!Los Angeles 20's-30's!

Discover the awe-inspiring journey to Machu Picchu with one of our three distinct options, each offering its own charm and adventure. As a Meetup, we travel as a group and still are able to tailor your Machu Picchu experience according to your preferences and interests.

This post is for those interested in the easier options to get to Machu Picchu, compared to the 5-day hiking trip via the Salkantay Trek.

We are taking The Short Inca Trail. It's a one full day of hiking in the second half of the classic Inca Trek, followed by a full day spent at Machu Picchu. This is the shorter and less difficult alternative to the Salkantay Trek. It is a memorable trip with stunning views of rainforest canopy and ancient historic sights!

The Train version is intended for people with less mobility or those wishing to glamp it a bit. The itinerary matches the Inca Trail group, except the hiking day is substituted by a comfortable train ride.

The third alternative is The Salkantay Trek. This is a 5-Day hike on the ancient and remote footpath located in the same region as the Inca Trail where massive snow-capped mountains collide with lush tropical rainforests. Those who are interested in this option, CLICK HERE for the Meetup event.

ALL THREE groups begin together with a few days in Lima and Cusco but will reach Machu Picchu - the culmination, in different ways!

As a special bonus for the Inca/Train group, we have included a 4-day excursion to the Amazon Rainforest! We will explore Tambopata National Reserve alongside our expert naturalist guides, immersing ourselves in lush rainforest landscapes teeming with exotic flora and fauna. Breathtaking vistas of the mighty river and vibrant sunsets await us to make this journey an experience of a lifetime!

Machu Picchu via 2-day Inca Trail and the Amazon Rainforest
Price per person, Double Occupancy $2950
We offer roommate matching for those willing to share.
Single Supplement $550
Secure Deposit Link for 2-Day Inca Trail and Amazon Rainforest $252

Machu Picchu by TRAIN and the Amazon Rainforest
Price per person, Double Occupancy $2850
We offer roommate matching for those willing to share.
Single Supplement $550
Secure Deposit Link for Train Option and Amazon Rainforest $253

***Airfare is not included***

RSVP to receive detailed Day-by-Day itinerary. If you wish to attend, deposit is the only way to secure your spot. Upon paying the deposit, please fill out this Participant's Form.

The land deposit is refundable up to 90 day before departure.

INCLUDED

• Hotels in Lima, Cusco, Aguas Calientes and the Rainforest
• Emergency Insurance during hiking and Amazon portion
• Guided Sightseeing Tours in Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Amazon Rainforest
• Breakfast Daily
• Welcome Dinner in Cusco
• Dinner in Aguas Calientes after Machu Picchu
• All meals during the Amazon Jungle Adventure
• Hotel/Airport Transfers
• Professional English speaking guides and naturalists

Not Included

• International and domestic airfare
• Any other meals not stated
• Gratuities and personal expenses
• Travel Insurance (we can give you a quote for that)

This event is posted to several groups. The number of RSVP does not reflect the actual number of participants. CLICK HERE for the main/central post.

If you need information on this or any of our other international events**FILL OUT OUR GOOGLE FORM **

Got Questions?
Message Marc (screen name Oddie) https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881
Or Anna
https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062

OR . . . .
We do a monthly Travel Q&A Zoom. CLICK HERE to RSVP for our monthly A & A Zoom
Come to the zoom, ask questions, meet others attending, be social.
CLICK HERE to join in and see all our other events

SOT 2000318-10

The Hollywood Sculpture Garden is really a neat place . . . AND WE GIVE TO VISIT AND HAVE A SOCIAL THERE!!!

It's located on private property and not normally open to the public. So it is indeed a special thing for us to go.

Special Guests for this evening:

• Guitar Concert by Christopher Cronk
• Virtual Reality Holograms by Dan Ginsburg
• Mapping by Dillon Smith

That's right . . . Live music and art installations.

