ACEER Itinerary and Registration Form

Sponsored by the ACEER Foundation, the Amazon Conservation Association and West Chester University of PA

 Orchids of Peru

November 5^th – 14^th, 2009

Cost:  $3,670 From Lima based on double occupancy

(International Airfare NOT included)

 Deadline for Registration and $500 Deposit:  August 3^rd, 2009

 Visit the Manu Cloud Forest at Wayqechas, the Sacred City of Machu Picchu, and nurseries in Lima 

Day 01                                                            USA/LIMA  Thursday, 5 November

Travel from USA to Lima, each guest is met upon arrival in Lima and transferred to the Hotel Sonesta Posada Del Inca, El Olivar.    In-flight meals    
Overnight Lima – Hotel Sonesta Posada Del Inca, El Olivar

 Day 02                                                            LIMA to WAYQECHAS     Friday, 6 November

After breakfast, transfer to Lima airport for the flight to Cusco.    The bus and guide meet you at the airport in Cusco, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere.  A distinguishing feature of the city is the colonial Spanish architecture built upon the foundations of ancient Incan temples.   A four hour journey takes you from Cusco through the Andes Mountains, to Wayqechas.  Upon arrival at the site, there will be a short orientation of the site before dinner.  There will be a short lecture after dinner. The lecture will focus on orchid species of the cloud forest, with special attention to those found in the Wayqechas region.

Breakfast at Hotel Sonesta Posada Del Inca, El Olivar; Box lunch along the way
Dinner and overnight at the Manu Cloud Forest - Wayqechas Lodge

Day 03                                    Full Day at MANU CLOUD FOREST - WAYQECHAS  Saturday, 7 November

The day will be spent exploring the site and trails.  This site, from top to bottom, straddles 7 climate zones.  Where the Andes meet the Amazon, an avalanche of biodiversity marks the birthplace of the world’s greatest river.  It starts as a trickle of snowmelt on the 20,000 foot peaks of southeastern Peru, swells into a mountain torrent through the Altiplano and cloud forests, and reaches the sweltering lowlands as a great, meandering tributary of the Amazon.  The site provides an unparalleled opportunity to see a wide variety of orchids and rare indigenous plants and animals in this cloud forest environment.  After breakfast, the morning will be spent with your Orchid guide, who will lead a fairly rugged hike from the lodge, along the Spectacled Bear Trail and along some orchid transects, where it is possible to see a diverse variety of orchids. 
After lunch at the lodge, the group will go to the Manu Cloud Forest Observatory, the only canopy walkway system in the cloud forests of the Andes.  This is a unique opportunity to view the forest canopy and species of orchids that grow in the treetops. Return will be at sunset.  Or, you may choose to visit other trails at Wayqechas or just relax in the afternoon. 
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner – Wayqechas Lodge  
Overnight – Wayqechas Lodge 

Day 04            MANU CLOUD FOREST – WAYQECHAS TO YUCAY         Sunday, 8 November

You will enjoy sunrise over the Amazon Basin, the world’s largest wilderness.  From the lodge site, looking eastward, you will see the Madre de Dios River.  In the words of Aldo Leopold, “and ever since some maps of South America have shown a short heavy line running eastward beyond the Andes, a river without a beginning and without an end, and labeled it the River of the Mother of God.  That short heavy line … has always seemed the perfect symbol of the Unknown Places of the earth.”    You depart from the site after breakfast and travel over a magnificent mountain pass and descend into the Sacred Valley.  Along the way you will stop to have a boxed lunch.  If time permits, you will stop at the market in Pisac.  After arriving in Yucay, you will have the afternoon on your own to relax or explore the small town.   
Breakfast:  Manu Cloud Forest – Wayqechas Lodge; Lunch:  Box Lunch; Dinner:  Casona Yucay
Overnight:  Casona Yucay

Day 05                                                YUCAY to MACHU PICCHU   Monday, 9 November

