Peru
Peru
Peru is an archeologists dream. It is made up of a variety of landscapes from mountains and beaches to deserts and rain forests. Peruvian culture is a beautiful mix of Hispanic and native traditions. Peru is a colorful land of textiles, ancient ruins and incredible culture. Students are based in Cuzco, the capital of the Inca Empire and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Students will explore the mysteries of these ancient civilizations while visiting Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Ollantaytambo, and the Sacred Valley.
Trip Details
CUSCO CITY TOUR & SURROUNDINGS
Pick up time: 9:00 am Drop off: 1:00 pm
Morning: Guided Tour of Cusco and Surroundings
● Historical capital of Peru
● Incan & Spanish Colonial architecture
● Cathedral of Santo Domingo: Baroque church built on the ruins of the Incan Koricancha Palace (Temple of the Sun)
● Incan holy place: Q’enko, amphitheater once used for ceremonial sacrifices
● Incan monument: Tambomachay, ceremonial site of water worship
● Sacsayhuaman: Incan fortress & site of the Inti Raymi (Fiesta del Sol), notable for hand-carved stones up to 9m tall & 350 tons
● Incan tambo (travelers’ rest stop) of PukaPukara
Afternoon: Free time in Cusco
SACRED VALLEY TOUR (L)
Pick up time 8:30 am Drop off: 6:00 pm
Morning: Short bus ride to the Sacred Valley of the Incas
● Pisac Visit: Exquisite architecture & authentic Andean souvenirs, Pisac’s market has
● Lunch Buffet: Urubamba.
● Tour of Ollantaytambo: Incan site began as a palace, series of stone structures known collectively as Temple Hill, Temple of the Sun
Evening: Return to hotel
MACHU PICCHU TOUR
Pick up 5:00 am
Morning: Transportation to the Peru rail station at Cusco to Aguas Calientes
Tour Highlights:
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World
• Insight into the construction history of Machu Picchu
• Information on Hiram Bingham’s discovery of this sacred site in 1911
• Explanation of the most significant architectural features, including Sun Stone, Sun Temple, & Room of the Three Windows
• Leisure time after the guided portion to allow for photography and contemplation
Train (Pre - Boarding) 2:40 pm
PERURAIL FROM: MACHUPICCHU 3:20 pm TO: POROY 7:05 pm
Evening: Return to hotel
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN (L)
Pick up time: 5:00 a
Morning: Drive to the trailhead at Quesiuno (4,326 m / 14,189 ft)
breakfast at our campsite
● 3 hour hike out starts along a lovely stream
● Herds of alpacas and llamas
● Consistent views of Ausangate Mountain
● Pass through villages, interacting with local residents
● Potato fields
● Unique fauna
● Chinchillas and vicunas (only non-domesticated animal of llama family in Peru)
● Red mountains
Rainbow Mountains (5,020 m / 16,466 ft)
Approximately 30 minutes at the top for photos, exploring.
2.5 hour hike to return to campsite for lunch
Evening: Return to hotel
FREE DAY CUSCO – DINNER SHOW (D)
Morning & Afternoon: Free time in Cusco
Evening: Arrive 7:30 pm
Delicious & colorful tribute to Peruvian gastronomy & folklore at the authentic Tunupa RestaurantBuffet spread of favorite local dishes, a spirited show packed with regional dances & costumes
TUNUPA RESTAURANT Dinner show: at 8:00 pmReturn to hotel
CUSCO DEPARTURE & CITY TOUR LIMA
Pick up 8:30 am
Morning: Private transportation to Cusco airport
Pick up 12:30 pm in Lima to tour the city
Tour Highlights:
● Three distinct architectural styles in the city
● Panoramic visit to Incan Sacred Village of Pucllana Pyramid, flat topped, pre-Colombian structure
● Historical center of Lima, with 50 monuments and buildings, including Government Palace & City Hall, Plaza San Martin, Plaza de Armas, & Basilica Cathedral in the Plaza Mayor
● San Francisco Convent, with admission to the magnificent catacombs onsite
● Beautiful views of the Pacific from modern residential areas such as Miraflores
Evening: Return to Lima airport