Peru: Inka and Their AncestorsWith Dr. William Sapp III
June 23 - July 8, 2012
Nasca Lines Extension
July 7 - 10, 2012
The fabled cities of the Inka are ingrained in our consciousness with images of towering stonewalls and glittering golden armor. But the Inka were only the last in a long line of rich and fascinating cultures - the Moche, the Wari, and the Chimor - that peopled the high Andes and coastal areas of South America.
Our journey begins along the north coast where most of the most exciting discoveries are being made - magnificent ChanChan, one of the largest pre-Columbian cities of the New World, Sipán where archaeologists have uncovered one of the richest tombs ever found, Chankillo, with its recently revealed solstice observatory, and Caral, created 5,000 years ago and the oldest city in the New World. Hosted by project directors learn of the latest finds at both San José de Moro and Huaca del Luna. Then in Lima view the artifacts in two renowned museums - the Rafael Larco Herrera Museum and the Archaeological Museum. And explore two nearby 
sites, the oracle center of Pachacamac and Cajamarquilla, a vast adobe pre-Inka city.
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. We will visit their charming towns and colorful markets, and hear the Quechua language still spoken here, along with the strains of traditional flute music.
Join us for an extraordinary 15-day trip to Peru. From the fabled Inka sites of Cusco and Machu Picchu to the gold-rich tombs of Sipán, experience the wealth of Peru’s archaeological and historical past and visit scientists in the field as they contribute to its ongoing study.
" 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
(B) breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner
Day 1: Depart the USA 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 monumentalcenter 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. After a light lunch, explore the Rafael Larco Herrera Museum to view its fabulous collection, including a fascinating and amusing collection of erotic pottery. Gather this evening for a welcome dinner party at Huaca Pucllana, serving Nuevo Peruvian cuisine and overlooking a 1,500 year old adobe temple. (B/L/D)
Day 3: Today we visit the monumental site of Caral, one of several pre-ceramic period sites located in the Supe Valley. Recent studies show that a complex, highly structured society existed here that flourished at the same time that the pyramids were being built in Egypt. Radio-carbon dates show that this enormous city dates back to 2700 BC, nearly a millennium earlier than previously believed, and is the oldest urban site in the New World. Caral thrived for five centuries, with public architecture, ceremonial plazas and irrigation — all signs of a society with strong, centralized leadership. Continue on to Barranca and overnight for one night at Hotel Chavin. (B/L/D)
Day 4: Our explorations of the north continue with a visit to Chankillo. One of the most spectacular of the ancient fortresses that dot the North Coast, Chankillo is comprised of three concentric oval masonry walls enclosing two circular towers and a compound of courtyards and rooms. A line of thirteen towers spread out over several hundred meters and located on a nearby ridge top was recently interpreted as a solar observatory. The citadel and towers were constructed around 300 BC. After spending the day on site, transfer to Casma and overnight at El Farol Hotel for one night. (B/L/D)
Day 5: Our day begins with the pre-Inka site of Sechin Alto, dating to 1300 BC and the largest architectural complex in the New World. The site is remarkable for its enormous mound, the largest of its time period, measuring some 990 feet long, by 825 feet wide by 145 feet tall. It anchored a U-shaped complex of circular sunken plazas and flanking platform mounds. Close by, the site at Cerro Sechin contains dramatic stone carvings of armed warriors and dismembered men. After lunch we make our way to Trujillo, a beautiful colonial city in the Moche Valley of northern Peru. Founded in 1535 and named after Francisco Pizarro’s birthplace in Spain, Trujillo was the resting spot along the Spaniards’ route between 
Lima and Quito; it became known as the vice royalty’s “lordliest city.” Admire its well-preserved 16th century homes with intricate wooden balconies and complicated window screens as we tour the city, and visit the local archaeological museum to see the artifacts from nearby excavations. Overnight at the Hotel Libertador for two nights. (B/L/D)
Day 6: This morning we tour ChanChan, capital of the ancient Chimú Empire and one of the largest pre-Columbian cities in South America. Overlooking the sea and covering over 20 square kilometers, this ancient metropolis built entirely of adobe mud-brick contains huge palace complexes built for the rulers (the smallest is the size of six football fields). Each is covered with intricate friezes exquisitely decorated with fish, birds and the moon in elegant repetitive patterns. (B/L/D)