(for free)

To Attend you NEED to be ON THE GUEST LIST

TO BE ON THE GUEST LIST . . . you NEED to FILL THIS OUT FORM https://forms.gle/oPv6oB7gmV6wL8Pf9

No entry on the form will result in no entry to the event.

Now . . . About this event: It is outdoors in a super-funky, pretty and cute location of The Hollywood Sculpture Garden.

This is intended as a "New To Meetup Mixer." Meaning if you are new to Meetup, or new to the group, been in the group for a while but not attended an event or even just new to the city, . . . then come.

A perfect way to meetup some quality people over some even better wine.

And very perfect if this is your first meetup ever!! Come join us.

If you are an existing member, . . . then you are equally welcome. After all . . who will be the welcome wagon for all the new people?

Now . . . A little bit MORE about this event:

Sunset is expected for 6:40PM

5PM Event STARTS
5 to 6 PM . . . General arrival window.
6 to 7:30 . . . General socializing & art appreciation over food and drinks.
6:40 . . . . . . . Sunset (if all goes according to plan)
7:30 PM . . . . . The light show begins
7:30 to 10 . . . More socializing and art.
10Pm onwards . . . the night is young. Head off to other cool places with new friends.

Oh!!!!!! One other thing

It's Pot-luck/Drink-luck.

Your ticket for entry is a dish or a drink. Bring anything that is good to share for serve 10 people. Or a nice bottle of wine, or dozen beers (if cheap beer), 6 pack of craft beer.

We will provide the tables, dishes, plastic-ware, cups, napkins, etc.

Frist: Fill out the form https://forms.gle/oPv6oB7gmV6wL8Pf9
SECOND: Pick up a dish or drink to bring to the event.
THIRD: Show up (at the event) with your best self and be ready to be social and have fun.

I know what you are thinking . . .

• will this be fun?
• is this a cool place?
• will there be people as cool as me there?
• or even . . . . I'm not cool & I am shy/introverted . . .
• will I be able to fit in and enjoy too?

And the answer is yes to all.

WATCH THIS!!! Here is a vid from an actual event we did there. It was summer of 2021. Watch the whole thing and you will see the food/wine . . . the place, . . . where we hang out and how. As well as what it looks like at day and nite. AND . . . you get of feel of the people, place and vibe. (reg link to the vid) https://youtu.be/xm3TLYKLHqI

The Plan:

• Event Starts 5:00 PM
• We socialize . . . Catch Sunset.
• Then more socialize and the the lights will go on.

Question: Tell me about this socialize thing?
Answer: It's a Potluck. Bring a dish. OR bring Merlot. Then social happens from there.

To attend this FREE event you MUST be on the GUEST LIST list
TO BE ON THE LIST . . . fill this out Google Form
https://forms.gle/oPv6oB7gmV6wL8Pf9

Question: The cost for all this?
Answer: FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE. And bring a dish or drinks.

PARKING: Parking is tight to non-existent the location. The Google Form will used to make sure you have ALL the best parking info.

This event is cross posted to several meetup groups. So there will be plenty of folks.

Be sure to fill out the google form so we can send you all the parking info and the schedule and event info. AND to have your name on the guest list.
https://forms.gle/oPv6oB7gmV6wL8Pf9

Some goals for this event . . .

• To make new friends.
• To make more friends.
• To go to new places.
• To be more social (in real life).

ALSO . . . there is a companion event to this . . . earlier in the day if the evening time does not work.

https://www.meetup.com/sevenarts/events/309177729/
The companion event is Coffee, Conversation & Art from 11 AM to 4 PM

NOTICE: For our events we do not discriminate by Age, Race, Color, Religion, Ethnicity, National Origin, Political Affiliation, Relationship Status, Gender, Gender Preference, or even Belly Button Lint.

We welcome all, . . .; and that includes you.

Our Meetup group is off on another thrilling hiking adventure to exotic faraway lands! This time, we are trekking in Jordan, where breathtaking views of sandstone cliffs, narrow gorges, and vast plains unfold against the backdrop of the Great Rift Valley.

