Amazing Andes Adventure - 13 Days

This is our signature program specifically designed to immerse you and your students into the culture of the southern Andes in a short-period of time. The itinerary consists of experiential learning activities that bring to life the various aspects of Andean culture, as well as the various and fascinating custom and history of the region. Included in the program are a series of cultural seminars and hands-on workshops on relevant topics such as history, anthropology, agriculture, architecture, astronomy, Andean religion, ancestral medicine and shamanism, music and dance, cooking, Spanish and Quechua language, and more. In addition, you and your students will have the opportunity to stay with local families, participate in community service, and even trek to Machu Picchu through the Gate of the Sun!

This is a powerful program that will connect you and your students to the people of Peru, and provide opportunities for you to touch and be touched by their humble lives.

This itinerary can be modified to meet your group’s special interests. For example, we can adjust the length of the program depending on your time available; we can add specific types of cultural seminars or workshops; we may have other options available for a service project. Please contact us if you have questions.

Day 1
PHASE 1: ARRIVAL AND INTRODUCTION TO THE HEART OF THE ANDES: CUSCO

AM: Arrival into Cusco / Transfer to Family Lodging Home / Welcome lunch

PM: Explore Plaza de Armas, change money, email, shopping, etc./ Dinner at home with families

Day 2

AM: Cultural seminars on music, history, food, Andean religion, etc.

PM: Language lessons

Day 3

AM: Cultural seminars and visits to cultural and historical sites in and around Cusco

PM: Language lessons

Day 4

AM: Service project at local orphanage / Lunch

PM: Rest, free time to explore Cusco on your own

Day 5

AM: Service project at local orphanage / Lunch

PM: Rest, free time to explore Cusco on your own

Day 6

AM: Service project at a local orphanage / Lunch

PM: Rest, free time to explore Cusco on your own

Day 7
PHASE 2: SERVICE IN THE SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS: OLLANTAYTAMBO

AM: Scenic bus ride into the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Ollantaytambo via Urubamba / Visit ceramic studio / Lunch on your own in Urubamba

PM: Settle in and meet host families in Ollantaytambo / DInner as s group

Day 8

AM: Learn about agricultural methods past and present with local farmers; plow the fields with oxen; make a traditional offering to Pachamama / Picnic lunch in the fields

PM: Guided visit to village and ruins of Ollantaytambo

Day 9

AM: Continued service learning in the fields with local farmers

PM: Lunch on their own in Ollantaytambo / Prepare traditional meal with family / Dinner celebration with local families

Day 10
PHASE 3: EXPLORING DEEPER INTO THE SACRED VALLEY: INCA TRAIL & MACHU PICCHU

AM: Train to KM104, head of the trail (luggage directly to Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel) / Trek to ruins at Wiñay Wayña / Guided tour of the ruins / Box lunch / Continue trekking to Machu Picchu via the Gate of the Sun

PM: Return to Aguas Calientes / Dinner on your own in town

Day 11

AM: Bus to Machu Picchu (day 2 visit) / Guided tour of Machu Picchu Llaqta

PM: Train to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco / Transfer to Family Lodging Homes / Dinner celebration

Day 12
PHASE 4: DEPARTURE FROM CUSCO: RETURN HOME

Free day to enjoy Cusco and personal activities

Day 13

AM: Transfer to airport for flight to Lima / International flights from Lima

INCLUDES

  • Everything written in the program
  • Private guide and transportation
  • Train tickets
  • Bus tickets
  • All entrance fees
  • All meals mentioned
  • Accommodation
  • Personal attendance

DOES NOT INCLUDE

  • Airplane tickets
  • Other meals not mentioned
  • Tips or gratitudes for guide, driver and assistant
  • Travel and health insurance
  • Extra expenses