Archaeology & Geology

Archaeology & Geology Tours: Machu Picchu, Colorado, Crete, Utah - Overview

For those with a love of ancient history and the relics that remain, we’re excited to offer a series of interpretive archaeology adventures with expert guides and special guest archaeologists. From the remarkably well-preserved pre-Puebloan ruins of the desert southwest to the world-renowned archaeological sites of the Inca Empire in Peru, we endeavor to create the best archeology and adventure vacations imaginable.

For the Indiana Jones in all of us, Machu Picchu in Peru is unequalled in its archeological wealth, and many experts find Peru’s ancient sites and cultures as exciting as those of Mexico, Egypt and the Mediterranean. Learning about and visiting these centuries-old ruins is a highlight of our Peru adventure. Our archaeological exploration begins in the city of Cusco, the center of the Inca Empire with tours of a city rich in Inca and Spanish Colonial heritage. In the Sacred valley we stop at the Inca archeological site of Ollantaytambo.

With legendary sites that include Chaco Canyon and the reaches of the San Juan River, the Native Americans that inhabited the four corners region of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah were perhaps best-known for the pueblos and various religious, agricultural, and domestic structures they built from the region’s pervasive rock and mud. Countless dwellings, as well as gorgeous prehistoric rock art, still adorn the region and many centuries later, gold miners, explorers and river-running pioneers added an Old West flavor to the rich history of this unique area.

Featured Archaeology & Geology Trips

Utah Hiking: San Juan River:
6 Days, April
Explore the bottomless treasure chest of the San Juan River basin which encases numerous remnants of ancient civilizations – most prominently, the pre-Puebloan culture, who left behind granaries, cliff dwellings, kivas, watchtowers, and panels of unique rock art.

Machu Picchu Family Adventure:
8 Days, June, July & August

Journey to the heart of the Inca Empire on this unique Peru family adventure vacation. Help prepare breakfast and spend time interacting with local school children in an Andean village, raft the Class III Urubamba River, zip‐line through the jungle canopy on six different cables and explore the fascinating archaeological remnants of the Inca civilization with our knowledgeable Peruvian guides.

In addition to other notable ruins along the way, our trip includes two days at Machu Picchu—the lost citadel of the Inca—and two extraordinary nights at the renowned Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, where spacious two‐room cottages provide families with plenty of space to relax and unwind.

Yampa River Geology Trip:
5 Days, May & June
Dinosaur National Monument – the name alone conjures a host of images: dinosaur bones preserved in ancient rock walls, deep rivers that cut indecorously through dry desert canyons, ancient sea beds full of prehistoric fossils, frozen in time. Join our guest geologist for an in-depth exploration of these wonders of the evolution of the Earth.

As you descend the Yampa River, you have the fascinating experience of actually traveling through the river canyon’s various layers, each one representing an entire age of the earth’s development: the rise and fall of major mountain ranges, the arrival and retreat of oceans at least 12 different times, the alternating development of deserts and swamplands. A billion years are captured in these canyon walls, along with the remnants of various life forms that existed long before humans. Our pathway through time showcases some of the oldest exposed rocks in the world, ones that have been folded, lifted and split by eons of geological forces.

Beside this fascinating scientific value, the Yampa’s geology is also responsible for the beauty of its canyon home: vertical yellow and red sandstone walls that tower as high as 1000 feet and squeeze the river through a surprisingly narrow gorge, tiger-striped walls alternating in blonde rock and black manganese oxide, clear creeks tumbling out of shady side canyons, sheltering sandstone caves, and more...

Crete Inn-to-Inn Sea Kayaking:
8 Days, May, June, August & September
While the history of Crete dates back to 7th millennium B.C., it’s the evidence of the Minoan era four millennia later that captivates travelers’ interest today. Just outside of Crete’s capital city, Heraklion, visitors will find a massive Minoan palace at Knossos which demonstrates the ancient people’s impressive skill and architectural genius. But it’s the harbor town of Kommos that has one of the richest archeological sites, including palatial buildings, a temple, a sanctuary, large courtyard and evidence of olive pressing.

Other historic gems on the island include the Minoan palace of Phaistos, a 10th Century chapel built in honor of St. Paul at Agios Pavlos, and the Venetian-era fortress at Frangokastello. So many archeological gems in such a small geographic area offer visitors an extraordinarily unique opportunity to peek into the past..