PARAGON e x p e d i t i o n s
MACHU PICCHU & THE SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCA
TRIP AT A GLANCE DAY
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LOCATION, HOTEL, MEALS
ACTIVITY
Lima: Hotel Costa del Sol Ramada ****
• Arrival in Lima • Flight from Lima to Cuzco • Guided Tour of the Chincheros Cultural Project led by world-renowned Quechua weaver Nilda Callañaupa • Traditional Cuzqueño lunch with Nilda Callañaupa and her family • Private lecture regarding Andean history and the Quechua cosmovision with ethnomusicologist and cultural expert Holly Wissler and members of the Q’eros Nation • Traditional Andean charango and pan flute performance • Remote Quechua village visit and walking tour featuring Huatia and Llama Tinku Ceremonies • Traditional Cuzqueño lunch with local villagers • Indigenous market visit at Pisac • Walking tour of Inca village of Ollantaytambo featuring a tour of the market, the main square, and a local residence • Traditional pachamanca lunch at a scenic location in the valley • Tour of the pre-Inca saltpans at Maras and the Inca agricultural complex at Moray • Visit to the local chichería
Urubamba, Sacred Valley: Sol y Luna ***** (B)(L)
Urubamba, Sacred Valley: Sol y Luna ***** (B)(L)
Urubamba, Sacred Valley: Sol y Luna ***** (B)(L)
• Vistadome train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes with option to get off at km 104 • Guided hike on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate • Lunch on the hike at a scenic location overlooking the Andes • Group dinner at the INKATERRA Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Aguas Calientes: INKATERRA Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel ***** (B)(BL)(D)
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Cuzco: INKATERRA La Casona ***** (B)(L)
Sunrise at Machu Picchu with a guided walking tour of the Lost City of the Incas Guided hike up Huayna Picchu Lunch at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo Shuttle transfer to Cuzco, capital of the Inca Empire
• Walking tour of the Plaza de Armas, Cathedral of Santo Domingo, and “Coricancha” Temple of the Sun • Afternoon activities on your own • Final catered farewell dinner at the MAP Café
• Shuttle service to the airport
Cuzco: INKATERRA La Casona ***** (B)(D) Return (B)
* B = breakfast, L = lunch, BL = box lunch, D = dinner
PARAGON e x p e d i t i o n s
TRIP SUMMARY
U
pon seeing the Inca city of Machu Picchu, Chilean poet Pablo Neruda wrote, “And then up the ladder of the earth I climbed / through the horrible thicket of the lost jungles / to you, Machu Picchu. / Tall city of stones stacked up in steps, / at last a dwelling where what is earthly / was not hidden under slumbering clothes. / In you, like two parallel lines, / the cradle of lightning and humanity / rocking together in a thorny wind. / Mother of stone, spume of the condors. / Highest reef of the human dawn. / Shovel buried in the first sand.”
While the land of “lightning and humanity” is where you’re ultimately heading, your road to the Seventh Wonder of the World begins in the oldest continually inhabited city in the Western Hemisphere and former capital of the Inca Empire, Cuzco. This amalgamated city of modern Peru, old Spain, and native Andean foundations is the perfect place to begin a lifechanging expedition layered with cultural, historical, and spiritual majesty. Along the way to discovering the Sacred Valley, you will meet Nilda Callañaupa, one of our trip experts and a warrior for the
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preservation of ancient Andean traditions. Nilda embodies Quechua culture and will treat you to a traditional Cuzqueño meal while sharing her amazing story. From here you will continue on towards the snowcapped peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba and the physically imposing Nevado Salcantay Mountain, arriving at your destination, the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Nestled between towering 20,000 ft. peaks, the notorious Valle Sagrado has been the cultural heartland of indigenous Andean peoples for centuries. Here you will encounter the Q’eros Quechua community; a
HIGHLIGHTS • Cuzco—UNESCO World Heritage Site & Capital of the Inca Empire • Inca Trail to Machu Picchu—UNESCO World Heritage Site & One of the Seven Wonders of the World • World Class Cultural experiences in the Sacred Valley of the Inca
