MexiMayan Academic Travel, Inc.
12 S 675 Knoebel Drive, Lemont IL, 60439
1-800-337-MEXI (6394)
meximayan@meximayan.com
Treasures of Tanzania
African Wildlife Safari & Cultural Discovery Tour
October 1-15, 2012
Itinerary & Reservation Form
Day 0 Depart US
Overnight Flight. D B in flight
Day 1 Arusha, Tanzania
Jambo! Our local hosts greet us warmly us at
the airport this evening and transfer us to our comfortable Iboru Safari
Lodge L D in flight Overnight Iboru Safari Lodge
www.ilborusafarilodge.com
Day 2 Arusha/Tarangire National Park
A refreshing night’s rest and late breakfast allow us to recuperate from the long flight. But adventure beckons, and we depart for Tarangire National Park at 11 am (drive time 2.5 hrs). Tarangire National Park is the third largest National Park in Tanzania, covering an Area of 2600 sq/km. Known as the Elephant Kingdom of Tanzania, in dry season more than 2000 elephant roam around this ecosystem teaming up with thousands of other large mammals inluding wildebeest, buffalos, impalas, waterbucks, dik dik, zebras giraffes etc. The bird life here is outstanding. The varied landscape is dotted with giant Baobab trees and the acacia woodland. River Tarangire is the heart of this ecosystem as it serves as the only source of permanent water during dry season. After lunch at the lodge there is time for a short rest before going out for a guided nature walk at around 4:30 with Masai guide. We will learn about Masai medicinal plants, insects, birds, animal footprints etc. We may also see dik dik, impalas, giraffes and more. Celebrate this evening with a welcome dinner and retire early for another well deserved good night’s rest. B L D Overnight Roika Tarangire Tented Lodge www.tarangireroikatentedlodge.com
Day 3 Tarangire National Park
We rise early and depart with breakfast box for an early morning game drive and a day’s exploration of in Tarangire National Park. The interaction of game animals around river Tarangire is impressive. If lucky we may also see some large cat family members. Late afternoon, drive back to the lodge for a late lunch at around 1300 hrs. After lunch at the lodge there is time for a short rest before going out for a guided nature walk at around 4:30 with Masai guide. We will learn about Masai medicinal plants, insects, birds, animal footprints etc. B L D Overnight Roika Tarangire Tented Lodge www.tarangireroikatentedlodge.com
Day 4 Tarangire/Tloma Village/Serengeti
We will begin the day very early and drive to Tloma village to do village walk. (Drive time 2 hrs) where we will see the daily life and activities of the local people including local brick making using clay soil, dispensary and a primary school after which we will visit a local family and learn about the culture and tradition of the Iraqw tribe, after which we will enjoy a family hosted lunch in their home. Then we spearhead to the World Heritage Site, Serengeti National Park. The word Serengeti is synonymous with unspoiled Africa. It is teeming with fantastic populations of herbivores, carnivores and more than 450 species of birds. To the Masai, it is Siringitu – “the place where land moves on forever." Arrive our luxury tented camp late afternoon with a game drive en-route. (drive time is 5-5.30 hrs). B L D Overnight Nasikia Central Luxury Camp www.nasikialuxurycamps.com
Day 5 Serengeti National Park: Central Region
After breakfast, head out for a full day game drive around Seronera area to observe the multitude and diversity of wildlife which is unrivalled anywhere else on the planet. Central Serengeti is carnivore territory. We will search for lions and the elusive big cats—cheetahs and leopard. We will encounter herbivores such as giraffes, impalas, reedbuck, and gazelles. B L D Overnight Nasikia Central Luxury Camp www.nasikialuxurycamps.com
Day 6 Serengeti National Park: Central Region | Serengeti-Northern Region
After breakfast, drive to Lobo wildlife Lodge with game drive enroute. Arriving at the luxurious lodge, a sumptuous lunch awaits as does time to rest (maybe a siesta?) before the 4:00 pm game drive. Here in Lobo today and tomorrow we have time to go deep in this part of the Serengeti -Mara ecosystem and enjoy its beautiful scenery dotted with massive rock outcrops called kopjes. Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and the Masai Mara Reserve across the border in Kenya, rotect the greatest and most varied collection of terrestrial wildlife on earth, and one of the last great migratory systems still intact. If we are lucky, and depending on the rain pattern at the time of visit, in addition to the vast variety of other animals, we may see part of wildebeest migration in this northern part of Serengeti ecosystem. B L D Overnight Lobo Wildlife Lodge www.hotelsandlodges-tanzania.com
Day 7 Serengeti National Park: North Region
