2017 - Custom Asia Tours & Travel Packages | Myths & Mountains · !ank you also to the travel industry for honoring Myths and Mountains with the Tourism Cares Travel Philanthropy

2017

Asia Southeast AsiaSouth America

2 0 1 7 T R I P C A L E N D A R & I N D E X

Country ................................PageArgentina ....................................... 32Bhutan ............................................. 4Bolivia ............................................ 33Cambodia ...................................... 15Chile ............................................... 33China................................................ 8Cuba ............................................... 25Ecuador.......................................... 29Galapagos ...................................... 26Guatemala .....................................34Hacienda Cusin ............................ 28

Country ................................PageIndia ................................................. 6Indonesia .......................................20Laos ................................................ 16Myanmar ....................................... 18Nepal ................................................ 3Peru ................................................30READ Global ................................ 36Sri Lanka ......................................... 9Thailand ......................................... 19Tibet ............................................... 10Vietnam ......................................... 17

“Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” — Confucious

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www.facebook.com/MythsAndMountains •

Dear Friends,Twenty-five years ago, I hiked into the mountainous Sherpa village of Junbesi to dedicate the very first of what are now 91 READ Rural Library Community Centers spreading from Nepal into India and Bhutan. Present were the key donors, Ang Domi Lama Sherpa and Kepa Lama, as well as the Pumoche Lama, town leaders, Karma (READ’s first librarian) and Myths and Mountains’ trekkers.Back in 1991, “travel philanthropy” was not a major movement in the tourist industry, and the concept of using rural library community centers and sustaining businesses as a catalyst for village development was unheard of. But it worked!So… Happy 25th Anniversary to READ, and to each of you, who helped READ to flourish. The theme of this year’s catalog comes from Confucious: “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” All of you have traveled with your heart.Thank you also to the travel industry for honoring Myths and Mountains with the Tourism Cares Travel Philanthropy Award, to the Adventure Travel Trade Association for taking its travelers to visit READ libraries during their post-quake journey and to journalists, who wrote articles about the organization. All rose to the occasion and helped READ reach out to the people of Nepal after the earthquake.A quote from Maya Angelou says it all: “I’ve learned you should not go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.” Keep on throwing. You all make quite a baseball team!

Thank you,

Dr. Antonia Neubauer

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Call us to customize any trip • 800.670.MYTH (6984) • MythsAndMountains.com

Asia

From the teeming cities of India and China to remote villages high in the Himalayas, Asia offers an endless array of exciting options for travelers. We’ve organized everything from weeklong stays on an Indian tea plantation to traditional Bhutanese wedding celebrations. We’ve set up visits to high-altitude clinics in Nepal and arranged special access to Tibetan art for professors and museum groups. Whether you want to meet with Buddhist monks for a personal blessing or play soccer with local children in a rural village, we can make it happen.

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NepalRising from humid lowlands to the world’s highest peaks in less than 100 miles, Nepal has a diversity of landscapes equaled only by its multiplicity of religions and traditions. In this tiny country lie eight of the world’s ten highest mountains and more than 100 different castes and ethnic groups.

Asia • 3

EVEREST BASE CAMP AND KALAPATARDates: May 5-22, Oct. 1-19

HIKING THE ANNAPURNA CIRCUITDates: Apr. 16-May 4, Oct. 15-Nov. 2

BHUTAN, NEPAL AND TIBET: HIMALAYAN HIGHDates: June 5-24, Sep. 25-Oct. 14

INDIA AND NEPAL: TIGERS AND RHINOS Dates: Jan. 16-Feb. 2, Nov. 26-Dec. 13

NEW! TREKKING SOLU-KHUMBU: FESTIVALS AND PIKE PEAK Dates: Apr. 8-21 (Junbesi Dumji Festival), Nov. 4-18

PORTRAIT OF A COUNTRY Dates: Feb. 21-Mar. 5 (Lhosar in Lumbini), Nov. 26-Dec. 8

READ NEPAL: KATHMANDU, THE ANNAPURNAS AND CHITWANDates: Oct. 8-19 (With READ Founder, Dr. Antonia Neubauer)

