THE INKAS AND THEIR ANCESTORS:
The Archaeology of Peru
With Dr. William Sapp III

The fabled cities of the Inka are ingrained in our consciousness with images of towering stonewalls and glittering golden armor. But the Inka were only the last in a long line of rich and fascinating cultures - the Moche, the Wari, and the Chimor - that peopled the high Andes and coastal areas of South America.   

Our journey begins along the north coast to see magnificent ChanChan, one of the largest pre-Columbian cities of the New World, and Sipán where archaeologists have uncovered one of the richest tombs ever discovered. We will visit working archaeological projects hosted by project directors at both San José de Moro and Huaca del Luna. We then return to the modern city of Lima - the Colonial capital and one of the richest cities of Spain’s New World Empire – where we will visit two fabulous museums - the Rafael Larco Herrera Museum and the Archaeological Museum for an overview of the multitude of cultures that have passed through this part of the world. And we will explore two nearby sites, the oracle center of Pachacamac and Cajamarquilla, a vast adobe pre-Inka city.

The descendants of the ancient highland cultures still live in the mountains in much the same way as their ancestors. Their colorful weavings echo the fabrics of earlier times, and their faces mirror those of their predecessors. We will visit their charming towns and colorful markets, and hear the Quechua language still spoken here, along with the strains of traditional flute music.

Join us for an extraordinary 16-day trip to Peru. From the fabled Inka sites of Cuzco and Machu Picchu to the gold-rich tombs of Sipán, we will experience the wealth of Peru’s archaeological and historical past and visit scientists in the field as they contribute to its ongoing study.

ITINERARY: (B) breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner

DAY 1: Depart Houston on a flight to Lima. Upon arrival, transfer to the El Pardo Doubletree for two nights.

DAY 2: Begin today at the Archaeological Museum for an overview of the myriad of cultures that have passed through Peru. Continue to the ruins of Cajamarquilla, now encircled by the city of Lima and the only monumental center still intact within the Rimac Valley. The huge adobe city is made up of four large pyramids, numerous walled areas and plazas, burial chambers, and a multitude of storage chambers – all in a remarkable state of preservation. Gather this evening for a welcome dinner party. (B/L/D)

DAY 3: Today we fly to Trujillo, a beautiful colonial city in the Moche Valley of northern Peru. Founded in 1535 and named after Francisco Pizarro’s birthplace in Spain, Trujillo was the resting spot along the Spaniards’ route between Lima and Quito; it became known as the viceroyalty’s “lordliest city.” We will admire its well-preserved 16th-century homes with intricate wooden balconies and complicated window screens as we tour the city, and visit the local archaeological museum to see the artifacts from nearby excavations. After lunch, tour ChanChan, capital of the ancient Chimú Empire and one of the largest pre-Columbian cities in South America. Overlooking the sea and covering over 20 square kilometers, this ancient metropolis built entirely of adobe mud-brick contains huge palace complexes built for the rulers (the smallest is the size of six football fields). Each is covered with intricate friezes exquisitely decorated with fish, birds and the moon in elegant repetitive patterns. Overnight at the Hotel Libertador. (B/L/D)

DAY 4: The largest mud brick structure ever erected in the New World and constructed of more than 7,000,000 bricks, the Huaca del Sol or Pyramid of the Sun, was built about the time of Christ and dominated the ancient capital of Moche. At the nearby Huaca de la Luna or Pyramid of the Moon, archaeologists have recently uncovered spectacular murals. If available, we will meet with the project director, Dr. Santiago Uceda, for a private tour of his work. Continue to Pacasmayo and overnight in a simple hotel. In the afternoon, we will enter the home of a friend to view a spectacular private collection of Andean art. Luis Jaime Castillo, the excavator at San José Moro will join us for this evening’s dinner party, and afterward he will give a presentation to prepare us for the visit to his excavations tomorrow. (B/L/D)

DAY 5: San José Moro is a Late Moche elite cemetery where important burials of priestesses of the Moche human sacrifice have been found. This morning, we join Dr. Castillo and his staff archaeologists at San José de Moro to learn how these tombs are excavated. While visiting the laboratory to examine the artifacts found this year, we will see the spectacular ceramics and metal objects that have been found with these burials. The archaeological staff will host us for lunch. The magnificent Sipán Exhibit that toured the United States in 1997 and 1998 has returned home to a new museum, the Tumbas Reales. We will visit the museum to see the exhibit before continuing to Chiclayo, gateway to Peru's northern archaeological zone and home of one of the most comprehensive witch doctors' markets in South America. Overnight for two nights in the Gran Hotel Chiclayo. Dinner is on our own. (B/L)