Experience the incomparable northern Serengeti on two game drives today or slow the pace and enjoy some time at the lodge. We will drive to Bolongonia area if the migration is close. B L D Overnight Lobo Wildlife Lodge www.hotelsandlodges-tanzania.com
Day 8 Serengeti National Park- north/ Olduvai Gorge/Massai Village/Karatu
After breakfast do game drive en-route to Olduvai Gorge. (Drive time to Olduvai including two comfort stops will be 4.5-5 hrs). The world’s most famous pale anthropological site and Cradle of Mankind where Louis and Mary Leakey discovered hominid fossil over 2.5 million years old is our destination. We will tour the small museum and then be escorted by one of the museum curators
who will speak briefly about human pre-history and the geological formation of the gorge site where one of the oldest hominid skulls was discovered by the Leakeys. After a picnic lunch, visit a Masai village enroute to Karatu Town and check in at Bougainvillea Safari Lodge. (Drive time to Bougainvillea is 2.15 hrs) The hearty among us may wish to walk the crater rim in the late afternoon to appreciate the true scope and majesty of this natural phenomenon. Overnight Bougainvillea Safari Lodge www.bougainvillaea.net
Day 9 Ngorongoro Crater
Let’s greet the sunrise in Ngorongoro Crater (drive time 1.5 hrs) to experience one of the most spectacular wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Ngorongoro Crater, once a volcano the size of Kilimanjaro before it collapsed into itself about 2.5 million years ago, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the largest volcanic caldera in the world. Nicknamed the African Garden Of Eden, the crater, whose steep walls rise more than 2000 feet, is home to more than 20,000 mammals- both terrestrial and aquatic bird species as well as Great views of different swamps and Lake Makat .We will spend the day exploring this natural zoological park, observing an extraordinary variety and concentration of wildlife. A highlight will be our picnic lunch by a hippo pool. Late afternoon, return to the lodge and relax. B L D Overnight Bougainvillea Safari Lodge www.bougainvillealodge.net
Day 10 Ngorongoro Crater/ Arusha
After breakfast drive back to Arusha (Drive time 2.5 hrs) for an early lunch before afternoon departure for Ngiresi Village, located in the foothills of Mount Meru, second highest mountain in Tanzania (drive time 1 hr). This village visit provides the opportunity to learn about the Waarusha tribe (modern Masai) including their farming and Biogas project. A traditional healer shares his herbal remedies and we will visit a local school before returning to our lodge. Tonight we will celebrate our safari adventures over dinner. B L D Overnight Ilboru Safari Lodge www.ilborusafarilodge.com
Day 11 Arusha/ Zanzibar
Our morning flight carries us to exotic Zanzibar. We will check into our well located hotel in Stone town and enjoy an afternoon orientation and Stone Town walking tour. B Overnight Dhow Palace Hotel www.dhowpalace-hotel.com
Day 12 Zanzibar- Spice Plantation Tour and Beach
Wander the picturesque neighborhoods this morning before our spice plantation tour and drive to the beautiful white sand beach and azure blue waters of our beach front hotel. B Hotel Casa del Mar www.casadelmarzanzibar. com
Day 13 Zanzibar- Free Day
Today is a free day at beach. Swim, snorkel, relax in a hammock- or do all three. Let’s meet for a sunset cruise on a traditional Dhow and celebrate to Tanzania experience with a farewell dinner. B D Hotel Casa del Mar www.casa-delmar-zanzibar.com
Day 14 Zanzibar/ Darse Saalam/ Flight Home
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Dar es Salaam and connect with KLM international flight. Those who did the Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park pre-tour will connect in Dar to Johannesburg for the SAA flight B
Day 15 Arrive USA October 1-15, 2012* With Pre-tour to Victoria Falls, Johannesburg, and Chobe National Park September 25- October 1, 2012*
* Dates subject to minor change with final land confirmations
In the Footsteps of the Incas:
The Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu
An Active Cultural Discovery Tour to Peru
May 28- June 10, 2012
Itinerary | Flyer
Day 1 U.S / Lima
Arrive Lima where our local hosts greet us and assist us to our hotel conveniently located at the airport.
Costa Del Sol Ramada Lima
Day 2 Lima / Cuzco
The sunrise is spectacular over the magnificent peaks of the Cordillera Blanca as we fly to Cusco where we rest and adjust to the altitude at a colonial family residence. Later, we tour some of the important places and archaeological sites in and around Cusco including the Plaza de Armas, Cathedral, Coricancha Inca Palace, the megalithic fortress of Sacsayhuaman, and sacred fountain Tambomachay and the cave shrine at Kenko.
