The pandemic may have hampered people’s travel plans this year, but it certainly hasn’t reduced their wanderlust and burning desire to experience different cultures around the world. For that reason, Almost Essentials’ recommended experts in travel to Peru, Bolivia and the Galapagos have put together a new programme of online events with their travel experts this October and November. The talks include rare opportunities to; listen to the stories of real-life ‘Indiana Jones‘ types characters, see stunning South American architecture, learn to cook with exotic Peruvian flavours, and gain some much-needed therapy all from the comfort of your own home.

Registration links to each of the events are below. If you have any questions or would like further information about the events then please contact the host Marisol via Almost Essential.

Events & Dates

ROYAL ESTATES OF THE INCAS

THURSDAY 15 OCTOBER 2020
12:30 LIMA TIME ( 18:30 BST / 19:30 CEST )

Peter Frost, Writer, Photographer & National Geographic Expedition Leader.

Machu Picchu was the personal property of an emperor, simply the most famous of many spectacular ruined palaces which survive to astound us in the former Inca heartland. These royal estates were enormous, combining multiple political, religious and economic functions – and they were also extraordinary works of landscape art and architecture, built amidst scenic mountain terrain which can still take our breath away. Peter Frost takes a look at some of these places and contemplates their role and meaning in the mighty Inca empire.

Peter has been exploring the Amazonian Andes for over 35 years, for which he’s published several notable books. Among other National Geographic Society expeditions, in 2001 and 2002 he led a group into the remote region of Vilcabamba, discovering the previously unknown Inca and pre-Inca site of Qoriwayrachina.

THE MAGIC OF QUINOA

THURSDAY 29 OCTOBER 2020
12:30 LIMA TIME ( 17:30 GMT / 18:30 CET )

José Luis Lescano, Culinary Travel Expert

Long before quinoa became fashionable as a western superfood, quinoa was the original superfood to the Incas. In recent times avant-garde Peruvian chefs have rediscovered the ingredient’s special qualities to create iconic dishes that have been exported around the globe.

In this 1-hour sessions, José Luis, who has enjoyed taking many travelers on culinary tours of Cusco will be discussing the magic of quinoa, it’s qualities, and versatility in cuisine. The session will include a live demonstration by Peruvian chef on how to prepare a delicious Quinotto recipe, with fresh shrimp and forest mushrooms.

MACHU PICCHU – AN ANTHROPOLOGICAL VIEW

THURSDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2020
12:30 LIMA TIME ( 17:30 GMT / 18:30 CET )

Dr. Jean-Jacques Decoster, Anthropologist.

Originally from France, Dr. Decoster nowadays lives in Cusco, where he has held prestigious positions such as Professor of Anthropology and Ethno-history at the Universidad Nacional San Antonio Abad del Cusco, Director of Centro Tinku (language and cultural center), President of Asociación Kuraka, and Expeditions Consultant to the French Consul and the National Geographic Society.

Having spent many years studying Andean cultures, Dr. Decoster regularly accompanies Aracari travelers on tours of Machu Picchu, providing travelers with a wealth of insight into the historical and modern-day workings of the Incas and Andean life today. In this conversation, he will tell us about what it’s like to visit Machu Picchu and why it remains an eternal fascination for people around the world.

A VIRTUAL TOUR OF LIMA CATHEDRAL AND SANTO DOMINGO CHURCH (EN CASTELLANO)

THURSDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2020
12:30 LIMA TIME ( 17:30 GMT / 18:30 CET )

Luis Andrés Villacorta, Professor of Architecture, UPC.

For more than two centuries Lima has been one of the most influential cities for trade, politics and culture in all of South America. Today, the city’s architecture, cuisine, arts and music reflects Lima’s position at the epicenter of cultural development across the continent. At the heart of this World Heritage City are two architectural icons of Viceregal Limeña architecture: the Catedral de Lima, and the Dominican convent.

It’s not every day such prestigious architecture can be enjoyed from the comfort of your home. So, it’s a truly wonderful gift that Professor Luis Andrés Villacorta – an architect from the National University of Engineering in Lima –  should agree to host a virtual tour of these two historic buildings. As a lecturer on architecture at the Peruvian University of Applied Sciences (UPC) and consultant for the Getty Conservation Institute in Peru, he is undoubtedly the most perfect guide for this experience. Be sure not to miss it.

TRADITIONAL ARTS OF PERU

THURSDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2020
12:30 LIMA TIME ( 17:30 GMT / 18:30 CET )

John Alfredo Davis, Artist & Designer.

John is part of the second-generation of his family that has dedicated themselves to the revival and promotion of Peruvian art. Indeed, he is one of few authorities on Andean art and textiles in Peru, having co-founded “Picaflor,” an organization that supports and exhibits the work of craftspeople in traditional Peruvian arts.

For those interested in exploring Lima’s arts and crafts museums, John is the ideal companion, as the co-founder and curator of Kuntur Huasi, a traditional Peruvian arts and crafts gallery, as well as La Tienda Del Museo, which creates jewelry collections inspired by pre-Columbian designs. In the penultimate talk in this series, John will talk about the fascinating history of Peruvian arts and crafts and highlight what not to miss on any visit to the country.

THE THERAPY OF BIRDWATCHING

THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2020
12:30 LIMA TIME ( 17:30 GMT / 18:30 CET )

Jose Luis Lescano, Birdwatcher & Photographer.

In these anxious times we live, José Luis delves into the topic of birdwatching as a therapeutic activity. Through his own experiences, he explains why Peru and in particular the area around Cusco is one of the best destinations in the world for birdwatching. He will talk about some of the experiences that can be enjoyed in this regard and touch on his passion for capturing birdlife through his photographer’s lens.

In our final talk of the series, join José Luis to discover what he has learned about the birds of Peru and the advice he gives to nature-loving travelers to the country.

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