The Archaeology of PeruWith Dr. William Sapp III
July 21 – August 1, 2010
Nasca Lines Extension
August 1 – 3, 2010
Peru is a land where echoes of ancient civilizations and a rich colonial past ring ever-present. The fabled cities of the Inka are ingrained in our consciousness with images of towering stonewalls and glittering golden armor. Under the great emperors Pachacuti Inka Yupanqui and his son, Topa Inka Yupanqui, the Inka controlled almost one third of South America. Ruled from the capital city of Cusco, these Quechua speaking people created a road system that extended 12,000 miles, through what is now central Chile northward into Ecuador.
Join Far Horizons Archaeological and Cultural Trips, Inc. for an extraordinary 12-day trip to Peru and experience the wealth of Peru’s archaeological and historical past and visit scientists in the field as they contribute to its ongoing study. In the modern city of Lima, the Colonial capital and one of the richest cities of Spain’s New World Empire, visit two fabulous museums - the Rafael Larco Herrera Museum and the Archaeological Museum – for an overview of the multitude of cultures that have passed through this part of the world. In the highlands, explore the many beautiful sites of the Urubamba Valley and Cusco, and the magnificent city of Machu Picchu, discovered only 100 years ago. The descendants of the ancient highland cultures still live in the mountains in much the same way as their ancestors. Their colorful weavings echo the fabrics of earlier times, and their faces mirror those of their predecessors.
" I want to thank you for the trip of a lifetime - Peru. Absolutely fabulous! You seem to have your finger on the pulse and that is what makes a difference. To the whole crew at Far Horizons, thank you, a job well done - I say this because as a client there was not a single moment when confidence was shaken about the outcome of an adventure. Everyday was outstanding!!!! " - Kathleen Cunningham
" I've been to 34 countries in Asia, Europe, Africa and South America and tell people emphatically, that this was my favorite trip and my favorite trip leader " - Tony Hyman
(B) breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner
Day 1: Depart Miami on the international flight to Lima. Upon arrival, transfer to La Antigua Hotel, our home for the next two nights.
Day 2: Begin today at the Archaeological Museum for an overview of the myriad of cultures that have passed through Peru. Continue to the ruins of Cajamarquilla, now encircled by the city of Lima and the only monumental center still intact within the Rimac Valley. The huge adobe city is made up of four large pyramids, numerous walled areas and plazas, burial chambers, and a multitude of storage chambers – all in a remarkable state of preservation. Gather this evening for a welcome dinner party at an elegant local restaurant. (B/L/D)
Day 3: This morning, fly to Cusco and drive into the Valley of Urubamba with time to rest and adjust to the altitude. Then it’s on to the great Inka fortress of Ollantaytambo, built to guard travelers on the road along the Urubamba River in the valley below. Overnight for three nights at the Hotel Pakaritampu. (B/L/D)
Day 4: Today we will see three of the most fascinating sites in Peru. Maras is a series of pools cascading down a bluff. First formed several hundred years ago and still in use today, the shallow ponds were designed to create salt. In Moray we will see farming terraces built in a complete circle and thought to be designed for sacred reasons. The ancient Inka city of Pisac is perched high on a mountain peak overlooking the Urubamba River valley. Climb past the impressive farming terraces and through a tunnel built by the Inka to the ruins where fine stone masonry buildings still stand in testimony to the ancient craftsmen. The majestic architecture and breathtaking views make this well worth the walk. Our specially arranged dinner party this evening will be held in the beautiful, privately owned Hacienda Huaoccari filled with the family’s collection of antiques. (B/L/D)
Day 5: A short drive takes us to the pretty village of Chinchero, arguably the loveliest in the Peruvian highlands. Located in a high valley, this graceful, traditional Andean village dates from before the conquest, and was once the country estate of the late 15th century Inka Tupac Yupanqui. Encircled by lush farming terraces, village houses are built on the foundations of Inka buildings, including the remains of the Inka’s palace. The early 17th century church has lovely frescoes and mural paintings. Today is market day and the village is filled with color and a cacophony of sounds. Chinchero's market is held in the shadow of the church within the central plaza and is one of the best places in the entire valley for Andean textiles. Spend time bartering for crafts before enjoying a private weaving demonstration. (B/L/D)
