SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Oct. 17, 2012 – Andean trekking specialist Llama Expeditions
http://www.llamaexpeditions.com/ announces a traditional trek in Peru for up to eight people using llamas as pack animals. The trek begins on Christmas Day and continues through Jan. 2, 2013. Reservations, to be secured on or before Nov. 25, 2012, come with a $200 per person savings as a special holiday gift from the operator. See:
http://www.llamaexpeditions.com/exploration/llama-trek-to-machu-picchu/overview.
The
Lares Llama Trek that concludes with a visit to Machu Picchu is regularly priced before the discount at $4,225 per person for a group size of two to four participants, or $3,592 for five to eight people.
“The Lares Valley, also known as ‘The Last Place of Inca Survivors,’ is a less-traveled path through the Sacred Valley,” explains
Llama Expeditions founder Diane Valenti. “To make the trek with llamas, the camel-like beasts of burden of the Incas, is to follow in the steps of a great civilization in a way that leaves minimal impact on the land.”
The small group trip will demonstrate how using llamas for pack animals supports and honors the traditional way of life of the indigenous people of the Andes. “They create less wear and tear on the trail. Llamas have soft feet like cats, so they have less of an impact on the trail than horses and mules,” says Valenti.
The trip begins in Lima on Christmas Day before moving to colonial Cusco and nearby Inca ruins. On New Year’s Eve surrounded by Inca homes in Ollantaytambo there’s a traditional celebration planned. On New Year’s Day guests will explore Machu Picchu before returning to Lima the next day.
The New Year's Eve celebration dinner is a traditional dinner of guinea pig (cuy), trout ceviche, lechon (suckling pig) and vegetables with a vegetarian option of Rocoto Relleno (stuffed peppers).
There will also be a special ceremony with a local shaman to make traditional offerings to the new year. As Valenti explains it, “In the cosmology of the Andes, all life is perceived as one grand, infinite ceremony. Because physical survival is so hard in the high mountains, life is experienced as a true gift to be lived, not a problem to be solved. The Pago a la Tierra (Payment to the Earth) ceremony involves the Andean practice of making offerings to the mountains (apus), Mother Earth (Pachamama), and other spirits of nature in reciprocity, reverence, and thanksgiving.”
Among other activities during the trek there will be a visit to Kausay Wasi Clinic in Coya in the Sacred Valley. The clinic caters to the Quechua people living in the Andes. Doctors speak Quechua and the clinic offers a wide range of services from surgery to dentistry. Here guests will assist in delivering medical supplies. See:
http://www.kausaywasi.org/
Llama Expeditions offers a range of guided tours through Peru, from sightseeing to multi-day hikes along the Inca Trail. In addition to taking in the stunning scenery and experiencing true adventure, these tours also allow travelers to make a personal connection to the country and its people.
“The company fills the spot between responsible tourism and voluntourism,” said Valenti. “This is a real vacation for people who work hard and want a chance to relax. But it’s also a chance for culturally curious travelers to make a meaningful connection with the people and the land of Peru.” Guests are encouraged to “pay-it-forward” by contributing to a variety of local community development organizations. See:
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