Sights and Soul Travels - Peru: Through the Eyes of Women

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PERU

Through the Eyes of Women - Overview

DATES & COST

November 15 - 24, 2020
10 Days / 9 Nights
Tour starts and ends in Lima

$4,380 per person / double occupancy
$1,340 optional single supplement
$320 additional night at Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores in Lima, single or double, includes airport transfer
Includes all fees and taxes

TOUR DIRECTOR

Marlene Boyer

TOUR MAP

Click on the image to enlarge the map

Peru is a land of archaeological, cultural and natural treasures. From the soaring peaks of the Andes to the tranquil Lake Titicaca, from the magnificent Inca heritage to the Spanish conquistadors' colonial mansions, it fascinates with the allure of the ancient and the mysterious. While the country boasts the stunning legacy of the Incas and other sophisticated pre-Colombian civilizations, it is also a place to admire the brilliant hand-woven textiles, exuberant celebrations, exotic animals, and intriguing people.

The Sights and Soul Travels' exploration of Peru Through the Eyes of Women offers a look into the soul of the country and the role of women in Peruvian societies over the last two thousand years. Over the course of the journey, we'll explore the grandeur of the cosmopolitan Lima, one of the world's culinary meccas, with elegant Spanish architecture and world-class museums. At Larco Museum, we'll discuss the role of women in pre-Colombian Peru with its curator, and at Barbosa-Stern collection, we'll meet with its founder and art restorer to talk about the artifacts that still bear a silent testimony to the power of past civilizations. While exploring the Sacred Valley, we'll meet the woman who devoted her life to the preservation of the native Andean weaving traditions, witness indigenous rituals and meet Andean artisans to gain an understanding of Peru's deep cultural roots.

The highlight of any trip to Peru is visiting Machu Picchu. At its height, the Inca Empire was a highly developed civilization, as reflected by the magnificent remains of Machu Picchu. We'll enjoy the insight of an expert anthropologist guide, who will accompany us during this special visit. By staying overnight near the site, we’ll awake to the early morning sun bathing the stones in an evocative light and we'll be able to explore Machu Picchu without the crowds. Later, we'll tour the historic Cuzco, synonymous with South American lost civilizations, and see some of the most revered temples and architectural masterpieces of the Inca Empire. Finally, we'll take the luxurious Andean Explorer train past the soaring Andes peaks to unwind on the peaceful Lake Titicaca, where the snowcapped Andes provide a breathtaking backdrop to the deep blue lake, and where the top-hatted Uros people live on islands made of reeds.

While in Lima, we'll enjoy private tours of the Larco Herrera Museum and the Barbosa-Stern Collection accompanied by their curators. We'll tour the city and enjoy a gourmet culinary experience at a restaurant located at the ancient Inca site of Huaca Pucllana.
While in Sacred Valley's Urubamba, we'll spend a day in the ethnic Cuyuni community, witness indigenous rituals, participate in community activities and share a meal with its elders. We'll also meet the founder of the Center for Traditional Textiles and learn about Andean weaving.
While in Machu Picchu, we'll tour the site with the anthropologist, Jean Jacques Decoster, and because we'll be staying overnight, we'll get a chance to explore the site in more depth and with no crowds.
While in Cuzco, we'll be staying at a monastery, turned an exclusive hotel, and our tour of the city will include the temple of Koricancha, dedicated to the Sun God; the walled fortress of Sacsayhuaman and the colorful local market of San Pedro.
While exploring Lake Titicaca, we'll meet the Aymaras people, who live on the Uros Islands, made of reeds growing in the lake's shallows; we'll visit the islands of Taquile and Amantani, where we'll have lunch at a local home and observe the old Quechua traditions such as stone carving, basket making, and the ritual knowledge of medicine men.
Throughout the tour we will dine in carefully selected gourmet restaurants and sample delicious wines and exceptional, innovative cuisine.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

9 nights at designer 4 and 5 star hotels in Lima, Urubamba, Machu Picchu, Cuzco, and Puno
Delicious meals: 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners, including drinks
Private airport transfers on arrival, group airport transfer on departure
All transportation in Peru by a private, air-conditioned bus
Andean Explorer train from Cuzco to Puno
Domestic flights from Lima to Cuzco and from Juliaca to Lima, including all fees and taxes
Vistadome train to and from Machu Picchu
Private boat tour of Lake Titicaca
Meeting with several highly accomplished women of Peru and learning about the history of Peruvian women
All activities, sightseeing fees and admissions, as per itinerary
All restaurants', guides' and drivers' tips, luggage handling at all hotels
Private local guides throughout the tour, expert guides at historical sites and an experienced, professional Tour Director

NOT INCLUDED

Additional/optional costs may include: optional travel insurance, optional single room supplement, optional early arrival or late departure accommodations, optional Tour Director's gratuities; meals not included in the itinerary, telephone charges, laundry, minibar, personal expenses.

The cost does not include airfare to and from Lima.