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TRIP SUMMARY people revered as the most authentic indigenous group in the entire region and often referred to as the “real people” of Peru. Ethnomusicologist and Q’eros cultural expert Holly Wissler will provide an enlightening lecture regarding the cosmovision of these traditional people and will set the stage for a traditional Andean music ceremony performed by representatives of the Q’eros nation. Following the Urubamba River from village to village, you will learn about the traditional farming methods of the region, take part in a traditional Llama Tinku ceremony, visit a local Andean chichería, and explore the impressive Pisac indigenous market. You will experience the massive walls sculpted by Inca stonemasons in Ollantaytambo. You will marvel at the puzzling Moray agricultural complex, and unearth the bizarre pre-Inca saltpans at Maras (salineras). You will then embark on the
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PARAGON e x p e d i t i o n s
legendary train ride to Aguas Calientes, where the Amazon rainforest meets the Andes Mountains, creating one of the most surreal and dreamlike images on the planet. If you wish, you will be able to hike the final leg of the legendary Inca Trail, following the same path that Inca royalty once walked some 500 years ago. You will arrive to Intipunku “the Sun Gate” and catch your first glimpse of the land of “lightning and humanity;” the Lost City of the Incas; Machu Picchu. Early the next morning you will sit atop the citadel to savor a sunrise slowly bathing the city with its first light. You will begin your return to civilization, slowly, and deliberately. First to Inkaterra: La Casona; a colonial manor and perhaps the oldest structure in Cuzco. Your last day will be spent exploring Cuzco, that beautiful mural of Peru, a city built of earth and clay, the same earth and clay you will be washing off, but will never fully wash out.
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PARAGON e x p e d i t i o n s
ITINERARY
Day 1 Lima: Hotel Ramada Costa del Sol When you arrive at the airport in Lima you will be greeted by representatives from the Paragon team and will make your way to the Hotel Ramada situated just across the street from the airport.
Day 2 Urubamba, Sacred Valley: Sol y Luna Upon arrival at the airport in Cuzco you will be greeted by your trip liaison(s) and will be transferred via private shuttle to the Sacred Valley. On the way you will stop in the Chincheros village. You will then be led on a private tour of a Quechua textile workshop by Nilda Callañaupa, the founder and director of the Center for Traditional Textiles in Cusco (CTTC), a cooperative created in order to preserve the dying art of traditional Andean weaving. Speaking in regards to the significance of handmade textiles in the Andes, Callañaupa explains how “weaving is not just a piece of art that you produce. Weaving is a part of our social organization and economic situation.” You will witness local Quechua women recreating by hand the traditional Andean weaving techniques as Callañaupa explains the importance of maintaining these ancient techniques and passing them on to future generations. After meeting the artisans and touring the workshop, you will then be escorted to Nilda’s house for an authentic Cuzqueño meal prepared by her family. Nilda will join you for lunch, telling her fascinating story and explaining how her weaving cooperative is working to preserve and revitalize the weaving traditions of her hometown and beyond. After lunch you will be transferred to the luxurious Sol y Luna resort nestled into the Sacred Valley. There will be opportunities to take photos of the picturesque snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba on the way. If weather permits, you will
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enjoy riveting views of Nevado Salcantay. Rising 20,574 ft. into thin air, Salcantay is recognized by alpinists and mountain-lovers alike as one of South America’s most impressive peaks. Once you check in and get acquainted with the hotel grounds, two representatives of the Q’eros Nation will treat you to a guest lecture. Widely regarded as the most traditional people in the entire region, the Q’eros Quechua communities have managed to maintain traditional music, weaving, and spiritual customs that other Andean communities have long since abandoned. Ethnomusicologist and Q’eros cultural expert Holly Wissler will lead the presentation, explaining the Nation’s cosmovision and how their ancient roots continue to resonate through their dress, music, textiles, and other aspects of their personal lives. The members of the group will then perform a traditional Andean musical performance, introducing you to the charango, the pan flute and other unique Andean instruments. After the lecture and the guest performance, you will eat dinner on your own at the Sol y Luna luxury resort, enjoying a tasty meal prepared by local chefs while you familiarize yourself with this authentic ecolodge.
