Peru VII ~ 12 Days

Welcome to Peru! Your adventure starts in Lima. You will meet your tour leader at the airport and being transferred to your hotel in Miraflores or Barranco. After the check in get ready to enjoy a nice dinner with a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean.

Morning / Afternoon

Our day will start by visiting the impressive ruins at Huaca Pucllana, As we embark on this tour, we will step back in time to explore the rich history and culture of the ancient civilizations that once thrived here.The next stop is the historic center of Lima. We will walk around the main square and the most popular and colorful streets of the old town. Some our stops will include a visit the Cathedral of Lima, and the catacombs of San Francisco.  Along the way we will have an opportunity to try some of the amazing street food.

Evening

Group dinner and team building workshop

Morning

This morning we will take a flight to Cusco and set off for the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Once we arrive we will journey through the valley, we will be mesmorized by the scenic views of farms, quaint villages, and majestic mountains, immersing ourselfs in the rich Andean culture. Our first stop will be the town of Pisaq. Here, we can stroll through the vibrant streets and explore the lively main square. We’ll visit the local market, known for its colorful crafts and fresh produce. Next, we will take part in an engaging pottery workshop, where we will learn traditional techniques, create and decorate our own piece. Overnight in the Sacred Valley.

After breakfast we will get ready and visit the archeological site of Pisaq a place filled with so much history and stunning views of the valley. Then we will head to a remote Andean community, where we will spend a couple of days interacting and learning from the local people. For lunch we will cook Pachamanca together, a traditional way to cook underground with hot rocks that have been heated on fired before. After Lunch our friends will share with us some of the Andean Techniques of weaving that they have been preserving for centuries.

Community service project: T.B.D

In the morning,  we will continue working on our community service interaction. We will also have chance assist with the community in their farming tasks for the day, which could include harvesting potatoes, plowing fields, herding sheep, or any other essential chores. We will now transfer to Our to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll explore the vibrant town and stroll through streets lined with authentic Inca architecture. Then we’ll head to the train station for a scenic ride to Aguas Calientes, where we will enjoy a nice dinner.

In the morning, we’ll take a bus to Machu Picchu (2,400 meters). Once we arrive we will explore the  Inca citadel with a guided tour. We will dive right into its rich history and  architectural wonders. After our tour we will return to Aguas Calientes, where wecan enjoy a delicious lunch and visit the local handicraft market. Later, head to the train station for our afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo. followed by our transfer to our hotel in Cusco, arriving around 8 p.m.

Overnight Cusco City

IMPORTANT: Big luggage (suitcases) are not allowed on the trains; you can only take maximum 20 pounds in a small duffle bag or small carry on or a daypack. (The big suitcases stay in the hotel in the Sacred Valley or are transfered to Cusco.

Our day will start with an adventure filled exploration of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop will be the village of Chinchero, where a local family will guide us through the traditional process of weaving textiles. We will also participate in a special offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the sacred Piuray Lake, a gesture of gratitude for the blessings provided by the earth. Next, we will explore the historic area of Chinchero. We’ll then continue to the salt pans of Maras, a site worked by local farmers since pre-Columbian times, where they harvest the prized pink salt of the Andes. Our final stop will be Moray, where we can marvel at the impressive circular terraces that were once used as an agricultural laboratory.

Overnight Cusco City

Our day will start exploring  Sacsayhuaman National Park followed by a walk down to the historic center of Cusco, where we will wander around the main square and narrow cobbled stone streets. We will visit  the Inca Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha) and the main cathedral.  If time permits, we may also visit the bustling San Pedro Market, to see a bit of the daily life and typical food of the area.

For dinner we will participate in a Peruvian cooking under the guidance of a local cook where we will  learn the secrets behind preparing iconic Peruvian dishes. Throughout the class, we will learn the cultural significance of each dish, understanding how historical influences and regional diversity have shaped Peruvian gastronomy into the dynamic culinary tapestry it is today.

Overnight Cusco

Flight back home.