We will celebrate out arrival in Cuzco this evening with a welcome dinner and retire early for more rest and acclimation.
Overnight Los Portales Hotel B, D
Day 3 Cuzco / Sacred Valley of the Incas
Morning drive to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our exploration of the valley begins visiting the Pucara above Pisac and view agricultural terraces. We hike down to the quaint Quechua village and visit the colorful traditional market where locals display, trade and sell local produce and handicrafts. After lunch we visit Ollantaytambo, said to be the oldest continually inhabited village in South America, where we walk the cobblestone streets of this historic walled town and climb the hillside fortress to see the exquisite stone work at this strategic defensive position. Our family run inn is located in Ollantaytambo so we have plenty of time to absorb the ambiance of this special place.
Overnight Pakaritampu Hotel B, L
Day 4 Moray and Maras
Our excursion across the altiplano today leads us first to Moray where huge concentric agricultural terraces built in a depression of a limestone plateau create an amphitheater effect complete with excellent acoustics. It also creates a unique microclimate within. Was this a site of special powers that invoked the mystical spirits of the earth where priests read the heavens and divined the future? Was it an agricultural experimental station and information recorded on a quipu? Was it an amphitheater for political and religious occasions where the Inca himself might have appeared? We will draw our own conclusions as we explore the site. We drive on across the altiplano to the colonial town of Maras perched above a valley eroded by the flow of mineral rich highly saline waters from springs deep underground. An interesting short takes us down among the evaporation ponds where the villagers collect the salt for export. A picnic lunch adds the perfect touch.
Overnight Pakaritampu Hotel B, L, D
Day 5 Ollantaytambo / Inca Trail Trek
Drive to the trailhead in Chilca (8500’). Our Inca Trail Trek begins with views of with view of La Veronica Glacier as we cross the raging Urubamba River on a foot bridge and greet our Inca porters and camp staff on the other side. Our trail follows the river leading us to the first archaeological site, Llactapata where we enjoy a delicious picnic lunch. The trail turns in to a side valley and we ascend gradually along the bubbling Cusichaca River until we reach the village Huayllabamba, our camp for the night, is the last outpost of civilization until we reach Machu Picchu.
Total Distance: 12km (7, 47 miles)
Walking time approximated: 5-6 hours
Maximum altitude: 9,840ft
Overnight Inca Trail Camp B, L, D
Day 6 Inca Trail Trek
We wake to our porters placing a bowl of warm water in front of out tent for us to freshen up. The invigorating cool air stimulates our appetites and after a hearty breakfast we set off hiking. We reach the high plain Llulluchapampa where we rest and enjoy refreshments and the view of Huayanay peak. From here Our trek continues steeply uphill to the first pass and highest point of the trail, Warmiwanusca, “Dead Woman’s pass” at 13,766’. As we summit the pass we are spell bound by the natural beauty of the Andean Cordillera- as well as breathless from the ascent! Beyond, a change of climate and scenery awaits as we descend into the Pacamayu River valley with the sound of rushing water and our camp for the night. Our porters greet us with smiles and hot tea. The camp is set up and waiting. On the mountainside ahead sits Runkuracay (12,190’), the egg-shaped ruin of a former outpost station.
Total Distance: 11km (6, 84 miles)
Walking time approximated: 6-7 hours
Maximum altitude: 13,776ft
Overnight Inca Trail Camp B, L, D
Day 7 Inca Trail Trek
Today we will experience a variety of ecological zones including alpine, cloud forest and semi-tropical as we ascend from Pacamayu and trek over 2 passes before reaching our next camp. We hike towards Runkuracay where we explore this ruin on top of the world, then, crossing the pass at 12,696’, we descend into the valley beyond to the site of Sayamarca, “Inaccessible Town”. We will count each of the 98 steps leading up to the site from the trail, but once there, the view is spectacular into the lush green valley ahead. The trail continues among tropical flora and over the third and final pass to Phuyupatamarca, 11,585’. This “City above the Clouds” affords a fantastic view of Mt. Salcantay. From here, we descend past ancient terraces, ceremonial baths and fortifications on steep Inca staircases into the cloud forest and our camp at Winaywayna, one of the most beautiful and captivating of the sites on the trail.