MUSTANG AT FESTIVAL TIMEDates: May 15-June 2 (Teeji Festival), Aug. 17-Sep. 4 (Yartung Horse Festival)

NEW! EVEREST BASE CAMP AND THE KHUMBU GLACIER BY HELICOPTER Dates: Custom Dates Available

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BhutanA country where the sacred is a part of everyday existence, Bhutan has managed the transition to democracy in a remarkably peaceful manner. Here flowers adorn the hillsides and the primary colors of Buddhism symbolize not just religious beliefs, but the respect the Bhutanese have for their beautiful land and quality of life.

Asia • 4

NEW! A TEXTILE JOURNEYDates: Mar. 6-13 (Punakha Festival), Sep. 26-Oct. 6 (Thimphu Festival)Leaders: Sangay Wangchuk and Dr. Antonia Neubauer


EASTERN BHUTAN: TREKKING MERAK AND SAKTENGDates: Apr. 1-19 (Gomphukora Festival), Oct. 28-Nov. 15 (King’s Coronation)

WEST TO EASTDates: Feb. 13-27 (King’s Birthday), Nov. 25-Dec. 1 (Mongar and Trashigang Tsechus)

FALL FESTIVALS, FAMILIES AND NATUREDates: Oct. 30-Nov. 10 (Jambay and Prakar Festivals)

TREKKING SACRED CHOMOLHARIDates: May 1-12, Oct. 8-18

NEW! BHUTAN AND ITS BUDDHIST TRADITIONS Dates: Apr. 10-20, June 26-July 6

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Asia • 5

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IndiaPerhaps the seminal civilization for Asia, India is a land of innovation, the birthplace of everything from major world religions to the number zero. The unparalleled ethnic variety has given rise to an equally original array of cuisine, arts and crafts, and infinite potential for exploration and discovery.

Asia • 6

CLASSIC INDIADates: Feb. 17-Mar. 3 (Khajuraho Dance Festival), Oct. 13-27 (Diwali Festival)

RAJASTHAN AND ITS FESTIVALSDates: Jan. 5-18 (Bikaner Camel Festival), Oct. 9-22 (Diwali in Udaipur)

INDIA AND NEPAL: TIGERS AND RHINOSDates: Jan. 16-Feb. 2, Nov. 26-Dec. 13

TOURING SOUTH INDIA: MYSORE, COCHIN, GOA AND MOREDates: Jan. 16-30 (Pattadakal Dance Festival), Sep. 28-Oct. 12 (Dusshera)

SRI LANKA AND SOUTH INDIA: A CONTRAST IN CULTURESDates: Apr. 2-19, Sep. 3-20

HIDDEN INDIA: UNEXPLORED GUJARATDates: Dec. 31, 2016-Jan. 15, 2017 (Kite Festival), Oct. 21-Nov. 5 (Vautha Fair), Dec. 31, 2017-Jan. 15, 2018 (Kite Festival)

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Asia • 7

NEW! SIKKIM AND DARJEELING: WALKING IN THE HIMALAYASDates: Apr. 16-26, Oct. 15-25

INDIA FOR FOODIES: DELHI, KOLKATA, LUCKNOW, COCHIN, MUMBAI AND BEYONDDates: Mar. 12-26, Nov. 5-19

NEW! NORTHEAST INDIA: TRIBAL INDIADates: Feb. 21-Mar. 8 (Sekrenyi Festival), Nov. 13-28 (Majuli Raas Lila Festival)

TIBET AND INDIA: SPITI, LADAKH AND KASHMIRDates: Aug. 14-30 (Ladarcha Fair), Sep. 11-27 (Ladakh Festival)

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ChinaMind-boggling in its vastness, China is a heterogeneous blend of Han culture with that of more than 50 different recognized ethnic groups. An astonishing array of landscapes run from the coast to the Gobi Desert to the Tibetan Plateau. Exploring this diversity takes years, but is vital to the understanding of this critically important nation.