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Day 3 Urubamba, Sacred Valley: Sol y Luna In the morning you will be transferred through the Sacred Valley to the rural Quechua village of Cuyuni. A small town of less than 200 inhabitants, Cuyuni is a traditional potato-farming village perched high in the mountains. You will take a walking tour of this rural village, providing you with a unique, immersive opportunity to experience the day-to-day lives of the local inhabitants. On the tour you will encounter an Andean priest performing a customary ritual, you will learn the farming techniques of the local inhabitants, and you will pass through guinea pig farms as you make your way to the local school. The locals will then perform a traditional Llama Tinku ceremony and your guide will shed light on the cultural significance of the centuries-old practice. At lunch the local villagers will prepare you a clean, simple meal cooked in authentic CuzqueĂąo fashion. Once the tour comes to a close, you will be transferred to Pisac where you will visit the highly acclaimed indigenous market. Artisans, weavers, farmers and peasants throughout the region load up their llamas and mules and head to this bustling market to sell a variety of goods. You will be able to purchase items from local artisans and sort through a wide array of colorful, intricately woven textiles.
After exploring the indigenous market, you will depart for Urubamba, following the river down the valley until you reach the Sol y Luna Luxury Resort where you will be staying the night. Enjoy a relaxing evening on this sacred stretch of land wedged between skyscraping Andean peaks.
Day 4 Urubamba, Sacred Valley: Sol y Luna After breakfast, you will be transferred via private shuttle to Ollantaytambo. Formerly the stronghold of Manco YupanquĂ, the fabled leader of indigenous resistance during the Spanish conquest, this 15th century Inca village boasts incredible stone architecture and is surrounded by several fascinating Inca archaeological sites.
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ITINERARY climatic conditions on crops. Wind, temperature and sun exposure vary greatly between the concentric depressions, which could have enabled Inca agriculturalists to determine optimal conditions for heirloom varieties of potatoes, corn, quinoa and other indigenous crops. Once the tour of Moray ends, you will depart for the pre-Inca saltpans at Maras. A saltwater stream mysteriously emerges from the side of the mountain outside of the village, and the locals have been collecting salt here for centuries. With more than 2,000 small wells clinging to the side of the mountain, the Salineras at Maras are undoubtedly one of the Sacred Valley’s most eccentric spectacles.
You will be led on a tour of the village, marveling at the massive walls built during Inca times. Like the walls at Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuaman and other Inca archaeological sites, the walls at Ollantaytambo were originally constructed without the use of mortar. This spectacular practice demanded that each stone be perfectly placed, and the fact that the walls survived through the centuries sheds light on the mastery of the Inca stonemasons. You will then visit a local Quechua residence, and get first-hand insight into the daily life of the local inhabitants. After touring the town, you will eat a traditional pachamanca lunch at a scenic location. Afterwards you will be transferred to the Moray agricultural complex. Perched on the side of a mountain across from the towering cordillera Vilcabamba, these bizarre Inca ruins consist of a series of circular depressions that collectively form a colossal openair amphitheater. More than 400 feet deep, these peculiar Inca depressions may have been created as an experiment to study the effects of different
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MISSION & GIVING BACK Our mission is to inspire travelers to be more socially and environmentally aware through philanthropic expeditions to the world’s most fascinating places. We at Paragon Expeditions have a deep appreciation for global diversity and cross-cultural exchanges, and we believe it is our responsibility to give back to the local peoples that welcome us in their native land.
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PARAGON
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You will have a brief period to explore the salt mines on your own before reconvening with the rest of the group and heading back towards the hotel. On the way, you will stop at a traditional chichería. Here you will be able to see how the native inhabitants brew the traditional Andean beverage, and you will have an opportunity to try a stout glass of the fermented maize with the locals. Cheers to trying something new, or ukyaykasun as they say in Quechua. The locals will also cook a guinea pig while you’re there. Known as cüy amongst the local Quechua people, guinea pig is a popular dish throughout the Peruvian highlands. You may taste the Andean delicacy if you wish or bite into a gigantic-kernelled corn-on-the-cob if you would prefer a vegetarian option. After a brief tour of the chichería, you will then be transferred back to the majestic Sol y Luna luxury resort outside of Urubamba for a final tranquil evening in your temporary abode in the Sacred Valley.
