Journey to Peru A cultural and geographic exploration
April 27- May 8, 2011
For centuries, Peru was the cultural center of South America. High in the Andes Mountains, great cities were built,
sciences were developed, and the arts flourished. Set in the thin air of these spectacular mountains was built the
Incan capital, Cusco, a city so beautiful that the Spaniards had to destroy it, for to preserve it would have been to
acknowledge the high civilization upon which the Europeans had stumbled. But that did not prevent the conquerors from constructing their own great city upon the magnificent Incan walls. Below Cusco sits the mysterious city of
Machu Picchu, arguably one of the most beautiful sites in the world. And though experts are still debating the
true nature of this place, all agree that it is an architectural marvel and is on most travelers lists of places that must
be seen in ones lifetime.
This Spring, Ricky Fishman, Co-Founder of Integral Expeditions, will lead a group to the center of the ancient Incan Empire. Throughout the program, we will learn about Indigenous culture, cosmology, art, and science, as well as the contemporary place of Peru in a globalizing world, meeting with local experts in these fields. This promises to be a fantastic experience in which we will explore the cultural and geographic depths of a fascinating land. We hope you will join us for what promises to be a transformative journey.
We arrive in Cusco and spend two nights in the old San Blas District. We will have a city tour of the museums, churches, and Incan ruins.
Day 3-8
We will then travel by bus through the Urubamba (Sacred) Valley, dotted with traditional villages, markets, and remnants of a great civilization past. We arrive in the late afternoon at the Salkantay Lodge
for the first of two nights of acclimatization. There will be day hikes, followed by three days of trekking
through magnificent landscapes beneath snowcapped mountains and lush forests. The lodges, fully
staffed, which include private rooms with breathtaking views, and hot water showers, lie nestled,
solitary, within remote Andean valleys.
Day 8-10
On the final day of our trek we arrive at Machu Picchu and spend two nights at the base of the ruins, in the town of Aguas Calientes. This gives us ample time to explore the incredible site.
Day 10-11
We return by train for another night in Cusco before flying home.
COST OF PROGRAM: U.S.$ 3395
(Based upon double occupancy and excludes airfare)
TOUR LEADER
Ricky Fishman, Co-Founder of Integral Expeditions, the travel division of Integral Health and Training Institute, has
been leading educational tours since 1989, and has led programs to Nepal, Burma, Cuba, Mexico, Thailand, and
Vietnam. A Professor of Humanities at New College of California for twenty years, he specialized in the History and
Philosophy of Science and Medicine as well as Global and Cultural Studies. Ricky is also a musician, a published
photographer, and a Chiropractor (the latter being a very good thing to be on a trek!)
COST INCLUDES:
All hotels, breakfasts throughout, and all meals on trek
All tours, museum entries, and ground transport throughout
Porter fees during trek
Note: Single supplement available for $600. Accommodations during the trek are all double occupancy.
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Meals and beverages not specified in itinerary
Optional tours
Fees for passports
Travel and health insurance
Items of a personal nature, and any items not specifically listed
Alcoholic beverages
Airport taxes
COST OF PROGRAM: $3395 (US)
Deposit: $500 (non-refundable)
Balance: $2895 due January 15, 2011
Single Supplement (not including trek): $600
CANCELLATION FEES
90-61 Days before Departure: 25%
60-31: 50% of trip cost
30 or less: 100% of trip cost
