20s & 30s Asian Going Out Group
Extraordinary landscapes, rich history, and bustling cities abound in Peru!
Panoramic mountain ranges, ancient culture and heritage, colonial charm, llamas around every corner, and beautiful islands. Let's visit the land that is home to one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World (Macchu Picchu) and is also where the Inca Empire ruled! This action-packed tour of Peru's highlights is perfect for the adventurer with limited time who wants to explore the region's diversity. Let's get our adrenaline pumping, take a scenic train journey through the mountain tops, follow a trail to ancient ruins, and cruise the waters on a boat to islands to swim with sea lions. Our Adventure Tour Leader will help us find the secluded spots only the locals know. Does this sound like a fun and relaxing vacation to you?
Six Reasons to Book This Trip:
1. Affordable Adventure - Did you know that this trip INCLUDES a guided tour of the Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo ruins (we'll visit a Planeterra-supported women's weaving project, explore the Pisac and Moray ruins, visit the local handicraft market, and check out the pre-Inca salt pans of Las Salinas), a guided hike on the Inca Trail (1 day), a guided tour of the "Lost City" of Macchu Picchu, a scenic mountain top train journey to Aguas Calientes, a half day boat trip to the Palomino Islands where we'll swim with sea lions, transfers to and from the airport, all transfers between cities, 7 nights in a hotel, 3 events in DC (2 dinners and 1 Embassy visit), plus a Peru book discussion (book included) during the trip... all for less than $200 a day??
2. Shared Photos - As with all of our events, we can all upload our pictures to this website to share the best of our photos and multiply the memories!
3. Make New Friends - We are the ONLY Meetup group that offers us the opportunity to travel abroad with other globally-minded people from the DC area, PLUS arrange 3 more events for the group that take place in DC to make sure that we will make friends that we will continue to see in DC!
4. Leadership - I (J.T., your organizer) will be there every step of the way, making sure that the trip goes as smoothly as possible.
5. Book Discussion - We will each receive, read, and discuss sections of "Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time," a tale of one man's fascinating and funny account of his journey through some of the world’s most majestic, historic, and remote landscapes guided only by a hard-as-nails Australian survivalist and one nagging question: Just what was Machu Picchu?, that will help paint a picture for us of the culture and beauty of a piece of Peru.
6. Unforgettable Memories - Peru is truly is a beautiful and adventurous place. Let's experience it together and make some wonderful memories!
This 8-day exciting expedition through Peru is crammed with all the energy and activities deserving of our group. We'll begin our journey in DC with a fabulous dinner at La Granja de Oro restaurant in Falls Church. Then, before departing on our trip, we will have a private visit at the Embassy of Peru featuring diplomats who will teach us about their country. Shortly after we return stateside, we'll reunite at DC's popular El Chalan restaurant with an evening of Peruvian food and a recap of our travel experience for our reunion dinner!
To help us pass the time while traveling and to learn even more about this culture-rich society, we'll read the book "Turn Right at Macchu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time" by Mark Adams during our trip. At certain points during the trip, I (J.T., your Meetup organizer) will lead discussions of the book for anyone who wants to participate!
Please note this is a joint trip with the "mainstream" 20s & 30s Going Out Group, the 30s & 40s Going Out Group, and the Global Adventurers Traveling Group. Our traveling group will likely consist of members with the average age in their 30s.
Questions? If you have any questions not answered on this page, please post a comment in the comment box below, email me through my Meetup profile, or call / text me at 703.203.1888.
We've got an early bird special for this trip of $1595! The first 20 paid sign-ups, or those who pay before Sun. Feb. 1st (whichever comes first) get the early bird price! After that, the trip price will go to $1695, then $1795, then $1895. Our last trip to Costa Rica sold out early! We have a LIMITED number of spots so make sure to RSVP early AND make payment to secure your spot and get the early bird price! To make payment, please follow the steps in the "Payment Instructions" section of the trip posting.
Also please know that your RSVP is not guaranteed unless we receive payment. When you pay, your online receipt is confirmation that we have received your payment.