Asia • 8

NEW! CLASSIC CHINA: SHANGHAI, XIAN, DUNHUANG, PINGYAO AND BEIJINGDates: Apr. 9-21, Oct. 8-20

TOURING THE SILK ROADDates: May 5-21, Sep. 8-24

FESTIVALS AND TEXTILES OF GUIZHOU AND GUANXI Dates: Apr. 5-20 (Sister’s Meal Festival), Nov. 9-24 (Lusheng Festival)

TOUR YUNNAN: XISHUANGBANNA, DALI, LIJIANG AND ZHONGDIENDates: Feb. 11-27, June 2-18, Oct. 13-29

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CHINA TO MYANMAR: YUNNAN TO YANGONDates: Mar. 5-24, Nov. 26-Dec. 15

CHINA TO VIETNAM: ETHNIC PEOPLE OF THE BORDERDates: Apr. 16-May 5, Sep. 17-Oct. 6

NEW! SECRET CHINA: ZHANGJIAJI, ZHANGYE, DUNHUANG AND BEYONDDates: Apr. 14-28, Nov. 4-18


Asia • 9Sri LankaOne of Asia’s most beautiful countries, Sri Lanka remains unknown to most travelers. Famous for its spices and tea, it’s also home to a stunning array of wildlife, ancient architectural monuments and a unique blend of Buddhist and Tamil heritages.

NEW! WILDLIFE OF SRI LANKA: WHALES TO LEOPARDSDates: Feb. 19-Mar. 4, Dec. 22, 2017-Jan. 4, 2018

NORTH TO SOUTHDates: Mar. 19-Apr. 2, Nov. 6-19

SRI LANKA AND SOUTH INDIA: A CONTRAST IN CULTURESDates: Apr. 2-19, Sep. 3-20

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TibetPeople think of Tibet as an arid, high-altitude desert, part of China and stretching from Lhasa to Mt. Kailas in the west. But Tibet is vaster and more diverse. East of Lhasa flourish lush forests of rhododendrons and azaleas. To the west is Ladakh, controlled by India, bordering on Kashmir, and home to a rich, intact Buddhist culture, vibrant festivals and reasonable prices.

Asia • 10


FROM LADAKH TO DHARAMSALADates: June 30-July 16 (Hemis Festival), Aug. 4-20 (Keylong Tribal Fair)

LADAKH: FESTIVALS, MONASTERIES AND WATERSDates: June 12-25 (Lamayuru Festival), July 18-31 (Phyang Tsedup)

LADAKH: HIKE AND TOUR THE LAST SHANGRILADates: July 14-30 (Korzok Gustor), July 24-Aug. 10 (Dak Thok Festival)

TIBET AND INDIA: SPITI, LADAKH AND KASHMIRDates: Aug. 14-30 (Ladarcha Fair), Sep. 11-27 (Ladakh Festival)

BEYOND EVEREST BASE CAMPDates: June 8-29, Sep. 3-24

A BUDDHIST LEGACYDates: June 1-11 (Saga Dawa), Aug. 12-22 (Drepung Shodon)

NEW! MYSTERIOUS TIBET: FROM LHASA TO LAKE NAM TSODates: June 12-23 (Drigung Dance Festival), Sep. 3-14 (Washing Festival)

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Destinations on Demand • 11

Interested in traveling somewhere beyond our usual destinations? No problem! With our global travel expertise and extensive network of local connections, we can customize a trip for you to just about anywhere on your bucket list. From Africa to Papua New Guinea, Panama to Mongolia, we’ve designed countless journeys of a lifetime to places beyond the guidebook. Just tell us where you’d like to go and what you’d like to do, and we’ll work with you to craft a trip that makes your dreams come true.

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Custom Trip Specialists • 12

It’s all about you. Almost every trip can be customized just for you, your family and friends.

YOUR DATES • YOUR INTERESTS • YOUR BUDGET

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Family and FriendsWhen it comes to travel, what could be better than sharing amazing experiences and the sense of discovery with the people you love best? Bring your family, and witness the wonder and excitement as your children and grandchildren open their eyes to the beauty and diversity of the world. Gather a group of friends and explore new cultures and ideas together. Your experiences are sure to bring you closer as you create shared memories to last a lifetime.