Day 7: The largest mud brick structure ever erected in the New World and constructed of more than 7,000,000 bricks, the Huaca del Sol or Pyramid of the Sun, was built about the time of Christ and dominated the ancient capital of Moche. At the nearby Huaca de la Luna or Pyramid of the Moon, archaeologists have recently uncovered spectacular murals. Extensive excavations have been undertaken at the Moche complex of El Brujo, in the Chicama Valley. Archaeologists have discovered beautifully painted mud friezes depicting prisoners and spider de-captitators that once formed the exterior of the pyramid. Located adjacent to the site, a colonial church was recently excavated as well. Nearby Huaca Prieta was a fishing village that was occupied more than 4,000 years ago. After visiting these sites in the morning, we enter the home of a friend to view a spectacular private collection of Andean art. Luis Jaime Castillo, the excavator at San José Moro will join us for this evening’s dinner party, and afterward he will give a presentation to prepare us for the visit to his excavations tomorrow. Continue to Pacasmayo and overnight in a simple hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 8: San José Moro is a Late Moche elite cemetery where important burials of priestesses of the Moche human sacrifice have been found. This morning, we join Dr. Castillo and his staff archaeologists at San José de Moro to learn how these tombs are excavated. While visiting the laboratory to examine the artifacts found this year, we will see the spectacular ceramics and metal objects that have been found with these burials. After lunch hosted by the San José de Moro archaeological staff, continue to Ucupe. During excavations, headlines were made with the discovery of a tomb of an elite Moche male accompanied by a rich treasure of gold, silver, and copper ornaments, as well as excellent examples of Moche ceramic stirrup-spout vessels. There is a striking similarity between this discovery and the elaborate burials 12 miles north known as the Tombs of Sipán. Continue to Chiclayo, gateway to Peru's northern archaeological zone and home of one of the most comprehensive witch doctors' markets in South America. Overnight for two nights in the Gran Hotel Chiclayo. (B/L/D)
Day 9: The incredible discovery of the burial tombs of Sipán within Huaca Rajada electrified the archaeological world in recent years. When archaeologists opened the un-looted wooden sarcophagus of a Moche king, they found not only his remains but a tremendous cache of gold and silver ornaments, semi-precious stones, pottery and a number of sacrificed servants who accompanied him to the next world. But far more significant than the monetary value of the artifacts is the new light that the discovery has cast upon this hitherto little known civilization. The magnificent Sipán Exhibit that toured the United States in 1997 and 1998 has returned home to a new museum, the Tumbas Reales. (B/L/D)
Day 10: Transfer to the airport for our flights to Lima and on to Cusco. Upon arrival, 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. Overnight for one night at the Hotel Pakaritampu. (B/L/D)
Day 11: 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 12: 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 13: On our drive to Cusco we stop by 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. 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 before continuing on to Cusco. Overnight for two nights at the Casa Andina Plaza Hotel, located around the corner from the cathedral and main square. (B/L/D)
Day 14: 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. After lunch, continue 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. Dinner is on our own to enjoy one of Cusco’s many exciting restaurants. (B/L)
Day 15: Transfer to the airport for our return flight to Lima. After a light lunch, drive to the famed oracle center of Pachacamac. A pilgrimage site for all pre-Inka tribes including the Chimú, the Sun Temple here housed a wooden god that can be seen within the site museum. Our farewell party will be held in the elegant Rosa Nautica restaurant. Airport transfer for the overnight flight to Houston. (B/L/D) (or overnight in Lima to join Nasca extension).
Day 16: Arrive back in the USA.
Day 16: 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 (if open) 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 17: 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 18: Arrive back in the USA.
William 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 pre-Hispanic cultures of the Peruvian North Coast-the Lambayeque and Chimú - as well as the Inka. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor at California State University Dominguez Hills. Conversant in Spanish, he is charming and articulate, and a knowledgeable study leader.
" 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
June 23 - July 8, 2012
Nasca Lines Extension: July 7 - 10, 2012
$8,295.00 (per person, double occupancy) includesfour Peruvian internal flights, all hotels, meals as listed in the itinerary, ground transportation, entry and service fees..
Cost Does Not Include: Round trip international airfare from a US gateway city to Lima: 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: $945.00. Should a roommate be requested and one not be available, the single supplement will be charged.
Nasca Lines Extension Cost: CALL (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: CALL. 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.
THIS ARCHAEOLOGICAL TOUR TO PERU IS LIMITED TO 15 PARTICIPANTS
