and bread called pan chuta, made in loaves as big toast to the memories you’ve made with your as a wheel and traditionally offered as a gift fellow travelers. to the host when visiting a home in the Cuzco area. We’ll visit a small bakery around 8:30am, Evening: A bus ride of about 10 minutes brings where we’ll have the opportunity to sample us back to our hotel, arriving around 8:30pm. this local specialty and ask the bakers questions You have the freedom to spend your final about how it is made. Then, around 9:15am, we evening in Peru as you wish—ask your Trip continue on to Tipon, the site of ancient Inca Experience Leader for recommendations. waterworks. The maze of irrigation channels and ritual baths here is a marvel of ancient engineering—water continues to flow in them, 500 years after their construction. We’ll spend about an hour here exploring the site before driving to a nearby restaurant.
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24 Day 11 Cuzco • Fly to Lima • Return to U.S. Otherwise, enjoy a last morning to explore Cuzco at your own pace, with your hotel room • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch remaining available until mid-afternoon. • Accommodations: José Antonio Cuzco Hotel Perhaps you’ll discover the cultural treasures Activity Note: You have a day room available of the Inka Museum or visit the Artisan’s until we leave Cuzco, but there is no overnight Market where you may find handmade jewelry, hotel stay tonight. Travelers taking the musical instruments, artwork, and more. Your post-trip extension to Lake Titicaca will Trip Experience Leader will be happy to offer experience today’s activities and included lunch suggestions. Our small group will reconvene at on the final day of the post-trip. the hotel around 12pm, and set out on a walk of about 10 minutes to a nearby restaurant. Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel featuring Peruvian and American dishes, Lunch: At a local restaurant around 12:15pm, beginning at 6am. featuring typical Andean cuisine.
Morning: If you are taking the Southern Peru: Afternoon: We’ll return to our hotel around Lake Titicaca’s Sacred Landscape & Highland 1:30pm, and you’ll have about 2 hours to relax Culture post-trip extension, you will fly to or pack. Then, around 3:45pm, we’ll check out Puno, Peru, after an early breakfast today. If and transfer by bus to the airport for your flight you are taking the Colombia: Colonial Cartagena to Lima, where you’ll connect to your overnight & Mountainous Medellín post-trip extension, flight back to the U.S. you’ll fly to Cartagena this morning.
END YOUR ADVENTURE WITH AN OPTIONAL POST-TRIP EXTENSION 4 nights in Southern Peru: Lake Titicaca’s Sacred Landscape & Highland Culture
Day 1 Fly to Puno • Discover Sillustani Day 4 Boat ride across Lake Titicaca • Visit Uros & Taquile Islands Day 2 Explore Puno Day 5 Fly to Lima • Explore Lima’s Day 3 Visit Copamaya village • Walk along Barranco District • Return to U.S. Lake Titicaca • Visit Chucuito
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25 OR 6 nights in Colombia: Colonial Cartagena & Mountainous Medellín
Day 1 Fly to Cartagena, Colombia Day 4 Fly to Medellín • Explore Medellín Day 2 Explore Cartagena • Day 5 Explore Guatape Getsemani Walk Day 6 Medellín • Visit Comuna 8 • Day 3 Visit San Felipe Castle • Explore Community center lunch La Boquilla Day 7 Return to U.S.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
26 PRE-TRIP The Peruvian Amazon: Treks, Cruises & Indigenous Communities
INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE
» Roundtrip airfare between Lima and Iquitos » 16 meals—6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, » Accommodations for 2 nights in Lima and 4 dinners at the Best Western Plus Urban Larco » 10 small group activities or similar, 2 nights in the Amazon at » Services of a local Naturalist Guide Explorama Lodge, and 2 nights in the » Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and Amazon at Ceiba Tops luggage porters » All transfers
PRE-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY
The Amazon River. The very name conjures images of tremendous biological diversity: tropical birds winging through the forest … bromeliads blooming on ancient trees … Yagua villagers gliding along in dugout canoes. We’ll navigate this region on foot and by boat, and discover its astonishing beauty and diversity up close.
Day 1 Depart U.S. • Arrive Lima, Peru Freedom To Explore: During your two days in Lima, you have the freedom to explore this • Destination: Lima vibrant city on your own during your free time. • Accommodations: Best Western Plus Urban Below are a few recommended options for Larco or similar independent explorations: Afternoon/Evening: Depart the U.S. today on an international flight to Lima, Peru. When • Explore the Gold Museum of Peru: Travel you arrive late this evening (or very early back in time and see private collections of tomorrow morning), an O.A.T. representative pre-Hispanic gold, ceramics, and textiles. will greet you at the airport and assist with your Many of the gold, silver, and gilded copper 45-minute bus transfer to the hotel. Depending pieces the museum holds are considered the on where we stay, your hotel is typically located most important in pre-Columbian history. in the heart of the vibrant Miraflores district, • How to get there: About a 25-minute taxi and has an on-site restaurant. Each room will ride, approximately $15 USD one way. likely have cable TV, a minibar, telephone, and • Hours: 10:30am-6pm, daily. private bath with shower. • Cost: A ticket is around $10 USD. • Experience the historic Miraflores district on a Mirabus Panoramic Tour: Discover this bustling area from a different vantage
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
27 point—atop a double-decker bus. As you Day 2 Explore Lima’s Miraflores District cruise along, take in sweeping views of • Destination: Lima the Pacific Ocean, ornate mansions, scenic • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch parks, and a 1500-year-old burial ground for pre-Inca remains. These bus tours are very • Accommodations: Best Western Plus Urban popular among Peruvians. Perhaps you’ll Larco or similar strike up a conversation with a local and learn Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel more about their day-to-day life and culture. featuring Peruvian and American dishes, from • How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute walk. 6am to 10am. Hours: 11am, 2pm, 3:30pm, 5pm, Monday- • Morning: Free to relax after your late arrival Friday; 11am, 1pm, 2:45pm, 4pm, 5:30pm last night, or to begin exploring on your Saturday-Sunday. own—ask your Trip Experience Leader for Cost: About $5 USD. • recommendations. We’ll meet as a group for • Stroll through the Barranco Bohemian the first time in the hotel lobby around 12:30pm District: Cutting through seaside cliffs, this and, with a local guide, walk about 15 minutes distinctive district once served as a walkway to a nearby restaurant. to allow fisherman to easily pass through the city to the beach. Now, it is a bustling, Lunch: At a local restaurant in Lima around shop-lined area teeming with the smells 12:45pm, featuring traditional Peruvian dishes. of traditional cuisine wafting from local This is a great opportunity to get to know your restaurants and vendors peddling their fellow travelers better, and to ask your local products. As you take in the local hustle and guide any questions you may have about Peru’s bustle, you can also enjoy the scenic beauty of capital city. the area. The district is lined with native trees Afternoon: Our local guide will lead us on and bougainvilleas, a bush typically accented a walk through the fashionable Miraflores with vibrant pink flowers. Stop at Puente de District, beginning around 2pm. We’ll stroll los Suspiros, or the Bridge of Sighs, to enjoy down Larco Avenue, the neighborhood’s main panoramic vistas of the city. Or, explore Plaza street, and visit the Parque del Amor, or Love San Francisco, which houses the towering Park, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean and Iglesia San Francisco. features a statue of a couple embracing. Then, • How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute taxi around 3:30pm we’ll return to our hotel, and ride, about $7 USD. you’ll have a couple of hours of free time to rest • Hours: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week, but or explore more on your own. our regional associates in Peru suggest Dinner: On your own—perhaps you’d like to visiting from 2pm-6pm to avoid larger seek out seafood at a restaurant in the artsy crowds. Barranco neighborhood. • Cost: Free. Evening: You have the freedom to spend the rest of your evening as you wish. Retire early after your flight, or continue getting to know your fellow travelers over a nightcap in the hotel bar.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
28 Day 3 Fly to Iquitos • Boat to lodge We’ll receive a briefing around 2:30pm to get • Afternoon & evening rain forest oriented and then take a brief nature walk on excursions the local Lake Trail with our Trip Experience Leader. You’ll then have about 4 hours to • Destination: The Amazon settle in and get acquainted with your jungle • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner surroundings. • Accommodations: Explorama Lodge or similar Dinner: We’ll walk along covered pathways to the dining room for our first dinner in Activity Note: We have an early wake-up call the rain forest, around 7pm. We’ll dine on this morning for our flight to Iquitos. locally-sourced seafood dishes, as well as other Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel traditional Peruvian dishes. featuring Peruvian and American dishes, Evening: If you’d like, around 8pm you beginning at 6am. may join your Naturalist Guide on an open Morning: We rise early this morning, checking boat excursion on a small stream to hear out of hotel by around 7am, and drive about night sounds, and see the many stars and one hour to the Lima airport. From there, we’ll constellations of the southern hemisphere if catch a 1.5-hour flight to Iquitos—a lively the skies are clear. port city in the northern part of Peru. When we arrive, around 12pm, we’ll drive about 20 Day 4 Walk Bushmaster Trail • Visit Yagua minutes by bus to the Iquitos pier, where we’ll village • Explore by boat board a small boat and head downriver on the • Destination: The Amazon legendary Amazon. The river is two miles wide • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner here, 2,300 miles from the Atlantic, and we • Accommodations: Explorama Lodge travel along it for about 25 miles, into a forested or similar area with a few riverfront farms and homes. Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the lodge Lunch: We’ll enjoy a boxed lunch aboard our featuring Peruvian and American dishes, boat, around 12:45pm. beginning at 7:30am. Afternoon: We continue floating down the Morning: Around 8:30am, our small group Amazon for another 1.5 hours, admiring the will gather for a walk along the Bushmaster luxuriant scenery as we go. We’ll arrive at our Trail, through some of the most biologically rain forest lodge around 2:15pm. While the diverse forest on Earth. As we walk, our local exact lodge we stay at may vary, it will typically naturalist guide will talk to us about the be shrouded by lush rain forest vegetation and local Yagua culture, including the effects of feature palm-thatched bungalows connected the arrival of Europeans to South America by lit paths. Your room will likely have and the encroachment of the modern world. ceilings, screened-in windows, private baths, Then, around 10:30am, we have the unique electric outlets. Wireless Internet is available opportunity to visit the Yaguas, an indigenous in common areas, and electricity runs in the jungle-dwelling tribe who will share insight rooms from 5am-11pm. into their way of life, and show us how to use their traditional blowgun.
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29 We’ll walk back to our lodge around 11:45am, During the hour we spend here, we’ll see the arriving about 15 minutes later. unique challenges doctors (and patients) face in the remote Amazon, and have a chance to Lunch: At the lodge around 12pm, featuring questions of the staff. fresh, local ingredients. We’ll continue our river journey around Afternoon: We’ll set out on a boat excursion 9:30am, cruising gently for about another two from our lodge around 2pm where we may see hours to reach our next lodge. Depending on freshwater dolphins swimming through the which lodge we stay at, your room will likely river, or sloths hanging in cecropia trees along feature air-conditioned rooms with private the water’s edge. Along the way we’ll also see bathrooms and wireless Internet. Lodge ribereño houses—thatched-roof cottages built amenities typically include an outdoor pool on stilts—and local people going about their with water slide, elaborate gardens, hammock daily lives. house, and lounge. We return back to our lodge by boat around You’ll receive a brief welcome talk upon arrival, 4pm, and you’ll have about 3 hours to relax and around 11:45am. freshen up before dinner. Lunch: At the lodge around 12pm, featuring Dinner: At the lodge this evening, around 7pm fresh, local ingredients. and featuring dishes typical to the region. Afternoon: Shortly after 1pm, our small group Evening: You have the freedom to spend the will take a walk to the immense Ceiba tree for rest of your evening as you wish—ask your which the lodge is named. The Ceiba tree is Naturalist Guide for recommendations. a beautiful sight to behold; it can grow up to 150 feet in height and be hundreds of years Day 5 Visit Yanamono Clinic • Discover old. Its base is thick and spreads out in woody Ceiba tree folds that are known to house bats and their • Destination: The Amazon young. Its trunk is long and straight, and its • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner branches reach almost horizontally, giving the tree an unusual appearance. Indigenous • Accommodations: Ceiba Tops to Mesoamerica, the Ceiba was worshipped Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the lodge in ancient times by the Mayan people as a featuring Peruvian and American dishes, representation of the connection between Earth beginning at 7:30am. and the heavens. Even today, you may come across a lone Ceiba tree standing in a cleared Morning: Around 8am, we’ll check out of our field, untouched by the farmer’s axe in homage lodge and, with our luggage, head to our next to its mythological status. lodge by boat. We’ll make a stop to visit the Yanamono Clinic, an Amazon medical center We’ll also take a boat excursion to the large supported by Grand Circle Foundation, around river village of Indiana, where we’ll keep our 8:30am. The clinic was founded in 1990 after eyes peeled for the dolphins known to thrive in an American doctor visited the area and saw this area. Then, around 4pm, we return to our firsthand the lack of medical services for lodge and you’ll have about three hours to do as the local people; today, the clinic provides you wish. cost-effective and critically-needed care.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
30 Dinner: Included at our lodge around 7pm, Afternoon: Around 1pm, we’ll walk about 15 featuring typical regional dishes. minutes to visit a well-organized botanical garden that preserves more than 240 species Evening: You have the freedom to spend the of medicinal plants, and learn from a local rest of your evening as you wish—perhaps practitioner about their use in traditional you’ll join your fellow travelers for a drink in remedies. We may also elect to join a boat the lodge’s common area. excursion to fish for piranha, observe the giant Victoria Regina water lily (in season), spot Day 6 Rain forest canopy walk • Explore more sloths, or canoe on a blackwater lake. medicinal gardens We’ll conclude our explorations around 3pm, • Destination: The Amazon at which time we’ll return by boat to our lodge. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Upon arrival, you’ll have about 2.5 hours of free time to relax to rest after the day’s activities or • Accommodations: Ceiba Tops take advantage of the lodge’s amenities. Early Morning: We’ll rise early and board a small river boat around 7am, when the jungle Dinner: At the lodge around 7pm, featuring the is still quiet. A boat ride of about thirty minutes Amazonian cuisine we have come to know. takes us to Explornapo Lodge, located deep Evening: You have the freedom to spend the with the Peruvian Amazon. rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Breakfast: At Explornapo Lodge around Naturalist Guide for recommendations. 7:30am, featuring local dishes. Day 7 Birdwatching walk • Boat to Iquitos Morning: From the Explornapo Lodge, our • Fly to Lima • Begin main trip naturalist guide leads us on a hike of about an hour to the Amazon Conservatory for Tropical • Destination: Lima Studies (ACTS) to learn about ongoing scientific • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch projects taking place there. Then, around Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the lodge 9:30am, we ascend to the tops of the giant around 7:30am, featuring Peruvian and trees, to the center’s canopy walkway, a unique American options. system of aerial platforms and cableways more than 1,500 feet long, the longest treetop Morning: Around 8am, we’ll take a 3-hour walkway in the world. From high above the birdwatching walk with our Naturalist Guide forest floor, we’ll observe complex layers of through the jungle to search for the rare and tropical vegetation, and enjoy a rare panoramic colorful avian species that make their homes view of the Amazon. We may also spot scarlet here. Along the way, we’ll also view water lilies and blue macaws or the paradise tanager, floating serenely on the river. We’ll return by and saki and titi monkeys may join us as we foot to the lodge around 11am. walk through their domain. We’ll make the Lunch: At the lodge around 11:15am, 30-minute walk back to the lodge around featuring the Amazonian specialties we have 11:30am, arriving in time for lunch. comes to know. Lunch: At the Explornapo Lodge, featuring Afternoon: We’ll check out of our lodge around cuisine typical of the Peruvian Amazon. 12:15pm and, with our luggage, journey back upriver by boat to reach Iquitos. When we
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31 arrive at the pier around 1pm, we’ll transfer to a bus and make a short 20-minute drive to the Iquitos airport. From there, we fly to Lima to begin our Real Affordable Peru adventure.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
32 PRE-TRIP Coastal Culture & Ancient Mysteries of Peru: Lima, Paracas & the Nazca Lines
INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE
» Accommodations for 2 nights in Lima at » Services of a local O.A.T. Trip Best Western Plus Urban Larco or similar Experience Leader and 3 nights in Paracas at San Agustin » Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and Paracas Hotel or similar luggage porters » 11 meals—5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, » All transfers and 2 dinners » 4 small group activities
PRE-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY
Cradled between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, Peru’s Southern coast is a narrow strip of desert dotted with towering dunes and tropical-looking oases. Fishing villages and resort towns give way to the wildlife-dense Ballestas Islands, and ancient pre-Inca cultures have left their literal mark on the region with the famed Nazca Lines. We’ll explore the diversity of both the cultures and landscapes that makes coastal Peru unique.
