Machu Picchu
and the Traditional Textiles of Peru
May 2018
Rich Peruvian Culture, Ancient Inca Ruins,
Traditional Textile Arts
of the Sacred Valley
and a Trip Extension into the Amazon!

in the daily life of the people of Peru. It's villages and towns are filled with colorful markets, Andean music, native cuisine and handmade textiles. In Lima, as you stroll through
a magnificent museum with its curator, get first hand insights into Peru's history and arts. Hear how the Andean and European cultures have combined in the arts with Silvia Stern in the impressive Barbosa-Stern Collection. The Sacred Valley opens the door to the Andean Highlands' way of life. Enjoy an extraordinary visit with Nilda Callanaupa, the founder of the Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco, and her friendly artisans. Where locals wear their native attire with pride. Learn of the traditions of the artisan weavers and try your hand at making these ancient textiles. You will be inspired by these women and their beautiful textiles. Spend a fun day in an Andean village in their brightly colored ethnic clothing, learning of their daily tasks and participating where you can. This sharing of skills and culture brings you into the heart of the people and their history.
and the glory of the Inca civilization. You have two opportunities to explore this spectacular Inca ruin with a knowledgeable guide. Staying at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Lodge you may enjoy some of their special excursions, like a walk through a mountain garden. Cuzco welcomes you with a colorful market, a mammoth stone fortress, unbelievable temples, unique architecture, and an extraordinary tapestry collection. A city made to explore and filled with treasures.
nhabitants who live on these islands made of local reeds and their impressive reed boats. Interact with these happy people and enjoy a lunch with them. Learn that it is the men who do the colorful knitting. This journey through Peru has offered you the opportunity to understand its long and varied history, to see and try its colorful textile heritage, to partake of its cuisine, and explore its villages, cities and ancient wonders but most of all to get to know its people. A joyous Peruvian trip of a lifetime!
capital of Peru, sits on the country's Pacific coast. Lima is a bustling metropolis and one of South Americas largest cities, although they have preserved its lovely colonial center. 
the evolution of the cultures of ancient Peru. Walking through the museum with the curator makes the visit an inspiring experience giving you firsthand information about the collections and the people that made these beautiful archaeological objects. Day 3 - Flight Lima to Cuzco - Sacred Valley - Textile Center
This morning transfer to the airport for a short (1Hr) flight to Cuzco. You will be met and transferred to the Sacred Valley.
The Sacred Valley is a region in Peru's Andean highlands and with the nearby towns of Cuzco and the ancient city of Machu Picchu, it formed the heart of the Inca Empire. This is an area of fertile farmland and Spanish colonial villages. It was treasured by the Inca for its wealth and mild climate.
We
will arrive in the District of Chincheros, famous for the extraordinary beauty and quality of its textiles. It has a colorful local fair, where locals dress in traditional colorful outfits and travel down from their villages to trade their goods. Stroll through traditional alleyways, then visit the weaver's workshop of Nilda Callanaupa, the founder of the
Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco (Center For Traditional Textiles of Cusco - CTTC) started in 1966 and her native weaving project. Ten separate villages are involved in the weaving center. Here you will meet local weavers and see the process of dyeing and weaving their traditional textiles and enjoy a class with them.
Nilda was born and raised in Chinchero and started weaving at a young age. By the age of 14 she was presenting her works in textiles at the Smithsonian and the American Museum of National History. She has brought
together both elders and young women for the preservation and promotion of beautiful, high quality textiles. The center also provides shelter for women in distress and helps young girls connect with their elders.
You will be hosted to a typical Cusqueno by Nilda. This will be followed by a "Tribute to the Mother Earth" ceremony. A 'Pacco' or Andean priest, who acts as a link between the spiritual and earthly worlds, conducts the ceremony. Balance of day at leisure.
Accommodation: Sol y Luna, Urubamba, Sacred Valley B L