After breakfast, you depart at 6:45 am and travel through the historic Urubamba Valley to Ollantaytambo, where you transfer to the train that goes to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. After the hour and a half ride you arrive at Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Village).   You check in at the Pueblo Hotel, where according to the American Orchid Society, the grounds surrounding the hotel contain the world’s largest native species orchid garden that is open to the public, 155 native bird species, 15 species of hummingbirds, 108 butterfly species, and more than 200 species of trees.   After lunch you will join Inkaterra’s experienced orchid guide and resident biologist, Carmen Soto, for a two to three hour walk along the hotel's paths. Walk through the orchid garden to observe some of the hotel's 372 different orchids in bloom. Discover this extraordinary plant family, which has captured the human imagination for centuries. From the largest orchid flower in the world – the Phragmipedium caudatum, to tiny flowering specimens properly appreciated only through a magnifying glass, there are orchids to amaze both the newly inquisitive and the expert, including species new to science which have been discovered on the hotel grounds. 
Breakfast: Casona Yucay; Lunch: Inkaterra Cafe; Dinner: Pueblo Hotel

Overnight: Pueblo Hotel

Day 06                                           MACHU PICCHU  Tuesday, 10 November

After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will depart between 6 and 6:30 am for the journey to Machu Picchu to view the sunrise. The topography, geology and hydrology of Machu Picchu create nine life zones and contain a wide diversity of flora and fauna species. There are more than 1000 species of orchids within the Sanctuary, as well as a wide variety of ferns, begonias, palms, and bromeliads. The Sanctuary has many species of fauna as well including the solitary eagle, the Andean condor, the ocelot, spectacled bear, and a great variety of birds including the cock-of-the-rock, Peru’s national bird.  Begin an exploration of the architectural remains of plazas, palaces, temples, homes, cemeteries and more than 100 irrigated terraces that formed the structure for the Incan agricultural system. The day will provide an ongoing opportunity for discussions of Incan cultural traditions including their agricultural and medicinal practices. After lunch you may hike from Machu Picchu to the Sun Gate – where the famous Inca Trail enters the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.  Along the way you can see Epidendrums, Lycastes, Sobralias, and perhaps a Phragmipedium caudatum.  The views of the Sanctuary from the Sun Gate are framed by mountains all around. 
On your return journey from Machu Picchu, there will be an optional visit to the INC museum and gardens.  It does require a 20 minute walk along the railway to get to and from the museum.  Those choosing not to visit the museum and gardens will return to the Pueblo Hotel.  Dinner will be at the hotel. 
Breakfast: Pueblo Hotel; Lunch: Sanctuary Lodge; Dinner: Pueblo Hotel

Overnight: Pueblo Hotel

Day 07                               MACHU PICCHU TO CUSCO  Wednesday, 11 November

After breakfast, you will have time to relax or take a stroll around the grounds of the Pueblo Hotel before boarding the 10:32 am train and arriving in Ollantaytambo at 12:10 pm, where you will be met and transferred to a bus for the drive to Cusco.  Lunch will be at a local restaurant in the Sacred Valley.  On the way to Cusco you will tour the textiles galleria and see local artisans weaving wool from alpacas and llamas and creating traditional woven rugs and clothing.  In the afternoon, we will stop at the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, high above Cusco.  You arrive in Cusco to the Hotel Monasterio in time for dinner.
Breakfast: Pueblo Hotel;  Lunch: Local restaurant;  Dinner: Hotel Monasterio

Overnight: Hotel Monasterio

Day 08                                                            CUSCO        Thursday, 12 November

After breakfast, there will be a walking tour of the main squares of Cusco, the Cathedral and nearby churches.  If time permits, you will visit the local market four blocks away.  Lunch will be on your own.  Shopping on your own and an afternoon of leisure.  Dinner at a local restaurant.  Night at Monasterio.  
Breakfast at Hotel Monasterio;  Lunch:  On your own;  Dinner:  At a local restaurant

Overnight – Hotel Monasterio

Day 09                                                    CUSCO to LIMA     Friday, 13 November

After breakfast you will have the morning on your own.  You depart  for the airport for your flight from Cusco to Lima.  You go directly to the Centro de Jardineria Manrique – laboratory and nursery in Lima, owned by Alfredo Manrique.  Mr. Manrique will give you a guided tour of his nurseries, where you will have the opportunity to see many varieties not available in the USA.  Program at the Centro de Jardineria Manrique:

 After the program, you go to an early dinner at Rosa Nautica – a restaurant on a pier in the Pacific Ocean, before your late night flights to the USA.
Breakfast at the Hotel Monasterio;  Lunch: On your own at the airport;  Dinner at Rosa Nautica Restaurant in Lima

Overnight in flight to the USA 

Day 10                                                     ARRIVAL IN THE USA    Saturday, 14 November
International flights arrive in US.