Day 5 Aguas Calientes: INKATERRA: Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel After breakfast, you will be driven to the train station in Ollantaytambo where you will board the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes (about 2 hours). Here the Amazon rainforest meets the Andes Mountains in breathtaking fashion, creating one of the most surreal geographic areas you’ll ever witness. You will have the option of being dropped off at km 104 to hike to Machu Picchu via the final leg of the Inca Trail (you may also choose to continue to Aguas Calientes if you would prefer to avoid the strenuous hike). This moderate hike is roughly 10 km long and will take between 5 to 8 hours to complete. Those that choose to hike to the Lost City of the Incas will need a daypack for the journey. Your luggage will be waiting for you at the hotel that evening. On the hike you will be able to marvel at snow-capped peaks rising above the lush green high Amazon, passing waterfalls and Inca ruins along the way. You will reach Intipunku, “the Sun Gate,” and feel chills run down your spine as you catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
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You will descend towards the famed Inca citadel, enjoying spectacular views of Machu Picchu on the way. You will then be transferred by bus to Aguas Calientes, reaching the InkaTerra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel in time for dinner. Set on jungle-like 12-acre retreat on the shores of the Vilcanota River, this award winning, eco-friendly luxury resort consists of 85-whitewashed cottages snuggled into the terraced hills beneath Machu Picchu.
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PARAGON
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Day 6 Cuzco: INKATERRA: La Casona If you would like to see an unforgettable sunrise over the Lost City of the Incas, the Paragon team will be rising early and taking one of the first buses to the citadel. At that point you may explore the ruins alone, or you can join the team for a strenuous but rewarding ascent of Huayna Picchu, the peak that rises majestically behind the famed Inca ruins. The rest of the group will meet at a specified location around mid-morning for a guided tour of the Lost City with a local expert. Once the tour of Machu Picchu comes to a close, you will descend to Aguas Calientes by bus and eat lunch at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. You will then gather your belongings and board the Vistadome train for a fascinating journey through the Andes on your way back to the Ollantaytambo train station. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to INKATERRA: La Casona where you will spend the night. Formerly a colonial manor house and perhaps the oldest Spanish structure in Cuzco, this meticulously restored luxury property boasts eleven authentic suites that surround an elegant courtyard. Situated within short reach of the famous Plaza de Armas, this vintage, eco-friendly hotel offers luxurious accommodations within close proximity to some of Cuzco’s most intriguing sights.
Day 7 Cuzco: INKATERRA: La Casona After a leisurely morning on your own in Cuzco, the group will be led on a guided walking tour of Cuzco, the capital of the Inca Empire and the oldest continually inhabited city in the Western Hemisphere. Keep your camera nearby for photographs as you will be visiting the fascinating Cathedral of Santo Domingo built atop a former Inca temple and will also visit the “Coricancha” Temple of the Sun.
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PARAGON e x p e d i t i o n s
Once your tour of the main square is finished, you may explore Cuzco on your own. You make this time to visit the Almudena Cemetery, the Martín Chambi exhibition, or Cuzco’s famous market. A detailed handout containing possible activities for the afternoon will be provided prior to the trip. After exploring Cuzco on your own, the group will gather for a final farewell dinner at the MAP Café. Here you will be able to reflect on the trip highlights with your fellow travelers and provide feedback to the guides and liaisons. After dinner you will return to the hotel, savoring the ambiance of a quiet oasis set amidst the vibrant capital of the Inca Empire.
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WEATHER
Cuzco: Return After breakfast you will be transferred to the Cuzco Airport for your return flight to Lima. Though formal guide service ends upon departure from Cuzco, an additional night at the Costa del Sol Ramada Airport Hotel can be arranged for travelers that have long layovers in Lima. Here you can relax, sleep, or use the hi-speed Wi-Fi connection. If you would like to venture out and see the sights in Lima, the guides and liaisons will have provided you with a comprehensive list of activities within Lima, and taxi service can easily be arranged from the airport hotel.
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Despite the fact that Peru is situated within the tropics, the weather can be quite chilly in the mountains due to the high altitude. The months of September and October are known as the “Golden Season” in the Peruvian Andes. During this time skies are predominantly clear and precipitation is rare. Travelers should anticipate warm, sunny days and cool, clear nights.
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LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS
PARAGON e x p e d i t i o n s
Lima: Costa del Sol Ramada Hotel Located mere steps from the Lima International Airport, the Costa Del Sol Ramada Hotel offers unmatched convenience for travelers arriving later in the evening. If you’re hungry upon arrival, Sacsavhuaman, the 24-hour restaurant, offers a local and international menu and is the perfect place to re-fuel. This clean, comfortable and fully equipped hotel also includes a round-the-clock spa with a sauna, steam room, and Jacuzzi. The ever-accommodating local staff provides a welcoming arrival to the start of an unforgettable journey.
Altitude: 104 ft.