Day 1 Fly to Lima, Peru Freedom To Explore: During your two days in Lima, you have the freedom to explore this • Destination: Lima vibrant city on your own during your free time. • Accommodations: Best Western Plus Urban Below are a few recommended options for Larco or similar independent explorations: Afternoon/Evening: Today, you’ll fly from the U.S. to Lima, arriving late this evening. An • Explore the Gold Museum of Peru: Travel O.A.T. representative will meet you when you back in time and see private collections of arrive to assist with your bus transfer to your pre-Hispanic gold, ceramics, and textiles. hotel. Depending on where we stay, our hotel Many of the gold, silver, and gilded copper will likely be located in the heart of Lima’s pieces the museum holds are considered the seaside Miraflores District, and feature an most important in pre-Columbian history. on-site restaurant. Each air-conditioned room • How to get there: About a 25-minute taxi offers cable TV and private bath. ride, approximately $15 USD one way. • Hours: 10:30am-6pm, daily. • Cost: A ticket is around $10 USD. • Experience the historic Miraflores district on a Mirabus Panoramic Tour: Discover this bustling area from a different vantage
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
33 point—atop a double-decker bus. As you Day 2 Explore Lima cruise along, take in sweeping views of • Destination: Lima the Pacific Ocean, ornate mansions, scenic • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch parks, and a 1500-year-old burial ground for pre-Inca remains. These bus tours are very • Accommodations: Best Western Plus Urban popular among Peruvians. Perhaps you’ll Larco or similar strike up a conversation with a local and learn Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel more about their day-to-day life and culture. featuring Peruvian and American options, from • How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute walk. 6am-10am. Hours: 11am, 2pm, 3:30pm, 5pm, Monday- • Morning: You’ll have a few hours of free time Friday; 11am, 1pm, 2:45pm, 4pm, 5:30pm to relax after your late arrival. Later, around Saturday-Sunday. 12:30pm, meet in the hotel to get to know your Cost: About $5 USD. • Trip Experience Leader and fellow travelers • Stroll through the Barranco Bohemian during a Welcome Briefing. Then, we’ll walk District: Cutting through seaside cliffs, this about 15 minutes to a nearby restaurant. distinctive district once served as a walkway to allow fisherman to easily pass through Lunch: At a local restaurant around 1pm, the city to the beach. Now, it is a bustling, featuring typical Peruvian fare. shop-lined area teeming with the smells Afternoon: With our Trip Experience Leader, of traditional cuisine wafting from local we’ll embark on a brief orientation walk restaurants and vendors peddling their through Lima’s fashionable Miraflores district products. As you take in the local hustle and beginning around 2pm. This stylish, modern bustle, you can also enjoy the scenic beauty of neighborhood is a cultural and artistic center the area. The district is lined with native trees full of small cafés, fine shops, and art galleries. and bougainvilleas, a bush typically accented We’ll stroll through boulevards, plazas, and with vibrant pink flowers. Stop at Puente de even the Miraflores malecón (boardwalk), a los Suspiros, or the Bridge of Sighs, to enjoy six-mile long walkway that stretches along the panoramic vistas of the city. Or, explore Plaza Pacific Ocean. San Francisco, which houses the towering Iglesia San Francisco. We’ll return to our hotel around 3:30pm, and the rest of the day is yours to explore Lima. • How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute taxi ride, about $7 USD. Dinner: On your own—ask your Trip • Hours: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week, but Experience Leader for local restaurant our regional associates in Peru suggest recommendations. Perhaps you’d like to seek visiting from 2pm-6pm to avoid larger out fresh seafood from one of the trendy crowds. restaurants in the Barranco neighborhood. • Cost: Free. Evening: You have the freedom to spend the rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip Experience Leader for recommendations. Perhaps you’ll head back into Miraflores to enjoy live music with a chilcano (brandy cocktail) or chicha morada (purple corn-based cocktail) beverage in hand.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
34 Day 3 Lima • Transfer to Paracas Evening: You have the freedom to spend the rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip • Destination: Paracas Experience Leader for recommendations. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch • Accommodations: San Agustin Paracas Hotel Day 4 Nazca Lines Overflight • Visit or similar pisco factory Activity Note: Our overland transfer to • Destination: Paracas Paracas will take about 5 hours, with stops • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner along the way. • Accommodations: San Agustin Paracas Hotel Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel or similar featuring Peruvian and American options, from Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel 6am-10am. featuring Peruvian and American options, Morning: Around 9am, we’ll check out of our beginning at 6am. hotel, board our bus, and transfer overland to Morning: We’ll board our bus around 8:30am Paracas, making stops along the way to break and drive about one hour to the Pisco Airport, up our approximately 5-hour drive. Our route where we’ll board a plane for an overflight takes along the a segment of the Pan-American tour of the Nazca Lines in the Nazca Desert. Highway that runs between the Pacific Ocean A bird’s-eye view is the only real way to and Peru’s coastal desert; be sure to keep a appreciate these mysterious ancient geoglyphs, lookout for the scenic beaches and fishing ports which were etched into the desert ground that we pass. sometime between 200 B.C. and 600 A.D. More Lunch: At a local restaurant around 12pm than a thousand of these etchings—including en route to Paracas, featuring typical geometric shapes and animals, such as Peruvian dishes. monkeys, dogs, fish, birds, and spiders can be seen over a span of over 170 square miles. We’ll Afternoon: We continue our drive to Paracas, spend about 1.5 hours in the air, touching down arriving around 3pm. Our home base for the to earth around 12:30pm. remainder of our trip, Paracas (also referred to as El Chaco) is a beachfront resort town and We’ll drive about 15 minutes to a nearby home to the Paracas National Reserve. Our restaurant. hotel will likely be located on Paracas Bay, Lunch: At a local restaurant around 12:45pm, and feature an outdoor pool, beach volleyball featuring traditional Peruvian dishes. court, gym, and business center. Each of the hotel’s rooms offer water views, wireless Afternoon: Around 2pm, we’ll drive about 30 Internet, a private bathroom, cable television, minutes to a nearby pisco factory to learn how and mini-refrigerator. You’ll have a few Peru’s most famous libation is made. During hours of free time to settle in or explore our our 1-hour visit, we’ll tour the factory and surroundings. have a chance to sample this heady brandy for ourselves. We’ll also have a chance to meet Dinner: On your own whenever you’d like, with with the owner or his father to ask questions several waterfront restaurants to select from. about the pisco production process. Then, we’ll
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
35 drive back to Paracas. We’ll arrive at hour hotel Afternoon: You’ll have a few hours of free shortly after 4pm, and you’ll have about three time to explore on your own this afternoon. hours to relax or freshen up. Around 4pm, we’ll reconvene at the hotel and drive about 30 minutes to the desert, where Dinner: At our hotel around 7:30pm, featuring we’ll take a tour of the sand dunes. Led by our local fare. Trip Experience Leader, we’ll navigate the Evening: You have the freedom to spend the dunes on 4x4 dune buggy vehicles, allowing rest of your evening as you wish—perhaps for maximum exploration and discovery of you’ll set out on an evening stroll to see this otherworldly environment so close to the Paracas by night. coast. After about an hour of desert roaming, we’ll drive back to Paracas and head to a local Day 5 Ballestas Islands & Paracas Dunes restaurant. • Destination: Paracas Dinner: At a local restaurant around 7pm • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner featuring regional specialties.
• Accommodations: San Agustin Paracas Hotel Evening: You have the freedom to spend the or similar rest of your evening as you wish. You might like Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel to explore Paracas’s nightlife with your fellow featuring Peruvian and American options, travelers, sipping a pisco sour while you discuss beginning at 6am. the day’s activities.
Morning: We’ll depart our hotel around 8am Day 6 Overland to Lima • Begin main trip and walk about 15 minutes to the Paracas pier. From there, we set out by boat with a local • Destination: Lima guide for the Ballestas Islands. Located off the • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch coast of Paracas, the Ballestas are locally known Activity Note: Our overland transfer to as the “poor man’s Galápagos”—mainly due to Lima will take about 5 hours, with stops the small, craggy archipelago’s dense wildlife along the way. population—but don’t let the nickname fool you. While visitors are not permitted to step Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel on the islands themselves, touring by boat will featuring Peruvian and American options, allow us to take in the natural wonders found from 6am-9am. here. Made up of eroded caves, arches, and rock Morning: Your morning is free to make any formations, the Ballestas Islands is home to final discoveries in Paracas. Our small group over 150 species of birds, including Humboldt will then reconvene at our hotel around 12pm, penguins, boobies, pelicans, and cormorants. where we’ll board a bus with our luggage and Feisty sea lions, red starfish, and other marine begin our approximately 5-hour drive to Lima. fauna dot the shores. Lunch: At a local restaurant around 12:30pm, We’ll explore for about 2.5 hours, and then featuring typical Peruvian dishes. return to the pier around 11:30am.
Lunch: On your own after 11:30am—ask your Trip Experience Leader for local restaurant recommendations.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
36 Afternoon: We continue our overland transfer to Lima, making stops at points of interest along the way. When we arrive this afternoon around 5pm, we’ll join the rest of the group to begin our Real Affordable Peru adventure.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
37 POST-TRIP Southern Peru: Lake Titicaca’s Sacred Landscape & Highland Culture
INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE
» Airfare from Cuzco to Puno and » 13 meals—4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, Puno to Lima and 4 dinners » Accommodations for 4 nights in Puno at the » 7 small group activities José Antonio Puno Hotel or similar and a » Services of a local O.A.T. Trip day room in Lima at the Best Western Plus Experience Leader Urban Larco Hotel or similar » All transfers
POST-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY
Surrounded by majestic mountaintops and welcoming villages, the turquoise waters of Lake Titicaca have been central to the cultural and spiritual lives of the Andean people since time immemorial. We’ll explore the pre-Inca ruins that line its shores, then discover its floating reed “islands” where the Uros Indians live today.