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Southeast Asia

An American veteran wanted to revisit places where he had served during the Vietnam War...a group of puppet makers wanted to spend time with their Vietnamese counterparts...these are just two of the unique experiences we have customized for our travelers in southeast Asia. With ancient temples, gorgeous beaches, dense jungles, rich handicraft traditions and mouthwatering cuisine, the region simply overflows with potential for amazing experiences. Whether you want to learn to cook from a Cambodian grandmother, spend a day with an elephant trainer in Thailand, balloon over the Bagan temple complex in Myanmar at sunrise, or learn the Hmong method of making batiks in Laos, just let us know. If you can imagine it, chances are we can make it happen!

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CambodiaBeyond the world-famous Khmer ruins, Cambodia remains one of Southeast Asia’s undiscovered gems with amazing wildlife and undiscovered beaches. From Mekong River dolphins to vine-covered jungle temples and elephant sanctuaries, endless opportunities await in this country, still unaffected by mass tourism.

Southeast Asia • 15

NEW! SECRET CAMBODIA: ISLANDS, JUNGLES AND ANGKOR WAT Dates: Mar. 5-18, Nov. 26-Dec. 9

UNTAMED CAMBODIANational Geographic “50 Trips Of A Lifetime” Dates: Feb. 20-Mar. 5, Nov. 5-18

INDOCHINA’S BEST: VIETNAM, LAOS AND CAMBODIADates: Jan. 16-30, Nov. 26-Dec. 10

INDONESIA, MYANMAR AND CAMBODIA: BOROBUDUR, BAGAN AND ANGKOR WAT Dates: Mar. 10-26, Oct. 6-22

SOUTH VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA: MEKONG – THE VEINS OF THE DRAGON Dates: Jan. 22-Feb. 3, Nov. 19-Dec. 3

FROM VIETNAM’S HANOI TO CAMBODIA’S ANGKOR WATDates: Jan. 11-23, Nov. 8-20

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LaosA nation of tremendous potential, Laos is endowed with enormous ecological bounties, including some of Asia’s largest waterfalls and vast stands of primary forest covering about half the country. Culturally, the country is also rich and boasts a highly heterogeneous population. Whether visiting the mysterious Plain of Jars, enjoying vibrant textile traditions or meeting the people, Laos is truly one of Southeast Asia’s most spellbinding destinations.



VIETNAM AND LAOS: ETHNIC VILLAGES AND UNTRAVELED ROADSDates: Mar. 4-20, Oct. 28-Nov. 13

LAOS WITH A HEART: PEOPLE AND PHILANTHROPYDates: Feb. 13-27, Nov. 5-19

THE HIDDEN WORLD OF LAOS Dates: Jan. 31-Feb. 13, Oct. 16-29

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VietnamToday’s Vietnam is one of the most peaceful countries in the world. Highlighted by Halong Bay, one of nature’s gems, the interior northern landscape is dotted with mountains. Heading south, 1,300 miles of coastline are lined with romantic beaches and the ruins of the ancient kingdom of Cham. West of the coast, in the central highlands live a variety of hill tribe people, and south of Saigon lies the fertile area of the Mekong Delta.


A TASTE OF VIETNAMDates: Custom Dates Available

NORTH VIETNAM AND HALONG BAY: MEET THE LOCALSDates: Apr. 4-20, June 27- July 13, Oct. 17-Nov. 2

TRADITIONAL VIETNAM: SAIGON, CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, COAST AND HANOIDates: Mar. 5-19, Nov. 25-Dec. 8

MOTORCYCLING THE HO CHI MINH TRAILDates: Jan. 7-22, Feb. 25-Mar. 12

VIETNAM AND LAOS: ETHNIC VILLAGES AND UNTRAVELED ROADSDates: Mar. 4-20, Oct. 28-Nov. 13

CHINA TO VIETNAM: ETHNIC PEOPLE OF THE BORDERDates: Apr. 16-May 5, Sep. 17-Oct. 6


