Craftours - travel your passion

TRIP-AT-A-GLANCE
OPTIONAL MACHU PICCHU & CUSCO PACKAGES
TESTIMONIALS

"With everyone having to make an adjustment with our lives this year because of the Coronavirus, I think the idea of beginning 2021 with the idea of a fresh start is essential to creating the kind of life we want to see for ourselves next year. I would like to invite you to join me in the Amazon Rainforest as we surround ourselves with nature and focus on the wellness of our mind, body and spirits. I have created space for twenty people to join me, and because the airlines and ground operators are offering discounted prices at the moment, we are able pass these savings onto you. Let's make a plan to be together at the beginning of next year and I will share with you my ideas for manifesting our ideal life through creative visualization, inner body cleansing, recognizing fear and replacing it with love, healing relationships, setting obtainable goals, and much more. Create the "New You" in 2021 in one of the most unique settings you will ever experience, and a cost that is truly extraordinary." - Jim West

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

Round-trip international airfare from Miami to Iquitos, Peru. (Business/First Class upgrades available)
6-night accommodations in a remote Amazon jungle lodge.
25-mile boat ride on the Amazon River.
All meals the entire stay in the Amazon-breakfast, lunch and dinner.
A walking trek through the Amazon jungle to see the massive Ceiba trees.
A special visit and encounter at a Yagua Indian village.
Special cleansing ceremony with a local shaman.
A piranha fishing experience and search for pink dolphins.
Craftours personal escort Jim West overseeing the entire wellness expedition.
Personal one-on-one consultation with Jim.
A canopy walk above the treetops in the rainforest with local Amazonia guides.
Visit to “monkey island” for photographs and a playful encounter.
An informative talk our eating habits, including tips on meal preparation, eating in restaurants and grocery shopping.
Relaxation and personal meditation time in the Amazon Rainforest.
Professional Amazonia tour guides throughout the entire expedition.
A special presentation about local medicinal plants by a local shaman.
Special hands-on “Making Bark Cloth” demonstration with a local craftsman.
Morning stretch, basic yoga, and body “wake-up.”
Basic photography workshop entitled, “Hey Look at This,” with Jim West.
A tuk-tuk ride to the small town of Indiana, visiting the local market and walking through town.
Night walk excursion through the Amazon rainforest with a professional guide.
Special meditations on creative visualization, manifestation, vocalizing what we want, internal body cleansing, and self worth.
Craftours special gifts, lanyard and luggage locator.
All taxes included and insurance is highly recommended.

PLEASE NOTE: The activity and walking level for this experience is a level 8 out of 10.

MACHU PICCHU & CUSCO POST-TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:

January 8 - 13, 2021

Deluxe hotel accommodations in Cusco and Aguas Calientes.
Motorcoach transfers to the airport/hotel in Cusco.
Domestic flight from Iquitos to Cusco.
Tour personally escorted by Jim West.
Panoramic city tour of Cusco with a professional local guide.
A scenic 4-hour train ride into the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Guided “birdwatching walk” through grounds of the Inkaterra.
A guided walking tour to learn about a variety of Orchid plants.
Shopping in the local market in Aguas Calientes.
Daily breakfast & some dinners.
A drive through the Andes Mountain Range.
Walking tour through the ruins of Machu Picchu with a local guide.
International flight from Cusco Airport to Miami, Florida.

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca site located 2,430 metres above sea level. It is located in the Cusco Region, Urubamba Province, Machupicchu District in Peru. It is situated on a mountain ridge above the Sacred Valley which is 80 kilometres northwest of Cusco and through which the Urubamba River flows. Most archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti. Often mistakenly referred to as the "Lost City of the Incas", it is perhaps the most familiar icon of Inca civilization.

If you have ever wanted to visit the historic Incan city of Machu Picchu & Cusco, this tour is something you won't want to miss. It includes a visit to these amazing ruins, a train ride from Cusco to Machu Picchu and most meals. The cost of this optional post-package is only $1,689.00 per person.

TESTIMONIALS FROM PAST CRAFTOURS PERU TOURS:

Jan Potter, Scottsdale, CA- "Based on the experience I have had on two of Craftours adventures, I would recommend any of their trips to everyone - whether or not they are a quilter. My first trip was South America and it was amazing. The accommodations were wonderful and the Galapagos, Machu Picchu, and the Amazon filled every day with new and exciting experiences that will be remembered for a lifetime. Of course, traveling with a group of people with similar interests made the trip even more memorable. I had visited Africa many years ago but decided to take the Kenya tour with Craftours. A day with the Quilt Guild of Kenya and a hot air balloon ride (in a balloon that held 18 people) over the game parks ending with a champagne breakfast with the animals all around us are just a sample of the diversity of the activities of this adventure. Comparing photos of all the animals we saw each day with the other travelers in the evening was so much fun. And hearing Alex Anderson describe watching the baboon break into her room through the window was hilarious. Accommodations on this adventure were equally memorable.They ranged from the luxury of the Mt. Kenya Safari Club to a tent with a hot water bottle to warm your bed on a chilly night.It was an exhilarating experience I will never forget."

