Mark Galer Peru & Incas November 5/16, 2014 Amazing Culture, Landscapes & Nature... MANAGED BY: World Photo Adventures Po Box 815 Coolum Beach Qld, Australia 4573 PH: 07 5446 6538 (Office hours.) E: julia@worldadventures.com.au W: www.worldadventures.com.au Travel Agents License: 3219184/5
Peru is one of the most outstanding photographic locations on earth. While we target iconic locations like Machu Picchu, this tour will also offer incredible landscape, nature and creative opportunities - all in a small group travel adventure experience. Very early in the morning and before the first tourist groups arrive, we ascend to Machu Picchu to photograph the sacred Inca citadel in the mist and during the sunshine. Something unforgettable! Hike along the last part of the Inca Trail and arrive to the Inti Punku or Sun s Gate, the main entrance to the sanctuary, where the walkers and processions arriving from Cuzco and other parts of the Empire along the Inca Trail have the first sight of Machu Picchu. Along the way, you will see several species of orchids and wildflowers. These are just a few of the photo adventures offered on this unique holiday. MARK GALER Mark is a well seasoned traveler, professional photographer, experienced educator and internationally recognized author who s greatest delight is sharing his photographic know-how, passion for adventure and occasional bad joke. His first big trip in the 1980s, was an around-the-world epic overland motorcycle adventure, to raise money for charity. Mark s trail crossed four continents and 40,000 kms and preceeded Ewan McGregor Long Way Round by some 18 years! Mark s adventure started his long history of contributions to the press (currently Australian Photography + Digital magazine). We use professional driver/guides and travel in a small group, which provides flexible arrangements that ordinary tours with their usual large groups cannot provide. More importantly, the following combination of leading world experts will make this a holiday of a life time: * Mark Galer as Tour Leader. * Pearce Leal as your second photo guide. * Alex, our key local guide in South America. * Plus drivers and specialist guides per location. This experienced team will have you in the right place at the right time and introduce you to special opportunities, like meeting local people in small villages and unique behind-thescene locations. They will go beyond the call of duty to make sure that you have a great holiday. AND - interested in more South American adventures? Let Mark know as he is suggesting a Lake Titicaca tour extension. More stunning colours, culture and nature. (Subject to interest.) ESCORTED BY: Mark Galer & Pearce Leal TOUR DATES: November 5/16, 2014 EVENT GRADE: Moderate (Altitude) TRANSPORT: Mini bus - one domestic flight. ACCOMMODATION: 3/4 Star hotel accommodation. TARGETS: Landscapes, Wildlife, Creative, Culture. Subsequent globe-trotting trips via planes, trains, and automobiles has seen Mark photograph in over 40 countries, circumnavigating the globe on multiple occasions. Mark s friendly easy-going manner and wealth of travel experience will enable you to get the most out of your next photographic adventure tour. Visit Marks website at: www.markgaler.com PAGE 2
This tour is managed by: Australia s only licensed Travel Agent dedicated to photographers. A Family Business... DARRAN LEAL Pro Photographer & Guide Darran is one of the few full-time professional photo guides in the world. He is a photographer, adventurer and educator. An Australian by birth, he combines his twin loves of travel and outdoor photography by running tours, workshops and seminars and guiding photographers to stunning locations around the globe. Prior to inventing this great gig, he variously sold cameras, served food and wine, built gas pipelines, explored for diamonds and discovered that the life of a park ranger was not for him. When not up to his arm pits in crocodiles, cuddling gorillas or herding photographers, he fishes the world s oceans, rivers and streams. Only his fishing exploits suffer from exaggeration, believe it or not the rest of his adventurous life is, amazingly, true. JULIA LEAL Pro Travel Consultant Julia was born in Liverpool England, with her family migrating to Auckland when she was young. Julia started her travel career in Noosa, Queensland in 1979, managing one of the then first resorts in the region. In the early 1980 s she started as a travel consultant back in Auckland and moved to the position of a travel rep for Go International. Julia met Darran in 1989, while escorting 13 