Day 1 Fly to Puno • Discover Sillustani Afternoon: We’ll board our bus around 2pm and drive about 15 minutes to visit the mysterious • Destination: Puno pre-Incan ruins called chullpas, or funeral • Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner towers, where the Colla tribe buried their elite • Accommodations: José Antonio Puno Hotel class in massive carved tombs. This “city of or similar the dead” consists of a group of cone-shaped Morning: After concluding our Real Affordable towers overlooking Lake Umayo. The chullpas Peru main trip, we check out of our Cuzco hotel are made of enormous stones—bigger at the around 9:30am and drive about 15 minutes by top than at the bottom—and most date to the bus to the airport. From there, we’ll catch an 15th century, at the time of Inca occupation. approximately 30-minute flight to Puno. We may have a chance to meet some of the modern-day descendants of the Colla during Upon landing around 12pm, we’ll drive about our visit to this site. 45 minutes to Sillustani, set on a peninsula in Lake Umayo. Then, we’ll drive about one hour to our hotel in Puno, which will likely be located on the Lunch: We’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant shore of Lake Titicaca and offer an on-site in Sillustani with traditional Peruvian dishes, restaurant and bar. Each of the hotel’s rooms around 1pm. typically features cable TV, minibar, wireless
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
38 Internet access, and a private bath. You’ll have plant. From its sacred standing in Peruvian about two hours to settle in and freshen up culture to its many modern uses, you’ll come upon arrival. to understand the different perceptions of this controversial leaf, as well as its chemical Dinner: At our hotel around 6:30pm, featuring properties. Of course, you’ll also learn how regional Peruvian fare. the plant is transformed into cocaine. Evening: You have the freedom to spend the • How to get there: A 20-minute taxi ride, rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps about $5 USD one way. you’ll take an evening stroll to get to know • Hours: 9am-7pm, Monday-Saturday; Puno by night. 3pm-7pm, Sunday. • Cost: About $5 USD. Freedom To Explore: During your five days in Puno, you have the freedom to explore on • Venture to the mystical Aramu Muru: Known your own during your free time. Below are a as a “Gate of the Gods,” this abandoned few recommended options for independent stone is carved in the middle of various explorations: rock formations. It is believed to have been created during Inca civilization and formerly • Peruse local artifacts and art at the Carlos functioned as an altar. According to local Dreyer Museum: Carlos Dreyer was a German legend, an Inca Empire priest sought refuge painter, photographer, and art collector who in the mountains from the preying Spanish lived in Puno for approximately 50 years. conquerors. He wanted to preserve a gold disk During that time, he acquired a historically which was created by the gods in order to important collection of pre-Hispanic, colonial heal the sick, among other things. To prevent and ethnographic objects. Eventually, he the disk from falling into the hands of the passed on this collection to the museum he Spanish, he went through the gate and never founded. Two objects on display that are of returned, presumably having traveled to particular interest to visitors are mummified other dimensions. Plan to spend a half day on bodies and a full-scale fiberglass chullpa this tour. (funerary tower). It’s also worthwhile to • How to get there: A 1.5-hour taxi ride, note that one of Puno’s oldest residences is about $35 USD one way. just around the corner from the museum, • Hours: Varies depending on private tour the 17th-century Casa del Corregidor. It was availability. formerly a community center, and currently • Cost: About $10 USD. houses a small fair-trade arts and crafts store, making it a great way to top off your Day 2 Explore Puno artistic explorations in Puno. • Destination: Puno • How to get there: A 20-minute taxi ride, • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner about $5 USD one way. • Accommodations: José Antonio Puno Hotel • Hours: 9am-7pm, Monday-Friday. or similar • Cost: About $5 USD. • Explore the history of coca at the Coca Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel Museum: This small, yet informative muse- featuring Peruvian and American options, from um educates visitors about the historical, me- 6am-10am. dicinal, and cultural significance of the coca
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
39 Morning: Today we embark on a half-day city process of spinning and dyeing wool from tour of Puno. Setting out by bus around 9:30am, sheep and alpaca; as you watch, you can ask a local guide will take us to the city’s most any questions you may have. Then, enjoy an interesting sites, including visits to the Baroque opportunity to speak with some local residents cathedral, the Puno cemetery, and the crafts of this agricultural community. market. We’ll conclude our tour in the Plaza Around 12pm, we’ll drive about 15 minutes to a de Armas, and then walk about 5 minutes to a nearby restaurant. nearby restaurant. Lunch: At a local restaurant around 12:15pm, Lunch: At a local restaurant around 12:30pm, featuring regional specialties. featuring regional specialties. Afternoon: We’ll depart Copamaya around Afternoon: A 15-minute bus ride will take us 1:15pm and drive about 15 minutes to the back to our hotel, arriving around 2:45pm. The nearby Lake Titicaca. Here, we’ll enjoy our first remainder of the afternoon is free for your own glimpse of the lake’s legendary azure waters as discoveries—ask your Trip Experience Leader we stroll along its northern shore. According for recommendations. Around 6:45pm, our to Andean legend, a pair of gods rose from its small group will reconvene in the hotel lobby waters to found the Incan empire. Its size and and board our bus for a 15-minute drive to a elevation make the waters of the lake very cold nearby restaurant. with sizable waves. Dinner: At a local restaurant around 7pm, After about 30 minutes at the lake, we’ll set featuring typical Peruvian dishes. out once again by bus to our next destination: Evening: You have the freedom to spend the Chucuito, a small Aymara town just south rest of your evening as you wish. You might of Puno. Here, we’ll spend about 30 minutes like to join your fellow travelers for a nightcap exploring the town’s plaza, colonial churches, in the hotel bar, or retire early to write in your and Inca fertility temple, made of massive travel journal. stones pointing up at the sun god. Then, around 3:25pm, we’ll return by bus to our hotel and Day 3 Visit Copamaya village • Walk along you’ll have a couple of hours of free time in Lake Titicaca • Visit Chucuito Puno to do as you’d like. • Destination: Puno We’ll meet in the hotel lobby around 6:30pm • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and drive about 15 minutes to a nearby • Accommodations: José Antonio Puno Hotel restaurant. or similar Dinner: At a local restaurant around 6:45pm, Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel featuring typical Peruvian dishes. featuring Peruvian and American options, from Evening: We’ll return to our hotel by about 6am-10am. 8pm, and you have the freedom to spend the Morning: We board our bus around 9:30am rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip and drive about one hour to visit the village Experience Leader for recommendations. of Copamaya. There, we’ll see a weaving demonstration by women from the local community. These weavers use a traditional
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
40 Day 4 Boat ride across Lake Titicaca • Visit Afternoon: Around 1pm, we’ll witness a Uros & Taquile Islands traditional dance performance. Afterward, our small group will participate in a conversation • Destination: Puno about life on Taquile that touches on everything • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner from the local mode of dress to social life on • Accommodations: José Antonio Puno Hotel the island and regional governance. Another or similar 2-hour boat ride takes us back to our hotel in Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel Puno, arriving around 4:30pm. You’ll have featuring Peruvian and American options, about 2 hours to relax after the day’s activities. beginning at 6am. Dinner: At our hotel around 6:30pm, featuring Morning: Today we’ll explore Lake Titicaca by dishes typical of the region. boat with the help of a local guide. We’ll depart Evening: You have the freedom to spend our hotel around 7:30am and walk about 5 the rest of your evening as you wish. Enjoy minutes to the hotel’s pier, where we’ll catch a nightcap in the hotel lounge with fellow a private boat to begin our excursion. We’ll travelers, or seek out live music at a bar in Puno. begin the day’s discoveries with a visit the Uros Islands around 8:15am; here, the Uros Indians live on floating “islands” made of the reeds Day 5 Fly to Lima • Explore Lima’s that grow in the lake’s shallow waters. The Barranco District • Return to U.S. Uros Indians are well-known for their totora • Destination: Puno reed boats, called balsas, which are primarily • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch used for fishing and are sometimes affixed with • Accommodations: Best Western Plus Urban sails, also made from reeds. Larco or similar
We’ll spend about 1.5 hours here, and then Activity Note: There is no overnight stay embark our boat for a 2-hour ride to Taquile tonight, just a day room in Lima prior to your Island. Once part of the Inca Empire, this evening transfer to the airport. island was one of the last locations to fall to the Breakfast: We’ll have a light breakfast at the Spanish during their conquest of Peru. At that hotel early this morning, around 6:30am. time, the Spanish forbade traditional dress, and the islanders adopted the Spanish peasant Morning: We’ll depart our hotel around 7:15am dress that they are known for wearing today. and drive about one hour to the airport to catch They also maintained Inca weaving traditions, our flight to Lima. Upon arrival around 11:45am, and their hand-woven traditional textiles are we’ll take a one hour bus ride to our hotel, considered to be among the finest in Peru. where you’ll have a day room at your disposal.
When we arrive at the island’s pier, we’ll walk Lunch: At a local restaurant in Lima around about 15 minutes to a local village. 1:30pm, featuring traditional Peruvian dishes.
Lunch: On Taquile Island around 12pm at a Afternoon: We embark upon a 1-hour family-owned restaurant, featuring typical panoramic bus tour of Lima’s Barranco district regional cuisine. around 2:30pm. Home to many of Lima’s artists, musicians, and designers, Barranco is considered to be both the most romantic
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
41 and the most bohemian district in Lima. We’ll take in its charming Colonial architecture and flower-lined streets, and enjoy striking views of its district’s unique topography, built around ravines and cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. We’ll return to our hotel around 3:30pm, and you’ll have about 4 hours of free time to relax or make any final discoveries in Lima on your own.
Early this evening, around 7:30pm, we check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for our overnight flight to the U.S.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
42 POST-TRIP Colombia: Colonial Cartagena & Mountainous Medellín
INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE
» Accommodations for 3 nights in Cartagena » Services of a local O.A.T. Trip at the Hotel Bantu or similar, and 2 nights Experience Leader in Medellín at the Hotel NH Collection » Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and Medellín Royal or similar luggage porters » 12 meals—6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, » All transfers and 2 dinners » 6 small group activities
POST-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY
On a small Caribbean peninsula, discover Cartagena, Colombia, a city with a rich history and languorous charm. Find Spanish, Indian, and African influences in Cartagena’s colorful architecture and percussion-heavy music, and enjoy gentle tradewinds that waft salt air from the nearby beaches. Then, travel to Medellín to witness a city in the midst of an economic and cultural rebirth. Learn about Colombia’s decades of turbulence, and meet the resilient Colombianos who are forging a bright path for this rich and welcoming country. Plus, get a glimpse of village life in Colombia with included visits to the fishing community of La Boquilla and the countryside village of Guatape.
Day 1 Fly to Cartagena, Colombia Depending on where we stay, our hotel will likely be situated within the walled historic • Destination: Cartagena section of Cartagena and feature a roof deck • Accommodations: Hotel Bantu or similar with a swimming pool and Jacuzzi, and an Activity Note: Today’s transfer involves an on-site restaurant. Rooms typically have air approximate 1.5-hour flight from Cuzco to conditioning, a minibar, wireless Internet, and Lima, and an approximate 4.5-hour flight from en suite bathroom. Lima to Cartagena. Dinner: On your own. Your Trip Experience Morning: You’ll take two flights this Leader would be happy to provide suggestions morning—from Cuzco to Lima, and from Lima of where to find the best local fare nearby. to Cartagena, Colombia. Evening: At leisure to settle in or take a Afternoon: Upon your arrival in Cartagena nighttime stroll to explore the area surrounding this afternoon, an O.A.T. representative your hotel. will be available to assist you with the approximate 25-minute motorcoach ride to the hotel.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
43 Day 2 Explore Cartagena • and a number of charming plazas and squares, Getsemani Walk including San Diego Plaza, Bolivar Plaza, and Plaza de los Coches. • Destination: Cartagena • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch We’ll then board our private motorcoach to • Accommodations: Hotel Bantu or similar Castillo Grande, where we’ll enjoy a panoramic tour of this neighborhood known for its scenic Breakfast: At the hotel. stretches of beaches and trendy restaurants. Morning: We’ll start the day with a Welcome Lunch: We’ll ride by private motorcoach back Briefing at our hotel. During this briefing, to the city center, where we’ll enjoy an included we will introduce ourselves and review our lunch at a local restaurant. itinerary in more detail (including any changes that may need to occur). Our Trip Experience Afternoon: We’ll return to our hotel by private Leader will also discuss logistics, safety and motorcoach, where we’ll have a few hours emergency procedures, and answer questions free to relax or explore independently. Later, we may have. we’ll gather together with our Trip Experience Leader for a walking tour of the Getsemani We then set off on an included walking tour neighborhood, the oldest part of the city, to of Cartagena with our Trip Experience Leader. delve into the local history. Our walking tour Officially known as Cartagena de Indias—so will conclude back at the hotel, where the rest named because Spanish explorers believed the of the day is free to spend as you wish. port would become part of a spice trade route to India—Cartagena is one of South America’s Dinner: On your own. Your Trip Experience most colorful cities. Presiding over sandy Leader can recommend a restaurant. beaches and sweeping ocean views, Cartagena Evening: On your own to relax or to explore as still exudes both a colonial elegance and a you’d like. Ask your Trip Experience Leader for tropical Caribbean flavor. From its inception, recommendations. Cartagena’s riches made it a tempting target for pirates, as well as British and French forces, and Spain spent lavishly on its fortifications, Day 3 Visit San Felipe Castle • Explore a large portion of which have survived the La Boquilla centuries. • Destination: Cartagena
Our walking tour will take us through the oldest • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner section, the Ciudad Amurallada, or Walled City, • Accommodations: Hotel Bantu or similar which is encircled by twelve-foot stone walls Breakfast: At the hotel. and considered to be one of the best-preserved walled cities in the world—a distinction which Morning: We’ll board our private motorcoach earned Cartagena recognition as a UNESCO and drive to San Felipe Castle, a commanding World Heritage Site. We’ll admire the grand fortress built by the Spaniards to protect the architecture and elaborate courtyards in city from pirates in the 17th century. During locations such as Las Bovedas (“the vaults”), your guided tour of the castle, you’ll explore the a one-time munitions storehouse that now labyrinthine tunnels that run underground, and serves as a colorful marketplace; Heredia enjoy panoramic views of the city from atop the Theater, the city’s magnificent opera house; castle walls.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
44 Next, our private motorcoach takes us to whose reign of terror hung over daily life in La Boquilla, a small fishing village near the Medellín until his death and the collapse of his beach. During our time here, we’ll have the ruthless cartel in 1993. opportunity to interact with residents to get Upon arrival in Plaza Botero, we’ll take about local perspectives of life by the sea. We’ll also an hour to explore this impressive display of enjoy an interactive musical lesson as we learn artistic prowess. The plaza has an open-air the steps of cumbia, a traditional Colombian collection of 23 sculptures by Medellín-born dance, and a demonstration of Latin American artist Fernando Botero, whose exaggerated drums. We’ll then return to our hotel by private figures have been shown in the world’s greatest motorcoach. museums and galleries. Lunch: On your own in Cartagena. Your Trip Lunch: Included at a local restaurant in Experience Leader can recommend a café or Plaza Botero. restaurant. Afternoon: After lunch, we’ll briefly visit Afternoon: Your afternoon is free to explore the Botero Museum, which displays some of independently. Your Trip Experience Leader can Botero’s artwork in addition to many other recommend activities to satisfy your interests. pieces donated by the artist himself. Later today, reconvene with your fellow Next, we’ll head to Pueblito Paisa, perched travelers to walk to dinner together. at the top of Nutibara Hill amidst its Dinner: Included at a local restaurant. 33-hectare park. The town was commissioned in 1975 to serve as a replica of a typical Evening: We’ll walk back to our hotel where turn-of-the-century Antioquian pueblo, which the rest of the evening is free to relax or explore you’ll see reflected in the materials and color independently. palettes used for the buildings. Pueblito Paisa features a hilltop restaurant, several shops, and Day 4 Fly to Medellín • Explore Medellín a fountain in the center of the town square. • Destination: Medellín After we wrap up our visit to Pueblito Paisa, • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch we’ll ride to our hotel to check in. Depending on • Accommodations: Hotel NH Collection where we stay, our hotel will likely be located Medellín Royal or similar among shops and restaurants, as well as a Activity Note: Today’s flight to Medellín is short driving distance from El Poblado Park. approximately 2 hours. Your room may feature cable TV, free wireless Internet access, safe, telephone, kitchenette, Breakfast: At the hotel. and private bath. Hotel facilities typically include an on-site restaurant and bar. You’ll Morning: Transfer by private motorcoach have the remainder of the afternoon free to to the airport, where we’ll board our flight settle in and make independent discoveries. to Medellín. After we land and collect our baggage, we’ll head to Plaza Botero via Dinner: On your own. Ask your Trip Experience motorcoach. On our hour-long ride, our Trip Leader for recommendations. Experience Leader will give a talk on the rise and fall of one of Colombia’s most notorious Evening: At leisure in Medellín. Perhaps enjoy a citizens—Pablo Escobar, the drug kingpin night cap at the bar.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
45 Day 5 Explore Guatape Evening: At leisure in Medellín. Perhaps enjoy a night cap at the bar. • Destination: Medellín • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Day 6 Medellín • Visit Comuna 8 • • Accommodations: Hotel NH Collection Community center lunch Medellín Royal or similar • Destination: Medellín Breakfast: At the hotel. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Morning: We’ll board a motorcoach and head • Accommodations: Hotel NH Collection east out of Medellín toward Guatape, hailed Medellín Royal as “the most colorful town in Colombia.” Breakfast: At the hotel. Along the way, we’ll stop at Alto de las Arepas, a local bakery where we’ll get a hands-on Morning: After breakfast, we’ll drive by private demonstration of how to make arepas, a typical motorcoach to Comuna 8. Once considered one Colombian pastry comprised of ground maize of the most dangerous comunas (districts) in dough and served with accompaniments such the city, Comuna 8 is now a model example of as cheese and meat. Medellín’s transformation. As we drive toward the comuna, our Trip Experience Leader will We then continue on our way to Guatape. This share this dramatic history with us, which colorful village, located in the countryside revolves around the rise and fall of Pablo outside of Medellín, is known for its zócalos, Escobar. Modern Medellín, however, is a city beautifully crafted tiles that decorate houses reborn, which we’ll learn more about as we visit and the town’s church. This area is peaceful a community center in the comuna, which now now, but was the scene of conflict between boasts a thriving street art scene and innovative government and paramilitary forces in the late urban design. 20th century—a history we’ll learn about as we explore the village aboard chivas, traditional, Our motorcoach stops at the nearby tram colorfully-painted motorized buses. station, at which point we’ll take a 45-minute scenic tram ride for the remainder of our Next, we’ll get a closer look at the village during journey to Comuna 8. Upon arrival, we’ll learn a walking tour with our Trip Experience Leader, about the day-to-day work that takes place followed by a visit with a local artist in their at Comuna 8’s community center, including workshop to learn more about how zócalos are some hands-on activities alongside a few crafted during a firsthand demonstration. We’ll community leaders, at the local garden and also have the opportunity to ask questions after recycling center. the artist’s presentation. Lunch: We’ll enjoy an included traditional Lunch: Included at a local restaurant Colombian lunch with residents of Comuna 8 at in Guatape. the community center. As we share our meal, Afternoon: We’ll have about a half hour free you may wish to chat with your hosts about in Guatape after lunch, and then return by how Medellín’s transformation has impacted motorcoach to Medellín, where the rest of the their lives. afternoon is free to spend as you wish.