all types of fruit. The majestic Apu Ausangate snow capped mountains stand as a backdrop to the native community of Cuyuni. The Inca noble class used this area as their country place of rest.
of the trip. We will follow these delightful people and learn about their way of life, daily work and their traditions and customs. It is one of the few traditional Andean Communities, where it seems like time has stood still. You may even be able to help harvest their native potatoes. You will be made to feel at home as children play and Llamas and Alpacas wander about. It is a day to immerse yourself in their culture.
of a massive Inca fortress built with large stone terraces on a hillside. An Inca-era old town has cobblestoned streets and adobe buildings.
Then board the Vistadome train for great views of your trip to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes we will stop for a quick lunch then take the shuttle bus to the Machu Picchu Citadel.
This complex of palaces and piazzas, temples and homes, may have been built originally as a ceremonial site or possibly a military stronghold, or a retreat for the ruling elite, however it was abandoned only 100 years after being built. Its exact former use remains a mystery today.
Picchu. Morning is the perfect time for more exploration of this magnificent site as there are no crowds. You may continue exploring different sides of the citadel lead by your guide. The hotel offers local excursions like a bird walk or exploring the orchard garden and more. This late afternoon we will take the Vistadome back to Cuzco where you will be transferred to your hotel for the evening.
carved and fitted together with incredible precision. This immense ruin is of bold religious and military significance and the most impressive in the area. The long name means 'Satisfied Falcon' . Enjoy the best view of the city of Cuzco from atop Cerro Pukamoqo (Red Peak), a natural
scenic overlook from which the outstretched arms of Cristo Blanco, a massive white statue of Christ, embraces the city. Returning to the lower part of the city, stop at the Mercado de San Pedro (Market of St. Peter), the city's main street market, where you can enjoy the products of Cuzco and the sights, aromas, tastes and colors of the Region. 

Andes. During your trip, you will make a brief stop at Andahuaylillas,
a friendly, warm-weather town which is home to one of the most unique churches in the Andes, known as Peru’s Sistine Chapel. You will be dazzled by the beautifully decorated murals and frescoes covering walls, baseboards, ceilings and façades. Enjoy a buffet lunch at restaurant while en transit.
(4,335 meters) above sea level. There you will see herds of vicuñas and llamas. Your last stop will be the town of Pucara, known as the place where the Toritos (little bulls) of Pucará are made. The famous torito is believed to have magical and religious qualities among the inhabitants of the Andes as a symbol of procreation for the flocks, for happiness in marriage,
fertility at home and as protection for the house.
where time seems to have stood still. Your first stop will be the Uros floating islands. These are a peculiar grouping of around 40 small islands made totally of totora, a natural reed that grows around the lake. The cheerful inhabitants will invite you to get to know their traditional lifestyle and customs. The islands are floating and as the water rots the bottom new reeds are placed on the top. Islands were first made as a defensive move. The reed boats are spectacular in their structure.
lake until you come to the picturesque island of Taquile, a peaceful place where old Quechua traditions live in perfect balance with modernity. Discover a landscape
distinct from the other islands thanks to the Incan terraces filled with local flowers and crops. The rich colors of the clothing worn by the local inhabitants will amaze you; admire their beautiful hand-made fabrics. Here the men do the knitting and the women spin and dye plus weave the Chumpis, wide belts with designs. Most importantly, enjoy the unbelievable hospitality of the islanders, known as Taquileños, who will make your visit to the island a memorable one. Before making your way back to Puno, you will have lunch at a local home.

chosen to continue on to the Amazon Extension you will do so from Lima. Please click below for your Day 10-13 Extension Itinerary and flight information. This is an exciting opportunity to explore Peru's Amazon Rain Forest located in southeastern Peru, just west of the Bolivian border. You will be staying at the very special Inkaterra Amazonica Lodge, one of the best in the area, where they offer many "A la carte" excursions and activities included in your stay. Read the full itinerary.Not Included in Tour:
•International Airfare
•Immigration & Custom Fees, Visas, all departure taxes,
security fees, airport fees; all fees are subject to change.
•Meals not indicated on itinerary
•Tips to guides, drivers, waiters, escorts
•Optional Entrance Fees
•Personal Items (phone calls, or access charges in hotels,
Internet/Wi-Fi fees, room service, laundry, personal items
charged to rooms, etc.)
•HEALTH, ACCIDENT, BAGGAGE & TRIP CANCELLATION
INSURANCE. We urge you to purchase Health, Accident,
Baggage and Trip Cancellation Insurance. This may be
purchased through Creative Adventures, your travel agent,
or with your insurance company.
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Group size is limited, early reservations will insure your space on a first come basis.
To Register: Submit a completed Registration Form and your deposit or full payment .
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Information: Judy@judyscreativeadventures.com or 480-264-5775
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