New World Journeys

Activity/Tour

Small number of people take an 18 day tour of Ecuador or Peru, arranged by former resident of both countries. All tours are ESCORTED by bi-lingual guide. We visit the Galapagos Islands and the Amazonian Rain Forest in Ecuador. In Peru we visit Machu Picchu, Cuzco, Arequipa and the Lake Titicaca area as well as frequently the Nazca lines and the Tambopata area of the headwaters of the Amazon.

Visits may also include the Otavalo Market in the northern highlands of Ecuador, the Saquisilí Market near Latacunga, the "Avenue of the Volcanoes", the colonial city of Cuenca, the Quilotoa Crater loop, and the southern highlands.

Typical Day

August 20: In September 1995, anthropologist Dr. Johan Reinhard and his climbing partner Miguel Zarate set out on expedition to explore newly uncovered land in the southern Andes. In a crater near the summit, they discovered a cloth bundle. The bundle turned out to be the mummy of a teenage girl, frozen over five hundred years ago! The climbers immediately recognized the importance of this archeological discovery. This morning we can visit on our own the Ice Maiden from the Andes, also known as Mummy Juanita, the first female frozen mummy to be found anywhere in the Andes. Genetic testing is presently being done to determine her living descendants, as well as biological testing to give us insights into Inca health and nutrition. The bus will collect us at the museum to take us to “La Cantarilla”, a local "picanteria", famous for its crayfish, potato dishes, cheeses and spicy sauces prepared with ingredients native to this region. In the afternoon we take a tour of the countryside around Arequipa.


August 27: Arise in the cradle of the most advanced pre-Columbian civilization! After a hearty breakfast, pay an early visit to the solitary ruins. See the sunlight cut through the morning mist to illumine the citadel, listen for the hummingbirds and note the brilliant wildflowers along the paths. The guide will take you to the Inca drawbridge, walk a little way back toward Cuzco on the Inca trail, perhaps even climb the sister peak, Huayna Picchu, before the train of tourists arrives. You'll find the resident llamas graceful and your ears will catch the strains of an Andean "huayno" sometime during your day. Catch the afternoon train back to Cuzco.

August 28: Half day tour of the Inca ruins near Cuzco, which include:

* Sacsahuaman was called by the Incas "The house of the Sun" and referred to by the Spaniards as a fortress because of its zigzag shape. This complex, together with the city of Cuzco, is considered to be one of the seven wonders of the New World. Its massive stone blocks, weighing up to 125 tons each, were perfectly fitted to each other without the use of mortar.
* Quenqo is a temple dedicated to the earth mother, Pachamama. Composed of a huge rock, it was carved in situ with ceremonial canals and animals decorating the recumbent top, while a natural chamber beneath may have been used in preparation of the mummified dead.
* Tambo Machay, now popularly known as "the Baths of the Inca" is believed to have been a ceremonial site for the worship of water. The complex, with its well-crafted windows, walls and canals, illustrates the Inca's extraordinary knowledge of architecture and hydraulics.
* Puca Pucara, located at a strategic point along the road to the jungle, served as a watchtower to warn against the jungle tribes which were never completely dominated by the Incas.
The rest of the day at leisure to further explore the “navel of the universe”.

Age range, type of group

All ages are welcome, although the tours are designed for people over 50. No extreme endurance required. Small group size (10-15 people usually) The Culture and Anthropology of the region are principal interest, though bird-watching and hiking are also important to some group members..

Sleeping and meals

In the Galapagos we travel on the excellent ship, Galapagos Explorer II. While in the highlands we will stay in low-profile, high-comfort accomodations. Jungle lodges are selected for their comfort, safety and quality of animal and indigenous life nearby.

When visiting Machu Picchu we always stay in the only hotel located right at the Inca ruins, the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge.

Rates

Rates change and are posted on the website for each tour.

Other Information

Personalized tours can be arranged for small groups.

Discounts Offered

Some discounts apply, depending on the trip.