DAY 6: The incredible discovery of the burial tombs of Sipán within Huaca Rajada electrified the archaeological world in recent years. When archaeologists opened the un-looted wooden sarcophagus of a Moche king, they found not only his remains but a tremendous cache of gold and silver ornaments, semi-precious stones, pottery and a number of sacrificed servants who accompanied him to the next world. But far more significant than the monetary value of the artifacts is the new light that the discovery has cast upon this hitherto little known civilization. Tucumé controlled a large portion of the Lambayeque River Valley during Moche times and was colonized by the Inka. This ancient mound, which the local people believe is haunted by the devil in the form of a giant rayfish, has remained almost untouched by looters, and recent excavations have uncovered only a small portion of the immense city. Dinner is on our own in Chiclayo. (B/L)

DAY 7: This morning's flight takes returns us to Lima and a tour of the famed oracle center of Pachacamac. A pilgrimage site for all pre-Inka tribes including the Chimú, the Sun Temple here housed a wooden god that can be seen within the site museum. Overnight El Pardo Doubletree. Dinner is on our own to enjoy one of Lima's many fine restaurants. (B/L)

DAY 8: This morning, fly to Cuzco and drive into the Valley of Urubamba with time to rest and adjust to the altitude. Then it’s on to the great Inka fortress of Ollantaytambo, built to guard travelers on the road along the Urubamba River in the valley below. Overnight for three nights in the Hotel Pakaritampu. (B/L/D)     

DAY 9: Today we will see three of the most fascinating sites in Peru. Maras is a series of pools cascading down a bluff. First formed several hundred years ago and still in use today, the shallow ponds were designed to create salt. In Moray we will see farming terraces built in a complete circle and thought to be designed for sacred reasons. The ancient Inka city of Pisac is perched high on a mountain peak overlooking the Urubamba River valley. Climb past the impressive farming terraces and through a tunnel built by the Inka to the ruins where fine stone masonry buildings still stand in testimony to the ancient craftsmen. The majestic architecture and breathtaking views make this well worth the walk. Our specially arranged dinner party this evening will be held in the beautiful, privately owned Hacienda Huaoccari filled with the family’s collection of antiques. (B/L/D)

DAY 10: A short drive takes us to the pretty village of Chinchero, arguably the loveliest in the Peruvian highlands. Located in a high valley, this graceful, traditional Andean village dates from before the conquest, and was once the country estate of the late-15th-century Inka Tupac Yupanqui. Encircled by lush farming terraces, village houses are built on the foundations of Inka buildings, including the remains of the Inka’s palace. The early-17th-century church has lovely frescoes and mural paintings. Today is market day and the village is filled with color and a cacophony of sounds. Chinchero's market is held in the shadow of the church within the central plaza and is one of the best places in the entire valley for Andean textiles. Spend time bartering for crafts before enjoying a private weaving demonstration. (B/L/D)

DAY 11: Early this morning, we board our train for a ride through the Urubamba River Valley to Machu Picchu, fabled lost city of the Inka. This beautiful mountaintop city might have been constructed as a royal palace complex for the emperor Pachacuti and his family in the early 15th century, and appears to have been an important spiritual and ceremonial location. It was never found by the Spanish conquerors, and was lost until 1911 when a local farmer showed the city to the explorer, Hiram Bingham. Spend the day exploring this magnificent site. Overnight at the Machu Picchu Pueblo set in the lush rainforest filled with blooming orchids and bromeliads and with delightful bungalows scattered along the Urubamba River. (B/L/D)

DAY 12:  Sunrise through the jungle mist awaits us at Machu Picchu. Hikers may choose to climb to the top of Huayna Picchu, the towering granite peak that overlooks Machu Picchu for a spectacular view of the ruins. Near the top of the mountain, pass through ancient terraces so inaccessible and so narrow that they were probably not used for agricultural purposes, but instead were ornamental gardens to be admired from the city below. Or walk a portion of the Inka trail, a prehistoric road that winds the length of the country. In the afternoon, board our train to return to Ollantaytambo. Return to the Hotel Pakaritampu for one night. (B/L/D)

DAY 13: Today's explorations take us to Sacsayhuaman, a fortress overlooking Cuzco; Quenko, a shrine with a circular amphitheater and stone altar; Puka Pukara, a smaller fortress guarding the Inka road; and Tambomachay, sacred bathing place of the Inka elite. Continue to Cuzco and overnight for two nights at the Novotel, housed in a charming18th-century building. Dinner is on our own to enjoy one of Cuzco's many exciting restaurants. (B/L)

DAY 14: This morning, depart for our exploration of Cuzco, capital of the Inka Empire and first seat of power for the conquering Spaniards. Visit the Cathedral that was built on the palace of Inka Viracocha and contains an altar of solid silver, and Santa Domingo Church, built on the walls of the Inka Temple of the Sun, Koricancha. This was the most magnificent complex in pre-conquest Cuzco with walls covered in sheets of gold studded with emeralds and turquoise, and windows constructed so the sun would enter and cast a near blinding reflection of golden light off the precious interior. Lunch, the afternoon, and dinner are on our own to explore Cuzco. (B)