Luxury:
Eco-Rating:
Urubamba, Sacred Valley: Sol y Luna Built on the principles of respect for the natural environment and the indigenous culture, Sol y Luna embodies the spirit of the Peruvian Andes. Situated in the heart of the mystical Sacred Valley of the Inca, this luxurious property is within minutes of important archaeological sites such as Moray, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo. Born from elements of the Sacred Valley, each private casita was constructed from local building materials and is adorned with a unique mural painted by a local artist, recreating an atmosphere of enchantment and contemplation. With luxurious bungalows, lavish gardens, a world-class spa, and an abundance of intriguing activities offered through the hotel, it won’t take long to discover why Traveler’s Choice 2013 ranked Sol y Luna as the #1 Lodge and Spa in all of South America. http://www.hotelsolyluna.com/en/solyluna
Altitude: 8,850 ft.
Luxury:
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Eco-Rating: Page 9
PARAGON e x p e d i t i o n s
LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS
INKATERRA: Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel Tucked away on 12 secluded acres in the shadows of the Lost City, the award-winning Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is a royal Andean retreat thoughtfully designed to capture the authentic ambiance of barefoot luxury. Traditional stone pathways meander through lush gardens, connecting 85 sumptuous casitas with the UNU Spa and the CafĂŠ INKATERRA. These scattered villas contain pueblo roofs of terra cotta tile that were handcrafted by local artisans, each carefully constructed to absorb an abundance of natural light. A long time leader in sustainable accommodations, the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel features 100% carbon neutral hotel stays and is the perfect sanctuary for serenity and relaxation. http://www.inkaterra.com/en/cusco
Altitude: 6,693 ft.
Luxury:
Eco-Rating:
INKATERRA: La Casona Formerly a colonial manor house and perhaps the oldest Spanish structure in Cuzco, INKATERRA: La Casona is considered Cuzco’s most authentic luxury hotel. Tastefully restored to retain its historical heritage, La Casona presents contemporary luxury without sacrificing authenticity, capturing the sense of privacy and privilege experienced by those who lived here centuries in the past. Situated on the serene Plaza las Nazarenas, this socially responsible, luxurious property features 11 sumptuous suites that surround a central courtyard and overlook the magic of Cuzco. http://www.inkaterra.com/en/machu-picchu
Altitude: 11,152 ft. Luxury: Eco-Rating: Page 10
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GIVING BACK
PARAGON e x p e d i t i o n s
Support the Q’eros Quechua Community Project Mission: To help preserve the ancient traditions of the Q’eros Nations and ultimately protect indigenous cultures worldwide.
Global Soccer Ball Initiative Project Mission: To donate soccer balls to poor villages throughout the Cuzco province and inspire local children to live healthy, active lifestyles. Like the majority of youths around the world, Peruvian children love soccer. However, rural children are often too poor to afford new soccer balls and end up playing with t-shirts bound together by strings or scrunched up wads of garbage. In extremely remote areas, some children have never had the opportunity to play with a real toy. As you would expect, soccer balls are prized commodities in the Cuzco province and nothing will light up a child’s face like the sight of a brand new soccer ball. For the love of the game and the people who play it, Paragon Expeditions donates soccer balls on all of our group expeditions around the world. On this particular trip, soccer balls will be distributed to select villages in the Sacred Valley and set aside for the enjoyment of the children. It is our hope that by doing so we will inspire local inhabitants to live healthy, active lifestyles and that the “world’s sport” will continue to unite people of many different cultures for generations to come. More info: http://www.exploreparagon.com/charitablephilanthropic-contributions/global-soccer-initiative
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The Q’eros Quechua community is renowned for its traditional music, weaving, and spiritual rituals; customs that many other Andean communities have long since abandoned. Ethnomusicologist and Q’eros cultural expert Holly Wissler has pioneered a charitable project dedicated to preserving these ancient customs and educating a greater audience about the Q’eros Nation. Paragon Expeditions will work with Holly to document Q’eros’ musical rituals for the Q’eros community; to educate a larger audience; and ultimately to promote respect for indigenous cultures. Prior to the trip, travelers will be sent “From Grief and Joy We Sing,” a documentary that highlights the musical traditions of the Hatun Q’eros, the largest and most remote of the Q’eros’ communities. The proceeds of the documentary directly support these remote villagers and help preserve their ancient traditions. On the trip, you will be able to personally meet Holly and members of the Q’eros nation, gaining a better understanding of how the contribution will support this Andean community and meeting the beneficiaries of the donation first-hand. Donate Now: http://mountainfund.org/ projects/?name=The-Q-eros-MusicDocumentary&pid=111
