Peru & Cynthia Rutledge - All About Jewelry Design!

August 31 – September 9, 2014

Lima ~ Cusco ~ Sacred Valley ~ Machu Picchu

Extension Trip: September 9 – 12, 2014

Chiclayo ~ Trujillo ~ Lima

Come experience Peru on a tour that is like no other. In addition to the country’s history and charm and a workshop with Cynthia on a project exclusive to this Beadventure, you’ll also have a workshop with a professional jeweler, visit another contemporary jeweler and her studio, see weaving and textile dyeing demonstrations, and visit a talented ceramicist and his studio. And of course, there’s the Andean world’s artifacts, jewelry and other adornments that we’ll see in Peru's world-class museums and sites.

We’ll arrive in Lima after which we’ll fly to Cusco, the foremost city of the Inca Empire and the undisputed archaeological capital of the Americas. From there we’ll drive down into the Sacred Valley and then visit to Machu Picchu. With its spectacular location, it’s the best-known archaeological site on the continent. This awe-inspiring ancient city was never revealed to the conquering Spaniards and was virtually forgotten until the early part of the 20th century.

An optional extension trip will take you to Chiclayo where we’ll visit the Royal Tombs Museum, which houses tomb contents that includes jewelry made of bone, shell, feathers, turquoise, gold, silver, and more. We’ll also visit an educational center that focuses on traditional jewelry and gold work. We’ll also visit Trujillo, a coastal community on the where that is one of the most important archaeological sites on the north coast.

Itinerary

Day 1. Sunday, August 31. Arrive in Lima.
Today you will arrive in Lima, Peru where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. You'll have the day to get settled and rested after your flight.
Lodging: Hotel Casa Andina Select
Meals Included: All on your own

Day 2. Monday, September 1.   Explore Andean Works of Gold and Silver Artifacts.
Today we begin our exploration of this vibrant, bustling city with a tour of the Larco Herrera Museum, with the finest collection of gold and silver dating from ancient times. In the Andean world, the beauty and durability of metals gave objects an almost divine value. These objects allowed the Incas to poetically define their religion, their cosmological world and even their own genealogy. More than financial assets, they were beautiful objects, transformed from metal into beautiful adornments and artifacts to be offered to their gods. Representatives of these gods wore these objects or they were the ornaments buried in the tombs, accompanying the ruler to his afterlife. Our curator-led tour will include the unique opportunity to visit the storage area and see the many gorgeous pieces of jewelry not on display. The Museum is also home to an extraordinary collection of pre-Columbian artifacts and a unique collection of erotic ceramics. We’ll enjoy lunch here at their excellent Café del Museo.

This afternoon we have a workshop at the Instituto Peruano de Joyeria y Arte, led by professional jeweler Fredy Navarro, where we may try our hand at some of the techniques used in their jewelry designs. Dinner this evening is at Amaz, the renowned Amazonian gourmet restaurant of Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, one of Lima’s leading chefs. We return to our hotel after a day of incredible visual and gustatory delights!
Lodging: Hotel Casa Andina Select
Meals Included: All

Day 3. Tuesday, September 2. Visit Contemporary Jeweler, Crafters, Antique Collections.
This morning we have the pleasure of visiting contemporary jeweler Ester Ventura in her studio, appreciating her designs and workmanship and learning about her interesting life. We’ll enjoy a light lunch in a local restaurant in the picturesque Barranco neighborhood. This afternoon we visit some craft and antique dealers’ shops and see the private collections, shown to us by the collectors themselves. Dinner is on our own tonight.
Lodging: Hotel Casa Andina Select
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4. Wednesday, September 3. Fly to Cusco and the Sacred Valley/Workshop.
We have an early flight to Cusco, where our guide meets us and we drive down into the Sacred Valley. Our drive takes us through stunning landscapes of terraced mountainsides dating back to Inca times, still in use today. We arrive at our hotel in time for lunch, after which we have an orientation tour of the hotel and discuss the coming days’ activities. We must take time to acclimatize to the high altitude, 8000’, so it is best to rest and relax. The afternoon will include an introduction to Cynthia’s workshop project. Dinner will be at the hotel.
Lodging: Hotel El Albergue
Meals Included: All

Day 5. Thursday, September 4.    Workshop.
After breakfast we will have a full day workshop with Cynthia at the hotel. Our lunch at the hotel will be the classic “Pachamanca”, special foods roasted in an earthenware vessel in an underground oven. We’ll have dinner at the hotel.
Lodging: Hotel El Albergue
Meals Included: All

Day 6. Friday, September 5. Visit to Machu Picchu.
We drive a short distance to the Ollantaytambo train station to board the train for the scenic ride through dramatic scenery, along the mighty Urubamba River, with traces of Inca ruins on the hillsides. Arriving in the town of Aguas Caliente, we take the public bus up the winding road to magical Machu Picchu, mysterious site of Inca ruins; scholars still puzzle over its meaning. Our knowledgeable guide will take us through the narrow streets and up and down the stairs carved out centuries ago by the Inca. Lunch on site. Returning by bus to Aguas Caliente, we take the train back to Ollantaytambo and drive to our hotel for dinner.
Lodging: Hotel El Albergue
Meals Included: All