SOUTH VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA: MEKONG – THE VEINS OF THE DRAGONDates: Jan. 22-Feb. 3, Nov. 19-Dec. 3

FROM VIETNAM’S HANOI TO CAMBODIA’S ANGKOR WATDates: Jan. 11-23, Nov. 8-20

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MyanmarMyanmar is a magical country, the largest in Southeast Asia, where people kiss by sniffing, a week has two Wednesdays and the main unit of currency was determined by astrology. Within its borders are more than 135 different ethnic groups, a landscape that rises from white sand beaches to 19,295-foot Hkakabo Razi, fairy tale pagodas and skilled craftspeople.


NEW! THAILAND TO MYANMAR: BANGKOK TO MAE SOT TO THE GOLDEN ROCKDates: Jan. 22-Feb. 5, Nov. 25-Dec. 9

CHINA TO MYANMAR: YUNNAN TO YANGONDates: Mar. 5-24, Nov. 26-Dec. 15

TOURING MYANMAR’S HIGHLIGHTSDates: Custom Dates Available

CRUISING THE CHINDWIN RIVERDates: Feb. 6-19, Nov. 6-19

HIKING AND HILL TRIBESDates: Feb. 12-Mar. 3, Oct. 29-Nov. 17

MYANMAR ODYSSEY: BAGAN, INLE LAKE, MONYWA, NGAPALI AND BEYONDDates: Mar. 17-30, Dec. 3-16

INDONESIA, MYANMAR AND CAMBODIA: BOROBUDUR, BAGAN AND ANGKOR WATDates: Mar. 10-26, Oct. 6-22

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ThailandThe name Thailand conjures up images of mouth-watering cuisine, ethnic hill tribe people and unspoiled beaches. Yet there is more – pre-bronze age ruins, limestone karst islands with hidden lagoons, elephant polo matches and nature reserves with spectacular landscapes.


NEW! THAILAND TO MYANMAR: BANGKOK TO MAE SOT TO THE GOLDEN ROCK Dates: Jan. 22-Feb. 5, Nov. 25-Dec. 9

HILL TRIBE TOUR OF NORTHWEST THAILAND Dates: Custom Dates Available

TOURING THE UNTRAVELED NORTHEAST: PEOPLE, NATURE AND ARCHAEOLOGY Dates: Feb. 6-16, Nov. 9-19

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IndonesiaWith more than 17,500 islands somehow molded into a single nation, Indonesia displays no end of natural and cultural diversity, including some of the world’s greatest monuments. From the World Heritage site of Borobudur to Komodo dragons, to multicolored volcanic lakes, Indonesia offers a myriad of possibilities.


FLAVORS OF INDONESIADates: May 13-27, July 8-22

TOURING ISLANDS IN THE SUN Dates: Apr. 9-25, July 2-18, Oct. 1-17

INDONESIA, MYANMAR AND CAMBODIA: BOROBUDUR, BAGAN AND ANGKOR WAT Dates: Mar. 10-26, Oct. 6-22

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Who We Are • 21

Toni Neubauer / PresidentTraveler, humanitarian and teacher, Toni is the guiding spirit behind Myths and Mountains and founder of READ Global, a nonprofit using sustainable rural library community centers as catalysts for rural development and community empowerment. For more than 30 years, Toni has traveled to Asia and Southeast Asia and nearly 60 countries, getting to know the people and their lifestyles.

Her expertise is the heart and soul of every Myths and Mountains trip, and what makes each journey so unique. Toni speaks six languages, and holds a Doctorate in Education and a Masters in French literature.

Allie Amario / Vice President Allie’s love for wildlife conservation, photography and indigenous cultures has taken her to all seven continents and over 70 countries. She’s trekked by camel across India, camped under the stars of Botswana and swam in Antarctica’s frigid waters. Allie is the former executive director of the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association and has traveled to the islands more than a dozen times.

