The ancestors of today's Andean dwellers developed a culture and belief system uniquely adapted to their world which reflected their deep connection to Pachamama, or the mother earth, and their respect for the towering, glacier-clad peaks which so strongly influenced their lives. Indian customs blend mystical traditions of the past with elements from the beliefs of later conquering peoples like the Spanish colonists, forming the heritage of native peoples inhabiting the Bolivian and Peruvian highlands today. Imbued with a magical beauty, the spirit of the Andes can still be seen in the smiling faces of the Aymara and Quechua farmers who reside in these lands. It is witnessed in the colorful festivals and markets which continue to be held within the stone walls of the palaces and temples built by their forefathers.

Join us on this inspiring, educational journey and experience the enduring cultural legacy of the Andes. Accompanied by an expert local guide, we begin in La Paz, Bolivia (11,930'), where we walk the cobbled streets of the city’s colonial section, tour colorful Indian markets and visit the cathedral and other historical monuments. The next three days are spent exploring the Altiplano. We visit the pre-Inca Tiahuanaco ruins, sleep in typical communities like Huatajata and Copacabana, meet the reed boat builders of Lake Titicaca and hike along ancient trails on the Sun Island and Charca Peninsula. Afterwards, we drive across the border and continue overland to Puno, Peru (12,555'), and then to Cusco, former capital of the Incan Empire. Here we visit the archaeological sites of Pikillacta and Chokepukio to learn about the region’s Huari and Inca cultures. We meet Andean weavers in Chinchero, visit the weekly Indian market, and walk through Incan ruins such as the Coricancha in Cusco, Sacsayhuaman and Tambo Machay in the hills surrounding the city, and Pisac and Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. Next, we focus on the jewel of Incan architecture, Machu Picchu, which we thoroughly explore during our 2-day stay. Returning to Cusco by train, we fly to Lima and enjoy a guided tour of the splendid Herrera Larco Museum. A criollo farewell dinner concludes our odyssey before we fly home.