Rhonda Denney, Canon City, CO - "I have been a couple of Craftours tours. The first was a 15 day trip to South America (the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon River basin and Machu Picchu). The trip was a treat from beginning to end. I felt pampered the entire time. I thought that the entire staff did an outstanding job coordinating things.The theme of the trip encouraged quilters (and their significant others) to go so that we all had a common link. I felt that the size of the tour group was very good; small enough that we all got to know each other during the trip. In fact, I am still in contact with friends I made during that trip. That was a trip of a life-time!
And, because that trip went so well, I was inspired to go on another trip in 2011 with Craftours. The next time was a 12-day Safari expedition to East Africa. The trip was a mixture of wonderful safari treks in many beautiful safari parks throughout the region to ensure that we got the chance to see a plethora of local wildlife. There were side trips to villages, local fiber groups and artisans. The trip was very well planned. The places we stayed were top-notch providing many comforts to be appreciated. I did think that the group was too large and there were times when the group size caused problems with coordination and timing of agenda items. I guess I prefer a smaller group so I can get to know everyone; or at least have the opportunity to do so. This trip was fun too because there were a contingent of people who had been on the earlier South American trip so we had a small reunion!
Nice job on everything! I highly recommend Craftours if you want adventure without concerns about being taken care of. I always keep my eyes open for other potential trips!"

Eileen Pyne, Girdwood, AK - "Truly an amazing and wonderful journey; loved the magic of Machu Picchu, but really loved the adventure and animals of the Amazon! I think we had a wonderful group of people to journey with."

Raylene Brooks, South Surrey, BC - "The trip was a nice balance of adventure and luxury. I doubt whether other tours would venture as many out of the way places as we did."

Danielle Gale, Hillsboro, OR - "Loved the itinerary of this trip. Saw and did so many exciting things. Wonderful, small group. (I don’t like to travel with groups larger than 28 people.)"

Tinka Rote, San Antonio, TX - "The South America trip was outstanding."

Danyelle Dwyer, East Bridgewater, MA - "The most amazing adventure of a lifetime!!"

Lucy Harville, Central Point, OR - "This trip was extraordinary in its variety of destinations and activities. Would recommend participation by people who are reasonably physically fit due to the amount of stairs and hiking involved."

Donna Nelson, Signal Mountain, TN - "It was fun, hard, fulfilling, exhausting, exciting, and the most amazing adventure I've ever had. I would do it all over again, even knowing I had to climb a zillions steps!"

Madalyn Etzel, Lakewood, Ohio - "The South American Expedition was truly a life-changing trip. From beginning to end it was handled flawlessly with no missed buses, trains, tickets or people! I felt at ease knowing everything was so well handled by Mary Ellen. Every day was jam packed with amazing experiences. From the canopy walkway, to visiting the village school, to fishing, to walking Machu Picchu it was phenomenal. Every adventure was well worth it. We made a great use of our time, and I truly think everyone on our trip had a fantastic time."

Marie Novak, Edinboro, Pennsylvania - "It was the trip of a lifetime. our time in Ceiba Tops was the most life affirming and joyous time. Everything about our time there was memorable."

Susan Cruse, Milford, Ohio - "Awesome experience! The activities were well planned for interest and delights. Wonderful trip to Peru."

Karen Stewart, Albuquerque, New Mexico - "The trip was very organized and busy. Mary Ellen was terrific; she kept us informed of what to expect each day and how to be prepared for each activity. This was the first time I have taken a trip with a group (not planning each activity myself). I want to take more trips like this and will want to use Craft Tours again."

Frieda Toback, Summerfield, Florida - "A fascinating tour of Peru, well organized, with excellent hotels and accommodations. Mary Ellen was efficient, helpful and very kind. Bonnie's bubbly personality made everyone happy. She was never without a smile or a sense of wonder."

Jacquelyn Nelson, Greensboro, North Carolina - "It was an amazing trip - enjoyed every second of it!"

Jody Kamman, Laguna Hills, California - "AMAZING! I have been fortunate to travel around the world and have had some wonderful experiences, however this was my first trip to South America. I want to thank Craftours for an unforgettable tour. "

Mary Travillian, Modesto, California - "Peru is a beautiful country to visit, and the craftsmen we met and worked with were excellent."

Sara Borr, Norristown, Pennsylvania - "A fun and informative trip. Great to meet and spend time with so many talented artists as they shared their various crafts. The hands on participation was fun and sometimes frustrating at the same time. Would do the trip again. We not only saw the cities but ventured into the countryside to get a real feel of the country and their interesting artists."

Pam Clark, Moville, Iowa - "This trip fulfilled my lifelong dream of seeing Machu Picchu. Being included as a member of this group made the experience so much easier. Our tour guides led us every step of the way and were quick to respond to our every need. I will never forget the new friends made nor the kind and wonderful people of Peru."

Ann McDevitt, Burlington, Massachusetts - "It was a trip of a lifetime. Everything was wonderful."

Nancy Michalak, Farmington Hills, Michigan - "Machu Picchu and the Amazon were truly amazing. Better than the PBS specials."

Beverly Brown, Bloomington, Indiana - "Had a wonderful time and saw some awesome sites!"

Donna Bonine, Parsons, Kansas - "I enjoyed my cruise very much. It was my second cruise and I enjoyed being able to sew as I was cruising. I was a lot of fun meeting new people that enjoyed the same thing that I love to do."

Jo Ann Newsome, Columbus, Ohio - "The destinations were great and thoroughly enjoyed the excursions. The Oasis was a big ship that offered plenty of fun things and places as well as great food."

Paula Paisley, Rickardsville, IA - "I enjoyed the diversity of the tour. We really had a chance to "experience" the Amazon. Guides Orlando and Celso were a wealth of knowledge and new experiences."

Sharon Young, Richmond, VA - "I loved my trip! I wish I had taken some candy/pencils for the kids."

Susan Gerber, Eau Claire, WI - "I REALLY enjoyed it as an adventure tour!"

MACHU PICCHU & CUSCO EXTENSION