HIGHLIGHTS

Cosmopolitan Lima with its culinary culture
Fascinating pre-Colombian artifacts in Lima museums
Peruvian weaving and native textiles
Llamas and alpacas
The mesmerizing indigenous rituals of the Sacred Valley communities
Meeting with the indigenous Cuyuni community
The Inca heritage at the mysterious Machu Picchu
Revered Inca Empire temples and fortresses in Cuzco
Staying at a former monastery in Cuzco
Riding the luxurious Andean Explorer train through the Andes
Exploring the reed islands of Uros, Taquile, and Amantani and meeting the Aymaras people
Learning about the women of Peru

What Makes This Trip Special

Carefully designed itinerary, including signature Peru experiences
Exclusive experiences not available to other groups
Knowledgeable private guides, including a renowned Inca anthropologist
Accommodation in perfectly located luxury hotels
Dining at upscale restaurants, including drinks
A small group of maximum 16 women
A professional, experienced tour director
Inclusion of all tips and gratuities
No forced shopping

Testimonials

I loved the trip to the local people. It was interesting to get a good look at Peruvian culture firsthand. Thanks for a wonderful experience! – Orma from Pennsylvania

Excellent! Loved the interactions with indigenous communities. Local guides were outstanding! – Mary-Louise from Minnesota

The tour was excellent. It was a good mix of natural beauty and cultural enrichment. – Judy from New York

I enjoyed the uniqueness of the tour very much, and learning about the Inca’s history and culture. The best experiences were visiting Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. – Janifer from Minnesota

Each and every tour I take with Sights and Soul becomes my newest “Trip of A Lifetime”. This is my 4th Sights and Soul Trip and Peru and the tour did not disappoint! In addition, the friendships formed by the women traveling together are fantastic! – Julie from New Mexico

Marlene was GREAT! Her bubbly personality made it fun and she went far above the call of duty. Everything went so smoothly because she was so organized. It was all hassle free. Great accommodations, lots to do, very unique experiences and the absolute best trip I have ever taken! I was so satisfied with the decision to make this trip. And Sights and Soul made it almost effortless! – Patricia from Arizona

The tour was very organized which maximized our exposure to Peru. It really couldn’t have been better. The hotels and restaurants were great too. – Barbara from Nevada

I loved the tour, we saw a lot of interesting things (villages) that were off the beaten path. I loved the Shaman, Machu Picchu, the reed islands. I liked the upscale accommodations which were nicer than I would have booked for myself, but a real treat. Marlene could not have been a better tour leader. She was inclusive, fun, and on top off all the details. - Susan from Massachusetts

Dropping you a line to tell you that I thought the trip to Peru was a fabulous experience. Just now sorting through pictures and remembering the journey. The "sights" we saw, the people we met, gave us a bird's eye view of the "soul" of the beautiful country. Marlene was a great leader. I also loved Yvette as a local guide who was with us for several days and Jean Jacques' honest approach to Machu Picchu. - Paula from Connecticut

Hotel selections: A+ / Tour Guides: A+ / Meals: A+ / Itinerary: A+ / Peruvian People: A+ - Phoebe from California

This was my third SST trip; I keep coming back because each experience surpasses the previous one. Pre- and post-trip communication is always top-notch – very informative and inclusive. The accommodations during our adventure are chosen with care and never fail to impress. I think all of the activities planned were wonderful and truly helped us to see and experience Peru through the eyes of Peruvian women. - Heather from Maryland

Just wanted to let you know I'm so glad I chose this trip. The pace was perfect, the accommodations were exceptional, and the visits to Isla Suasi, the Chinchero Textile Center and to the indigenous peoples will remain memories of a lifetime. I found no other tour company with such a fabulous itinerary. Thank you for an awesome adventure! - Carole from Pennsylvania

This tour was one of the best travel experiences I have ever had. Everything was top-notch from the tour organization, leader + local guides, quality of accommodation + total experience. I compared a number of tour companies before deciding to travel to Peru with Sights + Soul. The quality of the experience – sites visited, guides, hotels, etc., provided good value. - Nancy from Ontario

I experienced so many wonderful new things it would be hard to single out one best thing. Each day brought something new. I had so longed to experience Peru that I just literally soaked it all up. Marlene was great! She went above and beyond what I thought a tour leader would do. In general, this tour exceeded my expectations! I learned so much and got to experience so much of the culture of Peru! - Rexanna from Missouri

Peru was the trip of a lifetime. Marlene was wonderful – could not have been better. I love traveling with SST.- Karen from Florida

The Peru trip was excellent. Marlene was awesome. Always looking out for us, addressed any concerns, and stayed calm in all situations. The entire tour was fantastic. The hotels were perfect and the agenda was packed, so I saw everything I wanted to see, too! - Julia from New York

I can’t say enough about the Peruvian trip. Marlene’s enthusiasm and the local guides made the trip very special. The Peruvian accommodations were excellent. The theme of Andean Women’s Culture was woven throughout and very evident. The visits to see the ancient native communities of Cuyuni and the Uros reed isles people were outstanding. The food was delicious (best & most consistent of any trips I can remember). The Andean scenery, animals and botanical flowers were a sight to behold. I took over 600 photos. We were blessed with very good weather. The group of ladies were varied and fun. I made some special friendships. I came home satisfied and a smile on my face that I had seen/learned everything I had expected and much MORE. - Lou from Florida

I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed Peru - the people, the food and the sights were fabulous. On a side note, the hotel in Cusco was outstanding - I loved the blend of old and new. Marlene was a great tour leader. She is patient, enthusiastic and always upbeat! Thank you for arranging such an interesting tour! - Pam from Alberta

RESOURCES

Lake Titicaca | Machu Picchu | Peruvian Weaving and Textiles | Recommended Books & Movies

TRAVEL PLANNING

Travel Checklist | Pack This! | Flight Search | Travel Guard Insurance | More Travel Tips

What the Media Says About Us

Peru: Andean Women's Culture.
Peru: Seeing Andean Culture Through The Eyes Of Women
To many people, South America is a mystery that they may never unravel. Between the many language challenges, fears and hesitations, it is unfortunate to miss such a huge range of great countries. For some, though, it just takes the right tour operator and a willingness to trust that their experiences there will lead to a wonderful travel experience. That’s what many of the woman who have traveled to Peru with Sights and Soul Travels say. “I experienced so many wonderful new things [in Peru] it would be hard to single out one best thing. Each day brought something new. I had so longed to experience Peru that I just literally soaked it all up. Marlene was great! She went above and beyond what I thought a tour leader would do.