I hope you can join us on this amazing adventure!
- J.T.
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ITINERARY
Mon. Jan. 19th: Pre-Trip Dinner at La Granja de Oro
This delicious Peruvian meal at La Granja de Oro restaurant in Falls Church is open to other group members as a paid event, but is FREE for those attending the trip. It is wonderful way for all trip-goers to meet each other for the first time, and it's a perfect time for those who haven't yet signed up to ask any questions related to the trip.
Thurs. July 9th: Pre-Trip Embassy Visit
We will meet with Peruvian diplomats and receive an official country briefing including the history, geography, culture and tourism of Peru. This event is organized exclusively for trip-goers and will NOT be open to other members of our group.
Sat. Aug. 1st: Day 1, Lima
Arrive at any time in Lima, then check in and enjoy the city. Please try to arrive before 7pm for an important group meeting where we'll meet with our Adventure Tour Leader and other group members.
Located in the valleys of the Chillón, Rímac and Lurín rivers, in the central coastal part of the country, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Lima is the capital of Peru and enjoys a moderate and dry climate, with average August temperatures in the upper 60s. With a population approaching 9 million, Lima is the most populous metropolitan area of Peru, and the 5th largest city in the Americas.
(Plaza de Armas, Lima, Peru)
The Plaza de Armas is the heart of old Lima, and it is here we'll find the Cathedral, Government Palace, and Archbishop’s Palace. To get a feel for colonial Lima, take a cab to the Plaza de Armas and watch the changing of the Palace Guard in the afternoon. Walk the streets surrounding the Jirón de la Unión for great examples of Spanish-colonial architecture and to get a taste for life in a large South American city. An optional city tour visits many of the city’s highlights.
There are many fine museums in and around the city, including the Museo Rafael Larco Herrera, which houses an equally impressive collection of pottery, mummies and textiles from the Paracas and Nazca cultures. The more affluent districts of Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro, which are on the coast, offer good nightlife and cafés all within walking distance. Limeños (Lima’s residents) are friendly, and the city is filled with excellent restaurants; seafood lovers in particular should be sure to try a ceviche, for which Lima is well known.
Overnight: Hotel Britania Mirafloresor similar
Sun. Aug. 2nd: Day 2, Cusco
We'll transfer to the airport for the flight to Cusco (the flight usually departs early – we may leave the hotel by 4:30am). The day is free to relax and explore the fascinating city of Cusco, and to acclimatize to the altitude.
(streets of Cusco)
Cusco is the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city, and the hub of the South American travel network. The city attracts travellers who come not just to visit a unique destination but also to experience an age-old culture very different from their 20th century way of life; one could easily spend a week just in and around the area. Inca-built stone walls line most of the central streets and we don't have to go far to see other major Inca ruins. It is a city steeped in history, tradition and legend.
While most ruins are just outside of the city, the main ruin within is that of the Coricancha, once the Inca Empire's richest temple. Today the ruin forms the base of the colonial church of Santo Domingo. During Inca times this temple was literally covered with gold, but within months of the arrival of the first conquistadors this incredible wealth had all been melted down. It is left to the individual imagination to envision the magnificence of the original structure.
Overnight: San Agustin Urubamba & Spa or similar
(Sacred Valley)
Mon. Aug. 3rd: Day 3, Sacred Valley
We'll travel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, visit a Planeterra-supported women's weaving co-op, the impressive Pisac ruins, the colourful artisan market (market days only), and the large ruin site of Ollantaytambo that lies adjacent to the town of the same name where we catch our breath and prepare for the hike ahead. We'll have the chance to visit Huchuy Qosqo, an indigenous village previously bypassed by the tourism industry, now running the Planeterra-supported Sacred Valley Community Restaurant and tour in their own village.
(Ccaccaccollo community)
Planeterra has been working with the Ccaccaccollo community since 2005 to develop a viable economic alternative for women by creating a weaving cooperative to sell traditional textiles to travelers. Donations by travelers have helped build a community center supplied with looms and sewing machines for the women to use to expand their production. This project allows the women of the Ccaccaccollo community to maintain their cultural heritage and benefit from the tourism industry.
