A fantastic land of gold, Peru was sixteenth-century Europe's major source of treasure, and also once the home of the largest empire in the world - the sun-worshipping Incas. Peru also lays claim to the world's first stone pyramids, whose genuine antiquity was only discovered quite recently. The most varied and exciting of all the South American nations, Peru offers the diversity of the immense desert coastline, tropical rainforest, and the Andes rippling the entire length of the nation. The country's appeal lies in the sheer beauty of its landscapes, the abundance of its wildlife, and the strong character of its people.
Our journey into the Magic Lands of the Incas will be guided by Ruben Orellana, external consultant to The National Institute of Culture in Cusco, Peru. Ruben's career as an archaeologist culminated with being named Head of Archaeology at Machu Picchu, discovering 44 new sites surrounding this crystal city. He has done extensive research into the mystical aspects of various sites, uncovering the true usage of many temples in the empire. Ruben has worked with the healing techniques of the Andes for twenty years, researching the concepts of subtle energy and how they influence aspects of life and healing for the Incan people. Ruben is the founding director of Kamaquen Healing Center ("source of energy"), nestled deep in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Ruben has committed his time, energy and heart to create a Healing Center with the intent to soothe and rejuvenate the human spirit.
Ruben will lead our group into the mysteries of Machu Picchu while we witness and participate in the healing ceremonies of the ancient Inca customs. From here we will travel to the eastern most region of Peru to the Amazon jungles of Puerto Maldonado. Traveling along the Rio del las Piedras we will find ourselves immersed among the diversity of wildlife echoing within the jungle canopy.
Exploring the culture of Vietnam is an adventure of spirit and a journey into your soul. The incredible pride and genuine warmth of its people, the richness of its culture, the depth of its tradition and the diversity of its landscape -- these are the reasons to come to Vietnam. Experience intense emotions from pure joy to profound sadness as Vietnam grabs hold of your heart and won't let go.
From the densely-populated canals and rivers comprising the Mekong Delta to the magnificent limestone peaks rising out of Halong Bay, the Vietnam landscape offers a variety of geographies and climates to explore. Wherever you go, you will be welcomed by the Vietnamese. Proud, warm and outgoing, they are eager for contact with foreigners, especially Westerners. You will be greeted with smiles, waves and shouts of "hello!"
Vietnam is home to nearly 77 million people with Vietnamese as the majority - the rest made up of Chinese and other ethnic groups such as Mon-Khmer, Tai, Meo, Muong, Man and Cham. The official language is Vietnamese while Chinese is the first language in many parts of the country. Nonetheless, don't be surprised if you find Vietnamese merchants vying to sell souvenirs in French and English. The French colonialism of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, left its mark on the arts and architecture in several cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Min City, Dalat and Danang. Then of course, there was the war, which planted the seeds of the English language.
Besides war museums and French colonial-style buildings, Vietnam boasts varied styles of religious monuments, from ancient Khmer-style carved sandstone temples to centuries old tiered-roof Chinese pagodas and palaces, as well as nature's contribution of thousands of jutting limestone outcrops with hidden grottoes, lush forests and tranquil beaches and islands. In addition, some cities such as Hoi An, My Son, Hue and Halong are internationally recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Our journey will take us from North Vietnam to the Central Coast and south to Saigon and Can Tho experiencing the diverse geography and culture of this great country. We begin from the northern capital of Hanoi - its trademark the green parks and tranquil lakes that keeps it in harmony with nature. The history of Vietnam will be learned as we visit the many sites of this great city. Our time in Hanoi will include a trip to spectacular Halong Bay as we board our private junk. The Bay is home to 3000 islands making it a great natural wonder of Asia.
From Hanoi, we will travel on the Victoria Express Deluxe Train to the Lao Cai Province where we visit the colorful Hilltribe Minority villages of the Sapa Valley. We will be treated with views of steeply terraced rice fields, towering verdant ridgelines, primitive mud-thatched villages, raging rivers and astounding waterfalls.
Returning by train to Hanoi, we fly south to Danang on the banks of the China Sea. Continuing our route south, we will hug the coast of white sandy beaches with arrival to Hoi An. Founded by Japanese traders in the 16th century, Hoi An became Central Vietnam's most important trading center. Rows of tile-roofed shop houses memorialize a century of Portuguese traders, while others look as if they were lifted straight out of China. Hoi An is a magical place where you can get lost in the wonder of artisan creations, delectable delights, and the quiet of reflection.
We say goodbye to China Beach as we make our way back to Danang for our flight to Saigon. The bustling spirit of this sprawling metropolis is home to more than 5 million people. We pick up the pace as we explore the history of South Vietnam before heading south to Can Tho for the final leg of our journey. Set on the banks of the Mekong River, we will explore the culture living on water's edge as we explore the many tributaries of this mighty waterway. You might try a bike ride or kayak or simply the relaxation of a massage as we soak in the splendor of our time together and the culture of these proud people.
Our return to Saigon greets us with our rooftop dinner at the famous Saigon Bar of the Caravelle Hotel as we witness dusk transition into the night sky of the city.
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