Dinner: On your own. Ask your Trip Experience Leader for recommendations.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
46 Afternoon: After lunch, we’ll drive back to our hotel and take a few hours of free time to relax or prepare for tomorrow’s flight home. Join your fellow travelers to recap your adventure during a farewell briefing before dinner.
Dinner: Enjoy an included Farewell Dinner at the hotel.
Evening: On your own to relax or to explore as you’d like. Ask your Trip Experience Leader for recommendations.
Day 7 Return to U.S. • Included Meals: Breakfast
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
47 Real Affordable Peru OUR SMALL GROUP ADVENTURE COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY To ensure the safety of all of our travelers, we are requiring that all travelers joining us on one of our Small Group Adventures must be fully vaccinated 2022 Dates & Prices against COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to departure of their adventure— and provide proof of their vaccination on-site. For more details, please visit www.oattravel.com/covid-update.
J A N U A R Y ; F E B R U A R Y - JUN 2-10; APRIL; MARCH; MAY; JUL 7; JUN 14-30; JUL 15-27; DEPART FROM NOVEMBER SEPTEMBER AUG 13-28 OCTOBER AUG 1, 7 DECEMBER
Miami $ 2695 $ 2995 $ 2895 $ 2795 $ 3095 $ 2495
Baltimore, Boston, Los Angeles, New York, $ 2795 $ 3095 $ 2995 $ 2895 $ 3195 $ 2595 Washington, DC Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, $ 2895 $ 3195 $ 3095 $ 2995 $ 3295 $ 2695 Newark, Orlando, San Francisco, Tampa Denver, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, $ 2995 $ 3295 $ 3195 $ 3095 $ 3395 $ 2795 San Diego, Seattle
Dallas, Phoenix, Portland $ 3095 $3395 $3295 $3195 $3495 $2895
Additional departure cities are available. Upgrade to Business Class may be available for the international portion of your flight. Call for details.
F E B R U A R Y ; MAR 1, 6; JANUARY; APRIL; JUN 14-30; MAR 12-30; MAY; JUN 2-10; NOVEMBER OCTOBER SEPTEMBER JULY-AUGUST DECEMBER Without international airfare $1795 $1895 $2095 $1995 $1595
RAP2022
RISK-FREE BOOKING POLICY: RESERVE WITH CONFIDENCE—NOW THROUGH 12/31/21 We will waive any change fees if you transfer to another departure date for any reason—up until 24 hours prior to departure. See details at www.oattravel.com/riskfree-booking.
Prices are per person. Airfare prices include government taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges. All prices and availability are effective as of the date of this publication, and are subject to change without notice. Standard Terms & Conditions apply, please visit our website: www.oattravel.com/tc. Every effort has been made to produce this information accurately. We reserve the right to correct errors.
For specific departure dates, current availability, and detailed pricing, visit www.oattravel.com/rap2022p ricing
SAVE UP TO 10% WITH FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS SHARE YOUR LOVE OF TRAVEL OUR GOOD BUY PLAN We offer FREE Single Supplements on all New travelers you refer will instantly save The earlier you reserve your departure of our adventures and pre- and post-trip $100, and you’ll earn increasing rewards— and pay in full, the more you’ll save—up extensions. up to a FREE trip! to 10%—plus, you’ll lock in your price. Each departure has limited solo space For details, visit www.oattravel.com/va For details, visit www.oattravel.com/gbd available—call today to reserve.
Publication Date 8/5/21
Information & Reservations 1-800-955-1925 www.oattravel.com/rap2022
48 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Your Passport • Must be in good condition
• Must be valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return to the U.S.
• Must have the required number of blank pages (details below)
• The blank pages must be labeled “Visas” at the top. Pages labeled “Amendments and Endorsements” are not acceptable
Need to Renew Your Passport? Contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778, or visit their website at www.travel.state.gov for information on obtaining a new passport or renewing your existing passport. You may also contact our recommended visa service company, PVS International, at 1-800-556-9990 for help with your passport
Recommended Blank Pages Please confirm that your passport has enough blank pages for this adventure.
• Main trip: You will need 2 blank passport pages.
• Peruvian Amazon pre-trip extension: No additional pages are needed.
• Nazca Lines pre-trip extension: No additional pages are needed.
• Southern Peru post-trip extension: No additional pages are needed.
• Colombia post-trip extension: You will need an additional blank passport page, for a total of 3.
No Visas Required Travelers with a U.S. passport do not need any visas for this adventure, including the optional trip extensions.
Traveling Without a U.S. Passport? If you are not a U.S. citizen, or if your passport is from any country other than the U.S., it is your responsibility to check with your local consulate, embassy, or a visa services company about visa requirements. We recommend the services of PVS International, a national visa service located in Washington D.C.; they can be reached at 1-800-556-9990 or www.pvsinternational.org.
49 Traveling With a Minor? Some governments may require certain documentation for minors to enter and depart the country or to obtain a visa (if applicable). For further detail on the required documentation, please contact your local embassy or consulate.
Emergency Photocopies of Key Documents We recommend you carry color photocopies of key documents including the photo page of your passport plus any applicable visas, air itinerary, credit cards (front and back), and an alternative form of ID. Add emergency phone numbers like your credit card company and the number for your travel protection plan. Store copies separate from the originals.
If you plan to email this information to yourself, please keep in mind that email is not always secure; consider using password protection or encryption. Also email is not always available worldwide. As an alternative, you could load these documents onto a flash drive instead, which can do double-duty as a place to backup photos during your trip.
Overseas Taxes & Fees This tour may have taxes and fees that cannot be included in your airline ticket price because you are required to pay them in person onsite. All taxes are subject to change without notice and can be paid in cash (either U.S. or local currency). If applicable, you will receive a list of these fees with your Final Documents.
Hotel Letter for Minors Colombia in particular is very strict about traveling with minors if you are not their parent. Not only will you need documentation to enter the country, but also a permission letter from a parent for hotel stays. If you will be traveling with a minor who is not your child—such as a grandchild, niece/nephew, or ward—you must contact both us (so we can document your relationship to the minor in question) and the embassy of Colombia (to be advised on exactly what documents are need).
50 RIGORS, VACCINES & GENERAL HEALTH
Is This Adventure Right for You? Please review the information below prior to departing on this adventure. We reserve the right for our Trip Experience Leaders to modify participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their condition would adversely affect the health, safety, or enjoyment of themselves or of other travelers.
PACING • 4 locations in 10 days; early sightseeing on 1 day
• International flights to Peru may arrive late in the evening or very early in the morning. Return flights to the U.S. may depart between approximately 9pm and 2am.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS • Not appropriate for travelers using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids
• You must be able to walk 3 miles unassisted and participate in 6-8 hours of physical activities each day
• We reserve the right for Trip Experience Leaders to restrict participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their limitations impact the group’s experience
ALTITUDE • 7 full days at altitudes between 7,000-12,000 feet
CLIMATE • Temperatures in the Andes vary due to high altitudes; prepare for temperatures in the mid-60s during the day and as low as 35°F at night
TERRAIN & TRANSPORTATION • Travel over city streets, rugged paths, and unpaved roads; walk over rough, steep, and sometimes slippery trails without handrails; and climb many high and uneven stone steps at Inca ruins
• Agility and balance are required for embarking and disembarking river rafts
• Travel by 24-passenger minibus, train, and river raft
• 1.5-3 hour drives; two 1.5-hour train rides, the second followed by a 2-hour drive; and 2 internal flights of 1.5 hours each
FLIGHT INFORMATION • Travel time will be 6-14 hours and will most likely have two connections
51 ACCOMMODATIONS & FACILITIES • Hotel rooms are smaller than those in the U.S. and offer simple amenities
• All accommodations feature private baths
Steps to Take Before Your Trip Before you leave on this adventure, we recommend the following:
• Check with the CDC for their recommendations for the countries you’ll be visiting. You can contact them online at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel or by phone at 1-800-232-4636.
• Have a medical checkup with your doctor at least 6 weeks before your trip.
• Pick up any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.
• Have a dental and/or eye checkup. (Recommended, but less urgent)
Vaccines Required
COVID-19 Overseas Adventure Travel requires that all travelers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and are able provide proof of their vaccination upon arrival at their destination. A full vaccination is defined as having been inoculated at least 14 days prior to departure by an approved vaccine. This requirement is not contingent on the countries the tour visits, but a strict company policy due to the nature of the pandemic.
Yellow Fever: Suggested Only The CDC does not recommend a yellow fever vaccination for any of the areas we travel to on the main trip. However, travelers on optional extensions should note that the CDC does recommend the vaccination for the Amazon jungle and Lake Titicaca area, if your health allows. This is not a legal requirement for Peru, but a health recommendation.
You should discuss the vaccine with your doctor to see if he or she recommends it and if your health allows for it. (He or she can offer a suggestion tailored to your personal medical history.) We recommend that you research costs before making a decision as the yellow fever vaccination can be expensive and is not covered by most insurance plans. If you and your doctor decide the vaccination is right for you, then he or she will issue you a Yellow Fever Card (officially called an International Certificate of Vaccination).
TIP: We recommend that if you have received the vaccination, you have your Yellow Fever Card with you when traveling. If you cannot receive the vaccination for medical reasons, we suggest you bring with you a letter from your medical provider stating so. If Peru makes a last-minute change to its entry policy before you leave, having one of these documents with you could make all the difference.
52 Medication Suggestions • An antibiotic medication for gastrointestinal illness
• Prescription pain medication in the unlikely event of an injury in a remote location
• Altitude sickness medication: Cuzco is roughly 11,000 feet above sea level and Puno (on the Lake Titicaca extension) is at approximately 12,500 feet. At these altitudes, almost everyone feels some of the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), including headache, nausea, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, and lack of energy.
• For travelers on the Amazon pre-trip extension only: Anti-malaria medication is recommended but you should check with the CDC and your doctor first because these medications can have strong side effects.
Traveling with Medications • Pack medications in your carry-on bag to avoid loss and to have them handy.
• Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers for a quicker security screen at the airport and a better experience if you get stopped by customs while overseas.
• Bring copies of your prescriptions, written using the generic drug name rather than a brand name to be prepared for any unforeseen loss of your medications.
We recommend checking with the State Department for medication restrictions by country: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel- Country-Information-Pages.html. (Pick the country and then follow the links to “Local Laws & Special Circumstances”; if you don’t see any medications specifically mentioned, then you can presume major U.S. brands should be OK).
IMPORTANT TIP: At time of writing, the State Department did not have any special warnings about American over-the-counter medications for Peru, but did have the following warning about bringing medicines back to the U.S.: “Travelers should be aware that some drugs and other products readily available over the counter or by prescription in Peru are illegal in the United States. The prescription sedative flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) is one such drug; others may come on the market at any time. Although coca-leaf tea is a popular beverage and folk remedy for altitude sickness in Peru, possession of these tea bags, which are sold in most Peruvian supermarkets, is illegal in the United States.”
Staying Healthy on Your Trip Jet Lag Tips
• Start your trip well-rested.
• Begin a gradual transition to your new time zone before you leave or switch to your destination time zone when you get on the plane.
• Attempt to sleep and eat according to the new schedule.
53 • Avoid heavy eating and drinking caffeine or alcoholic beverages right before–and during– your flight.
• Drink plenty of water and/or fruit juice while flying
• Stretch your legs, neck, and back periodically while seated on the plane.
• After arrival, avoid the temptation to nap.
• Don’t push yourself to see a lot on your first day.
• Try to stay awake your first day until after dinner.
Allergies
If you have any serious allergies or dietary restrictions, we advise you to notify us at least 30 days prior to your departure. Please call our Traveler Support team at 1-800-221-0814, and we will communicate them to our regional office. Every effort will be made to accommodate you.
Water • Tap water is not safe to drink.
• Bottled water or treated drinking water is readily available. Inspect each bottle before you buy it to make sure the cap is sealed properly. Carry a bottle in your day bag at all times.
• Bottled drinks and juices, and hot drinks that have been boiled, are safe to drink.
• Carry a bandanna to dry the tops of bottled drinks before and after opening.
Food • We’ve carefully chosen the restaurants for your group meals.
• Your Trip Experience Leader can suggest restaurants for the meals you take on your own.
• Carry a handkerchief to dry any wet utensils or plates.
• Be very careful with food sold from vendors on the street, and with uncooked fruit and other foods. Fruit that you peel yourself is usually safe—avoid lettuce and other unpeeled produce.
Altitude Illness During the main trip and on the optional Lake Titicaca extension, you will be staying overnight at more than 10,000 feet above sea level, and making day excursions to higher altitudes. You will probably feel some effects of altitude when you first arrive. Even if you’ve been to high elevations previously, you could have a different reaction this time. For most people, the symptoms are mild, and will pass in a day or so.
You should take it easy, avoid smoking and alcohol, and drink plenty of fluids and electrolytes. Some people take the high altitude medication starting when they arrive or one day before. Don’t take sleeping medications, as they suppress respiration. The most common symptoms are
54 lightheadedness, shortness of breath, headache, nausea, sleeplessness, and loss of appetite. If these are bothersome, you should start to take high altitude medication. Even though you may experience a decreased appetite, force yourself to eat soups and other light foods.
If these “normal” altitude symptoms become unmanageable, it is critical that you inform your Trip Experience Leader. Please let him or her know if you experience any of the following: serious difficulty breathing, mental confusion, a severe and unremitting headache, continued difficulty breathing after a period of rest, or poor physical coordination (ataxia).
55 MONEY MATTERS: LOCAL CURRENCY & TIPPING GUIDELINES
Top Three Tips • Carry a mix of different types of payments, such as U.S. dollars and local currency, an ATM card, and a credit card.
• Traveler’s checks are not recommended. They can be difficult to exchange and are rarely accepted in shops and restaurants.
• U.S. dollars are readily accepted on this trip. We suggest bringing a variety of small and large bills that are in good condition.
Local Currency For current exchange rates, please refer to an online converter tool like www.xe.com/ currencyconverter, your bank, or the financial section of your newspaper.
Peru The official currency of Peru is the Sol (S/), which is divided into 100 centimos. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows:
• Banknotes: 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200
• Coins: 5, 10, 20, 50 céntimos and 1, 2, 5 soles
U.S. dollars are commonly accepted in Peru, especially for large transactions or at businesses that cater to visitors. However, not every business will want U.S. dollars, and the ones that do accept them will want crisp bills in very good condition—bills that are worn, torn, or even folded might be rejected. Large U.S. bills (such as $50 or $100) command a better exchange rate, but small bills are more readily accepted for payment. For this reason, we recommend that you bring a mix of denominations in U.S. dollars. Previous travelers have recommended bringing a lot of $1 bills for tipping (but not for exchanging). When paying in sols, know that it can be difficult for a shop to make change for a 100-sol bill on small purchases.