ladies to Norfolk Island on a educational. In later years, Julia managed travel agencies in Auckland and in Noosa. Today, Julia is the life s blood of the office and is famous for her professional travel services. Julia looks forward to offering you the best services and to maximise your photo adventures. PEARCE LEAL Pro Photographer/Guide/Surfer Dude Pearce was born in Auckland and moved to Australia at 18 months of age with the family. He became serious with a camera at age 13, after winning a photo competition. He started joining WPA events at 9 years of age and in recent years is assistant tutor to Darran. His youth and enthusiasm is catching. Pearce looks forward to helping you discover new and creative photo opportunities. WHO ARE WE? World Photo Adventures is Australia s only licensed travel agency specialising in photography tours and workshops. Since our first photo holiday to Norfolk Island in 1989, Darran and Julia have created a reputation for offering outstanding service and unique holidays. Our extra attention to detail and our professional ground arrangements assures you a memorable life experience. Imagine travelling with a small group of fellow adventurers with a seasoned professional photo guide, plus other knowledgeable guides. Darran Leal has guided over 500 events throughout the world. Julia Leal is the office manager and has been a travel consultant for over 28 years. Together they make an awesome team! WHO BOOKS OUR PHOTO HOLIDAYS? We get a cross section of photo enthusiasts to each event, from beginners to advanced. Even non photographers are guaranteed a great time, with partners often joining! The key is our quality time at unique locations with the best guides. Customers vary in age and experience but all attend for the same goal - to have a fantastic holiday. WE GUARANTEE YOU... * Professional service and peace of mind to travel with one of the most experienced photo travel companies in the world. * A world class guide who is your personal photo tutor and available throughout the tour to maximise your holiday and photo interests. * We pick the best locations! * We will get you to the right place at the right time. AN AMAZING HOLIDAY! This is a special photo adventure holiday to one of the world s greatest wilderness locations. You do not even need to have an interest in photography to enjoy this special holiday, so partners can join. We will be targeting amazing shoot opportunities that you will talk about and show to others for years to come! To target such opportunities you need professionals running the event who are experience and knowledgeable. At World Photo Adventures, we guarantee you the best guides and services to target the key opportunities of the region visited. Your personal guide will work hard to make it a great success! PAGE 3
PRE EXPEDITION You start your photo adventures in Cusco. As Cuzco is located at more than 3,400m, we suggest that you arrive as early as possible. TIP: Altitude - Most travellers are not effected, but we know from experience that you will be more active on tour, the earlier you arrive to Cusco. Your itinerary to photo adventure... DAY 1 - CUSCO - November 5 You must arrive in Cusco at least today, November 5. Mark & Pearce will be arriving in Cusco November 3. Accommodation is included from November 5. Extra accommodation can be booked with Julia as requested. November 5 - No activities are included until we meet in the hotel lobby at 6pm and head to dinner and a chat about your adventures to come. Hotel and dinner are included. (D) DAY 2 - CUSCO - November 6 Morning group tour to explore around Cusco: Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, the Koricancha temple, Sacsayhuaman and the narrow streets. The history, colours and culture is amazing. This afternoon, we offer a photo workshop to help you maximise this great adventure. Hotel accommodation. (D) DAY 3 - CUSCO TO MACHU PICCHU - November 7 We depart early by private bus for the train station and board the backpacker train to Aguas Calientes for an authentic train experience. Note: Large bags will cause an issue for getting on and off the train! Your baggage must be limited to a medium sized travel soft case bag and a maximum of 20kg, plus camera gear. The train goes through the Urubamba Valley and along the right bank of the river, ascending gradually through valleys, cloud forests and narrow gorges, arriving to the town Known as Aguas Calientes ( Hot Waters, due to its thermal springs), located at the foot of the Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu mountains. Transfer to the hotel. Afternoon first visit to the citadel of Machu Picchu, known as the Lost City of the Incas. Upon arrival to the citadel, time to explore this fantastic World Heritage Site which combines majestic natural scenery with the impressive Inca architecture (the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Moon, the Condor s Rock, several squares, ritual sites, the observatory and the Intiwatana or Sun s Altar. Hotel for 3 nights (B,D) PAGE 4
