NOTES Explore the Amazon to the Andes

PERU • Nature. Culture. Archeology. Philanthropy. This trip to Peru covers all the bases for travellers who like to get to know nearly every aspect of a country and help contribute to local projects.

Worldwide Ecotours, run by Ruth Mccrae of Calgary, is offering a two-week trip to Peru in July, accompanied by Isabelle Alvarez, also a Calgarian who is an environmental and sustainable tourism consultant. The trip is a detailed experience of the country from the high altitude of the Andes to canoeing the Amazon and trekking through rainforests on canopy walkways. Among the highlights: Visiting a number of UNESCO World Heritage and protected sites, including Lima centre, Machu Picchu and the Manu Biosphere reserve;

Meeting several native rainforest and Andean communities;

Adventures in the Amazon rainforest by foot and boat

A chance to see an array of wildlife, including macaws and parrots, plus visits to wildlife preserves.

Accommodations will range from lodges in a rainforest at the base of the Pantiacolla Mountains to one in the Manu Biosphere Reserve.

Participants must be older than 14 and be reasonably fit.

Cost of the trip is $5,450, which does not include the international roundtrip flight, but includes many meals, travel insurance, gratuities and alcoholic beverages.

Contact Worldwide tours at 403-247-8843 for details and a complete itinerary.