Day 7. Saturday, September 6. Andean Village of Chinchero.
This morning we drive though the countryside and up to the charming Andean village of Chinchero, renowned for its archaeological site and excellent weaving. With a visit to the famous coop of CTTC (Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco) we’ll see weaving and dyeing demonstrations and the beautiful products for sale made by the co-op members-- scarves, bags, shawls of excellent quality—great gifts! We’ll enjoy a box lunch along the road, stopping at a lovely place with a gorgeous view of the valley below. A visit to Moray is next, a fascinating site of an Inca agricultural laboratory; it is comprised of huge concentric terraces, each with its own microclimate. Some say it has mystical powers; it is certainly inspiring. Driving back towards our hotel, we stop at the studio of talented ceramicist Pablo Seminario, part workshop, part store, part home. He and his wife create unique pieces using techniques of Pre-Columbian artisans, sometimes embellished with silver. Dinner is at Huacatay, a delicious, small restaurant, before returning to our hotel.
Lodging: Hotel El Albergue
Meals Included: All

Day 8. Sunday, September 7. Tambomachay Inca Ruins and Cusco
We bid farewell to this lovely site and drive towards Cusco, and visit the Inca ruins of Tambomachay and the immense ruin of Sacsayhuaman, a sanctuary and ceremonial center. We continue down into Cusco, at 11,500, a stunning mix of Inca and colonial architecture. Our guide will show us the main square (Plaza de Armas), the 17th century baroque Cathedral and the Temple of Coricancha at Santo Domingo, the remains of what was once the center of Inca society. The Temple of the Sun was filled with fabulous treasures, which the Spaniards took 3 months to melt down and send to Spain.

Lunch is at the charming small Pucara restaurant right off the square. In the afternoon, we meet with a local jeweler for a workshop in his studio. Dinner on our own.
Lodging: Hotel Costa Del Sol Ramada Picoaga
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9. Monday, September 8. Workshop.
After breakfast we’ll continue our workshop with Cynthia. After lunch (on your own), you can continue to work on your project or further explore Cusco on your own, perhaps to shop the many enticing stores, etc. Lunch and dinner on our own.
Lodging: Hotel Costa Del Sol Ramada Picoaga
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10. Tuesday, September 9. Return to Lima and Depart for Home.
Bidding farewell to this fascinating city, we take a morning flight back to Lima where we expect to arrive around 1:30 p.m. (based on current flight schedules) in time for a delicious farewell lunch at the beautiful restaurant located adjacent to the archaeological site of Huaca Picllana, the 5-8th century AD ceremonial center of the pre-Inca Lima culture. If you have a few hours before your flight you might want to visit some good places for last minute shopping—Dedalo Market for excellent crafts, art galleries, Larco Mar shopping plaza.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Extension Trip - For those continuing their exploration of Peru

Day 10. Tuesday September 9. Fly to Chiclayo.
For those continuing on, we’ll fly in the afternoon to Chiclayo where we will check into our hotel and get settled. Dinner will be on your own.
Lodging: Hotel Casa Andina Select Chiclayo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11. Wednesday, September 10. Traditional Jewelry and Archaeological Finds.
Our day begins with a visit to the Huaca Rajada archaeological site and the Royal Tombs Museum. The Lord of Sipan tomb, never looted, is considered the richest every found in the Americas. The contemporary museum houses the contents of the tomb, including jewelry made of bone, shell, feathers, gilded pectoral plates, turquoise, gold, silver and so much more. The Lord of Sipan’s death is dated approximately 290 AD. After lunch, we visit Cetpro, the first Peruvian educational center focusing on traditional jewelry and gold work. It was created in 2012 to rescue the ancient Moche culture techniques by teaching them to the local people before they are lost in time. We’ll make a stop at Santa Rosa beach to admire the colorful boats at sunset. Dinner at the Fiesta Restaurant.
Lodging: Hotel Casa Andina Select Chiclayo
Meals Included: All

Day 12. Thursday, September 11. Cultural Artifacts of Trujillo.
This morning we visit the Sican Museum, home to many of the gold artifacts recovered from nearby tombs. This culture, dating from 750 AD-1375 AD, created metallurgical technologies. We drive south along the Pacific coast to Trujillo, a charming colonial town. Lunch is at a hacienda, where we’ll also be treated to a demonstration of the renowned Paso horses, their gait unique to Peru. We drive to the site of El Brujo, one of the most important archaeological sites on the north coast. It was a ceremonial center for perhaps 10 different cultures, including the Moche. The Senora de Cao is an intact funerary bundle (quite rare), 450 AD, containing the remains of a well-preserved woman of pre-Hispanic Peru, covered in jewels and power symbol of the mighty Moche culture, attesting to the importance of women at that time. The stunning Cao Museum displays the findings in context. Returning to Trujillo, we’ll enjoy a walking tour of the colorful colonial square. Dinner is on our own.
Lodging: Hotel Libertador
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13. Friday, September 12. Departure.
In the morning you will be able to enjoy some free time in this charming town before we take our flight to Lima, arriving in time to get our international flight back to the U.S.
Meal Included: Breakfast

About the Workshop Project . . .La Moñtana de la Luz
Sitting atop a mountain ridge, above the Sacred Valley, lays the 15^th century estate of Machu Picchu. Spanish for “old peak”, Machu Picchu is the jewel of Peru. Built in the 1450’s as an estate for the Incan emperor, Pachacuti (1438-1477), this relatively intact archeological site gives the visitor a fabulous view of life as it was before the Spanish Conquest.