Colombia The currency of Colombia is the Colombian peso. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows:
• Banknotes: 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000 pesos
• Coins: 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 pesos
U.S. dollars are not widely accepted in Colombia. You may find some street vendors or people in tourist-related industries willing to accept dollars, but generally the local currency is preferred. Our Trip Experience Leaders suggest changing about $100 per person into Colombian currency at the airport when you first arrive.
56 How to Exchange Money In Peru, you’ll sometimes pay in dollars and sometimes in local currency. Large U.S. bills (such as $50 or $100) command a better exchange rate, but small bills are more readily accepted for payment. Therefore we recommend that you bring a mix of denominations in U.S. dollars for this adventure—small bills for paying, plus a few large bills for exchanging.
There is no need to obtain local currency before your trip. In fact, your U.S. bank may not carry it. You can change money when you arrive at the airport, or at banks, most hotels, and money exchange offices. Torn, dirty, or taped U.S. bills may not be accepted for exchange or payment. If you would like to exchange money on your trip, the easiest way is to withdraw funds from a local ATM. The ATM will give you local money and your bank at home will convert that into U.S. dollars.
All exchange methods involve fees, which may be built into the conversion rate; ask beforehand.
ATMs When using the ATM, keep in mind that it may only accept cards from local banks, and may not allow cash advances on credit cards; you might need to try more than one ATM or more than one card.
Many banks charge a fee of $1-$10 each time you use a foreign ATM. Others may charge you a percentage of the amount you withdraw. We recommend that you check with your bank before you depart.
Lastly, don’t forget to memorize the actual digits of your card’s PIN number (many keypads at foreign ATMs do not include letters on their keys—they only display numbers.)
Peru: ATMs are available in large cities and towns like Lima and Cuzco but are less likely to be found in more rural locations. For example, in the Amazon you may only see an ATM at the regional airport. We suggest that you bring cash for expected expenses while traveling in the rural areas.
Colombia: Typically ATMs are widely available in the larger cities like Bogotá, Medellin, and Cartagena, but may be hard to find in smaller towns or rural villages. Our Trip Experience Leaders suggest changing about $100 per person into Colombian currency at the airport when you first arrive. They have found that some of the ATMs at the airport and near the hotels don’t work with U.S. cards.
Credit & Debit Cards Even if you don’t plan on using a credit card during your trip, we still suggest that you bring one or two as a backup, especially if you are planning a large purchase (artwork, jewelry). We also suggest that you bring more than one brand of card (i.e. Visa, MasterCard, American Express) if possible, because not every shop will take every card. For example, although the Discover card is accepted in some countries outside the U.S., it is not widely adopted, so other brands will work at a much larger range of stores, restaurants, etc.
57 Peru: Credit cards are more likely to be accepted large cities like Lima than in the countryside. Stores in Peru may charge you up to 8% for the use of a credit card.
Colombia: Credit and debits cards are widely accepted in Colombia, though you may still run into some smaller shops and restaurants that will not accept them.
Notify Card Providers of Upcoming Travel Many credit card companies and banks have fraud alert departments that will freeze your card if they see suspicious charges—such as charges or withdrawals from another country. To avoid an accidental security block, it is a good idea to notify your credit card company and/or bank you will be using your cards abroad. You can do this by calling their customer service number a week or two before your departure. Some banks or credit card companies will also let you do this online.
You should also double-check what phone number you could call if you have a problem with a card while you are abroad. Don’t assume you can use the 1-800 number printed on the back of your card—most 1 800 numbers don’t work outside of the U.S.!
Tipping Guidelines Of course, whether you tip, and how much, is always at your own discretion. But for those of you who have asked for tipping suggestions, we offer these guidelines.
• O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader: It is customary to express a personal “thank you” to your Trip Experience Leader at the end of your trip. As a guideline, many travelers give $7-$10 USD (or equivalent in local currency) per person for each day their Trip Experience Leader is with them. Please note that these tips can only be in cash. If you are taking any of the optional extensions, your Trip Experience Leader during the extension(s) may not be the same as the one on your main trip.
• Housekeeping staff at hotels: $1-2 per room, per night
• Waiters: Your Trip Experience Leader will tip waiters for included meals. If you are dining on your own, bear in mind that it is common for restaurants in this region to add a service charge (usually of about 10%). If so, there is no need to tip but it is customary to add more if the service was good.
• Taxi drivers: If you are taking a taxi by yourself, keep in mind that tipping is not common practice, but many people simply let the driver keep the change by rounding up the fare to the next whole number.
Please Note: Your tour price includes gratuities on the main trip and optional extensions for local guides, drivers, and luggage porters that may assist you during the scheduled activities on your adventure. All tips are quoted in U.S. dollars; tips can be converted and paid in local currency or in U.S. dollars. Please do not use personal or traveler’s checks for tips.
58 AIR, OPTIONAL TOURS & STAYING IN TOUCH
Land Only Travelers & Personalized Air Quick Definitions
• Land Only: You will be booking your own international flights. Airport transfers are not included.
• Air-Inclusive: You booked international air with us. Airport transfers are included as long as you didn’t customize your trip’s dates (see next bullet).
• Personalized Air: You booked international air with us, and have customized it in some way. If you have customized your trip’s dates to arrive early, stay longer, or stop on your own in a connecting city, airport transfers will NOT be included. You must also arrange your own accommodations for any additional nights. For your convenience, a preliminary list of your included hotels is available on your My Account at www.oattravel.com/myaccount under “My Reservations”.
Airport Transfers Can Be Purchased For eligible flights, airport transfers may be purchased separately as an optional add-on, subject to availability. To be eligible, your flight(s) must meet the following requirements:
• You must fly into or fly home from the same airport as O.A.T. travelers who purchased included airfare.
• Your flight(s) must arrive/depart on the same day that the group arrives or departs.
Airport transfers can be purchased up to 45 days prior to your departure; they are not available for purchase onsite. To learn more, or purchase airport transfers, please call our Traveler Support team at 1-800-221-0814.
If you don’t meet the requirements above, you’ll need to make your own transfer arrangements. We suggest the Rome to Rio website as a handy resource: www.rome2rio.com.
When booking your international flights, please also note that there will be a day room provided on Day 11 of the base tour (Day 15 of the post trip) before you check out in the evening for your overnight flight back to the United States.
Optional Tours Optional tours are additional add-on tours that allow you to personalize your adventure by tailoring it to your tastes and needs. And if you decide not to join an optional tour? Then you’ll have free time to relax or explore on your own—it’s about options, not obligations.
What You Need to Know • All optional tours are subject to change and availability.
59 • Optional tours that are reserved with your Trip Experience Leader can be paid for using credit/debit cards only. We accept MasterCard, Visa, and Discover credit cards; we can also take MasterCard or Visa debit cards as long as the card allows you to sign for purchases. (You won’t be able to enter a PIN.)
• To ensure that you are charged in U.S. dollars, your payment will be processed by our U.S. headquarters in Boston. This process can take up to three months, so we ask that you only use a card that will still be valid three months after your trip is over. The charge may appear on your credit card statement as being from Boston, MA or may be labeled as “OPT Boston”.
• Your Trip Experience Leader will give you details on the optional tours while you’re on the trip. But if you’d like to look over descriptions of them earlier, you can do so at any time by referring to your Day-to-Day Itinerary (available online by signing into My Account at www.oattravel.com/myaccount).
Communicating with Home from Abroad
Cell Phones If you want to use your cell phone on the trip, check with your phone provider to see if your phone and service will work outside of the U.S. It may turn out to be cheaper to rent an international phone or buy a SIM card onsite. If you want to use a local SIM, just make certain your phone can accept one.
Calling Apps Another option is to use a smartphone app like Skype or FaceTime. These services are usually less expensive than making a traditional call, but you’ll need a Wi-Fi connection and the calls may count towards your phone plan’s data allowance. Many smartphones—and some tablets or laptops—come with one of these apps pre-installed or you can download them for free from the appropriate apps store.
Calling Cards and 1-800 Numbers When calling the U.S. from a foreign country, a prepaid calling card can be useful because it circumvents unexpected charges from the hotel. Calling cards purchased locally are typically the best (less expensive, more likely to work with the local phones, etc.).
One reminder: Do not call U.S. 1-800 numbers outside the continental United States. This can result in costly long distance fees, since 1-800 numbers do not work outside the country.
Internet Internet access on this adventure will be mostly limited to computers in the hotel lobby or business center; most hotels in Peru do not offer WiFi in the rooms, and the ones that do charge for the service.
60 How to Call Overseas When calling overseas from the U.S., dial 011 for international exchange, then the country code (indicated by a plus sign: +), and then the number. Note that foreign phone numbers may not have the same number of digits as U.S. numbers; even within a country the number of digits can vary depending on the city and if the phone is a land line or cell phone.
Peru: +51 Colombia: +57
61 PACKING: WHAT TO BRING & LUGGAGE LIMITS
Luggage Limits
MAIN TRIP LIMITS
Pieces per person One checked bag and one carry-on per person.
Weight restrictions Up to 50 lbs for checked luggage and 15 lbs for carry-ons
Size Restrictions Standard airline size: Checked luggage should not exceed 62 linear inches (length+width+depth) and carry-on should not exceed 45 linear inches.
Luggage Type Duffel bag or soft-sided suitcase. Please do not bring a hard-sided (clam shell) suitcase.
TRIP EXTENSION(S) LIMITS
Same as the main trip.
REMARKS/SUGGESTIONS
Luggage rules: Luggage rules and limits are set by governmental and airline policy. Enforcement of the rules may include spot checks or may be inconsistent. However one thing is the same across the board: If you are found to have oversized or overweight luggage, you will be subject to additional fees, to be assessed by—and paid to—the airline in question.
Reminder to bring a small additional bag: This small bag is a necessity for certain portions of your adventure. You will need it for the train trip to and from Machu Picchu because there is no space for your suitcase on the train. Since you’ll only be without your suitcase for two nights, some previous travelers have suggested re-purposing your carry-on for this train trip. A waterproof bag is preferable, as is a bag that locks. For more details, see the “Your Luggage” section.
Luggage storage during the Amazon extension: If you are taking the Amazon pre-trip extension, it may be helpful for you to leave your “high altitude” gear behind at your Lima hotel and just take your “rainforest gear” on the extension. If you choose to take advantage of this service, please bring an extra bag that can be locked and left behind (consider using the same bag that you will use for Machu Picchu, noted above). You will be able to pick up this left luggage when you return to Lima for the beginning of the main trip.
62 Don’t Forget: • These luggage limits may change. If the airline(s) notify us of any changes, we will include an update in your Final Documents booklet.
• It’s a good idea to reconfirm baggage restrictions and fees directly with the airline a week or so prior to departure. For your convenience, we maintain a list of the toll-free numbers for the most common airlines on our website in the FAQ section.
• Baggage fees are not included in your trip price; they are payable directly to the airlines.
• The luggage limits above are based on your regional flights, which may be less than your international flights. Even if your international airline offers a larger weight limit, you will need to pack according to the lower restrictions.
Your Luggage • Checked luggage: One duffel bag or suitcase. Look for one with heavy nylon fabric, wrap- around handles, built-in wheels, and a heavy-duty lockable zipper. Please do not bring a rigid (plastic shell) suitcase.
• TIP: When traveling with a companion we recommend “cross-packing,” i.e., pack 2 outfits of your clothing in your companion’s luggage and vice-versa, in case one bag is delayed.
• Carry-on bag: You are allowed one carry-on bag per person. We suggest a tote or small backpack that can be used as both a carry-on bag for your flight and to carry your daily necessities—water bottle, camera, etc—during driving excursions and walking trips. Consider a backpack or waistpack that keeps both hands free and distributes the pack’s weight onto your back or hips.
• A small additional bag: This small bag is a necessity for certain portions of your adventure. You will need it for the train trip to and from Machu Picchu because there is no space for your suitcase on the train. (You’ll leave your suitcase or large duffel bag at the hotel in Sacred Valley, travel to Machu Picchu, stay for two nights, and then travel to Cuzco, where your luggage will be waiting for you.) Since you’ll only be without your suitcase for two nights, some previous travelers have suggested re-purposing your carry-on for this train trip. A waterproof bag is preferable, as is a bag that locks.
• Locks: For flights that originate in the U.S., you can either use a TSA-approved lock or leave your luggage unlocked. Outside of the U.S. we strongly recommend locking your luggage as a theft-prevention measure.
Clothing Suggestions: Functional Tips As you will experience a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions, we suggest several layers of clothing. If you like to hand-wash your clothes, look for fabrics that will dry out overnight. You can buy clothing designed especially for travel, with features like wrinkle- resistant fabric or built-in sun protection.
63 • Footwear: You’ll be on your feet a lot during the trip, and walking over some rough and slippery surfaces. We recommend you wear sturdy walking shoes or similar supportive sports shoes that offer good traction. You may also want to bring river sandals or aqua socks. These are used when rafting on the Urubamba River. If you opt for sandals, choose a pair with a secure ankle strap, such as Tevas. For the Amazon we recommend that you bring “mud shoes,” a pair of old or very inexpensive sneakers. These are used in the Amazon area for hiking on trails that may be wet, muddy, or submerged.
• Walking sticks: Many past travelers have recommended bringing a folding walking stick or folding ski pole. (On the Amazon Rain Forest of Peru extension, our Amazon lodge supplies walking sticks for guests to use in the rain forest, but you may want one when exploring other sites.) This is very useful when exploring Inca ruins and jungle trails that don’t have handrails. In Machu Picchu, walking sticks are technically not permitted. However, our Trip Experience Leaders are often able to negotiate with park employees to allow walking sticks with rubber tips (as they cause less damage to the ground of the ancient sites). Therefore, we suggest you bring this type of walking stick. If you do not bring a walking stick, you may be able to purchase one onsite.
• Camouflage colors: If you are taking the optional Amazon Rain Forest of Peru extension, we recommend bringing earth-colored clothing (shades of greens, browns, and grays). These colors will camouflage your presence in the jungle and afford you a better opportunity to spot wildlife.
• Rain gear: You’ll want fairly good-quality rain gear for the optional Amazon Rain Forest of Peru extension.
Style Hints Dress on our trip is functional and casual. You might want to bring one slightly dressier outfit for dining on your own at nicer restaurants, but that is totally up to you.
Suggested Packing Lists We have included suggestions from Trip Experience Leaders and former travelers to help you pack. These lists are only jumping-off points—they offer recommendations based on experience, but not requirements. You may also want to consult the “Climate” chapter of this handbook.
And don’t forget a reusable water bottle—you’ll need it to take advantage of any refills we offer as we are working to eliminate single-use plastic bottles on all of our trips.
Recommended Clothing Checklist Shirts: A mixture of short and long-sleeved shirts in a breathable fabric (consider quick- drying fabric for the Amazon extension)
Trousers and/or jeans: Comfortable and loose fitting is best. Walking shorts
64 Shoes and socks: A pair of sturdy walking shoes or supportive sports shoes that offer good traction are key. A pair of sport sandals with secure ankle strap (such as Tevas or Merrell) may be useful. For the Amazon extension, a pair of “mud shoes” may be useful. For socks, consider bringing a couple heavy pairs for hiking and a couple pairs that can get wet.
