Peru Discovery with Denver Botanic Gardens
Peru: Peru Discovery with Denver Botanic Gardens and Nick Snakenberg
Amazon extension February 19-22
Peru ~
Peru is one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, containing almost 10% of the world’s plant species. The region’s climate and geography have produced several species of flora not found anywhere else in the world, and most flower between January and March. Join Nick Snakenberg, Denver Botanic Gardens’ orchid specialist, and botanical experts from Peru as they guide trip participants through the Sacred Valley and the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. An optional Amazon extension can be added for those wanting to experience the sights and sounds of the Peruvian rainforest. Join Reefs to Rockies and Denver Botanic Gardens for a one-of-a-kind, insider’s look at Peru’s rich biodiversity.
Nick Snakenberg ~
Nick Snakenberg has been working at Denver Botanic Gardens since 1993 in a variety of capacities. A graduate of Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture, Nick currently curates the Gardens’ orchid collection and helps manage the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory and its associated tropical collections. His affiliations with professional organizations add to his expertise and include membership in the Orchid Digest Corporation, the American Orchid Society, and former president of the Denver Orchid Society.
Day 1 (Sun, Feb 12) – Arrival in Lima
Greeting upon arrival and transfer to hotel San Agustin Exclusive for overnight stay.
Day 2 (Mon, Feb 13) – Lima
The morning is yours to enjoy at your leisure and to relax. This afternoon, you’ll have a private guided tour through the Larco Herrera Museum, where galleries provide an overview on 3,000 years of Peruvian history. Afterwards, you are given a private tour by a member of the founding family at the Barbosa-Stern private collection, which passionately showcases unique colonial Peruvian art. Dinner that night will be held at the historic Casa Aliaga, where Jose “Joe” Keochlin, president of the INKATERRA Association, will present on orchids from the region. Lodging is once again at the San Agustin Exclusive. (B,D)
Day 3 (Tues, Feb 14) – Lima/Cuzco
After breakfast, you are provided transport to the airport for your flight to Cuzco, where you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the morning is free so that you may adjust to the change in altitude. In the afternoon hours, partake in a guided walking tour of the beautiful city center, where Cuzco boasts a majestic Cathedral and the Korikancha temple. This evening, you’ll meet botanical expert Carlos Seminario as he presents an engaging talk on Andean flora. Mr. Seminario will accompany the group for the next three days. Overnight at Casa Andina Classic. (B)
Day 4 (Wed, Feb 15) – Urubamba Sacred Valley
A buffet breakfast is provided before you’ll spend the whole day exploring the incredible Sacred Valley, gateway to Machu Picchu. You will visit the Cuyuni Native Community, an ethno-tourism adventure just outside of Cuzco. Here traditional Andean peoples invite you to catch a glimpse into the cultural wonders of their daily lives amongst the breathtaking scenery of the mountains in which they live. The night will be spent at Hotel Pakaritampu in Ollantaytambo. (B,L)
Orchids at Inakaterra’s Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel ~ For more than 20 years, Inkaterra scientists have been working towards on site conservation of Peru’s native orchid species. Situated in the cloud forest, the hotel has 372 species of orchids on site along a network of trails, the world’s largest diversity of native species set in their natural environment. February is a wonderful time to observe many of the species in bloom, from the largest orchid flower in the world, Phragmipedium caudatum, to tiny flowering specimens properly appreciated only through a magnifying glass. There are orchids to amaze both the newly inquisitive and the expert, including species new to science which have been discovered on the hotel grounds.
Day 5 (Thurs, Feb 16) – Urubamba Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu
After breakfast, head to nearby Ollanta train station to board the first-class Vistadome train for a scenic ride through the valley’s dramatic scenery. Upon arrival at Aguas Calientes, you’ll head up to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu for your guided tour. It is easily worth investing your entire day into discovering this ancient city, so lunch is provided. Relax this evening at the luxurious Inkaterra Mach Picchu Pueblo Hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 6 (Fri, Feb 17) – Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
Today is yours to choose how you would best like to continue exploring the area. There is an option to return once again to the ruins of Machu Picchu and continue to delve into the city’s secrets. If you prefer, however, there is also the option to spend time learning about Inkaterra’s conservation efforts with resident biologist, Carmen Soto. Overnight once more at Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 7 (Sat, Feb 18) – Machu Picchu/Cuzco
This morning you have the opportunity to explore the lodge’s network of trails or to relax in the gardens. There is plenty to see and do in the area, before you board the Vistadome train in the early afternoon to depart back to Cuzco. Your night’s stay in Cuzco is hosted at the Casa Andina Classic hotel. (B)
Day 8 (Sun, Feb 19) – Lima/ Departure or Optional Amazon Extension
The morning of your departure includes breakfast, followed by transfer to the Cuzco airport for a return flight to Lima or to Puerto Maldonado for the optional Amazon extension. In the Lima international airport, you will be greeted and aided with connecting flights back home. (B)
Amazon Extension
Tambopata National Reserve ~TNR is one of the last easily accessible virgin tropical rainforests in the world. Covering more than 675,000 acres, the reserve offers a wealth of biodiversity, as well as magnificent natural landscapes. Puerto Maldonado, known as the “Capital of Biodiversity,” is the largest city of the Tambopata Region. Considered by Conservation International to be a Global Mega-diversity Hot Spot. A welcoming haven situated at the heart of a 29,652-acre private ecological reserve, Inkaterra’s Reserva Amazonica offers a range of land and river excursions that introduce guests to the magic of the rainforest. Upon arrival, take a motorized canoe for the 45 minute journey down the Madre de Dios River to Reserva Amazonica. The afternoon will be spent exploring the area surrounding the lodge. Overnight at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica. (B,L,D)
Days 9 and 10 (Mon and Tues, Feb 20-21) – Reserva Amazonica
These two days are for exploring the Peruvian rainforest. Explore the rainforest canopy, witness the transition from a diurnal to nocturnal environment by boat, and hike in search of forest dwellers. Wildlife in Tambopata Reserve is remarkable. Giant colorful parrots, toucans, and macaws share the forest with tamarins, and the gorgeous Southern Amazon red squirrel. This region is home to thousands of butterfly species and a large variety of monkeys and otters, as well as four feline species, and much, much more. Numerous world records for biodiversity have been broken here, and new species are constantly being discovered. Tambopata Reserve holds the world record for the number of bird species seen in a single day. (B,L,D)
Day 11 (Wed, Feb 22) – Lima and Departure
Transfer to the Puerto Maldonado airport for your flight to Lima and your overnight flight home. (B)
Pricing without Amazon extension: $3090* per person for DBG members (double occupancy); add $100 per person for nonmembers and $625 single supplement.
Includes private transfers and tours, entrance fees as listed, Vistadome train tickets, noted meals, tips for luggage porters and waiters, expert biologists and/or speakers where noted, travel insurance (pre-departure cancellation can be added at additional cost), internal flights (round-trip from Lima to Cuzco). A donation to local conservation efforts in Peru will be made on behalf of all trip participants.
Amazon extension (optional add-on): $1375* per person (double occupancy); Single supplement: $350. Extension includes three nights lodging at Reserva Amazonica and internal flights from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado and from Puerto Maldonado to Lima.
Exclusions: international airfare, passport/visa fees, airport exit taxes, second day entrance fee and bus ticket to Machu Picchu, optional activities, personal expenses, and gratuities for your guides and drivers.
*Pricing is subject to change until internal flights are booked. A discount will be applied for payment by check.