Total Distance: 16km (9, 94 miles)
Walking time approximated: 8 hours
Maximum altitude: 11,585ft
Overnight Inca Trail Camp B, L, D
Day 8 Inca Trail Trek / Machu Picchu
Orchids and bromeliads grow here where the Amazon jungle meets the High Sierras of the Andes. We visit the ruins of Winaywayna and two hours later arrive at Inti Punku, the gate of the Sun- original Inca entrance to Machu Picchu. The breathtaking view seems ample reward for the trek. We will have a tour of the site before returning to 21th century comfort, a very long shower and dinner.
Total Distance: 4km (2, 49 miles)
Walking time approximated: 2 hours
Maximum altitude: 2,700m (8,829ft)
Machu Picchu altitude 7,872ft
Overnight Hatchuay Tower Hotel BLD
Day 9 Machu Picchu / Cuzco
An optional short, early morning climb of Huayna Picchu leads to the ultimate views of Machu Picchu, the Urubamba gorge and stunning Andean mountain panorama. There will be several hours to explore the sectors of the city. In the afternoon we take the tourist train along the Urubamba back to Cuzco.
Overnight Los Portales Hotel B, L
OPTION Days 5-9: Participants may elect to substitute, at additional expense, an Amazon Jungle experience near Puerto Maldonado for the trek. They will rejoin the group in Machu Picchu on day 9. Please request details.
Day 10 Cuzco Corpus Christi Celebration
Today is a free day for independent exploration in Cusco. Tonight, in anticipation of the Festival of Corpus Christi, people gather for an overnight vigil and celebrate sharing typical dishes such as chiriuchu (spicy guinea pig), beer, chicha and cornbread.
Overnight Los Portales Hotel B, D
Day 11 Cuzco
The Festival of Corpus Christi has been celebrated all over Peru since colonial times, but reaches a high point in Cusco. Fifteen saints and virgins from various districts in the region are borne in a procession to the Cathedral where they "greet" the body of Christ embodied in the Sacred Host, kept in a fabulous gold goblet weighing 26 kilos and standing 1.2 meters high. We will experience the pageantry and unique blend of indigenous and European traditions as we mingle with the locals and share the festivities. The afternoon will be free for personal pursuits. Let’s gather for dinner this evening to compare our experiences.
Day 12 Cuzco / Lima
We transfer to the airport for the one hour flight to Lima, the check into our hotel before our full day tour of the historical and modern parts of Lima.
We will stroll the Plaza de Armas where we can see the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace and Metropolitan City Hall as we learn about the history and traditions of this important Spanish city. We will tour the San Francisco Monastery, probably the most spectacular church of colonial Lima, housing the catacombs and a very fine museum of religious art from the XVII century. Then it is on to the modern areas of Miraflores and San Isidro and the fabulous Larco Herrera Museum, one of the best in Latin America, housing an incomparable treasure collection from Old Peru that inspires to appreciate the more than 5000 years of history represented here. This private collection exhibits more than 45,000 pieces, most of them ceramic artifacts from the Mochica culture,
Overnight at El Tambo Perú B, L
Day 13 Lima
This morning we will visit the pre-Inca archaeological site of Pachacamac. The afternoon will be free for personal exploration. We will gather tonight for dinner to celebrate the Inca Trail Trek and our amazing Peru experience.
Overnight at El Tambo Perú B, L
Day 14 Lima / U.S.
Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the U.S. or join us on an extension to Nazca to view the enigmatic Nazca Lines. B
NAZCA EXTENSTION Days 14-17
Day 15 Head south through the Atacama Desert on the Pan American Hw. To Ica, for lunch, a tour of the excellent museum and Pisco Brandy. Overnight at Hotel Nazca.
Day 16: Rise early for an exciting single engine flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines, animal shapes and the space man. Afternoon drive to seaside Hotel Paracas.
Day 17: Cross the strait in a small yacht and cruise in the Ballestas Islands, Peru’s mini “Galapagos” with sea lions, marine iguanas, and many colorful species of birds including small penguins. Return to Miraflores and Overnight El Tambo Peru.
Day 18: Morning transfer to airport for flight to US.
The cost of this extension includes all transportation, first class hotels, breakfasts, entry fees, baggage handling and taxes. Added cost of extension depends on number of travelers. Please inquire.
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MexiMayan Travel
Searching For The Maya
March 15 - 28, 2012
Enrollment and More Info
Maya sites are constantly being expanded and updated as new structures, tombs and roads are found and sometimes these new excavations cause new ideas and interpretations. It is exciting and fun to see the changes and to hear the archaeologists on site. Professor Kurjack will be with us to help us find the exciting new excavations and new or controversial ideas.
Day 1 March 15, 2012 Thurs: U.S. - Cancun. We depart the U.S. for Cancun and check into Q-Bay Hotel on the hotel strip but closest to
downtown Cancun.