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PARAGON e x p e d i t i o n s
GIVING BACK
The Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco (CTTC) Project Mission: To support local artisans and help Nilda Callañaupa protect the dying art of traditional Andean weaving. Birthed by our very own trip expert Nilda Callañaupa, the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cuzco was created in order to preserve and promote pre-Columbian culture by teaching the unique weaving styles that can be found throughout the Cuzco region. Since 1996, CTTC has partnered with 9 communities in this region to stimulate local economies; thus ensuring regional stability through this ancient art form and skill (dating back as far as 500AD). The CTTC has been instrumental in generating employment and preventing the exodus of a generation of young people from the region to larger cities far away, something that had plagued the area in years past. Learning the ancient art of weaving not only equips indigenous communities with gainful employment and security, but it roots the people back into their beautiful Andean history and their deep connection to Pachamama (Mother Earth). Beyond weaving, the CTTC has focused on creating oral history projects for schools to promote pride in their Inca heritage. Paragon Expeditions will be partnering with Nilda and the CTTC to continue this crucial mission in the Cuzco region. Travelers will have the opportunity to personally meet Nilda and visit the weaving More info: http://www.textilescusco.org/eng/index.html
Tica Tica Medical Clinic Project Mission: To distribute toothbrushes and provide financial assistance to a volunteer clinic that provides dire services for those in need. Situated in a poor neighborhood in Cuzco, the Tica Tica medical clinic provides basic medical procedures, dental work, obstetrician care, birth control counseling, and other services to impoverished inhabitants from Cuzco and surrounding areas. The clinic has 2 doctors, 2 dentists, 1 obstetrician, 3 nurses, 1 chief of laboratory, and 1 secretary, all of whom are volunteers working for the benefit of poor local inhabitants. With the help of Global Grins, Paragon Expeditions will be providing financial assistance and toothbrushes to the Tica Tica Medical Clinic. This will help the clinic build a larger medical staff and provide much-needed dental and medical care to local inhabitants. Those interested in visiting the clinic and handing out toothbrushes will have the option to do so during the afternoon “on your own” Donate Now: http://www.mountainfund.org/ projects/?name=Tica-Tica-Medical-Clinic-Cusco&pid=103
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TRIP EXPERTS
PARAGON e x p e d i t i o n s
Nilda Callañaupa A master Quechua weaver and the first person from her village to attend university, Nilda Callañaupa has been an ambassador for Andean traditions since she began learning ancient pre-Columbian weaving techniques as a young girl in the 1960s. Today she is the director of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco (CTTC). Founded by Nilda in 1996, the CTTC is a non-profit organization that aims to preserve and promote traditional pre-Columbian weaving techniques in the 21st century.
Nilda will lead the group on a guided tour of the weaving co-op in Chincheros and will then invite you into her home to eat a traditional Cuzqueño meal with her family. She will then share her fascinating life story with you, explaining her progression from a poor rural villager to one of South America’s leading voices in the movement to preserve ancient Andean traditions.
Nilda’s Books: “Textile Traditions of Chinchero: A Living Heritage” “Weaving in the Peruvian Highlands” CTTC’s Website: http://www.textilescusco.org/
Holly Wissler As a young woman, Holly Wissler was an adventure guide throughout Peru and Nepal, where she became a fluent Spanish, Quechua, and Nepali speaker. After years of exploring and leading expeditions around these impressive ranges, Holly earned an MM degree in Flute Performance and an MA degree in Music History from the University of
Idaho. In 2009, Holly earned her Ph.D. from Florida State University in Ethnomusicology for her work with musical traditions of the Q’eros community in Peru. This work with the Q’eros has led her to produce two documentaries, “Kusisqa Waqashayku” or “From Grief and Joy We Sing” and “Qoy Llur Rit’i”; both films highlighting Andean music and rituals. This accomplished woman and adopted Quechua will join our group in the Sacred Valley to provide a presentation regarding the Andean cosmovision; which for Westerners is a paradigm-shifting Andean view of the nature of our universe. Accompanying Holly will be members of the Q’eros community, who will be playing their unique Andean-style of pan flute and have agreed to a Q & A about their traditions, customs, and music (as translated by Holly) afterwards.