Please Note – Advice for Travelers: 

     Location/Terrain/Hikes:   this workshop takes place in the Andes Mountains.  Elevations range from 8,000 – 12,000 feet.  Travelers may experience problems with altitude sickness.  Walking/Hiking will produce shortness of breath.  Trails at Wayqechas are rugged and steep – travelers must wear good hiking boots and be prepared for fairly strenuous walking.
     Road Travel:   the roads to Wayqechas are narrow dirt roads - steep mountain passes, over high elevations.
     Lodgings:  4 – 5 star hotels are used, other than at Wayqechas, which is a research station in the cloud forests of the Andes.  Accommodations at Wayqechas are in unheated cabins, 4 persons (same gender) sharing one bathroom.  Warm clothing and raingear are required.
     Instructors and Guest Lecturers   Biographical Information 
     Carmen Rosa Soto Vargas
     Carmen Soto Vargas is a native of Peru and from the city of Cusco.  Carmen graduated from the School of Biological Sciences, National University of San Antonio Abad in Cusco (UNSAAC.)  She learned to identify and love orchids in Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, where she has worked almost 10 years for Inkaterra Association as resident Chief Biologist in charge of flora conservation projects (orchids, ferns and flowers in general,) fauna (Spectacled Bears, butterflies and wild birds management) and in situ research.
      Alfredo Manrique
     An Agronomist from Universidad Agraria la Molina, Lima Peru, Alfredo Manrique started Centro de Jardinería Manrique a nursery business in 1972.  At that time he focused mainly on Conifers, Azaleas, and Begonias.  In the beginning he did not grow orchids, but in the early ‘90s Alfredo discovered the high potential of adding orchids to his business, especially with the great interest for Peruvian species.  He then changed the emphasis to orchids and now 90 percent of his business is dedicated to them.  Alfredo’s nursery is considered to be among the best in Peru.  Growers from all over the world visit his facilities and purchase his plants and seedlings.  The nursery keeps 20,000 mature plants and 10,000 seedlings of different species and hybrids in stock.  With the help of late Dr Isaias Rolando, a well known orchidist and member of the Peruvian Orchid Society, Alfredo started his own in-vitro lab.  The lab began operations in 1995 and now produces more than 1000 flasks annually.  

     Alfredo has been a grower and hibridizer of Peruvian orchids since 1988, and has been growing and hibridizing Phragmipedium kovachii since 2003.  He has been a member of the Peruvian Orchid Society since 1994, where he was president from 2001-2005, and a member of the American Orchid Society since 1996.  Alfredo attends many orchid shows, mainly in the USA, where he has been invited to speak at many of them due to his extensive knowledge of Peruvian orchids.  Recently he has spoken at the National Capital Orchid Society, Baltimore, Orchid Society, Harrisburg Orchid Society, Maryland Orchid Society, the Coalition of Orchids species in Miami, the Winter Orchid Fair in Miami, the Redland Orchid fair in Miami and the New York Orchid Society.   Alfredo has also spoken to the Andean Orchid Conference and Quito Orchid Conference and  at the 19th World Orchid Congress  in Miami.

     Alfredo still has the first orchid that entered his collection of ornamental plants in the 80´s.  A Cattleya maxima, that he was not able to put in bloom for 6 years until he moved it to an area that received higher light.

     Alfredo may be reached at:  cjmgard@terra.com.pe  
Websites of interest:  www.peruorchids.com/en/index.html                                http://www.phragmipediumkovachi.com    www.perucjmorchids.com
     For more information about the tour, please contact the ACEER Foundation and visit our website:  www.aceer.org.