Day 2 Mar 16 Cancun: - Merida. After breakfast at 8 am we will depart for charming Merida. On the way we will make two stops. First we will stop at Izamal, a small colonial town for tacos or a light lunch and an easy climb up a low pyramid to see the many pyramids on the horizon. We will continue on to Dzibilchaltún with the Temple of the Seven Dolls, a cenote and a museum. Prof Kurjack did much of the original work at this site. We will arrive Merida and check into the Gobernador, an older but updated hotel with individual temperature control. Late afternoon we will visit the Archaeological Museum. In the evening we will dine at the Continental, in a lovely old colonial courtyard close to our hotel. (B )
Day 3 Mar 17 Merida: - Uxmal in the Puuc Hills region. Today we will check into the Archaeological Villa and walk to the nearby large site of Uxmal. Prof Kurjack will talk to us about the Puuc style, the building methods, the various features and influences from other area styles such as the Chenes or Teotihuacan. We will see the so-called Governor's Palace that influenced Frank Lloyd Wright and a Chac sculpture that so impressed Henry Moore that he could not work for months after seeing it. If there is time we will drive over to the nearby site of Ka'bah with its multi-masked facade. In the evening we can visit the Sound and Light Show (optional) and experience the site at night with beautiful lights and a hokey story.( B)
Day 4 Mar 18: - Uxmal Area. After breakfast we will visit some of the many nearby sites such as Ka'bah, Labna with its arch, Sayil and Xlapak. There are more sites but we can call it a day and visit a couple of Maya carvers. We can have dinner by the lovely pool and/or have a dip in the pool. (B)
Day 5 Mar 19: - Uxmal - Campeche. We will start down the coast and check into the lovely colonial Hacienda Uayamon. The ambience is wonderful, but
I hope that one section outside the main building has not been restored. We will be visiting a unique site, Santa Rosa Xtampak and Edzna, once observable only as a peak sticking out from lush thick impenetrable greenery, but now a cleared large site.( B)
Day 6 Mar 20: - Campeche - Valladolid. Morning free. In the afternoon we will set off for Valladolid. If the traffic flows we may have time to visit a majestic structure at Ek Balam with its fine sculpture. Then we check into Mario's EI Meson Del Marquis Hotel and have dinner in their romantic courtyard. (B)
Day 7 Mar 21: - Valladolid. Today we depart for Chichen Itza to discover what has been newly opened or excavated, or closed. There is a book store, gift shops and a small museum with a copy of a mural that can no longer be seen on the site and an air conditioned restaurant where women sometimes perform folkloric dances. The site is sprawling from the cenote n one end and the nunnery on the other. An umbrella for protection from the sun might be helpful. If you have already seen the Sacred Cenote, you may not want to walk the long walk at one end. In the other direction there is a small shop with snacks and drinks and a few chairs for a rest. Lunch is in the restaurant back at the entrance. Then, at about 3:00 Prof. 's friends will arrive to take us for a special treat - the newly excavated areas at Chichen Itza. This may be by jeep and 5 or 10 minutes away. It will be a surprise to all. We return to EI Meson have dinner and relax or float in the pool. (B )
Day 8 Mar 22: - Valladolid - Coba. This morning we depart for the Archaeological Villa at Coba. Interesting Maya villages have grown up around some lakes here. The Stuart family, contributors to National Geographic, lived here for awhile and David Stuart, now an important epigrapher of the Maya hieroglyphics celebrated his Maya Name-Day ceremony here. You can ride around the site on its Mayan roads in a rickshaw. New structures keep getting excavated. There are many shops. There is also an optional jungle tour. (B)
Day 9 Mar 23: - Coba - Felipe Carrillo Puerto - Chetumal . Today we start out for the land of the Caste Wars. The Maya in this area were especially dedicated to ridding themselves of the Spanish. Their area was considered a territory. A Maya priest operated a Christian church with a magical supernatural "Talking Cross" that urged the warriors to keep on fighting. There is also a mural on the side of a building about a myth relating to the Woman of the Moon a,k,a, Xtabai who kidnaps wayward males! This Caste War went on into the twentieth century. Later we can visit a Fuerte San Felipe a Spanish Fort and have a great lunch at Laguna Bacalar a beautiful deep lake or lagoon. We continue to the Holiday Inn in Chetumal. (B)
Day 10 Mar 24: - Chetumal. In the morning we will visit the recently opened Maya Museum with materials about how the Maya lived. Then we will cross the border into Belize for an extension unless we must return to Cancun and home.