Jen Kamen / Operations ManagerProud to be a Sierra native, Jen takes full advantage of what Nevada has to offer — the great outdoors, photography and raising backyard chickens. Adventure has led her across the world to India, Nepal, Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam. Constantly seeking new cultures and experiences, she looks forward to the unknown destinations of where her journey will take her next.

Jen coordinates the complex logistical details for our travelers.


Trip ConceptsTravel is about more than just seeing a place. It’s about getting to know and understand its people, its history and its environment from the inside. We design our trips to reveal the heart of each destination, so that our travelers both embrace and are embraced by the local culture.

Every Myths and Mountains trip incorporates one or more core concepts that provide unique insights into our destinations. Naturally, these themes are not meant to limit your experience. Rather, they are intended to inspire you to explore more fully, to approach your destination on a deeper level, to be a participant rather than just an observer.

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Cultures

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Environment And

Natural History

Natural Healing And

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Religion And

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Traveler Photos • 23

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1 — Dan Japha, Balloon Sunrise, Myanmar2 — Ken Yagura, Laos3 — Barbara Kipper, Monk, Myanmar4 — Melinda Zitin, Galapagos5 — Kathy Lamb, Tibet6 — Donovan Wong, Easter Island, Chile7 — Barbara Kipper, Myanmar8 — Ken Yagura, Yandruk Tso Lake, Tibet


• 24South America

Latin America is vast and varied with unlimited possibilities for customized travel. Over the years we’ve designed countless adventures, including trips to explore the textile traditions of Peru, an annual university study tour to learn about medicinal healing traditions in Ecuador, a journey in the footsteps of Chilean author Isabel Allende and honeymoons with romantic extras like shaman blessings or surprise champagne toasts after climbing a volcano.

The possibilities are not limited to our usual destinations. Whether you want to explore Colombia or Guatemala, rent Francis Ford Coppola’s private villa on the beach in Belize or even go beyond Latin America to the great wildlife destinations of Africa, we’ve got you covered.

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South America • 25CubaWe are specialists in small group travel for Cuba. Simply put, we design Cuba itineraries for those seeking the true spirit of the island, just a handful of travelers at a time. No huge tour buses, no huge hotels, no mass tourism. Our tour packages connect you with farmers, artists, chefs, singers and dancers, people to people, one on one.

EXCLUSIVE CUBA: CARS, CIGARS, CRAFTS AND COUNTRYSIDE Dates: Feb. 6-12*

BEYOND HAVANA: THE RHYTHMS AND NATURE OF CUBA Dates: Custom Dates Available

NEW! A PRIVATE LOOK AT CUBA’S FOODS, DRINKS AND ARTISANS Dates: Oct. 7-13*

*Dates may change due to hotel availability. Please check our website for updates.

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GalapagosWith rare giant tortoises, volcanic moonscapes and frigate birds with inflated red throat pouches, the Galapagos Islands offer incredible close-up displays of the diversity of nature. Whether you’re seeking to snorkel azure oceans or photograph the turquoise feet of dancing blue-footed boobies, there’s simply no other place on Earth like it.

South America • 26

NEW! GALAPAGOS BY AIR AND LANDDates: Feb. 6-17, May 8-19

CLASSIC GALAPAGOS: CRUISING DARWIN’S ENCHANTED ISLANDSDates: Custom Dates Available

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SIMPLY GALAPAGOS: EASY LAND-BASED EXPLORATIONSDates: Custom Dates Available

GALAPAGOS BY SHIP AND SHORE: SHORT CRUISES COMBINED WITH HOTELS Dates: Custom Dates Available

THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS: WILDLIFE, PEOPLE AND VOLCANOES Dates: May 6-15, Nov. 4-13

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Hacienda CusinA visit to Hacienda Cusín is like a journey into the past, back to the grace and charm of the 17th century. A gorgeous retreat high in the Ecuadorian Andes, within easy reach of the famous Otavalo market and other attractions, it’s a place where you’re treated like family, an intimate luxury experience without a high price tag. You’ll sleep in comfort and elegance, perhaps with the scent of tropical flowers wafting through your windows from the lavish gardens beyond.