Light wool or fleece sweater and/or a Polartec fleece jacket Light rain jacket/windbreaker with hood or poncho. Wide-brim sun hat or visor for sun protection Underwear Sleepwear Optional: Swimsuit, especially if you are taking the optional Amazon extension
Essential Items Daily essentials: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, hairbrush or comb, shaving items, deodorant, etc. Our hotels will provide the basics like soap and shampoo but usually not washcloths.
Spare eyeglasses/contact lenses; sunglasses Sunscreen: SPF 15 or stronger Insect repellent with DEET (30%-35% strength) Light folding umbrella Moisturizer and sun-blocking lip balm Pocket-size tissues Moist towelettes and/or anti-bacterial “water-free” hand cleanser A small, lockable duffel bag (with a luggage tag and a lock) for the train to Machu Picchu. See luggage section for details.
Electrical transformer & plug adapters Camera gear with extra batteries or battery charger
65 Medicines & First Aid Gear Your own prescription medicines Travel first aid kit: Band-Aids, headache and pain relief, laxatives and anti-diarrhea tablets, something for upset stomach. Maybe a cold remedy, moleskin foot pads, antibiotic cream, or allergy medication.
An antibiotic medication for gastrointestinal illness Optional: A strong prescription pain medication for rare emergency purposes Optional: Altitude sickness medication Optional for travelers on the pre-trip extension to the Amazon: Anti-malarial medication—discuss with your doctor first
Optional Gear Travel alarm or travel watch with alarm Lightweight binoculars (essential if birding) Folding walking stick: This is highly recommended for this tour, as many ruins do not have handrails. Walking sticks are technically not allowed in Machu Picchu, but our Trip Experience Leaders are often able to negotiate with park employees to allow walking sticks with rubber tips. Therefore, we suggest you bring this type of walking stick. If you do not bring a walking stick, you may be able to purchase one onsite.
Portable reading light: In some places, the lighting may not be as bright as you are used to. Hanging toiletry bag (with hook to hang on doorknob and pockets to organize items) Basic sewing kit Hand-wash laundry soap Hair dryer Travel journal/note pad and pens Reading materials Small gift for Home-Hosted visit Phrase book
66 Inflatable seat cushion for bumpy roads
Electricity Abroad When traveling overseas, the voltage is usually different and the plugs might not be the same shape.
Voltage Electricity in Peru is 220 volts. In the U.S., and Colombia, it is 110 volts. Most of the things a traveler will want to plug in—battery chargers, MP3 players, tablets or computers—can run off both 110 and 220. But you should check the item or the owner’s guide first to confirm this before you plug it in. If you have something that needs 110 volts—like a shaver or a hairdryer—you can bring a transformer to change the current. (But transformers tend to burn out, so it might be better to leave whatever it is at home.)
Plugs The shape of plugs will vary from country to country, and sometimes even within a country depending on when that building was built. To plug something from the U.S. into a local socket you’ll need an adapter that fits between the plug and the socket. Although you are only traveling in one country on this trip, it may be easier to purchase an all-in-one, universal adapter/converter combo if you plan to do a lot of international travel in the future. Versatile and lightweight, these can usually be found at your local electronics goods or hardware stores. Sometimes you can buy them at large retailers too, like Target or Walmart. If you forget to bring an adapter, you might also find them for sale at the airport when you arrive at your destination.
Different plug shapes are named by letters of the alphabet. Standard U.S. plugs are Type A and Type B. Here is the list of plugs for the countries on this trip:
Peru: A, B, or C
67 Colombia: A and B
Type A Type B Type C
Availability A constant electricity supply cannot be guaranteed during overnight stays. In some places—like our jungle lodge during the Amazon extension—a generator may supply electricity for a limited period of time each day (for example, from 6pm-10pm), and lighting may not be as bright as you are used to. Travelers dependent on electricity supply (as in the case of those with sleep apnea) should consider a different adventure or ensure their apparatus has back-up battery power.
68 CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
Lima, Peru: Lima is situated in one of the world’s great deserts, and has a dry desert climate. The city has virtually no rainy days, with the very small annual precipitation coming in the form of the sea mist and occasional drizzle of the winter season, June to September. Only during the summer months of January through March is it warm and humid on the coast, with temperatures the rest of the year falling in the 60s and 70s.
Cuzco, Peru: Cuzco’s high altitude, approximately 10,909 feet above sea level, results in a somewhat large range of daily temperatures. Considered a moderate climate, it is typically sunny and pleasant during the day but with evening temperatures that can be refreshingly chilly. During the winter months of June through August, nights can even bring frost at these heights. Interestingly, average daytime temperatures do not fluctuate greatly over the entire year, with the high thermometer readings staying in the 60s throughout all seasons. The summer months of December through March bring most of the rains, while May through September offer usually sunny, comfortably cool days with only occasional sudden showers.
Machu Picchu, Peru: You will travel to high altitudes with much cooler climates. Temperatures vary widely but typically you will experience mild, humid weather during the day and cold temperatures in the early morning and evening.
Paracas, Peru: Paracas is considered a desert climate, with rare rains that only occur in the winter and mostly at the top of the highest hills. It is uncommon for temperatures to drop below the mid 60s, even during the coldest days in August. Paracas gets its name from the local fierce winds, the paracas, which are known to cause the occasional dust storms.
Medellin, Colombia: Medellin may be squarely in the tropics, but its elevation (almost 5,000 feet above sea level) offsets the tropical heat and gives the city a pleasant spring-like climate. Temperatures don’t vary much throughout the year—the high is almost always in the 70s or 80s; the low is usually in the 60s. Rainfall is possible any day of the year, but is more common during spring (April and May) or fall (October and November).
Climate Averages & Online Forecast The following charts reflect the average climate as opposed to exact weather conditions. This means they serve only as general indicators of what can reasonably be expected. An extreme heat wave or cold snap could fall outside these ranges. As your departure approaches, we encourage you to go online to www.oattravel.com/myaccount for your 10-day forecast.
69 Average Daily High/Low Temperatures (°F), Humidity & Monthly Rainfall
MONTH LIMA, PERU CUZCO, PERU
Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Humidity (am-pm) (inches) Humidity (am-pm) (inches) JAN 79 to 68 89 to 70 -- 64 to 45 79 to 53 5.9 FEB 80 to 69 91 to 69 -- 64 to 46 80 to 53 5.9 MAR 80 to 69 91 to 70 -- 64 to 46 80 to 51 3.8 APR 76 to 66 92 to 72 -- 66 to 43 80 to 48 1.5 MAY 72 to 63 92 to 75 -- 67 to 39 81 to 42 0.3 JUN 69 to 61 89 to 76 0.1 66 to 35 82 to 40 0.1 JUL 67 to 60 89 to 76 0.2 66 to 34 81 to 38 0.1 AUG 66 to 60 90 to 77 0.1 66 to 37 79 to 39 0.3 SEP 67 to 59 90 to 76 0.1 67 to 41 77 to 43 0.9 OCT 69 to 61 89 to 74 0.1 68 to 44 74 to 44 1.9 NOV 72 to 63 87 to 72 -- 67 to 45 74 to 47 2.7 DEC 76 to 66 88 to 70 -- 66 to 45 76 to 49 4.3
MONTH MACHU PICCHU, PERU IQUITOS, PERU
Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Humidity (avg) (inches) Humidity (am-pm) (inches) JAN 77 to 55 62 5.4 88 to 73 96 to 73 10.5 FEB 77 to 55 65 5.6 87 to 73 96 to 73 10 MAR 77 to 55 62 5.9 87 to 73 96 to 73 11.8 APR 77 to 54 61 2.4 87 to 73 96 to 75 11.9 MAY 77 to 52 57 0.9 86 to 73 96 to 75 10.5 JUN 77 to 48 48 0.7 85 to 72 96 to 76 8.2 JUL 77 to 48 45 0.9 85 to 71 96 to 73 6.4 AUG 77 to 50 43 0.9 87 to 72 96 to 72 6.5 SEP 79 to 52 51 1.7 88 to 72 96 to 72 7.5 OCT 77 to 54 51 3 88 to 72 95 to 73 9.1 NOV 79 to 55 53 3.4 88 to 73 95 to 74 9.8 DEC 79 to 55 60 4.8 88 to 73 95 to 75 10.2
70 MONTH PARACAS, PERU LAKE TITICACA
Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Humidity (avg) (inches) Humidity (am-pm) (inches) JAN 83 to 67 81 0.1 55 to 39 92 to 63 5.1 FEB 85 to 68 80 0.1 56 to 39 92 to 60 4.1 MAR 84 to 68 79 -- 56 to 38 92 to 58 2.8 APR 80 to 64 80 -- 57 to 36 89 to 50 1.4 MAY 75 to 60 81 -- 57 to 32 76 to 35 0.5 JUN 72 to 58 81 0.1 55 to 28 72 to 32 0.2 JUL 70 to 57 81 0.2 55 to 27 71 to 30 0.3 AUG 70 to 57 81 -- 56 to 29 76 to 33 0.6 SEP 71 to 57 82 0.4 57 to 32 81 to 38 1.2 OCT 73 to 59 81 -- 58 to 36 84 to 43 1.6 NOV 76 to 60 80 -- 59 to 38 86 to 45 2.0 DEC 79 to 64 81 -- 58 to 38 89 to 53 3.7
MONTH MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA
Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Humidity (am-pm) (inches) JAN 79 to 64 87 to 48 2.1 FEB 80 to 65 86 to 49 2.6 MAR 80 to 65 86 to 52 4.0 APR 79 to 65 88 to 58 7.1 MAY 79 to 65 88 to 60 7.6 JUN 80 to 65 87 to 51 5.4 JUL 80 to 64 86 to 45 4.7 AUG 80 to 64 86 to 48 5.5 SEP 79 to 64 88 to 56 6.2 OCT 78 to 64 89 to 64 8.0 NOV 78 to 64 89 to 62 5.8 DEC 78 to 64 89 to 58 3.3
71 ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS: CULTURE, ETIQUETTE & MORE
O.A.T. Trip Experience Leaders: A World of Difference During your adventure you’ll be accompanied by one of our local, expert Trip Experience Leaders. All are fluent in English and possess the skills, certification, and experience necessary to ensure an enriching adventure. As locals of the regions you’ll explore with them, our Trip Experience Leaders provide the kind of firsthand knowledge and insight that make local history, culture, and wildlife come alive. Coupled with their unbridled enthusiasm, caring personalities, and ability to bring diverse groups of travelers together, our Trip Experience Leaders ensure that your experience with O.A.T. is one you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Hotels & Land Only Travelers If you have made your own international air arrangements, please note that on this adventure the first included hotel is on the night of Day 1 of your main trip (or Day 1 of your pre-trip extension, if you are taking one). Check-in times will vary, but tend to be after 2pm. The last included hotel is a day room in Lima on Day 11 of the main trip (or on Day 5 of the post-trip extension, if you are taking one). Day room accommodations are not overnight hotel rooms; typically in Peru you check out of a day room by 6pm on the same day you arrive.
Peruvian Culture Peruvian culture is a fusion of Hispanic and native customs and traditions, inherited from indigenous Incas and Spanish conquistadors, along with African, Asian, and other European cultural influences. But if you had to name two cultural traits shared by almost all Peruvians regardless of their specific ancestry—it would be religion and family. In many parts of the country, generations of a family often live together with younger family members looking after the elderly and helping each other during difficult times.
The Quechua and Aymara, descendants of the Incas, are the two main native cultures of Peru. The indigenous languages of Quechua and Aymara are still spoken in many regions of Peru and represent two of the country’s three official languages. The other is Spanish, which is the dominant language throughout Peru—although by incorporating many native terms, the Spanish spoken in Peru is distinct from the Spanish in other Latin American countries. Several “unofficial” languages such as Ashaninka and other native languages are also spoken in regions of Peru. About 25% of Peruvians speak Quechua, the language of the Great Inca Empire. While linguists consider it a very complex language, many Quechua words have made their way into the English language—they include coca, condor, guano, jerky, llama, poncho, puma, quinine, quinoa, and vicuña.
Peruvian culture is strongly intertwined with religion, and primary religion in Peru is Roman Catholicism. Like elsewhere in South America, the Roman Catholic faith was brought to Peru by the Spanish during the 16th century. While about 80% of today’s Peruvians identify as Catholic, many still practice a faith that blends elements of Christianity with traditional beliefs and rituals
72 rooted in the time of the Incas. The blending of beliefs is most evident in religious festivals held throughout Peru, including Cuzco’s annual Inti Raymi festival that honors Inti, Father Sun, and Pachamama, Mother Earth.
Peru is a large country that is geographically diverse—including regions divided by coastal desert, the towering mountains, and the lush Amazon rainforest. Because of this, many elements of Peruvian culture, especially those relating to dance, music, clothing, crafts, religion, and cuisine, will vary depending on the geographic location.
You will find all Peruvians welcoming and eager to share their history and Incan heritage with visitors. Few topics of discussion are off the table, although one should be careful not to make even the most innocent jokes about drugs or a Peruvian’s mother. It’s also advisable not to be overly enthusiastic about Chile, Peru’s (mostly) friendly rival. And try not to refer to the United States as “America.” Peruvians find it frustrating when we seem to imply that the term refers exclusively to us.
Expectations in Colombia Colombia has long been a closed destination for Americans, and is slowly opening for American tourism. The most important things for you to pack are your sense of adventure, an open mind, and an understanding that service and standards will not be what you are used to. While the people are friendly and the country’s beauty is vast, there will be some things that surprise you. There are few people in Colombia who speak English, including at hotels and restaurants. (Come prepared to practice your Spanish.) Many hotels were once private homes, so the rooms many be smaller, darker, or noisier than you expect. In some areas, hotels will have fans but not air-conditioning.
The locals will love to help you, but service is not up to American standards. The staff will be friendly, but, again, will most likely not speak English and may be slower than expected. Be prepared for a leisurely meal, and allow extra time if you have a specific request. Patience with this developing country is important. Our advice is: When in Colombia, do as Colombians do.
Peruvian Cuisine There is no question about Peru’s status as the culinary jewel of South America. Along with offering authentic indigenous dishes that have been in existence for close to 70 centuries, Peruvian cuisine has embraced culinary techniques and flavors from Europe, Africa, and Asia to create dishes and flavors you won’t experience anywhere else—as well as several world renowned restaurants and chefs in Lima.
One reason that Peru has grown into a culinary superpower is that few places on earth offer such a variety of indigenous ingredients, The extreme elevations and range of climate zones has enabled Peru to draw from a staggering variety of ingredients—including close to 4,000 varieties of potatoes, 650 varieties of native fruit, 2,000 species of fish, and more than 300 varieties of chilies, an essential ingredient in Peruvian cuisine. Chilies like the native aji, which is often puréed into sauces, have been cultivated in Peru for some 7,000 years.
73 Aji might make an appearance in Peruvian ceviche. This famous seafood dish is popular all over South America’s Pacific coast, but Peruvians claim to have perfected the recipe: Raw fish and shellfish are marinated in citrus juices, and flavored with cilantro, onions, salt, and peppers. The acid in the citrus “cooks” the fish a bit. Peru’s Japanese community add their own twist called tiradito, in which the fish is sliced sushi-style, and marinated in soy, mirin, and puréed aji.
