Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Departure Day

Begin your adventure as you depart for Lima, Peru. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your local Travel Director. Board your private motor coach and transfer to your hotel to settle in for the night.

Day 2: Explore Lima

Start your day exploring Lima’s historic streets and plazas. Begin at Love Park in Miraflores, where you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Next, visit the ancient adobe pyramid of Huaca Pucllana, a ceremonial center of the Lima culture. Continue to the Main Square to see the Government Palace and Town Hall. Visit the Cathedral and Santo Domingo Convent, then explore Huaca Huallamarca, a sacred burial temple dating back to the 6th century.

In the afternoon, head to the bohemian district of Barranco and visit the Pedro de Osma Museum, housed in a grand 1906 mansion. The museum showcases an exquisite collection of colonial art, including paintings, sculptures, and silverwork, dating from the 14th to 19th centuries. Return to your hotel for the evening.

Day 3: Journey to the Sacred Valley

Fly from Lima to Cusco, then travel to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Along the way, stop at Awanacancha to learn about Andean camelids such as alpacas and llamas, and observe local artisans demonstrating traditional dyeing and weaving techniques. Visit the Pisac Market to shop for handmade crafts and sample local foods, including traditional empanadas.

In the evening, students will meet their homestay families in the Sacred Valley. Spend the night getting to know your hosts and practicing conversational Spanish while immersing yourself in the daily life and culture of a Peruvian family.

Day 4: Discover Chinchero and Moray

Begin your day with a visit to Chinchero, known for its stunning archaeological site and vibrant textiles. Participate in a demonstration of ancestral dyeing techniques and learn about the intricate art of Andean weaving. Continue to Moray, where the colossal concentric terraces reveal ancient agricultural innovations.

Later, join your homestay family for lunch and participate in their daily activities, such as cooking, farming, or learning local traditions. This evening, share stories with your host family and deepen your cultural exchange experience.

Day 5: Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes

After breakfast with your homestay family, bid them farewell and visit Ollantaytambo, a small town that has been inhabited since Inca times. Explore its main temple, a former fortress with breathtaking views, ideal for photography. Later, board the Expedition Train, with panoramic windows offering stunning views as you travel to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.

Day 6: Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco

Take a scenic motor coach ride up to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. Explore its terraces, ceremonial shrines, and urban areas while marveling at the surrounding mountains and Urubamba River canyon. After a guided tour, return to Cusco via the Expedition Train and settle in for the night.

Day 7: Archaeological Wonders of Cusco

Start your day at the Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman, a fortress that offers a serene atmosphere and stunning views. Continue to Q’enqo, an ancient temple of the Puma, where you’ll see an altar carved inside a massive rock. Visit Tambomachay, known for its sacred fountains, and pass by Puca Pucara, a watchtower once guarding the city’s entrance.

In the afternoon, visit the Korikancha (Temple of the Sun), once covered in gold and now topped by the Santo Domingo Convent. End your day in Cusco’s Main Square with a visit to the Cathedral, home to colonial paintings and historic artifacts, including the Cross that arrived with the first conquistadors.

Day 8: Kayaking and Culinary Exploration

Travel to the Huaypo Lagoon, where your guide will provide kayaking instructions and safety tips. Spend the morning paddling through the crystalline waters, surrounded by wildlife and breathtaking views of snowy mountains.

In the afternoon, enjoy an interactive cooking lesson. Learn about Peru’s rich culinary heritage, explore local ingredients, and prepare a dish that highlights the fusion of Andean traditions and modern techniques. Celebrate your achievements with a delicious meal.

Days 9: Departure

Transfer to the Cusco airport for your flight to Lima. From there, connect to your overnight flight home, bringing back incredible memories of Peru’s culture, history, and natural beauty. The relationships built with your host family and the immersive experiences will leave a lasting impact on your perspective and understanding of Peruvian life.

Day 10: Arrival Home

After an overnight flight, we’ll arrive back home in the USA!