Contact:          Mary Ann Robinson              
                 mrobinson@wcupa.edu                                               610-738-0477                                                

Total Cost:  $3,670 all inclusive from Lima (Peruvian air, hotels, food, transportation, guide service, entrance fees.)  International airfare will be purchased by the traveler and is NOT included in the total cost.  $500 Deposit and registration forms are due by August 3, 2009.  Final payment of balance is due September 2, 2009.  Mail forms and checks to:
The ACEER Foundation;  PO Box 2549 – WCU;  West Chester, PA  19383 

ACEER

FOUNDATION
RESERVATION CERTIFICATE

Please enclose a check for $500 per person deposit August 3^rd, 2009  to reserve space(s) on the departure date designated below.
Workshop price is per person based on double occupancy.
I would like to participate in the following Workshop: 

 Orchids of Peru;   November 5^th – 14^th, 2009
 ($3,670 from Lima)

DUE TO THE VOLATILITY OF FUEL PRICES, TRAVELERS WILL BE CHARGED ANY ADDITIONAL FEES LEVIED BY THE AIRLINES PRIOR TO TICKETING.

NAME (S) Dr. ___ Mr. ___ Mrs. ___ Ms. ___                                                                                                                                                              

(Print full name as it appears on passport for each traveler.)

Address                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

City                                                                                            State                               Zip                                                                                             

Home Phone                                                                                                         Business Phone                                                                                  

Fax                                                                                                                          e-mail                                                                                                   

Phone number(s) prior to departure                                                                                                                                                                                

 
ACCOMMODATIONS

I would like to share a room with                                                                                                                                                                                    

Please assign a roommate. Yes ___ No ___

I desire single accommodations (Land portion only; single accommodations are available for an additional charge of $900.00).

Yes ___ No ___

How did you hear about this workshop:  ___________________________________________________________ 

METHOD OF PAYMENT

FINAL payment due by check prior to departure date – FINAL PAYMENT DUE  Sept.  2^nd, 2009
Please address checks to:
ACEER Foundation;  P.O. Box 2549 -WCU;   West Chester, PA 19383 

INSURANCE

The ACEER Foundation REQUIRES travelers to obtain Travel Insurance in case of trip delays, flight cancellations, luggage coverage, and health related issues.  Some insurance Companies include pre-existing

medical conditions.  Contact your travel agent, or ACEER, or go to WWW.TRAVELGUARD.COM. 
Please attach proof of insurances to this document. Trip insurance is required.  Please list name of company providing coverage and policy number:
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I have received, read and accept the conditions of the General Information section, especially the Cancellation clause and the Responsibilities and Conditions paragraph on this form. I would like to make reservations for the person(s) listed above in accordance with the enclosed deposit. EACH PARTICIPANT MUST SIGN THIS WAIVER. 

Date                                    Signature                                                                                                                                                                                 

CANCELLATION POLICY:
All cancellations must be made in writing and are effective upon receipt in our office.
The following fees apply and are per person:
$100 from time of booking to 90 days prior to departure
$350 from 89 to 61 days prior to departure
Full penalty from 60 to 0 days prior to departure 

TRANSFERS: Are subject to the same terms as cancellations

RESPONSIBILITIES, TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
The ACEER Foundation , its affiliates and agencies (hereafter referred as THEY) act only in the capacity of agents in all matters

Of transportation and tour operation, and their liability is limited to the terms of the airline tickets and land accommodation contracts. THEY are not liable for any delays, inconveniences, accidents, expenses, or mishaps of any kind whatsoever resulting entirely, or in part, from the negligence of others or from causes beyond their control. THEY can accept no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delays or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other causes. All such losses or expenses will be borne by the passenger, as tour rate provides for arrangements only for the time stated. The right is reserved to substitute accommodations or modes of transportation and to make any changes in the itinerary where deemed necessary or caused in changes in air schedules. On expeditions of this type it is not possible to accommodate persons with severe health problems or physical disabilities which involve walking or other activities. It is the passenger’s responsibility to judge the appropriateness of these travel activities to their physical capabilities. THEY take no responsibility for special arrangements or problems incurred by passengers physically unable to participate in the planned activities. No refund can be made for absence from the tour unless arrangements are made at the time of booking. The right is reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a tour member for any reason which affects the operation of the tour or the rights and welfare or enjoyment of the other tour members. THEY will not discriminate against any individual because of race, sex, creed or nationality. A refund of the cost of recoverable land tour services is the limit of the ACEER Foundation and its affiliates’ liability. All contracts for services provided by the ACEER Foundation  and its affiliates are entered into the state of Pennsylvania and all parties  to such contracts submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the state of Pennsylvania.    