Belize Extension: Franz Puck of Belize Tourism Office will meet us and check us into the Hok' ol K'in Guesthouse, a family run B & B on a bay across from the very early site, Cerros. We will visit Cerros and Santa Rita and possibly Blue Creek.
Day 11 Mar 25: - Franz will take us on a full day tour to Lamanai on the New
River. We may see birds or crocodiles on the ride to the large significant site with small museum. Afterwards we continue to Belize City and check into the Best Western Biltmore. We part with our Belize director Franz Puck.
Day 12 Mar 26: - We will fly to Punta Gorda and see Nim Li Punit and Lambiteyco. We will meet Bruno Kupinger, our guide, and check into the Sun Creek Lodge. In the evening we will find some Garifuna musicians and dancers. Franz will try to arrange this ahead of time.
Day 13 Mar 27: - We fly back to Belize and the Best Western.
Day 14 Mar 28: We fly home, unless we want to do a 3 day round trip to
Caracol.
QUESTIONS: For more information about the tour, please call MexiMayan at (630) 972-9090 or email meximayan@meximayan.com
Beyond Machu Picchu!: Discovering Hidden Peru
May 1 - 13, 2012
(Land from $2295)
Enrollment and More Info
Like the dark side of the moon, most of Peru is unknown even to South American travelers. Its glories and the richness of its ancient past are eclipsed by the meteoric rise and sudden collapse of the Incas. Long before Peru dreamt of the Incas, the Chimú dazzled the continent and before them the Moche reigned supreme and before the Moche archaeological records trace back 6000 years or more!. Under the direction of archaeologist Lawrence A. Conrad, Associate Professor Emeritus, a small group of adventurers will share a journey of fellowship, discovery and fun on the 2012 MexiMayan Peru exploration of Peru's hidden past.
Illustrated on the right is a ceramic representation of a Moche fisherman mounted on a Caballito de Totora, the ancient reed fishing boat. Many of Peru's treasures are hidden away in museums. MexiMayan brings together, for the MexiMayan explorer, archaeology, museums, and culture here [See Day 4] by viewing the object, exploring the site, and watching 21st Century fishermen, mounted on their small cabillitos (sea horses), bringing in their catch and then enjoying a seaside dinner!
Tue, May 1, Day 1: Depart from home and arrival in Peru, transfer to Hotel Colon. Evening reception and briefing. (Overnight Lima)
Wed, May 2, Day 2: Lima introduction. Tour of Plaza de Armas including Cohen, Inca Gold Collection, then a special briefing at the National Museum — Lima's largest museum with many of Peru's iconic artifacts on display also features scale models of temples, ruins and archaeological sites that tell the story of Peru's long history from the prehistoric to the present. The New Water Fountain Park, Parque de la Reserva, is a group of spectacular fountains with a music and light show. Our exploration of colonial Lima and the Plaza de Armas will include the Convento de San Francisco, considered by some to be the greatest architectural complex of its kind in Latin America– below are the colonial catacombs. Evening Welcome Dinner at Las Brujas de Cachiche which occupies an old mansion overlooking, its décor is dedicated to the theme of traditional healing and magic. Optional evening walk to Kennedy Park to visit with artists and artisans. (Overnight Hotel Colon: B, D )
Thu, May 3, Day 3: Lima: Exploration of Lima's Pre-Inca Archaeological Sites: Huaca Pucllana, Huaca Huallamarca, Huacas Mateo Salada and La Lux. Peru tourism has plans for the creation of a nine stop Traveler's Circuit of its urban archaeological sites regularly referred to as Huacas (Temples), completion date not known. MexiMayan will unofficially open the circuit with visits to three of the projected stops. Although smaller than sites to be explored later during the tour, the three Huacas selected are important because they dissolve some of the mists of Peruvian history. Cultural details of several Huacas reveal Lima Cultural origins, but others are unknown. Dates are from 200 BCE to CE 700. Our day ends with a shopping spree in the Mercado Indio. (Optional: a dazzling folklorico evening of music, dance, ethnic culture & dinner; Overnight Hotel Colon: B)
Fri, May 4, Day 4: Lima Flight to Chiclayo. Chiclayo's culture takes a sharp turn from Lima's urbanity which quickly becomes clear as we discover the secrets of the Witch's Market with its small kiosks and stalls filled with exotica like San Pedro cactus, and enough secret magic elixirs to revitalize you through the next century! Market Tour, Fishermen of Peru's north still challenge the sea in their efforts to harvest its bounty. We'll watch these hardy seafarers coming in on their small reed horses (totoras) with the catch of the day, as did their ancient ancestors, the Chimú, and then enjoy a seafood dinner [on your own–you get to choose your seafood or entrée]. (Overnight Grand Chiclayo Hotel: B )
