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For eleven days delve into the cultural heart of Peru via a hands-on exploration of its world-class gastronomy and rich cultural
traditions. From Lima to the Sacred Valley, we meet organic farmers, cook with distinguished chefs, visit art collectors and
spend time with local friends who invite us into their homes and their lives, offering us extraordinary access rarely granted
to foreign visitors. Whether this is your first time to Peru or your fifth, the journey to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu
is compelling. An overnight stay below the site at one of South America’s most stunning eco-lodges allows us to savor
our experience with time to reflect upon Machu Picchu’s visual grandeur, rich history and mysterious allure. An extension
to Puerto Maldonado is recommended for those with an appetite to experience the brash, natural world of the Amazon. Our lodging
is at the upscale, eco-friendly Reserva Amazonica. A twilight boat ride, a suspended canopy walk, a two-mile hike to Lake
Sandoval, highly trained naturalist guides and great food make our jungle experience second to none. Fly to Arequipa to explore
Peru’s “white city” with its stunning views of 19,000-foot volcano Misti, which towers over this pretty
colonial town. From here, Colca Canyon is within easy reach. Witness the majesty of giant condors soaring on thermal currents
and hike along ancient Inca routes between rural villages while nestled in rustic, charming lodging near the canyon.
Exclusive Experiences:
- Prepare a Pachamanca, one of Peru’s oldest and most festive culinary traditions involving the baking
of a rich banquet with the aid of hot stones in an earthen oven.
- Behind the Scenes at the Larco. After a tour
of the highly lauded Larco Museum, enjoy a private, after-hours cocktail reception with museum staff.
- Ceviche Seminar.
Learn the fine art of ceviche, starting at the coastal fish market and ending in the kitchen with a private demonstration
from one of Lima’s top practitioners.
- Fine Folk Art. Enter the home and private gallery of one of Peru’s
pre-eminent folk art experts. Hear stories and share insights from over 40 years of collecting.
- Sustaining Textile
Traditions. Learn how the 2,000 year old Peruvian textile arts play a key role in Andean life, rituals and festivals,
Join a master weaver and National Geographic grantee in her efforts to rescue this endangered tradition.
- Andean
Cooking Workshops. Roll-up your sleeves alongside distinguished chefs in the Sacred Valley and Cusco for two hands-on
culinary workshops.
- Strengthening Schools. Engage with students and the headmaster of a rural school in the
Andes. Join the kids in a crafts project which will be later used as a fundraiser for the school.
- Magical Machu
Picchu. Explore the mysterious Inca citadel with an overnight stay in a nearby eco-lodge, plus the option to approach
it via a one-day hike along the Inca Trail.
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