Peru’s geography and varied climates mean that cooking styles vary by region. No matter where you are in Peru, however, you’ll find hearty soups and stews accompanying most meals. Roasted chicken is eaten all over Peru, along with tamales and humitas (like tamales but using fresh, not dried corn). Dishes in the Andes often revolve around corn, potatoes, and a source of protein like cuy (guinea pig). Usually raised in the household, the traditional method of cooking cuy is to fill it with herbs and roast it over an open flame. Another traditional meat in the Peruvian Highlands is alpaca, which is very lean and is similar to buffalo meat. Indigenous influences come through in the cuisine of northern Peru, especially in dishes like shambar, a hearty soup made with wheat, pork rinds, smoked ham, onion, and several types of beans. And in the Amazon, a staple in many dishes is the paiche, one of the world’s largest freshwater fishes.
Lomo saltado is a fusion of Chinese techniques and Peruvian ingredients. Strips of beef are marinated in soy and other spices, then stir fried with aji, onions, and tomatoes. It’s served with rice and french fries. Don’t miss the chance to try pachamanca, a Peruvian specialty based on meats like lamb, beef, pork and guinea pig which are seasoned with sprigs of rosemary and wrapped in banana leaves. The packets are cooked over hot stones and smothered with grass and earth for a smoky finish. Various vegetables also get tossed on the fire.
Tacu Tacu is a tasty Peruvian comfort food made of seasoned rice and beans shaped into a loaf. It can be fried or baked till a crispy crust is formed; then simmered in a tomato and pepper sauce. Forget about your cholesterol and enjoy it the Peruvian way: Topped with a fried egg, grilled steak, or seafood; then smothered in cheese and baked till bubbly.
You can wash down your meal with a pisco sour, the national cocktail made with a grape brandy called pisco, lime juice, bitters, and a froth of egg whites. For a non-alcoholic refresher, try chicha morada. This “purple beverage” is based on purple corn kernels that are boiled with pineapple, quince, cinnamon, sugar and cloves. The mix is strained, chilled, and served with lemon or chopped fruit. It is high in antioxidants. (In Ecuador, it is called colada morada.) Traditional Mate de coca (coca tea) is also popular and is a tried and true remedy for altitude sickness—but please don’t try to bring any back to the U.S. with you.
Colombian Cuisine If you want to understand the national cuisine, bandeja paisa is essentially Colombia on a plate. This is a hearty platter filled with red beans, ripe plantain, white rice, pieces of chicharrón (crispy pork rinds), avocado, chorizo sausage, carne en polvo (a finely ground flank steak), and a fried egg. This traditional, filling meal would sustain workers all day.
For a hearty soup, try sancocho, which includes large pieces of chicken with chunks of corn on the cob, plantains, and herbs. It is often served with salsa de hierbas, a spicy cream and herb sauce. A delicious seafood chowder is sancocho de pescado con coco, which are chunks of local
74 fish simmered in coconut milk. Looking for something lighter? Maybe start your meal with aborrajados. These are mouthfuls of plantain that have been stuffed with cheese and deep fried. Another tasty appetizer choice would be carimañolas, which are yuca fritters.
One of the most popular foods in Colombia are arepas. Similar to tortillas, these are fried corn flatbreads topped with anything from shredded beef to roasted goat to grilled seafood, cheese, fruits, veggies, and more. They are eaten any time of day.
Photography in Machu Picchu The use of professional cameras in Machu Picchu requires special permission by Peru’s Ministry of Culture, so you will not be able to use a professional-grade camera or camcorder during our visit there. Your average camera - point-and-shoot or DSLR - is not considered professional- grade. However, lenses over 200 mm, tripods, and monopods are not allowed in Machu Picchu.
Travel in South America Part of the adventure of this trip is the possibility that things may change. Local influences may make it impossible for us to follow the planned itinerary exactly and the sequence of sites visited may change. Rest assured that we have considerable experience at responding to changing circumstances on the spot. Our goal is always to offer you the best travel experience and the most memorable explorations of this intriguing land.
Complex, multi-layered cultural traditions and stunning natural geography make South America a fascinating destination. To get the most enjoyment out of your trip, remember that many South American countries are still considered developing nations, and be aware that you may be approached to buy crafts or solicited by children to take photographs.
In restaurants, hotels, and at cultural sites, everything works according to a slower sense of time than what you are used to. It’s best to wind down and adjust to the local pace and philosophy.
Taking Photographs The etiquette of photographing most people in South America is about the same as it would be on the streets of your hometown. You need permission to take a close-up, but not for a crowd scene. Consent is especially important if you want to take a photo of a child or minor—ask their parent for permission first. To get a great portrait, show interest in your subject and try to have a bit of social interaction to put them at ease. Then use sign language to inquire if a picture is OK.
Safety & Security As you travel, exercise the same caution and awareness that you would in a large American city. Don’t be overly nervous or suspicious, but keep your eyes open. If you are venturing out after dark, go with one or two other people.
75 Carry a one-day supply of cash in your pocket. Carry most of your money, and your passport, in a travel pouch or money belt under your shirt. Replenish your pocket supply when you are in a safe and quiet place, or in our vehicle. Don’t leave valuables unattended in your hotel room. Most hotels will offer use of a hotel safe at the front desk or an electronic in-room safe (for which you can set your own personal number). Please utilize them.
Pickpockets may create a sudden distraction. In any sort of puzzling street situation, try to keep one hand on your wallet or money belt. If an encounter with a local turns out to be long and complicated and involves money or your valuables, be very careful. Con artists sometimes target travelers.
Regional Flights in South America In South America, it is simply a fact of life that schedules for internal flights often change on short notice. When this happens, our air travel experts strive to get you on new flights as close to the original schedule as possible, but limited availability of seats may require us to use early- morning flights or change the day of the flight. If schedule changes make it necessary, we may have to rise before dawn on some days where early-morning wake-ups are not mentioned in your printed itinerary.
Shopping: What to Buy, Customs, Shipping & More There may be scheduled visits to local shops during your adventure. There is no requirement to make a purchase during these stops, and any purchase made is a direct transaction with the shop in question, subject to the vendor’s terms of purchase. O.A.T. is not responsible for purchases you make on your trip or for the shipment of your purchases.
Returns If you discover an issue with an item, you should contact the vendor directly and expect that any resolution will take longer than it would in the U.S. We recommend that you keep a copy of all your receipts, invoices, or contracts, along with the shop’s contact information. Keep in mind, local practice may vary from U.S. standards, so don’t assume that you have a certain number of days after the purchase to speak up or that you are guaranteed a refund.
Crafts & Souvenirs
Peru Traditional souvenirs available in Lima and Cuzco include gold and silver jewelry, old and new weavings, ceramics, woolen clothing, hand-knitted alpaca sweaters, woven ponchos, rugs, coats, and blankets. A much more limited selection is available in Iquitos.
Colombia You can find many local crafts in Bogotá—even if you fall in love with a design from another region, you can find it here. Traditional mochilas (woven bags with indigenous textile designs) are both practical and typically Colombian. Hats like the sombrero vueltiao, which is made from
76 cane fibers by the Zenu tribe, or sombrero aguadeno (a version of the Panama hat) are also popular. Lastly, if you are in the market for a high-end purchase, Colombia is known for gold and emerald jewelry.
U.S. Customs Regulations & Shipping Charges For all things related to U.S. Customs, the ultimate authority is the U.S. Bureau of Customs & Border Protection. Their website, www.cbp.gov has the answers to the most frequently asked questions. Or you can call them at 1-877-227-5511.
The top three points to know are:
• At time of writing, your personal duty-free allowance is $800 for items brought with you. Items totaling more than $800 are subject to duty fees.
• Items shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. Even when the shop has offered to include shipping and duties in the price, this typically means shipping to the nearest customs facility and payment of the export duties—not door-to-door shipping or payment of the import duties. All additional duties or shipping charges would be your responsibility. Unless an item is small enough to send by parcel service (like FedEx), chances are you will need to arrange shipping or pick-up once the item is in the U.S. and will need to pay customs duties.
• It is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins.
77 DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY
Peru
Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: 496,225 square miles
• Capital: Lima
• Languages: Spanish and Quechua are the official languages; Aymara, and a large number of minor Amazonian languages are also spoken.
• Location: Peru is bordered by Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador.
• Geography: Peru is the third-largest country in South America. Topped by towering Andean peaks, its landscape also includes a portion of the Amazon River Basin and an extension of Chile’s Atacama Desert along the coast. Three of Peru’s largest cities—Lima, Trujillo, and Chiclayo—are in the coastal desert region. The city of Iquitos (population 400,000) is the capital of Peru’s Amazon region on the eastern slope of the Andes. It is accessible only by airplane and Amazon riverboat.
• Population: 32,824,358 (estimate)
• Religions: Roman Catholic 81.3%, Evangelical 12.5%, other 3.3%, unspecified or none 2.9%
• Time zone: Peru is on Peru Time, which is the same time zone as U.S. EST. When it is 6am in Washington D.C., it is 6am in Lima. Peru does not observe Daylight Savings, so during Daylight Savings, Peru Time is 1 hour behind EST.
78 National Holidays: Peru
In addition to the holidays listed below, Peru 07/28 Independence Day celebrates a number of national holidays that 07/29 Independence Day (Day 2) follow a lunar calendar, such as Easter . To find out if you will be traveling during these 08/30 Santa Rosa De Lima holidays, please visit www.timeanddate.com/ holidays. 10/08 Battle of Angamos
01/01 New Year’s Day 11/01 All Saints Day
05/01 Labor Day / May Day 12/08 Feast of the Immaculate Conception
06/29 St. Peter & St. Paul 12/25 Christmas Day
Peru: A Brief History Although Peru is well known as the land of the Incas, its rich ancient history pre-dates the Inca Empire by thousands of years, with the earliest evidence of indigenous societies going back to the eighth millennium BC.
By 1200 BC, several groups had begun moving from the north into what is now Peru, including the Chavín, Chimú, Sechìn, Nazca, and Tiahuanaco. The ruins of the Chimú city of Chanchan, built around 1000 AD, still exist today. Another legacy of these early peoples is the striking religious iconography of the Chavín, who portrayed animals, particularly the jaguar, in a distinctive and impressive style.
Around the 5th century BC, the Saliner and the Paracas came into the picture and made many artistic and technological advances, including kiln-fired ceramics and sophisticated weaving techniques. The Nazca, creators of the huge, cryptic Nazca Lines, were successors to the Paracas culture.
The Inca Empire had a surprisingly brief reign at the end of this long pre-colonial history. From the early 1400s until 1532, the Incas expanded their domain from the river valley around Cuzco to the whole region from northern Argentina to southern Colombia, including much of present-day Peru and Ecuador.
In its prime, the Incan capital at Cuzco was the richest city in all of the Americas, dominated by gold-plated temples. Though only fragments of Cuzco’s Incan architecture remain, the ruins of an Incan ceremonial center at Machu Picchu have survived to astonish the world.
When Francisco Pizarro landed with his band of Spanish conquistadors in 1532, the Inca Empire was weakened by a dispute over succession to the throne. Pizzaro arranged a private meeting with the Inca ruler, Atahualpa, and assassinated him while the conquistadors sacked the city of Cuzco and took control, thus ending the Inca Empire. In 1535, Pizarro established a new capital city at Ciudad de los Reyes, now Lima, but was killed six years later by a rival conquistador.
79 For 200 years, Spanish officials ruled Peru using native intermediaries as go-betweens to deal with the indigenous population. In 1780, some 60,000 indigenous Peruvians rose up in revolt against Spanish rule. It was unsuccessful, as was another revolt in 1814. But in 1821, with the help of Jose de San Martin of Argentina and Simon Bolivar of Venezuela, Peru finally drove the Spanish military out and declared independence.
A series of Bolivar’s lieutenants—known as the “marshals of Ayacucho”—governed Peru in the following decades, including Ramon Castilla, who presided over the adoption of a liberal constitution in 1860.
Since then, Peru’s history has been a dramatic alternation between democratic and dictatorial governments, each of which has faced pressing social and economic issues. Opposition to dictatorship has played a prominent role in Peruvian politics since the 1920s, when Víctor Raúl Haya de la Torre founded the American Popular Revolutionary Alliance (APRA).
Peruvian democratic reformers have long advocated guaranteed civil liberties and improved living conditions for the nation’s Native Americans. There have also been radical and violent opposition movements, including the Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path), whose leaders were captured in 1992.
Peru’s next four heads of state were democratically elected presidents: Fernando Belaúnde Terry in 1980, Alan García Pérez in 1985, Alberto Fujimori in 1990, and Alejandro Toledo in 2001. In 2006, Alan Garcia Perez was elected for a second term and presided over a period of economic growth until 2011 when Peru’s current president, Ollanta Humala was elected.
Colombia
Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: 439,736 square miles
• Capital: Bogotá
• Languages: Spanish is the official language.
• Ethnicity: Mestizos (mix of European and Amerindian) 58%, White 20%, Afro-Colombian 21%, Amerindian 1%
• Location: Colombia is bordered by Brazil, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, Venezuela, the Pacific Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea.
• Geography: Colombia is the fourth largest country in South America—roughly the size of Texas and California combined. In the west, low peaks rise over the flat Pacific lowlands. Moving inward, these give way to the three mountain chains that run across the center of the country. Mountain peaks of up to 13,000 feet soar over these central regions. Moving further east, the countryside descends to grassy lowlands, and then to the coastal areas on the Caribbean Sea.
• Population: 46,736728 (estimate)
80 • Religions: Roman Catholic 90%, other 10%
• Time zone: Colombia is in Eastern Standard Time. When it is 6am in Washington D.C., it is 6am in Bogotá
National Holidays: Colombia
In addition to the holidays listed below, June Corpus Christi (moves each year) Colombia celebrates a number of national 07/20 Independence Day holidays that follow a lunar calendar, such as Epiphany, Feast of the Sacred Heart, and 08/07 Battle of Boyaca Day Easter. To find out if you will be traveling during these holidays, please visit www. 10/12 Columbus Day (usually observed on timeanddate.com/holidays. closest Monday)
01/01 New Year’s Day 11/05 All Saint’s Day
03/25 St. Joseph’s Day 11/12 Independence of Cartagena
05/01 Labor Day/May Day 12/08 Feast of the Immaculate Conception
12/25 Christmas Day
Colombia: A Brief History Among the cultures scattered in Colombia’s Andean region before Europeans arrived were the Tayrona, Sinú, Muisca, Quimbaya, Tierradentro, and San Agustín, known for intricate goldwork, pottery, and rock paintings. The first recorded Spanish visit occurred when Alonso de Ojeda, an officer of Columbus’ second voyage, stepped ashore in 1499. He sought the mythical land of El Dorado, and the Amerindians’ gold made him think he’d found it. Several expeditions followed and short-lived settlements arose; the oldest, established in Santa Marta in 1525, still stands.
At first, local tribes tolerated the visitors, but they rebelled when it grew clear that the colonists meant to enslave them. They were no match for Spaniards’ advanced weapons. Colonial towns prospered for 200 years, including the port of Cartagena (founded in 1533). It was a prosperity borne on the backs of enslaved Africans, who soon outnumbered indigenous people. Through the 18th century, there were sporadic rebellions, but the fight for independence gained strength when Napoleon abolished the Spanish monarchy. This divided Colombia, but a great liberator arose: Simón Bolívar of Venezuela, who defeated the Spanish at the Battle of Boyaca in 1819.