The Dana to Petra trek, also known as the Dana Wadi Trail, is one of Jordan's most renowned hiking experiences. It takes us through a diverse range of landscapes, offering a mix of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural encounters.

The trek begins from Dana village, a charming and ancient small town, known for its stone houses and traditional architecture. It is located in Jordan's largest nature reserve - Dana, which also gives the name of the trek. The Dana Trail spans a variety of ecosystems, from lush woodlands to arid desert.

In addition to the amazing hiking experience, our Meetup trip provides a unique cultural exposure. We will have the opportunity to interact with local Bedouin communities and even stay in a Bedouin camp, experiencing their hospitality, traditional food, and way of life.

The trek culminates in the ancient city of Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Entering Petra from the "backdoor" via the Monastery (Ad Deir) is a unique experience, offering a less crowded approach to this iconic archaeological site.

The actual trek from Dana to Petra covers approximately 50 miles and it will take us 6 days. The trek is considered moderately challenging, with some sections requiring good physical fitness due to rugged terrain and long distances.

The whole trip, however, is 12 days as we are spending some time sightseeing and visiting some of the amazing tourist spots of Jordan. In addition to Petra we will see Amman, Madaba, Mt Nebo, Dead Sea and Aqaba at the Red Sea.

Limited size to 24 attendees total. This trip will fill up extremely quickly.

Price per person, double occupancy: $3990
(we match roommates)
Single Supplement $710 or total price for a solo accommodation: $4700
The only way to secure your spot is a $350 deposit
Click Here for Secure Deposit Link

Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees).
Click Here and Fill out this Form if you are making a Deposit

******Airfare from/to the US is not included********

Message direct to Anna (flights and itinerary)
Message Direct to Marc (trekking and trip information)

Inclusions:
· Meet & assist at Amman International Airport and arrival and departure transfers
· 10 Nights accommodation at hotels and camping sites
· Meals as described in the itinerary
· Transportation except during the hike
· Entrance fees as per the program
· Professional Archaeological Licensed English-Speaking Guide through all touring days only
· Professional Licensed English-Speaking Hiking Guide during hiking days (6 days: day 3 – day 8)
· 6 Full day Camping equipment, such as tent, mattress, blankets, water, bathroom, showers, 3 meals a day, luggage transfers
· Bottled water every throughout all days
· 3 hours tour in Wadi Rum by the open Bedouin
· Portage at Airport & Hotels.
· All applicable taxes

We offer a 9-day optional extension to Egypt: Pyramids, Sphinx, Nile cruise & more. CLICK HERE FOR INFO.

For people who are not interested in the hiking option, we have a regular trip (not involving hiking) from Petra to the Pyramids, with Nile Cruise. CLICK HERE FOR THIS OPTION.

Have more questions?
Click here to message Anna
Click here to message Marc
AND/OR
Come to our monthly Q & A Zoom on all international trips we offer. Meet others attending, be social, or come and get any questions answered.
AND/OR
Fill out this form: Click Here for our Overseas Trip Request Form for more info on this or any of our international events.

We believe in good decent social. We have a set of sister groups we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too.
Click Here to see all our other events

SOT 2000318-10

This is our Annual Ensenada Thanksgiving Cruise.

The 4-day Thanksgiving weekend can be sometimes too long and too boring if you are stuck at home. So why not get out of town and have a blast?!

This will be DIFFERENT from previous years. We will be on a 4-day cruise & INCLUDE A DAY IN CATALINA AND A DAY IN ENSENADA!!!!

AND WE ARE LEAVING ON THANKSGIVING!!

Best Thanksgiving EVER . . .No dishes!!

Perfect for folks with no family in town.

AND

Perfect to take the whole family out of town!!

We've all got Thurs to Sun totally off . . . So let's make the most of it.

