2023 Weston Peru Cultural Journey
| Travel Dates: | April 13, 2023 - April 22, 2023 |
| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$2,990 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
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| Confirmed Airfare: | $1,050 |
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Peru Cultural Journey
Immense, rugged, colorful, vibrant and mystic. No one word or idea can embody a land so diverse in geography, culture and history. Peru is the destination for adventure. Whether tracking a wild boar in the Amazon Basin, dancing to salsa music in Lima, watching wheat sway in the shadow of the mighty Andes, or spying a rainbow forming above the ruins at Machu Picchu, Peru will take your breath away.
The contrasts of Peru permeate every part of the country. Despite its beauty, there are large discrepancies among socioeconomic classes and wide differences in standards of living throughout the country. Travel with us to Peru and explore this unique country, combining meaningful service with an unforgettable adventure.
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!
Have the adventure of a lifetime with your friends
Experience the incredible ancient city of Machu Picchu
Tour the Saqsayhuaman complex above Cusco
Learn new moves in a Latin dance class
Navigate the region's largest market in Pisac
Practice your Spanish language skills with locals
Explore the Sun Temple and other Incan ruins in Ollantaytambo
Visit the capital city's coastal neighborhoods of Miraflores and Barranco
The Itinerary
We do everything possible to run safe, engaging, and immersive programs for our travelers, but given the unpredictable nature of international travel we must remain flexible in our planning. Changes to a schedule are uncommon but if inclement weather pushes us off course or an unexpected opportunity arises which travelers are excited about, we reserve the right to adjust programming in the best interest of the group.
| Day | Location | Description | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 13 | USA - Lima, Peru | This evening, we will travel overnight from Boston to Lima. | Airplane |
| April 14 | Lima - Cusco | Upon arrival to Lima in the morning, we will connect straight to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Quechua empire. Once in Cusco, we will hold an orientation meeting at our hotel in the beautiful San Blas neighborhood to discuss the upcoming trip in detail. Later, 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 |
| April 15 | Cusco | Our 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 |
| April 16 | Cusco - Pisac - Ollantaytambo | Today we will depart Cusco for the Sacred Valley, arriving in Ollantaytambo later this afternoon. Along the way we will visit an Andean camelid farm to learn about the unique role that llamas and alpacas play in this part of the world. We'll then visit the town of Pisac, home to the largest regional market. We will use our Spanish language skills to negotiate good prices on world class crafts in this colorful market! If the group is up for it, we can explore the ruins above town here before winding through the valley to our hotel in Ollantaytambo tonight, once the site where brave Quechua warriors resisted the Spanish during the colonial period. | Hotel Sol |
| April 17 | Sacred Valley | The adventures continue as we set out for Chinchero, a small town just above the Sacred Valley, where we will enjoy a weaving demonstration from the women famous for these local textiles. We will then make our way on bikes to Salineras, where thousands of salt pools cascade down the mountains, and Moray, an ancient Quechua agricultural laboratory. From there we will descend back into the Sacred Valley. | Hotel Sol |
| April 18 | Sacred Valler - Aguas Calientes | We will have a leisurely morning in Ollantaytambo to take in the spectacular setting, then visit the famous Incan fortress that rises about the town. After, we will visit with a local family who will serve cuy to anyone interested. In the afternoon, we will take the train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. | Hatun Inti Classic |
| April 19 | Machu Picchu | Today's the day! We will either hike or bus up to the famously preserved 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 head back to Ollantaytambo this evening after a fulfilling tour at one of the world's wonders. | Ollantaytambo Hotel |
| April 20 | Ollantaytambo - Cusco - Lima | After breakfast, we'll have one more morning to explore our surrounding, play pick-up soccer with locals, or find a quiet corner cafe to pass the time with good company. We will then say goodbye to the Sacred Valley and begin our journey back to the capital. We will stop and enjoy a chocolate-making workshop in Cusco before our afternoon flight back to Lima. Dinner in Miraflores this evening. | Hostal El Patio |
| April 21 | Lima - USA | For our final day in country, we will make our way to the historic center to take in more of the city that we missed upon arrival. In the main Plaza Mayor, we'll take in the views of the Archbishop's Cathedral and the Presidential Palace, as well as enjoy a winding tour of the catacombs under the convent of San Francisco. We'll enjoy a final dinner together to celebrate our time in country and, if time permits, swing by Parque de la Reserva to catch the nightly magic water show before our overnight flight from Lima to the USA. | Airplane |
| April 22 | USA | Arrive home. ¡Hasta la próxima! | 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 locally-operated, three-star equivalent hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, clean and safe.
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.
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.
Hotel Sol
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.
Safety and Support
EASY FUNDRAISING & PAYMENT
24/7 GLOBAL EMERGENCY LINE
HIGHLY VETTED PARTNERS
EXPERT LEADERSHIP
PRIVATE GROUP GUARANTEE
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM SUPPORT
DEDICATION TO CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING
This was our daughter’s 2nd trip with Walking Tree. In 2016, she took her school’s first trip with Walking Tree to Ecuador, and absolutely loved it. Once again, the Walking Tree representative was excellent. My daughter said Ben really made the trip, and worked hard to keep the group happy. Other positives: communication before the trip, website outline, daily blogs and trip photos. Very professional organization. We feel very secure sending our student out into the world with Walking Tree.
Andrea
Parent of Olivia, traveler on California Cultural Journey
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: Premiere Travel insurance, baggage fees, airline minor fees, passport/visa fees, laundry, souvenirs, and activities not listed on itinerary.
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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.