PERSONAL DATA FOR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Please complete the following information for each person.

Name                                                                                  Nickname                                                                       

Date of Birth                                                                      Age                                                                                 

Nationality                                                                                                                                                                 

Passport Number                                                                                                                                                        

Occupation ________________________________________________________________________________                                                      

T-shirt size for ACEER t-shirt:  (S, M, L, XL, XXL)    _________________

Emergency contact person _________________________ Phone Number_____________________________

Relationship __________________________ 

Please specify dietary and physical needs:________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 RELEASE OF LIABILITY PRIVATE  

                I, _______________________________(full name), as a participant of the

Orchids of peru workshop to Peru sponsored by the Amazon Center for Environmental Education and Research (ACEER) Foundation and Centro Amazonico de Educacion Ambiental e Investigacion (Fundacion ACEER), fully release the Amazon Center for Environmental Education and Research (ACEER) Foundation and Centro Amazonico de Educacion Ambiental e Investigacion (Fundacion ACEER) from all liability for any delays, inconveniences, accidents, expenses, or mishaps of any kind whatsoever. I understand they can accept no responsibility for losses or expenses due to delays, changes in air or other services, sickness, accidents, weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other causes. All such losses or expenses will be borne by me. Accordingly, and in consideration of my participation, I hereby agree to the following: 

                I have read the information herein and recognize and accept any risks thereof. I understand, and hereby agree, on behalf of myself, my dependents, heirs, executors and assigns, to abide by the conditions set forth in this Release of Liability and hereby release and hold harmless the Amazon Center for Environmental Education and Research (ACEER) Foundation, Centro Amazonico de Educacion Ambiental e Investigacion (Fundacion ACEER), and any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, licensees or representatives from any and all liability arising out of or relating to my participation, however occurring, including injuries, death, delays, cancellation or loss or damage to property. 

                Dates of Travel

                November 5^th – 14^th, 2009

                Guest Full Name (print)             _____________________________________

                Signed                                                  _____________________________________

                Signed by Parent (if app.)           _____________________________________

                Dated                                                   _____________________________________ 

Each guest must submit an original copy of this signed form to the ACEER Foundation.
ACEER FOUNDATION   RECOGNITION OF RISK 

The following agreements are designed to protect all workshop participants in the ACEER Foundation Workshops to Peru:  participants, students, faculty, its trustees, officers, agents and employees, and the agencies and individuals cooperating with the ACEER Foundation.  We require all workshop participants (and their parents if under 21) sign these forms to indicate their agreement and permission.  

If a participant has a history of any medical or psychiatric problems during the previous two years, we strongly advise that he/she consult with a medical professional in this country before departure to discuss the potential stress and difficulty of travel abroad. 

1. I/We understand that participation in the program is entirely voluntary and that any program of travel involves some element of risk.  I/We agree that in partial consideration of ACEER sponsoring this activity, I/we will hold the ACEER Foundation, its trustees, officers, agents, and employees harmless from any damages for any injury or loss to persons or property the participant might sustain while so participating.  I/We hereby release the ACEER Foundation, its trustees, officers, agents and employees from any liability whatsoever for any personal injury (including death) or property damage arising from participation in the program.  I/We agree to the “Release of Liability” document which is executed along with this document, and I/we agree to indemnify the ACEER Foundation, its trustees, offices, agents and employees from and against any loss or claim arising from my participation in the program.

2. I/We understand that the ACEER Foundation or the sponsoring institution reserves the right to make cancellations, changes or substitutions in case of emergency or changed conditions or in the interest of the group.  Should the ACEER Foundation cancel the program, full refunds will be made unless the cancellation is due to political, natural, technological or other catastrophes beyond its control in which case the ACEER Foundation will be able to refund only uncommitted or recoverable funds.  Should another sponsoring institution cancel its program, its refund policy, if any, will apply.

