LOST LANDS OF THE INCA AN EXPLORATION OF PERU, MACHU PICCHU & THE AMAZON MARCH 25 TH - APRIL 7 TH , 2018 $4,900 LAND COST* (INTERNATIONAL & DOMESTIC AIRFARE ESTIMATED AT $1,100 - $1,550**) The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in conjunction with Knowmad Adventures is proud to announce an awe-inspiring Peru experience: “Lost Lands of the Inca: An Exploration of Peru, Machu Picchu & the Amazon.” This 14-day trip from March 25th to April 7th will highlight historic archeological marvels of the Inca, vibrant expressions of indigenous cultures, and unique flora and fauna of cherished gardens and forests. Discover ancient mysteries of the Inca while visiting the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu, breathtaking ruins of the Sacred Valley, and Cusco’s cobblestone streets. See colorful and exotic flora during curated garden walks, journey through parks of tranquil beauty in Lima, and observe unique fauna in the depths of the Amazon rainforest. Dive into bustling marketplaces and connect with local peoples in welcoming communities. Explore the unparalleled treasures of Peru’s past and present with Knowmad Adventures and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Call Knowmad Adventures at 612.315.2894 (ext. 101 for Jordan) for more information and to register. This trip will likely sell out and space is limited. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TRIP • See the famed Lost City of Machu Picchu and marvel at its wonders • Fish for piranha amidst the exotic flora and fauna of the Amazon • Admire Lima’s renowned parklands and other historic sites of the capital city • Taste a celebratory pachamanca meal in the shadow of snow-capped Andean peaks • Contemplate thousands of Peruvian artifacts in the classified art and history collection of the Larco Museum • Wander the cobblestone streets and colorful bustling markets of Cusco • View the jungle canopy from a new perspective as you walk hanging bridges woven through the treetops near your eco-luxury lodge • Relish Peruvian cuisine as you try your own hand at preparing traditional dishes such as lomo saltado or ceviche • Unravel mysteries of the Inca at historic ruins and ancient agricultural terraces of the Sacred Valley • Share in the rituals of vibrant indigenous Andean cultures as you weave with the Amaru community • Wander through nearly 400 native orchid species at one of the world’s largest collections • Relax at carefully selected boutique accommodations in spectacular natural settings • Enjoy the specialized knowledge of your trip escort, Arboretum Director Peter Moe • $300 tax-deductible donation to the Arboretum included. Your donation helps less fortunate public gardens around the world in their conservation efforts. KNOWMAD ADVENTURES, INC. | 911 W. 36th St., Minneapolis, MN 55408 | [email protected] | 1 877 616 8747 | www.KnowmadAdventures.com A ROUTE OVERVIEW: LOST LANDS OF THE INCA LIMA • SACRED VALLEY • MACHU PICCHU • CUSCO • AMAZON JUNGLE DAY 1-2 Arrival & Lima DAY 3-5 Sacred Valley of the Inca DAY 6 Machu Picchu DAY 7-9 Cusco DAY 10-14 Amazon Jungle & Departure ECUADO R Amazon Marañón [ LIMA PERU BR A [ MACHU PICCHU Ucayali [ CUSCO [ PUERTO MALDONADO Lima Andes Mountains Lake 0 300 mi Titicaca 300 km 75ϒ OUTLINE OF SOUTH AMERICA MAP OF PERU HOST: PETER MOE Peter Moe is the Director of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Alumnus of the University of Minnesota, Peter has previously been director of operations and research at the Arboretum, as well as an instructor in the Horticultural Science Department at the U of M. Enjoy his expertise in rare plant conservation, horticultural practices, scientific research, and his immense knowledge of plant collections as he escorts this trip to Peru. KNOWMAD ADVENTURES, INC. | 911 W. 36th St., Minneapolis, MN 55408 | [email protected] | 1 877 616 8747 | www.KnowmadAdventures.com ITINERARY: LOST LANDS OF THE INCA MAR 25 Arrival in Lima You will take a flight from the United States to Peru’s capital city, Lima. Upon arrival most likely in the evening, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your boutique accommodations in the beautiful neighborhood of Miraflores. • No meals – Casa Andina Private Collection or similar, Traditional Room MAR 26 Parks & Sites of Lima Visit Lima’s exquisite natural sites and museums during a full-day guided exploration of the city. At Parque de las Leyendas wander through the botanical gardens filled with over 3,200 species, as well as visit the local animals in the associated zoo. Marvel at the fascinating Larco Museum, located in a restored mansion with artifacts from more than 5,000 years of Peruvian history. Enjoy learning about the rituals, hearing the ancient stories, and seeing the treasures of the Peruvian past. After a delicious lunch, continue exploring renowned parklands and gardens of this vibrant city. See Parque del Amor with its intricate mosaic benches, stroll along the Malecón for majestic views of the bay, and soak in the