Avenue of the Americas

	Itinerary	Nothing dispels faster the illusory Eurocentric view of World Culture than on-site visits to the spectacular natural locations and awe inspiring archaeological remains of Macchu Picchu in Peru and Tikal in Guatemala. Perched precipitously on a rock promontory that towers above the Urubamba river way below, and surrounded by forest covered and snow capped peaks towering high above, Macchu Picchu, the fabled 'Lost City of the Incas', despite obvious economic 'pressure' on visitors, still fully justifies its status as the premier destination in south America. Situated in Tikal National Park, adjacent to the Maya Biosphere Reserve, and rising above tropical rainforest as far as the eye can see in all directions, the pyramids and temples of the partly excavated remains of the massive first millennial Mayan city of Tikal, are just about as extraordinary as it gets in the world of travel. Logistically awkward, yet subject to large numbers of day trip visitors, both sites necessitate a two day visit. Dawn and sunset viewing, and avoiding the midday rush are essential for beginning to absorb the enormity of these experiences. Last but not least, the journey to these sites involves an 11 day odyssey through everyday Latin American Culture. There is only one 'City' to visit in the world - New York. It is, without a doubt, the extreme variant of its type. One of the great creations of the modern world, Manhattan is magnetic, compelling, addictive - the 'Temple of Modernity'. There is one thing to do in New York - jazz. Arguably 'the only truly original American art form', jazz sits quite naturally in such a pure urban environment. Travellers, who might not ordinarily take to jazz, should set aside personal musical preferences and hit the clubs and hear the sounds as perfect expressions of modern world culture - spontaneity, rapidity, openness, diversity, exploration, anonymity. Modern art, also exceptional in New York, and Gospel singing in Harlem are other interesting options. There is no need to be overly concerned about mugging in New York. Day by day living can empty the contents of one's wallet just as effectively! Flights - this itinerary involves an expensive one way flight between Peru and Guatemala, New York being a scheduled stopover. There are reasons for and against incurring this expense. On balance, for people who have never been to New York and Central and South America, the argument is compelling. Pete Townsend- lecturer in English, specialist on modern American literature and author of 'Jazz in American Culture' will act as consultant on jazz in New York.
1.	Arrive Lima Peru. (1 night)
2.	Fly to Cusco - transfer to Ollantaytambo. (1 night)
3.	Transfer to Macchu Picchu. (1 night)
4.	Return to Cusco. (1 night)
5.	Fly to Lima. (1 night)
6.	Fly to Guatemala City. (1 night)
7.	Fly to Flores. (1 night)
8.	Stay in Tikal. (2 nights)
9.	Fly to Guatemala City. (1 night)
10.	Fly to New York. (4 nights)
11.	Return Flight.
Budget Excluding international return flights. Singles from £1,350/$1,940 Sharing from £825/$1,190 incl internal flights Lima/Cusco return & Guat City/Flores return