Although, abandoned within a hundred years of being built, the estate has stood the test of time, a testament to the fine stone masonry of the Incans. The mountaintop is split up into three areas, agricultural, urban and religious. As you glance down onto the ruins, you can easily see the temples, fields, terraces and baths that were once populated. Blending into the hillside, Machu Picchu is a green paradise, basking in the sun.

La Moñtana de la Luz (The Mountain in the light) Bangle was inspired by the wonders of Machu Picchu. The central CZ represents the main body of the estate, the jewel at the top of the mountain. Set within a fine metal setting the CZ is surrounded with the look of terraces, spiraling their way down the mountain. Peyote stitch and netting, work together, for a beautiful central component for the bangle.

A Peyote stitch strip completely covers a brass cuff blank. The blank is used upside down, allowing the opening to be part of the clasp. A string of pearls, embellished with a lacing technique, represent the Incan Trail, as it ascends to the top of the mountain.

About Cynthia Rutledge . . . Cynthia is a contemporary artist and teacher focusing on beadwork as her medium. She specializes in peyote stitch and off-loom weaving techniques with an emphasis on developing sculptural unsupported shapes in beadwork. Her work has been exhibited in national and international shows and has appeared in Nicolette Stessin's Beaded Amulet Purses, Carol Taylor's Creative Bead Jewelry, and Carol Wilcox Wells' Creative Bead Weaving: A Contemporary Guide to Classic Off-Loom Stitches.

Cynthia writes:
"My attraction to 3-dimensional shapes has created a fascination for me throughout my life and has fueled my creative spirit. My choice of beadwork as a primary medium has followed that same fascination. As my beadwork has evolved, my work seems to always lean towards the building of shapes and forms that are functional and wearable.

The choice to use beads as my medium was primarily influenced by my love of color. Beads reflect and absorb light, hold shape and dimension, and in so doing, offer chameleon-like qualities. It is not always the end result that is the most important to me, however. The process of working with beads and thread is meditative and calming, which allows time for reflection. Engineering each piece is always a challenge that thrills me, as well as giving me the power to make the decisions that need to be made for each piece. The more I experience the wonderful qualities of beadwork, the more I realize my relationship with beads will always be one of learning, experiencing and sharing.

The decision to teach grew from my personal desire to share my love of beads and all the wonderful things that can be created with them. The commitment that I have to teaching stems from my desire to share the knowledge I have gained while developing my own skills in this medium. Ultimately, my mission is to help to keep this art form alive and well."

Trip Cost – Main Trip

US $5,220* + $445** in-country air travel = $5,665.00 total cost
Single supplement: US $900
*Price is approximate based on ten travelers. Should the group be smaller, the price may increase (usually not more than $200). **Air travel price also is approximate; when Peruvian domestic air travel is booked the price will be adjusted based on actual cost at the time of booking.

A $500 deposit reserves your place on the trip; final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Please review Beadventures' Conditions and Responsibilities for additional information, including cancellation policies.

Please note registration deadline for this very special Beadventure is February 1, 2014.

Cost Includes

All lodging
Peru domestic air travel
Travel insurance (coverage up to approximately US$ 5,665 based on eligible covered expenses (download coverage information)
Workshop
90% of meals
Joan Noble as Tour Manager and English speaking tour guides
Private group transfers from/to airports
Private van for entire trip
Sightseeing and entrance fees
Special private workshops with local artisans
Hotel and restaurant taxes and service fees
Departure information

Does Not Include

Airfare to and from Peru
10% of meals
Workshop supplies
Items of a personal nature (i.e. laundry, telephone, wi-fi where not included, sodas and alcoholic drinks, etc.)
Tips to guides and drivers (recommendations will be provided

Trip Cost - Extension Trip

US $1,725* + $370** in country air travel = $2,095 total cost
Single supplement: US $290
*Price is approximate based on six travelers. Should the group be fewer , the price may increase (usually not more than $200).
**Price is approximate until Peruvian domestic air travel is booked; price will be adjusted based on actual cost at time of booking

Includes

All lodging
Additional travel insurance coverage
80% of meals as noted
Joan Noble Tour Manager and English speaking tour guides
Private group transfers from/to airports
Private van for entire trip
Special museum visits
Sightseeing and entrance fees
Hotel and restaurant taxes and service fees