Overview
This is an original and quite rewarding way of partaking of the ancient cultures of Peru. Ceramics and hand woven textiles constituted the two most generalized forms of artistic-utilitarian expression. Animal fiber, spun and twisted into individual cords also played an important part in communication and storage of information.
itinerary
According to Incan mythology, Manco Capac and Mama 0cllo, also known as Mama Huaca, emerged from the depths of Lake Titicaca on the sacred rock gate on Isla Del Sol to found the Inca Empire. The sister island Isla de la Luna is not as well visited but is also a holy place as it housed the convent of the virgins of the sun. The entire lake was a holy place. Also connected with the legend of Lake Titicaca is the Lemurian Solar Disc which governed the thousand year cycle of Incan time.
According to legend, when the Spanish forces reached Cuzco, the Incas took the two-ton gold chain of Inca Huascar from the temple at Koricancha and threw it into the lake. It has never been found although some years ago Jacques Cousteau mounted an expedition to explore the lake with a mini-submarine. The best known islands on the lake are the floating reed islands which are maintained by adding fresh reeds to the surface even as the ones on the bottom decompose. The reeds are used for many things including the reed boats and sails in daily use on the lake and the totora rafts used in the voyages of Thor Heyerdahl, Ra I and Ra II, which crossed the Atlantic Ocean in the 1970s, were built on Suriqui Island.
Lake Titicaca is the center for archaeological and cultural studies as well as a favored tourist destination.
DAY 1 –
We pick you up in the city of Cusco and drive for about 45 minutes passing through lovely landscape dotted with villages and farmlands. We stop at one of these, an Alpaca and Llama breeding and fiber producing farm and witness aspects of the carding, spinning and weaving process on both backstrap as well as treadle looms. We also take in the all important aspect of the preparation and application of natural dyes. From here, we proceed down to the town of Pisac to see the traditional market of produce brought by the inhabitants of the surrounding highland communities. This also includes an exposure to folk art and handicrafts since much of it is offered for sale and the people of each village wear their best and finest garments, each one bearing distinctive patterns and colors to identify its origin. After the visit we go for lunch in a traditional Casa Hacienda in the Valley.
In the afternoon we shall visit a home in the community of Chinchero where we will have a private demonstration of pattern and design techniques and styles as taught by local lady weavers of Chinchero, further familiarizing ourselves with traditions and knowledge of ancient practices. Late in the afternoon we go back to Cusco. There, to round out the experience we will make a last (optional) stop to enjoy a visit to the traditional crops and vegetables market of San Pedro. A great way to see what you eat.
Includes
Lunch. Transportation. Tickets. Guide (historical and natural) First aid. Radio communication. Flashlights (at least one headlamp among them). Sun Block; Insect Repellent. Towels (Small; cotton and hygienic). Rain Gear (Pants and Jacket) though not necessary during the months of July and August. A couple of pairs of socks, perhaps even an extra pair. One pair of trousers for the evening plus two more pairs for trail use (zipp-offs). Sandals for River use (Teva types). Low ankle height hiking shoes or regular hiking boots (check the season). Reading material. Binoculars (always useful regardless of season and activity). Bathing Suit. Water Bottle (I liter capacity). Good Sun glasses, perhaps two sets. A bandana for neck protection. A couple of sets of underwear (perhaps an extra pair). Camera and plenty of film. Passport (plus a couple of Xerox copies). At least one short sleeve shirt and one or two long sleeve shirts (dark colors, depending on the place and destiny chosen). A good waterproof jacket.
Note
We can recommend the best and more comfortable hotels or we can take care of the reservations for you.
For adjusting to tour altitude, we suggest one day tours like the Sacred Valley hike,one day River Rafting before the Apurímac River and the City Tour of Cusco hike. As Guides we offer 100% Gauranteed Information, for your sensibilities – about the best specific hotel rooms and services around Peru, like extra windows and other amenities.
What to bring
This is a list designed to advise you what equipment is appropriate to bring according to the weather conditions predominating at the time of your trip:
Jeans and other pants are good as well.as well any clothes that cover the request of being water proof or resistance to water or cold are fine as long they are resistance to the conditions are fine.
- Flashlights (at least one headlamp among them).
- Sun Block; Insect Repellent.
- Towels (Small; cotton and hygienic).
- Rain Gear (Pants and Jacket)
- A couple of pairs of socks, perhaps even an extra pair.
- One pair of trousers for the evening plus two more pairs for trail use (zipp-offs).
- Sandals for River OR DRYSHOES.ASWELL use or CAMP OR HOTEL use (Teva types).
- Low ankle height hiking shoes or regular hiking boots (check the season).
- Reading material.
- Binoculars (always useful regardless of season and activity).
- Bathing Suit.
- Water Bottle (I liter capacity).
- Good Sun glasses, perhaps two sets.
- A bandana for neck protection.
- A couple of sets of underwear (perhaps an extra pair).
- Camera and plenty of film.
- Passport (plus a couple of Xerox copies).
Gallery
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