November 5/16, 2014 Amazing Culture, Landscapes & Nature.. DAY 4 - MACHU PICCHU - November 8 Very early in the morning and before the first tourist groups arrive, ascend to Machu Picchu to photograph the sacred Inca citadel in the mist and during the sunshine. Something unforgettable! Hike along the last part of the Inca Trail and arrive to the Inti Punku or Sun s Gate, the main entrance to the sanctuary, where the walkers and processions arriving from Cuzco and other parts of the Empire along the Inca Trail have the first sight of Machu Picchu. Along the way, you will see several species of orchids and wildflowers. Return to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon. (B,D) DAY 5 - MACHU PICCHU - November 9 Time to again visit Machu Picchu, with chances to climb to the archaeological sites and terraces on top of Wayna Picchu. Afternoon for visiting a patch of cloud forest where it is possible to photograph several species of orchids, hummingbirds and the rare cock of the rocks. Join Mark & Pearce for a secret shoot and hummingbirds. Both will offer you unique photo opportunities shot be few photographers. (B,D) DAY 6 - MACHU PICCHU - OLLANTAYTAMBO (SACRED VALLEY) - November 10 Board the train to Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town in the Heart of the Sacred Valley. Ollantaytambo hosts archaeological sites and picturesque narrow streets. The native people are very friendly and photogenic. Your guides will offer you a fantastic Inca experience including a visit to an 800 year old Inca house that is still in traditional use. Accommodation: Hotel 1 night. (B) DAY 7 - OLLANTAYTAMBO (SACRED VALLEY) - CUSCO - November 11 Full day for exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas. During the tour visit the colourful market of Pisac, the most important of the Valley. We also explore weavers working and unique opportunistic subjects by the road. Darran will maximise your photo interests. Lunch is included. Overnight in Cusco with a free night to explore. (B,L) DAY 8 - CUSCO - AREQUIPA - November 12 Morning transfer to the airport to board the flight to Arequipa. (Via Lima.) (This flight is included and will be booked via Julia as a group.) Arrival and transfer to our hotel in Arequipa. Late afternoon walk and shoot in the town square for great traditional town images. Hotel 1 night, (B) PAGE 5
DAY 9 - AREQUIPA COLCA CANYON - November 13 Early morning departure to one of the most spectacular Peruvian destinations in terms of nature and culture: the Colca Valley, driving across Pampa Cañahuas and the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where we ll photograph large herds of vicuñas as well as other mountain wildlife, including the Andean hillstar. We ll stop at the crater of the volcano Chucura and Chivay, where the beautiful pre-columbian terraces are still being cultivated by the native Collagua tribes. Lunch is included. Stay at a lodge in Chivay. Afternoon free for photographing the town, native people or to visit the thermal baths. Hotel 2 night. (B,L,D DAY 10 - CONDOR S CROSS COLCA VALLEY - Nov. 14 Very early departure to the Condor s Cross, a viewpoint on top of the canyon from where is possible to photograph and observe large numbers of Andean condors flying in circles and gliding around the observers and above still farmed green pre-hispanic terraces. Enjoy the view of the impressive Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world (more than 3000 m.) On the way back to Chivay visit Chinina, where we will find the famous Hanging Tombs and the picturesque Hanging Bridge of Sifón, that joins the Indian towns of Yanque with Coporaque. Hotel 2 nights. (B,L,D) DAY 11 - COLCA VALLEY AREQUIPA - November 15 The region is dotted with several photogenic snow-capped volcanoes and mountain lakes, where is possible to see 3 different species of flamingos (The Puna s, the Andean and the Chilean flamingos). We drive up over 5,000m (amazing views and experience...) and stop for unique photo opportunities. Afternoon return to Arequipa where we overnight. Final group dinner and a chance to swap tall stories from our Peruian adventures. Hotel 1 night. (B,L,D) DAY 12 - AREQUIPA - TOUR ENDS - November 16 Our tours ends in Arequipa. Group transfer to the airport is included. Julia can organise accommodation and other tours as requested. (B) Interested in more? How about joining Mark at Lake Titicaca. This tour extension is subject to interest. TO BOOK: Contact Julia - julia@worldadventures.com.au PAGE 6