Ollantaytambo is our first taste of what lies ahead on the Inca Trail. The town and fortress of Ollantaytambo are strategically situated overlooking the beautiful Urubamba River Valley. This major ruin site is known as the best surviving example of Inca urban planning and engineering. It is admired for its huge steep terraces guarding the Inca Fortress and for being one of the few places where the Spanish lost a major battle during the conquest. We spend the night in this small town before heading out for the start of the hike the next morning.
Overnight: San Agustin Urubamba & Spa or similar
(scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes)
Tues. Aug. 4th: Day 4, Aguas Calientes
We'll do an early transfer to Ollantaytambo where we explore the ruins before catching the scenic train journey to Aguas Calientes, with option to visit the market. This is the closest town to Machu Picchu, making Aguas Calientes an ideal night stop logistically. For the "1-day Inca Trail" hike we will disembark the train at 104km and trek to the Sun Gate for the first glimpse of Machu Picchu before returning to Aguas Calientes for the night.
(Inca trail)
Please bear in mind that the town has several amenities, but is also geographically remote meaning services are sometimes more basic than one would assume. As the only option for travelers visiting Machu Picchu, the development of infrastructure has happened quite quickly, much without proper planning, and the focus on providing quality service may not be up to the standards experienced in other parts of the country.
Overnight: Hatun Samay or similar
1-day Inca Trail:
• Approximate Distance: 4 miles
• Estimated Hiking Time: 5 - 6 hours
(Macchu Picchu)
Wed. Aug. 5th: Day 5, Macchu Picchu / Cusco
We'll wake up early to take the first bus up to the historic spiritual center of the Incas, the "Lost City" of Machu Picchu. We'll tour the ruins with our expert guide for about 2 hours and then explore on our own. In the evening, we'll return by train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy and will then be transferred by van to Cusco.
Machu Picchu is both the best and the least known of the Inca ruins. It is not mentioned in any of the chronicles of the Spanish conquistadors and archaeologists today can do no more than speculate on its function. The local Quechua farmers in the area knew of Machu Picchu for centuries, but it was not until an 11-year-old boy led the American historian Hiram Bingham (who was in search of Vilcabamba) to the site on July 24, 1911, that the rest of the world became aware of its existence. At that time the site was covered in thick vegetation, and Bingham and his team returned in 1912 and 1915 to clear the growth. Over the years, much work has been done on excavating and studying the site. Despite these efforts, many unanswered questions remain.
We return to Cusco for the final night.
Overnight: San Agustin International or similar
Approximate Distance: 73 miles
Estimated Travel Time: 3 hours
(panoramic whitewater rafting option)
Thurs. Aug. 6th: Day 6, Cusco
Today is free to walk around the Plaza de Armas (main square) and explore this city steeped in one of the world's most alluring and ancient cultures. We can pick optional activities according to our interests. They include horseback riding, whitewater rafting, mountain or motor biking, hiking, ziplining, visits to Incan ruins around town, and more.
Overnight: San Agustin International or similar
(zipling option)
Fri. Aug. 7th: Day 7, Lima
The last full day of this memorable visit to Peru is spent back in the bustling capital. We'll transfer to the Cusco airport and board our plane for the short flight to Lima.
Once back in Lima, we'll board a boat and head to the Palomino Islands for a half day tour. We'll see the coastline of Callao and Lima from the ocean and discover that their stunning wildlife protected islands are home of an impressive population of sea lions, sea birds, and the second largest colony of Humboldt penguins. En route, we'll navigate towards San Lorenzo, Fronton, and Cavinzas Islands. Upon arrival at the Palomino Islands, we'll be provided with a wetsuit and lifejacket and we'll have the opportunity to swim in the Pacific Ocean with the sea lions! This is truly a special experience we won't forget!