Colombia joined Venezuela and Ecuador to form the Republic of Gran Colombia, but it dissolved after ten years due to political differences. By 1849, these coalesced into two political parties. The Conservadores had centralist views, believed government should align with the Catholic Church, and favored a limited voting pool. The Liberales wanted a decentralized government, separation of church and state, and broad voting rights. This division set the tone for numerous wars until 1899. Colombia was relatively quiet from 1902–1947, but conflict between the Conservadores and Liberales boiled over in 1948 during “La Violencia,” which killed 300,000. A 1953 coup by General Gustavo Rojas Pinilla did not result in reforms. In 1957, both parties united as the National Front, overturning the general and agreeing to share power for 16 years.
81 The National Front ended in 1974. Meanwhile, left-wing guerrillas were surfacing, such as the National Liberation Army (ELN), Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), and the April 19 Movement (M19). They had complicated relations with the growing drug cartels in Medellin and Cali. Some guerillas used the drug trade to fund their activities, while others rejected the cartels, going so far as to kidnap cartel members. Many cartels started death squads, ostensibly for protection. In reality, many death squads were paramilitary groups used to terrorize civilians into cooperating with the cartels. By 1990, violence threatened to paralyze the country.
By 1992, government control was strengthened by the death of Pablo Escobar, the head of the Medellín cartel. In the late 90s, conservative Andres Pastrana accused President Samper’s campaign of being financed by drug money. He won the 1998 presidential election with a plan to combat drug trafficking, strengthen democracy, and improve Colombia’s human rights record. Vowing to continue Pastrana’s “Plan Colombia,” right-wing hardliner Alvaro Uribe was elected president in 2002. Uribe had studied at Oxford and Harvard, and his father had been killed by FARC. For the first months of his presidency, the war grew intense. But a breakthrough occurred in 2003 with a peace treaty between the government and the right-wing paramilitary AUC. Uribe was re-elected in 2006, and succeeded by Juan Manuel Santos in 2010, who surprisingly began peace talks with FARC, signing an accord in 2016. Santos won the Nobel Peace Prize, and his administration improved human rights policies. Relations with Venezuela have fluctuated due to ideological differences. Still, Colombia has provided Venezuela with food and medicine to mitigate shortages as presidential control of Venezuela remains disputed.
82 RESOURCES
Suggested Reading
Peru Conversation in the Cathedral by Mario Vargas Llosa (1969, Literature) A novel about power, corruption, and identity, set in 1950s Peru under the dictatorship of Manuel Odria. Considered one of the world’s greatest novelists, Mario Vargas Llosa is not for everyone, however. But if you can handle the Nobel-Prize winning author, you should also try Death in the Andes, a suspense tale in a remote Andean village, or Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter, set in the Lima of Llosa’s youth.
Making Machu Picchu: The Politics of Tourism in Twentieth-Century Peru by Mark Rice (2018, Nonfiction) This historical inquiry explores the development of Machu Picchu into a national symbol (and major tourist attraction) from its “discovery” by Hiram Bingham in 1911 to the present. A thoughtful look at nationalism, the indigenous experience, globalism, and the impact of tourism (pros and cons) on national identity.
Conquest of the Incas by John Hemming (2003, History). A masterful history of the Inca struggle against the Spanish invasion. An engaging work that brings together wide-ranging scholarly material in the interests of telling a good story.
Eight Feet in the Andes by Dervla Murphy (1983, Travel Account). Murphy and her nine-year-old daughter traveled 1,300 miles by mule through the Andes, from Cajamarca to Cuzco. This account describes their three-month journey.
Incas: People of the Sun by Carmen Bernand (1994, History). The story of the rise and fall of the Inca civilization. It includes excerpts from the writings of conquistadors, travelers, and the Incas themselves.
Lima: A Cultural History by James Higgins (2005, History). An erudite guide to the cultural gems and literary history of Peru’s capital city. James Higgins, who specializes in Peruvian literature, covers the scope of the city’s history from its pre-Columbian museums, to its conquistador heritage, to its dynamic present.
Lost City of the Incas by Hiram Bingham (1948, History/Adventure) A first-rate tale of adventure by the man who rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911. This classic account is a gripping story of exploration, archaeology, and natural history—and still an outstanding overview of the site itself.
Turn Right at Machu Picchu by Mark Adams (2012, History/Travel Narrative) The humorous and engaging tale of what happens when a modern-day adventurer tries to follow the steps of Hiram Bingham by re-creating the expedition that discovered Machu Picchu.
Life in the Treetops: Adventures of a Woman in Field Biology by Margaret Lowman (1999, Memoir). The sprightly memoir of an ecologist who climbs, studies, and sleeps in trees for a living, balancing multiple roles of scientist, wife, and mom. She continues her story in a second memoir (written with her now-grown sons) entitled It’s a Jungle Up There: More Tales from the Treetops.
83 Tales of a Shaman’s Apprentice by Mark Plotkin (1994, Culture). An ethnobotanist recounts his work documenting the use of medicinal plants among remote Amazon tribes.
Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond (1997, Cultural Anthropology). While not exclusively about Peru, Diamond provides readers with stunning insights into the period of European colonization and the conflict between the Incas and the Spanish. And you’d be correct to surmise that his theory about the factors that tipped the balance to favor the Spanish have something to with guns, germs, and steel!
The Bridge of San Luis Rey by Thornton Wilder (1927, Literature). A 1928 novel by the Pulitzer Prize-winning Wilder, set in the Peru of 200 years ago. The story, about five travelers who are killed when a bridge built by the Incas collapses, is told from the point of view of a Franciscan missionary.
1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus by Charles C. Mann (2005, History). Mann portrays the richness of culture and history that already existed before the arrival of European settlers. And contrary to popular belief, what he describes is not remote villages in a pristine wilderness, but a series of populous, sophisticated societies stretching from South America, through Mexico, and up the U.S. Mississippi Valley.
At Play in the Fields of the Lord by Peter Matthiessen (1965, Literature). A wild tale about the impact of outsiders on an indigenous tribe, set in the Peruvian Amazon.
Little Tiny Teeth by Aaron J. Elkins (2007, Mystery). When a forensics professor joins an Amazon riverboat expedition, he expects a vacation. But in a jungle full of predators, he realizes the humans may be the deadliest of all. (We promise, this won’t happen to you—well, it probably won’t …)
The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsessions in the Amazon by David Grann (2009, Biography/ Memoir). This riveting, real-life adventure tale bounces between a biography of Colonel Percy Harrison Fawcett and the author’s own quest to find out what happened to the great explorer, who disappeared in the Brazilian Amazon in 1925. (Although set in the Brazilian Amazon, we’ve included this book because it gives a good sense of exploration in the mysterious Amazon forest).
The Mapmaker’s Wife: A True Tale of Love, Murder, and Survival in the Amazon by Robert Whitaker (2004, History) Colonial politics, the travails of a cartographer, and a good old-fashioned murder all add intrigue to this absorbing tale of 18th-century European exploration of the Amazon and one woman’s quest to find her husband deep in the jungle.
The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest Journey by Candice Millard (2005, History/ Biography). In the truth is stranger than fiction realm, this is a gripping account of a journey to the Amazon by Teddy Roosevelt late in his life—and one that almost ended his life.
Colombia One Hundred Years of Solitude (1967), Love in the Time of Cholera (1985), and Of Love and Other Demons (1994) by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Literature) Reading anything by this Nobel Laureate will provide tremendous insight into Colombian life, along with lyrical passages that mix the real
84 with the magical, and plenty of humor. Years is the sprawling tale of a family that founds a town and their subsequent relations with the inhabitants. Cholera is a sometimes-difficult tale abut the complicated diseases that we call love and romance. And Demons is the tragic story of a girl who may have rabies and her romance with the priest who was hoping to cure her.
The War of Don Emmanuel’s Nether Parts (1990), Señor Vivo and the Coca Lord (1991), and The Troublesome Offspring of Cardinal Guzman (1992) by Louis de Bernières. (Fiction) These three novels (“The Latin American Trilogy”) take place in an unnamed country, but were inspired by the author’s experiences in Colombia. Here, the stories of mystical indigenous deities, corrupt politicians, idealistic philosophers, hardened guerilla fighters, and lovestruck peasants are woven together in a web of magical realism and that is at once terrifying, hilarious, and affectionate.
The Sound of Things Falling by Juan Gabriel Vasquez (2011, Fiction) This tale charts the dissolution of a flawed professor, his marriage, and the entire city of Bogota as even law-abiding citizens become entrapped in the pervasive drug trade.
Colombia: A Comedy of Errors by Victoria Kellaway and Sergio J. Lievano (2014, Humor/History) Want to know about Colombian history? Everyday customs? Influential politicians? Pop culture? This book presents it all in incredible detail, and with a lighthearted humor and 160 illustrations.
Suggested Film & Video
Peru Fitzcarraldo (1982, Adventure) The story of an obsessive rubber baron who is determined to build an opera house in Iquitos (the gateway to the Peruvian jungle) and will go to incredible lengths to achieve his goal.
The Ghosts of Machu Picchu (2005, Documentary) This PBS-production goes deep into the history of this legendary site, questioning why it was ever built and why it was abandoned.
Contracorriente (Undertow) (2009, Drama) A Peruvian fisherman loves his pregnant wife, but is haunted by the ghost of his drowned male lover. Winner of the 2010 World Cinema Audience Award at Sundance. (In Spanish with English subtitles, available on various streaming services.)
Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Adventures: Return to the Amazon produced by PBS (2008, Documentary) In the 1980s, Jean-Michel accompanied his famous underwater filmmaker father, Jacques Cousteau, on an expedition down the Amazon River. Twenty-five years later, her returns with his children.
Asu Mare (2013, Comedy/Biopic) The story of the rise to fame of stand-up comedian Carlos Alcántara, who grew up fatherless and in a poor community in Lima and was a member of the popular Peruvian sitcom Pataclaun. Wildly successful, Asu Mare became the second biggest box office hit in Peru. Spanish with English subtitles.
The Motorcycle Diaries (2004, Biopic) The only film that Asu Mare couldn’t top for box office success, The Motorcycle Diaries follows a 23-year-old medical student, Ernesto (soon-to-be “Che”) Guevara de la Serna (played by Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal), and his friend, a
85 29-year old biochemist, Alberto Granado (played by Argentine actor Rodrigo de la Serna) on a road trip through South America by dilapidated old motorcycle (and by raft, truck, and foot) in 1952. Spanish with English subtitles.
In Search of History: Lost City of the Incas produced by the History Channel (2005, Documentary) An informative overview of fabled Machu Picchu, including the story of its rediscovery in 1911.
The Naked Jungle (1954, Adventure) Deep in the South American jungle, a swath of ravenous ants are eating everything in sight, and Heston’s cocoa plantation is right in their path. Also in harm’s way is his new mail-order bride, played by Eleanor Parker. Not for serious cultural study; just a lot of fun.
Colombia Love in the Time of Cholera (2007, Drama/Romance) A fanciful yet dramatic story about a 50-year love triangle, patience, magic, and (of course), cholera. Based on the masterful Garcia Marquez novel of the same name and starring Javier Bardem and Benjamin Bratt.
Maria Full of Grace (2004, Drama) A teenager becomes a drug mule to earn money for her family. This film deals with some difficult and controversial topics, but was acclaimed for its moving performances.
Embrace of the Serpent (2015, Docudrama) Two scientists search the Amazon for a scared healing plant with the aid of Karamakate, a shaman and the last of his people. With its striking black and white cinematography and vivid portraits of Amazonian people, it was Colombia’s first Oscar- nominated film.
Colombia: Wild Magic (2015, Documentary) A well-received wildlife documentary about the country’s amazing biodiversity, with stunning wildlife and landscape shots.
86 Useful Websites
Overseas Adventure Travel World Weather www.oattravel.com www.intellicast.com www.weather.com Overseas Adventure Travel Store www.wunderground.com www.oatshop.com Basic Travel Phrases (80 languages) Overseas Adventure Travel Frequently www.travlang.com/languages Asked Questions www.oattravel.com/faq Packing Tips www.travelite.org International Health Information/CDC (Centers for Disease Control) U.S. Customs & Border Protection http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel www.cbp.gov/travel
Electricity & Plugs Transportation Security www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/ Administration (TSA) plugs-and-sockets www.tsa.gov
Foreign Exchange Rates National Passport Information Center www.xe.com/currencyconverter www.travel.state.gov www.oanda.com/converter/classic Holidays Worldwide ATM Locators www.timeanddate.com/holidays www.mastercard.com/atm www.visa.com/atmlocator
87 VACCINATIONS NOW REQUIRED FOR ALL TRAVELERS, SHIP CREW, TRIP EXPERIENCE LEADERS, AND COACH DRIVERS Plus, updated Health & Safety Protocols for our Land Tours
The health and safety of our travelers is always our #1 priority, and we understand travelers are concerned about exploring the world in light of the unprecedented crisis we are currently facing. To ensure your safety and give you peace of mind, we have worked with our regional team and listened to government guidance and feedback from our travelers to create these health and safety protocols for our trips. As we continue to make changes, we will keep our website updated with the latest information.
VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS • All travelers, ship crew, and Trip Experience AND UPDATED HEALTH & SAFETY Leaders will have their temperature checked PROTOCOLS FOR SMALL SHIP every time they return to the ship using a non- ADVENTURES contact infrared temperature scanner. • All travelers must be fully vaccinated against • All meals are served by the dining staff— COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to departure buffets are no longer available. and provide proof of vaccination upon VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS AND boarding the ship. If you are unable to UPDATED HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS provide proof of vaccination upon arrival at FOR SMALL GROUP ADVENTURES ON LAND your destination, you will have to return • All travelers must be fully vaccinated against home at your own expense. COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to departure. If To meet this requirement, please bring your you are unable to provide proof of vaccination original COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card upon arrival at your destination, you will with you on your trip. The white card must have to return home at your own expense. display your name, type of vaccine, and the To meet this requirement, please bring your date(s) the vaccine was administered. We also original COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card with suggest taking a picture of this card to keep for you on your trip. The white card must display your records as a backup. your name, type of vaccine, and the date(s) • All local Trip Experience Leaders, the vaccine was administered. We also suggest fully ship staff, and crew will be taking a picture of this card to keep for your vaccinated against COVID-19. records as a backup. fully • All coach drivers will be • All local Trip Experience Leaders will be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. vaccinated against COVID-19. • All public areas will be sanitized nightly and • All coach drivers will be fully vaccinated all ships are equipped with High Efficiency against COVID-19. Particulate Air (HEPA) filters.
Help us ensure travelers’ safety and health while on our trips. Please follow best health and hygiene practices to prevent the spread of illness—wash your hands regularly and cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Together, we can create a safer travel experience for everyone.
Learn more at www.oattravel.com/covid-update
88 Notes
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91 YOUR TRIP EXPERIENCE LEADER
Your O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader is an insider who lives in the destinations you are exploring. They are not just knowledgeable, but personable and personal—eager to understand your own interests, and happy to share their own. This makes all the diff erence between just visiting a place, and experiencing its true spirit.
For your Real Aff ordable Peru adventure, your Trip Experience Leaders have earned an overall “Excellence” rating of 95% in post-trip surveys completed by our travelers.
The Leader in Personalized Small Group Adventures on the Road Less Traveled
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