beautiful colonial architecture of the streets. Enjoy Lima’s delectable cuisine during dinner at Huaca Pucllana to close out the day. • B, L, D – Casa Andina Private Collection or similar, Traditional Room MAR 27 Chinchero Village & Garden Oasis In the morning an approximately hour and a half flight takes you to the former Incan capital of Cusco. After a light lunch, drive out of the city towards snow-capped Andean peaks and to the picturesque village of Chichero, a scenic area predominated by high-altitude indigenous farming and weaving communities. In the town of Chinchero visit vibrant markets and admire ancient Incan ruins. Continuing deeper into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, check-in to your oasis at Sol y Luna. Enjoy the afternoon to relax in their verdant gardens while acclimatizing to the altitude (the Sacred Valley is lower than Cusco and therefore the perfect place to gradually acclimatize). A local plant specialist will also guide you on a curated garden walk through the beautifully landscaped grounds filled with native flora. Spot hummingbirds and other native bird species nestled amongst the peaceful garden paths, admire the Kunata Wasi folk art collection, or perhaps relax in the sauna, all with the spectacular Andes mountains as a backdrop. • B, L – Sol y Luna or similar, Casita Superior MAR 28 Indigenous Andean Communities Journey through the Sacred Valley past the remote Andean communities of Calca, Coya, Lamay until you arrive to one of Peru’s largest and most vibrant markets in Pisac village. Explore the many stalls as you bargain with Andean campesinos for handcrafted wares. Continue your cultural immersion as you head to the nearby Amaru community. This local community holds strongly to their ancient customs and practices a largely subsistence lifestyle on the slopes of the Andes. The Amaru will proudly open their village to you, where you will learn of their lifestyle and traditions. Take part in gathering plants used as natural dyes, learn of their medicinal and culinary properties, and see how the Amaru’s world-renowned textiles are woven and brought to life. After staying for lunch with the community leaders, if you are still energized you can enjoy a gentle hike through the extensive Inca terracing down the mountainside. If you prefer you can hop in the van as well, and soon arrive to the Pisac ruins. Revel in the excellent preservation of the ancient structures, believed to be part ceremonial center and part military complex in days gone by. • B, L – Sol y Luna or similar, Casita Superior MAR 29 Ancient Agricultural Sites & Lake Piuray Contemplate the mysteries of the Inca at three unique sites of the Sacred Valley today. At Moray, marvel at the agricultural terraces of the little-known site thought to be an ancient Incan agricultural laboratory. From Moray continue by van or by hiking (dependent on your preference and weather conditions) to the fascinating site of Maras to see ancient saltpans still being harvested in the traditional way. In the afternoon, head to the shores of Lake Piuray, where stones will have been heating for 5 hours in preparation of the pachamanca, an ancient celebratory meal steeped in tradition. The chef explains the customs as well as the dish, and you can participate in KNOWMAD ADVENTURES, INC. | 911 W. 36th St., Minneapolis, MN 55408 | [email protected] | 1 877 616 8747 | www.KnowmadAdventures.com ITINERARY: LOST LANDS OF THE INCA this elaborate and unique preparation technique. After these culturally rich experiences you will be transferred back to your accommodations to enjoy the evening at your leisure. • B, L – Sol y Luna or similar, Casita Superior MAR 30 Machu Picchu Board the train that chugs along the Urubamba River and parts of the Inca Trail, to arrive at Aguas Calientes, the town near the base of Machu Picchu. The incredibly vast archeological site of Machu Picchu – lost to the world until well into the twentieth century – is perched amidst Andean peaks and lush cloud forest making it one of the most breathtaking sights in the world. Begin to unlock the mystery of the Inca with a complete guided exploration of the site, as well as time to explore the ruins on your own. Revel in the awe-inspiring beauty of the structures and stories of Machu Picchu. In the evening relax at your unique accommodations tucked away in the cloud forest. Wander the lush gardens overlooking the Vilcanota River, lounge by the fireplace surrounded by Andean tapestries, or perhaps visit the luxurious spa. • B, L, D – Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel or similar, Superior Room MAR 31 Orchid Trail & Ollantaytambo Discover why the orchid plant family captivates the human imagination during a curated garden walk through nearly 400 native orchid species on the surrounding grounds of your hotel. Along the Orchid Trail, bask in the scents and the collage of colors at one of the world’s largest collections, with orchids to amaze both the newly inquisitive and the expert.