Peru - Land of the Incas

Program Dates: June 23 - July 2, 2025

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Departure Day
Depart for Lima, Peru. Upon arrival, you will be met by your local Travel Director, board your private motor coach and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 - Lima
In the morning, explore Lima’s historic streets and plazas starting at Love Park in Miraflores, where you can take in the spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean. Then head to the ancient adobe and clay pyramid known as Huaca Pucllana, which once served as the ceremonial center of the Lima culture. Visit the Main Square where the Government Palace and Town Hall are located. Later, visit the Cathedral and the Santo Domingo Convent. Explore. the Huaca Huallamarca, a sacred burial temple that dates back to the 6th century.

In the afternoon, we drive to Barranco, the bohemian district of Lima and where the Pedro de Osma museum is located. This is the most important private museum of colonial art in the country, the building (the most imposing building in the Barranco), was built in 1906 by Pedro de Osma y Pardo, an eminent lawyer and politician, as his family's summer home. It exhibits beautiful pieces of art that, for a long period of years, belonged to the illustrious family of Osma, which was only shown to a few. Also, pieces of art that date back to the 14th century and that continue even until the end of the viceroyalty in the 19th century. Paintings, sculptures, allegories, a hall with portraits, silverwork and a furniture collection.

Day 3 - Sacred Valley
Transfer to the Lima airport for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, travel to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. En route, stop at Awanacancha, to learn about Andean camelids, such as alpacas and llamas. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet local artisans and learn about their traditional dyeing and knitting techniques. Later, explore the Pisac Market for Peruvian handmade crafts and to try some local foods, like the traditional empanadas.

Llamas or Alpacas?

Can you know the difference between llamas and alpacas? If not, you can distinguish an alpaca from a llama by its small size, pointier ears and fuzzier face. Alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas are all related to camels

Llamas were considered the most important domesticated animal in the Inca Empire.

Day 4 - Sacred Valley
Start your day with our excursion to Chinchero to appreciate the beauty of the town and archeological site. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in an exhibition of traditional textiles, the distinctive feature of this town, famous for the beauty and high quality of its textiles and ancestral dyeing techniques. Continue to Moray, where the view is incredible due to the colossal concentric terraces simulating a huge amphitheater. The purpose of this was to recreate 20 different types of microclimates, a measure that guaranteed the agricultural production of the Inca Empire. Then meet with the community of Mullaka’s Misminay, where we will have the opportunity to participate on one of their daily agricultural activities and join them for lunch. Later, visit a local school to spend some time with the teachers and students, get to know more about their educational system, and spend time getting to know local youth - participate in arts and crafts, play soccer and games.

Day 5 - Aguas Calientes
This morning, visit Ollantaytambo, a small town full of local color and inhabited since Inca times. Visit the main temple used as a fortress during the Inca resistance. Later, take the Expedition Train which has panoramic windows for you to take in the incredible views all around as you travel to Aguas Calientes. This morning, we will visit Ollantaytambo, a small town full of local color and inhabited since Inca times in which we will visit the main temple used as a fortress during the Inca resistance. There are breathtaking views for amazing pictures. Later, board the Expedition train to Aguas Calientes.

Day 6 - Cusco
This morning we will take our motor coach up the winding road to Machu Picchu, amid a spectacular view of the Urubamba River and its canyon. The Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, will astonish us with its terraces, ceremonial shrines, steps and urban areas. Later, return to Cusco by Expedition Train.

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Did You Know?

The Incas did not use any mortar or clay during the construction of Machu Picchu. Every stone was polished and carved to the exact shape to fit perfectly and tightly with the surrounding stones. The stones are put together so tightly, that you can’t even fit a piece of paper in between.

Day 7 - Cusco
This morning, climb up the Archeological Park of Sacsayhuaman, and visit the fortress, a beautiful place that radiates peace and quiet. Next, head for Q'enqo, and ancient temple of the Puma, where you’ll see an altar for sacrifices in the inner part of a huge rock, and then Tambomachay, sacred fountains of life and health. On the way, take in the panoramic view from Puca Pucara, a watchtower that controlled the entrance to the city. Later, visit the Temple of the Sun, “The Korikancha”, on top of which the Saint Dominique Convent was built. A legend tells that this temple was entirely lined in gold sheets that marveled the Conquistadors upon their arrival. Finally, we will go to the Main Square and will visit the Cathedral that contains invaluable colonial paintings and other works of art such as the Cross that arrived with the first conquistadors.

Day 8 - Cusco
This morning travel to the lagoon of Huaypo, once you arrive your guide will teach you about kayaking, and safety instructions. You’ll then spend the morning kayaking around the beautiful crystalline waters while taking in the wildlife - birds flying over head, and the fish swimming beneath, all against the backdrop of the snowy mountains. Later today, take an interactive cooking lesson, and learn about the vast variety of local products, and how due to its exciting fusion of Andean ingredients and modern cooking techniques, Peru is fast becoming a foodie hub.

Days 9 - 10 - Return Home
Transfer to the local airport in Cusco for your flight to Lima where you will connect to your overnight flight home.

Join this Program!

Students will join other teens from across the United States, accompanied by experienced, passionate and globally-minded U.S. certified educators. These inspiring leaders guide, nurture and mentor students on their journey to Global Citizenship.

 

What’s Included:

  • Roundtrip Airfare

  • Accommodations

  • Teacher Leaders

  • Full Time Local Program Director

  • Transportation to Included Activities

  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Daily

  • All Attractions and Activities

  • Guided Sightseeing by Local Expert Guides

  • All Tips and Gratuities

  • 24-Hour Support

  • All Taxes and Fees

  • Global Citizen Certificate

  • Pre-Travel Preparation Meetings and Seminars

Questions