EQUATOR ESCAPE: LUXURY AT HACIENDA CUSINDates: Custom Dates Available

MYTHS AND MOUNTAINS IS THE EXCLUSIVE U.S. REPRESENTATIVE FOR HACIENDA CUSÍN.

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EcuadorVolcanoes, rain forests, beaches, colonial cities and thriving indigenous cultures – Ecuador has them all without the need to travel enormous distances between them. From lodge-to-lodge treks in the Andes to spa retreats deep in the cloud forest, and endless wildlife biodiversity, Ecuador is proof that good things do indeed come in small packages. Surprise yourself with all that Ecuador has to offer you, your friends, and family.


WALKING THE ANDES FROM HACIENDA TO HACIENDA Dates: Jan. 10-17, June 27-July 4

INSIDER’S ECUADOR: MARKETS, HACIENDAS, TRAINS AND VILLAGE LIFEDates: Mar. 5-13, Nov. 5-13

AN ADVENTURE IN THE CLOUDS: BIRDS, BUTTERFLIES AND ORCHIDSDates: Jan. 6-15, Oct. 6-15

NATURAL HEALING AT THE EQUATOR Dates: Jan. 12-23, July 13-24

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PeruFrom the majesty of Machu Picchu to protected Amazonian forests to traditional villages, Peru evokes a mesmerizing feeling of mystery and adventure. It’s a place of brilliant colors and deep traditions, where the sacred is ever-present and ancient stones stand as evocative testaments to vanished civilizations.


PERU FOR FAMILIES: MACHU PICCHU AND BEYONDDates: July 8-15, Aug. 5-12

THE SPIRIT OF PERU: THE AMAZON, MACHU PICCHU AND THE NAZCA LINESDates: May 4-14, Aug. 3-13

THE RURAL LIFE: LIVING LA VIDA LOCALDates: Apr. 16-27, Oct. 8-19

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THE WAY OF THE WARI AND THE LOST CULTUREDates: June 10-19, Oct. 14-22

INSIDER’S MACHU PICCHUDates: Custom Dates Available

ARTISANS OF PERU: WEAVINGS, CERAMICS AND JEWELRYDates: Apr. 7-15, July 14-22

NEW! THE PEOPLE OF LARES AND THE SACRED VALLEYDates: May 13-22, Oct. 14-23

CREATING WITH AMAZON ARTS AND JUNGLE SPIRITDates: Oct. 13-22

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ArgentinaVast and wild, Argentina encompasses everything from awe-inspiring waterfalls, canyons, and glaciers to the endless grasslands of the pampas. Add world-class wines, fine cuisine and the familiar rhythms of the tango wafting through the cosmopolitan streets of Buenos Aires, and you have a country guaranteed to engage all your senses.


TOUR THE GREAT NATIONAL PARKS OF ARGENTINA: BARILOCHE, EL PERITO MORENO GLACIER AND USHUAIADates: Feb. 8-20, Mar. 8-20

RELIGIONS AND ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE NORTHWEST Dates: Aug. 22-31

ARGENTINA AND CHILE: EXPLORING PATAGONIA ACROSS THE BORDERDates: Mar. 16-28, Nov. 23-Dec. 5

THE WATERFALLS AND GLACIERS OF IGUAZU FALLS AND PATAGONIA Dates: Jan. 21-28, Mar. 4-11

BUENOS AIRES AND BARILOCHE: EMPANADAS, ESTANCIAS AND PATAGONIAN CULTURE Dates: Mar. 11-18, Oct. 7-14

NEW! PATAGONIA FOR FOODIES AND WINE-LOVERS Dates: Aug. 5-13, Oct. 7-15


Chile and BoliviaStretching from the golden Atacama Desert to the glacier-strewn fjords and windswept plains of Patagonia, Chile is a country of extremes. With sweeping views, open skies and peerless accommodations ranging from luxury lodges to wilderness retreats, it is truly a land of endless possibilities.

