2022 West Ottawa Peru Cultural Journey

Dear Families, Friends, and Travelers – Welcome to the 2022 West Ottawa Peru Cultural Journey! We have created two webpages dedicated to this exciting program so that travelers are as informed as possible throughout the process. The first page, Pre-Enrollment, is meant to share exciting details, highlights and pertinent info that participants will want to know before enrolling. Once enrolled, the Post-Enrollment page, is meant to prepare travelers for participation on the adventure ahead. Please be sure to review the information on the appropriate page thoroughly and we can't wait to start our enriching adventure!
Travel Dates: June 15, 2022 - June 26, 2022
Group Organizer(s):
WTT Contact:
Program Tuition: $2,990 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
Estimated Airfare: $800

Tuition Calculator

There are two options for payment, including an interest-free installment plan.  Follow whichever works best for your family. If we are within 90 days of travel, only the pay in full option is possible.

Program Tuition: $2,990

Pay in Full

$2,990.00

due today

Payment Plan

Pay a $500 deposit at the time of enrollment and establish an interest-free monthly payment plan. If you enroll today, your estimated* monthly payments would be:

$124.50

per month

* This is an approximate price. Your exact total will be confirmed when your enrollment is processed.

All prices in United States Dollars.

Peru Cultural Journey

Viva Peru! Here is a country with so much to offer a curious traveler: dazzling culture, world-famous landscapes, compelling history and friendly and hospitable people. Whether you’re strolling the cobblestone streets of Cusco, watching the sun rise from the splendor of Machu Picchu or working on a meaningful service project in a small community in and mountains of the Sacred Valley, Peru is sure to leave you wanting more.

Cultural Journeys

Cultural Journeys

Cultural Journeys allow travelers to gain insights into the heritage, history and modern realities of their destination by offering a broad diversity of experience. We rely on the expertise of our local staff to plan itineraries which not only explore the prominent sites but also make time for the lesser-known local gems and are intentional about regular interaction with local people.

Program Highlights


Check out some of the featured experiences of your program!

Experience the grandeur of Machu Picchu

Tour the Saqsayhuaman complex above Cusco

Visit the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, home to the Uros people

Learn new moves in a Latin dance class

Navigate the region's largest market in Pisac

Explore the Sun Temple and other Incan ruins in Ollantaytambo

Visit the capital city's coastal neighborhoods of Miraflores and Barranco

Canoe through Lake Sandoval in the Amazon

Enjoy a photographic scavenger hunt of Cusco in the high Andes

The Itinerary


We do everything possible to run safe, engaging, and immersive programs for our travelers and given the unpredictable nature of international travel we must remain flexible in our planning. Changes to a schedule are uncommon but, we reserve the right to adjust programming in the best interest of the group. 

DayLocationDescriptionLodging
1USA - Lima, PeruToday the group will travel from the USA to Lima, Peru. After arrival, the group will settle into their hotel and rest ahead of our connecting flight the following morning.Hostal El Patio
2LimaThis morning we will hold an orientation meeting in the hotel gardens to discuss the upcoming trip in detail. We will then head out for a guided bike tour of two of Lima's coastal neighborhoods, Miraflores and Barranco. Along the way we will view the ancient adobe pyramids of Huacapucllana, ride the malecón parkway overlooking the Pacific, and make a wish across the bridge of sighs! Later this afternoon we will make our way to the historic center to explore the plaza mayor and the catacombs underneath the convent of San Francisco.Hostal El Patio
3Lima - PunoThis morning we will head to the airport to catch our flight to Juliaca. Once we arrive we will transfer to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. We will spend the rest of the day relaxing to acclimatize to the altitude and catch a demonstration of indigenous dances in town over dinner this evening.Hotel Qalasaya
4Lake TiticacaAfter breakfast and watching the sunrise over the lake, we will depart on bicycle taxis for our boat. We will navigate the lake with our guide to Taquile, a remote island with stunning views and unique cultural traditions. Afterwards we will share a traditional meal with some of the lake's indigenous inhabitants before making our way to the floating islands of the Uros people, who continually construct these homes using the lake's reeds. We will return to Puno for dinner and relaxation this evening.Hotel Qalasaya
5Puno - CuscoToday we will travel overland to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Quechua empire. Once in Cusco, we will take a guided walking tour of the historic center and marvel at how Quechua, Spanish and modern influences have molded current day Cusco. Pension Alemana
6CuscoOur day will begin with an adventurous photographic scavenger hunt in the cobblestone streets around the central plaza of Cusco. Next, we will practice our moves in a Latin dance class before touring the famous Quechua ruins of Saqsayhuaman. In the evening, we will enjoy local and international food and the comforts of our quaint hotel.Pension Alemana
7PisacToday we will head out to the town of Pisac, home to the largest regional market. Along the way we will make a brief stop at an Andean camelid farm to feed llamas and alpacas as well as learn about the important roles these animals played to South America's indigenous peoples. We will then explore the colorful market in Pisac and use our Spanish language skills to negotiate good prices on world class crafts! Later we will set out through the stunning Sacred Valley to the train station in Ollantaytambo, where we will take the train to Aguas Calientes, the base town of Machu Picchu.Aguas Calientes Hotel
8Machu PicchuToday's the day! We will wake early and either hike or bus to the famous ruins of Machu Picchu. With our local guide, we will learn about the history and significance of this citadel set high in the Andes, and take time to reflect on our journey thus far. We will then head back to Cusco for dinner and some much needed rest after a fulfilling day.Pension Alemana
9Cusco - Puerto MaldonadoWe will catch a flight to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to some of the most biodiverse pockets of the Peruvian Amazon! From town we will embark on a 40 minute boat ride down the Madre de Dios river into the jungle, where we will settle in to the bungalows we will call home for the next two nights. This afternoon we will have our first excursion into the surrounding forest to a shiringuero, or rubber encampent, to learn about this collection process and see how it is used for many products. This evening we will embark on a caiman safari on the river, searching for caiman and, with a bit of luck, other animals along the banks from our boat.Corto Maltes
10AmazonThis morning we will venture even deeper into the Amazon to the Tambopata National Reserve, where we will hike around with our guide, admiring the variety of incredible flora and fauna on the ground. We will also row across the stunning, palm-ringed Lake Sandoval and search for giant river otters! In the afternoon, we will visit an observation tower to enjoy the sunset and a different perspective above the canopy, as well as a Brazil nut camp on our way back to the lodge.Corto Maltes
11Puerto Maldonado - Lima - USAEarly morning rise to embark on a short walk to a clay-lick, where we will observe a colorful and delightful display of parrots during their morning feed. After our own breakfast, we will head back to Puerto Maldonado and visit the local market before our afternoon flight back to Lima. If time permits, we'll leave the airport before our international connection for a final dinner in the capital. ¡Hasta luego!Airplane
12USAArrive home.Your own bed, eventually!