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PARAGON e x p e d i t i o n s
TRIP LOGISTICS
TRIP PRICE
TRIP LENGTH
2013 DATES
$4,098 ($1,180 single supplement)
8 days / 7 Nights
October 2-9, 2013
Arrival and Departures Your trip begins with your arrival at the international airport in Lima. If you are arriving on an international flight you will need to clear immigrations and customs beforehand. Just outside of the baggage claim area, you will find a Paragon Expeditions representative holding a Paragon Expeditions sign with your name written on it. He will transfer you to the conveniently located Costa del Sol Ramada Airport Hotel where you will be staying the night. The following morning, you will catch a flight to Cuzco where the guided tour officially begins. It is
imperative that your flight arrives in Cuzco prior to 11:00 am. The Paragon team will take pleasure in booking your flights if you desire. Upon arrival in Cuzco, you will load a private, spacious minibus for your transfer to the luxurious Sol y Luna Hotel in the Sacred Valley, your home for the next three nights. Your trip ends with a morning drop-off at the Cuzco airport at 11:00 am where you will make your post trip connections via Lima or another hub city. If you would like to stay in Cuzco or need to wait for a later flight, taxi service can be arranged at a later time from INKATERRA: La Casona.
Reservations & Availability
Host City
1.888.996.3558 or info@exploreparagon.com
Cuzco, Peru (CUZ)
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OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS
PARAGON e x p e d i t i o n s
Peru: Optional Extensions While Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu are the main attractions in Peru, the so-called “Inca Heartland” is within reach of countless other fascinating destinations. From the condor territory in the depths of the world’s deepest canyons to the remote tribal villages nestled along the shores of the Amazon, this area of South America is teeming with opportunities for adventure travel. We’ve created a menu of additional opportunities for your consideration that can easily be added to the beginning or end of our scheduled trips to Peru.
Arequipa & the Colca Canyon Witness the unique architectural combination of the colonial designers and indigenous masons in the “White City” of Arequipa before venturing into one of the deepest canyons in the world. Easter Island Catch a flight to one of the world’s most isolated islands, and marvel at the massive, mysterious monolithic Moai figures carved by native Rapa Nui islanders hundreds of years in the past.
Galapagos Islands Follow Charles Darwin’s famed voyage of the HMS Beagle to the Galapagos Islands, and observe the scores of endemic species that inhabit this isolated Ecuadorian archipelago. Huaraz & the Cordillera Blanca Travel to Huaraz, the trekking capital of Peru, and trek beneath some of the highest peaks in the Western Hemisphere.
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PARAGON e x p e d i t i o n s
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS
Iquitos & the Amazon Basin Venture deep into the rainforest aboard a floating luxury hotel, and meet healers and shamans in remote tribal villages that are only accessible by boat. Lake Titicaca Take a journey into thin air to the highest navigable lake in the world, and explore the islands, inlets, and indigenous communities that are scattered about this extraordinary Andean sea. Nazca Lines Board a small plane destined for the Nazca Lines, and gaze at the enigmatic ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert’s surface. Reserva Amazónica Lodge Meander along the snaking shores of the Madre de Dios River to this award winning eco-lodge. Wake to a symphony of tropical birds and end your days by lantern light, drifting asleep at night to the soothing sounds of the Amazon rainforest. Salar de Uyuni Take a legendary trip across the Bolivian altiplano to the eerily magnificent Salar de Uyuni—a bizarre, otherworldly sea of salt situated 12,000 ft. above sea level.
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PARAGON
TRIP DETAILS
e x p e d i t i o n s
Reservations, Deposits and Balances Due: To make a reservation, contact Paragon Expeditions with your choice of trip and dates. A $500 per person deposit is required in order to confirm your reservation. Certain international and custom trips may require additional deposits. The balance of the payment is due 90 days prior to trip departure. Full payment is required at the time of booking if your trip departs within 90 days. Cancellation and Refund Policies The following cancellation policies and cancellation fees are in effect:
CANCELLATION PRIOR TO DEPARTURE 91 Days or more
AMOUNT REFUNDED Full trip payment is refunded less a $500 per person administration fee
61 - 90 days
75% of the expeditions cost is refunded
31 - 60 days
50% of the expeditions cost is refunded
0 - 30 days
No refund is given
*This trip is operated in conjunction with Coltur. **Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary by Paragon Expeditions and Coltur. ***As with deposits on certain international and custom trips, the refund schedule may vary, speak with a Paragon Expeditions representative for further details. ****We recommend making reservation at least four months prior to trip departure to secure your permit to hike the Inca Trail. If, due to extenuating circumstances, Paragon Expeditions were to have to cancel an expedition, a full refund will be given to all customers who have reserved a spot on the expedition as well as an additional voucher for a future expedition at a discounted price.
