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School Trips / South America / Peru

Ecuador

Patagonia – Chile

Peru

Peru – Culture and Cuisine

School Trips To Peru

From the towering peaks of the Andes Mountains to the dense jungles of the Amazon Rainforest, Peru is a land of breathtaking contrasts. This immersive journey takes us deep into the heart of Incan civilization, through vibrant markets, ancient ruins, and untouched landscapes where history and nature coexist in harmony. Alongside local guides, artisans, and conservationists, we engage in hands-on cultural experiences, outdoor expeditions, and community-led initiatives, gaining a profound understanding of Peru’s past, present, and future.

Points of Interest

  • Lima

  • Cusco

  • Pisac

  • Ollantaytambo

  • Aguas Calientes

  • Machu Picchu

  • Puerto Maldonado (Amazon Rainforest)

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Trip Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival in Lima – The Culinary & Cultural Capital

    We land in Lima, where colonial architecture, pre-Columbian history, and world-renowned cuisine intertwine. After meeting our guides, we set out to explore the historic Plaza Mayor, visiting the San Francisco Monastery and Catacombs, where underground passageways reveal Peru’s Spanish colonial past. A visit to Barranco, Lima’s bohemian district, immerses us in colorful murals, artisanal markets, and coastal cliffs overlooking the Pacific. Our welcome dinner introduces us to ceviche, lomo saltado, and chicha morada, as we discuss the journey ahead.

  • Day 2: Flight to Cusco – The Heart of the Inca Empire

    A short flight brings us to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. As we adjust to the altitude, we explore Plaza de Armas, where Spanish cathedrals stand atop ancient Incan foundations. A guided tour of Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun) reveals the architectural brilliance of the Inca civilization, blending seamlessly with colonial influences. In the afternoon, we visit the San Pedro Market, a bustling center of Andean culture where vendors sell everything from coca leaves to handwoven textiles. We end the day with a traditional pachamanca meal, where food is slow-cooked underground using hot stones—a culinary tradition dating back to Incan times.

  • Day 3: The Sacred Valley – Community, Agriculture & Weaving Traditions

    We venture into the Sacred Valley, a region where fertile lands and ancient traditions sustain local communities. In Pisac, we hike to the Pisac ruins, an impressive terraced complex overlooking the valley, before exploring its famous artisan market. A visit to a Quechua village provides insight into Andean life, where we learn about traditional weaving techniques, natural dyeing, and sustainable farming practices. Sitting down for a communal meal, we connect with local families, gaining a deeper understanding of their relationship with the land.

  • Day 4: Ollantaytambo – The Living Incan City

    The cobbled streets of Ollantaytambo take us back in time, where well-preserved Incan structures still serve as homes and marketplaces. We climb the Ollantaytambo ruins, a former royal estate with stunning terraces and temples built into the mountainside. After lunch, we embark on a chicha-making workshop, learning the process behind this ancient fermented corn drink, once reserved for Incan ceremonies. As the day winds down, we prepare for our journey to one of the world’s most iconic archaeological wonders.

  • Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Gateway to Machu Picchu

    A scenic train ride along the Urubamba River takes us to Aguas Calientes, the base town for Machu Picchu. We explore the surrounding cloud forest, home to orchids, spectacled bears, and vibrant birdlife. In the evening, a local historian joins us for a discussion on Hiram Bingham’s discovery of Machu Picchu, the myths surrounding its purpose, and the ongoing efforts to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage site.

  • Day 6: Sunrise Over Machu Picchu

    As dawn breaks, we ascend to Machu Picchu, watching the morning mist lift to reveal the ancient city in all its grandeur. With a local guide, we explore its terraced fields, temples, and ceremonial sites, gaining a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity of Incan engineering. For those seeking an extra challenge, an optional hike to Huayna Picchu offers a breathtaking aerial perspective of the ruins. Returning to Cusco by train, we celebrate our pilgrimage with a traditional Andean dinner.

  • Day 7: Flight to Puerto Maldonado – Entering the Amazon

    A short flight takes us from the Andes to the Amazon Basin, where a motorized canoe carries us deep into the rainforest. Arriving at our eco-lodge, we settle into cabins surrounded by the sounds of howler monkeys, tree frogs, and chirping insects. In the evening, we embark on a night safari, scanning the riverbanks for caimans and other nocturnal creatures.

  • Day 8: Amazon Rainforest Exploration & Conservation Initiatives

    A dawn excursion brings us to Lake Sandoval, where we silently paddle in search of giant river otters, macaws, and black caimans. A guided rainforest hike introduces us to medicinal plants and the interdependence of species within this fragile ecosystem. In the afternoon, we visit an Indigenous Ese Eja community, where elders share stories of their relationship with the land. We take part in a reforestation project, planting native trees to support conservation efforts.

  • Day 9: Canopy Walks & Sustainable Practices in the Amazon

    A morning canopy walk offers a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest, where toucans and sloths move among the treetops. Later, we learn about sustainable cacao farming, sampling fresh Amazonian chocolate while discussing fair trade practices. In the evening, we reflect on our time in the rainforest over a final dinner, celebrating the delicate balance of life within the Amazon.

  • Day 10: Return to Cusco & Flight to Lima

    We journey back to Cusco, where we enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city at our own pace. Some may choose to visit the Inca Museum, while others opt to relax in a traditional Peruvian café, sipping mate de coca. A short flight brings us back to Lima, where we gather for a farewell dinner overlooking the Pacific Ocean, reflecting on the people, landscapes, and experiences that have shaped our journey.

  • Day 11: Departure – Carrying Peru With Us

    As we prepare for our return home, we reflect on the lessons learned—from the resilience of Andean communities to the ecological wonders of the Amazon. This journey has been more than an exploration of Peru’s landscapes; it has been an invitation to connect with its people, its history, and the natural world in a meaningful way. With newfound perspectives and lifelong memories, we depart, carrying the spirit of Peru with us wherever we go.

School Trip Journal