Sat, May 5, Day 5: Peru's Treasures Unveiled. Within a few kilometers of your Chiclayo hotel is the site of the greatest archaeological find ever, of the Americas, a site rivaling that of Egypt's King Tut. Nearby is a museum, overflowing with the treasures from the tomb of the Lord of Sipán. The story of Sipán is the story of archaeologist Walter Alva, who faced looter's guns and saved this priceless treasure. This is a story that surpasses the nonsense of a fictional Indiana Jones. It's a genuine story of courage and derring-do that ranks among the most spectacular archaeological adventures of the past two centuries. Sipán may be the highlight of our adventure, but the excitement doesn't end there. there's more to come. Túcume/Sicán and the Valley of the Pyramids is an archaeological site of unique beauty that earlier was a site explored by the Norwegian, Thor Heyerdahl before his spectacular, if controversial, voyages of Ra and Kon Tiki. The day would be incomplete without a visit to the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum to view the fabulous treasures that rewrote the history of ancient Peru by proving that the remarkable and bloody Lambayeque sacrifice scenes first discovered on ceramics were not myths but factual events and a visit to the Museo Nacional Sicán, with many finds from the hundreds of tombs discovered in the area. Additional Chiclayo sites, such as Pampa Grande, a related culture, may be included, depending upon time available. (Overnight Grand Chiclayo Hotel: B)
Sun, May 6, Day 6: Chiclayo/ Trujillo drive along the Pan-American Highway. Our drive along the Pan-American is an eye-opener to an unknown Peru as well as an opportunity for exploration of two important sites. Discovery of the Royal Tombs of Sipán sparked increased interest in rediscovery of the rest of Peru. New investigations of sites along the north coast, like those in the Jequetepeque Valley, Pacatnamu and San Jose de Moro. The Conrad group will stop at Pacatnamu which has raised serious questions; the expansive and unique burials continue to puzzle archaeologists. Farther down the highway toward Trujillo, the massive El Brujo complex, with its magnificent murals, has expanded our understanding of the Moche. Recent archaeological exploration has revealed the unique creativity of the Moche and at the same time exposed a culture with a savage inclination for human sacrifice (and perhaps worse, cannibalism), bloodshed and slavery. We'll leave El Brujo with better understandings tinged with a dollop of revulsion. (Overnight El Gran Marquez Trujillo Hotel; B)
Mon, May 7, Day 7: Trujillo and the Chimú. Moving southward from the Jequetepeque Valley we leave the Moche in time and space to begin our investigation of the dazzling culture of the Chimú . Replacing the Moche the Empire of Chimor arose sometime around CE 900 and persisted until 1462 - 1470 when it was conquered by the Incas. While excelling in textiles and ceramics, their forté was metallurgy. Pacasmayo, the moon divinity, was the chief god, among gods. The marvelously carved murals of Chan Chan–the largest pre-Columbian city of South America, La Huaca del Dragon also known as La Huaca del Arco Iris, and La Esmeralda are the primary surviving icons of the Chimú. The fear and reverence of the sea are representations carved into the adobe of Chimú walls and panels. (Overnight El Gran Marquez Trujillo, B)
Tue, May 8, Day 8: Traveling On: Trujillo/Casma and Exploration of Huaca de la Luna and Pañamarca. Time, space, and cultures cloak themselves in a strange fashion as we travel along the Pan-American. It's not quite time to bid the Moche a farewell. Before leaving the Chimú heartland, there are additional major Moche sites demanding our attention, the Huaca de la Luna and the Huaca de la Sol. At Huaca de la Luna, Temple of the Moon, meet Ayapec, the decapitador. Meet him! With soul penetrating eyes, maw agape, and snarling fangs his visage is everywhere. But then, with guys like him around, a supervisors job was an easy one. Work at these two Huacas is ongoing, much of it cleaning up the mess left by looters, and more making sense of the remains left by the huacaros. An additional few hours of driving brings our group to another Moche site, one that is shrouded in controversy and conjecture, Pañamarca! Was the complex a center Moche power and culture or a farthest outpost of the vast culture? The site is immense and has been thoroughly sacked by huacaros. Dare we consider the possibility that treasures from sites, such as Pañamarca might have rivaled those from Sipan—or even surpassed that horde? The site receives relatively few visitors. Some of its most compelling features, the murals, are covered over and locked. We hope to locate a guard to make the murals available for our viewing. (Overnight Casma Hotel, B)
Wed, May 9, Day 9: Casma/Huarez. Exploration of Sechin Alto and Chanquillo. Sechin is the main archaeological center of the Casma area and one of the more important archaeological monuments of Peru. This unique culture arose sometime around 1,800 BCE spanning more than 1,000 years to 800 BCE. Sechin and Chavin de Huantar are considered Peru's formative cultures.