Day 6: Early this morning, we board our train for a ride
through the Urubamba River 
Valley to Machu Picchu, fabled lost city of the Inka. This beautiful mountaintop city might have been constructed as a royal palace complex for the emperor Pachacuti and his family in the early 15th century, and appears to have been an important spiritual and ceremonial location. It was never found by the Spanish conquerors and was lost until 1911 when a local farmer showed the city to the explorer, Hiram Bingham. Spend the day exploring this magnificent site. Overnight at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel set in the lush rainforest filled with blooming orchids and bromeliads and with delightful bungalows scattered along the Urubamba River. (B/L/D)
Day 7: Sunrise through the jungle mist awaits us at Machu Picchu. Hikers may choose to climb to the top of Huayna Picchu, the towering granite peak that overlooks Machu Picchu for a spectacular view of the ruins. Near the top of the mountain, pass through ancient terraces so inaccessible and so narrow that they were probably not used for agricultural purposes, but instead were ornamental gardens to be admired from the city below. Or walk a portion of the Inka trail, a prehistoric road that winds the length of the country. After lunch on our own, board the train to Ollantaytambo and return to the Hotel Pakaritampu for one night. (B/ /D)
Day 8: Today’s explorations take us to Sacsayhuaman, a fortress overlooking Cusco; Quenko, a shrine with a circular amphitheater and stone altar; Puka Pukara, a smaller fortress guarding the Inka road; and Tambomachay, sacred bathing place of the Inka elite. Continue to Cusco and overnight for two nights at the Novotel, housed in a charming 18th century building. Dinner is on our own to enjoy one of Cusco’s many exciting restaurants. (B/L)
Day 9: Depart this morning for our exploration of Cusco, capital of the Inka Empire and first seat of power for the conquering Spaniards. Visit the Cathedral that was built on the palace of Inka Viracocha and contains an altar of solid silver, and Santa Domingo Church, built on the walls of the Inka Temple of the Sun, Koricancha. This was the most magnificent complex in pre-conquest Cusco with walls covered in sheets of gold studded with emeralds and turquoise, and windows constructed so the sun would enter and cast a near blinding reflection of golden light off the precious interior. Lunch, the afternoon, and dinner are on our own to explore Cusco. (B)
Day 10: Transfer to the airport for our return flight to Lima. After a light lunch, explore the Rafael Larco Herrera Museum to view its fabulous collection, including a fascinating and amusing collection of erotic pottery. Dinner will be in Huaca Pucllana serving Nuevo Peruvian cuisine and overlooking a 1,500 year old adobe temple. Overnight at La Antigua Hotel for one night. (B/L/D)
Day 11: Today's drive takes us into the suburbs of the city. In 1999, Guillermo Cock and a team of archaeologists began an excavation of the huge site of Puruchuco where a group of squatters had settled. Their salvage work has shown Puruchuco to be the second-largest excavated ancient cemetery in Peru and the largest cemetery for a single time period ever excavated in Peru. They have uncovered more than 2,000 mummy bundles, large funerary bundles that contain more than one corpse, representing a full spectrum of rank and age – all from the Inka period. If available, we will join Mr. Cock in his laboratory to see the mummy bundles and discuss how the latest scientific methods are assisting in understanding the lives of the people from this time period. Our farewell party will be held in the elegant Rosa Nautica restaurant. Airport transfer for the overnight flight to Miami. (B/L/D) (Or overnight in Lima to join Nasca extension).
Day 12: This morning’s drive takes us to Ica. Along the way, stop at Tambo Colorado, a lovely Inka village built of adobe, and the Museo de Sitio de Paracas to see the exquisite weavings found in nearby excavations. In Ica, visit the Regional Museum. Overnight at Hotel Dunas for one night. (B/L/D)
Day 13: This morning, board a small plane to fly over the famous Nasca Lines. Visible best from the air, the huge images are of animals and enigmatic “lines”. In the afternoon, return to Lima and transfer to La Antigua Hotel for a day use room. After dinner on our own, transfer to the airport for our flight back to the USA. (B/L)
Day 14: Arrive back in the USA.