Accommodations


In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing program accommodations. Walking Tree partners with hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, clean and safe.  We vet and inspect the accommodations to ensure they uphold the ethos of our programs, are great values for our travelers and nice places to rest after enriching days of travel.  

Below are the accommodations we anticipate using on your trip, subject to availability. 
Pension Alemana

Situated in the hills of the San Blas neighborhood, Pension Alemana is a beautiful bed and breakfast overlooking the historic center of Cusco. Representative of the city’s history and culture, this hotel blends Quechua and Spanish colonial styles to provide a stunning setting to relax at 11,000 feet. Free Wi-Fi access throughout the building keeps everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.

Mami Panchita

Mami Panchita is a family owned and operated colonial style guest house in San Miguel. Conveniently located between the airport and the attractions of the coastal neighborhoods, this hostel offers a cozy retreat from the bustle of the Peruvian capital that students will surely enjoy. Free Wi-Fi access throughout the building keeps everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.

Hatun Inti

Hatun Inti is a modern, clean, and locally owned and operated hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes. The friendly staff, complimentary teas, delicious food, and modern amenities combine to make this hotel the perfect place to relax for travelers visiting Machu Picchu. Free Wi-Fi access throughout the building keeps everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.

Hostal El Patio

This beautiful bed and breakfast provides the perfect escape in the heart of Lima’s trendy, coastal neighborhood of Miraflores. Flowery terraces and the friendly staff give personality and charm to this lush, green oasis in the middle of the city. Free Wi-Fi access throughout the building keeps everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.

Hotel Qalasaya

The rooms in Hotel Qalasaya are comfortable, elegant, and well equipped with modern amenities. Rising above most of the surrounding buildings, the hotel also boasts some of the best views of Lake Titicaca. Free Wi-Fi access throughout the building keeps everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.

Hotel Sol Ollantay

Hotel Sol offers brand new rooms in the historic Quechua village of Ollantaytambo. Conveniently located by the main plaza and only a short walk from the train station, the cozy, modern accommodations and friendly staff make Hotel Sol one of the best options in town. Free Wi-Fi access throughout the building keeps everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.

Corto Maltes Amazonia Lodge

The rustic lodge at Corto Maltes is a collection of beautifully finished wood bungalows, common spaces, kitchen cabin, pool and garden areas. This low-impact, eco-friendly lodge provides an important balance of comfort and style while enjoying the wild of the Amazon. Free Wi-Fi access is available in the common areas during certain times of day. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.

Safety and Support


 EASY FUNDRAISING & PAYMENT
EASY FUNDRAISING & PAYMENT
24/7 GLOBAL EMERGENCY LINE
24/7 GLOBAL EMERGENCY LINE
HIGHLY VETTED PARTNERS
HIGHLY VETTED PARTNERS
EXPERT LEADERSHIP
EXPERT LEADERSHIP
PRIVATE GROUP GUARANTEE
PRIVATE GROUP GUARANTEE
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM SUPPORT
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM SUPPORT
DEDICATION TO CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
DEDICATION TO CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING

Everything was outstanding. The communication, organization, and experience was phenomenal. The program positively impacted my daughters confidence, independence, and maturity.

Suzanne
Parent of Kelsey, traveler on Costa Rica Surf and Service Program

Your Adventure Includes

Estimated Airfare

In order to give our travelers the best possible price, we break out airfare from the Program Tuition. We will still handle all booking and ticketing via our flight partner who has access to special fares not available to the general public. Once confirmed, you will be invoiced for the flight roughly 75 days prior to travel. 

Program Tuition Excludes: Travel insurance, baggage fees, passport/visa fees, laundry, souvenirs, and activities not listed on itinerary.

 

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Resource center

Resource Center

Why should high school students travel abroad? What happens if a participant gets sick? How quickly do we need to enroll? We’re sure you have plenty of questions and we’ve got you covered! Visit our Resource Center to discover the answers to your most pressing questions and contact us anytime with additional questions.

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