A wall enclosing Sechin Cerro includes 400 granite sculptures depicting a possible mythological or historical procession of armed men making their way through the mutilated remains of human victims. We may conclude that some form of warfare or violence was prevalent. Chanquillo. is an ancient monumental complex built in the 4th century BCE. Within the site the Thirteen Towers is believed to have been a solar observatory; the culture that produced Chanquillo is remains unknown. (Overnight Huarez Hotel, B)
Thu, May 10, Day 10: Huarez/Chavin de Huantar. Our visit to Chavin is a one day expedition— three hours drive to the site and three hours for a return to Huarez. With origins dating back at least to 1200 BCE, its influence extended from the Nazca region to almost the northern frontier of contemporary Peru. Nestled into the Cordella Blanca at the start of the Conchucos Valley, the site is almost as much subterranean as it is at grade level. For an interesting interpretation of Gods, Music, and the meaning of Chavin see Archaeology Magazine, " Listening to the Gods of Ancient Peru ," July/August 2011. (Huarez Hotel, B )
Fri, May 11, Day 11: Huarez/Lima. One stop remains on our bus safari of Northern Peru, Paramonga, a fortress city of the Chimor kingdom. It may have been equally as important as a religious center as Pachacamac. The adobe remains reveal architectural similarities to Pachacamac. Although the city was known to the Spanish there are no records to suggest any serious interest in the site and Cieza of Leon in passing the site described it thus, ...beautiful rooms and quarters, with walls painted with many ferocious animals and birds; [which would have been consistent with art of the Chimu] everything is surrounded by very strong walls and built well. The citadel is already almost in ruins.... (LIMA HOTEL COLON, B)
Sat, May 12, Day 12: Lima. Free day. We have barely sampled Lima's attractions which include additional museums, sightseeing, shopping and recreational attractions. MexiMayan can help to arrange your day. (Lima Hotel Colon, B, D)
Sun, May 13, Day 13: Lima and Depart. Depart Lima transfer to airport to . . . Cuzco or USA (B)
Mon, May 14, Day 14: Begin optionals: Cuzco/Machu Picchu, Nazca, Amazonia.
Extensions to Machu Picchu or the Nazca Lines can be arranged.
Shopping in Lima, Peru
Markets & Malls
The Feria Artesanal (Artisans' Market, also called the Mercado Indio, or Indian Market, but not to be confused with the Mercado Indio in Miraflores) has a wide variety of handicrafts of varying quality, but at lower prices than most tourist-oriented shops in Lima Centro or Miraflores (quality might also be a bit lower than at those shops). Haggling is a good idea. The market is located at Av. de la Marina (blocks 6-10) in Pueblo Libre; it's open daily from noon to 8pm.
Handicrafts & Textiles
Miraflores houses the lion's share of Lima's well-stocked shops, which overflow with handicrafts from around Peru, including weavings, ceramics, and silver. A terrific shop with carefully chosen, unique items of artisanship is Killari, Alcanfores 699 (tel. 01/447-8684).
For fine retablos and exquisite artisanship typical of Ayacucho visit Museo-Galerea Popular de Ayacucho, Av. Pedro de Osma 116, Barranco 01/247-0599.
QUESTIONS: For more information about the tour, please call MexiMayan at (800) 337-MEXI or email meximayan@meximayan.com.
COSTA RICA: Art & Ecology
Tour Director/Host: Patrick S. Crabb
Administrator: Diana Farrell
January 8-19, 2012
This is an overview of the diverse ecological systems in this tiny country.
Tortuguero is a rainforest Galapagos with boating through lush jungles with colorful animals, butterflies, birds and amphibians that you have never seen before. In a few hours you are watching the Arenal Volcano lighting up the night sky. Jade, gold and ceramics were created and traded at this crossroad between the ancient Columbians, the Olmec and Mayas.
Travel with Prof Crabb
And meet Artists, Potters, Archaeologists and
Ecologists! Call Deb Stelton 800 337 6394
Ask for the Art & Ecology Tour, January 8-19, 2012
For More Info Click Here