(swim with sea lions)
After our swim, we will be taken back to our hotel where we will have the rest of the day to spend at our leisure, and in time to shower and head out for a final night on the town.
Overnight: Hotel Britania Miraflores or similar
Approximate Distance: 355 miles
Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours
(Lima, Peru)
Sat. Aug. 8th: Day 8, Lima
Depart at any time.
TBD: Post-Trip Reunion Dinner at El Chalan
Dates and details TBD. We will feast on a sumptuous Peruvian meal! Dinner attendance will also be open to non-trip goers in our group.
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PRICE
$1595 if booked before Sun. Feb. 1st
$1695 if booked before Wed. Apr. 1st
$1795 if booked before Mon. June 1st
$1895 on or after Mon. June 1st*
*Starting Mon. June 1st, spaces are subject to availability. If booking on or after Mon. June 1st, do NOT purchase your airline ticket until you have been confirmed on the trip by the Organizer.
DEPOSIT
Non-refundable deposit of $450 due at booking, full payment due by Mon. May 18th or at booking, whichever is later. This deposit locks in a price per the "Price" section.
TRAVELER INFORMATION
The travel company needs the following information for final booking: 1. Full name as it appears on passport 2. Passport number 3. Passport issue date 4. Passport expiry date 5. Date of birth 6. Nationality 7. Existing medical conditions 8. Meal requirements 9. Emergency contact / next of kin. Please respond to the questions when you sign up, or send me a message (through my Meetup profile, click "Send Message") once you've secured your spot by making payment.
ACCOMMODATION
Price is based on double occupancy. If you have a preference for a roommate, please let me know full first and last name. Otherwise, I will assign a roommate to you. Single supplement is $250 to stay in your own room.
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PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS (PAYPAL ACCOUNT NOT REQUIRED)
Please follow the instructions below for making payment (if payment by smartphone doesn't work, please try your computer). Most of our trips do sell out, so we recommend you secure your spot online early.
1. Select "Yes" under "Will you attend?" (or select "Change" RSVP to add more guests if you've already purchased ticket(s))
2. Enter the number of guests coming and click "Finish RSVP"
3. Click "Pay Now" at the top of the event posting near the ticket price per person
4. Verify correct dollar amount for number of people you're paying for:
• If you are paying in full, and if you are looking for double occupancy, leave the dollar amount as is. If you are looking for single occupancy, please add $250 to the total and change the dollar figure. For your convenience, the single occupancy price will either be $1845 (booked before Sun. Feb. 1st), $1945 (booked before Wed. Apr. 1st), $2045 (booked before Mon. June 1st), or $2145 (booked on or after Mon. June 1st). Click "Pay Now" button.
• If you are paying just the non-refundable deposit, change the dollar amount to $450. Click "Pay Now" button. You will need to pay the balance by Mon. May 18th.
5. If you don't have a Paypal account, click "Pay with a Debit or Credit Card"
6. If you have a Paypal account, simply log in, and pay as you normally would via Paypal
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REMAINDER BALANCE PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS (PAYPAL ACCOUNT NOT REQUIRED)
If you've already paid the initial non-refundable $450 deposit, please follow the instructions below for making the balance payment (if payment by smartphone doesn't work, please try your computer). Balance payment must be made by Mon. May 18th, otherwise you will lose your deposit and your spot on the trip.
1. Click on the appropriate link below
Double Occupancy:
• To pay the balance ($1145) for the $1595 price (to qualify, you must have made deposit before Sun. Feb. 1st), please click here.
• To pay the balance ($1245) for the $1695 price (to qualify, you must have made deposit before Wed. Apr. 1st), please click here.
• To pay the balance ($1345) for the $1795 price (to qualify, you must have made deposit before Mon. May 18th), please click here.
Single Occupancy:
• To pay the balance ($1395) for the $1845 price (to qualify, you must have made deposit before Sun. Feb. 1st), please click here.
• To pay the balance ($1495) for the $1945 price (to qualify, you must have made deposit before Wed. Apr. 1st), please click here.
