CAA Saskatchewan Spring 2019 | Page 39

textile centre lake titicaca peru Andes to the Amazon April 9–25, 2020 to see and friends to make on this 17-day trip to Peru. Cruise across Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable body of water, climb the Canopy Tower for sweeping views of the Amazon, and watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu. The tour, one of the small-group Women Xplorers itineraries, starts and finishes in Lima. After adjusting to the altitude, take in stunning views along the Colca Canyon and try to spot an Andean condor, the largest flying bird in the world. After a ride on a luxury speedboat over Lake Titicaca, framed by Bolivia’s snow-capped mountains in the distance, you may choose to hop in a kayak. The group will stop to see Inca and pre-Inca ruins, cathedrals and temples. During a visit to a textile facility, see how Alpaca sweaters are made. Following a picturesque train ride, get ready for the hike of a lifetime on the Inca Trail. After stopping to experience Wiñay Wayna, ruins that were built into a 2,700-metre-high hillside, it’s onto the Sun Gate, one of the original entrances to Machu Picchu. Your first glimpse of this iconic site takes your breath away. After a full day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site, including a private two- hour guided tour, you’ll have plenty to talk about with your fellow trekkers. You can opt to add another awe- inspiring destination to your itinerary: the Amazon rainforest. Listen to chatty parrots and the charmingly named horned screamers as you hike among giant kapok trees. On a night walk, the rainforest soundtrack really comes alive with chattering animals, humming insects and nocturnal creatures of all kinds. Before heading home, there’s plenty of time in Lima to swap memories and email addresses with your fellow Women Xplorers. You’ll also have time to explore palaces, castles and the underground catacombs of the San Francisco Monastery. It all adds up to a Peruvian experience you’ll never forget. » There are plenTy of highs machu picchu caa saskatchewan spring 2019 39