Bolivia’s stark salt flats, the Salar de Uyuni, offer a bizarre and surreal Altiplano landscape, a must on many a photographer’s bucket list. Combine off-road adventures by jeep to unworldly cactus islands and early sunrise hikes with stays in remote guesthouses and hotels made out of salt.


RAPA NUI: MOAIS, WARRIORS AND BEACHES OF EASTER ISLANDDates: Custom Dates Available

ARGENTINA AND CHILE: EXPLORING PATAGONIA ACROSS THE BORDER Dates: Mar. 16-28, Nov. 23-Dec. 5

CHILE AND BOLIVIA: THE HIGH DESERTS OF THE ATACAMA AND SALAR DE UYUNI Dates: Mar. 22-Apr. 2, Oct. 18-29

TOUR ESSENTIAL CHILE: THE ATACAMA DESERT, LAKE DISTRICT AND PATAGONIA Dates: Feb. 10-21, Mar. 17-28Custom Dates Available

NEW! PATAGONIA ISLANDS, FERRIES AND FJORDS Dates: Dec. 6-13, 2016, Feb. 21-28Other Cruise Dates Available


GuatemalaGuatemala has long been a low-key haven for those seeking gorgeous scenery, big adventure and indigenous culture without crowds. We’ve designed itineraries that highlight the best of its fantastic markets, cultural insights and Mayan archaeology and traditions.


NEW! MARKETS AND THE MAYA CULTUREDates: Apr. 3-11, Nov. 6-14

CLASSIC GUATEMALADates: Jan. 15-22, Mar. 5-12


Why Travel With Us?We are recognized all over the world for our creative itineraries and travel philanthropy.Among the many media who feature us:

Condé NastTourism Cares Award For Legacy In Travel Philanthropy

Wendy Perrin’s WOW ListUSA Today

Chicago TribuneTravel + LeisureTown & Country

National Geographic TravelerLondon Observer Ethical Award For Travel

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Awards and AffiliationsOur many honors are evidence of our unparalleled expertise in our destinations, as well as our dedication to providing quality service and creating unique experiences that become memories to last a lifetime.


Founded by Myths and Mountains President, Dr. Antonia Neubauer, READ Global (READGlobal.org) is the Myths way of giving back to local communities in our destinations. For 25 years, READ (Rural Education and Development) has been building rural library community centers in villages in Nepal, Bhutan and India, completing 91 centers as of 2016. By seeding village-owned for-profit enterprises to support each library and connecting the centers with other social and educational services, READ has created more than 133 businesses and provided nearly 2½ million villagers with access to knowledge, information and opportunities, such as literacy training, microcredit and healthcare.

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READ NEPAL: KATHMANDU, THE ANNAPURNAS AND CHITWAN Dates: Oct. 8-19 (With READ Founder, Dr. Antonia Neubauer)

Join us on a READ trip to discover what a difference a library can make in the life of a community.

• 37HAPPY 25th

ANNIVERSARY TO READ GLOBAL!

Join us on a READ trip to discover what a difference a library can make in the life of a community.

• 37HAPPY 25th

ANNIVERSARY TO READ GLOBAL!

Call us to customize any trip • 800.670.MYTH (6984) • MythsAndMountains.com www.facebook.com/MythsAndMountains •

January February March April May June July August September October November December

ARGENTINA ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

BHUTAN ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

BOLIVIA ✓ ✓

CAMBODIA ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

CHILE ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

CHINA ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

CUBA ✓ ✓

ECUADOR ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

GALAPAGOS ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

GUATEMALA ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

HACIENDA CUSIN ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

INDIA ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

INDONESIA ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

LAOS ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

MYANMAR ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

NEPAL ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

PERU ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

READ GLOBAL ✓

SRI LANKA ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

THAILAND ✓ ✓ ✓

TIBET ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

VIETNAM ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

2017 Group Departure DatesA L L T R I P S C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D

AsiaSoutheast AsiaSouth AmericaREAD Global

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Documents

2017 - Custom Asia Tours & Travel Packages | Myths & Mountains · !ank you also to the travel industry for honoring Myths and Mountains with the Tourism Cares Travel Philanthropy