Travel to Machu Picchu in 2011 with the author of the most highly-regarded work on Inca History on Aracari's Trip of the Century

To celebrate a century since Hiram Bingham first brought Machu Picchu to the attention of the world, Aracari has handcrafted an itinerary of historical proportions.

To be precise, the prolific historian and author John Hemming will be accompanying an Aracari tour through Peru in April 2011, giving lectures on Inca history at some of the most famous and beautiful historical sites in the country.

As well as being a great privilege to be involved with the renowned scholar, we are thrilled to be able to give our guests the opportunity to mark the centenary by gaining from his insight, experience and extensive knowledge of the Inca Empire.

Tell me more!

We have designed a very special itinerary for the presence of Dr. Hemming, who wrote the classic book “The Conquest of the Incas” amongst other works, arguably the definitive title in its genre.

Aracari founder and director Marisol Mosquera will also be personally escorting the group who will travel through Lima, Cusco and the Sacred Valley at a leisurely pace, staying at her own handpicked accommodation and eating very well at her choice-selection of exclusive dining venues.

Moreover, guests will be given insider access to private art collections, cultural expositions and the unrivalled opportunity to experience some of the very latest of Aracari’s “musts”. To top it all off, they will view one of the most important of processions in Cusco - El Señor de los Temblores - from a Private Balcony on the main square; for more on this festival read our newsletter article Señor de los Temblores or Hugh Thompson's article Our Lord of the Earthquakes in Harper's and Queens.

John Hemming

Throughout his career, Dr John Hemming has travelled extensively throughout Peru, traversing all parts of the country, throughout its different regions, and visiting virtually every one of the country's archeological sites in pursuit of his interests.

His most famous work, The Conquest of the Incas has proven to be a definitive resource in its masterful recounting of the Spanish overthrow of the Inca Empire in 1533. Since its first publication in 1970, his immensely detailed and captivating classic has remained firmly in print to this day, seeing a large number of different editions and revisions in Britain, the USA and Mexico.

In addition to receiving Peru’s two highest orders - El Sol del Peru and the 'Grand Cross of the Order of Merit' - John's healthy list of accolades and honours includes The Order of St Michael and Saint George from the United Kingdom; medals from British, American, Scottish and French societies; a D. Litt. doctorate from Oxford University; and 'Commander of the Order of the Southern Cross’ from Brazil in recognition of leading the largest rainforest research project ever organised in Amazonia by any European country. He was also chairman of the Anglo-Peruvian Society for many years.

To find out more about John Hemming’s repertoire of publications and to read more into his profile, please visit his personal website at www.johnhemming.net .

Itinerary Outline
	12th April 2011 After arrival in Lima, our guests will have a welcoming meeting at the Country Club Hotel before heading off on a city tour with a scholarly guide. John Hemming will give his first lecture at Casa de Aliaga where our group will enjoy dinner. Return to the hotel.
	13th April 2011 Today our group will visit the Museo Larco with a scholarly guide followed by a lunch at Hacienda Santa Rosa with a Marinera dance display and a Paso Horse Show. Return to hotel.
	14th April 2011 In the morning our group will fly off to Cusco and make the journey to the stunning Sacred Valley. After a VIP welcome at the beautiful Hotel Sol y Luna, a visit will be made to the ruins at Pisac (pictured) before a private lunch at Hacienda Huayo Ccari with a textile demonstration by the weavers from the Center for Traditional Textiles in Cusco. A traditional Pachamanca demonstration will precede dinner at the Sol y Luna where our guests will spend the night.
	15th April 2011 After an early start, the impressive ruins at Ollantaytambo (pictured) are best seen in the morning light. Lunch is outdoors in the grounds of the gorgeous Ticllabamba, our favourite accommodation in the valley built atop Inca terracing: a brilliant and fitting location for John Hemming’s second lecture. Overnight at Sol y Luna.
	16th April 2011 Only the Hiram Bingham Train to Machu Picchu is fitting enough a service for our guests to reach the outstanding Inca ruin, the very same that Hiram Bingham came across in 1911. A tour of the ruins with a scholarly guide is followed by overnight at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, giving our guests privilaged access to the ruins in the morning and evening.
	17th April 2011 Another day exploring the ruins will be followed by return to Cusco, where our guests will stay at the hotel Monasterio with its most authentic, colonial air.
	18th April 2011 A morning at the temple-fortress of Sacsayhuaman precedes an al fresco picnic and an informal talk from John Hemming. To round off the tour, our guests can watch the hugely important and colourful Señor de los Temblores procession (pictured) from our own private balcony. Afterwards, a visit to the museum of pre-Columbian Art will include a farewell dinner at the museum’s adjoining restaurant, one of the finest in Cusco.
	19th April 2011 A walking tour of Cusco is followed by the return to Lima, from where guests can opt into visiting other parts of the country or our extension.
	EXTENSION: 19th-21st April 2011 As well as having extra time in Cusco, our guests can visit lesser-known sites in the Cusco region, including the ruins of Tipon and the baroque churches of Andahuaylillas and Huaro.

How do I book?

If you would like to inquire about the availability of this trip, and to find out what is included, please contact us. Maximum group size: 20 travellers. We will also be running a separate tour in August based on the same itinerary with the famous writer and photographer Peter Frost.