Trip LeaderWilliam D. Sapp, III received his Ph.D. from UCLA, where he studied with noted Moche scholar Christopher Donnan. His interests include the high civilizations of Andean South America, the development of sociopolitical complexity, and settlement patterns. Bill based his doctoral dissertation on his excavations of the palace of Cabur, in the Jequetepeque Valley. He spent another six seasons excavating at the Chimú administrative centers of Algarrobal de Moro and Farfán. Specializing in architecture and ceramics, Bill is an expert in the late prehispanic cultures of the Peruvian North Coast-the Lambayeque and Chimú-as well as the Inka. He currently serves as both an Assistant Professor at California State University Dominguez Hills, and as the Forest Archaeologist for the San Bernardino National Forest. Conversant in Spanish, he is charming and articulate, and a knowledgeable study leader.
Peru Only : July 21 – August 1, 2010
Nasca Lines Extension: August 1 – 3, 2010
$6995.00 (per person, double occupancy) includes roundtrip international airfare from Miami to Lima and all Peruvian internal flights, all hotels, meals as listed in the itinerary, ground transportation, entry and service fees.
Cost Doe Not Include: A tax-deductible check for $150.00 per person made out to the donation project; passport or visa fees; airport or departure taxes; beverages or food not included on regular menus; laundry; excess baggage charges; personal tips; gratuities to guides and drivers; alcoholic drinks; telephone and fax charges; or other items of a personal nature.
Single Supplement: $745.00. Should a roommate be requested and one not be available, the single supplement will be charged.
Nasca Lines Extension Cost: $1355.00 (per person, double occupancy) includes internal airfare, all hotels, meals as listed in the itinerary, ground transportation, entry and service fees.
Nasca Lines Extension Single Supplement: $195.00. Should a roommate be requested and one not be available, the single supplement will be charged.
Nasca Lines Extension Cost Does Not Include: passport or visa fees; airport or departure taxes; beverages or food not included on regular menus; laundry; excess baggage charges; personal tips; gratuities to guides and drivers; alcoholic drinks; telephone and fax charges; or other items of a personal nature.
Fuel Surcharges: Far Horizons must pass on price increases when additional fuel charges are levied.
Donation Checks: The cost of the trip does not include the separate donation check for $150.00. As a tour company that benefits from the historical, cultural and natural riches of our destinations, we have a policy of donating to scholars, archaeological and cultural projects, and museums in each of our destinations. This has created a bond with the academic community that allows you to gain an ‘insider’s view’ of work being done in each country. The donation is required as part of your registration and a donation project for this trip will be assigned shortly.
A deposit of $500.00 and the separate donation check for $150.00 (made out to the designated project) are required along with your registration form. Final payment is due 75 days before departure. Upon receipt of your deposit and completed registration form, you will be sent a reading list and a tour bulletin containing travel information. Prior to the trip, we will send links to various websites of pertinent interest to the trip. Click here to download our Registration Form.
Cancellations received in writing at least 75 days before departure will result in an administrative fee of $250.00. Cancellations received less than 75 days prior to departure will not receive a refund. If for any reason you are unable to complete the tour, we will not reimburse any fees. Registrants are strongly advised to buy travel insurance that includes trip cancellation.
If you do not fly on the group flight, you are responsible for all flight arrangements and transportation (including airport transfers) to join the group. If Far Horizons must change the trip dates or cancel the trip for any reason, Far Horizons is not responsible for any air ticket you may have purchased. If you issue your own international flight, please send the complete schedule as soon as you have it.
Note About Itinerary ChangesChanges in our itinerary, accommodations, and transportation schedules may occur. A good book to read as well as a flexible attitude and a sense of humor are essential.
The private tours of archaeological sites and talks by specialists are scheduled in advance and include a donation to each. Specialists working at these sites are excited about showing their work to interested enthusiasts. However, please be aware that there may be times when the director or a member of the staff may not be onsite when our groups arrive due to other commitments, or that the date or time of our visit to their project must be changed.
Limited to 17 Participants