Thanksgiving can seem a long way off . . . We have been doing this cruise for 5 years now. And each year it fills up months in advance!

Check the photo gallery with past pix from previous trips https://photos.app.goo.gl/b7ebjhUuL7bajLhb7

As a group, we have negotiated a special price.

The cost is $602 Per Person TOTAL FOR 4 NIGHTS (all in) including taxes and port charges. (many places give you a false price not including taxes, and port fees). Rate is guaranteed only if you make a deposit.

The deposit is only $190 and it is refundable (less PayPal fees) until Sep 01, 2025
CLICK HERE to make a Deposit:

The $602 per person (total all in) gets you an interior cabin, double occupancy (share).
Get a friend and come along. OR come Solo. We do the roommate matching so you can get the share price and save!

There are upgrades to balcony cabins or single occupancy. CLICK HERE TO SEE OPTIONS

Space is limited and only an RSVP ACCOMPANIED WITH A DEPOSIT will guarantee your spot.

The deposit is only $190 and it is refundable (less PayPal fees) until Sep 01, 2025
CLICK HERE to make a Deposit

After Paying the deposit be sure to CLICK HERE and fill out our ATTENDEES INFO FORM to let us know what cabin accommodation you want.

There are PLENTY of cruises on Meetup. Ours is decidedly different and not like the others.

The boat (ship) has all the things that make a cruise ship fun

• 9-hole mini golf course
• WaterWorks (waterslide park)
• Tropical resort-style pool
• Serenity Retreat area.
• Casino
• Comedy shows
• Stage shows
• Bars
• Nightclubs
• Dancing
• Live music
• Spa type services
• . . . and more.

BUT...as a Meetup we get special treatment. We will get reserved seating together for the formal dining room.
ALSO
We will be doing our own activities on the boat, such as a scavenger hunt and an Open Bar Cocktail Hour. That's right . . . open bar . . . on a cruise ship!!
AND
Best of all a great group of like-minded people from our Meetup, ready for play and have fun!

Schedule:
Thu: Long Beach (Los Angeles) 04:00 PM
Fri: Catalina Island 08:00 AM 05:00 PM
Sat: Ensenada 08:00 AM 05:00 PM
Sun: Fun Day At Sea
Mon: Long Beach (Los Angeles) 08:00 AM

On the 2nd night we get a Cocktail Mixer with an OPEN BAR (unlimited drinks). We will also have a formal dinner and dress in our fineries.

The BEST part are OUR shore excursions in Ensenada. And this is what will make our Meetup and this cruise different from others.

Totally optional if you want to join us! We will have our own coach and driver for our shore excursion and we will do:

• Zip Line Canopy Tour
• ATV
• Horseback Riding

We have enough time there for you to do any two.

The best way to see what it's like is to check the gallery with past pix from previous trips https://photos.app.goo.gl/b7ebjhUuL7bajLhb7

But wait!!! How about some wine? We will visit Santo Tomas historic Winery for a tour and tasting! An olive oil tasting too! We will also have time to visit to Anthony Bourdain's Favorite Street Food Cart for some ceviche!

Since we are organizing our own excursions we will be able to save from the ones offered by the cruise line.

This is an all-around great way to spend the Thanksgiving weekend.
And...this is NOT like the other meetup cruises you see.

Come join us for the fun and adventure!

Question: Is this for Singles? Or Couples? Or Families?

Answer: This is for everybody. Kids are welcome. It's about people, not your relationship status, sexual preference or age. All are welcome! We will be a good size bunch so you will find folks you would hang with.

CLICK HERE for Main link for this event. RSVP there to get any conversations and discussions.

Have questions? Click here to Message Anna direct

We do a monthly Q & A Zoom for all our international trips, including this one.
Click Here to RSVP to our Zoom
Meet others attending, be social, or come and get any questions answered.

We believe in good decent social. We have a set of sister group we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too.

Click Here to see or join our other events

SOT 200318-10

Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it!