DAY 15: Transfer to the airport for our return flight to Lima. After a light lunch, explore the Rafael Larco Herrera Museum to view its fabulous collection, including a fascinating and amusing collection of erotic pottery. Dinner will be in Huaca Pucllana serving Nuevo Peruvian cuisine and overlooking a 1500 year old adobe temple. Overnight at the El Pardo Doubletree. (B/L/D)

DAY 16: Today's drive takes us into the suburbs of the city. In 1999, Guillermo Cock and a team of archaeologists began an excavation of the huge site of Puruchuco where a group of squatters had settled. Their salvage work has shown Puruchuco to be the second-largest excavated ancient cemetery in Peru and the largest cemetery for a single time period ever excavated in Peru. They have uncovered more than 2000 mummy bundles, large funerary bundles that contain more than one corpse, representing a full spectrum of rank and age – all from the Inka period. We will join Mr. Cock in his laboratory to see the mummy bundles and discuss how the latest scientific methods are assisting in understanding the lives of the people from this time period. Our farewell party will be held in the elegant Rosa Nautica restaurant. Airport transfer for the overnight flight to Houston. (B/L/D) (or overnight in Lima to join Nazca extension)

DAY 17: Arrive into the USA.

NAZCA LINES EXTENSION:

DAY 17: This morning’s drive takes us to Ica. Along the way, stop at Tambo Colorado, a lovely Inka village built of adobe, and the Museo de Sitio de Paracas to see the exquisite weavings found in nearby excavations. In Ica, visit the Regional Museum. Overnight at Hotel Dunas. (B/L/D)

DAY 18: This morning, board a small plane to fly over the famous Nazca Lines. Visible best from the air, the huge images are of animals and enigmatic "lines". Return flight to Lima. Airport transfer for our flight back to the USA. (B/L)

DAY 19: Arrive into the USA.

(B) breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner

NOTE ABOUT ITINERARY CHANGES: Changes in our itinerary, accommodations, and transportation schedules may occur. A good book to read as well as a flexible attitude and a sense of humor are essential.

2009 STUDY LEADER: Dr. William D. Sapp, III received his Ph.D. from UCLA, where he studied with noted Moche scholar Christopher Donnan. His interests include the high civilizations of Andean South America, the development of sociopolitical complexity, and settlement patterns. Bill based his doctoral dissertation on his excavations of the palace of Cabur, in the Jequetepeque Valley. He spent another six seasons excavating at the Chimú administrative centers of Algarrobal de Moro and Farfán. Specializing in architecture and ceramics, Bill is an expert in the late prehispanic cultures of the Peruvian North Coast-the Lambayeque and Chimú-as well as the Inka. He currently serves as both an Assistant Professor at California State University Dominguez Hills, and as the Forest Archaeologist for the San Bernardino National Forest. Conversant in Spanish, he is charming and articulate, and a knowledgeable study leader.

2009 PERU TRIP DATES: June 26 – July 12, 2009
2009 Nazca Lines, EXTENSION DATES: July 12 – 14, 2009

2009 TRIP COST: $8,895.00
(per person, double occupancy)
Includes round trip air fare from Houston to Lima and all Peruvian internal flights, all hotels, meals as listed in the itinerary, ground transportation, entry and service fees.

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: laundry, personal tips, meals not listed in the itinerary, alcoholic beverages and other drinks not on the regular menu, gratuities to guides or drivers, or airport departure taxes.

2009 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $995.00
Should a roommate be requested and one not be available, the single supplement will be charged.

2009 Nazca Lines EXTENSION COST: $1,495.00
(per person, double occupancy)
includes internal airfare, all hotels, meals as listed in the itinerary, ground transportation, entry and service fees. Cost does not include laundry, personal tips, meals not listed in the itinerary, alcoholic beverages and other drinks not on the regular menu, or airport departure taxes.

Nazca Lines COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: laundry, personal tips, meals not listed in the itinerary, alcoholic beverages and other drinks not on the regular menu, gratuities to guides and drivers, or airport departure taxes.

2009 Nazca Lines SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $195.00
Should a roommate be requested and one not be available, the single supplement will be charged.

PRIVATE TOURS OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES: The private tours as listed to museums and archaeological projects are scheduled in advance and include a donation to each. Specialists working at these sites are enthusiastic about showing their work to interested enthusiasts. However, please be aware that there may be times when the director or a member of the staff may not be onsite when our groups arrive due to other commitments.

RESERVATION: A deposit of $500.00 is required along with your registration form. Final payment is due 75 days before departure.

Upon receipt of your deposit and completed registration form, you will be sent a reading list and a tour bulletin containing travel information. An information book designed for this trip, including maps of archaeological sites and articles of pertinent interest will be sent upon receipt of final payment.

TRIP LIMITED TO 17 PARTICIPANTS

To register for this trip
Click the button above for a Printable Registration Form. Or click here.