• To pay the balance ($1595) for the $2045 price (to qualify, you must have made deposit before Mon. May 18th), please click here.
2. If you don't have a Paypal account, click "Pay with a Debit or Credit Card"
3. If you have a Paypal account, simply log in, and pay as you normally would via Paypal
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INCLUSIONS
• Pre-trip dinner at La Granja de Oro restaurant in Falls Church
• Pre-trip Embassy of Peru visit with diplomats
• "Turn Right at Macchu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time" paperback version and book discussions during the trip
• Accommodations as stated above 7 nights, based on twin-share rooms
• All breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
• 2 day guided tour of the Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo ruins (we'll visit a Planeterra-supported women's weaving project, have lunch at the Planterra-supported Sacred Valley Community restaurant in Huchuy Qosco (an indigenous village), have a traditional Pachamanca-style dinner, explore the Pisac and Moray ruins, visit the local handicraft market, and check out the pre-Inca salt pans of Las Salinas)
• 1 day guided hike on the Inca Trail
• Guided tour of the "Lost City" of Macchu Picchu
• Scenic mountain top train journey to Aguas Calientes
• Half day boat trip to the Palomino Islands where we'll swim with sea lions
• Group arrival and departure transfers to airport
• All transfers between cities via bus, van, train, intra-country plane, walking
• English speaking travel guide
• Meetup group facilitation with book discussion by J.T. (Organizer)
• Local guides / representative assistance
• Post-trip reunion dinner at El Chalan in DC
EXCLUSIONS
• Entrance fees not listed
• International airfare
• Applicable tourist visas
• Incidentals
• Insurance
• Airport taxes
• Tips or gratuities
• Beverages
• Meals not mentioned above
• Excursions and activities listed as optional or suggestions
FLIGHTS, DAYS OFF, & AIRPORT GROUP TRANSFERS
Please do not purchase your air ticket until this trip is confirmed (15 people have paid). You will receive notification by email when the trip is confirmed and I will also update the event posting at the top of this page. We can coordinate air schedules in the comment box of this page to try to get the same flights.
When buying your air ticket, make sure it leaves on Sat. Aug. 1st and departs on Sat. Aug. 8th. Also, depending on how many transfers you get, you may need to request off of work Sat. Aug. 1st - Sun. Aug. 9th.
Upon arrival on Sat. Aug. 1st, our group transfer from the airport (Jorge Chavez International Airport - LIM) to the hotel will depart the airport at 5pm so we can get to the hotel in time for our recommended welcome meeting at 7pm with our Adventure Tour Leader and other group members. So if you'd like to take advantage of our free group transfer, please be sure to arrive before then.
For departure on Sat. Aug. 8th, our group transfer from the hotel to the airport (Jorge Chavez International Airport - LIM) will depart at 9am. So if you'd like to take advantage of our free group transfer, please be ready to leave the hotel by then and book your flight accordingly.
INSURANCE
You are required to purchase an all-inclusive insurance policy that covers emergency repatriation, medical, and evacuation for a combined minimum amount of $200,000. Trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage loss and accidents should also be included. Costs vary by age, travel dates, and when you purchase, but an approximate quote is $100 for a 30-year-old. You should extend the insurance to cover your entire journey if you are arriving before or departing after our trip. You should get full coverage vs. coverage for covered reasons. You will need to book your air flights first before getting insurance coverage. I used a company that specializes in this kind of thing. If you'd like to use the same, please call Alenka at 800.610.8406 and they can give you a quote. Inform them your call is in regards to the "Meetup Group August 2015" insurance.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions not answered on this page, please post a comment in the comment box below, email me through my Meetup profile, or call / text me at 703.203.1888
REFUND POLICY
Since we paid in advance for this trip, all sales are final unless the trip is canceled or rescheduled. Thanks for understanding. =)
Washington, DC 20007 - USA
Saturday, August 1 at 12:00 PM
Attending: 1
Fee: Price: USD 1,595.00 per person
Details: http://www.meetup.com/20sand30sasiangroup/events/219051144/