MAP & LOCATIONS... We recommend that you go to: www.maps.google.com.au Type in the key names of the locations you are visiting and explore the country. CLIMATE Google the region and temperature before departure to help you with the latest temperatures for the region being visited. WE INCLUDE... PERSONAL GUIDE We offer a professional photographer and a local guide on the expedition. This will guarantee that your holiday runs smoothly and that you receive fantastic local information. You can not beat having an experienced professional photographer on hand to help optimise your photography and holiday. SMALL GROUP SIZE This tour is based on a minimum of 6, maximum 12 with two photo guides, plus local guides. We can not stress enough how well this works compared to larger tour groups of around 20, which is the more common tour group size. Travelling on your own can work, but joining an experienced guide, with local operators is guaranteed to maximise your opportunities. ALL ACCOMMODATION Our accommodation is of a high standard for your comfort. MEALS Meals as per itinerary. Other meals will be organised by your guides to maximise shoot and travel opportunities. IMPORTANT - Please do not book any flights or other travel services for this event before confirming with our office. Minimum numbers and other logistical requirements need to be confirmed. CURRENCY: Please note that prices are correct at the time of printing but are subject to change. Note that this itinerary and price is a guide only and subject to change. PHOTOGRAPHY Mark Galer events are designed to maximise your photo interests, no matter what level or style of photography you like. Our customers use everything from top line D-SLR s with pro lenses, to mid range kits and non photographic partners with compact cameras. Equipment is very personal. We offer a workshop at the start of all tours and then follow this up with personal assistance in the field and where possible, mini workshops. Our events include the services of a seasoned professional photo guide and the professional travel services of our World Photo Adventures and local operators. Our goal is to help you understand your equipment, the base techniques required for great results and assist you to maximise your photo opportunities in stunning locations around the world. We guarantee to do this! What is a licensed Australian Travel Agent? This key point will offer higher security of your money. Please go to: www.tcf.org.au - for more details. FLIGHTS We include one domestic flight - Cusco to Arequipa. You will need flights to Cusco to start the tour and from Arequipa, where the tour ends. NOT INCLUDED... Your international airfares are not included in the price, and can be booked by Julia. We highly recommend this, as you will need to link up with your holiday at specific times. Julia can maximise these opportunities and keep you informed of any flight changes or problems. Transfers, laundry, tips, drinks and items not listed in the itinerary are not included. PAGE 7
PERU & INCAS PRICE - AU$7,995 Twin Share per person As per itinerary, with local guide/driver and professional photo guides. EVENT DEPOSIT REQUIRED - AU$1,500 pp. Please read our terms & Conditions and fill in our booking form. Julia can offer travel insurance, including deposit protection insurance. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT - AU$1,295 pp. We will try our best to find someone to share with you. However, part of the booking conditions is that a single supplement is applicable if no one is available to share. TO BOOK: All bookings are with World Photo Adventures. They have a booking form with further information. Please contact our booking agent Julia Leal: julia@worldadventures.com.au INCLUSIONS Most of your tour costs are included from Day 1 to Day 12. All accommodation, most meals, two photo guides, local guides, transport and one internal flight, as per itinerary. We look forward to you joining our small photo group. Booking Agent: World Photo Adventures Po Box 815 Coolum Beach Qld, Australia 4573 PH: 07 5446 6538 (Office hours.) E: julia@worldadventures.com.au W: www.worldadventures.com.au Travel Agents License: 3219184/5 PAGE 8