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PARAGON e x p e d i t i o n s
TRIP DETAILS
INCLUDED IN THE TRIP PRICE • • • • •
Double occupancy rooms with private baths. At least two meals per day and additional snacks and refreshments as listed in the detailed itinerary. Experienced, bilingual, professional guides and knowledgeable local partners. Private tours, lectures, and performances by featured trip experts as outlined in the daily itinerary Contribution to specified nonprofit organizations and personal interactions with representatives of the organization • All vehicle transfers, train rides, and ground transportation throughout the trip. • A pre-departure welcome package containing a suggested packing list and information regarding the areas you will be visiting. • Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local partner and expert gratuities, and national park entrance and permit fees. NOT INCLUDED IN THE TRIP PRICE • • • • • • • • •
International and domestic trip airfare to/ from the host city (Cuzco) En route expenses to/ from the host city Excess baggage fees, arrival/ departure fees, passport fees and airport taxes Personal expenses including, but not limited to, alcohol, souvenirs, phone calls, email, and laundry. Gratuities for Paragon Expeditions’ guides. Specified meals not listed in the trip itinerary Optional activities not listed in the trip itinerary Trip cancellation, travel or baggage loss insurance Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Paragon Expeditions
Pre-departure Information After confirming your reservation and deposit, we will send you a pre-trip packet containing insightful information about the area you’ll be visiting, health and safety information, a suggested packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire, and a liability release agreement for you to personally sign and return within 14 days.
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TRIP DETAILS
PARAGON e x p e d i t i o n s
En-Route Flights and Stopovers: Travel to / from your trip with Paragon Expeditions Our trip cost does not include transportation between your home city and the Paragon Expeditions trip host city (starting and ending in Cuzco). We highly recommend that you take advantage of Paragon Expeditions complimentary flight booking service. Not only do we offer professional travel planning consultation, but we also make every effort to secure the best possible fare and routing for you. (Unfortunately we cannot accept frequent flyer bookings, but we are able to assist you with frequent flyer ticketing upgrades and other options you may have.) Reserving early is the key to securing the airlines, routings, seating, and departure times you desire. If you wait too long, there is a risk that you may not be able to secure a seat on the necessary flights to reach the host city. Feel free to call us with questions regarding routings, fares and even trip extensions—we take pleasure in assisting you with these arrangements. If you have pre- and post-trip extension plans, please notify us as soon as possible. If you are booking your own air travel independently, it is essential that you give us your flight schedule at least 60 days prior to your departure. Questions? Call Paragon Expeditions at 888-996-3558. Additional Accommodations In addition to free air transportation consultation and scheduling, Paragon Expeditions also offers complimentary booking for accommodations before or after the scheduled expedition. If travelers would like an additional night at the Costa del Sol Ramada Airport Hotel, we would be glad to arrange these accommodations or assist you in reserving a room elsewhere in Lima or your connecting city. Private Custom Travel Does your vacation schedule not fit into our list of trips and dates? Or maybe you would prefer a different itinerary with different activities or a different level of luxury. Our custom travel experts are here to help. We will take care of the burdensome logistics and will gladly handcraft a custom expedition for you based on your individual needs and desires. You choose the dates and the destination, and we’ll work with you to create a tailor-made itinerary that caters to your personal interests. Room Occupancy, Single Supplements, and Shared Room Assignments All of our trip prices are based on double occupancy. Single rooms are available for an additional charge, known as a “single supplement.” If you’re traveling alone and wish to share a room with another traveler, make the request at the time of booking and Paragon Expeditions will do our best to find a suitable roommate for you. If we are unable to do so, the single supplement charge will apply.
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PARAGON e x p e d i t i o n s
CONTACT PARAGON
TOLL FREE
888-996-3558
ONLINE
paragonexpeditions.com/reservations
info@exploreparagon.com
Paragon Expeditions, P.O. Box 161404, Austin, TX 78716
* You may also reserve your trip with Paragon Expeditions with your preferred travel professional. ** We accept Visa, MasterCard and personal checks (U.S. funds made payable to Paragon Expeditions). Please do not send cash.
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