3. I/We understand that participants in the program are representatives of the ACEER Foundation and the United States and by signing this agreement pledges to deport himself or herself in a manner that reflects favorably on both.  We understand that in addition to regular classes the program may include planned lectures and field trips which are germane to the educational experience, and that the participant agrees to participate willingly in such activities in addition to regular classes.

4. I/We understand that the ACEER Foundation requires that appropriate sickness and accident insurance cover all participants for the duration of the program, and that they be financially responsible for all medical expenses.  In addition, we understand that payment for medical expenses customarily will have to be advanced, and reimbursement sought later from the carrier.

INSURANCE IS REQUIRED FOR PARTICIPATION IN THIS WORKSHOP 

5. 
   5.          I/We understand that foreign programs may not regularly employ health care professionals overseas and make no representation with respect to accessibility of services and facilities abroad.  Appropriate treatments, especially psychological, may not be as readily available abroad as in the United States.  The participant must, therefore, make provision before departure for continuation of medical treatments such as prescriptions or special diets.  The director of the program should be fully informed of any special needs before leaving on the program.

6. For a participant under the age of 18 years, if ACEER is unable to reach a parent or guardian to give consent, I/we, the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the above named participant hereby authorize the ACEER Foundation’s representative to consent for me/us to any x-ray examination, anesthetic, medicinal or surgical diagnosis, or treatment and hospital care deemed necessary or advisable by a physician during the period the participant is enrolled in the ACEER Foundation program.

7. For a participant who is 18 years of age or older, if I/we are unconscious or otherwise unable to give my/our consent, I/we hereby authorize the ACEER Foundation’s representative to consent for me/us to any x-ray examination, anesthetic, medicinal or surgical diagnosis, or treatment and hospital care deemed necessary or advisable by a physician during the period the participant is enrolled in the ACEER Foundation program.

8. It is understood that the authorizations listed above are given in advance of any specific diagnosis, treatment or hospital care being required but are given to provide authority and power on the part of the ACEER Foundation to give specific consent to the diagnosis, treatment or hospital care which in the best judgment of a physician is deemed advisable.

I/we authorize all health care providers  or other covered entities to disclose to ACEER or ACEER’s representative, upon request, any information, oral or written, regarding my physical or mental health, including, but not limited to, medical and hospital records and what is otherwise private, privileged, protected or personal health information such as health information defined and described in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”), the regulations promulgated thereunder, and any other federal, state or local laws and rules.

 SIGNATURES 

The signatures of both the participant and their parent or legal guardian are required (if under age 21).  Please return this form (three pages) completed with your registration form. 

Your registration is not complete without this signed document. 

 ACEER Foundation Photo Release Form 

I grant permission to the ACEER Foundation and its agents or employees, to use photographs taken of me for use in ACEER publications, both printed and electronic. I hereby waive any right to inspect or approve the finished photographs or printed or electronic matter that may be used in conjunction with them now or in the future, whether that use is known to me or unknown, and I waive any right to royalties or other compensation arising from or related to the use of the photograph. I hereby agree to release, defend and hold harmless the ACEER Foundation and its agents or employees, including any firm publishing and/or distributing the finished product in whole or in part, whether on paper or via electronic media, from and against any claims, damages or liability arising from or related to the use of the photographs, including but not limited to any misuse, distortion, blurring, alteration, optical illusion or use in composite form, either intentionally or otherwise, that may occur or be produced in taking, processing, reduction or production of the finished product, its publication or distribution. It is the discretion of the ACEER Foundation to decide whether to use the image.

I am 18 years of age or older and I am competent to contract in my own name. I have read this release before signing below, and I fully understand the contents, meaning and impact of this release. I understand that I am free to address any specific questions regarding this release by submitting those questions in writing prior to signing, and I agree that my failure to do so will be interpreted as a free and knowledgeable acceptance of the terms of this release.   

________________________________________________________________
Name (please print) 

________________________________________________________________
Signature 

________________________________________________________________
Signature of guardian  [if under 18 years of age]  

________________________________________________________________
Date

 
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